For years, Naruto Uzumaki has been the heart of the Naruto and Boruto universe. But in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, fans are shocked by one lingering question why hasn’t Naruto come back yet? After the timeskip, the world looks different, Boruto has matured, and the Hidden Leaf is in turmoil. Recently, Masashi Kishimoto himself revealed the reason behind this creative decision and it’s deeper than anyone expected.
Background: The State of the Boruto Universe
After the Omnipotence incident, reality itself was rewritten. Everyone believes Boruto is the villain, and Kawaki is Naruto’s son. In this chaotic new world, Boruto is hunted by his own village while trying to uncover the truth and rescue his parents.
Naruto, once the pillar of peace, is now sealed in a mysterious dimension alongside Hinata. This has left the shinobi world in a fragile state leaderless, divided, and uncertain.
Naruto’s Sealing Explained
Kawaki’s Desperate Decision
Kawaki’s love and obsession with protecting Naruto led him down a dark path. To “save” the Hokage from the chaos of the world and the threat of the Ōtsutsuki, he sealed Naruto and Hinata away. In his twisted logic, this was the only way to keep them safe.
A Dimension Beyond Reach
The seal Kawaki used isn’t just any jutsu it’s a unique dimensional prison that even the strongest shinobi can’t access. It’s not that Boruto doesn’t want to save his father it’s that he literally can’t yet.
Why It’s Nearly Impossible to Break
Kishimoto crafted this seal as a symbol of separation. It’s not merely a physical barrier; it represents Boruto’s emotional and narrative distance from his father.
Masashi Kishimoto’s Revelation
In a recent interview, Kishimoto explained that Naruto’s absence is intentional. He doesn’t want Naruto to dominate the story anymore. By keeping him sealed, Kishimoto is forcing the younger generation to grow especially Boruto.
He stated, “If Naruto returns too soon, Boruto’s story will lose its meaning. The new generation must stand on its own.”
This approach aligns with Kishimoto’s long-term vision: transitioning from Naruto’s era to Boruto’s.
The Emotional Weight of Naruto’s Absence
Without Naruto, the village feels empty. Konohamaru struggles to lead, Sarada is torn between loyalty and truth, and Boruto bears a heavy emotional burden.
Hinata’s sealing adds another layer of tragedy. Her unconditional love and quiet strength serve as the emotional backbone of the Uzumaki family. Their absence is not just strategic it’s heartbreaking.
Symbolism Behind Naruto’s Sealing
Naruto being sealed mirrors past arcs. Remember how Jiraiya left Naruto to face pain alone? Or how Minato sacrificed himself to save his son? Kishimoto often uses sacrifice as a generational catalyst.
Naruto’s imprisonment is the ultimate test for Boruto to see if he can carry his father’s legacy forward.
Narrative Reasons Naruto Can’t Return Yet
Naruto’s presence is simply too powerful. If he returned, he’d overshadow everyone Boruto, Kawaki, Sarada, and Mitsuki. Kishimoto knows that to make Boruto’s era meaningful, Naruto must stay out of the spotlight for now.
Building Boruto’s Independence
Boruto’s journey mirrors his father’s early struggles but in reverse. While Naruto fought for acknowledgment, Boruto fights for truth in a world that’s forgotten him. Kishimoto wants to give Boruto the space to become his own hero, not just “Naruto’s son.”
Fan Theories About Naruto’s Return
Fans believe Naruto’s comeback could tie to several ongoing mysteries:
-
Eida’s powers might eventually break the Omnipotence illusion.
-
Daemon may play a key role in undoing Kawaki’s actions.
-
Boruto’s Jougan could open new dimensions or reverse seals.
Every chapter fuels speculation—but Kishimoto is in no rush. He knows anticipation is powerful.
The Timing of Naruto’s Comeback
The longer Naruto stays sealed, the greater his return’s emotional impact will be. When he finally appears again, it won’t just be a reunion it’ll be a revolution.
Imagine it: the moment Naruto breaks free, with Boruto standing beside him as an equal. That’s the narrative peak Kishimoto is building toward.
Kishimoto’s Long-Term Vision for Boruto
Kishimoto’s focus has shifted from Naruto’s hero’s journey to Boruto’s evolution. He’s exploring themes of legacy, identity, and generational change. Naruto’s era was about becoming Hokage; Boruto’s is about redefining what a hero means in a rewritten world.
The Fandom’s Reaction
Fans across X (Twitter), Reddit, and TikTok are still emotional about Naruto’s absence. Hashtags like #FreeNaruto and #BringBackTheHokage trend regularly. Some even argue that keeping Naruto sealed is cruel but others recognize it as masterful storytelling.
What to Expect in Future Chapters
Hints from the latest manga chapters suggest that Boruto’s power is rapidly evolving. The moment he masters the Jougan or finds a new Ōtsutsuki ally, the rescue arc could finally begin.
Kishimoto is clearly setting the stage for something monumental a father-son reunion that will reshape the entire ninja world.
Conclusion
Naruto’s absence isn’t just a plot twist it’s a narrative strategy. By holding back his return, Kishimoto ensures that Boruto grows, the world evolves, and when the Seventh Hokage finally reappears, it’ll feel earned.
So, while fans wait impatiently, the truth is clear: Naruto can’t return yet not because he’s weak, but because his story has already fulfilled its purpose.
FAQs
1. Why did Kawaki seal Naruto and Hinata?
He believed it was the only way to protect them from danger and the chaos of the Ōtsutsuki threat.
2. When will Naruto return in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex?
Kishimoto hasn’t confirmed a date, but fans expect it near the climax of the series.
3. What did Kishimoto say about Naruto’s absence?
He revealed that keeping Naruto sealed allows Boruto’s generation to grow independently.
4. Will Boruto be able to save his parents?
Most likely, yes but not before mastering his powers and facing Kawaki head-on.
5. Could Naruto die before returning?
Unlikely. Kishimoto has hinted Naruto will survive, but his return may redefine his role forever.