For years, Naruto fans have theorized Tsunade's Slug Sage Mode, and Kishimoto has a chance to introduce in Boruto through Sarada Uchiha.
Throughout Naruto and Boruto, we’ve encountered a few Sage Modes, some of which are incomplete. Among all the users, the three legendary Sannin stood out for being incomplete Sages. However, Masashi Kishimoto never canonically gave Tsunade even a partial one. There is one character in Boruto who can complete that legacy, and it’s Sarada Uchiha.
It’s a convoluted connection, but there are plenty of reasons why Sarada deserves to unlock a Sage Mode. Tsunade had the potential to become the Slug Sage and even master it, unlike Jiraiya or Orochimaru. It’s a missed opportunity that he didn’t try to introduce her pupil. So, it’s time for him to correct his mistake and make it happen in Boruto.
Sarada Deserves to Inherit the Slug Summon in Boruto
Sarada Uchiha is a prodigy who is equally burdened by legacy, just like the protagonist of Boruto is. She’s the daughter of Sasuke Uchiha, who was one of the last remaining members of the clan and the reincarnation of Indra Otsutsuki. The future of the Uchiha clan rests on her. However, many fans forget that her mother, Sakura Haruno, is a legend, too.
Sakura Haruno, despite all the hate she receives, overcame her weaknesses and became one of the greatest medical ninjas in Naruto’s history. She studied directly under Tsunade, and her Slug Summon was passed down to her. Moreover, Sakura is incredibly intelligent. Thus, Sarada had two legacies to uphold.
You might wonder how a Slug Summon would be relevant. Well, Katsuyu, Tsunade’s most prominent summon, lives in Shikkotsu Forest, one of the three legendary sage regions. Jiraiya achieved Imperfect Toad Sage Mode, but never mastered it. Orochimaru could only partially tap into Snake Sage Mode, but his body couldn’t withstand it.
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Here are the characters who have used some form of Sage Mode:
| Users | Sage Mode Type | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Jiraiya | Toad Sage Mode | Imperfect/Not Mastered |
| Minato Namikaze, Naruto Uzumaki | Toad Sage Mode | Perfect |
| Orochimaru | Snake Sage Mode | Partial/Rejected |
| Mitsuki, Kabuto | Snake Sage Mode | Perfect |
| Hashirama Senju | Sage Mode, possibly Wood Release | Perfect |
| Naruto Uzumaki | Six Paths Sage Mode | Perfect |
This was the perfect opportunity for Kishimoto to give Tsunade a Slug Sage Mode, or at least Sakura later on. However, he chose to do none. Now, he has a chance to correct it and make Sarada master it.
She has inherited the best of her parents’ powers, including incredible chakra control and perfect stats. Sarada is also more skilled than Sasuke was at her age. While we’re yet to see a summon from her, a Sage Mode wouldn’t be impossible either, and she deserves a massive upgrade in her arsenal.
What Powers Could a Slug Sage Mode Give Sarada Uchiha
Much like how Naruto learns Frog Kata when he mastered Toad Sage Mode and Mitsuki’s snake aids him in battle, Sarada could go on to learn different techniques after visiting Shikkotsu Forest. Katsuyu is useful for healing and defensive abilities. If she achieves Slug Sage Mode, she could become a powerhouse of healing and chakra.
These are just theories on what Slug Sage Mode could grant her. Sarada could potentially get powerful regeneration and be quite durable. She could also utilize Katsuyu’s mist attacks. She could limit her target’s movements if they stepped into it. In terms of defense, while it does sound a bit gross, a strong mucous armor would grant even more durability.
Sage Mode enhances sensory abilities, thanks to the senjutsu, and connects the user’s chakra to the natural energy itself. In Sarada’s hands, combined with her Sharingan’s heightened visual perception, she would practically be unstoppable.
Overall, we’d love to see Sarada defy the way Kishimoto has portrayed female characters over the years. It would be a terrible waste of potential if he didn’t connect Tsunade’s training to her. We need at least one kunoichi who isn’t forgotten or a disappointment in the long run.
Will Sarada gain a Slug Summon and potentially master Sage Mode? Let us know your theories in the comments below!
Naruto: Shippuden and Boruto: Naruto Next Generations can currently be streamed on Crunchyroll.
