Summary
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As the world continues to change inBoruto, Naruto Uzumaki, along with Hinata, remains sealed in another dimension where time stands still. It’s been a while since fans have seen him in action, but with the current direction ofBoruto: Two Blue Vortex, Kawaki’s decision to seal Naruto away appears to be a smart and necessary move for now.
As of writing, Naruto is not the only one who’s been out of commission since Boruto went rogue.Sasuke is also missing in action, having been turned into a tree, despite playing a significant role in Boruto’s growth. As a result, many fans are looking forward to their eventual return, hoping they’ll outlive the growing threats of the Shinju, and most especially the Ohtsutsuki clan.
Is Naruto Still Sealed Away?
Kawaki Sealed Naruto in Another Dimension
As much as fans want to see Naruto again, he is still sealed with Hinata in another dimension where time does not flow, after Kawaki uses Daikokuten to fulfill his intense desire to protect the Seventh Hokage from his enemies. Fortunately, Naruto is still alive and well, neither aging a day nor starving to death, unlike Sasuke, whose chakra becomes thesource of being for the shinju, Hidari.
“I will send you to the same place I sent the Seventh Hokage, Boruto." —Kawaki
It’s unclearwhen Naruto can spring back into action, but according to Kawaki, he plans to release him when he’s done eliminating his enemies. For now, the decision lies entirely in Kawaki’s hands. Still, anything can happen, as Naruto may as well surprise fans with another trick up his sleeve, or perhaps someone else, probably Sasuke, Boruto, or even Sarada, could be the one to set him free sometime in the future.
Why Kawaki’s Decision to Seal Naruto Makes Sense for Now
Jura Wants to Kill Naruto
Of all the places Naruto could be, it’s safer for him to lie low in another dimension where his enemies can’t reach him rather than stay in Konoha. Now thatNaruto has lost Kurama, he is not as powerful as he used to be in fighting against the likes of Momoshiki or especially Jura, the leader of the Shinju. On top of that, being on Code’s hit list puts his life at even greater risk.
I’ll never go back on my word because that’s my ninja way."—Naruto
While Naruto’s enemies may have different goals, they all share the same desire to finish him off. Knowing Naruto, he will use every ounce of his strength to protect Konoha from these cosmic-level threats, even if it means sacrificing his life in the process. He’s incredibly committed to hisduty as Konoha’s Hokage, and he’s willing to go above and beyond to protect everyone in exchange for his life. This is the worst-case scenario that Kawaki needs to avoid, which is why sealing Naruto becomes necessary.
Naruto’s Return Could Cause a Divide in Konoha
Naruto could create a divide in Konoha, assuming that he’snot affected by Eida’s omnipotencewhen he returns. Given that he knows the truth, he will most likely be confused with the current situation in the village. His return could spark an internal conflict, especially if he learns about Kawaki’s lies, Boruto’s defection, Sasuke’s disappearance, and Himawari’s complicated situation.
It’s a lot to process, especially for Naruto, whose mental state might be unstable after he’s released. When it comes to his family and their safety, Naruto’s actions and decisions could be hard to determine, potentially causing a stir in the village. This is the last thing Boruto and Shikamaru need now that they are up against an enemy so powerful they have no chance of winning should they make the wrong decisions and actions.
It’s Shikamaru’s Time to Shine as Interim Hokage
With Naruto sealed in another dimension, Shikamaru is free to use more drastic measures to obtain results and achieve his goals. For instance, Shikamaru orders Konohamaru to win the Shinju’s trust by befriending them until they find the perfect opportunity to betray them. While it’s a ruthless tactic, it’s deemed necessary given the serious threat the Shinju pose. This approach stands in stark contrast to Naruto, who would likely never resort to such methods if he were in charge.
“Never avert your eyes, because if an opening arises, even our insignificant power may be enough to determine the fate of the world."—Shikamaru
Give Boruto, Sarada, and Himawari the Opportunity to Grow
Naruto’s ongoing absence in Boruto, Sarada, and Himawari’s lives is a huge factor in their drive to grow stronger, become more mature, and take on more responsibility. Without him around, Boruto, Himawari, and Sarada are free to navigate not only the changes that occur in their environment but also the transformations within themselves.
After all, Himawari learned how to fight, and Boruto found the strength and courage to stand his ground after his parents disappeared. Not to mention, Naruto’s fake death played a key role inSarada awakening the Mangekyo Sharinganfor the first time.
“I’m not looking away anymore."—Sarada
Most importantly, freeing Naruto becomes a significant goal for Boruto, Sarada, and Himawari to accomplish. Should Naruto return sooner than expected, his presence could instantly resolve their personal struggles, potentially undermining the emotional payoff that theBoruto: Two Blue Vortexmanga has been building so carefully.
