The Reevaluation of Character Demises in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations
The saga of Naruto continues in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, where characters face new challenges and evolve. Yet, there exist certain characters and their treatment in the show that garner diverse opinions among fans. This article explores whether certain characters should face the ultimate consequence and discusses the impact of their downplay. We also explore the impact of character nerfing and the perspective of a hypothetical end to the series.
Wishful Thinking for Demises: Naruto and Sasuke
When it comes to character demises in Boruto, two names often stand prominent: Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha. Savvy viewers might find it infuriating to witness how the once-legendary figures are portrayed with diluted and downplayed arcs. After all, can Sasuke's Rinnegan be so effortlessly dismissed in favor of his Sharingan?
The sensitivities around their depictions often lead to discussions centered around unfair nerfing. It's argued that their impactful roles and abilities should be better utilized and better respected. Take, for instance, Rock Lee's superior chakra reserves compared to Sasuke. Is the Rinnegan truly that overpowered, or has it merely been sidelined for new storylines to shine?
Some argue that redoing these characters' arcs would bring more justice to their storylines. With Kishimoto's style and lingering potential, there's a belief that Naruto and Sasuke could meet their grand ends with more fitting conclusions. The question remains, would a fitting end for them be too much of a disruption or too valuable?
The Case for Less Screen Time: Tenten
Another critical character discussion centers around Tenten. She, like many other ninjas in the franchise, has her moments but could be considered underutilized. Her plot relevance and screen time are minimal, which raises questions about her necessity in the narrative. If she were to perish, the immediate impact on the storyline would be limited; thus, her death seems more philosophical and less impactful.
The character's potential is largely untapped, making her role in key episodes somewhat insubstantial. While her departure would certainly send a message to underutilized characters, her current purpose in the narrative is questionable. It would be much more impactful to see her embrace a more significant role in future arcs rather than face the ultimate consequence of death.
Rebellion Against the Old: Orochimaru and Kabuto
Other characters like Orochimaru and Kabuto evoke polarized reactions. Orochimaru's persistence in the story, despite his series of betrayals, feels at times like an unnecessary cliffhanger. His redemption arc, if any, feels hollow and leaves a lot to be desired. His resurrection without a clear purpose, alongside the life given to Kabuto, adds another layer of frustration to the narrative.
Kabuto, in particular, stands out as one of those characters who defies logic. The narrative provides no real justification for his survival post-war. Whether he is to be a driving force in future storylines or to provide closure, Kabuto's presence raises more questions than answers. His character arc seems disjointed and purposeless, a commentary on the author's choices more than a contributor to the story.
Conclusion and Future Perspectives
While these discussions about character demises and unfair nerfing bring to light the challenges and potential of the Narutoverse, it is important to recognize that creating compelling storylines is a delicate balance. Should Kishimoto wish to bring about more dramatic changes, the series would need to navigate these shifts carefully to maintain fan engagement and emotional investment in the narrative.
Lastly, the discussion around character deaths and downplay is not limited to mere speculation; it is grounded in the desire for a more coherent and satisfying story. Perhaps, in a future hypothetical series, these characters could meet the ends that would have served the narrative more justly. Whether it be through a well-crafted death or a grand ending, the fans hope for more than the convenient downplay that seems to have become a staple of modern storylines.