Summary
Boruto: Two Blue Vortexhas improved itself in many ways compared to part 1 of the series, narrowing its focus and giving more prominence once again to the new generation of Konoha’s shinobi, but it’s still unable to shake its longest-standing flaw. This issue was present inBoruto: Naruto Next Generations, and arguably even more so inNaruto:the series doesn’t commit to killing off its characters.
Releasing the first chapter of its new series in 2023,Boruto: Two Blue Vortexskips four years ahead in theNarutouniverse, with its young shinobi having matured significantly, developing deadly new talents. This includes the eponymous protagonist who has gone into hiding while training under Sasuke, but also pertains to a new Hokage taking over for Naruto, Team 10 growing their abilities, and Himawari’s training.
However, with deadly foes like the living God Trees, death seems like a distinct possibility,yet it doesn’t seem to be permanent for potentially anybody inBoruto: Two Blue Vortex.
An Issue Plaguing Comic Books Worldwide
Death is conveniently avoided plenty of times by the characters ofBoruto: Two Blue Vortex, with the latest lucky beneficiaries of this beingInojin Yamanakaand, surprisingly, Kurama, the Nine-Tailed Fox.Inojin’s apparent death is especially indicative of the series' flaws, not committing to killing off a character, instead turning it into an “Only a Flesh Wound” trope thanks to Himawari’s Kurama-powered healing intervention. This is not to say there aren’t significant deaths inBoruto’sprequel series, but plot armor begins to show itself as a flaw that determines who stays dead.
Death is a real phenomenon inBoruto, but even its titular character’s encounter with it is quickly reversed.
This is not to say death is nonexistent inBoruto. After all, Ohnoki, Kagura Karatachi, Ao, Deepa, and numerous Otsutsuki clan members are still stubbornly deceased. However, of these, only Kagura is somewhat shocking, with the rest either being antagonists or in Ohnoki’s case, being the grim price of being an aging Kage whose death ushers in a new, younger leader, much like Hiruzen Sarutobi inNaruto. Death is a real phenomenon inBoruto, but even its titular character’s encounter with it is quickly reversed,hinting that many Konoha residents are seemingly given plot armorto protect themselves against it.
Inojin’s Death Would Have Been a Bold Choice for Boruto
Killing a Supporting Character Less Than a Year in Would Create Tension
Inojin Yamanaka’s apparent death would have been a shocking loss in the series,coming less than a year and only eleven chapters since the series debut in August 2023. While the Yamanaka clan’s male members have not had the greatest luck in the past, with Inoichi meeting a gristly fate inNaruto, this early demise would properly sell fans on how threatened Konoha truly is even after four years of preparation. The Ino-Shika-Cho formation would be devastated, and a long-time major asset of Konoha would have been lost, creating tension for futureBorutochapters.
After all, Inojin’s apparent death inBoruto: Two Blue Vortexchapter #10 would make perfect sense, being brutally impaled by Jura with not nearly as much room for survival as Sasuke inNaruto’sLand of Waves Arc. It would still serve as a catalyst forHimawari’s Kurama-empowered outburst,yet it instead serves almost like a parallel to her father’s awakening as a jinchuriki.But on the other hand, a major death this early inBoruto: Two Blue Vortexcould simply be a case of rushing things, and now readers know it’s possible as long as there’s no Uzumaki healing intervention.
Reversing the Kyubi’s Death Allows for New Interpretations of His Character
Kurama coming back inBoruto: Two Blue Vortexchapters #10 and #11, while surprising, allows for more stories to be told about him after his original demise as a consequence ofNaruto’s Baryon Mode. His death is brushed aside as death not being eternal for a Biju, which means the other Tailed Beasts stand to benefit from this as well. While Naruto’s fate is still ambiguous inBoruto: Two Blue Vortex, if he is freed from his imprisonment,an emotional reunion with Kurama through his daughter would be a sight to behold.
Kurama’s return is a compelling reminder that younger forms of Biju like him exist, along with potential for them to have a greater presence in theBorutosequel series.
Additionally, Himawari being the new jinchuriki for Kurama is a great choice, taking some of the prominence off Boruto and making Kurama’s death reversal a more interesting decision. Combining her lengthy training and awakened Byakugan eyes with the power of the Nine-Tailed Fox is an incredible premise, as it means she’s awakening her potential to bea strong female supporting character alongside Sarada Uchihaand numerous others.
WhileBoruto: Two Blue Vortexrefuses to commit to death, Kurama’s rebirth as a consequence introduces enticing potential to the series.
Boruto: Two Blue Vortex
Years after fleeing his village with Sasuke, Boruto returns to confront the dark changes that have occurred. With memories altered and Kawaki now seen as the hero, Boruto faces a world where he is the outcast. The two rivals must settle their differences as their Otsutsuki powers grow more dangerous.
