Does Iruka Appear in Boruto? Explained

Iruka Umino as seen in Boruto (Image Source: Studio Pierrot)
Iruka Umino as seen in Boruto (Image Source: Studio Pierrot)

Boruto redirects the spotlight to younger shinobi, leaving longtime characters like Iruka Umino in a strange domain. The sensei who once shaped Naruto's future via ramen bowls and life lectures now works from behind academy fences.

Yes, Iruka does appear in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, functioning as the Ninja Academy's Headmaster across eight distinct story arcs. Yet, his appearances in scenes are unsteady and brief, with his final influential role transpiring in the Sasuke Retsuden arc, where he oversees Sarada Uchiha during her father's assignment.

In Boruto, Iruka has progressed from his status as an academy educator to become the Headmaster of Konoha's Ninja Academy. This promotion reminisces about his commitment to fostering young shinobi and his years of experience in education. The role directs him to command over the entire academy scheme, though it paradoxically results in less straightforward student interaction.

Iruka and Sakura as seen during the Hokage Inaugural (Image Source: Studio Pierrot)
Iruka and Sakura as seen during the Hokage Inaugural (Image Source: Studio Pierrot)

His first noteworthy appearance surfaces during Naruto's Hokage inauguration ceremony. Iruka stands proudly among the masses, observing his former student attain the highest position in the village.

Throughout the new series, Iruka appears in approximately eight different story arcs. His involvement begins with the Academy Entrance arc, where he deals with the new generation of students, including Naruto's son. The similarities between father and son become apparent as young Boruto proves to be just as mischievous as his father once was.

The School Trip arc and Graduation Exams arc feature Iruka in his organizational capability. He supervises important academy events and helps students meet the standards needed for advancement. His experience with previous generations helps handle the unique challenges raised by the new class.


Limited screen time and relationships with Boruto’s generation

Iruka is trying to calm the father and son's quarrel (Image Source: Studio Pierrot)
Iruka is trying to calm the father and son's quarrel (Image Source: Studio Pierrot)

Despite his crucial role, Iruka's presence in Boruto probes loosened compared to his place in the original series. The Sasuke Retsuden arc marks his final influential appearance, where he takes accountability for overlooking Sarada Uchiha. This protective role reproduces his earlier relationship with Naruto.

The Time Slip arc delivers one of the more meaningful moments for Iruka. This storyline lets the connections between past and present be highlighted, emphasizing his ongoing priority to the overall narrative. Regardless, such moments remain rather rare throughout the series.

Iruka's dealings with Boruto Uzumaki represent a continuation of his mentoring estate. As Naruto's son, he has similar qualities that once made his father a handful in the academy. Iruka's experience with the previous generation uniquely positions him to comprehend and guide the young Uzumaki.

Iruka as seen instructing Himawari in the series (Image Source: Studio Pierrot)
Iruka as seen instructing Himawari in the series (Image Source: Studio Pierrot)

His role stretches outside just Boruto to include Himawari Uzumaki and other academy students. The Kawaki & Himawari Academy arc portrays his constant involvement in shaping young minds. These interactions show that his nurturing method of education remains intact despite his high position.

His rise to Headmaster, while exemplifying career advancement, ironically alienates him from direct student dealings. The administrative disposition of his new role limits possibilities for the personal connections that made his character so beloved. This structural change impacts how meaningfully he can contribute to the new narrative.

In summation, Iruka Umino does appear in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. Yet, his diminished screen time and little character evolution mean a momentous change from his major role in the original series. The series's focus on new characters and storylines defines this shift, but many fans feel that Iruka's wisdom and experience could have been better employed.

Edited by Priscillah Mueni