5 Naruto characters the Boruto manga can safely kill off (& 5 too close to fans' hearts to sacrifice)

Naruto characters have cemented a special place in fans’ hearts. Many resonated with the characters' journeys, struggles, and victories. Now, as Boruto continues to expand on the next generation of shinobi, it faces the challenge of balancing nostalgia with progress. This often involves making tough calls, including the fate of beloved characters.

While some could be safely written out without destabilizing the story, others might be deeply entrenched in fans' hearts such that their deaths would be gut-wrenching. This feature explores such Naruto characters that the Boruto manga, on one side, can safely draw the curtains on, and on the other, characters whose sacrifices would be too painful for fans to bear.

Naruto characters from Boruto that can be safely killed off

1) Killer B

Kicking off this Naruto characters list is Killer B. Hailing from Kumogakure, Killer B was the Jinchuriki for the Eight Tails, Gyuki. It was under his guidance that Naruto Uzumaki learnt how to control and harness the power of the Nine Tails, Kurama. An incredibly powerful shinobi tasked with protecting his village, Killer B yet aspires to become a great rapper.

Staging Killer B's demise wouldn't affect the overall narrative much, given his limited role in the series. Granted, his character was popular due to his comedic timing and abilities, but his death can be done safely by the creators.

2) Temari Nara

Temari Nara is another one of the Naruto characters whose passing can be plotted safely. A shinobi from Sunagakure, she was the eldest of the former Sand Siblings, above Gaara and Kankuro. Despite appearances in Boruto, she is still a powerful kunoichi possessing Wind Release. Temari married Shikamaru Nara, becoming a Nara Clan member and emigrating to Konoha.

Killing off Temari would definitely bring pain to those who have resonated with her story. However, it wouldn't severely affect the narrative. Moreover, her demise might act as a sort of push for Shikadai, similar to Shikamaru losing his own father and later Asuma Sarutobi.

3) Choji Akimichi

Next on this Naruto characters list is Choji Akimichi. Alongside Shikamaru, he was the only one to ever befriend Naruto during their childhood days. Thus, they were steadfast allies, fighting hard and true for his friends and his village during the Fourth Great Shinobi War. As an adult, Choji comes off as laid back and jovial but keeps his competitive side alive, often challenging his daughter to eating contests.

While a beloved character, Choji's death, again, wouldn't completely derail the main story. He plays a limited role in it, initially acting as mentor and sensei for Chocho. Similar to Shikadai, Choji can be killed off safely and possibly act as a spur on for Chocho to strengthen herself further.

4) Might Guy

A surprising entry on this Naruto characters list, but fitting nonetheless, is Might Guy. Initially introduced as a significant comedic element, Might Guy's true power was showcased during the Fourth Great Shinobi War. He opened the Eight Gates and nearly defeated the Otsutsuki-fied Madara Uchiha, earning the title of "Strongest Taijutsu Fighter" from him.

Killing off Guy in Two Blue Vortex wouldn't cause much harm as he has served his role. He was incredible in the original series and poses as more of an advisory figure now, thus drawing the curtains on him wouldn't be too much of an issue.

5) Ino Yamanaka

Finally, concluding this end of the Naruto characters list is Ino Yamanaka. Introduced as Sakura Haruno's direct rival, she often tussled with the pink-haired girl. However, they finally made peace with each other and became the best of pals. Thanks to the Yamanaka Clan's techniques, she became the Head of the Konoha Barrier Unit and was the third member of the previous Ino-Shika-Cho trio.

Having Ino meet her demise in Boruto might not be much of a poor decision. Like in Shikadai and Chocho's case, her demise could fuel Inojin to become stronger. Put together, losing such loved ones might just push the new generation's Ino-Shika-Cho to greater heights than their parents.

Naruto characters from Boruto whose deaths would be heartwrenching

1) Gaara

Switching sides, Gaara is one of those Naruto characters whose death would be simply too much for the fandom to bear. In a nutshell, Gaara was portrayed as the Naruto Uzumaki who let the darkness get to him. He became a threat to anyone who dared to oppose him and uncontrollable when he was angered. But he turned over a new leaf when he was saved and became likely the greatest Kazekage.

Moreover, killing off Gaara at this point would definitely harm the narrative. As seen, he was a father figure to Shinki, an important character in the series. Further, Shinki sealed Gaara before being turned into a tree. Given Ryu's abilities and with Naruto gone, Gaara is the Leaf's best bet at battling the Shinju.

2) Hinata Uzumaki

Undeniably, Hinata Uzumaki falls under the list of Naruto characters whose demise would hurt both the fandom and the story. The Byakugan Princess, she stuck with Naruto throughout the original series, never once viewing him as a monster and stepping in when possible to help. Now, she serves as his wife, standing firm beside the 7th Hokage.

Though she hasn't played all that much of a significant role in the narrative, there is a possibility that she will later on. After all, Naruto aside, she acted as a mother figure to Kawaki and could likely be one of the people who can get through to him.

3) Naruto Uzumaki

Needless to mention, Naruto Uzumaki is also among those Naruto characters in Boruto who cannot be killed off safely. The Number One Knucklehead Ninja, he was shunned for the Nine Tails Fox being sealed within him. However, his heroics in the original story led to him becoming the most loved in Konoha, and eventually, he fulfilled his dream of becoming Hokage.

In Boruto, Naruto is sort of a central figure, having played a hand in both Momoshiki and Isshiki Otsutsuki's defeats. It was for fear of losing him that Kawaki sealed Naruto and Hinata away. So, firstly, killing the original protagonist would be a bad idea, and second, it would seriously hurt fans.

4) Iruka Umino

Mentor and father figure to Lord Seventh, Iruka Umino is also one of the Naruto characters in Boruto whose death would garner painful reactions. He was one of the few characters who actually looked out for Naruto in his childhood. Iruka stood silently behind the boy, caring for him as his own as he saw himself in Naruto and sought to disallow the boy from experiencing the same pain he did.

Drawing the curtains on Iruka would definitely be too much for fans to digest. His kindness, honor, and selflessness led to him becoming a fan favorite, not to mention how he treated Naruto.

5) Sakura Haruno

Finally, the last entry on this Naruto characters list is Sakura Uchiha. Despite the mixed reactions she receives from the fandom, Sakura has been a crucial figure, beside Naruto and Sasuke. Initially, she wasn't anywhere near as strong as them, but once she was mentored by Tsunade Senju, she unlocked a whole new level of strength.

In Boruto, she is married to Sasuke Uchiha and is mother to Sarada. With Sasuke seldom at home, Sakura oversaw Sarada's training quite well. Again, part of the former main cast, she will likely have a greater role down the line. Thus, Sakura has grown too close to fans' hearts to be sacrificed for the narrative now.