The following article contains spoilers for Naruto and Boruto.
Narutoconcluded years ago, but its legacy still lives, and the story is getting a sequel withBoruto. Although many fans dislike the official sequel,Boruto: Two Blue Vortexhas been a great addition to the amazing universe created by Masashi Kishimoto.
Still, there is an old discussion that seems to never die. Since the beginning of the story, fans have sided witheither Naruto Uzumaki or Sasuke Uchihaand claimed that their favorite one is the strongest character. While both are strong, there are reasons to believe Sasuke might be the stronger one.
Sage Mode Is Hard to Beat
Both Naruto and Sasuke are very strong at the end ofNaruto Shippuden. Naruto has become massively strong with the power of Kurama, in addition to the Six Path Sage Mode, which further amplifies his powers. Furthermore, it is clear that, considering only physical strength, Naruto has probably always been stronger than Sasuke. For this reason, many fans maintain thatNaruto is stronger than Sasukeat the end of the story. Some even say that he is stronger by a large difference.
However, while their reasoning makes some sense, it seems that fans sometimes only take physical strength into account when Sasuke and Naruto are both strong in different areas, and their fighting styles are very different.
Sasuke’s Rinnegan Gives Him the Upper Hand
Thanks to his Uchiha lineage, Sasuke was able to awaken the Sharingan. He later awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan, obtained the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan and eventually even the Rinnegan. This allowed Sasuke to learn many different techniques related to this doujutsu,giving him a wide range of jutsu options in battle, many of which are powerful genjutsu. He also learned and enhanced the Susanoo, one of the strongest abilities related to his Mangekyo Sharingan.
In a sense, Sasuke’s techniques are more “refined” than Naruto’s. While this doesn’t automatically make him stronger, it gives him more tools to adapt to all kinds of enemies. His signature technique, Chidori and its variations, is an example of how much Sasuke is able to adapt and reinvent himself in battle.
Who Is Stronger In Boruto?
Masashi Kishimoto has stated thatSasuke and Naruto were at the same levelat the beginning ofBoruto: Naruto Next Generations. However, as the story advanced, both lost part of their powers. Kurama sacrificed himself, and is now reborn inside Himawari Uzumaki, and Sasuke lost his Rinnegan, although many fans believe he will eventually get it back.
Because that which is destroyed can always be fixed and rebuilt.
— Sasuke Uchiha
While both have lost some of their abilities, it seems that Sasuke was doing better than Naruto before he was absorbed by a Claw Grime, originating a Human God Tree. The story hasn’t clearly explained what happened to him during the time skip, and prior to being absorbed, but it’s clear in his battle against Code that he is stronger. In any case, once they reappear in the story, it seems likely that both of them will get a power up and show incredible new abilities.
When Will They Return in Boruto?
For now, it is unclear when Sasuke and Naruto will return. Sasuke will only be able to appearonce Hidari is defeated, likely by Sarada Uchiha. Naruto, on the other hand, was sealed by Kawaki, and is bound either to return by breaking this seal or after Kawaki, for some reason, frees him. There is also a chance that Eida will force Naruto to return at some point.
It seems there is still a long wait before Konohamaru’s Team 7 will be able to defeat the Shinju Clones, so it will take some time before Sasuke is back. For Naruto, it seems likely that it will take even longer, as his return will probably only happen after Boruto and Kawaki have settled their differences. Either way, once Naruto and Sasuke need to join forces to defeat the Otsutsuki clan, it won’t really matter which of them is stronger.
Boruto: Two Blue Vortexisavailable to read on MANGA Plusin English and other languages.
