Exploring the Subtle Clue in Sarada’s Latest Mangekyo Sharingan Scene and Its Implications for Her Character Development in Boruto

The release of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex chapter 20 on March 19, 2025, brought a gripping continuation of the struggle between the Shinju and the alliance of Leaf and Sand. The chapter’s standout moment was Sarada’s momentous awakening of her Mangekyou Sharingan, a pivotal development that enabled her to free her comrades from peril. This significant transformation not only enhances her combat capabilities but also symbolizes a critical evolution in her character arc.

In this chapter, Sarada’s actions reflect her growth and resolve. Before she activated her Mangekyou Sharingan, she utilized her trusted kunai arrow—a weapon that fans remember her wielding in defense of the series’ protagonist, Boruto. This specific choice underscores a powerful transition; Sarada is stepping beyond the shadows of her past and embracing her identity as a true warrior.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from the manga series and reflects the author’s personal insights.

Unpacking the Symbolism Behind Sarada’s Mangekyou Sharingan Activation

Sarada throwing the kunai away (Image via Mikio Ikemoto and Masashi Kishimoto/Shueisha)
Sarada discarding her kunai arrow (Image via Mikio Ikemoto and Masashi Kishimoto/Shueisha)

Chapter 20 not only highlights Sarada’s awakening but also depicts Ryu’s fierce opposition to the Leaf-Sand alliance. With Mitsuki and Araya incapacitated by Ryu’s Iron Sand, the situation worsened when Ryu dealt a crushing blow to Yofo, leaving her immobile. Amidst this chaos, Yodo’s words resonated with Sarada, urging her to tap into her hidden power for the sake of her friends.

Yodo suggested that Sarada had been conserving her potential for an important moment, specifically for Boruto. After grappling with her feelings and the urgency of the battle, Sarada released her kunai arrow just as Ryu’s Iron Sand amassed. This crucial action liberated Mitsuki and Araya, while signaling Sarada’s emergence as a formidable force with her newly awakened Mangekyou Sharingan.

Sarada Uchiha as seen in the manga (Image via Mikio Ikemoto and Masashi Kishimoto/Shueisha)
Sarada Uchiha as illustrated in the manga (Image via Mikio Ikemoto and Masashi Kishimoto/Shueisha)

Notably, Sarada’s choice to drop her kunai arrow carries significant weight. For avid followers of Naruto Next Generations, this act signals a departure from her prior fixation on the protagonist— a fixation that often hindered her evolution. In the past, her kunai arrow symbolized her protective instincts and combat prowess in defending Boruto. The drop represents a decisive step forward, shedding her previous obsessions to embrace her newfound strength.

Sarada and Boruto as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)
Sarada and Boruto featured in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Yodo’s insights reveal that Sarada’s previous inability to unleash her Mangekyou Sharingan was tied to her emotional attachments. However, her journey of self-acceptance and letting go of past burdens ultimately catalyzed her transformation. This signifies not just character growth but also an invitation for readers to witness Sarada’s potential as a true kunoichi.

Conclusion

The character development Sarada experiences is well-deserved, aligning with fans’ hopes for her progression. Since her initial awakening, she has drawn significant attention and criticism from the community who eagerly wanted her character to flourish. As the series unfolds, readers are poised to see Sarada leverage her powerful doujutsu against formidable foes such as the Shinju, indicating a thrilling future for both her character and the series.

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