Unresolved Naruto Plot Holes in Boruto and the Questions That Remain
Are There Any Resolved Plot Holes in Boruto?
Since I recently caught up with the Boruto manga, I can confidently say that it not only fails to address any of the plot holes present in the original Naruto series but even creates new ones, albeit in fewer chapters than the long-running anime.
Subpar Narrative and Dull Battles
The narrative in Boruto is subpar, and the battles are disappointingly dull and unimpressive. I often see on Quora that Isshiki's strength is compared to Kaguya, but it doesn't feel that way. Both Naruto and Sasuke seem to have lost their former intelligence and motivation, acting like empty shells of their past selves. Adult characters in the series barely matter, and their stakes in the story are inexplicable, leading to a lack of engagement and significance.
Questions Surrounding Jigen/Isshiki
Perhaps the most confusing aspect of Boruto is the character of Isshiki/Otsutsuki. While Isshiki had Kaguya for a considerable period, it's unclear what he was doing for centuries after being defeated by Kaguya. The injury recovery timeline seems astronomical. Additionally, how did Isshiki endure for so long after his host, Jigen, was such a worthless vessel? Did Isshiki somehow extend his life? If so, how did this work as a mere parasite in Jigen's body? Who constructed the Otsutsuki-related monuments, and for what purpose?
Questions About Kara
The character of Kara and its secrets are shrouded in mystery. If Black Zetsu, Jiraiya, or Orochimaru didn't know about Kara, it raises questions about the existence of a secret organization that could have hidden from these powerful figures. How did a Kara scientist have such detailed knowledge of the Otsutsuki? Was this information provided by Isshiki, and if so, his intelligence is questionable. Furthermore, how did they clone Jiraiya, even though Kabuto, with better intel from Black Zetsu, couldn't retrieve the decomposed corpse? Was the clone specifically trained to mimic Jiraiya's moveset?
Scientific Ninja Tools
The term "scientific ninja tools" is misleading. The reasoning behind them is shaky at best, and the ability to absorb chakra (a combination of physical and spiritual energy) within a scientific framework is nonexistent. The concept lacks a solid scientific foundation and is merely a facade to add an element of modernity to the story.
Character Motivations and Actions
Naruto's willingness to invite a potentially dangerous child, Kawaki, into his home with his defenseless daughter, and his apparent forgetfulness during the Delta fight indicate a lack of parent responsibility. Why doesn't he keep his daughter safe with a clone during such a dangerous situation? The sudden deterioration of Naruto's and Sasuke's intelligence and combat skills is concerning, especially since they need Boruto or Sasuke to guide them.
Plot and Logical Gaps
Competent adult characters like Lee, Hinata, Sakura, Sai, Shikamaru, and Temari do not appear to be invested in the fight against Kara, despite their skills. Why was only Team 7 sent to save Naruto? Could Boruto have opened a portal for other ninjas to join the fight? Momoshiki's actions seem to violate Otsutsuki laws. Shouldn't more Otsutsuki seek retribution for his actions, and if so, will they also take hundreds of years to arrive? Why was Kaguya sealed, allowing her inactivity, but not Kinshiki prepared a karma beforehand?
These are just a few of the myriad questions that arise from the Boruto manga. Far from providing closure to the Naruto plot holes, it introduces new complexities that far outweigh its attempts to address earlier issues.