Image Source; YouTube/Crunchyroll Deutschland
Naruto and Boruto might exist in the same universe, but their coming-of-age stories hit very different notes. While Naruto focuses on rising from loneliness and proving your worth, Boruto explores what it’s like to grow up in the shadow of greatness. Both series dive into personal development, friendship, loss, and identity—but through wildly different lenses. Whether you’re Team Naruto or Team Boruto, there’s no denying that both series aim to portray emotional maturity in a ninja world full of chaos and expectations. But which is better?
1. The Underdog Arc: Naruto’s Loneliness vs. Boruto’s Privilege
Naruto starts his journey as a complete outsider—an orphan, shunned by the village and haunted by a demon fox sealed within him. He fights not only for strength but for acknowledgment and a place to belong. That outsider perspective is something many fans connect with, making his growth feel raw and earned. Boruto, on the other hand, is the Hokage’s son, growing up with privilege, friends, and status. While his struggles with identity are real, Naruto’s rags-to-respect tale packs a more emotionally grounded coming-of-age story.
2. Friendships That Shape Them
Naruto’s friendships with Sasuke, Sakura, and Kakashi form the emotional core of his growth. These bonds are tested through betrayal, war, and loss—each moment forcing Naruto to mature in heartbreaking ways. Boruto’s crew—Sarada, Mitsuki, and Konohamaru—has potential, but the emotional intensity often falls short compared to the original Team 7. Naruto’s willingness to chase Sasuke for years adds a dramatic depth that Boruto’s interpersonal dynamics rarely match. The weight and impact of Naruto’s friendships make his relationships more integral to his coming-of-age story.
3. The Role of Mentors
Kakashi and Jiraiya are two of the most influential characters in Naruto’s life. They challenge him, protect him, and ultimately shape who he becomes—especially when Naruto experiences profound loss. Boruto has mentors like Sasuke and Konohamaru, but they often feel like distant figures or side characters. While Sasuke plays a cool anti-hero role, he doesn’t match the emotional weight of Jiraiya’s presence or Kakashi’s steady support. A compelling coming-of-age story often hinges on mentors, and Naruto’s mentors are tough to beat.
4. How They Handle Failure
Naruto fails—a lot. He’s defeated, dismissed, and knocked down repeatedly, which makes his victories more satisfying. His perseverance becomes his most defining trait and one of the strongest lessons for fans watching him grow. Boruto experiences challenges, but they’re often softened by his talent or support system. Failure is essential to any coming-of-age story, and Naruto’s resilience under pressure gives his arc more grit and emotional reward.
5. The Villains That Shape Their Growth
Naruto’s enemies—like Pain, Orochimaru, and Madara—challenge him on both philosophical and emotional levels. Many of his opponents mirror his inner battles, forcing him to grow not just as a fighter, but as a person. Boruto’s foes are powerful, but sometimes lack that deeper ideological conflict that made Naruto’s battles so memorable. Kawaki adds intensity, but many arcs feel driven by spectacle rather than soul. For a standout coming-of-age story, the villains need to push the hero inward—and Naruto’s do just that.
6. Themes of Identity and Legacy
Naruto’s identity is built from the ground up. He goes from “nobody” to legend, and every step of that path is messy, loud, and emotional. Boruto, meanwhile, is constantly trying to define himself outside of his father’s legacy. That generational contrast is powerful, and Boruto’s desire to be seen as more than “the Hokage’s son” is deeply relatable for today’s youth. While Naruto’s story is classic and heartfelt, Boruto’s take on legacy offers a fresh spin on the coming-of-age story, especially in a world that values independence.
7. The World Around Them
Naruto’s world is chaotic, unstable, and full of real consequences. His growth happens in a backdrop of war, grief, and survival. Boruto’s world, while still dangerous, is more peaceful and tech-driven, which changes the emotional stakes. Modern-day Konoha introduces themes like technology vs. tradition, but it lacks the same urgency Naruto faced. A darker world doesn’t always make for a better coming-of-age story, but in this case, Naruto’s environment added intensity to every stage of his journey.
The Emotional Knockout: Which Story Hits Harder?
When it comes down to emotional depth, earned growth, and narrative impact, Naruto delivers the more classic and resonant coming-of-age story. Watching him rise from zero to hero over hundreds of episodes is a masterclass in patience, pain, and personal triumph. Boruto does explore unique generational themes and adds modern complexity to identity, but it often feels like a lighter echo of the original. That said, Boruto’s story is still evolving, and with arcs like Kawaki’s and the time-skip saga, it’s gaining emotional weight fast. For now, though, the heart of Naruto’s journey still claims the top spot.
Do you think Boruto will eventually surpass Naruto’s emotional growth arc? Or is Naruto’s coming-of-age story unbeatable? Sound off in the comments—let’s debate!
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Amanda Blankenship is the Director of Social Media for District Media. In addition to her duties handling everything social media, she frequently writes for a handful of blogs and loves to share her own personal finance story with others. When she isn’t typing away at her desk, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, husband, and dog. During her free time, you’re likely to find her with her nose in a book, hiking, or playing RPG video games.
