Naruto Uzumaki does not explicitly die or make a self-sacrificing death in any episode of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. He is sealed away alongside Sasuke Uchiha by Isshiki Otsutsuki in episode 218, “Entrusted Feelings,” leaving his fate uncertain and effectively removing him from the immediate narrative.
The Sealing: Episode 218 and Its Aftermath
Episode 218, “Entrusted Feelings,” marks a significant turning point in the Boruto series. It is the culmination of a long-fought battle against Isshiki Otsutsuki, a powerful member of the Otsutsuki clan seeking to cultivate a Divine Tree with the chakra fruit of a living planet. Naruto and Sasuke, pushed to their absolute limits, struggle to contain Isshiki’s overwhelming power. Faced with the grim reality of potential catastrophic destruction, Naruto and Sasuke are strategically sealed away by Isshiki using his Daikokuten technique, which transports them to a separate dimension.
While not a traditional self-sacrifice involving death, this event represents a substantial loss and a significant change to the power dynamics within the story. Boruto, Kawaki, and the remaining members of the Hidden Leaf Village must grapple with the uncertainty of Naruto and Sasuke’s fate and the immense pressure to protect their world without their two strongest warriors. The sealing itself is a calculated move by Isshiki to deal with the immediate threat posed by Naruto and Sasuke while preventing their direct interference with his long-term plans.
The Emotional Toll and Narrative Shift
The ramifications of episode 218 extend far beyond just the tactical disadvantage for Konoha. The emotional impact on Boruto, particularly, is profound. Having grown up idolizing his father and aspiring to surpass him, Boruto is forced to confront the possibility of Naruto’s permanent absence. This event becomes a catalyst for his growth, forcing him to mature and take on greater responsibility. Similarly, Sasuke’s sealing creates a vacuum for Sarada, who must strive to uphold her father’s legacy. The series shifts its focus towards the next generation, emphasizing their development and capacity to face increasingly daunting challenges. The removal of Naruto and Sasuke from active duty fundamentally alters the series’ landscape, making way for Boruto and his peers to become the central protectors of the ninja world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Naruto’s Fate
Here are some frequently asked questions about what happened to Naruto and its implications within the Boruto storyline:
FAQ 1: Is Naruto truly dead after being sealed by Isshiki?
No, Naruto is not confirmed to be dead after being sealed by Isshiki Otsutsuki in episode 218. He is transported to a different dimension alongside Sasuke. Their fate remains ambiguous after the sealing, but there is no definitive death declaration.
FAQ 2: What exactly happened to Naruto’s Baryon Mode?
Baryon Mode, the powerful transformation Naruto unlocked during his fight against Isshiki, expends the chakra of both Naruto and Kurama. It was initially believed that Kurama would die as a result of this mode. However, it was later revealed that Kurama had essentially expended his chakra, leaving Naruto alive but without the Nine-Tailed Fox’s power.
FAQ 3: Will Naruto and Sasuke ever return to the main storyline in Boruto?
The possibility of Naruto and Sasuke’s return remains open within the narrative. While their absence creates an opportunity for the next generation to shine, their experience and power could be crucial in future conflicts. The story has not definitively ruled out their eventual return.
FAQ 4: How has Naruto’s absence impacted Boruto’s character development?
Naruto’s sealing has been a significant catalyst for Boruto’s growth. He is forced to confront the possibility of his father’s permanent absence, which compels him to mature and take on greater responsibility. Boruto’s desire to protect his village intensifies, and he trains harder to become a worthy successor.
FAQ 5: What role does Kawaki play in Naruto’s disappearance?
Kawaki plays a significant role, as his presence attracted the attention of the Otsutsuki clan, leading to the confrontation with Isshiki and ultimately the sealing of Naruto and Sasuke. His relationship with Naruto, particularly his adoption into the Uzumaki family, creates a complex dynamic that influences the events leading up to the sealing.
FAQ 6: How does Sarada react to Sasuke’s absence after being sealed?
Similar to Boruto’s reaction to Naruto’s absence, Sarada feels a profound sense of loss and responsibility. She is motivated to become stronger and honor her father’s legacy, further solidifying her ambition to become Hokage. Sasuke’s absence becomes a driving force in her development.
FAQ 7: What is the dimension Naruto and Sasuke are sealed in like?
The dimension Naruto and Sasuke are sealed in is initially unknown and unexplored. The specifics of this dimension and its potential dangers remain a plot point that could be addressed later in the series.
FAQ 8: Could other characters potentially rescue Naruto and Sasuke from the sealed dimension?
The possibility of other characters attempting a rescue mission remains open. Characters like Shikamaru, Sakura, and others possess the intelligence and skills to strategize and potentially devise a plan to locate and retrieve Naruto and Sasuke.
FAQ 9: Does the Boruto manga offer more details about Naruto’s situation than the anime?
Generally, the manga progresses the story faster and may contain details that have not yet been animated. Readers who want a more complete picture of Naruto’s situation and the events following his sealing should consider reading the Boruto manga.
FAQ 10: How does the loss of Kurama (the Nine-Tailed Fox) affect Naruto’s abilities?
The loss of Kurama severely diminishes Naruto’s power. He loses access to his powerful transformations, including Baryon Mode and Sage Mode enhanced by Kurama’s chakra. He retains his basic chakra reserves and skills as a ninja, but he is significantly weaker than he was before.
FAQ 11: What are the long-term implications of Naruto’s and Sasuke’s absence on the balance of power in the ninja world?
The absence of Naruto and Sasuke significantly shifts the balance of power in the ninja world. It creates a vacuum that could be exploited by enemies and forces the remaining members of the Hidden Leaf Village and other nations to step up and defend themselves.
FAQ 12: How has the fan base reacted to Naruto’s and Sasuke’s situation in Boruto?
The fanbase has had a mixed reaction to Naruto’s and Sasuke’s situation. Some fans appreciate the opportunity for the next generation to take center stage, while others are disappointed by the diminished roles of the beloved characters. There is ongoing debate about the direction of the story and the handling of Naruto and Sasuke’s legacies.
In conclusion, while Naruto doesn’t die, episode 218 marks a pivotal moment by effectively removing him and Sasuke from the main conflict, forcing the younger generation to shoulder the responsibility of protecting their world. The implications of this event continue to unfold throughout the Boruto series, shaping the narrative and character development in profound ways.