The famous phrase of Might Guy about old leaves feeding new ones is not just an emotional scene in Naruto. It represents the core of the series: unconditional support for future generations. This idea, according to a recent analysis, demonstrates that the controversy surrounding Boruto, the sequel following Naruto's son, overlooks the central message of the original work. Criticizing Boruto for existing is forgetting that Naruto always celebrated generational change.
Plot development as a driver of generational change 🌱
From a narrative standpoint, Naruto built a universe where each generation inherits the achievements and mistakes of the previous one. Shinobi technology, from seals to chakra, evolves with each era. Boruto is no exception: it introduces new techniques and systems, such as Karma or scientific ninja tools, which reflect a logical progression. The conflict among fans arises from rejecting these changes, but the parent series already established that technical and human growth is inevitable. Ignoring it is denying the essence of shonen.
The drama of fans who refuse to let go of the ramen 🍜
Many fans act like that grandfather who refuses to swap a CRT TV for a flat screen. They cling to the nostalgia of Naruto using the Shadow Clone Jutsu to do homework, while Boruto uses devices that look like they came from an electronics store. The irony is that Might Guy spoke of old leaves feeding new ones, not old leaves clinging to the trunk like koalas. If the original series taught anything, it's that the future always arrives, even if it hurts to see your favorite character with gray hair.