The Sage’s Return: Kishimoto Hints at Naruto’s New Power Level and a Major Shift in the Boruto Manga

Since the devastating loss of Kurama and his subsequent sealing by Kawaki, fans have been left to speculate on the future of Naruto Uzumaki’s power. The iconic Hokage, once the pinnacle of strength in the shinobi world, was left with a drastically diminished arsenal. However, with the latest developments in the Boruto: Two Blue Vortex manga, creator Masashi Kishimoto has begun to lay the groundwork for a monumental comeback, hinting that Naruto’s new power level may be just around the corner.

The Aftermath of Baryon Mode: A Hero’s Fall from Grace

The climax of the battle against Isshiki Ōtsutsuki saw Naruto unleash the awe-inspiring but ultimately fatal Baryon Mode. This last-resort transformation, which fused Naruto’s and Kurama’s chakra in a manner likened to nuclear fusion, granted him a temporary, god-tier power boost that allowed him to overwhelm his opponent. But the victory came at a terrible price: the death of his lifelong partner, the Nine-Tails Kurama.

This left Naruto in a state of extreme vulnerability. Stripped of his jinchuriki powers, he was a shadow of his former self, reliant on his mastery of Sage Mode and his innate Uzumaki chakra reserves. This “nerf,” while frustrating for many fans, was a necessary narrative device to allow the new generation—specifically Boruto and Kawaki—to take center stage. The series’ core theme, of the new generation surpassing the old, could not be realized if Naruto remained at his peak.

What’s Next for the Seventh Hokage? Decoding Kishimoto’s Clues

As the narrative of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex intensifies, the series has reached a point where the stakes are so high that a return for Naruto is not only expected but essential. While sealed away in a different dimension by Kawaki, the manga has provided subtle yet significant clues about how Naruto could reclaim his place as a top-tier shinobi.

The most prominent theory, and one hinted at by Kishimoto’s writing, revolves around Naruto’s connection to the other Tailed Beasts. During the Fourth Great Ninja War, each of the Tailed Beasts gave Naruto a portion of their chakra. Although this power was used extensively, fans have theorized that the connection itself remains. This would allow Naruto to tap into these reserves and become a “pseudo-Ten-Tails Jinchuriki,” with access to a variety of unique abilities, such as Lava Release from the Four-Tails Son Goku. This new form would not be as chakra-intensive as Baryon Mode and could offer a more stable, sustainable power-up.

Furthermore, as seen in earlier chapters, Naruto’s mastery of Sage Mode has always been a powerful asset. It is his most reliable form without Kurama. It is plausible that, in his isolation, Naruto has spent his time further perfecting this technique, pushing its limits to levels never before seen. A perfected Sage Mode could significantly close the gap between him and the god-like antagonists.

The manga has a precedent for such a power boost. After the time skip, Sasuke, despite losing his Rinnegan, has shown an impressive increase in his own abilities, demonstrating his improved mastery over his remaining powers. If Sasuke has been training and evolving, it is only logical that Naruto has been doing the same.

The Thematic Importance of Naruto’s New Power

Naruto’s return with a new, distinct power would do more than just shift the power scaling. It would be a powerful narrative moment, showcasing his resilience and growth. The original series was about a boy who overcame immense odds to become a hero. Now, the sequel must tell the story of a man who, after losing everything, finds a new way to fight for his world.

While many have debated whether Naruto should even regain his powers, citing the need for Boruto to be the sole protagonist, the return of the Seventh Hokage with a new level of strength would be a testament to his legacy. It would not overshadow Boruto but rather serve as an epic moment in a series that has, for a time, kept one of its most beloved characters on the sidelines. The inevitable clash with the Ōtsutsuki, and the new villain Jura, will demand every ounce of power from all of Konoha’s heroes.

With the plot of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex building towards an epic showdown, the stage is set for a powerful return. Whether it is through a re-established connection with the Tailed Beasts or a brand-new form of Sage Mode, Kishimoto has made it clear that Naruto Uzumaki is not out of the fight yet. His new power level has been teased, and fans are waiting with bated breath to see how the legendary hero will rise once more.