One thing that fans of Boruto It seemed inevitable that the series would culminate in an epic battle between Boruto and Kawaki. This conclusion was hinted at from the very beginning of the series and has subtly but significantly shaped the plot ever since. However, recent revelations have upended this expectation, resetting the story's ending. Surprisingly, this change has made the story even more engaging and rewarding.
In an interview translated and posted online by Naruto fan and Twitter user @UzuRepo, it was revealed that Boruto author Masashi Kishimoto's original idea for the series' ending has been reworked. through discussions with his former assistant, Mikio Ikemoto, the main illustrator and creative driving force behind Boruto.
The interview, which features a conversation between Kishimoto and Ikemoto about their thoughts, opinions, and criticisms of Boruto – among other topics – took place during the annual Nuit a Konoha event, a celebration of the Narutoverse held in France, a country that loves manga and Naruto in particular.
The interviews quoted below have been translated by fans so there may be some inaccuracies.
Boruto is not a static creation, but a living series that can always change.
Ikemoto Describes How and Why the Boruto Story Changed
According to the interview, while Kishimoto's original idea for the series' ending was quite reasonable, Ikemoto felt that in order to take control and move the story forward, He needed creative freedom to modify the plot. as you see fit.
Even though the original idea was to make the manga more interesting, we are still far from the original plan. I am currently in a situation where I am developing the story myself – Mikio Ikemoto
Ikemoto's instincts about story and his drive to shake up the status quo at the end of the first series and the beginning of the Two Blue Vortex series led to a significant change in Boruto's character. This change also pushed Ikemoto, like Boruto, to think creatively and outside the box, while also considering practical approaches to creating a compelling story moving forward.
I mean things…don’t always go according to plan. Small changes are always made at the beginning. But little by little, the story develops in a direction different from Kishimoto-sensei’s outline. – Mikio Ikemoto
Before the time skip, Boruto lived a life of privilege. However, due to Kawaki and Eida's Omnipotence fraud, Boruto's life was shattered. Although challenging, this new path has brought purification, empowerment, and maturity to Boruto. Like his father, Naruto, he must now rely on his training, instincts, and wisdom to overcome obstacles – the same traits that propelled Naruto from an orphan to Hokage. In the eyes of one fan, It was this transformative journey that drew them to Naruto.
Ikemoto has been commanding Boruto since the beginning.
Fans may wonder why Ikemoto has such a significant influence on Boruto. The answer lies in Kishimoto basically handed him the keys to the Boruto series.. In an interview with French manga publisher Kana on August 27, 2024—translated and posted on the Fanverse website—Kishimoto revealed that although he contributed basic ideas, suggestions, and plot points to Boruto, the creative driving force behind the series from the beginning always ikemoto.
In fact, Kishimoto trusted Ikemoto so much that he didn't know what was going to happen in the story until he read it himself in the manga.
Masashi Kishimoto: In the case of Boruto, I initially wrote the story outline, but in a very brief way. Then we held a meeting to discuss it. Actually, Master Ikemoto was the one who was fully responsible for Boruto.
Mikio Ikemoto: At first, Master Kishimoto actually shared his story with me. But as we went further, the plot became more and more different from what was originally planned. Nowadays, I discuss the rest of the script with my editor, every month. So I think Master Kishimoto still doesn't know what will happen in the rest of Boruto.”
While this revelation may come as a surprise to some Boruto and Naruto fans, the results speak for themselves. Boruto: Two Blue Vortex is performing significantly better than Boruto: Naruto – Next Generation. This could be the turning point that leads to Boruto to prove himself worthy of the Naruto legacy.
Source: UzuRepo, Fanverse
