Naruto Uzumaki is one of the most important characters Boruto series who is the seventh Hokage of Konoha. Although he is not the main character, as his son Boruto Uzumaki takes that role, Naruto remains central to the overarching plot of the story. As Hokage, Naruto made his way inside Boruto as the strongest in the world and the protector of Konoha. However, the dangers he's faced have led to him being sealed away at the moment, meaning fans are now desperately waiting for his eventual return. Even with Naruto's return, his overall fate remains unsettling at this point in the story. Through the bits and pieces created by Masashi Kishimoto and Mikio Ikemoto, the creators of the story, it is already clear what will happen to Naruto in the future of this manga.
What happened to Naruto Uzumaki in Boruto?
Naruto Uzumaki was sealed by Kawaki in Daikokuten
The fact that Naruto would meet a terrible fate in the Boruto series was discovered quite early on by Masashi Kishimoto. When the Boruto series began, Kishimoto and Ikemoto wrote a prologue in which Kawaki, who was a brand new character at the time, clearly stated that he would send Boruto Uzumaki to the same place as Lord Seventh. This confirmed the fact that something had happened to Naruto Uzumaki, with some wondering if he was dead and others hoping that he was merely incapacitated.
As Boruto's story continued, Naruto's fate was clear. He started off as one of the strongest in the world in the Boruto series, but as time went on Naruto was shown to be surpassed by many other powerful individuals such as Isshiki Otsutsuki. It was revealed that Ishiki was so powerful that Naruto had to go beyond all limits by tapping into Baryon Mode. This baryonic mode ended up being the beginning of his downfall, as his temporary power that allowed him to defeat Isshiki led to Kurama's death. After Kurama's death, Naruto was much weaker than before, leading to Kawaki sealing him away.
Boruto, I will send you to the same place I sent Lord Seven. — Kawakit Boruto Uzumaki
In Kawaki's mind, he sealed Naruto to protect him because the likes of Otsutsuki could kill him at that moment. Kawaki hopes to eliminate Otsutsuki before freeing Naruto and Hinata from the Daikokuten dimension. He also mistakes Boruto Uzumaki for Otsutsuki and as such wants to kill Naruto's own son before freeing him.
Why does Naruto come back at the end of the story
Naruto's return will coincide with the final battle in Boruto
Masashi Kishimoto and Mikio Ikemoto already emphasized in the story that Naruto will only return at the end of Boruto. This is clear from the fact that when Boruto and Kawaki engage in the final battle of the story, Naruto Uzumaki is still sealed away. Kawaki clearly states that he intends to send Boruto to the same location as the Seventh Hokage, meaning that at this particular point Naruto is still in Daikokuten. In order for Naruto to be freed, Boruto Uzumaki would have to defeat Kawaki for good. Only after Kawaki is defeated can Naruto Uzumaki return.
Lord Seven should have trained you. It's probably too late for that now. — Boruto Uzumaki Kawaki
It should also be noted that the fight between Boruto Uzumaki and Kawaki mirrors the fight between Naruto and Sasuke, and since this fight was the end of the Naruto series, this fight between the two brothers should mark the conclusion of the Boruto series. After the fight is over, Naruto Uzumaki will officially return again.
Naruto will no longer be Hokage in Boruto
Naruto's Time As The Seventh Hokage Has Come To An End
When Naruto returns in the Boruto series, he probably won't continue his role as the Seventh Hokage due to already established storylines. As made very clear by Kishimoto and Ikemoto, Sarada Uchiha must be the Hokage at the end of the story. Before her, Konohamaru Sarutobi must be Hokage of the village one way or another. As such, Naruto cannot continue in his role as the Seventh Hokage.
By the time of the destruction of the ninja world order, it is likely that Konohamaru had already taken over as Hokage of the village. Once the Boruto series reaches its conclusion, Sarada Uchiha will become the ninth Hokage of the village. Naruto Uzumaki would no longer be the Hokage at this point because if he did, the dreams of the other characters would not be fully realized. With Sarada as Hokage, Boruto will stand as her right hand and protect her whenever needed along with everyone else in the village.
The whole village is my family because I am the Hokage. — Naruto Uzumaki
Naruto's chapter finally ended
Since Boruto series began, it was clearly established that this was not Naruto Uzumaki's story and that he was only a minor character in it. Naruto's story ended in the original series written by Masashi Kishimoto. This story belongs to Boruto and the next generation, so readers' expectations were always meant to be tempered. Naruto Uzumaki will most definitely return at the end of the Boruto series and live a peaceful life from there.
Like Naruto, Sasuke Uchiha will also return by the end of the story. Together, Naruto and Sasuke could even serve as great Konoha shinobi, but it's clear that they won't be central to Boruto's overarching plot. After all, this is the story of the next generation of ninjas, and the likes of Boruto, Sarada, Kawaki, and even Himawari and Mitsuki should take center stage.
That doesn't mean Naruto and Sasuke can't get a proper conclusion to their stories. It is imperative that Kishimoto and Ikemoto give them good endings and maybe even restore their lost powers at the end. This would ensure that all Naruto fans will be satisfied with the conclusion of the Boruto series as well.
Given the sheer size of the Naruto series, the end of Boruto could even pave the way for the beginning of a new story that will once again focus on the likes of Naruto and Sasuke. There is a lot of potential for the new series to explore and for Naruto and Sasuke, along with Sakura and Kakashi, to be thrown into exciting adventures once again, which all readers of the original story would also enjoy. But as for the Boruto series itself, the chapter for these legendary characters to be the main characters is officially over. From now on, Konoha is entrusted to the next generation and it will be people like Boruto Uzumaki and his compatriots who will continue to protect the world from any incoming threats.
