Most critics of Chainsaw Man.
Unfortunately, too many readers are focused on the negatives of Boruto by constantly comparing him to Naruto to realize the genius behind his character. They rightfully point out that he might have a similar albeit different dream than Naruto's, but that there's something so uninspiring about him only wanting to the hokage rather than becoming the actual hokage, even though it's because of Naruto's rival, Sasuke. Moreover, Boruto has inverted Naruto's best quality by having everything come easier to him when his father worked so hard for everything.
But Boruto's relationship and opinion towards scientific ninja tools are so complex that readers can't help but be reminded of one of Denji's greatest qualities as a character in Chainsaw Man. Boruto was initially hesitant to use ninja tools, but later embraced them to gain the approval of his father during Boruto's chunin exams, even though using them in this capacity was against the rules. After getting fully reprimanded by his father in public and almost losing the opportunity of becoming a ninja, Boruto soon espouses a completely different view. He completely rejects the tools he once sought for his father's attention. Ironically, most other ninja, including Naruto himself, reveal that they're fine with them so long as they're used properly and in the right context. However, even when this is articulated to Boruto, the boy has difficulties embracing them once more and voices his disapproval the more others try and make him realize their importance. He does, eventually, come to see the good in them and even uses some in battle. But, even after experiencing this revelation, Boruto still views them warily and oftentimes considers them to be more a nuisance than an asset, especially if they are only prototypes.
Chainsaw Man's Relationship to Women is Like Boruto's Relationship to Tools
This back-and-forth in behavior shares similarities to Denji's obsession with girls in Chainsaw Man. At the start of the series, Denji has been deprived of all with woman. So, when his life as a devil hunter introduces him to this lifestyle, Denji can't help but act like a deviant. For example, he's initially only inspired to do well and complete certain missions when the reward is something sexual. But as he spends time with Makima, he becomes more faithful and less perverse. Other temptations soon arise, complicating his ability to stay faithful, and when he's led astray he experiences such harsh fall-outs that he always falls back into Makima's clutches.
Although the objects of Denji and Boruto's desire are quite different, how they navigate in their respective worlds and the ways in which other characters interact with them impact their perceptions and responses to either the allure of girls or scientific ninja tools in ways that seem contradictory but make perfect sense to the characters. Unfortunately, only Chainsaw Man fans seem to be aware of Denji's growth while Boruto critics are more focused on comparing him to Naruto. Hopefully, this will change, so everyone can realize that Boruto's character is more than just a Naruto ripoff, and actually shares the same nuance as Chainsaw Man's Denji.
