Boruto is turning Gaara into Naruto, and the latest timeskip confirms it

Modified Oct 24, 2024 13:20 GMT

Naruto Uzumaki and Gaara (Image via Sportskeeda) — Naruto Uzumaki and Gaara (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Boruto: Two Blue Vortex chapter 15 has proven to be quite unfortunate for those who choose to oppose the Shinju. With the addition of Ryu, the Shinju modeled after Gaara's adoptive son Shinki, the God Tree creatures are even so stronger. In fact, Matsuri taking on and defeating Gaara and the new-age Sand Siblings all by herself speaks volumes about their strength.

Nonetheless, all hope isn't lost since Shinki chose to seal away Gaara in an Iron Sand Prison. This can only be accessed by him and now, by Ryu as well. However, this entire incident seems to hint at a common trend. This had happened not too long ago and took place in a similar manner - Kawaki sealing away Naruto and Hinata in an attempt to protect them.

Disclaimer: The article contains spoilers.

The latest time skip establishes Boruto's effort to turn Gaara into another Naruto

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Boruto: Two Blue Vortex chapter 15 showcased an incredible parallel. So far, the storyline has been impeccable and Mikio Ikemoto continues to deliver each month. Establishing the Shinju as a powerful force and the Shinobi doing everything they possibly can to hamper their goals has been a masterstroke.

What is being referred to here is Shinki sealing away Gaara to protect him. To add a little context, Matsuri (Shinju modeled after Moegi) arrived at the Land of Wind to pursue Boruto and his ally's chakra. But she instead found an old Orochimaru hideout where she stumbled upon Gaara and the new-age Sand Siblings, who had arrived there when they sensed her own chakra.

She wasn't interested in them but engaged in battle. The result was Gaara suffering serious injuries while trying to protect the new Sand Siblings. The fight ended with Shinki breaking free and sealing Gaara away in an Iron Sand Prison, turning him into a tree. His jutsu was strong and as noted by Matsuri, couldn't be undone by anyone but him.

Kawaki and Naruto (Image via Studio Pierrot)

This incident is parallel to what happened in Boruto part I. In chapter 77, we see Kawaki resolve to destroy every single Otsutsuki. In addition, to protect Naruto and Hinata from them, they are sealed away in a different dimension. He does this, of course, against their wills and they appear to be in a comatose state, sleeping and unaware of their surroundings.

Ikemoto seems to be purposely drawing parallels, recreating this incident but this time with Gaara and Shinki. The only difference is that Gaara is safe and Shinki has been turned into a tree, with Ryu emerging as his Shinju. But isn't the only bit that Ikemoto mirrors. Gaara’s evolving role as mentor and leader in the Sand Village is akin to Naruto's role as a father figure and guide for Kawaki and Boruto.

Such a parallel is made further evident following the time skip and the events of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex. Gaara's relationship with Shinki is very similar to Naruto and Kawaki's bond, specifically with both adopted sons having struggled through their own insecurities and emotions. Both began as cold and rageful but through Naruto and Gaara's respective influence, began to view the world differently.

In conclusion

Shinki and Gaara (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Kawaki sealing away Naruto and Hinata in a bid to "protect" them marks a turning point in his evolution. Henceforth, he began to tread a darker path, much like the struggles Gaara once faced when he was unable to control Shukaku and was feared. The weight of leadership coupled with the responsibility he feels for Shinki and the village shaped Gaara into the kind of mentor that Naruto was for Kawaki.

Gaara’s journey (from Naruto) reflects in glimpses of the way he mentored Shinki, very similar to how Naruto treated Kawaki and accepted him. This father-adopted son dynamic underscores a cycle of maturation, recovery, and responsibility, driving home the view that Boruto is turning Gaara into Naruto. Both men must lead and protect while nurturing the next generation through a torrid world.