Boruto Episodes That Are Manga Canon

By August Tales

The path of “Boruto: Naruto Next Generations” has left an indelible mark on the Naruto franchise’s dedicated audience. The controversial pattern of episodes—manga canon, anime canon, and filler,—creates mixed emotions among fans. To grasp the main narrative that unfolds after the manga, ascertaining the “manga-canon” portions is key. Still, Boruto stands proudly as more than a mere manga echo.

Understanding The Manga Canon Masterpieces

Manga-canon episodes closely adhere to Ukyo Kodachi and Masashi Kishimoto’s manga narrative. This ensures that every event has a direct impact on the broader plotline. From Episodes 19-24, the Sarada Uchiha Arc emanates directly from the Naruto Gaiden: The Seventh Hokage and the Scarlet Spring manga spinoff. This arc deeply explores Sarada Uchiha’s struggle with identity and familial ties, particularly her relation to her father, Sasuke, and her position within the Uchiha clan.

Similarly, Episode 39, titled “Mitsuki’s Past,” demystifies the creation of Mitsuki by Orochimaru. Mitsuki grapples with his unique and painful origin, a central theme that spills into the overarching narrative. The tense Chunin Exam Arc, spanning episodes 51-66, presents epic battles, plot twists, and a defining moment: Boruto’s victory over Momoshiki, resulting in a game-changing curse mark. This arc solidifies Boruto as a daunting force, setting the stage for conflicts revolving around the incoming Otsutsuki menace.

Anime Canon: Beyond The Manga’s Scope

Anime-canon sequences might not be direct extensions of the manga, but they enrich the main narrative. These episodes often provide thoughtful insights into character backgrounds, delve into side quests, or offer light-hearted breaks in the realm of the shinobi. For purists favoring the manga-driven plot, discerning these categories is vital.

For instance, the early anime-canon arcs delve into character growth and village life in episodes 1-15 (Academy Entrance Arc), 25-32 (School Trip Arc), and 34-37 (Graduation Exams Arc). They lay the groundwork for getting to know the new generation of shinobi. As the series evolves, arcs like Mitsuki’s Disappearance (Episodes 71-92) and Cursed Seal (Episodes 98-103) explore deeper character complexities and the constant threat of Urashiki Otsutsuki.

The Role of Filler Episodes

Filler episodes can be a bitter pill for manga purists to swallow. Despite not heavily contributing to the overarching plot, they offer breathing room for the audience and animators. For instance, episodes covering the Cho-Cho, Parent and Child Day, and Konohamaru’s Love arcs fall under the filler category. Though not vital to the main story, they add lighter moments to the series and provide an enjoyable watch for fans keen on exploring every nuance of the Naruto universe.

In totality, keeping track of Boruto’s course could be daunting, given the mix of manga-canon, anime-canon, and filler episodes. For the manga enthusiasts, crucial arcs to follow include the Sarada Uchiha Arc, Chunin Exam Arc, Mujina Bandits Arc, Vessel/Kawaki Arc, and the Code’s Assault Arc.

Nonetheless, anime-canon and fillers also play a significant role in painting a full picture of the characters’ journey and offering breathing room. Regardless of whether fans are ardent manga purists or anime-exclusive watchers, the series caters to all.