Boruto: Naruto Next Generations continues the narrative of the shinobi world, placing Boruto Uzumaki, son of Naruto Uzumaki (the Seventh Hokage), at the center stage. Boruto walks a different path than his father, forging his own ninja way.
But the question lingers: will there be a Boruto Shippuden, and if so, what shape might it take?
The Shippuden Precedent: A Shift in Tone and Focus
Traditionally, “Shippuden” signifies a sequel series in Naruto, marked by a distinct tonal shift. Naruto Shippuden, compared to its predecessor, tackled darker themes, explored the complexities of the ninja world’s political landscape, and introduced significantly higher power levels.
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, so far, adheres more closely to the tone of the original Naruto series. This, along with the ongoing nature of the Boruto manga, makes the existence of a Boruto Shippuden uncertain.
A Glimpse into Boruto Shippuden: Potential Storylines
However, indulging in speculation can be an enjoyable thought experiment. Here are some potential narratives that could drive a Boruto Shippuden:
The Inevitable Time Skip: A well-worn trope, a time skip could propel Boruto and his generation into adulthood. This allows them to take on greater responsibilities, potentially even inheriting the mantle of Hokage.
The time skip could range from a few years to a decade or more, showcasing the characters’ growth and the evolution of the shinobi world.
The Otsutsuki Enigma Deepens: The Otsutsuki clan, a celestial race with immense power, has emerged as a major adversary in Boruto. Boruto Shippuden could delve deeper into their origins.
Were they the only ones? What is their true purpose on Earth? Unraveling the Otsutsuki’s mysteries could unearth even greater threats and force the heroes to make difficult choices.
Karma Unleashed: Burden or Boon? Boruto and Kawaki, both branded with Karma, a mysterious power linked to the Otsutsuki, walk a dangerous tightrope.
Boruto Shippuden could explore the full potential of Karma, its impact on the characters’ humanity, and the moral dilemmas it presents. Can they harness this power for good, or will it ultimately consume them?
Code’s Schemes Unfold: Code, another cyborg connected to the Otsutsuki, has his own agenda. Boruto Shippuden could focus on Code’s machinations and how they clash with the Hidden Leaf Village’s goals.
Is he a pawn in a larger game, or does he harbor his own ambitions that threaten the fragile peace?
A New Era of Shinobi: The Characters of Boruto Shippuden
Boruto Uzumaki would undoubtedly remain the protagonist in Boruto Shippuden. His teammates, Sarada Uchiha and Mitsuki, would likely evolve into formidable shinobi, their bonds tested through new challenges. Kawaki’s fate and his relationship with Boruto would be a central narrative thread.
The roles of Naruto and Sasuke would likely shift. They might become advisors, their experience invaluable but their direct interventions limited due to age, injuries, or unforeseen circumstances.
New characters from the next generation would undoubtedly emerge, hailing from other villages or rising from the shadows with their own motivations. The Otsutsuki clan itself might introduce fearsome new members with unique abilities.
Power Scaling: Maintaining the Thrill
A delicate balance needs to be struck when it comes to power levels. Boruto: Naruto Next Generations has already established a high baseline of power. Introducing villains in Boruto Shippuden who feel like genuine threats without diminishing the existing characters’ accomplishments would be a challenge.
This could involve introducing new power systems, limitations on existing abilities, or focusing more on strategic battles and teamwork.
Expanding the World: Beyond the Hidden Leaf
The Naruto universe boasts a rich history and diverse locations. Boruto: Naruto Next Generations primarily focuses on the Hidden Leaf Village. Boruto Shippuden could be an opportunity to explore other villages like Sand or Mist in greater depth.
Unveiling hidden locations or delving into the political landscape between the villages could add a fresh layer of complexity to the narrative.
FAQs
Will there be a Boruto Shippuden?
We can’t say for certain. Shippuden typically signifies a sequel series with a tonal shift. Boruto: Naruto Next Generations so far follows the Boruto manga fairly closely, which hasn’t strayed dramatically from the original Naruto series’ tone. So, a separate Shippuden series might not be necessary.
If there is a Boruto Shippuden, what would the story be about?
This is open to speculation. Here are some possibilities:
Time Skip: A common trope is a time skip, showcasing Boruto and his generation as adults facing new threats. The mantle of Hokage could be passed down, or a powerful enemy might emerge.
Otsutsuki Threat: The Otsutsuki clan, aliens with immense power, have been a major adversary in Boruto. Boruto Shippuden could delve deeper into their origins, motives, and the true dangers they pose.
Karma Unleashed: Boruto and Kawaki both possess Karma, a mysterious power linked to the Otsutsuki. Shippuden could explore the full extent of Karma’s abilities and its impact on the characters.
Code’s Schemes: Code, another cyborg connected to the Otsutsuki, has his own agenda. Shippuden could focus on Code’s plans and how they clash with Boruto and the Hidden Leaf Village.
When would Boruto Shippuden take place?
If it follows the Shippuden format, it would likely begin after a significant time skip in the Boruto storyline. This could range from a few years to even a decade or more, allowing Boruto and his generation to mature and take on greater responsibilities.
Who would be the main characters in Boruto Shippuden?
Boruto Uzumaki would undoubtedly remain the protagonist. His teammates, Sarada Uchiha and Mitsuki, would likely continue to play important roles alongside him. Kawaki’s fate and his relationship with Boruto would also be central. Other characters from the previous generation, like Naruto and Sasuke, could provide guidance and support in diminished capacities.
Would Naruto and Sasuke still be relevant in Boruto Shippuden?
Naruto and Sasuke are currently powerful mentors in Boruto. In a Shippuden series, their roles might transition. They could become advisors like Kakashi Hatake was in Naruto Shippuden. Injuries or unforeseen circumstances could limit their direct involvement in conflicts. But their experience and wisdom would undoubtedly be crucial for the next generation.
What new characters could be introduced in Boruto Shippuden?
A time skip opens doors for introducing new characters who could become allies or rivals. These could be entirely new generations of shinobi from other villages, or characters who emerge from the shadows with hidden agendas. The Otsutsuki clan itself might introduce new members with unique abilities.
How would the power levels be in Boruto Shippuden?
Power creep is a concern in long-running shonen series. Boruto: Naruto Next Generations has already established a high baseline of power. A Shippuden series would need to tread carefully, introducing new threats that feel genuinely dangerous without making the existing characters obsolete.
To read more, Click here
