Sasuke’s devotion
...as demonstrated in the first arc of the Boruto manga. Where we get intriguing insight into Sasuke & Naruto's dynamic as adults, and further reinforcement of some of the seeds Kishimoto planted in Gaiden.
I’m not exactly addressing the full scope of their bond here. The central theme of this post is Sasuke’s side of things and an exploration of his acts of love. But naturally, Naruto’s reciprocation factors into it and is addressed accordingly.
Although I intended to recount the events of this arc in chronological order, strictly sticking to that was messing with the general flow of things. So I jump back and forth between chapters a bit, especially towards the end so pls bare with me lol. But ultimately I don't think the order matters too much and where it does, I point it out.
Final note - I really like the movie, but it's been a while since I watched, so I didn't reference it much here.
He feels Naruto's pain, as his own
When Sasuke first meets Boruto, the interaction is swift. He only offers a matter-of-fact acknowledgement of Boruto's status as Naruto's son, responds to Hinata's greeting with a question about her husband, followed by an immediate exit to instead greet the sole reason he's even there at all.
It's not long before Naruto can't help but spill his innermost concerns about Boruto's future and that of shinobis as a whole. Sasuke immediately takes this to heart and appears sombre as he listens intently. He knows Naruto's heart and with that comes an intimate understanding of his woes, as if they were his own. It's evident in how he appears increasingly agitated in the next panel as he refuses to entertain Naruto's disillusioned train of thought.
He doubles down with a simple, but definitive statement - “the true nature of a ninja never changes, no matter how the tides may shift”. Simultaneously, we get an intentional flash of the headband that Sasuke lovingly always carries with him and has been doing so for years.
The statement itself goes beyond a simple iteration of his shinobi philosophy. It's being directly linked to a precious momento of their love and devotion to each other. Making it known that this belief Sasuke holds is actually rooted in and inspired by his love for Naruto. It's also a matter of the future that Naruto is referencing, is one they envisioned and decided to cultivate together -- their joint legacy. So he's naturally protective of it.
Every time he invokes this statement throughout this arc, it's a fond expression of exactly these two things: his devotion to Naruto and commitment to honouring his -- and by extension their - shinobi legacy.
Sasuke draws from his own source of faith (his boundless love) to counter and comfort Naruto's dwindling hope. Knowing this is something that will resonate deeply, and serve to renew his hope and in turn, soothe his worries.
It works perfectly, as Naruto is immediately on the same wavelength and echoes the words Sasuke left unspoken. Although not entirely convinced, he appears far more relaxed. If the person he trusts the most in the world still has faith, he's willing to listen.
The meeting is brief, yet in the span of a few minutes, Sasuke managed to leave Naruto more at ease than he found him. But he's not quite done yet.
A new mission
Sasuke leaves the Hokage's office with a very important personal mission: make the love of his life feel better.
Naruto's primary concern was a question of his son's shinobi spirit and the resultant gap in shared values is a major source of strain in their relationship. So Sasuke makes it his goal to train Boruto into a shinobi Naruto would be proud of. And in turn, tenderly nurture the spirit of Naruto he so vividly sees in him -- the source of his unwavering faith in the true nature of shinobis persisting no matter the day and age.
His first step being to task Boruto with learning the rasengan is extremely intentional, and very sweet. Since this is a jutsu very dear to Naruto; created by his father and passed down by his teacher. Also (not sure if Sasuke knows this, but we definitely do) something he learned solely to protect his most precious person -- Sasuke.
So he knows how happy Naruto would be to see his son inherit it. Judging by the way Naruto cannot stop grinning ear-to-ear after finally witnessing it -- he was absolutely right.
Naruto's happiness >>> planet-endangering threat
The minute he learned that something was bothering Naruto, all other priorities became secondary. Including a planet-endangering threat, apparently. We discover that Sasuke did, in fact, get severely sidetracked during their earlier meeting.
It's hilarious that he's casually divulging the most crucial information gathered from his latest mission, like it’s an afterthought. Even Naruto is baffled as he sinks down in his chair, trying to process the looming disaster that's potentially about to strike this planet.
