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Few powers in Naruto are more iconic than the Sharingan. The bloodline ability of the Uchiha clan comes in multiple forms, none more powerful than the Mangekyo Sharingan. Previously, we saw this ocular jutsu develop only in those who had undergone an intense trauma – usually losing the person they loved the most – but the latest chapter of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex has rewritten the rules of one of the most powerful abilities in the Naruto universe.

The first time we saw the Mangekyo Sharingan was in Itachi Uchiha, who awakened it after seeing his best friend sacrifice himself. Later, Sasuke awakened the power after witnessing his brother’s death and learning the truth about Itachi’s role in the Hidden Leaf Village. However, Sasuke’s daughter, Sarada Uchiha, seemingly unlocked the Mangekyo Sharingan without experiencing a similar loss. Her feelings of love for Boruto were enough for her to awaken to this legendary power.

That was at the end of the first part of the Boruto manga, but Chapter 20 of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex seems to confirm that it isn’t necessarily trauma that can unlock the Uchiha’s iconic ability. As Sarada is cornered and coerced into giving up information about Boruto, she awakens her Mangekyo Sharingan once again and seems to have even more control of it.

There is an argument that can be made that the thought of losing Boruto was enough of a tragedy in Sarada’s mind to awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan, but it is still a major rewrite of one of the most dramatic bits of lore in the Naruto universe. If trauma isn’t needed to awaken this ability, then it means that much of Itachi’s sacrifice to make his brother more powerful was wasted. We’d love to see Masashi Kishimoto and Ukyo Kodachi address this change in subsequent chapters.

"In the ninja world, those who don't follow rules are trash." as Obita Uchiha once said. And while we can't say these are rules, they are the king things you'll want to read next about Naruto: 

• How to watch Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden in order
• Want to visit the Ninja World? You can in 2026, as Naruto is getting the theme park treatment
• The 10 best Naruto arcs, ranked best to worst 
• 25 years later, Naruto's portrayal of a world tackling the sins of its past remains frustratingly relevant