The Boruto: Two Blue Vortex time-skip has sent the fandom into a frenzy. Redesigns galore, power-ups, and heartbreaking losses — the next generation of shinobi is here. But not every character came out of the timeskip looking (or acting) better. We’ve picked apart the new looks and story arcs to determine who truly got a glow up, and who suffered a tragic glow down.
The Glow Ups: Shinobi Who Stepped Into the Light
Sarada Uchiha – A Visual Masterpiece, but a Familiar Heart
Sarada’s time-skip design is nothing short of stunning. With her cropped top, flowing hair, and the unmistakable Uchiha silhouette, she finally looks like the heir to the Sharingan legacy. The fandom collectively gasped — she’s an absolute bomb. However, her behavior has been a point of contention. Many hoped that her Uchiha blood would shield her from the lovestruck tendencies that plagued Sakura, but recent chapters show Sarada’s thoughts often drift toward Boruto. It’s a disappointing callback to the "Sakura obsession" trope, and fans expected a more focused, battle-hardened kunoichi. Still, visually, Sarada is a triumph.
Shikadai Nara – The Strategist Evolves
Shikadai was always the sharp, lazy genius, but his time-skip look adds a layer of maturity without losing the classic Nara chill. His design mirrors his father’s but with modern flair, and his role in the story now feels more pivotal. No longer just comic relief, Shikadai seems ready to take on real leadership — a true glow up in both style and substance.
Himawari Uzumaki – From Sweet to Fierce
Himawari’s transformation is one of the most exciting. Though her screen time is still limited, her new design — with longer hair and a more determined expression — hints at immense latent power. The "little sister" is growing up, and if the hints are true, she might become a key player. Her glow up is subtle but full of promise.
Kawaki – Edgy and Unapologetic
Kawaki’s new look is pure fire. The extended karma markings, the sleek outfit, and that air of dangerous confidence — he’s designed to be the perfect foil. Love him or hate him, his visual evolution is top-tier. His character complexity also deepened; he’s not just a rival but a tragic figure. This is a glow up that commands attention.
The Glow Downs: When the Timeskip Took Away
Sasuke Uchiha – The Shadow of His Former Self
Sasuke’s post-timeskip appearance is a mess. The unkempt hair, the weary eyes — it’s a far cry from the cool, collected avenger. Losing the Rinnegan was a massive blow, both visually and narratively; it stripped away a part of his iconic identity. His strength has clearly waned, and the man who once rivaled gods now seems less imposing. Even his behavior feels deflated, as if he’s just a supporting crutch rather than a legend. For a character who defined "cool," this is a heartbreaking glow down.
Gaara – The Forgotten Kazekage
Gaara’s design hasn’t changed much, but that’s the problem. After the immense character arc in Naruto, he’s been relegated to background shots and brief mentions. His once-commanding presence is diluted, and his new sand techniques (if any) are barely showcased. The timeskip didn’t hurt Gaara’s looks so much as it ignored his potential, leaving him in a narrative glow down.
Mitsuki – Lost in the Crowd
Mitsuki’s time-skip design is… fine. It’s clean, but it lacks the intriguing, almost alien charm of his earlier appearances. Worse, his role in the story has shrunk. Where he was once a mysterious Sage Mode prodigy, he’s now often reduced to a background figure or a worried friend. The unique dynamic with Boruto and Sarada has dissolved, and his character arc hasn’t recovered. A definite glow down.
Boruto Uzumaki – Style Over Substance?
Boruto’s new look divides opinions. On one hand, the cape, the scar, the confident smirk — it’s a cool design. But on closer inspection, it’s blatantly a Sasuke clone. From the sword to the cloak to the edgy attitude, it feels like the character traded his individuality for cosplay. Many fans, myself included, would have preferred a Boruto who honors his mentor while forging his own unmistakable style. Right now, he’s more "Sasuke-lite" than "Boruto." The aesthetic is nice, but it’s a glow down in terms of originality.
Sumire – Fading Into the Background
Sumire’s new look is pleasant but unremarkable, and her role has shrunk to a shadow of what it was. In a series bursting with personalities, she’s been left behind, another character who deserved more spotlight but received a quiet glow down.
Conclusion: An Artistic Triumph with Narrative Growing Pains
While the time-skip has delivered some jaw-dropping redesigns and deepened the story, it’s also left some beloved characters under-served. The brilliance of the manga’s art style — with its crisp lines, dynamic action, and emotional close-ups — keeps us hooked, but we’re hoping the narrative catches up to the visuals. Boruto: Two Blue Vortex is still a thrilling ride, and we can’t wait to see who rises next.