We've seen it play out time and time again (even heard him outright admit it) but this is another reminder that for Sasuke, Naruto’s wellbeing takes precedence over literally everything else, including the rest of the world -- Naruto is his world.
To be loved, is to be known
We continue to explore the depths of Sasuke's reverence, when we see how disturbed he is by Boruto’s suspicious progress with his ninjutsu training. The immediate side-by-side with Naruto as a child and the way he recoils (squinting, frowning, brows intensely furrowed, turning his entire body away) at the difference in their respective spirits lol
Naruto is the ultimate standard for him so of course it stings when someone who resembles him so closely, fails to live up to it. Bringing it back to Sasuke's philosophy in chapter 1 -- rather than a faith in shinobis as a collective, it's more so that as long as Naruto's spirit persists in shinobis, Sasuke will continue to believe. This underpins why Sasuke regards being 'just like Naruto' as the best compliment he could give to Boruto when he does eventually become a 'true ninja'.
The subsequent scene set after their first training session, is of Sasuke so fondly and earnestly recounting Naruto’s story. It's not a surface-level recollection, instead full of feeling and intimate familiarity. He starts right off the bat with calling Naruto a 'noisy idiot' and 'half-wit' LMAO. The whole thing is a demonstration of how this reverence and adoration can be traced back decades -- yet still persists as passionately as ever, if not more.
This conversation also fleshes out a key difference between them -- who actually knows Naruto. Or rather, who Naruto has allowed to know him.
This motif first appears in the events leading up to Sasuke catching a punch Boruto meant to throw at his father.
In his outburst to Hinata moments prior, Boruto highlights the core of the problem. He essentially has no idea who Naruto is past the role of Hokage; knows nothing at all of the history preceding it. Naruto hasn’t disclosed these parts of himself to his son, leading to this massive disconnect that’s been allowed to fester and evolve into bitterness.
Hinata attempts and spectacularly fails to remedy this (since she also doesn’t know him, just fawns over the idea of him and even more so that Naruto’s never given her access either) -- only for Sasuke to appear as a beacon of hope for the boy soon after.
The issue is further reinforced as Boruto enters his dad's office, seeking out that knowledge. As he holds Naruto’s childhood jacket, he's made tangibly aware of the dirt, wear and tear that hold stories he’s never had access to. Core parts of his dad that he simply doesn’t recognise -- and it frustrates him all over again, as he throws it out onto the street.
In the charged silence immediately after, the doorbell rings and it’s Sasuke. This arrival completely changes the course of Naruto and Boruto’s fractured relationship -- epitomised in Sasuke picking up that very jacket later, as if picking up the pieces.
It all leads to this moment by the firepit. Boruto takes the opportunity to enquire about Naruto, and the picture Sasuke paints is so different from his own perception. It's so profound and the intimacy shared between Sasuke and Naruto is so loud and apparent, that it's difficult for Boruto to even comprehend. Since the difference between their experience of the real Naruto is vast.
Picking up the pieces
We get a glimpse into how fractured things are in the sequence of events before Naruto sends a congratulatory message to his son for passing the first stage of the chunin exam.
It’s intriguing that upon hearing the news, Naruto opts to hide his real feelings from Shikamaru. He actively rejects Shikamaru's attempt at getting him to open up about his family troubles, irritatedly shutting down his bid for connection. Yet in the first chapter, we witnessed how Naruto so readily share said troubles with Sasuke.
Naruto pretends to be unaffected by the news, but Shikamaru’s watchful eye catches on and urges him to convey his real feelings to Boruto. Shikamaru didn't account for the actual extent of Naruto's emotional disconnect though, so his advice is enacted in a rather awkward way, via email.
Boruto’s reaction to it is very sad, too. The way he’s torn between being genuinely happy to receive his dad's acknowledgement, but he can't stifle the disappointment at how distant the attempt was.
But we're privy to the fact that this was a huge undertaking on Naruto's end. It's astonishing how big a feat a simple online expression of feelings was to him. To the extent that he's profusely sweating and collapsing in his chair from the tension release after it's done.
