This article contains spoilers for the Boruto series.
Naruto Uzumaki is quite easily one of the most beloved characters in Naruto series. In fact, it could be said that Naruto's influence and likeability actually goes beyond his own franchise and he has influenced countless other anime characters over the years. Naruto was a ninja with barely anything to his name, but at the end of the series he ended up becoming the legendary Seventh Hokage of Konoha.
Boruto: Naruto will never be Hokage again, and Kishimoto has already confirmed it
Naruto is sealed and will never be Hokage again in Boruto. Kishimoto revealed just that.
Naruto stood as the strongest shinobi in history as well as the savior of the world comes the end of the series, and it was really commendable. All the hardships he faced and conquered made him, quite easily, one of the most likable characters among the fans, and that's why Naruto is loved so much to this day, even in the sequel that's not about him but his son, Boruto. Unfortunately, Naruto Uzumaki isn't there to play a big part in Boruto series longer. The Seventh Hokage has officially been sealed away, and it doesn't look like he will be returning anytime soon. In his place, the role of savior has been taken by his own son, Boruto Uzumaki, and it has created an exciting situation in Hidden Leaf Village.
Konoha's Seventh Hokage isn't coming back anytime soon
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Naruto was sealed away by Kawaki in Boruto
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His full power has been nerfed
Naruto Uzumaki was dealt the worst cards in the game Boruto series, and that's a very valid criticism of the entire series so far. While Naruto started off pretty strong in Boruto, it wasn't long before he was constantly disrespected by the new writer, Mikio Ikemoto, and had his legacy completely destroyed. Eventually, Naruto even gained his greatest source of power and his best companion, Kurama, took it away from him, which was basically the beginning of the end for him. Later in the line, Naruto Uzumaki was sealed by Kawakiand that was the end of him.
This is not a story about a boy aiming to become Hokage. That was my dad's story. This is none other than my story! — Boruto Uzumaki, Boruto Chapter 1
The Seventh Hokage of Konoha, who stood tall as the symbol of peace throughout the world for many years, was basically gone. To this day, Naruto Uzumaki is considered dead by the five villageswith only a handful of people knowing the truth behind his disappearance. Ever since Naruto Uzumaki was sealed, fans have been patiently waiting for his return. It's been years now, and there's no sign of Naruto Uzumaki coming back, and as Boruto enters 2026 with a very exciting arc, IIt doesn't look like Naruto will be making his big return this year either.
At this point, fans should say goodbye to the Seventh Hokage of Konoha because even when Naruto returns, he certainly won't be the Hokage of the village. Given the speed at which the Boruto series is moving at the moment, Naruto Uzumaki probably won't be back for another two or three yearsif even then.
The best thing fans can do is make peace with the fact that Boruto the series will do Naruto Uzumaki no favors and that the focus from now on will be solely on the new generation characters. This means that fans have to say goodbye to the legendary Seventh Hokage, Naruto.
Boruto Uzumaki is Konoha's new savior at the moment
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Boruto has the powers of Otsutsuki
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He has saved Konoha on many occasions
In the absence of Naruto Uzumaki, someone else must rise up and protect the village from all possible adversities it faces. Konoha has always been a target for the most powerful villains, and that's because it's also the strongest village of all. Otsutsuki has already attacked Konoha a couple of times, and fans know that Jura and the other Shinju are still threatening it. Clearly, Konoha has no shortage of powerful enemies to this day, and in the absence of Naruto and Sasuke, fighting such enemies will indeed be very difficult.
This is precisely why there is a need for a new savior for both Konoha and the shinobi world in general. This position has now been taken over by the son of Naruto Uzumaki, Boruto. Fans may think that Boruto is being forced into this role, and to a certain extent, that may turn out to be true. But the fact is, at the end of the day, this is Boruto's job now, because it's his story.
You just want to kill me and just disappear from this world as soon as possible. Unless you have a chance at freedom, that is. These divine beings are a threat to both of us. Will you help me or not? — Boruto Uzumaki to Momoshiki Otsutsuki, Boruto: TBV Chapter 29
Naruto: All New Boruto Dojutsu, Explained
Boruto has introduced new Dojutsu. Some are more unique than others.
Boruto Uzumaki has honed his skills tremendously over the past three years. After training with Sasuke Uchiha for a year and then with Kashin Koji, Boruto has become a monster in terms of strength. He has already protected Konoha a couple of times from the threats it faced, even though he is branded a traitor and an enemy by the village itself. Boruto is the epitome of self-sacrifice in the new series, and that's exactly what makes him a very intriguing character.
Boruto doesn't want to be the next Hokage
Of course, fans might be wondering if all of this means that Boruto Uzumaki will be the next Hokage of the village when things are right. The answer to that question is no. Boruto Uzumaki was never going to be Hokage and he decided that because he wanted to be a shinobi. His eyes were set on becoming a ninja like Sasuke Uchiha, Naruto's best friend as well as his greatest rival.
Boruto Uzumaki knows very well that his path is to support the Hokage instead of becoming one. Instead, the Hokage position will be taken over by none other than Sarada Uchiha, who has already made sure to follow in Lord Seventh's footsteps.
Sarada Uchiha will eventually become Konoha's next Hokage
right now, Konoha is in desperate need of a Hokageand although Shikamaru reigns as the temporary Hokage of the village, they will soon have to choose a permanent one. The most likely candidate for this position is none other than Konohamaru Sarutobi, who will likely become the eighth Hokage of the village.
After him, it will likely be Sarada Uchiha who takes the position of the Ninth Hokageand with that, a new era will dawn upon the village. Fans should remember that Naruto Uzumaki's time will have come to an end by then, and then he can rest easy and look back on his time as a legendary ninja who saved the world on multiple occasions.
Of course Naruto not continuing as the village's Hokage would also mean he gets the opportunity to go on missions again. This would help him sharpen his senses that were dulled by sitting in the Hokage office for a very long time. After all, it could be a boon for Naruto Uzumaki and something fans will love. But for that, fans will have to wait for at least a few years.
Boruto: Two Blue Vortex is the sequel to the original Boruto series, written by Mikio Ikemoto and supervised by Masashi Kishimoto. The series follows Boruto Uzumaki's journey, three years after the events of Omnipotence hit the story. Boruto must now work to save the world from the dangers it faces as he deals with his brother Kawaki. Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Chapter 30 will be released on January 20, 2026. The release time of the chapter is 10:00 AM EST/3:00 PM UTC. As always, fans can read the chapter officially for free on the Manga Plus and Shonen Jump apps.
