The original Chunin exams are one of the most beloved aspects of the entireNarutoFranchise, especially with the introduction of new characters and antagonists, and the overall intensity of the arc. Given the exam’s success in theNarutoseries,Boruto: Naruto Next Generationswas bound to replicate the very same tournament style arc. Much to everyone’s dismay, however,Boruto’sChunin exams paled in comparison to its prequel, giving viewers nothing more than a few low-stake fights.
Given the intensity ofNaruto’sChunin exams, it was already impossible for another tournament arc to come close to the original’s legacy. However, theBorutoseries barely made an effort, as most parts of the arc centered aroundBoruto and his trials, forgoing the development of other characters. Even the final climactic battle with the antagonist seemed half-baked, as the non-existent build-up made the fight seem less than appealing. The exams lagged behind the original in almost every single aspect, making them inherently underwhelming.
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The discerningfeature ofNaruto’sChunin examswere the extremely high stakes, putting every single participant under emotional distress. Their ability to keep a level-head under such extreme pressure was the primary criteria to passing the tests, making every single tribulation all the more interesting.Boruto’sexams lacked this element, with every single test lasting only a small duration and the stakes being oddly low.
This becomes all the more apparent in the second part of the exams, as the Forest of Death and Capture the Flag sit on two opposite ends of the spectrum. The name of the forest itself rings fear into the participants, while Capture the Flag seemed like a children’s game, lacking the strategy, wits, and endurance that the former demanded. This aspect made the exams quite boring and uninteresting, with nothing eventful taking place during theentire duration of the arc.
The original exams had many Genin losing their lives, with the antagonists actually seeming like fearsome characters. They were also woven into the plot from the beginning of the arc, withOrochimaru making an appearanceduring the Forest of Death trial.Boruto’sexams had no such intricacies, as the only antagonist in the arc, Momoshiki, appeared only at the end of the exam, and that too without any relevant buildup. Momoshiki’s sudden appearance wouldn’t have been any different had it taken place during some other arc, indicating how low-stake the entire scenario seemed.
Other Characters Were Sidelined
Much of the original exam’s popularity stemmed from the newly introduced characters and their unique motives for passing the exams. Kishimoto took his time and focused on each character and developingtheir backstories and motives, giving each one a touch of relatability.Boruto, on the other hand, sidelined every other character taking part in the exams, with some focus on the main ancillary characters such as Sarada or Mitsuki.
This proved to be a glaring mistake as the lack of attention to other characters made them entirely two-dimensional. Without being able to relate to any of the participants, it’s easy for viewers to lose interest, a fate that these Chunin exams clearly suffered from.Most participants remained namelesstill the end of the exam, while others were given a minimal introduction depending on their proximity to the main characters.
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Since thespotlight remained on Borutoand his cheating antics, other characters suffered heavily, a fact that is apparent from the arc’s lack of popularity. EvenNaruto’ssecond Chunin exams had more depth compared to this subpar arc, as almost every team was given due attention, despite the fact that it was entirely filler content. They had more world-building and new characters from different nations, somethingBoruto’sexams could never offer.
The Antagonists Were Not Woven Into the Plot
The sudden appearance of a lethal antagonist may have its own charm, but only when viewers are expecting such an event, similar to how Orochimaru was expected to take the center stage by the end of the exams. The second Chunin exams featured a similar plotline, with the Hidden Sand’s traitors already making their plans to dispose of Gaara quite apparent.Boruto’sChunin exams lacked this significant aspect, as Momoshiki’s appearance was never hinted at during the entire arc.
If Momoshiki had been woven into the plot somewhere along the exams, the arc would have become somewhat more compelling, yet the Chunin exam’s lack of substantial development made its delivery quite underwhelming. It made no difference ifMomoshiki had been introducedduring the Chunin exams or any other arc, since there was no connection between Momoshiki and the current plot. A lack of proper development, coupled with some extremely hasty writing, has madeBoruto’sChunin exams extremely disappointing – once again tainting the franchise’s legacy.