Even when Shikmaru first makes the suggestion, Naruto looks so miserable -- the bags around his eyes are suddenly terribly prominent. He's exhausted at the mere thought of conveying his feelings, and Shikamaru's mildly exasperated but knowing expression points to this being the norm. This dysfunctional relationship with his son has been persisting for a long time.
These two evidently have a lot of work to do in untangling the years of distance, and resultant mutual emotional disconnect which, on Boruto's end, cultivated resentment.
Boruto’s progress is a major factor in healing this -- every point of progress acts as an opportunity for father and son to reconnect, and they get closer to reconciliation. The primary orchestrator of this is Sasuke, who's essentially pulling the strings to bridge that gap by training and guiding Boruto to align with the shinobi values Naruto holds so dear. Carefully nurturing that point of connection between them.
This link is also established in the text as the panel immediately after a display of their strained relationship (Naruto heaving a sigh of relief after sending a simple email), is a cut to Sasuke training Boruto and facilitating that instrumental development.
Naruto's only exception
Let's further explore the peek we got into how Naruto keeps everyone at an arm's length in his life now -- it's very telling of his emotional state in adulthood. He has become someone who finds emotional exchanges to be an excruciating process.
We see a repeat of Naruto feigning indifference when he's obviously antsy about if Boruto passed the second stage of the chunin exam. Immediately upon Shikamaru's arrival with said news, he pretends to be working.
The same Shikamaru he knows can see right through it all -- but still, he remains absolutely committed to this poor act of nonchalance. He even waits until the guy's out of earshot before allowing himself to be happy.
It made me wonder why he's trying so hard to not be perceived. We know Naruto is someone who has a lot of feelings, all the time. That's who he is and always has been. However in adulthood, we're consistently shown that he is so adamant about witholding access to himself. Whereas in his younger years, he wanted so desperately to be seen, heard and thereby accepted.
The answer lies in the various roles he now plays and embodies -- he is the Hokage. A war hero that saved the planet. The strongest shinobi to ever exist. A married man with kids. He's been perceived to hell and back at this point; romantically, platonically, parentally, and authoritatively, etc. Experienced every type of bond there is.
He's constantly under surveillance from his peers, colleagues, the villagers, the shinobi world, his stalker-turned-wife, and his kids that look up to him. He must even feel watched by his own parents and teacher, whose legacies he dedicated his entire adult life to honouring. While not all ill-intentioned or undeserved, the sheer scale of it and the expectations he's subject to must be exhausting.
On top of -- rather, because of -- that he's closeted. Perpetually suffering the unrelenting consequences of repressing his sexuality and being pressured into a one-sided marriage. Forced to endure this lifelong facade. All done in his ultimate pursuit of acceptance (read more about Naruto's repression in this post here).
All he ever wanted growing up were bonds -- as an adult, he's being crushed under their weight. Rendering him a jaded, detached figure that won't allow the tiniest glimpse past his strict defenses and carefully maintained mask of Hokage.
Sasuke is the only exception; the love of his life has absolute, free reign past these barriers.
Where his face goes blank from his confusion at Shikamaru initiating a 'trivial'* exchange, he'll happily indulge Sasuke discussing an equally 'trivial' matter of merely meeting Naruto's son. Not even reporting a necessarily meaningful exchange, either. Just recalling how he bore a strong resemblance to him.
Which Naruto has no issue indulging to the fullest extent, even voluntarily steering the conversation in a deeper, more vulnerable direction. We've seen him pointedly reject someone like Shikamaru's similar attempts, yet a few chapters prior, he spills his guts to Sasuke before he even has to ask.
For once in his adult life, in Sasuke's presence, we're shown Naruto completely and intentionally unguarded.
*I'm using quotations marks because these are not trivial exchanges, but this is the standard that Naruto sets up and fails to follow when it comes to Sasuke lmao
To love, is to endure
Okay this part is gonna be a bit of a journey so pls bear with me. This deciphering room conversation has always intrigued me. Comparing it to some previous exchanges they've shared, allows us to explore the implications of what transpired here.
It reveals the existence of a line between them, shaped by years of repression and restraint and the product of their circumstances. One that Sasuke occassionally draws.
