Boruto: Two Blue Vortexhas quickly become one of the most popular manga among fans of Masashi Kishimoto’s beloved universe. The second part ofNaruto’s sequel has made proper use of the tropes, characters, and lore that fans have grown accustomed to over the years. Nonetheless, its biggest accomplishment is the incorporation of themes and ideas from series and movies enjoyed by Mikio Ikemoto, the main artist behind the manga.
One of the most shocking inspirations, confirmed by the man himself during an interview, is the belovedMatrixtrilogy,considered some of the best sci-fi films ever created. While the idea of Boruto being inspired, at least partly, by Neo is already shocking, it seems like the manga may have also taken ideas from the Wachowski sisters’ saga, and these traits will define the future of the hero.
The Matrix Trilogy Has Inspired Boruto’s World
Will the Series Follow Neo’s Journey?
On July 28, 2025,Kishimoto and Ikemoto traveled to France to have a short chat with their fansand answer questions about theNarutofranchise. The interview was short but significant for readers, as the artists revealed many interesting details about their process and inspirations. When Ikemoto was asked about the media thatinfluenced theBorutoseries, he mentioned that the Matrix trilogy was among the largest. He went further by comparing the journey Boruto has gone through with that of Neo, beginning their quests as the prophesied saviors, only to be forced to learn to control their powers later.
While the interview did not go further into the ideas that inspired Ikemoto to createNaruto’s sequel, many fans have pointed out the similarities ever since his responses became public. Not only has Boruto become a renegade wearing a cloak, drawing parallels to theMatrix’s protagonist, but he has also swiftly become one of humanity’s only hopes againstthe powerful Otsutsuki clan, an advanced race trying to use humans as fuel.
Nonetheless, the recent revelation thatNaruto’s world follows the idea of a multiverse, one that can be observed by certain individuals, seems to be heavily inspired by Neo’s story. At one point in the secondMatrixmovie,Reloaded, Neo is told about the cycle his world abides by, giving him a choice. He could either sacrifice himself as all Chosen Ones have done in the past to save humanity, or solely save Trinity, dooming his species. Over the last couple of chapters, a similar situation has been presented in front of Boruto.
Boruto’s Choices Mirror Neo’s
The Hero Is Not Willing To Let His Loved Ones Die
During chapter #21 of theBoruto: Two Blue Vortexmanga, the titular protagonist was put into a situation quite similar to the one Neo was in during the second Matrix film. As the hero observed the battle between his allies and the Divine Trees,the most dangerous and powerful villains in the franchise, he realized that his master had sent them to die. Kashin Koji, using his Prescience ability, decided that sacrificing Yodo and Konohamaru was a necessary decision if humanity was to survive the battle against Jura.
The man told his pupil that he could either abandon his morals and let his friends die, ensuring that humans would win the battle for survival, or save his loved ones by sacrificing the future his master foresaw. As expected from such a righteous hero, Naruto’s son jumped into action, much to the disappointment and anger of Koji. By doing so,Boruto erased the futures his mentor had seen where the universe would be saved. This scene is not the same as in theMatrixfilms, as the world ofNarutois not as cyclical, but this scene does seem to draw heavy inspiration from the movies.
Kashin Koji can also be compared to theMatrix’s Architect, as they are wise and strict figures that push the protagonist to follow the future they have deemed the correct one. Boruto choosing his friends over the plan laid down by his master is a powerful moment that symbolizes the hero defying fate and deciding to forge his path. It is not onlyan amazing way to correct one ofNaruto’s biggest mistakes, but also a direct homage to the Wachowski sisters’ work.
Was Momoshiki Also Inspired by the Movies?
The Alien Acts Similarly to Agent Smith
Even though Momoshiki began theBorutoseries asone of the series' most powerful antagonistsdestined to take over the protagonist’s body, he has since evolved into a much deeper character. Unlike most members of the Otutsuki clan, who cared about their species’ evolution and progress, this villain was always seen as arrogant and prideful. His biggest desire is to regain his freedom and control, consume, and destroy any world he comes across. His character is also strongly linked with the hero, just like was the case with Neo and Agent Smith.
Momoshiki slowly merging with Boruto also draws many parallels to the ending of the character arc between Neo and Smith, both combining to give the machines a chance to destroy the rebel program.
Momoshiki has become a character who plays by his rules, not caring who he has to destroy on the path to achieve his freedom. The fact that he is slowly merging with Boruto also draws many parallels to the ending of the character arc between Neo and Smith, with both combining to give the machines a chance to destroy the rebel program. Although it is unlikely that the story of these characters will be the same as theMatrix’s, the similarities are quite clear for fans to explore.
Will Boruto Find Peace With the Divine Trees?
Could the Series Approach the Issue Like the Films Did?
One of the most controversial aspects of theMatrixfilm series is the ending of the original trilogy. After realizing that he could not defeat the machines on his own, Neo decided to strike a deal with them, sacrificing himself to delete Smith in exchange for peace between humans and their overlords. Over the last couple of chapters, particularly in entry #22, theBoruto: Two Blue Vortexmanga has proven that the Divine Trees are far too powerful for humans to defeat.
Boruto,who is among the strongest shinobi in the series, cannot seem to find a way to hurt Jura or stop his plans, not even with his numerous new techniques. Many fans have theorized that the only way to stop the Divine Trees is by appealing to their growing emotions and allowing them to coexist with humanity. It is possible that Ikemoto took inspiration from theMatrixseries and decided to follow its message of peace over war for his manga.
