Narutohad immense potential to give fans the ultimate shōnen hero, but as the Seventh Hokage aged,his adult version sadly failed to meet expectations, at least in terms of design. As the titular protagonist ofNaruto, Naruto Uzumaki had an inspiring journey—an orphaned boy who pulled off all sorts of antics just to gain the village’s acknowledgment. His determination, charisma, and resolve not only earned him that recognition but also resonated with fans worldwide.
However, as an adult, Naruto’s character feels like a shadow of his former self. For some,his adult version failed to meet the expectations fans had built in their minds, leaving them questioning their favorite shōnen hero’s portrayal inBoruto. Instead of dominating the shōnen hero landscape with the legacy of one of the most successful series ever, his adult version has been ridiculed on several occasions.
The Rise and Fall of Naruto Uzumaki
An Impressive Shōnen Hero Derailed by Adulthood
Naruto Uzumaki isone of the few legendary characters who have stood the test of time. From his debut in the early 2000s to his heartfelt wedding with Hinata Hyuga, Naruto consistently resonated with fans. Known for his charm and perseverance, he even inspired a fan club of admirers in Konoha, especially after his heroics duringthe Fourth Great Ninja War.
In theNarutomovies, such asThe Last, Naruto’s more mature features were emphasized. His growth in strength and looks was undeniable, earning admiration from fans. Yet,whenBoruto: Naruto Next Generationsbegan, everything changed. Despite the series focusing on the next generation of ninjas like Boruto Uzumaki and Sarada Uchiha, fans eagerly tuned in to see their beloved original characters in adulthood.
Naruto’s First Villain Is The Reason The Upcoming Live-Action Movie Can Work Despite So Many Failed Adaptations
Naruto’s first major villain is exactly what the upcoming live-action film needs to avoid the mistakes made by other Hollywood anime adaptations.
Unfortunately, Naruto’s adult version fell short of expectations.Inconsistencies in animation left fans disappointed, with some lamenting his unflattering design. Even minor tweaks, like adding more hair, could have improved his appearance. Rather than showcasing the dynamic and inspiring Hokage that fans idolized, the series presented a watered-down version. Naruto’s legacy deserved a triumphant continuation, but instead, his adult portrayal left fans yearning for a better version than what they were given.
Naruto Could Have Kept His Iconic Headband
A Touch of His Younger Self and Jiraiya
Being inconsistent with Naruto’s art style could have been forgiven if one iconic accessory from his younger days was kept—his headband. Although all ninjas in the series wear a headband to represent the village they come from, Naruto’s appearance while wearing it has been etched in the hearts of fans. Naruto had always dreamed of becoming a ninja, andhis headband was something he took immense pride in, compared to how his fellow ninjas might have felt. It symbolized his journey, struggles, and aspirations.
Naruto: Team 7’s Best Scenes, Ranked
Team 7 is Naruto’s most popular ninja squad, thanks to their unique bond, growth, and unforgettable missions that shaped the series' legacy.
The headband is as symbolic as it is official—its significance is akin to that of a military uniform. Wearing the headband can signify active duty, which wasn’t kept by most adult characters inBoruto: Naruto Next Generation. Moreover, Jiraiya wore a headband even as an adult ninja, andthis could have served as an excellent reference for designing Naruto’s adult version. Jiraiya was a big part of Naruto’s life: he trained him and ultimately became like a father figure to him. This deep bond made Jiraiya’s death especially painful for Naruto, who longed for his presence in his life.
The wearing of the headband in Naruto’s adult design could have not only upgraded his adult features but also created a powerful, nostalgic connection to his master. It would have represented not only Naruto’s growth but also his unbroken link to Jiraiya’s legacy. This small detail would have enhanced his visual evolution while honoring their bond.
The headband was not only a symbol of a ninja’s duty but also a personal connection to their past.
The decision to exclude the headband from the adult versions of Naruto and other beloved characters, likeSasuke Uchihaand Shikamaru Nara, may have been made to emphasize their growth beyond the confines of their youth. However,this decision unintentionally overlooked a piece of significant information. The headband worn by the ninjas had a deeper meaning. The headband symbolized their duty and a personal connection to their past.
The Seventh Hokage Cloak Also Fell Short
Naruto’s Unexpected Shift in Boruto
Boruto: Naruto Next Generationhad the potential to elevate Naruto and the characters around him to greater heights, solidifying his legacy as an untouchable, admired ninja. However, in several instances, Naruto’s portrayal sparked debates and became the subject of memes, withfans expressing dissatisfaction over his appearance. During flashbacks of the Fourth Great Ninja War, a glimpse of what Naruto’s adult version might look like was shown, seemingly foreshadowing a look more akin to his father, Minato Namikaze. With these expectations in mind, fans eagerly awaited his adult design inBoruto.
The excitement fans felt when seeing Minato’s cloak was never fully matched by Naruto’s version.
Though Naruto no longer occupies the central role in the sequel, many fans of theBorutoseries were once dedicated followers ofNaruto.They admired him long before Boruto came into the picture. However, it wasn’t just Naruto’s looks that fell short. His clothing, particularly his cloak, also left much to be desired. Minato’s famous long cloak, emblazoned with “Fourth Hokage” across the back, symbolized his legacy.
When Naruto became the Seventh Hokage, he inherited a similar cloak, but it was too short for a tall man like him, detracting from the grandeur Minato’s design carried. The excitement fans felt when seeing Minato’s cloak was never fully matched by Naruto’s version,leaving the design feeling underwhelming.
While Naruto’s role has shifted to more of a mentor figure inBoruto, his presence remains critical to the series. Fans may no longer follow his journey as the main character, but for many, he is still the heart and soul of theNarutofranchise. The legacy of his character,the emotional depth he brought to the original series, and his relentless pursuit of his dreams continue to resonate with long-time fans, making him the true protagonist in their eyes. Despite his diminished role inBoruto,Naruto remains an iconwhose story is still integral to the continuation of the series.
Naruto
Naruto is a franchise spawned from the manga series penned by Masashi Kishimoto that began in 1999. Generating several tv series, games, movies, and more, Naruto follows the exploits of a young outcast ninja harboring the spirit of a demon fox who seeks to become the Hokage, the leader of his ninja village, to break the stigma against him. Upon the conclusion of the initial series, Naruto expanded into Boruto, following many series protagonists' children and returning faces.