At the heels of Naruto’s explosive joy, this scene brings with it a stark shift in tone. Their arrangement is the first clue to the underlying unease -- they're positioned a few steps apart, perfectly capable of having this conversation face-to-face, yet actively choosing to have their backs to each other. Notably, they don’t make eye contact once.
After discussing business, Sasuke immediately excuses himself, but is stopped by Naruto calling his name. The corresponding expression is strangely tense, almost anticipatory. He doesn’t even respond, instead lets Naruto do the talking, while maintaining the same look.
It even continues after Naruto reveals that he’s aware that Sasuke has been training Boruto. The tension echoes in Sasuke’s subsequent responses being rather drawn-out, punctuated with several pauses.
While Naruto is the opposite, and evidently walked in here with a clear purpose -- to confront Sasuke. Why? He loves to bask in the fact that Sasuke loves him, and will jump at opportunities for affirmation.
We've established how every step Sasuke has taken so far in this arc has been motivated by love. Which drives him to stick around in a town he seldom visits, to execute his master plan of easing Naruto’s troubles -- his commitment to restoring his beloved's faltering hope. Naruto came here to openly recognise this.
The sequence of this deciphering room interaction mirrors a dialogue during the fourth shinobi world war (ch 680). Naruto confronts Sasuke regarding the real reason behind him so single-mindedly protecting Naruto. Declaring he now understands how it was possible for Sasuke's body to 'move on its own' to save someone precious to him (this entire scene is broken down nicely here).
His playfully smug grin is a testament to him absolutely reveling in the knowledge that Sasuke has been acting out of love. If you compare Naruto's expression here with the one in the Boruto panel, they're very similar -- so the intentions behind them can be reasonably equated. Sasuke's answer in this case is also extremely charged silence, functioning as confirmation for Naruto.
Naruto also knows that Sasuke deliberately concealed training Boruto from him, so by choosing to bring it up anyway, he’s looking for a reaction -- another confirmation.
We've seen how even when Sasuke’s glaring daggers into him, Naruto is busy blushing under his intense gaze instead. He enjoys being the object of Sasuke’s undivided attention (and affection). Everytime he recalls Sasuke considering him a worthy opponent, he’s overtaken by uncontainable excitement (this post dives into this further).
One of the major ways their love manifests is in their mutual respect and appreciation of each other’s strengths. For Naruto especially, this is embodied in moments of acknowledgement -- hence why he was so lovestruck at Sasuke’s “I want to fight you…” It’s the best outlet they’ve found to express and enact their love given the circumstances and heteronormative, homophobic society under which their bond formed.
That's also why Naruto is so sincere in upholding the integrity of their fights; only deeming it a worthy match if they’re fighting on equal terms. So on the hospital rooftop, he insists that Sasuke put his headband on, so they can spar as equals. Then in the first Valley of the End fight, moments after Sasuke unlocks his third tomoe due to the sheer gravity of his love for Naruto -- in another act of love, he complies with Naruto’s desires for an honest fight by putting on that very headband.
Contrasting all this with the discussion earlier about Naruto’s growing and deeply held distaste for being perceived by others while here he is (and always has been), going out of his way to seek out Sasuke’s lmao.
So, we can say that in the deciphering room scene, Naruto is essentially initiating a moment of intimacy and awaiting reciprocation. Yet, all Sasuke can offer is a loaded pause. Eventually when he does respond, it's a matter-of-fact reiteration that puts an end to the conversation altogether. Still an affirmation, but a rather (and unusually) flat one.
It doesn't come to a soft, warm-hearted conclusion like their last exchange during chapter 1, but instead with both bearing rather rigid expressions. Naruto is left tight-lipped and dejected and Sasuke has no smile to offer this time. Viewing them side-by-side really amplifies the contrast in tone and outcome.
Even Sasuke's engagement with the statement ("the essence of a ninja never changes" -- the significance of which I mentioned at the start) is off. He engages with it four times during this arc, yet his attitude this time is strikingly different from the other three.
This establishes the existence of that line I mentioned at the beginning. One forged a long, long time ago -- stemming from their repressed feelings.
There’s allusions to this in Gaiden, too - specifically that ‘cooperation’ panel (an outline of implications of this scene can be found here and here). You can feel something simmering between them, courtesy of the little clues Kishimoto leaves through the construction of a strained atmosphere.
