This Boruto Character Shouldn’t Exist, Here’s Who Should’ve Taken Their Role Instead

Summary

• Boruto’s introduction of Scientific Ninja Tools revolutionized combat with advanced technology.
• The series abandoned the potential of Scientific Ninja Tools for alien threats and bionic ninjas.
• Tenten’s character could have been enhanced by taking on Katasuke Tono’s role in Boruto’s story.

When Boruto Uzumaki entered the Naruto world as the son of protagonist Naruto Uzumaki, fans got excited for what adventures he might be bringing to both the pages of Boruto and its inevitable anime series. So when Boruto hit the ground running with more advanced tech – specifically Scientific Ninja Tools – fans were flabbergasted to see not just the “next generation” of ninjas be incredibly talented but also capable of wielding all sorts of unique gadgets. And with the threat of the Otsutsuki making themselves known once again, the series made it quick for fans to realize that this Scientific Ninja Tool craze is just the tip of the iceberg.

Popularized by Konoha jonin Katasuke Tono and upgraded further by Kara scientist Amado Sanzu, the upgraded tech of Boruto will begin with just mere chakra-storing scrolls and evolve into actual cybernetic enhancements, proving Naruto‘s world needed more than just chakra and ninjutsu to defeat their new extraterrestrial threats. Unfortunately, the Scientific Ninja Tool is at the center of what might be one of the most unnecessary characters in the series.

Game-Changing Combat Tech In Boruto’s Futuristic Era

The initial introduction of Scientific Ninja Tools classified them into different kinds: chakra-accumulating Condenser Types that launched sealed jutsu, prosthetic Bionic Types with chakra pathways, physically-enhancing Amplification Types, and Advanced Technology Types that were practically improved ninja tools. Boruto gets extensive use of the Condenser Type Shinobi Gauntlet upon the urging of inventor Katasuke Tono, wherein wearers can launch jutsu-sealing Scroll Cartridges to unleash high-level Ninjutsu.

Boruto’s usage of the Shinobi Gauntlet leads to one of the most iconic Boruto scenes: that of Naruto Uzumaki disqualifying his own son in the recent Chunin Exams. In the anime and novelization of the arc, Naruto bans the usage of the tools to preserve the nature of the Chunin Exams as a way to hone shinobi skills (anime) and to only allow the Tools upon extensive public use (novel). These reasons are tied to the history of the Tools themselves, in that they were a recent introduction after the Fourth Great Ninja War when cooperation among Hidden Villages also declassified a lot of documents pertaining to them and their operations.

Shinobi-Ware And Shinjutsu Stole The Hype

Short-Lived Plot Hook That Didn’t Live Up To Expectations

Boruto’s initial resentment towards Naruto because of this disqualification followed by Momoshiki’s assault on Konoha became a compelling “introduction” to the youngster’s story. Back then, many speculated whether Scientific Ninja Tools would have more of a role in the Naruto world after their introduction – would regular civilians now be able to perform techniques like ninjas? How would this affect perception towards Hidden Villages? And would civilians with resentment towards Hidden Villages be using Scientific Ninja Tools for their own gain? Similar to The Legend of Korra’s resentment towards Benders, Boruto’s Scientific Ninja Tools had the potential to upend the sociopolitical structures within Hidden Villages.

Unfortunately, what potential Scientific Ninja Tools had for a deeper look into Naruto’s world were traded in favor of aliens and a secret society with bionic ninjas. While these “bionic ninjas” were indeed comprised of more advanced Bionic Type Tools called Shinobi-Ware, the escalation from “special ninja tools” into “ninja cyborgs” did feel necessary when the next “phase” of Boruto’s arcs involve the arrival of alien ninjas with powers. And when the new “big bads” of Boruto seemed capable of hand seal-less Shinjutsu (and was apparently the precursor of all Ninjutsu), “typical” Scientific Ninja Tools were quickly dismissed as just yesterday’s plot devices.

Enter Katasuke Tono

The Prodigious World-Renowned Expert On Scientific Ninja Tools

Since Scientific Ninja Tools became the prominent “new tech” in the Boruto series, it made sense for its foremost experts to be in-series exclusives as well – namely Amado Sanzu for Kara’s Shinobi-Ware and Katasuke Tono for Konoha’s Scientific Ninja Weapons team. Not much is known about Katasuke, except perhaps for the fact that he is a Tokubetsu Jonin with genius-level intellect. Despite his rather eccentric and goofy nature, it’s implied Katasuke is a skilled shinobi in his own right – and his keen interest in developing tools for the betterment of Konoha resulted in groundbreaking prosthetics as well as the powerful Shinobi Gauntlet.

