Masashi Kishimoto has given his mind, body, and soul in creating the masterpiece better known as Naruto. Being part of the big three of shonen manga and anime, it sets a standard unlike any other. From the world-building to the individual arcs, each character goes through, the series was constructed to perfection with great time and patience.
It was only when the series ended, that a gaping hole was left. Big shoes were left to be filled, with no one deemed capable enough in the eyes of the fans. When the sequel series came into being, it had a lot of stakes. The expectations Boruto had to live up to, not only for his father’s reputation but for the fans’ love as well.
Kishimoto understood the responsibility that came with it. So he did not take it lightly when passing the torch to Mikio Ikemoto.
Masashi Kishimoto Almost Said No to a Naruto Sequel
Masashi Kishimoto, in an interview with Weekly Shonen Jump, revealed that it took him a great amount of dedication and willpower to even consider the possibility of a sequel to his magnum opus. Sheuisha had approached the mangaka in the hopes that a spin-off could be made after Naruto’s end. However, that was not something Kishimoto wanted to do.
“When I ended Naruto, Shueisha asked me if I was interested in continuing the story. I had done everything I wanted to with the series, so I wasn’t up for it.”
In his eyes, the story had long since concluded. Each character had gotten their respective endings and he had done everything that he wanted to with the story. The series was over from his perspective.
So when asked about a possible sequel, Kishimoto simply declined the offer, not wanting to milk the franchise he so carefully crafted with his own hands.
Masashi Kishimoto had a Change of Heart
Masashi Kishimoto never had the intention of continuing Naruto’s story, nor was he interested in it. So he made one thing very clear, his involvement would be negligible. Then there was another factor, who would become his heir? The mangaka was already focused on the one person who he believed to be perfect for the position, his former assistant.
“I was fine with ending it at that point, but if Mikio-kun was drawing the sequel, then I was okay with it. I told them it had to be him.”
Mikio Ikemoto was the only person Kishimoto trusted to be responsible enough to continue the story. Kishimoto may get credit for the sequel series but it was his faith in Ikemoto that helped it grow as much as it has. Despite the ups and downs that the series had to face, it has finally found a footing that sets Boruto apart from its predecessor.
It was always important to understand that Boruto could not exist in Naruto’s shadow. Both the character and the manga took their time in establishing exactly that; an individuality and unique perspective within the same world.
