It’s been a while since I actually sat down to talk about this anime in particular, but after seeing so many debates, hot takes, and straight-up arguments about it online, I felt like I had to say something. This is one of those shows that people either defend heavily or criticize nonstop, and honestly I kinda understand both sides. If you’ve been keeping up with Boruto, then you already know where this is going. The question is simple but also controversial… did Boruto go too far? as shown in the title of this post.
So the whole issue really comes from where the story actually started versus where it is now. If you think back to the O.G Naruto, the foundation of the world was very grounded, at least in anime terms. It was about ninjas, villages, missions, chakra control, and strategy, emphasis on the strategy in battles. Even though there were powerful characters, it still felt like a “ninja world.” Fights were not just about who had the biggest power, but who was smarter, more tactical, it made the fights much more interesting.
But as the story progressed into Boruto, and if I'm being fair, towards the end of Naruto too, things started to shift, slowly at first, then very quickly. Now this is where things get really interesting and also where the debate starts. Instead of focusing purely on ninja techniques and traditional combat, the story introduces the Ōtsutsuki Clan, beings that are basically on a god-like/Alien level. These are not just strong enemies, they are on a completely different scale compared to what we were used to.
This changes everything, because now, instead of fights feeling like ninja battles, they start to feel more like clashes between gods. Abilities become more extreme and the whole concept of what it means to be a “shinobi” starts to fade a bit, its like the other ninja characters don't even matter anymore, we used to have side characters that even though they were not as strong as the main characters, their plot and abilities made them really interesting.
When the strongest characters from the previous generation are no longer enough, you already know the scale has changed completely, another thing that adds to this “too far” conversation is the introduction of scientific ninja tools. Now, instead of relying only on training, discipline and natural ability, technology starts playing a big role. Some people like this because it shows evolution how the ninja world adapts over time but others feel like it takes away from what made the original story special and yeah honestly, both sides have a point.
Because while it’s realistic for a peaceful world to develop technology, it also changes the identity of the series. It starts to feel less like a traditional ninja story and more like something else entirely. Of course, the main focus is still the fights, and they are definitely intense. You still get those high-level battles where everything is on the line, but the nature of those fights has changed. It’s no longer just about strategy and skill, it’s also about who has access to higher-level power.
But even with all that, the bigger question still remains. Did the shift from ninjas to god-level beings go too far? For some people, the answer is yes. They miss the simpler days, the tactical fights, storytelling. The feeling that anyone could grow through hard work and determination.
For others, the answer is no. They see it as natural progression. A story evolving beyond its original limits, bigger threats, higher stakes, and a wider world. Just honestly speaking, I think Boruto didn’t necessarily “ruin” the concept, it just changed it. The problem is not the direction itself, but how different it feels compared to what people fell in love with in the first place and that difference is what creates all the tension in the fandom.
At the end of the day i believe we need to understand that Boruto is not trying to be Naruto. It’s trying to tell a new kind of story in the same universe🤷