Naruto Does Great Things With Its Sequel, But Boruto Has Wasted One Ninja's Potential

Konohamaru Sarutobi had so much potential in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, but the series fell short of showing his true worth. The former members of Team 7 carried on the legacy of their mentors —Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru— with undeniable growth and strength. Even Rock Lee honored Might Guy’s legacy. As the grandson of the Third Hokage and Naruto Uzumaki's protege, Konohamaru carried a legacy that could have made him a standout character.

While Naruto is still alive, Konohamaru shares many similarities with him and could have continued what his uncle, Asuma Sarutobi, left behind. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case. Despite showing flashes of skill and leadership, his character lacked the development and moments needed to allow him to shine. Konohamaru had the potential to embody the next generation’s strength, but it was left untapped.

The Ninja Who Fell Short of Fan Expectations

A True Sarutobi, But Is He Falling Behind?

Konohamaru was one of the characters that kept Naruto alive with his playful energy and determination. From his silly antics to his hilarious rivalry with Naruto over who had the better harem jutsu, Konohamaru brought lighthearted moments that fans cherished. Even in the franchise’s filler episodes, his appearances were highly anticipated, and fans were rarely disappointed. However, in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, Konohamaru’s character feels underrepresented and in need of a stronger push to maintain his charm and relevance.

While he was poised to be a major figure as Team 7’s leader and Naruto’s apprentice, his screen time and impact often felt overshadowed by other characters. His potential to become a guiding force, much like his grandfather Hiruzen Sarutobi, his uncle Asuma Sarutobi or even Naruto himself, remains largely untapped. Fans who grew up admiring Konohamaru’s growth in Naruto expected to see him take on a more prominent and impactful role in the sequel.

Unfortunately, Boruto struggles to uphold Konohamaru’s image, leaving viewers wanting more depth, leadership moments, and meaningful contributions from a character who once promised so much. Konohamaru deserves better representation to honor his legacy and the Sarutobi clan, known as one of the strongest and most influential families in the Village of Konoha. He was one of the unforgettable characters in Naruto, and staying in the shadows in Boruto not only hides his potential but also risks disappointing fans of the original series.

Konohamaru Is Too Weak to Fight God-like Aliens

Boruto, Sarada, and Mitsuki Overshadow Konohamaru

There may be reasons why Konohamaru’s expected potential seems unachieved in the sequel. In Boruto, the new generation of ninjas, such as Boruto, Sarada, and the new Ino-Shika-Cho, were introduced alongside new, more formidable opponents. To elevate the story and continue where it left off with the mysteries surrounding Kaguya Otsutsuki, Boruto brought in powerful alien gods, who became the new enemies of the shinobi forces.

Konohamaru is like the Kakashi Hatake of the new generation of ninjas. As the teacher of the new Team 7—comprising Mitsuki, Boruto, and Sarada—he carries the same responsibility Kakashi once held as the go-to teacher for difficult missions. Konohamaru stands out among the new instructors in the sequel, but he is far from Kakashi's level of power.

Konohamaru isn’t getting the exposure fans expected because the opponents in Boruto are gods, and even a high-level jonin like him struggles to stand a chance. His students are on a completely different level—Boruto possesses both natural talent inherited from Naruto and alien powers of his own; Sarada is a perfect mix of talent, intellect, and hard work, taking after his parents; and Mitsuki is a high-level product of Orochimaru’s experiments, making him beyond human from the beginning. Konohamaru’s potential remains, but powerful enemies like Momoshiki and extraordinary students have indeed overshadowed him.

Konohamaru Can Use Naruto's Famous Jutsu

Konohamaru Needs the Spotlight He Deserves

Another remarkable trait of Konohamaru is being the only one of his generation to master Naruto's iconic jutsu the Rasengan. In the Naruto franchise, Konohamaru and Naruto shared a playful and competitive bond that went beyond their amusing battles. Despite their lighthearted rivalry, Naruto became a mentor-like figure to Konohamaru, even if his lessons weren’t always conventional or brimming with wisdom. Through this mentorship, Konohamaru learned the powerful Rasengan, solidifying his growth as a shinobi.

Naruto first taught Konohamaru the Rasengan when he was still a genin. Initially, Konohamaru required the aid of a shadow clone to execute the jutsu, mirroring how Naruto began. However, over time, Konohamaru progressed to a point where he could perform the Rasengan single-handedly, showcasing his determination and ability to follow in his mentor's footsteps. This development highlights Konohamaru's potential and dedication, traits that fans admire despite his underrepresentation in Boruto.

Konohamaru might not be satisfying some fans, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t reached his potential. Against the godlike foes in Boruto, who possess abilities far beyond those of ordinary ninjas, it’s understandable why Konohamaru doesn’t always stand out. However, giving him more exposure in battles where he can showcase his full capabilities could turn the tide, proving his character is far from a downgrade.

The current story arc in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex sees Konohamaru lead a team on a dangerous mission to destroy two Divine Trees, new enemies that surpass even the Otsutsuki. This could be the chance to highlight his strategic mindset, leadership skills, and the strength he developed over the years would remind fans of Konohamaru's promise as a true Sarutobi and ninja.