Warning: contains spoilers for Boruto: Naruto Next Generations chapter 68!
With Momoshiki’s sacrifice to resurrect Boruto, Kawaki’s channeling of Isshiki, and Code’s machinations, it’s an exciting time for Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. In the latest chapter, the shocking events continue with the return of Delta, and Eida’s long-awaited decision to get off the sidelines and join the battle. However, with so many high-wire events occurring at the same time, and Konoha Village being challenged with an existential threat, what is most surprising is the absence of Naruto and Sasuke, two of the greatest ninja of their generation, and current leaders of the community.
Despite the abundance and diversity of characters, at its core, Naruto has always been about Naruto, Sasuke and the relationship between them. Indeed, most stories and all major plot points have been somehow connected to the two frenemies. This point was made obviously clear in Naruto's final "Kaguya Otsutsuki Strikes," story arc which revealed that not only were Naruto and Sasuke essential to Kaguya’s defeat, but also that they were the reincarnations of Kaguya’s grandsons Asura and Indra.
Being as primary to the Naruto universe as they are, it wasn't a total surprise that they remained sp influential in the Boruto series. This was true despite the fact that the title of the manga makes clear that the focus of the story should be on the “next generation.” For example, in chapters 9 and 10, both Naruto and Sasuke were active participants in the battle against Momoshiki. Then again in chapter 53, Naruto and Sasuke played primary roles in the defeat of Isshiki, Kaguya's original partner and member of the Otsutsuki clan. Sadly, Boruto has not garnered as dedicated a following as Naruto did during its run, and it's possible this reluctance to fully, sincerely transition to the new cast is why. However, that's seemingly changing.
Starting in Chapter 67, Naruto’s presence is increasingly feeling like filler. He's quickly sidelined as Boruto, Kawaki and Code take center stage in the chapter. Moreover, in what might be the symbolic “passing of the torch,” when Naruto is paralyzed by indecision during the fight, Boruto and Kawaki are the epitome of cool, calm and collected. Indeed, their decisiveness in going ahead with their “kill Boruto” plan belies their youth and hearkens back to the younger, edgier Naruto and Sasuke. It also foiled, for now, whatever plans Kara may have.
If fans thought Boruto, Kawaki, and Code’s centrality to the story was just a side note, Chapter 68 shows that creator Masashi Kishimoto has perhaps finally decided the time is right for the “kids” to take over. While the village is facing a true threat, Naruto, the Seventh Hokage, is so lost in his thoughts that his own staff is starting to doubt his ability to manage events, control his emotions, and think strategically. On the other hand, Sasuke - one of the most self-confident, self-righteous, and focused characters in the manga - surprisingly decides to go see his daughter and Boruto rather than go with Shikamaru to confront Amado about the Kara hideout issue.
The clear takeaway from these last two chapters is that the next generation of characters, including Boruto, Kawaki, Code, Sarada, Delta, Eida and others, are fully prepared to take on the mantles of their elders and continue the story into new horizons - it may not be the old Naruto yet, but there is the potential for it to be something even greater.