The uneasy undercurrent and its implications is something even Sakura picks up on, rendering her particularly distressed because it’s yet another reminder that her 'husband' has never, and will never belong to her lol. Them being in their own little world, a space she's never had access to, is something she's always been insecure about and deeply unsettled by.
The 'cooperation' and deciphering room dialogues also follow the same sequence:
Naruto initiates intimacy - admitting he’s ready to drop everything (the village, his kids, his wife) and essentially uproot his life to be with Sasuke.
Sasuke, woefully and reluctantly but fueled by pettiness, draws a hard line -- throwing Naruto's own words back at him.
Naruto is left dejected yet guilty-looking, since this outcome and the mutual misery underpinning it is a direct consequence of his own choices.
Another similarity can be found in the scene where Sasuke was disappointed in Boruto’s artificially induced progress in his ninja training. Since this called into question whether he really did emobody Naruto's shinobi spirit. But Sasuke proceeded to withold his own unpleasant feelings about the matter, and engaged in Boruto’s pretense and allowed the kid to become his disciple.
And in the deciphering room, despite being bristled and slow to reciprocate, Sasuke entertains Naruto’s initiation of intimacy in a pointedly careful and controlled manner.
Totally oblivious to Sasuke's suspicions, Boruto was excited since he focused primarily on the affirmative decision. Whereas Naruto knows him well enough to receive Sasuke's pettiness in full-force and, like in Gaiden, looks quite guilty over it.
In both cases, of course it's not ill-natured -- Sasuke is just unsettled. He wants Boruto to work hard and become a true shinobi by honest means, and he of course, absolutely loves indulging Naruto. It's precisely because he cares so much, that he acts this way.
Naruto and Sasuke's relationship is no stranger to mutual and silly acts of pettiness, but the pattern of Sasuke engaging in petty behaviour twice outside of regular bickering, is intriguing. To explore this, we have to consider the motivations behind petty behaviour, specifically in close interpersonal relationships.
This study points to the highly affective nature of pettiness. You’re not petty about things that don’t bother you. Things don’t bother you, unless you care. And in this case, Sasuke cares a lot. Hence why Naruto’s bold approaches, when contrasted with the harsh reality of his choices, leaves Sasuke quite bothered. It’s ultimately hurt derived from love (read this great post that explores the theme of conformity in Naruto's ending).
The same study also drew a negative correlation between petty behaviour and life satisfaction. Although Sasuke is genuinely happy to be by Naruto’s side in whatever capacity…of course he’d much rather do it married*. Living the life they deserved. Yet they find themselves here, as miserable adults miserably married to their respective stalkers. So yes, there is a lot to be dissatisfied (and therefore petty) about lol
*(I mean this more in a comparative sense to their current situation. Idk if marriage in the traditional/ceremonial sense, would necessarily be the route they'd take if they could have -- just being together romantically, whether married or as boyfriends, is more so what i'm referring to)
Combined, I believe all of this points to the existence of a tangible line that was established by the homophobic and heteronormative society they live in. That they begrudingly maintain as tired, repressed adults.
It's also something they're bound to by the duty they share as being the strongest shinobi to ever exist. This particular motif is reflected through their attire in the deciphering room scene, since it's first time we see them meeting with Naruto in his Hokage robe. Sasuke's own cloak is also tightly closed, when it’s otherwise deliberately shown open (or in the movie, completely shed) in Naruto's presence.
It's like their robes function as another layer of separation, encasing them in the shells of their respective roles. Naruto as Hokage, the protector of the village, and Sasuke as Naruto's protective shadow. One role successively binds the other.
This boundary built on shared responsibility as the strongest shinobi. Something that they equally feel and are passionate about but it falls slightly more heavily on Naruto and the extra layer of expectations he's chronically bound to (as discussed earlier). But Sasuke is willing to follow him anywhere (very fitting of his role as a 'shadow'), even to such agonizing ends -- where Sasuke feels not only his own pain, but also intimately experiences Naruto’s pain as his own (vice versa).
