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WARNING: This article contains spoilers from the Naruto series.
Naruto Uzumaki, the beloved protagonist of Naruto, is a character who embodies perseverance, growth, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. From being an outcast with no apparent gifts to becoming the savior of the ninja world, Naruto’s journey is one of the most compelling in anime history. While the Fourth Great Ninja War showcased his immense growth, Naruto’s evolution didn’t stop there. After the war, he continued to develop in strength, skill, and maturity, ultimately achieving his lifelong dream of becoming the Hokage of Konoha. However, much of his post-war growth is often overlooked, as the story’s focus shifted to the next generation in Boruto. Let’s dive into how Naruto evolved after the Fourth Great Ninja War and the challenges he faced in the years that followed.
Naruto’s Growth During the Fourth Great Ninja War
Naruto’s journey to greatness began long before the Fourth Great Ninja War, but it was during this conflict that he reached unprecedented heights. Despite being ostracized as a child for hosting the Nine-Tails (Kurama) within him, Naruto never gave up on his dream of becoming Hokage. Over the years, he honed his skills, developed the Rasenshuriken, mastered Sage Mode, and even confronted Kurama to claim a portion of the Tailed Beast’s chakra for himself. These achievements were monumental, but they were only the beginning.
Forging a Bond with Kurama
One of Naruto’s most significant breakthroughs during the war was forming a genuine bond with Kurama. After years of conflict, Naruto and Kurama finally understood and trusted each other. This alliance allowed Naruto to access Kurama’s full power without restrictions, amplifying his abilities to extraordinary levels. Combining this power with Sage Mode made Naruto a force to be reckoned with, capable of taking on the likes of Madara Uchiha and Kaguya Otsutsuki.
The Gift of Six Paths Powers
Naruto’s growth reached its zenith when he met Hagoromo Otsutsuki, the Sage of Six Paths. Recognizing Naruto’s pure heart and unwavering determination, Hagoromo bestowed upon him half of his chakra, granting Naruto Six Paths Sage Mode. This power elevated Naruto to near-godlike status, enabling him to fight on par with the most formidable foes in the series. By the end of the war, Naruto had become a symbol of hope and strength for the entire ninja world.
Naruto’s Continued Growth After the War
While the Fourth Great Ninja War marked a turning point in Naruto’s life, his evolution didn’t end there. In the years following the war, Naruto continued to grow in both power and wisdom, solidifying his place as one of the greatest ninjas in history.
Regaining the Full Power of Kurama
During the war, Naruto only had access to half of Kurama’s chakra, as the other half was sealed within Madara and later Kaguya. After the war, Naruto regained the other half of Kurama, unlocking the Tailed Beast’s full power. This significant boost made Naruto even more formidable, as half of Kurama’s chakra alone had already proven capable of overpowering multiple Tailed Beasts.
Mastery of Nature Transformations and Potential Wood Release
Naruto’s prosthetic arm, created from Hashirama’s cells, not only restored his lost limb but also hinted at the potential for further growth. While Naruto’s Uzumaki lineage already granted him immense chakra reserves, the Hashirama cells could have unlocked new abilities, such as Wood Release. Additionally, Naruto’s mastery of all five nature transformations further expanded his combat versatility.
Dominance in Taijutsu and Beyond
By the time of The Last: Naruto the Movie, Naruto had grown so powerful that he could tank an attack capable of splitting the moon and defeat Toneri Otsutsuki with a single punch. His Taijutsu skills also reached new heights, as seen when he pressured Momoshiki Otsutsuki without even using Six Paths Sage Mode. Naruto’s ability to push Jigen to his limits and overwhelm Isshiki Otsutsuki in Baryon Mode further demonstrated his unparalleled strength.
The Misfortune of Boruto: Naruto’s Decline
Despite his incredible achievements, Naruto’s journey took a tragic turn in the Boruto series. While he initially maintained his immense powers, the narrative began to undermine his strength, stripping away much of what made him a legend.
The Loss of Kurama
The most devastating blow came when Naruto sacrificed Kurama to activate Baryon Mode during his battle with Isshiki Otsutsuki. This act not only cost him his most powerful ally but also left him significantly weakened. Without Kurama, Naruto was reduced to relying solely on Sage Mode, a far cry from his former glory.
Sealed Away by Kawaki
Naruto’s misfortunes continued when he was sealed away by Kawaki in the dimension of Daikokuten. This act, intended to protect Naruto, instead highlighted the disrespect and neglect his character faced in the Boruto series. As of now, Naruto remains sealed, with no clear indication of when or if he will return.
Naruto’s Legacy: A Hero Beyond Measure
Despite the challenges he faced in Boruto, Naruto Uzumaki’s legacy remains untarnished. From a lonely orphan to the savior of the ninja world, Naruto’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, friendship, and self-belief. His growth after the Fourth Great Ninja War showcased his unwavering commitment to protecting those he loves, even at great personal cost.
While Boruto may have sidelined Naruto, his impact on the series and its fans is undeniable. As the ninja world moves forward, Naruto’s story serves as a reminder that true strength lies not in power alone but in the courage to keep moving forward, no matter the odds.
Boruto is available to read via Viz Media. Fans can access the series officially and for free on the Shonen Jump and Manga Plus apps. The next chapter, Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Chapter 19, is set to release on February 20, 2025.
