Naruto Uzumaki is the face of the entire Naruto franchise, which also includes the sequel series by Mikio Ikemoto, written under the supervision of Masashi Kishimoto, that is, Boruto. Boruto began its run in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump Issue 23 on May 9, 2016. In the very first chapter, the series set up the death of the Seventh Hokage, much to the shock of the fans.
However, now, deep into Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, this idea of the death of the Seventh Hokage, Naruto Uzumaki, has officially been shut down. Naruto Uzumaki is here to stay, and if anything, his return to the story is looking closer than ever before, based on the recent developments of the post-Mamushi arc, which awaits the release of Chapter 38 on October 20, 2026.
Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Shuts Down The Theories Of Naruto’s Death Forever
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Chapter 1, which was released officially on May 9, 2016, led to large-scale panic among the fans, which stemmed from the idea that Naruto Uzumaki would die in the future. This development was set up by Masashi Kishimoto and Mikio Ikemoto together. In the prologue of the story, we saw Boruto Uzumaki and Kawaki fighting in what appeared to be a completely destroyed Konoha. The Hokage faces were also fully destroyed, and it appeared, based on the conversation held by the two, that the shinobi kind was no more. Boruto Uzumaki stood as the last of the shinobi at this point, and Kawaki told him that he would be sending him to the same place as the Seventh Hokage. Naturally, if Kawaki intends to kill Boruto, that would mean that the Seventh Hokage had already died at this point in the story.
Boruto: I can’t believe you went this far, Kawaki!
Kawaki: I’ll send you where I sent the Seventh shortly, Boruto.
— Exchange between Boruto and Kawaki that foreshadowed the death of Naruto, Boruto Chapter #1
The idea that Naruto Uzumaki had died by this time in the story had a lot of backing at the time, but all this changed with the release of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, chapters 77 and 79. In Boruto chapter 77, which was released on January 19, 2023, Naruto Uzumaki, Konoha’s Seventh Hokage, was officially sealed away by Kawaki in the dimension of Daikokuten. This is the dimension where he still exists currently. In Boruto chapter 79, where Omnipotence officially struck on March 19, 2023, Kawaki explained to the entire world that Naruto Uzumaki is dead. Since then, the entire world of ninja has believed Naruto to be dead, but we all know that he is alive. The recent arc of the Boruto: Two Blue Vortex series, that is, the post-Mamushi arc, is working its way towards bringing him back.
“A while ago, I visited Konoha and was shocked to know that the Seventh Hokage had died. However, looking into your eyes, I’m convinced Naruto Uzumaki is still alive, isn’t he?” — Jura confirms Naruto’s Imminent comeback, Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Chapter #24
Why Naruto Remains Sealed In Boruto
The primary reason why Naruto Uzumaki remains sealed in the Boruto series is simply that it allows the new generation enough time to develop their own abilities. Back when Naruto was an omnipotent figure overseeing all things, it made little sense not to have him on the battlefield every single time and deal with the strongest of threats. As such, Mikio Ikemoto and Masashi Kishimoto had to come up with a way to nerf him tremendously or to completely seal him away, which is what they did eventually. Now, the new generation of ninjas is growing rapidly on their own and has attained enough strength to stand shoulder to shoulder with Naruto Uzumaki. It can also be said that, in many ways, they have already surpassed the likes of Naruto and Sasuke, which means that there is no need for these legends to be locked up any longer.
The most recent development of the Boruto series has seen to it that these legends officially return. The post-Mamushi arc of Boruto has set up the official death of Hidari, which means that, by acquisition of his Thorn Soul Bulb, Sasuke’s return is imminent. With Sasuke’s return, the comeback of Naruto Uzumaki is also on the cards, and with his official return, the theories of his death, which still persist in some way or form, will officially be quashed forever.
Hidari: You could’ve collected their Thorn Soul Bulb if you wanted, so why didn’t you? Or, rather, why did you bring me back?
Jura: Good question. I’ve never pondered the issue, but just now, when I tried to imagine a world without you in it, I experienced feelings of sadness.
— Ikemoto sets up Sasuke’s return and Hidari’s fall, Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Chapter #35
New Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Release Brings Naruto’s Return Closer
Boruto is currently in its post-Mamushi arc, which enjoyed the release of chapter 37 on September 18, 2026. Now all eyes are on Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Chapter 38, which is set to be released on October 20, 2026. It is set to expand upon the battle of Sarada, Code, and Hidari. As this battle continues, the fall of the Shinju edges closer as well, and with that comes the possibility of a return of Naruto Uzumaki. All things considered, the Boruto series is now moving rapidly towards Naruto’s comeback, which should happen within the next two arcs. As the Seventh Hokage returns, Konoha will have changed drastically, but at the same time, the popular theories surrounding his death will be quashed forever.
“It has been three years, the period that you yourself designated. Stop dallying and accept the position of 8th Hokage formally. You’re weakening our position, not just within the Land of Fire but with the other villages as well.” — Konoha Elders confirm the need for the 8th Hokage
Before Naruto Uzumaki comes back, however, we first have to see Sasuke Uchiha make his return to the Boruto series. The primary reason for this is simply the fact that Hidari, the primary reason behind Sasuke’s disappearance from the Boruto story, is now about to fall, and Sasuke’s return is thus inevitable. Naruto’s return is tied more directly to Jura, who has already located him and is going to do his utmost best to speak to him in the upcoming few arcs. In either case, we are incredibly excited about what comes next in the Boruto series because both Naruto and Sasuke are now set to make their comeback. Above all, we now have practical confirmation that Naruto Uzumaki is not going to die in this story. This means we can see these two legendary figures on the battlefield once again, facing off against some powerful enemies, just like they used to in the past.
All the new chapters of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex manga by Mikio Ikemoto, supervised by Masashi Kishimoto, are available to read via Manga Plus and Viz Media.
I’m Abhishek Sharma, an author at TigerJek.com. I enjoy exploring games, testing different strategies, and turning what I learn into clear, useful guides. My goal is to help players understand the game better and improve without the usual confusion.
