While sequels often expand and advance the original’s story and characters,Borutostands out for its nonconformity. Not only does it tell its own story effectively, but it also thoughtfully revisitsNaruto, its parent series. In doing so,Borutotransforms, expands, and deepens the original narrative, making it richer and more compelling than ever. Indeed, theBorutofranchise – particularlyBoruto: Two Blue Vortex– has significantly updated theNarutouniverse in important ways.
Specifically,Two Blue VortexChapter #15 shows howthe relationships between shinobi communities have evolved since Naruto’s era. The conversation between Shikamaru and Sunagakure’s Kankuro demonstrates this shift, as inter-village relationships have transformed from sources of tension to foundations of strength. This significant enhancement to theNarutouniverse extends beyond individual character development, introducing a pivotal shift in the shinobi world’s traditions and customs. This change is not merely superficial; rather, it appears increasingly crucial to the story’s ultimate resolution.
The History Of Blood Between Villages In Naruto
The Battle For Shinobi Supremacy In The Naruto-Verse Kept Ninja Clans At Each Other’s Throats For Generations
Conflict has been an inherent part of the shinobi world since its inception. While internal disputes often arise among family, friends, and within communities, some of the most devastating clashes have occurred between shinobi communities. Mirroring real-world dynamics, these inter-community conflicts frequently stem from personal and localized issues. To grasp the underlying causes, it’s essential to delve into the rich history of shinobi communities within theNarutouniverse and explore their development.
During the Warring States Period, shinobi initially organized into independent clans, bound by common ancestry, shared living arrangements, and collective interests. Clans fiercely competed for power, prestige, and territory, often seeking favor from the Daimyo, the leaders of the Five Nations. Securing their patronage granted significant advantages, while forcibly seizing rival clans' land offered another path to dominance. This dual pursuit of power fueled near-constant conflict within and between the Five Nations.
The Five Nations are composed of the Lands of Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, and Lightning. The five Hidden Ninja Villages include Konoha (Land of Fire), Kiriga (Land of Water), Iwaga (Land of Earth), Sunaga (Land of Wind), and Kumoga (Land of Lightning).
In the Land of Fire, centuries of bloody conflict between the Senju and Uchiha clans finally subsided when Hashirama Senju andMadara Uchihasought a new path. Weary of endless bloodshed, they proposed a groundbreaking idea:forming a unified shinobi community that transcended clan affiliations. This alliance would prioritize national interests, pursuing military and political objectives while supporting all shinobi in the Land of Fire, regardless of clan membership. By putting aside personal and clan differences, they aimed to create a cohesive force that would elevate the entire shinobi community.
The historic cooperation between Hashirama and Madara culminated in the founding of Konoha, the first large-scale, multi-clan shinobi community. Konoha’s success inspired the other four nations to establish their own hidden shinobi villages, which significantly reduced domestic shinobi conflict and violence. Yet, despite the reduction in internal shinobi conflict, the villages did little to quell the competition for power and prestige among the nations. This enduring tension, fueled by lingering mistrust from the Warring States Period and the ambitions of various Daimyo, ultimately led to the Great Ninja Wars, a series of devastating conflicts between the shinobi of the hidden villages.
In The Boruto Era, The Five Hidden Villages Stand United
The Fourth Great Ninja War Marked The End Of Conflict Between Villages
TheFourth Great Ninja War, however, proved to be a turning point. Faced with the threat of annihilation, the Five Hidden Villages set aside their long-standing differences to confront a common enemy: Obito Uchiha, masquerading as Konoha’s legendary co-founder, Madara Uchiha, who had declared war on the shinobi world. This unprecedented unity showcased the true strength of the shinobi world. Consequently, after their hard-fought victory,the Five Hidden Villages recognized the value of solidarityand established measures to ensure cooperation on matters of shared concern.
Narutoconcluded on a hopeful note, with the Five Hidden Villages enjoying improved relations.Boruto, however, reveals that the unity forged during the Fourth Great Ninja War was a transformative milestone,ushering in lasting peace and cooperation among the shinobi communities. This is clearly evident in the conversation between Shikamaru and Kankuro, where information is openly shared, and support is readily offered. This exchange, however, is just one illustration of the profound shift in shinobi community dynamics, showcasing the depth of their newfound collaboration.
Since the beginning of the series, the Kage from each village have continued to meet periodically to discuss important issues related to their communities and the broader shinobi world. While there were a fewFive Kage Summitmeetings inNaruto, they have occurred more frequently and easily inBoruto. For example, the five Kage met in Konoha during the “Chunin Exam Arc” to discuss, among other topics, the reoccurring Otsutsuki threat. They met again in theBorutoanime “Mitsuki’s Disappearance Arc” to discuss his defection from the village.
These discussions show that internal village affairs and external threats to all shinobi can prompt a united response from the Five Hidden Villages. With the Divine Trees now posing an existential threat to all villages,Borutohas shown that the shinobi world is in the strongest position it has ever been to fight with a unified resolve.
Boruto: Two Blue Vortex
Years after fleeing his village with Sasuke, Boruto returns to confront the dark changes that have occurred. With memories altered and Kawaki now seen as the hero, Boruto faces a world where he is the outcast. The two rivals must settle their differences as their Otsutsuki powers grow more dangerous.
Naruto
Naruto is a franchise spawned from the manga series penned by Masashi Kishimoto that began in 1999. Generating several tv series, games, movies, and more, Naruto follows the exploits of a young outcast ninja harboring the spirit of a demon fox who seeks to become the Hokage, the leader of his ninja village, to break the stigma against him. Upon the conclusion of the initial series, Naruto expanded into Boruto, following many series protagonists' children and returning faces.