Unfortunately for Katasuke, he gets subjected to Kara brainwashing courtesy of former Kirigakure-nin Ao, his patient from as far back as the Fourth Great Ninja War. While Konoha manages to get him out of this mind control, Katasuke becomes ridden with guilt and began working twice as hard to create even more advanced tools – the most recent of which is technology that can absorb Ninjutsu in a way similar to that of Momoshiki Otsutsuki’s ability, although they have yet to figure out how to re-release the jutsu the new tool manages to absorb.

Enter Tenten, Whose Role In Boruto Double-Downs On Disappointing Character Development

An Owner Of A Failing Weapons Shop Is A Disservice To Her Character

While it makes sense for Boruto to feature its own cast of characters for both Naruto vets and newcomers to appreciate, the number of underdeveloped shinobi in the original series could leave fans wondering why even shelf them in favor of a new cast. Such is the case of Tenten, the Konoha Eleven’s supposed weapons specialist turned weapons master whose purpose became so minimal upon the series introduction of grander and flashier ninjutsu.

Tenten in the original Naruto series is already made infamous for being sidelined, as her lack of development cemented Kishimoto’s reputation for writing weak female characters. It’s not enough that Temari pummels Tenten with mere gusts of wind, but her character is made practically useless in Shippuden’s massive attacks and alien ninjas. The setting of Boruto seems to double down on Tenten’s disappointing character arc, as her weapons expertise is reduced to her being the owner of a failing weapons shop. And when she does get some screen time in the series, it’s to either show the struggles of her shop getting low sales, being affected by Urashiki Otsutsuki’s genjutsu, or being slammed by Isshiki Otsutsuki’s attacks.

Why Not Have Another Character Take Tono’s Role?

Katasuke Tono’s Character Is A Worthwhile Upgrade For Tenten

While it’s quite a compelling sight to see new ninja showcase specializations in Boruto’s more advanced tech, Tenten is in the perfect position to get Katasuke Tono’s role. After all, despite Tenten’s lack of relevant exposure in the Naruto series, Tenten’s prowess earned her spot in the Konoha Eleven. She grows up to be Konoha’s top weapons user, being a master of different shinobi weapons as well as storing them in scrolls and even modifying them with special effects – Tenten is the go-to person for weapons with wire strings and explosive tags should they need accuracy or enhanced lethality.

Not only that, but Tenten is an incredibly proficient and adaptable marksman, summoner, and weapons user. Tenten is capable of summoning and controlling dozens of puppets without the need for chakra threads, and uses weapons she only read about with incredible proficiency. While Tenten gets little exposure in the combat department in the Naruto story, it would still make sense for Tenten to be among those to think of future weapons developments to ensure another Great Ninja War doesn’t happen again.

Tenten Is A Victim Of Circumstances

Poor Writing And Poor Matchups Didn’t Help Her Shine

Just because Tenten hasn’t been shown intensely studying weapon innovations doesn’t mean she’s less capable than the likes of Katasuke Tono or Amado Sanzu. In fact, Tenten’s lack of any “training” arc and any way of showcasing how she’s truly grown unlike her peers is testament to what poor treatment she’s received by way of writing and circumstances. The writing on the wall for Tenten getting the short end of the stick has been apparent in her matchup against Temari, as Tenten hasn’t been given the opportunity to at least attempt to outsmart the AOE user much in the same way Shikamaru has accomplished.

In fact, when the best of Tenten’s story arcs involved a filler arc featuring ridiculous-looking weapons, fans know the character might not get any worthwhile development. This is such a shame considering Tenten is perhaps among the most “accurate” kunoichi in the series, as she’s the only one who actually consistently used ninja weapons throughout her career. In fact, should Tenten take Katasuke Tono’s role, Tenten’s constant mastery of ninja weapons could have been a crutch to a career break she has been waiting for.

