Sasuke Uchiha is known for the dark and complex path he took in Naruto. Once striving for power at any cost, Sasuke’s journey was marked by solitude, regrets, and ultimately atonement for his past mistakes and actions. When he returned to the Hidden Leaf, Sasuke chose to operate from the shadows to offer the village protection from afar. As someone who had experienced manipulation and betrayal under the guise of mentorship, the idea of becoming a teacher wasn’t very appealing to him.

Naruto recognized something unique in Sasuke and trusted him to guide the next generation of shinobi in a way that nobody else could. He allowed Sasuke to take on the important responsibility of serving as Boruto’s mentor, and by accepting the role, Sasuke found a way to turn his past into a source of strength and wisdom. While it may have been unexpected, it helps Sasuke while also shaping the future of Konoha, proving that sometimes even the most reluctant leaders can make the biggest impact.

Sasuke Never Asked for a Student, but Boruto Chose Him Anyway

Sasuke Couldn’t Remain Distant From the Village for Long

Following the end of the Fourth Great Ninja War, he remained distant from the Hidden Leaf Village and preferred to operate on the outskirts. His role was to serve as a hidden protector rather than an active member of the village. This lifestyle reflected his guilt and avoidance of leadership roles, particularly when it came to shaping the next generation. Teaching was something that carried too much responsibility and required ability of others, which was something Sasuke explicitly avoided. That was until Boruto came along and changed everything. In a recent QnA, Mikio Ikemoto shared his thoughts on their bond.

“After he helped him escape Konoha, Boruto felt that Sasuke was really his master and that he was his pupil. He started to call him ‘Shinshou’/Master the next day. Sasuke was reluctant at first, but he was indeed Boruto’s Master, so he gradually accepted it.”

That moment marked a significant shift in both Sasuke's and Boruto’s stories. Boruto’s choice to take Sasuke as his mentor encouraged Sasuke to accept a role he had long rejected. The reluctant master dynamic offered Sasuke the chance to confront his own past, where mentors like Kakashi and even Orochimaru had shaped him in vastly different ways. Sasuke’s gradual acceptance involved more than just agreeing to Boruto’s wishes; it was about recognizing the trust placed in him. This also opened up the possibility for something meaningful to develop from their bond.

Mentoring Boruto Helped Sasuke Redeem Himself

Sasuke Used His Past Experiences To Help Prevent Boruto From Making the Same Mistakes

Sasuke sees a reflection of his younger self in Boruto. He is driven, restless, and hungry for recognition as he tries to live up to his father’s legacy. Sasuke feels a heavy responsibility to guide Boruto away from the same pitfalls he faced in his youth. Through his mentorship, Sasuke doesn’t just teach Boruto combat skills and techniques; he also instills self-awareness and a stronger sense of purpose. This connection between them offers Sasuke a chance to transform his past mistakes into valuable lessons as he provides Boruto guidance rooted in hard-earned wisdom and experience.

One of the most important lessons Sasuke teaches is the necessity of teamwork and trust. Sasuke’s own journey was one of solitude, where he believed that relying on others was a form of weakness. In training Boruto, Sasuke stresses that true strength comes from working together and that it’s the best way to protect the Hidden Leaf Village. He encourages Boruto to see his comrades not just as rivals but as essential partners. Through this, Sasuke helps him understand the importance of teamwork, which better prepares him for a leadership role.

Sasuke’s journey from a rogue ninja to Boruto’s mentor is proof of how far he’s come as a character. By guiding him, Sasuke helps shape the next generation of ninja while also coming to with his own past. What started out as an unwanted responsibility turned into his most meaningful role, proving that redemption and growth come in many forms. Through their evolving bond, Boruto proves that even the most unlikely mentors could have a great impact on the future.