Few anime series have had the cultural reach and lasting influence ofNaruto. With its emotional story arcs, intense battles, and a powerful message of perseverance,Narutobecame a cornerstone of shōnen anime. However, as beloved as it is, the series has long been criticized for one glaring shortcoming, which is its mishandling of female characters. Even diehard fans have had to admit that characters like Sakura Haruno were underdeveloped and often reduced to awkward romantic subplots.
In the sequel seriesBoruto, fans have plenty to say, both good and bad, but one thing is clear, and that is that it is actively trying to fix what Naruto got wrong. Nowhere is this more evident than in its treatment of Sarada Uchiha.Unlike Sakura, Sarada is both emotionally and narratively impactful.Her feelings for the protagonist are not treated as jokes, but rather as sources of strength. And with Himawari Uzumaki entering the fray as well,Borutois doing more than just continuing the legacy, it is correcting it.
The Sakura Problem and Naruto’s Missed Opportunity
How Sakura Haruno Became a Symbol of Naruto’s Weakest Writing
Sakura Haruno had every chance to shine alongside Naruto and Sasuke, but her journey was riddled with frustrating writing choices.From the very beginning, her role revolved heavily around her infatuation with Sasuke.This limited her development and made her come across as shallow, especially when compared to the ambitious goals of her male teammates.
Even her rare moments of strength, like the fight against Sasori inShippuden, were overshadowed by later scenes where her decision-making was baffling. Her false confession to Naruto, meant to dissuade him from chasing Sasuke, backfired badly. It not only felt manipulative but also ignored Naruto’s emotional maturity, reducing both characters in the process.
The worst part is that the series kept insisting Sakura was on equal footing with Naruto and Sasuke, without showing that in any meaningful way. During the final battle, her contributions felt tacked on, and the story could have progressed exactly the same without her presence. This disconnect between the story’s intent and execution made Sakura one of the most divisive characters in the series.
And it was not just Sakura. Ino’s motivation in earlyNarutowas also tied entirely to her feelings for Sasuke. Their rivalry added little to the narrative, and their Chunin Exam battle is now often remembered as one of the series’ weakest. These portrayals created a pattern where women were primarily used as romantic foils rather than integral parts of the story.
How Sarada Uchiha Is Everything Sakura Was Supposed to Be
Sarada’s Strength Does Not Come From Suffering, and That is the Point
In contrast,Borutointroduces Sarada Uchiha, a character who seems tailor-made to correct these issues. Like her mother Sakura,Sarada is part of a team that includes the main protagonist. But unlike Sakura, Sarada does not exist in Boruto’s shadow. Her romantic feelings do not define her, they empower her.
A perfect example of this is the awakening of her Mangekyo Sharingan. Rather than being triggered by trauma or loss, Sarada’s new power comes from a fierce desire to protect Boruto. It is an emotional moment that flips the Uchiha legacy on its head. While most of her ancestors were consumed by pain, Sarada’s strength is rooted in love, trust, and belief in her teammate.
Sarada’s journey rewrites that script, suggesting that deep emotional bonds do not have to be toxic to be transformative.
This shift is huge. Naruto traditionally associated power, especially Uchiha power, with suffering. Sarada’s journey rewrites that script, suggesting that deep emotional bonds do not have to be toxic to be transformative. It also makes her romance with Boruto, while still understated, feel more mature and purposeful than anything Sakura ever had.
Importantly, Sarada is not treated as comic relief. Her affection for Boruto is not used for laughs or cringe-worthy gags. It is sincere, focused, and tied directly to the plot. As the series progresses, it is clear that she is being positioned as a central player and possibly even one of the story’s final decision-makers.
Himawari Uzumaki and a New Era of Relevance
Himawari’s Rise Is Proof Boruto Is Doing Things Differently
Sarada is not the only female character getting a serious upgrade inBoruto: Two Blue Vortex. Himawari Uzumaki, Naruto’s daughter, is finally stepping into a role that could have far-reaching consequences. In the latest chapters, it is revealed that she shares a connection with Kurama, the Nine-Tailed Beast once sealed inside Naruto.
This development is huge for several reasons. First,it gives Himawari a tangible link to the power that defined Naruto’s legacy. Second, it sets her up as a potential target for enemies like Jura, who seek Kurama’s chakra. In a narrative that once sidelined women during major battles, this ensures that Himawari will be at the heart of the action moving forward.
Her involvement also adds emotional stakes to the ongoing tension between Boruto and Kawaki. Both characters care deeply about her, and if she becomes endangered or manipulated, it could be the trigger for their long-hinted final confrontation. In other words, Himawari’s arc is not just about gaining powers, it is about anchoring the emotional core of the story.
Where Sakura was often written around the plot, Himawari and Sarada are written into it.
Where Sakura was often written around the plot, Himawari and Sarada are written into it. They have motivations, conflicts, and growth arcs that do not just complement the male leads, they challenge them, guide them, and sometimes even surpass them.
Boruto’s Redemption Arc Includes Its Women
Boruto Isn’t Just Continuing the Naruto Legacy, It Is Correcting It
It is easy to criticizeBorutofor its slow start or reliance on legacy characters. But credit must be given where it is due, and the series is making a genuine effort to evolve past its predecessor’s shortcomings.Chief among them is its portrayal of women, not just as love interests or support characters, but as leaders, fighters, and emotionally intelligent heroes in their own right.
Sarada’s evolution as a ninja with a powerful, positive emotional core offers a counterpoint to the old “tragedy equals strength” formula.Himawari’s entrance into the battlefield marks a new frontier for female charactersin shōnen. They are not just catching up, they are setting the pace.
In fixing this flaw,Borutohas not only honoredNaruto’slegacy, it has surpassed it. For longtime fans disappointed by Sakura’s treatment and new viewers looking for stronger female representation in anime,Borutois finally delivering whatNarutonever could. And that alone makes it more than just a sequel, it makes it a step forward.
