The a surprise at the end of the latest chapter of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations is garnering a wide variety of reactions from long-time readers.
SPOILERS FOR BORUTO CHAPTER 66 FOLLOW:
The majority of the chapter is focused on the latest showdown between Boruto, who has once again been placed under the control of Momoshiki Isshiki's powers, and Kawaki, who has reactivated his karma abilities. Naruto initially prevents Kawaki from landing a killing blow on Boruto, stating that even if he is currently a threat, he still has to protect his son. In a moment of clarity, Boruto regains control of his body, and pushes his father away. Fearing what will happen if Momoshiki's plans are allowed to happen, Boruto tells Kawaki to go ahead with their last resort, and he lets himself be impaled through the heart. The chapter ends with Naruto screaming his son's name as Boruto, with a massive hole through his chest, slumps to the ground.
Boruto really got the short end of the stick?#Borutochapter66 pic.twitter.com/O53FtT1ily
— ludwig ? (@ludwigschart) January 20, 2022
Boruto is a goat MC in my book. Respect little homie ??#Borutochapter66 #Boruto pic.twitter.com/Kr29uLexiE
— Issun_Ōtsutsuki ?? (@PrinceVegeta126) January 20, 2022
naruto's panic and helplessness, kawaki's resolve (I'm still lost on whether he's ruthless or not he did what needed to be done and naruto is unable to kill boruto) boruto's sacrifice ( I love this child) it was beautiful but damn I'm crying ??? #BORUTO #Borutochapter66 pic.twitter.com/M37K63D6X5
— Wiwi (@Ngoiwi) January 20, 2022
NAH MAN I AM SYRE IKEMOTO DID THIS ON PURPOSE MAKING THAT WOUND A HEART SHAPED ?#BORUTO #Borutochapter66 pic.twitter.com/Cxz3e54iiU
— Aditya (@AdityaCursed) January 20, 2022
While it's obvious that the young shinobi isn't going to stay dead -- in addition to being the manga's title character, the series first began with a flash-forward that shows an older version of the character in the future -- Boruto's noble sacrifice to protect his father and the rest of Konohagakure has inspired numerous emotional reactions from fans across social media. #Boruto and #BorutoChapter66 trended worldwide on Twitter shortly after the official release of the chapter as readers expressed their sadness and empathy for what Boruto has had to go through. While the character of Boruto initially received some criticism for his shortcomings when compared to Naruto, many readers showed respect for the young Uzumaki's maturation and growth over the course of the series. The chapter was also praised for the quality of the art during Boruto and Kawaki's karma-fueled battle.
Fans will have to wait until Feb. 20 to see what happens to Boruto, as that's when the next chapter of Masashi Kishimoto and Mikio Ikemoto's manga premieres.
2022 is already shaping up to be an eventful year for the franchise: in addition to the on-going manga and anime, the series' producers have teased a number of events related to the 20th anniversary of the original Naruto anime's premiere. At the most recent Jump Festa event in Dec. 2021, a new logo for the series, which shows the titular ninja at different stages of his life, was unveiled. The event also revealed a beautiful new illustration for the anniversary, which shows a young Naruto being comforted by his adult form, who had finally achieved his dream of becoming the Hokage.
Source: Twitter