Their shared repression manifests in these little moments, where they struggle against that line. Sometimes, they brush up against it, and when Naruto is the initiator -- unable to keep his desires from manifesting -- Sasuke is the one to bring them back to reality. The reality of Naruto’s choices. And the reality that Sasuke will stand beside him anyway. He loves him, so he will endure.
“But Sasuke accepted him nevertheless. His love for Naruto is like a rock steady faith, a prayer. No matter what happens, he can't and won't stop loving and caring for Naruto. He joined in Naruto's goal of uniting all shinobis, and he is accountable to Naruto.” - from this great post on the concept of Sasuke’s love for Naruto being like a prayer and op further discusses their bond in adulthood.
No words needed
When Momoshiki attacks the stadium during the final stage of the chunin exam, Naruto decides to take on the enemy alone. He entrusts Sasuke with the safety of their children, then looks at him so tenderly. Almost like carefully asking for permission -- they always fight by each other's side, but this time, it'd be best if Naruto went alone. So it's also a look of reassurance.
Because look at Sasuke -- he's so stiff. He makes the promise, but not without hesitation and is so tight-lipped while doing so. Sasuke has always been one to struggle with Naruto entering dangerous situations, where Sasuke can't protect him like he desperately wants to (read more about it here). Naruto recognises this and softly soothes him, silently asking for his faith. They know and share the pain in each other's hearts, after all.
Through this look alone, it's apparent they're exchanging feelings only they know. Naruto is making a request only Sasuke can fulfill. That he only trusts Sasuke with. And Sasuke trusts him right back. So he makes the promise.
Knowing each other's hearts has also meant that they've never needed words to understand what they do for each other's sakes. A way this is shown in this arc, is through the symbolism of Naruto's childhood jacket.
The jacket is present during key events -- a major one being when Sasuke first makes that declaration: “the true nature of a ninja never changes, no matter how the tides may shift.” After Boruto threw it out of the window, Sasuke rescues and returns it to Naruto, who was holding it when he first heard those words.
It is also an embodiment of Naruto’s legacy -- which Sasuke has been protecting and nurturing all this time -- and holds so much history in the wears and tears. And in that, it also becomes a marker of substantial progress between him and his son.
Naruto was quite bothered by how, compared to his own, Boruto's clothes were too clean. This small fact represents the difference in their lives growing up and thus their shared values, being too vast for them to truly understand each other.
The scene outlined above occurs immediately after the deciphering room scene. The same Naruto that collapsed in his chair after sending a short email, makes sure to tangibly and meaningfully convey his congratulations and how proud he is of Boruto, face-to-face. To which Boruto is overjoyed to the point of tears. This is the most tender exchange we’ve seen between them, thus far.
And Naruto knows that it's all thanks to the love of his life that he was able to take this step. The jacket is functioning as a symbol of this very fact and the faith that Sasuke restored in him. That's why he's holding it so tenderly in the panels immediately after.
In chapter 1, he was squeezing it tightly between his hands, distorting the fabric -- looking downwards at it as he resigned himself to hopelessness. Now, he's cradling it so delicately and smiling up at the sky.
They didn't have to exchange any words explicitly detailing Sasuke's contributions for him to receive the feelings embedded in them. To know that he is deeply cherished by his most precious person. And the manifestations of this person's love, heals his hopes for a brighter future.
He keeps his promise
Following the revelation of Boruto cheating both throughout and in the final stage of the chunin exam, the progress they made in repairing their relationship is momentarily but spectacularly shattered. This, too, is once again remedied by Sasuke. With earnest devotion, Sasuke honours Naruto's act of entrusting his child to him.
He finds Boruto and gently but firmly reprimands his dishonest actions, before guiding him in the right direction learn from his mistakes. He rebuilds Boruto’s drive and self-confidence by placing the utmost faith in him, and imparts Naruto’s feelings on his behalf. And then in an incredibly paternal gesture, he lends Boruto his most dearly cherished momento -- the headband. Essentially entrusting this child with inheriting his and Naruto's shared shinobi legacy. It's a testament to how much Sasuke’s grown to care for and believe in Boruto, and created such a meaningful bond.
