It’s your girl, back at it again with how much she hate-loves the Naruto franchise. Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating. I do love Naruto Shippuden. It was the first Shonen anime that I was seriously obsessed with, and it was the first thing I searched for the moment I got access to the internet. This is why seeing Boruto: Naruto Next Generations is always such a bittersweet experience. As much as I adored Naruto Uzumaki, I still don’t know how I feel about Boruto heading for the Hokage seat. But one thing I am certain about?
Boruto Uzumaki will not go on to become a Hokage like his father. And he has been vocal about this from the start. Boruto has explained that while his grandfather and father followed the Hokage tradition, he has zero interest in it. Instead, what he wants to be is a more covert Shinobi, much like his idol and mentor, Sasuke Uchiha.
And when you think about it, it’s a pretty cool role reversal from what Masashi Kishimoto, the mangaka, started with at the very start. Naruto’s son is inspired by Sasuke, whereas Sasuke’s daughter, Sarada Uchiha, is enamored by Naruto. It’s a cute trope, though it still doesn’t make up for the shortcomings Boruto has as a show. But it’s refreshing to see Boruto come into his own as a protagonist.
Honestly, I think giving Boruto different motivations from his father was one of the better-executed ideas in the show. Boruto is definitely Naruto’s kid, with a determination and stubbornness that so trademark Uzumaki, you can’t mistake it for anyone else. But he is a different character, separate from his dad. And here’s why I think him not following in the Hokage’s footsteps is a good thing!
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Boruto Uzumaki: The True Definition of Canon

You all knew this was coming, don’t even start. I will never have an article on Naruto and not bring up the wasted potential of having Sasuke and Naruto end up together.
Okay, okay. I promise I’m going somewhere with this. I feel like Boruto is the perfect mix of Naruto’s determination but with Sasuke’s accuracy. This makes sense, considering that he shares Naruto’s traits but is taught techniques by Sasuke. He looks up to Sasuke while embodying what Naruto stands up for. He’s got that signature Sasuke cockiness backing his experimentation that comes from his dad’s proficiency as a Ninja. It’s a balance, a precarious one, but one that works well.
As much as I complain about how unnecessary the show was after Shippuden’s resolution, I actually like Boruto as the main lead. He’s a fun protagonist, a more mature version of Naruto which makes him very enjoyable to watch. It’s why I like that he strays away from the path most expected of him, and instead looks to Sasuke for bettering himself as a Shinobi instead.
But the main reason I don’t think he’ll be Hokage is right there, in the prequel scene right before Boruto starts. We can see an aged up, half Momoshiki Ōtsutsuki possessed Boruto, standing in what looks like the ruins of Konohagakure. To be frankly honest, it looks like there won’t be a village to be the Kage of, by the end of it all.
Hokage VS Shadow Hokage: What’s The Difference?

Here’s the thing: the only way I see Boruto going on to become a Hokage, is if he takes a covert position as Sasuke did. Which is off the ‘Shadow Hokage’ that is diametric to Naruto’s position as the more public face of the Kage seat.
The Hokage is meant to be the leader and protector of the village, who is beloved by all in it. They are said to carry The Will Of Fire, which is the philosophy that love is what will lead to peace, stemmed by Hashirama Senju, the very first Hokage.
The Shadow Hokage is a secret position, literally meaning to be the Hokage working in the shadows. It’s what Sasuke Uchiha is and, in a way, it was what Jiraiya was to Tsunade Senju, the fifth Hokage. They work hidden away from the public eye to protect Konoha.
Is Sarada Uchiha The Will Of Fire’s Next Candidate?

Honestly, it’s about time we got an Uchiha Kage. The bitter sentiment that brought Naruto’s story to the forefront was the rivalry between the Uchiha and the Senju. It was apparent back when Madara Uchiha was snubbed from becoming Hokage over Hashirama.
And Sarada is the perfect Uchiha for the job. She is compassionate, kind, and strong. She carries the same love for the village that her uncle, Itachi Uchiha, had with a resolve to follow in Naruto’s footsteps. I feel like it would be the perfect closure on the ‘Uchiha Curse’ that has been present in the series for so long!
Do you believe an Uchiha can become Hokage? If not, what’s your take on all of this? Let me know in the comment section below!
What do you think?
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