The dynamic between Boruto and Naruto has been rocky since the Next Gen series premiere. Boruto is very critical of his father and his actions, but why does Boruto hate Naruto?
Boruto seems to hate Naruto because he doesn’t pay enough attention to him. Being Hokage is tough work, and Naruto isn’t home and giving as much attention to his family as Boruto would like.
The relationship between Boruto and Naruto becomes more mended over the course of the series. Boruto has a better understanding of the dedication that’s required to be Hokage, and Naruto also comes to learn that time should always be put aside for family.
Plot Behind Why Boruto Seems to Hate Naruto
Chapter #1 of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations perfectly summarizes why Boruto is disapproving of his Dad. The opening narration goes as follows:
My story begins when I was a brat who sulked about his Dad not paying enough attention to him.
Boruto to Audience | Chapter #1
Boruto, speaking from the perspective of his future self looking back, admits that he was jealous of the work that Naruto put into his job and not his son. Naruto barely noticed the changes to Boruto’s ninja abilities.
He makes his way into the Hokage’s office and demands that Naruto shows up for Himawari’s birthday.
Today’s an important day for a Dad! You know why, right?! If you forget my little sister’s birthday… I’ll never forgive you! Got that?!
Boruto to Naruto | Chapter #1
This scene shows how Boruto is also disappointed in his Dad for not paying attention to the other members of the family as well. As jealous as Boruto gets, he feels worse that his sister and mother receive just as little attention as he does.
The chapter goes on and Sarada invites Boruto to join her three-man cell for the Chunin Exams. She says that he shouldn’t get in the way of her dream of becoming Hokage.
You’re welcome to your dreams, but… If you’re gonna be hokage, just stay single, okay?! Cuz you’ll inconvenience everyone around you.
Sarada to Boruto | Chapter #1
This line summarizes Boruto’s feelings as a whole. He wishes his father wasn’t Hokage at all, or if he wanted such a position, to never have committed to having a family in the first place.
That’s the answer. Boruto seems to hate Naruto because he doesn’t pay him enough attention. Being Hokage is very time consuming, and Naruto has a difficult job balancing his family and work life.