After years of only being mentioned or completely absent from the main story, Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha are finally approaching their return in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex. Chapter 35 officially launches a new arc and lays the groundwork for the comeback of these two characters who have long been icons of the Naruto franchise.
This is certainly exciting news for longtime fans. However, instead of expecting Naruto and Sasuke to once again be the “saviors” of the ninja world, many believe this return should mark the end of their journey and make way for the new generation.
New arc focuses on rescuing Sasuke
After multiple Shinju have been defeated, the story now centers on Hidari, a powerful entity ranked just below Jura. In chapter 35, Boruto and Sarada devise a plan for Sarada to be captured by Code to track down the Shinju’s base.
Their goal is to defeat Hidari, retrieve the Thorn Soul Bulb, and rescue Sasuke from his sealed state within the Shinju. If successful, Sasuke is likely to officially return after more than four years away from the main plot.
Meanwhile, Naruto remains sealed in the Daikokuten dimension. Given the current developments, many expect the manga to continue with an arc that will bring the Seventh Hokage back after Sasuke’s rescue.
Naruto and Sasuke are no longer at their peak
The return of these two legends will surely excite fans, but the reality is they are no longer at their prime.
In Boruto, both Naruto and Sasuke have experienced power declines. Sasuke lost his Rinnegan after battling Isshiki, while Naruto sacrificed Kurama to use Baryon Mode. Without Kurama, Naruto no longer possesses his former superhuman physicality.
These are significant changes that prevent the two strongest characters of the Naruto era from dominating opponents as they once did.
Many believe this was a deliberate choice by Masashi Kishimoto and Mikio Ikemoto to allow Boruto, Sarada, and the new generation of ninja to take center stage.
The new generation is ready to take over
Unlike the early parts of Boruto, Two Blue Vortex shows the younger generation maturing significantly. Boruto now wields power surpassing many Kage and plays a role similar to Sasuke’s past, operating as a lone shinobi protecting the world from the shadows.
Sarada is steadily proving herself capable of inheriting the Uchiha legacy, while Konohamaru is seen as a strong candidate to become the Eighth Hokage if Naruto steps down.
In other words, the key roles once held by Naruto and Sasuke now have worthy successors.
A fitting farewell for two legends
One of the biggest complaints among fans about early Boruto was how Naruto and Sasuke were repeatedly weakened to highlight the new generation.
Sasuke losing his Rinnegan and Naruto sacrificing Kurama, powers they spent hundreds of chapters acquiring, sparked much debate within the community.
Because of this, if Naruto and Sasuke return only to be defeated again to elevate new villains, it could further damage the legacy built over more than 20 years.
Instead, a peaceful ending might suit these two legends better. Naruto could return to his family after being sealed away, and Sasuke might finally live quietly with Sakura and Sarada instead of continuing to fight deadly battles.
At that point, Boruto, Sarada, Mitsuki, and the younger ninja would carry the future of the shinobi world, reflecting the spirit the series aims for.
If this happens, Naruto and Sasuke’s return won’t be about proving they’re still the strongest, but rather a well-deserved farewell to two of the greatest icons in Naruto history.