The Boruto fandom waited years for the timeskip, and Boruto: Two Blue Vortex didn't disappoint. With new character designs, upgraded abilities, and a darker tone, it gave almost every major character a chance to shine. But not all glow-ups are created equal. In this article, I'll break down the visual and power evolutions of the key players — and yes, I'll share my unfiltered personal opinion at the end. Spoiler: Boruto himself isn't my favorite.
Visual Glow-Ups: Who Wore It Best?
The three-year gap hit differently for each character. Some stans were thrilled, others... not so much. Let's dissect the new looks.
Boruto Uzumaki
Boruto's design screams "Sasuke's apprentice." The long black cloak, the forehead protector like a headband, the scar over his right eye — it's all a deliberate echo of the Uchiha avenger. His hair is longer, sharper, and he carries a katana. It's edgy, sure, but does it feel original? For many fans, the answer is no. It's a handsome design, but it leans too heavily into the "cool lone wolf" trope without building his own identity.
Sarada Uchiha
Sarada's glow-up divided the fandom. She ditched the long hair for a short, practical cut that screams "I'm serious now." Her new outfit — a dark, high-collared dress with red accents — is a departure from her previous girly style. Some miss the old Sarada, but others see a future Hokage in the making. It's bold, it's different, and it screams growth. I respect that.
Kawaki
Kawaki's design change is subtle but effective. He now sports a striking red jacket, longer black hair, and a permanent scowl. The red hints at danger and power. He looks like a man on a mission, carrying the weight of Isshiki's karma. Visually, he's a standout — confident and menacing without trying too hard.
Himawari Uzumaki
The youngest Uzumaki didn't get as drastic a style overhaul, but her gentle aging is perfect. She's taller, her features sharper, and those Byakugan eyes seem to hold a hidden intensity. She's not just "cute little sister" anymore; there's a quiet strength brewing. Fans are eagerly awaiting her potential power reveal, and her look reflects that untapped potential.
Mitsuki
Mitsuki remains the most consistent design-wise — his white hair and pale skin are unchanged. His outfit is a bit more refined, but honestly, the real glow-up for Mitsuki is still under the surface. Let's see if his sage mode gets the spotlight it deserves.
Power Surge: Abilities After the Timeskip
Looks are nice, but in the shinobi world, power speaks loudest. Two Blue Vortex hasn't held back in showing how far each character has come.
Boruto: Karma Mastery and Flying Thunder God
Boruto has leveled up immensely. He can now fully control his Karma, accessing Otsutsuki power without losing himself. He's adapted the Flying Thunder God technique, making him nearly untouchable. His new Rasengan variants, like the compressed Rasengan, are devastating. Objectively, he's one of the strongest shinobi alive — even clashing with Code effortlessly. But does the power feel earned? That's up for debate.
Sarada: Mangekyo Sharingan
Sarada's biggest trump card is her awakened Mangekyo Sharingan. The details are still mysterious, but we know it's potent enough to threaten even Otsutsuki-level opponents. Coupled with enhanced strength from her training, she's no longer just a support fighter. She's a frontline powerhouse, and I'm here for every moment of it.
Kawaki: Isshiki's Might
Kawaki wields the power of Isshiki Otsutsuki — shrinking and storing objects, dimensional portals, and overwhelming physical strength. He's the narrative rival to Boruto, and his abilities reflect that. His Karma is probably the most dangerous of all, with the potential to wipe out entire battlefields. It's terrifying and exciting in equal measure.
Himawari: The Hidden Star
Himawari's power hasn't been fully unleashed yet, but the hints are tantalizing. Her innate Byakugan is said to be purer than even Hanabi's, and her connection to the "Jinchuriki" plotline might tie her to Kurama's remnants. If the theories are true, she could be the wild card that changes everything. Her glow-up is less about what we've seen and more about what's promised — and that's incredibly exciting.
My Personal Opinion: The Boruto I Can’t Stand
Alright, time for the hot take. I don't like Boruto. There, I said it. From the start, he's felt like a forced protagonist — a prodigy with everything handed to him, now cosplaying as Sasuke to seem deep. The cloak, the sword, the brooding stare... it's a copy-paste of Sasuke's aesthetic without the traumatic backstory to justify it. He acts mysterious and aloof, but it comes off as performative rather than authentic. Give me Himawari's quiet resilience any day, or Sarada's determined growth. Even Kawaki, with all his edge, feels more genuine because his pain is palpable. Himawari is my absolute favorite — she's the heart of the Uzumaki legacy. Sarada is a close second; she's writing her own story as a future Hokage, not just another Uchiha. Kawaki, I admit, is tolerable, almost compelling. But Boruto? Hard pass.
So, Who Really Had the Best Glow-Up?
After browsing fan discussions and reading numerous articles (shoutout to the Boruto subreddit and Anime Trending), the consensus seems split. Many praise Sarada's bold redesign and Mangekyo, while others are hyped for Himawari's potential. Kawaki fans celebrate his menacing aura, and Boruto stans defend his new look fiercely. But if you ask me, the best glow-up belongs to Himawari. She embodies the quiet, steady growth of a true hero in the making. Her visual subtlety paired with the massive narrative hints of her power make her the most intriguing character post-timeskip. Sarada is a close runner-up, and Kawaki's unpredictability keeps him interesting. As for Boruto, he might have all the flash, but without soul, a glow-up is just a makeover.