Boruto Uzumaki chooses Sasuke Uchiha as his mentor because he believes the legendary shinobi can teach him how to become stronger than his father, Naruto. At this point in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, Boruto is frustrated by Naruto’s demanding role as Hokage and wants to prove that he can succeed through his own abilities. After encountering Sasuke and witnessing his overwhelming strength, Boruto immediately asks him to become his teacher. Sasuke accepts, but only after setting a difficult condition that forces Boruto to demonstrate genuine commitment.
Sasuke is also uniquely suited to mentor Boruto because of his complicated history with Naruto. He understands what it means to struggle under another person’s shadow and eventually surpass the weaknesses that once defined him. This allows Sasuke to recognize Boruto’s potential while also seeing the flaws behind his desire to defeat Naruto. Their relationship gradually becomes more than a simple student and teacher dynamic.
Why Sasuke Agrees to Train Boruto
Boruto first approaches Sasuke because he wants someone capable of teaching him how to defeat Naruto. Sasuke quickly realizes that Boruto has considerable natural talent, but he also sees that the young shinobi is impatient and looking for ways to become powerful without putting in enough work. Instead of immediately accepting him as a student, Sasuke challenges Boruto to learn the Rasengan first.
Boruto manages to master the technique surprisingly quickly, convincing Sasuke that he has the determination and ability necessary to become his student. Sasuke then begins training him for the upcoming Chūnin Exams, focusing on his ninjutsu and combat abilities. However, Sasuke does not simply teach Boruto powerful techniques. He also tries to make him understand the discipline and responsibility required to become a capable shinobi.
Sasuke’s mentorship becomes particularly important because Boruto initially wants to use his skills primarily to impress Naruto. His teacher recognizes this motivation and pushes him to become stronger for himself rather than simply competing with his father. This becomes one of the earliest stages of Boruto’s growth from a talented but immature shinobi into someone capable of understanding what being a ninja truly means.
Sasuke also serves as a powerful contrast to Naruto. While Naruto represents the father Boruto struggles to understand, Sasuke becomes the mentor who can challenge him from outside the family. Their relationship eventually develops into one of the most important mentor and student bonds in the Boruto story, with Sasuke continuing to influence Boruto long after their initial training.