Boruto: Naruto Next Generations 1×51 Review: Boruto’s Birthday

‘Boruto’s Birthday’ served as a strong beginning to a (hopefully) very enjoyable arc in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. This week’s episode connected to the parent series’ canon, and I can’t wait to see how Team 7 fares against the danger that lies ahead.

The weakest thing in the current Boruto franchise is the depiction of Boruto and Naruto’s relationship. We know that the bond will be mended in Boruto: Naruto the Movie. However, seeing it continuously be forced into the anime’s narrative before the Chunin Exams begin feels like a chore.

The fact that the strained father and son relationship makes no sense is a problem, too. Boruto should be more understanding of his father’s responsibilities as the Hokage. He and Salad are the same age and she shares a better bond with Sasuke (her father) even though he’s rarely home because of his duties. That’s why I liked when Salad called Boruto out on his behavior and told him to grow up in this episode.

‘Boruto’s Birthday’ started on an ominous note, with a group of thieves being attacked by a mysterious creature in a strange mining tunnel. The episode then shifted to Boruto growing frustrated with people thinking he’s riding Naruto’s coattails to become a successful ninja. I get how Boruto feels. However, the fact that he’s Naruto and Hinata’s son immediately gives him an advantage as a ninja over others who don’t come from a special clan.

Being born normal is what drew me to Sakura. She worked hard to improve her skills and ultimately caught up with the super-gifted Naruto and Sasuke. Seeing Boruto complain about not wanting to be associated with Naruto just comes across as annoying. Boruto needs to accept his genetic privilege and be more understanding of how hard other ninjas (with no genetic advantages) have to work to succeed.

Coming to the main plot of ‘Boruto’s Birthday,’ the upcoming episodes will be dealing with hidden caves connected to Kaguya. With Team 7 finding themselves in front of a mutated White Zetsu, I’m really excited to see how they’ll defeat their enemy.

Some thoughts and questions:

• I was glad to see Sakura coming to Boruto’s birthday party. However, I do think Shikadi, Metal, Inojin, and the rest of Boruto’s friends should have been there, too.
• I’m very interested in seeing the Scientific Ninja Tool, which Katasuke gave to Boruto, in action.
• Are mutated White Zetsu’s a thing now? I wonder what explanation the anime will give.

Did you watch Boruto: Naruto Next Generations this week? What did you think of ‘Boruto’s Birthday’? Let us know.

Author: Farid-ul-Haq

Farid has a Double Masters in Psychology and Biotechnology as well as an M.Phil in Molecular Genetics. He is the author of numerous books including Missing in Somerville, and The Game Master of Somerville. He gives us insight into comics, books, TV shows, anime/manga, video games, and movies.

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