With the Naruto franchise expanding into Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, fans have been reintroduced to familiar characters in new and complex roles. One character at the center of this evolution is Naruto Uzumaki, now the Seventh Hokage of the Leaf Village and a father of two. However, Naruto's parenting style in Boruto has divided audiences, with some labeling him a neglectful father, while others defend his duties as Hokage. Boruto's constant need for attention and discontent shed light on Naruto's parenting struggles and raise questions about his effectiveness as a father.
Examining Naruto's Parenting Controversy
From the outset of Boruto, Naruto's parenting has been a hot topic among fans. His absenteeism in Boruto's life sets a troubling tone, with his Hokage responsibilities often taking precedence over his family. While some argue that Naruto's role as Hokage is paramount, others criticize his failure to prioritize his children's well-being.
Instances of Parenting Missteps
Numerous instances throughout Boruto showcase Naruto's subpar parenting choices, negatively impacting his family dynamics. From missing important family moments to delegating family time to shadow clones, Naruto's actions paint a picture of a less-than-ideal parent. Despite his own tumultuous upbringing, Naruto's inability to learn from his past experiences further complicates his parenting journey.
Priority Struggles: Hokage vs. Father
As the Hokage, Naruto is constantly burdened with administrative tasks and village affairs, often at the expense of his family life. While his dedication to his village is commendable, Naruto's failure to recognize his family's needs showcases a significant blind spot. His repeated absences from family events and missed opportunities to connect with his children highlight a critical flaw in his parenting approach.
Clones Over Family Time
Known for his mastery of the Shadow Clone Jutsu, Naruto often opts to send clones to fulfill familial obligations instead of being present himself. This reliance on clones not only undermines genuine emotional connections but also reinforces the perception of Naruto as an absentee father. His choice to prioritize work over family time, as seen in his absence during Himawari's birthday, further strains his relationship with his children.
Evaluating Naruto's Parenting Legacy
While Naruto's dual roles as a father and Hokage present unique challenges, his struggles in balancing these responsibilities cannot be ignored. Despite the complexities of leadership, Naruto's failure to nurture a strong bond with Boruto underscores his shortcomings as a parent. The strained relationship between father and son in Boruto reflects Naruto's unresolved parental dilemmas, leaving fans to question his ability to reconcile his duties as a leader and a father.
Boruto is available for streaming on Prime Video.