Boruto Uzumaki is a fictional character created by Masashi Kishimoto, first appearing in the final chapter of the original Naruto manga as the son of the series protagonist, Naruto Uzumaki, and Hinata Uzumaki. His name is a reference to his maternal first cousin once removed, Neji Hyuga, serving as an homage to Neji's sacrifice. In terms of physical appearance, Boruto has blonde hair and blue eyes similar to his father, but his refined facial features more closely resemble his mother. He has only two whisker-like markings on each side of his face, unlike Naruto's three, and he typically wears his clothes in a casual, unzipped fashion that reflects his personality.

Boruto's personality is marked by a mischievous and rebellious nature, which initially manifests as a desire for attention. Unlike his father, who was an outcast seeking recognition from the village, Boruto is a prodigy who becomes frustrated because his father, now the Seventh Hokage, prioritizes village duties over family time. He is highly talented, confident in his abilities, and sometimes impulsive, seeking quick success and immediate validation. At the same time, he is fundamentally loyal to his friends and family. His journey reveals a struggle with feelings of inadequacy and the challenge of forging his own identity separate from his father's monumental legacy.

His primary motivation is to surpass his father and become a powerful ninja, but he explicitly rejects the path of becoming Hokage. Instead, he aspires to be a strong, shadow-supporting vigilante like his mentor, Sasuke Uchiha, who protects the village and its leader from the shadows. This motivation evolves from a place of resentment toward his father's position to a mature understanding of the duty and sacrifice that comes with protecting others.

In the story, Boruto serves as the main protagonist of the Boruto: Naruto Next Generations manga and anime, as well as its sequel series, Boruto: Two Blue Vortex. He is a member of Team 7, which is led by Konohamaru Sarutobi and includes Sarada Uchiha and Mitsuki. His role begins as a gifted but brash young genin who cheats during the Chunin Exams using a prohibited Scientific Ninja Tool. After his actions are exposed and his father is captured by the Otsutsuki alien Momoshiki, Boruto realizes his mistakes. He joins the rescue mission and, with his father's help, defeats Momoshiki. In this fight, Boruto is cursed with a mysterious Karma mark by the dying Momoshiki, transforming him into a vessel for the Otsutsuki's resurrection, a development that becomes central to the plot.

Key relationships define his character arc. His bond with his father, Naruto, moves from resentment and a craving for attention to mutual respect and understanding. His mentorship under Sasuke Uchiha is pivotal, as Sasuke recognizes Boruto's potential, trains him, and gives him a goal to strive for, akin to the relationship between Piccolo and Gohan from Dragon Ball. His relationship with his adoptive older brother, Kawaki, is the emotional core of the series. The story is built around a flashforward showing the two engaged in a destructive battle, and their dynamic shifts from rivalry and hostility to a complex, crucial bond. He also shares a close friendship and competitive teamwork with Sarada Uchiha, whom he supports in her dream of becoming Hokage.

Boruto undergoes significant development throughout the series. Initially an arrogant and somewhat spoiled child, he is humbled by his failure and his father's forgiveness. He learns the value of hard work and responsibility. As the series progresses into Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, a timeskip occurs. Following an event where the perception of reality is altered, Boruto is falsely branded a traitor and forced to flee his home. He spends three years training with Sasuke, and upon his return, he is portrayed as significantly more mature, somber, and composed. He displays great tactical intelligence, courage, and a willingness to sacrifice himself for others, showing a marked shift from his impulsive younger self.

Boruto possesses a wide array of notable and powerful abilities. He is a prodigy with talent in multiple chakra natures, including Wind, Lightning, and Water Release. A signature technique of his is the Vanishing Rasengan, an original variation of the classic Rasengan into which he instinctively adds a lightning-nature change, causing it to become invisible after being thrown. He also uses the Boruto Stream, a technique where he uses Wind Release to accelerate himself to high speeds for a powerful attack.

His most defining abilities are tied to the Otsutsuki. He possesses a Karma seal on his right palm, a curse-like mark that grants him increased physical abilities, the power to absorb any ninjutsu, and the ability to open portals through space-time. This seal also allows the consciousness of Momoshiki Otsutsuki to take over his body when his chakra is exhausted. Furthermore, Boruto awakens a unique dojutsu, or eye technique, known as the Jougan in his right eye. This eye allows him to see the flow of chakra, detect dimensional tears, and perceive invisible barriers. Following the timeskip in Two Blue Vortex, Boruto has mastered control over his Karma, grown a horn as part of his Otsutsukification, and learned powerful new techniques such as the Uzuhiko Rasengan, which channels the planet's rotational chakra into an attack. He also wields a sword and has learned the Flying Thunder God Technique, a space-time ninjutsu originally used by his grandfather, the Fourth Hokage.