I wonder if he sees himself in Boruto, since Sasuke was also a kid desperately chasing his father's acknowledgement. In which case, Boruto isn't only a mirror for Naruto, but also reflects parts of Sasuke.
Mentoring a child you see some reflections of your own childhood struggles in, and the act of guiding and supporting them through it can facilitate a person’s own healing.
(Just to be clear -- I’m not making a total 1:1 comparison between Fugaku & Sasuke, and Naruto & Boruto’s relationships, or the respective characters themselves. The circumstances, nuances and severity of the two father-son relationships, are different. But I think we can reasonably draw similarities on the essence of a child seeking their parent’s acknowledgement in both scenarios.)
This theme of healing lasting hurt manifests in the conclusive chapters of this arc. It begins with Sasuke avoiding eye contact with Naruto, as he shly zooms through his explanation and immediately exits to allow them to have a moment. Naruto is initially speechless. Partly in total awe of the results of Sasuke's efforts, and partly because he's not sure how to approach this conversation with Boruto.
From Naruto’s perspective, the last note he left Boruto on was quite a bad one, perhaps the lowest they’ve ever been. Then here comes Sasuke, with Boruto in stride wearing his childhood jacket and the headband Naruto kept and treasured for years while awaiting his beloved's return. A head-to-toe embodiment of not only their love, but what it means to be a true ninja which is something he was convinced had had its time.
We know in crucial moments, when he’s emotionally overwhelemed, Naruto is no stranger to cracking a joke to momentarily ease the tension. So he does exactly that.
They honestly share their true feelings, apologise and resolve the lingering bitterness that’s been hanging over them for years. Now, they can finally heal and move forward.
Sasuke fully succeeded in what he set out to do - making Naruto happy.
Boruto asking Naruto to share his stories is a direct callback to the advice Sasuke gave him after their first training session -- where he suggested that Boruto shift his perspective and seek out what Naruto had to experience to get here today.
In this tender moment of reconcilliation, Boruto does just that in asking to learn more about who the real Naruto is. Not as the village's Hokage, but as Uzumaki Naruto.
This all culminates beautifully in the final attack. Sasuke takes the lead and coordinates. While Naruto provides Boruto with the necessary encouragement to follow, both with words and in the form of lending the combined power of all the meaningful bonds in his life, to create that ultimate rasengan.
Boruto is moved to tears at the life his dad has lived. All the trials and tribulations he endured to get to this point -- an insight he’d always yearned for.
We get this massive panel of Naruto and Sasuke’s clash at the valley of the end. Among all of Naruto's history with the rasengan, only his father and Sasuke's contributions are individuated.
Rasengan is a jutsu Naruto learned to help Sasuke, so placing this panel in the conclusion of an arc where Sasuke does everything in his power to help Naruto, feels incredibly full circle.
Full Circle
In the aftermath, Sasuke does what he loves best -- rushing to Naruto’s side and immediately starting with the teasing. His smile has finally returned, as he holds his hand out for Naruto to take.
The cloak that was shown tightly closed moments prior, is now flowing freely. The earlier chapter shows his hair appearing flat and jagged -- weighed down. Next to his beloved, however, it's fluffy and swaying in the wind -- weightless.
Another point of intrigue is how Naruto stares at Sasuke’s extended hand, seeming momentarily shocked. Since, after all, Sasuke is the one enthusiastically initiating intimacy again, like we saw in chapter 1 and was so hesitant and pointedly strained in their interactions preceeding this moment.
Sasuke proceeds to turn things up a hundred notches by so smoothly invoking his pledge to forever stay by Naruto's side, while still holding his hand. To which, Naruto’s speechlessness coupled with the intensely flirty look they exchange really seals the deal on how purely romantic this exchange is.
It ends with Naruto once again repeating those words Sasuke said to him at the very beginning of this arc. This has him smiling before lightheartedly scoffing and affectionately calling Naruto a numb-skull. It's a clear demonstration of not only receiving his feelings, but wholeheartedly reciprocating.
It’s another full-circle moment from their first meeting in the Hokage’s office that ends in the same way. It also really echoes the feel of the cathartic conclusion in chapter 698 where Sasuke lovingly calls Naruto 'usuratonkachi' -- some things never change.
