In a surprising and direct comment, Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto has officially stated that Boruto is no longer his manga. Instead, he clarified that the story and artwork are fully handled by Mikio Ikemoto, the artist who has been working on Boruto since its beginning. Kishimoto said clearly, “Ikemoto is completely in charge of the story and main illustrations. Boruto really is Ikemoto’s manga.”
This comment comes at a time when fans have been debating who truly controls the creative direction of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex. Many assumed Kishimoto had returned to play a more active role. But this message ends the confusion—Boruto now fully belongs to Ikemoto.
For longtime fans of Naruto and Boruto, this news might feel a little strange. Masashi Kishimoto was the original creator of the Naruto series, which ran for 15 years and became one of the biggest names in anime and manga worldwide. His storytelling, character development, and art style helped build a universe that millions of fans grew up with. So when Boruto was announced, many thought it would continue directly under his guidance.
Kishimoto Passes the Torch: Boruto Now Officially Belongs to Ikemoto
At first, Kishimoto stepped back from the spotlight and allowed Mikio Ikemoto, who had been his longtime assistant during Naruto, to take charge. Ikemoto began drawing the manga while Ukyo Kodachi worked as the writer. This team ran Boruto for several years. However, when Kodachi left, some believed Kishimoto had taken over again to manage the story. That led to more confusion among readers.
Kishimoto’s recent statement puts an end to all those assumptions. He makes it clear that Boruto is now Ikemoto’s full project—both in writing and artwork. In simple terms, Kishimoto has passed the torch.
This is a big shift. Fans have mixed feelings. Some are excited to see a new voice shaping the future of the story. Others are worried, especially because Ikemoto’s art style and storytelling are different from what they loved in Naruto. Critics have often said the pacing feels rushed or the character development is weaker in Boruto compared to Kishimoto’s work.
Still, there’s no denying that Boruto has carved out its own identity. With the new arc, Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, the series has taken a darker, more intense direction. Time has passed in the story, and characters like Boruto Uzumaki and Kawaki have grown into teenagers with greater responsibilities and powers. New threats, mysteries, and battles have drawn fresh interest from readers.
Under Ikemoto’s leadership, Two Blue Vortex seems more focused, with bold story developments and striking art panels. The action is faster, the stakes are higher, and the characters are facing more emotional challenges. Fans who were unsure about earlier chapters are now giving it another look.
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Masashi Kishimoto Declares: “Boruto Is Ikemoto’s Manga”
Masashi Kishimoto’s approval of Ikemoto also matters. By publicly saying that Boruto is Ikemoto’s manga, he shows trust in his former assistant. It’s like a mentor giving his student full control over a project. This may also be a sign that Kishimoto is ready to move on to new things, or simply take a break from long-running manga work.
For Ikemoto, this is both a great honor and a huge challenge. Taking over a beloved franchise like Naruto and making a sequel is never easy. Every page he draws is compared to Kishimoto’s original work. Every decision he makes is judged by fans who deeply care about the characters.
Still, Ikemoto has shown that he’s not afraid to take bold steps. He has redesigned characters, introduced powerful enemies, and taken the story into unexpected places. With Kishimoto’s final confirmation, he now has the freedom and the pressure of being the true creator behind Boruto.
Boruto’s Future in Ikemoto’s Hands as Kishimoto Steps Away Completely
What does this mean for the future of Boruto? It means we’re watching a new generation of storytelling, not just in the characters, but also in the people creating the manga. Boruto is no longer just a continuation—it’s becoming a series with its own voice, led by someone who is stepping out of Kishimoto’s shadow.
Fans can expect surprises, twists, and perhaps a new style of storytelling. Whether people love it or not, one thing is now clear: Boruto belongs to Mikio Ikemoto. And Masashi Kishimoto has given his full blessing.
As Boruto: Two Blue Vortex continues to unfold, all eyes are on Ikemoto to see how he shapes the legacy of this next-generation ninja tale. With Kishimoto stepping aside, the future of Boruto has truly begun.
Naruto and Boruto are available to read on Manga Plus.
