Naruto is one of the most iconic anime and manga of all time, so it’s only natural that conversations about its sequel series, Boruto, would center on who deserves to be the title hero’s true heir. For most, the answer is obviously the title hero, Boruto, or his sister Himawari. However, another shinobi deserves the title more than either of the two Uzumaki scions.
While Boruto may physically resemble his father, and Himawari may be Kurama’s next Jinchuriki, Sarada Uchiha is the one Konoha ninja who actually carries the Seventh Hokage’s spirit and ethos. With her potential ability to mend generational rifts, Sasuke and Sakura’s daughter truly deserves the title of Naruto’s successor.
Sarada Uchiha Carries The Will Of Fire Better Than Boruto Or Himawari
Sarada Uchiha manifesting her Mangekyo SharinganCustom image by Marcel Green
One of the biggest themes in the Naruto franchise is the cyclical nature of violence and oppression. While Sasuke’s actions throughout much of Naruto are undeniably villainous, it’s easy to understand how the last Uchiha would become so misguided given the horrible things he and his clan have had to endure.
Given the strength of the Uchiha Kekkei Genkai, the Sharingan, and historic tensions between the clan and the Village Hidden in the Leaves government, the Uchiha have faced historic persecution. As a result, despite the clan’s abundant power and high social standing, no Uchiha has ever achieved the rank of Hokage.
This is why Sarada could be just as transformative as Naruto. With Sarada’s desire to become Konoha’s highest-ranked ninja, she has the power to end a long history of discrimination and begin a healing process that was only started by her predecessor, Naruto.
A key concept in Naruto and now Boruto is the Will Of Fire. This is the idea that Konoha village is, essentially, a family. Naruto’s kindness and tolerance made him a great avatar of this ideal. If Sarada becomes Hokage, she could embody it even better by reestablishing the Uchiha as a major force within Konoha.
Sarada Uchiha Is Destined To Fulfill Her Dreams In Boruto
Sarada from Boruto Two Blue Vortex using her Mangekyo Sharingan
Though Sarada still has a long path to achieving the role of Hokage, fans have good reason to suspect that it’s a goal she’ll achieve. As dark as they get, Naruto and Boruto are both stories about maintaining hope and optimism in impossible times, so it’s unlikely the latter series would end with its female lead never realizing her dreams.
Additionally, Sarada becoming Hokage would be perfectly in line with the primary themes and messages set up in Naruto. Given all this, it’s clear that Sarada, not Boruto or Himawari, truly deserves the title of next Naruto.
Writer
Masashi Kishimoto
Writers
Masashi Kishimoto
Penciler(s)
Mikio Ikemoto
Inker(s)
Mikio Ikemoto
Colorist(s)
Mikio Ikemoto
Publisher(s)
Viz Media