This article contains spoilers from Naruto and Boruto.
Naruto ended years ago, but the shinobi world it built continues to entertain fans Boruto. Long-time fans still follow Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha after the war, patiently waiting to see how their journey will officially end. Even after being sidelined, fans remain excited for the day Naruto and Sasuke step back onto the battlefield with a new incredible power-up.
Aside from Naruto and Sasuke, there are plenty Naruto characters that deserve to come back Boruto for various reasons. From supporting Boruto Uzumaki, Sarada Uchiha and the other next generation ninjas to solving unfinished stories, these Naruto characters can provide epic battles, new developments, and an overall sense of continuity between the old and new generations.
Say goodbye to Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha for now
Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha won't be returning anytime soon, and fans should say goodbye to them for now in Boruto.
Asuma Sarutobi
Asuma Sarutobi died early
Asuma Sarutobi's death is one of the most painful moments in Naruto's history. Although his students avenged him in a very satisfying way, many fans still yearn for his presence in Boruto. Seeing his daughter with Kurenai grow up without Asuma increases the desire for his return, as fans imagine what a mentor and father he could be to Mirai.
Besides Mirai, some of the people closest to Asuma have been in a very difficult situation for quite some time now, and they could use his guidance and support to find strength and direction. From Konohamaru and Shikamaru to Mirai, these characters can greatly benefit from his presence.
Orochimaru
Orochimaru's relevance is fading
At the moment, Orochimaru is keeping a low profile within Borutoalmost like he's purposely staying in the shadows while the Jura and Shinju clones rule. The current Orochimaru is completely different from his former self, although he still conducts his experiments but with a more measured and cautious approach.
Due to Orochimaru's inactivity, manga fans believe he deserves a big comeback in Boruto, where he can provide crucial insights into the Otsutsuki clan and the Shinju clones. His experiments, combined with his intellect and appetite for information, were able to reveal secrets about Otsutsuki and Shinju that no one else could reveal.
Kaguya Otsutsuki
The only Otsutsuki that should return in Boruto
It's been ages since Kaguya Otsutsuki was sealed by the old Team 7, and yet she remains a point of intrigue, leaving questions about her status, power, and connection to the Otsutsuki clan, especially the Shibai. Because of this, Kaguya deserves a spot on this list, as her return could dump more information about Otsutsuki, which the manga has deliberately withheld for quite some time now.
Additionally, Kaguya Otsutsuki's return in Boruto could position her as an unlikely ally to Boruto, now a full-fledged Otsutsuki himself. In the face of planet-level threats, having Kaguya around can greatly strengthen Boruto's side.
Minato Namikaze
Boruto has no memories of Minato
One of the reasons why Minato deserves to come back in Boruto is because of his Flying Thunder God Technique, which his grandson has never seen before. Without seeing Minato's iconic technique, Boruto's version of the Flying Raijin has few limitations, which could only be fixed if Minato himself taught him the finer details and applications of the jutsu.
On top of that, Boruto and Himawari need Minato's presence, even if it means they only appear briefly in their dreams, especially now that Naruto and Hinata are sealed away. They have no memories of Minato, so even a fleeting encounter can give them a sense of comfort and connection to Naruto.
Kakashi Hatake
Kakashi Hatake is missing in action
Kakashi Hatake has been noticeably absent from the Boruto manga, to the point where fans jokingly claim he's “not canon” anymore due to his lack of involvement. However, Ikemoto assures fans that Kakashi will return at some point in the future, but the timeline remains uncertain, and so does his role.
So far, Kakashi only appears in the Boruto anime, acting as an advisor to Naruto and Shikamaru. For the most part, fans believe he is enjoying his time in the hot springs, far away from the affairs of the village. But with the village under constant danger from the Jura and Shinju clones, it might be the best time for Kakashi to come back.
Rock Lee
Rock Lee's Taijutsu deserves better treatment
Rock Lee's presence in Boruto manga is very limited, and the same goes for other Naruto characters like Tenten, Temari, Shino and more. Back in the Naruto series, Rock Lee was a huge fan favorite thanks to his likable personality, relentless determination, and taijutsu mastery, but that's ancient history. Now, Rock Lee functions mostly as a forgotten Naruto character, a far cry from his former self.
Clearly, Rock Lee deserves another chance to show off his taijutsu, which has probably improved significantly over the past few years. Who knows, maybe Rock Lee has found inventive ways to incorporate ninjutsu or even genjutsu, especially with the advent of scientific ninja tools that enhance his fighting style.
Itachi Uchiha
Itachi Uchiha's return remains uncertain, yet within reach
When it comes to Itachi Uchiha, fans are constantly torn between wanting him to return and letting the genius Uchiha rest in peace. With rumors of Kishimoto and Ikemoto possibly bringing back Itachi, speculation among fans has only increased. What could his role be? Why is he coming back? These questions give rise to endless debate, and that makes the wait more exciting.
If Itachi returns, the internet will undoubtedly explode with reactions from fans around the world. The anticipation will also be there, as fans look forward to his potential interaction with Sarada Uchiha, who recently unlocked the Mangekyo Sharingan Ohirume. In Sasuke's absence, Itachi's presence would mean a lot to Sarada.
- Release date
-
2002 – 2007-00-00
- Showrunner
-
Masashi Kishimoto
- Directors
-
Hayato date
- Author
-
Masashi Kishimoto
- Franchise(s)
-
Naruto