Could Have Been A Quarter-Life Crisis Success Story

Earn A Specialist Rank Much Like Her Konoha Eleven Batchmates

Tenten’s participation in Boruto’s Chunin Exams and her deployment of automated wooden puppets means she has some degree of proficiency in using these kinds of advanced weapons systems. Whatever lack of exposure she’s gotten in the wartime of the Naruto series could have led her to a much-needed break in Boruto, as the peacetime era of the time could have pointed Tenten to weapons research.

This path isn’t even something to think of willy-nilly, as Shippuden already gave Tenten an “in” to weapons research: the “Locus of Konoha” arc. In this storyline, Neji, Naruto, and Tenten were sent to Io and the Konoha Tool Research Lab to check on the status of new ninja weapons. It’s in this arc that Tenten is forced to learn to use the gigantic Jijanda in combat – a feat she accomplishes and uses to prove her worth as a weapons master. Tenten could have studied under Io and become a weapons researcher herself in the New Era, much like Sakura became Konoha’s best medical-nin after her tutelage under Tsunade.

A More Meaningful Denki Kaminarimon Apprenticeship

Her Own Past Could Have Been The Source Of Lessons

Despite being an anime-only character, Denki Kaminarimon became one of the more interesting batchmates of Boruto in the New Era due to his unique nature: initially just a meek and shy boy, Denki proves his worth as a shinobi by being their equivalent of a resident genius. He loves computers and often keeps tabs on the abilities of his batchmates, and his tactical and technological acumen impressed both Sai and Katasuke – with the former remarking his strategic prowess is Chunin-level, while the latter let the kid create his own suit of Scientific Ninja Tools to fight in the Chunin Exams. Compared to Boruto’s Shinobi Gauntlet, Denki’s suit is self-made and is therefore usable in the tournament.

Interestingly enough, Tenten could have been a worthwhile mentor for the youngster due to their similar backgrounds. Tenten has had the unfortunate reality of being an “ordinary” kunoichi in a generation of “greats” – so much so that she’s had a lot of unfortunate matchups that led to regular defeats. Denki on the other hand doesn’t have the best physical stature and natural talents, to the point that he had to compensate with his intellect to compete with them. Tenten could have been a great mentor to Denki, offering him the same advice Boruto had done but in a more meaningful manner. While Boruto’s advice to Denki made him look more of a protagonist-esque figure, Tenten giving the same advice may have helped Denki look more independent and also reconcile Tenten’s own unfortunate arc.

Could Make A More Impactful Kara Introduction

A Brainwashed Tenten Could Have Been An Interesting Arc

One of the first displays of Kara’s horrifying skill set would be Ao and Kashin Koji’s brainwashing of Katasuke into giving them vital information about the village – something that the weapons scientist regretted later on in the series. Turning Katasuke into Tenten in this situation could have made for a more impactful introduction to Kara’s inner workings, as even Ino’s eventual interrogation towards Katasuke could have been more dramatic when it’s her friendship with Tenten down the line.

It’s also important to consider how such a circumstance fits the Chunin Exams and Versus Momoshiki Arc, where much of the themes involves the beginning of passing the baton to the next generation when Boruto defeats the Otsutsuki threat. Sowing temporary discord among the Konoha Eleven and then repairing it could strengthen their bonds, paving the way for more meaningful guidance towards Boruto’s generation.

A More Meaningful Involvement With Amado

Tenten’s Pre-War Sentiments Could Clash With Amado’s Modernity

When Amado is introduced as Kara’s main go-to guy for Shinobi-Ware, even Katasuke is impressed with the character’s take on Scientific Ninja Tools. Unfortunately, Amado’s knowledge on the Otsutsuki sidelines Katasuke immediately, as he becomes the person in charge of Kawaki’s improvements and studying Boruto’s Kama in the first part of the story. Even if Tenten takes Katasuke’s place and gets sidelined, fans could have seen more meaningful dialogue between the two as “weapon developers.”

Amado having been coerced to develop Shinobi-Ware by Isshiki for the sake of her daughter could have attempted to justify wrong actions, while Tenten’s participation in the Fourth Great Ninja War could become a counter to the kind of harm this would entail. Even if Tenten gets sidelined in the end, this slight tension between the two of them could have been enough to at least get a bit of philosophical action surrounding Scientific Ninja Tools – allowing the technology to get a bit of spotlight amid Shinjutsu and Otsutsuki matters.