Itachi Uchiha, a character revered for his tragic past and unparalleled skill, does not get reanimated in the Boruto: Naruto Next Generations anime series. His story concludes within the main Naruto storyline, and he remains dead throughout the sequel series.
The Significance of Itachi Uchiha
Itachi Uchiha remains one of the most compelling and morally complex figures in the Naruto universe. His sacrifice, shielding his younger brother Sasuke and ultimately saving the Hidden Leaf Village, cemented his status as a hero, albeit an unsung one. His absence in Boruto is keenly felt by fans, prompting constant speculation and hope for his return, despite the narrative implications.
Why Itachi’s Reanimation Never Happened
While reanimation, specifically the Edo Tensei technique, played a significant role in the Fourth Shinobi World War in Naruto Shippuden, its usage in Boruto is significantly diminished and, importantly, never used on Itachi. There are several compelling reasons for this:
- Respect for Itachi’s Sacrifice: Bringing Itachi back to life would arguably diminish the impact of his ultimate sacrifice. His death served as a catalyst for Sasuke’s growth and redemption, and resurrecting him could undermine that narrative arc.
- Power Creep Concerns: Itachi was incredibly powerful, even while battling a debilitating illness. Introducing him into the power dynamics of Boruto, where power levels are already significantly escalated, could disrupt the established power scaling and create narrative inconsistencies.
- Focus on New Generation: Boruto is ultimately about the next generation of ninja. Reintroducing too many legacy characters would overshadow the growth and development of Boruto, Sarada, Mitsuki, and the other new characters.
- Narrative Finality: Itachi’s story arc reached a conclusive and emotionally resonant ending. Reopening that chapter could dilute the impact of his original story and feel narratively redundant.
Fan Theories and Desires for Itachi’s Return
Despite the lack of his official reanimation, fan theories surrounding Itachi’s potential return continue to abound. Some theories suggest the possibility of:
- Illusions or Genjutsu: Itachi, a master of genjutsu, might appear through illusions or in Sasuke’s memories, offering guidance or support.
- Cloning or Genetic Experiments: Some speculate that Orochimaru or other scientific entities might attempt to recreate Itachi through cloning or genetic manipulation, although there is no evidence to support this in the series.
- Brief Appearances in Flashbacks: While not reanimated, Itachi could appear in flashbacks, providing context for past events and insights into the current narrative.
However, it’s crucial to emphasize that these remain speculative and haven’t been realized in the Boruto anime or manga. The story has intentionally avoided bringing him back, respecting the impact of his original death.
FAQ: Unpacking Itachi’s Non-Appearance in Boruto
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Itachi’s absence from Boruto, providing clarity and addressing common fan concerns.
FAQ 1: Why do so many fans want Itachi reanimated?
Itachi is beloved for his complex morality, incredible strength, and tragic backstory. Fans admire his selflessness and believe his wisdom and power could benefit the new generation of ninja.
FAQ 2: Is there any chance Itachi could appear in a Boruto movie or special?
While theoretically possible, it’s highly unlikely. The Boruto franchise has consistently prioritized the development of new characters and narratives. Reintroducing Itachi, even in a limited capacity, would likely be seen as a distraction from this core objective.
FAQ 3: What character in Boruto is most similar to Itachi?
This is subjective, but some fans see similarities between Itachi and Sasuke in his role as a protector of the Hidden Leaf from the shadows. Others see parallels with Kakashi, who also carries a heavy burden and acts as a mentor figure.
FAQ 4: Would Itachi approve of Sasuke’s role in Boruto?
Given Itachi’s desire for Sasuke’s happiness and well-being, it’s highly probable he would approve. Sasuke’s commitment to protecting the village and mentoring Boruto aligns with Itachi’s ideals of peace and self-sacrifice.
FAQ 5: Has Kishimoto, the creator of Naruto, addressed Itachi’s absence in Boruto?
Masashi Kishimoto has generally refrained from commenting directly on Itachi’s absence. His focus has remained on the direction and development of the Boruto narrative, entrusting the story to his creative team.
FAQ 6: Could Itachi’s Susanoo be passed down to Sarada?
Susanoo is a Mangekyo Sharingan ability unique to specific individuals. It is not inheritable. Sarada’s own Mangekyo Sharingan, when she awakens it, will likely manifest unique abilities different from Itachi’s.
FAQ 7: How powerful would Itachi be if he were alive in the Boruto era?
This is speculative, but given the power scaling in Boruto, Itachi would likely be considered a very powerful, but not necessarily dominant, force. Characters like Naruto, Sasuke, and members of the Otsutsuki clan far surpass his power level as seen in Naruto Shippuden. He would need to have undergone significant power increases.
FAQ 8: Is there any fanfiction that accurately portrays Itachi in the Boruto universe?
The quality of fanfiction varies greatly. Some fanfictions attempt to faithfully portray Itachi’s personality and abilities, while others take more creative liberties. Searching for highly-rated and reviewed stories can help identify well-written fanfictions.
FAQ 9: What is the Edo Tensei and why didn’t Kabuto use it on Itachi in Boruto?
Edo Tensei, or Reanimation Jutsu, is a forbidden technique used to resurrect the dead as immortal, obedient soldiers. Kabuto’s absence from the main narrative of Boruto, coupled with the narrative decision to move away from relying on resurrected characters, explains why it’s never used on Itachi in Boruto. Furthermore, Kabuto reforms and runs an orphanage after the Fourth Shinobi World War. He’s no longer interested in using Edo Tensei.
FAQ 10: Are there any Itachi-centric video games set in the Boruto timeframe?
While there are Naruto video games that include Itachi as a playable character, none are specifically set in the Boruto timeframe or significantly alter his character within that context.
FAQ 11: If Itachi were to appear, what role would he likely play?
Assuming a highly improbable scenario where Itachi were to appear, his most likely role would be as a guide or mentor to Sasuke or Sarada, offering advice and insights based on his past experiences. However, it is crucial to remember he is dead and highly unlikely to return.
FAQ 12: What is the best way to appreciate Itachi’s character within the established Naruto canon?
The best way to appreciate Itachi’s character is to rewatch his story arc in Naruto Shippuden, focusing on his motivations, sacrifices, and the impact he had on Sasuke and the Hidden Leaf Village. Consider exploring character analyses and discussions within the Naruto fan community for deeper insights.
In conclusion, Itachi Uchiha’s impactful role concluded in Naruto Shippuden, and he remains deceased in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, respecting the integrity of his original narrative and allowing the new generation to shine. Despite ongoing fan desires, his reanimation remains highly unlikely.