Naruto vs Boruto has been a popular debate in the fandom. Both heroes have had ample opportunities to prove their worth. However, given both characters’ triumphs and backstories, Naruto will always be a cut above Boruto in almost every way. Let’s dive in and list five reasons why Naruto is the real OG, not his son, Boruto.
#1 No Family, No Friends, No Love – Naruto Still Rose to the Top
“I’m not gonna run away, I never go back on my word! That’s my nindō: my ninja way!” – Naruto Uzumaki
Whether we’re looking at the first episode or manga chapter, it was evident Naruto had real struggles that evoked pity. He only wanted to fit in and belong to someone who cared about him, and that theme always resonates with an impressionable youth. Watching Naruto struggle and gain respect, recognition, and affection is a category Boruto can’t hold a light to. When the world gave up on our titular hero, he remained a self-sacrificial bulwark for those who vehemently disapproved of his existence. These hard-earned endeavors eventually garnered Naruto the recognition and title of Hokage.
#2 Naruto had Legendary Struggles
The pain of being alone… is not an easy one to bear.” – Naruto Uzumaki
Aside from fighting to survive as an orphan and a pariah, Naruto constantly battled grief, rejection, loneliness, and Kurama, the fox demon inside him. Each of these struggles is the prime catalyst for why Naruto vs Boruto isn’t debatable. Unlike Boruto, his father’s struggles felt real, solidifying him into the heroic archetype that succeeds and resonates with fans.
#3 Naruto Fought Meaningful Battles
“A hero always arrives late.” – Naruto Uzumaki (preparing to fight Pain)
Naruto has had a great deal of battles, each carrying some form of significance and impact on his narrative development. From his first encounter with Zabuza to his rivalry with Sasuke, Naruto’s encounters constantly push the story along. Boruto’s battles, while flashy, don’t have the same monumental weight as Naruto’s.
#4 Naruto Changed the Shinobi World Forever
“When people are protecting something truly special to them, they truly can become… as strong as they can be.” – Naruto Uzumaki
Not only did Naruto prove his prowess with each battle, but he also redefined what it meant to be a shinobi. He changed the hearts of his enemies, and more impressively, the 9-tailed demon fox that inhabited his body. Naruto proved that there is an alternate route to the prolonged use of violence. In a world ravaged by war, Naruto takes the moral high ground by using his misfortunes and struggles to resonate with his enemies, allowing them to feel seen, a privilege he was denied for most of his adolescence. When it comes to Naruto vs Boruto, the empathy and change of hearts is something that Naruto thrives on.
#5 Boruto’s Story is Nothing Without Naruto’s Triumphs
“Because they saved me from myself, they rescued me from my loneliness. They were the first to accept me for who I am… They’re my friends.” – Naruto Uzumaki
While it is self-explanatory, Boruto is nothing without Naruto’s generational influence. Sure, Boruto is a decently written and a developed character, Naruto’s tenacity is something to be revered. There’s no denying the lasting effect crafted from Naruto’s determination, as it is still discussed today.
Final Thoughts
Naruto was a global and cultural phenomenon that dominated anime for over a decade. When it comes to Naruto vs Boruto, one captivates fans with a compelling story while the other falls short, and that’s why Naruto is and always will be the OG of this franchise.
