Naruto Uzumaki is one of the most important characters in the Boruto series, being the Seventh Hokage of Konoha. Even though he is not the main character, as that role is assumed by his son Boruto Uzumaki, Naruto remains central to the overarching plot of the story. As the Hokage, Naruto started off his journey in Boruto as the strongest in the world and the protector of Konoha. However, the perils that he has faced have led to him being sealed away currently, which means that fans are now desperately waiting for his eventual return. Even after Naruto’s return, his overall fate remains worrisome at this point in the story. Through the bits and pieces established by Masashi Kishimoto and Mikio Ikemoto, the creators of the story, it is already clear as to what will happen to Naruto in the future of this manga.
What Happened To Naruto Uzumaki In Boruto?
Naruto Uzumaki Was Sealed By Kawaki In Daikokuten
The fact that Naruto was going to meet a terrible fate in the Boruto series was established quite early on by Masashi Kishimoto. When the Boruto series began, a prologue was written by Kishimoto and Ikemoto, and in it, Kawaki, who at the time was a brand new character, clearly stated that he would send Boruto Uzumaki to the same place as Lord Seventh. This established the fact that something had happened to Naruto Uzumaki, with some wondering if he was dead and others hoping that he was incapacitated only.
As the story of Boruto continued, Naruto’s fate became clear. He started off as one of the strongest in the world in the Boruto series, but with time it became evident that Naruto was being outclassed by many other powerful individuals, such as Isshiki Otsutsuki. It was revealed that Isshiki was so powerful that Naruto had to push himself beyond all limits by tapping into Baryon Mode. This Baryon Mode ended up being the beginning of his downfall, since its temporary power, which allowed him to defeat Isshiki, was what led to the death of Kurama. Following the death of Kurama, Naruto was far weaker than before, which led to Kawaki sealing him away.
Boruto, I’ll send you to the same place I sent Lord Seventh. — Kawakit Boruto Uzumaki
In Kawaki’s mind, he sealed Naruto to protect him, as he could be killed by the likes of Otsutsuki at the moment. Kawaki hopes to eliminate Otsutsuki before he frees Naruto and Hinata from the dimension of Daikokuten. He also counts Boruto Uzumaki as an Otsutsuki and, as such, wants to kill Naruto’s own son before he frees him.
Why Naruto Will Return At The End Of The Story
Naruto’s Return Will Coincide With The Final Battle In Boruto
Masashi Kishimoto and Mikio Ikemoto have already highlighted it in the story that Naruto will only return at the end of Boruto. This is clear from the fact that, when Boruto and Kawaki take part in what is the last battle of the story, Naruto Uzumaki is still sealed away. Kawaki clearly mentions that he intends to send Boruto to the same place as the Seventh Hokage, which means that, at that particular point, Naruto is still in Daikokuten. In order for Naruto to be freed, Boruto Uzumaki would have to defeat Kawaki for good. It is only after Kawaki is defeated that Naruto Uzumaki can return.
You should’ve been trained by Lord Seventh. Guess it’s too late for that now. — Boruto Uzumaki to Kawaki
It must also be noted that the fight between Boruto Uzumaki and Kawaki mirrors the fight between Naruto and Sasuke, and given that the latter fight was the end of the Naruto series, this fight between two brothers should mark the conclusion to the Boruto series. After the fight concludes, Naruto Uzumaki will officially return once again.
Naruto Won’t Be Hokage Any Longer In Boruto
Naruto’s Time As The Seventh Hokage Has Come To An End
When Naruto returns in the Boruto series, he likely won’t continue his role as the Seventh Hokage because of the already established plotlines in the story. As is quite clearly established by Kishimoto and Ikemoto, Sarada Uchiha needs to be Hokage come the end of the story. Before her, Konohamaru Sarutobi must be the Hokage of the village in one way or another. Naruto, as such, cannot continue his role as the Seventh Hokage.
By the time of the destruction of the ninja world order, it is likely that Konohamaru will have already taken over as the Hokage of the village. Once the Boruto series comes to a conclusion, Sarada Uchiha will have become the Ninth Hokage of the village. Naruto Uzumaki, at this point, would not continue to be the Hokage, because if he were to do so, the dreams of other characters would not be fully realized. With Sarada as Hokage, Boruto will stand as her right-hand man and protect her whenever needed, along with everyone else in the village.
The whole village is my family since I’m the Hokage. — Naruto Uzumaki
Naruto’s Chapter Has Finally Come To An End
Ever since the Boruto series began, it was clearly established that it was not the story of Naruto Uzumaki and that he was only a side character in it. Naruto’s story concluded in the original series written by Masashi Kishimoto. This story belongs to Boruto and the next generation, and as such, the expectations of the readers should always have been tempered. Naruto Uzumaki will most definitely return at the end of the Boruto series and go on to live a peaceful life from there onwards.
Just like Naruto, Sasuke Uchiha will also return by the end of the story. Together, Naruto and Sasuke might even go on to serve as great shinobi of Konoha, but clearly, they are not going to be the central focus of the overarching plot of Boruto. After all, this is the story of the next generation of ninjas, and the likes of Boruto, Sarada, Kawaki, and even Himawari and Mitsuki should take the center stage.
That is not to say that Naruto and Sasuke cannot receive a proper conclusion to their stories. It is imperative that Kishimoto and Ikemoto give them good conclusions and maybe even restore their lost powers at the end. This would ensure that all Naruto fans are happy with the conclusion of the Boruto series as well.
Given the sheer size of the Naruto franchise, the ending of Boruto might even pave the way for a new story to begin where the focus is once again thrown on the likes of Naruto and Sasuke. There is a lot of potential for a new series to be explored and for Naruto and Sasuke, along with Sakura and Kakashi, to be thrown into some exciting adventures again, which is something that all readers of the original story would also love. But, as far as the Boruto series itself is concerned, the chapter for these legendary figures to be the main characters has officially ended. From here onwards, Konoha is entrusted to the next generation, and it will be the likes of Boruto Uzumaki and his compatriots who will go on to protect the world from any incoming threats.
