Masashi Kishimoto put a lot of thought into creating Naruto as a character. How he thought, what he wrote, if he could even read, and how he spoke; such trivial thoughts were what made his personality so elaborated on and relatable. He felt realistic and established as a protagonist. Years upon years, a bond between him and the fans was formed, one that was both strong and sensitive.
Strong in the sense that fans were constantly in support of Naruto and his position as a much more likable character than many protagonists. When he was first sealed away in Boruto by the hands of Kawaki; they were more than upset, making it clear that sensitivity came towards the mistreatment of their favorite character. It could get so much worse.
Masashi Kishimoto is Open to Killing Naruto
Masashi Kishimoto has never been afraid of killing characters whether they be in Naruto or Boruto. Characters and their deaths are used to impact the story and let it play further without obstructions while also putting into play the fact that the story isn’t for children or to be taken lightly. During an interview with Weekly Shonen Jump (via Comicbook), the mangaka talked about potentially killing Naruto.
I think it’s okay if it [Boruto] isn’t really bound to Naruto. The time period is different and because various original elements are mixed in with the setting…I think I’d like it done with freedom.
He admitted that killing off Naruto’s character wasn’t something out of the question for him. In fact, Boruto as a story was to stand alone and not live in the shadow of the former protagonist. While one way he could be pushed to the sidelines is through being trapped, another is to simply kill him off.
Despite being a sequel, there is a lot about Boruto both as a manga and as the titular character that helped him stand apart from the magnificent figure Naruto came to be. As a character for the fans and as the father of the protagonist, his death can be both for the good and for the bad.
There is Freedom in Death
In Tarot cards, death is seen as both the oncoming call of eternal slumber and the indication of a new beginning. Jiraiya’s death became the turning point for Naruto and changed his character completely. His sacrifice is what led him to mature and grow stronger and wiser. Naruto has seen death all around him growing up. Perhaps, he could pave the way for his own son’s growth.
His own sacrifice, much like that of Jiraiya’s, could act as that catalyst for Boruto’s character development. There is a lot for his son to learn and while he still stands under Naruto’s shadow, it would be impossible to get out of it until that shadow is gone. Fans of the series already have some dismay towards the sequel and there is a strong chance for it to rise were something like this to happen.
However, what matters here is the fact that Naruto’s death would be significant in every way possible. It would not be in vain and free the series from its predecessor’s glory.
Naruto is available to watch on Netflix.
