The Otsutsuki are a persistent danger in the world of Boruto, but their arrival in the Naruto series significantly increased the peril for the Shinobi. The original series explored Kaguya Otsutsuki, her sons Hagoromo and Hamura, and their family lineage. Hagoromo's son, Indra, and his sibling Asura, particularly stood out as their rivalry intensified when Asura was chosen as their father's successor.
The concept of reincarnation played a significant role in the plot, as it was revealed that Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha were the reincarnations of Asura and Indra, respectively. This pattern of reincarnation extended to Madara Uchiha and Hashirama Senju, who also embodied the same reincarnated spirits.
The conflict between these two personalities was unavoidable in each of their new lives, but ultimately Naruto succeeded in putting an end to the ongoing battle between the lines of the reincarnated brothers. The Boruto storyline now seems to be exploring the concept of reincarnation in a fresh and innovative way.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers.
New fan theory suggests Boruto Uzumaki is the reincarnation of Shibai Otsutsuki
The Otsutsuki God (Image via Studio Pierrot)
A compelling theory about Boruto Uzumaki and Shibai Otsutsuki has gained traction among many manga enthusiasts. It suggests that the youthful Uzumaki may actually be the reincarnation of the Otsutsuki God.
Shibai Otsutsuki attained his divine status after consuming many Chakra Fruits over several millennia and using Karma to resurrect himself numerous times. This granted him the power to use Shinjutsu, a technique that surpasses ninjutsu in its miraculous nature and does not rely on hand movements for activation. In addition to the abilities displayed by Daemon and Eida, who have Otsutsuki cells, the Otsutsuki God also showcased the ability to generate wind-based storms.
While in exile from Konoha, Boruto mastered a new technique called Rasengan Uzuhiko. This wind-based jutsu can be effortlessly executed without the necessity of hand seals.
The fan theory suggests that Boruto and Shibai Otsutsuki share similarities, as both possess the unique dojutsu Jougan.
Additionally, when Boruto transforms into Borushiki, his horn design more closely resembles that of Shibai Otsutsuki rather than Momoshiki's, despite Momoshiki being the one inside him. This sets him apart from characters like Kawaki or Jigen, whose horns resemble those of Isshiki Otsutsuki.
Interestingly, the development of Boruto's single horn occurs on the same side as his right eye, which is home to the enigmatic Jougan. However, the legitimacy of Jougan remains a topic of debate, as it has only been mentioned in the anime and not in the manga. Consequently, many fans are hesitant to acknowledge the dojutsu as part of the official canon, leading them to easily dismiss any theories related to it.
The young Uzumaki's horn (Image via Studio Pierrot)
The young Uzumaki's horn bears a striking resemblance to Princess Kaguya Otsutsuki's horns, suggesting a link to her chakra pool inherited from Naruto and Hinata. This raises the possibility of Kaguya Otsutsuki being a descendant of Shibai Otsutsuki, although there is little information to support this claim at present.
While the concept of Boruto being a reincarnation of Shibai Otsutsuki is intriguing in theory, it presents challenges in execution. Many manga series already heavily feature the theme of lineage, and Naruto has faced criticism for employing similar plot points.
The image above shows Indra and Asura (Image via Studio Pierrot).
Naruto is beloved by many fans for championing the values of hard work and determination at its core, which contributes to its widespread popularity. The series initially portrays Naruto as an underdog, starting from humble beginnings and striving to achieve his dream of becoming a Hokage through sheer perseverance.
The introduction of the reincarnation theme abruptly shifted the focus from individual effort to the idea that Naruto was destined for greatness due to his remarkable lineage. This departure from the initial storyline is a valid criticism, as it undermines the original focus on Boruto's story and the theme of individual effort. Boruto has always been part of a prestigious family with a relatively comfortable life, and the influx of lineage into the narrative could weaken the basic premise.
Editor's P/S
As a long-time fan of the Naruto series, I am excited about the possibility of Boruto Uzumaki being the reincarnation of Shibai Otsutsuki. This theory would add a new layer of complexity to the story and could help to explain some of the mysteries surrounding Boruto's character.
One of the things that I find most interesting about this theory is the potential for it to explore the theme of destiny. Boruto has always been a bit of an outsider, and he has often struggled to live up to the expectations of his father, Naruto. If Boruto is indeed the reincarnation of Shibai Otsutsuki, then it would mean that he has a great destiny ahead of him. This could give Boruto a new sense of purpose and help him to find his place in the world.
However, I also have some concerns about this theory. One of my biggest concerns is that it could make Boruto too powerful. Shibai Otsutsuki was an incredibly powerful being, and if Boruto is his reincarnation, then he could potentially become even more powerful. This could make it difficult for the other characters in the series to keep up with Boruto, and it could make the story less interesting.
Overall, I think that the theory of Boruto being the reincarnation of Shibai Otsutsuki is a very interesting one. It has the potential to add a lot of depth to the story and to explore some important themes. However, I also have some concerns about the theory, and I will be interested to see how it plays out in the future.