It is hard to overstate Kakashi Hatake’s iconic status among classic <em>Naruto</em> characters, which makes it surprising that he is so noticeably absent in Boruto. Despite appearing in brief glimpses, such as his barely-visible portrait in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations chapter #6, Kakashi’s absence may have a darker explanation.
Kakashi pledged responsibility for Sasuke Uchiha’s pardoning and release from the Hidden Leaf village’s custody. For lack of a better explanation, he could be serving a prison sentence as an act of penitence. While this is not entirely likely, it partially explains why he was overlooked for returning to lead Konoha in Naruto’s absence.
While Shikamaru is undeniably a fascinating Hokage in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, who takes his responsibilities seriously enough to be a strong candidate, Kakashi’s absence is frustrating in the sequel manga. As the series has slowly reintroduced legacy Naruto characters, perhaps the true reason will eventually be revealed.
Kakashi Pledged Responsibility for Sasuke’s Wrongdoings in Naruto
In Naruto chapter #699, Kakashi oversaw Sasuke’s release from imprisonment, where they said their goodbyes, with Sasuke playfully promising to return to Sakura. However, since this release was under Kakashi’s watch, the Sixth Hokage made a point of mentioning this despite Sasuke’s numerous crimes, even though he helped undo the Infinite Tsukuyomi.
Kakashi cited his influence as Sixth Hokage and the personal wishes of Naruto, Konoha’s celebrated hero and future Seventh Hokage, as reasons for Sasuke’s release. He stated that if there were any future trouble, it would “fall on his shoulders.” Given that Boruto: Two Blue Vortex has seen elder Kobu interrogating high-ranking shinobi following Boruto’s jailbreak, all bets are off.
While it is unproven and overall unlikely that Kakashi would be seen as a heinous enough criminal for pardoning Sasuke, it is dismissive to pretend Kakashi wasn’t partially responsible for Sasuke aiding and abetting Boruto following his alleged assassination of Naruto. While this is due to Omnipotence warping the truth, it would be perceived as Sasuke having a criminal “relapse.”
Do not forget that before his pardoning, Sasuke committed treason, attempted murder of multiple high-ranking officials, and assassinated Danzo Shimura (admittedly the right move) among other acts. Were Kakashi to bear the responsibilities of Sasuke’s future crimes atop his past, either in Konoha’s custody or high-profile prisons like Hozuki Castle from Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Blood Prison.
Boruto’s Kakashi Appearances Are Insultingly Sparse
While Kakashi serving a term in prison is the most extreme solution, it is also the most organic way yet to explain his complete absence from public life in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex. For that matter, Tsunade is also noticeably absent, although it is more likely she is happily hidden away in some gambling den.
Kakashi’s appearances in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations are limited to being a Hokage portrait on the wall as seen in chapter #6. In the anime, beyond mild filler appearances including a humorous fatherhood coaching session with Sasuke, the best Kakashi appearances one can find are adaptations like Mirai Sarutobi’s spinoff story.
In the anime, beyond mild filler appearances including a humorous fatherhood coaching session with Sasuke, the best Kakashi appearances one can find are adaptations like Mirai Sarutobi’s spinoff story.
Kakashi is a beloved character and while Boruto: Two Blue Vortex is clearly taking its time reincorporating legacy characters to prioritize function over fan-service, the Sixth Hokage’s lack of plot relevance is agonizing. He certainly would not crave the spotlight anymore but as shown in The Steam Ninja Scrolls, he remains just as eager and capable a fighter as ever.
The Divine Trees Have One Way to Draw Kakashi Back in
As previously explored, the humanoid Divine Trees and their Borg-like Assimilation gimmick have reincorporated classic Naruto characters by creating twisted villainous Ten-Tails facsimiles. Hidari is based on Sasuke’s chakra while Matsuri was their version of Moegi. Incorporating Boruto characters too, Ryū was Shinki while Mamushi is Bug’s counterpart.
This means any vulnerable legacy characters chosen by Mikio Ikemoto and Masashi Kishimoto are fair game. While other overlooked characters like Tenten could be worthwhile targets, Might Guy being a technically possible target would be interesting. The Divine Trees adding their version of Guy to their roster would revisit his rivalry with Kakashi with darkly tangible stakes.
However, it ultimately falls on the decision of the creators of Boruto regarding how or even if Kakashi returns. As Boruto Uzumaki stated from chapter #1 onward, this is his story. Fans hoping to see Kakashi or any classic character will only see them if it serves the plot organically, especially if the anime’s return has no filler.
Kakashi’s absence from Boruto, while frustrating, is not a dealbreaker. His past sins are absolved so far. However, with his former students’ lives at stake, one might reflect on his most iconic quote:
“In the ninja world, those who break the rules are scum—that’s true. But those who abandon their friends are worse than scum.”
Kakashi Hatake
The manga must at least partially address Kakashi’s lack of appearances in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex. The village is currently under attack from a character bearing origins from the Ten-Tails. At some point, Kakashi will surely have to appear.
