Naruto Creator Clarifies Who Oversees Boruto
Unmasking the Truth: Kishimoto and Ikemoto Clear the Air on Boruto’s Creative Control
The Naruto phenomenon is once again electrifying fans worldwide, thanks to a revealing interview with Masashi Kishimoto, the visionary behind the iconic series. At the forefront of the discussion was the creative team behind Boruto: Naruto Next Generations and its second volume, Boruto: Two Blue Vortex. The spotlight was cast on the often-debated topic: who’s really in charge of the sequel series?
Boruto has faced criticism since its launch in 2016, primarily aimed at the anime series’ departure from the original manga’s storytelling. While the manga received a more enthusiastic reception, fans still questioned the wisdom of having Kishimoto’s assistant, Mikio Ikemoto, and writer Ukyō Kodachi at the helm. The skepticism stems from a long-standing fan expectation: when an original creator is no longer involved, the resulting series is perceived as inferior.
Kishimoto sets the record straight in his interview, stating that the Boruto creative process is a true collaboration between himself and Ikemoto. According to Kishimoto, he provides initial story drafts, which Ikemoto refines with his own suggestions and changes. They then meet to discuss proposed alterations before Ikemoto takes over, drawing storyboards and dialogue.
In more direct quotes, Kishimoto explains that he has increasingly given Ikemoto the creative freedom to shape the story: “I initially wrote the broad outlines of the story, but very succinctly. We then organized a meeting to discuss it. Ikemoto-sensei is really the one who is fully in charge of Boruto… I just enjoy reading it!” Ikemoto adds context, saying that their collaborative process has evolved over time: “At the beginning, Master Kishimoto indeed shared his story with me. But the more we advance, the more different the plot becomes from what was initially planned. Today, I discuss the next part of the storyline with my editor, every month. So I think Kishimoto-sensei doesn’t yet know what’s going to happen next in Boruto.”

Boruto: Two Blue Vortex has received widespread acclaim, offering a fresh take on the Naruto universe and introducing new characters. The series has clearly taken a significant leap forward, solidifying Boruto’s position as one of the most powerful shinobi. Given the improvements, it’s evident that Ikemoto has earned recognition for his role in shaping the series. Don’t miss the latest developments in the saga, available in the Boruto: Two Blue Vortex chapter