After the climactic conclusion of the Fourth Great Ninja War in episode 500 of Naruto Shippuden, the main storyline focused on Naruto and Sasuke’s journey to becoming the strongest ninjas and resolving the cycle of hatred effectively comes to an end. However, the Naruto universe continues, exploring new generations and delving into untold stories.
Charting the Course: Post-Shippuden Narration
The era following episode 500 shifts the narrative focus significantly. While not a direct continuation of the Shippuden arc, it provides crucial epilogues and bridges the gap to the next generation of shinobi, primarily through the Naruto: Konoha Hiden – The Perfect Day for a Wedding arc and the Naruto: Shikamaru Hiden – A Cloud Drifting in Silent Darkness arc. These arcs, while sometimes considered filler by purists, are canon-adjacent, fleshing out the world and its inhabitants after the war. The true sequel and main narrative continuation is, of course, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations.
Wedding Bells and Political Intrigue: Bridging the Gap
The Konoha Hiden arc focuses on the events leading up to Naruto and Hinata’s wedding, offering charming insights into the lives of the established characters. This is followed by arcs that offer a glimpse into the immediate aftermath of the war. The Shikamaru Hiden arc delves into the political landscape, exploring threats to the newly established peace and solidifying the characters’ roles in the post-war era. While primarily character-driven, these arcs offer valuable closure to various storylines left open during Shippuden’s central conflict.
The Rise of a New Generation: Boruto
The most substantial continuation of the Naruto universe is Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. This series follows Naruto’s son, Boruto Uzumaki, and his peers as they navigate the challenges of being the next generation of ninja in a rapidly changing world. Boruto explores themes of generational conflict, technological advancements, and new threats to the ninja world. While initially perceived as less impactful than its predecessor, Boruto has grown into a compelling series with its own unique identity and dedicated fanbase. The storyline expands the Naruto universe considerably, introducing new dimensions, powers, and conflicts, all while building upon the established lore of the original series.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About What’s Next
1. Is Boruto a direct sequel to Naruto Shippuden?
Yes, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations is a direct sequel. It picks up years after the end of the Fourth Great Ninja War and follows the story of Naruto’s son, Boruto, and his generation. While it stands on its own, it is firmly rooted in the Naruto universe and features many familiar characters.
2. Are the arcs between episodes 500 of Shippuden and the start of Boruto considered canon?
The arcs between Shippuden and Boruto, like Konoha Hiden and Shikamaru Hiden, are often referred to as canon-adjacent. While they aren’t integral to the main plotline, they’re based on official light novels and supervised by Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of Naruto, giving them a degree of authenticity and relevance to the broader narrative.
3. Does Naruto die in Boruto?
This is a significant question with a nuanced answer. While Naruto is still present in the Boruto series, his role has shifted, and he faces increasingly challenging threats. Whether he ultimately survives the events of Boruto remains to be seen, but his vulnerability is a recurring theme. The series constantly raises the stakes and challenges the established power dynamics, making Naruto’s continued safety uncertain. Speculation regarding his fate is rampant among fans.
4. Is Sasuke still important in Boruto?
Yes, Sasuke remains a crucial character in Boruto. He serves as a mentor to Boruto and plays a vital role in protecting the Leaf Village from new threats. His experience and skills are invaluable, and his relationship with Boruto mirrors his complex relationship with Naruto in the original series.
5. How has the ninja world changed in Boruto?
The ninja world in Boruto has undergone significant changes. Technological advancements have become commonplace, influencing ninja training, combat tactics, and everyday life. The Five Great Nations are experiencing a period of relative peace, but new threats are emerging from unexpected sources, often linked to ancient powers and alien entities.
6. What are some of the new powers introduced in Boruto?
Boruto introduces new powers and abilities beyond those seen in Naruto Shippuden. These include Karma, a mysterious mark that grants immense power and ties its user to an Otsutsuki clan member, and advanced scientific ninja tools that augment traditional ninja skills. The Byakugan and Sharingan also evolve in new and intriguing ways within the new generation.
7. Who are the main antagonists in Boruto?
The primary antagonists in Boruto are members of the Otsutsuki clan, a powerful alien race seeking to harvest the chakra from Earth. The organization known as Kara, led by the mysterious Jigen, serves as a major threat, manipulating events behind the scenes to revive a powerful Otsutsuki. Characters like Code also present significant challenges.
8. How does Boruto compare to Naruto Shippuden in terms of tone and themes?
Boruto often explores themes of generational differences, the impact of technology on tradition, and the burden of legacy. While Naruto Shippuden focused primarily on overcoming personal struggles and achieving world peace, Boruto delves into the complexities of maintaining peace and adapting to a rapidly changing world. The tone is often lighter at the beginning, but it steadily grows darker as the series progresses.
9. Are there any movies or OVAs that continue the Naruto story after episode 500?
Yes, the film Boruto: Naruto the Movie directly leads into the Boruto anime series. It sets the stage for the new generation and introduces key characters and concepts. Several OVAs also exist, though their canonicity varies.
10. Where can I watch Boruto: Naruto Next Generations?
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations is widely available on streaming platforms such as Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Funimation. Availability may vary depending on your region.
11. Is Boruto finished, or is it still ongoing?
The Boruto manga is still ongoing, undergoing a significant shift in narrative direction with a time skip and a change in the main characters’ roles. The anime, while having initially completed its first part, has been confirmed to be returning, picking up the narrative after the manga’s time skip.
12. Should I watch Boruto if I enjoyed Naruto Shippuden?
If you are a fan of Naruto Shippuden, Boruto is worth watching, but with certain expectations. It’s a different series with its own unique identity, so approaching it with an open mind is crucial. While it builds upon the foundation of Naruto, it also explores new themes, characters, and conflicts, offering a fresh perspective on the ninja world. Give it a chance, and you might find yourself enjoying the next chapter of the Naruto saga. The new challenges, powers, and the expansion of the established universe creates a compelling narrative for both returning and new fans alike.