Summary
TheBorutoseries may have expanded on several concepts of the originalNarutoseries, yet it has also managed to take the franchise’s power ceiling to obscure heights. While the majority of the series’ cast has already become obsolete, the events in the latter half ofBorutoseem to have pushedthe rank of Kageinto obscurity. Once known as all-powerful shinobi capable of taking on entire armies by themselves, the Kage have now dwindled into nothing more than ceremonial figureheads.
This relegation largely stems fromBoruto’sunprecedented power scaling, whether it’s the introduction of new Otsutsuki members or the revelation of Boruto and Kawaki’s Karma powers. Moreover, the Kage have mostly remained sidelined in theBorutomanga, with only a few canon appearances throughout the sequel.
Boruto’s Odd Power Scaling
New Antagonistic Threats Far Surpass the Kage’s Powers
One of the primary issues with theBorutoseries is its absurd power scaling.Naruto’sendgame villains had already rendered most of the series character roster obsolete, and Boruto has managed to sideline the remaining relevant characters. From the Karma Mark tothe power of Omnipotence, the series has pushed the shinobi world to its limits. With powers such as these running amuck, the Kage are naturally an irrelevant concept within the series’ current landscape.
Considering the current events ofBoruto: Two Blue Vortex, none of the Kage stand a chance against Boruto, Kawaki, or even Code. Equipped with ninjutsu absorption and space-time techniques, no Kage stands a chance against these god-like entities. Moreover, the current Five Kage have already been witnessed in battle againstMomoshiki and Kinshiki. The Kage barely managed to restrain Kinshiki, an Otsutsuki who currently stands as the weakest among the entire clan. This battle was enough to showcase how helpless the Kage were against these early Otsutsuki, meaning they don’t stand a chance against any of the newer contenders.
Moreover, Boruto’s odd power scaling further makes matters worse for the Kage. Naruto and Sasuke, two shinobi stronger than all other Kage combined, were defeated by Jigen in a two-versus-one battle. However, Code is stated to possess twice the power of Jigen, yet he was defeated by Boruto even after his limiters were removed. This peculiar situation paints Boruto and Kawaki to be well above all other Kage, which makes Boruto’s power-scaling all the more bizarre.
The Strength Of the Current Kage
The New Five Kage Fail to Compare to their Predecessors
The Five Kage inNarutowere truly a force to be reckoned with, as each leader possessed enough strength to single-handedly defend their entire nation. The current Kage, on the other hand, can’t seem to hold a candle to their predecessors. Apart from Gaara, every other Kage seems to be a weaker version of their predecessor. This is especially true for Kurotsuchi, Darui, and Chojuro, who are yet to showcase their potential in the series.
Since the previous Kage had already set an extremely high benchmark, the current Kage are constantly overshadowed by their predecessors. Moreover, the events in theBorutoseries also paint a grim picture, with Kurotsuchi being captured by mere fabrications, Chojuro barely standing his ground against a band of misfits claiming to be the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist, and Gaara losing to Urashiki Otsutsuki. WithNaruto also losing Kurama’s powers, the Five Kage have effectively been written off from the narrative altogether.
Shikamaru’s rise to power asthe provisional Eighth Hokagehas further weakened the status of Kage in theBoruto: TBVmanga. While he is arguably the smartest character in the series, Shikamaru lacks actual fighting strength. This is further exacerbated by the fact that he has only the Shadow Possession Jutsu in his arsenal.
Is There Any Hope For the Rank of Kage?
The Series Can Redeem the Rank of Kage With New Contenders
As things currently stand in theBoruto: TBV manga, the five Kage have been relegated to irrelevancy. The current status quo of the Otsutsuki and Karma users isn’t going to be toppled any time soon. While the other four Kage were already sidelined in the narrative, Naruto has now been put in a state of stasis, effectively removing the Seventh Hokage from the story as well. With all five Kage out of the equation, this position has lost its initial reverence and profundity.
I plan on becoming Hokage by choosing a different path than my dad!
However,Boruto: TBVcan reverse this status quo by appointing a stronger Hokage down the line. With Sarada being one potential contender for the position, the status of Kage could be redeemed. Still, the Kage of the other nations are stagnant, and Sarada won’t be replacing Shikamaru as Hokage anytime soon. It’s safe to say that the rank of Kage will remain irrelevant inBoruto’snarrative, at least for now.
