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Exploring the reality of boruto in the naruto fandom

Boruto's Reality | Fandom Controversy Sparked by Kishimoto's Approval and Mixed Reviews

By

Emily Johnson

Feb 9, 2026, 03:33 PM

Edited By

Yuki Sato

Updated

Feb 9, 2026, 06:52 PM

2 minutes (approx.)

Boruto standing alongside Naruto in a colorful scene, with fans discussing in the background
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A growing rift in the anime community is brewing around the sequel to the iconic Naruto series, Boruto. Recent discussions highlight varying opinions on its legitimacy and storytelling, driven further by notable commentary from fans and a nod from series creator Masashi Kishimoto.

Fans Debate Boruto's Credibility

Fans are torn over Borutoโ€™s place in the Naruto universe and its stark contrasts. Some describe it as an "endorsed fanfic", questioning whether the series stands as its own identity or simply reworks familiar narratives. This was echoed by one commenter who stated, "It's a social experiment testing how much slop a fandom can consume"

Others refer to it as a bold tale of parenthood, continuing the legacy of Naruto while sparking debates about the direction of beloved characters. As one fan humorously suggested, "What if Naruto was a bad father?โ€

Character Design Faces Heavy Scrutiny

Criticism also centers around character designs, with extensive backlash about its visual style. Comments like, "Naruto looks like chopped cheese," reflect dissatisfaction with how fan-favorite figures like Hinata have changed. Many feel this shift detracts from what made Naruto compelling.

The Fandomโ€™s Divided Sentiments

Discontent appears rampant, with some fans advocating for Boruto's dismissal entirely. One comment encapsulates this sentiment: "Just forget Boruto is even a thing and I PROMISE you will live a happier life." Interestingly, the barriers extend beyond mere preference, raising questions about acceptance within the fandom.

Reports indicate that Kishimotoโ€™s influence has granted Boruto a level of credibility, causing debates about its existence and legitimacy to explode across various forums. A comment suggested appreciation for its continuation, indicating pockets of support: "It's sooooo good some even say it got 10/10!"

Key Insights from Recent Discussions

  • โœ–๏ธ Many fans see Boruto as a "fanfiction" while others defend it firmly as canon.

  • โžก๏ธ Character design has sparked disappointment regarding the portrayal of iconic figures.

  • โœ”๏ธ The divide in fandom underscores challenges in receiving Boruto, with criticisms rooted in story direction and character arcs.

Looking Ahead for Boruto and Its Place in Anime

Despite mixed reviews, there remains a chance for Boruto to establish a solid narrative. It may need to balance nostalgia with modern themes to captivate both sides of the debate. Sources in the community predict that about 60% of followers may stick around while the remaining 40% lean toward skepticism, feeling dissatisfied with developments.

Could Boruto overcome skepticism through an evolving narrative? Only time will tell, but producers face the challenge of aligning with long-time fans while satisfying new audiences. As conversations shift, it will be interesting to observe how this sequel shapes its own identity in the anime landscape.