Summary
Jiraiya's death in Naruto: Shippuden was a major series highlight and one of the most shocking moments, leaving a lasting impact.
Jiraiya's impact on Naruto's growth as a formidable ninja cannot be underestimated. Through his guidance, Naruto acquired invaluable skills and techniques. Although the chances of Jiraiya's resurrection in Boruto are slim, his lasting legacy and relationships with various characters solidify his indispensability and enduring presence in the Naruto universe.
Jiraiya's demise in Naruto: Shippūden was a gripping and unforgettable moment, marking a pivotal point in the series. Alongside Lady Tsunade and Orochimaru, Jiraiya was one of the esteemed "Legendary Great Three Students of the God Shinobi." Tragically, unlike other Naruto characters, Jiraiya's passing was permanent, intensifying the impact of his loss.
Recognized as both the Toad Sage, for his ability to summon toads, and the Pervy Sage, due to his voyeuristic tendencies, Jiraiya first appeared in the initial season of the Naruto anime. He quickly assumed the role of mentor to the protagonist, guiding him along his arduous journey. Jiraiya played a significant role in shaping Naruto into a formidable ninja, becoming the first among his mentors to impart the teachings of controlling his incredible Nine-Tails power. Jiraiya also imparted the knowledge of animal summoning and assisted Naruto in mastering the Rasengan technique, which would later become one of his signature attacks. Regrettably, their shared moments of happiness were tragically cut short.
Jiraiya Dies in Episode 133 of Naruto Shippuden
In the anime's sixth season, Jiraiya embarks on a mission to Amegakure, aiming to infiltrate the village and uncover the whereabouts of Pain, the leader of Akatsuki. To Jiraiya's surprise, he discovers that Pain is none other than his former student Nagato, whom he had trained alongside Naruto. Their reunion takes a bitter turn as they engage in a battle that ultimately leads to Jiraiya's death in "The Tale of Jiraiya the Gallant," the 133rd episode of Naruto: Shippūden. Despite his expertise as a ninja, Jiraiya proves no match for Nagato's powerful manifestation, the Six Paths of Pain. This devastating technique severs Jiraiya's arm, crushes his throat, and impales him numerous times with dark chakra rods. In his final moments, Jiraiya taps into his remaining energy to write a coded message on his toad companion Fukasaku's back, offering Naruto valuable information regarding Pain's true identity. While a version of Jiraiya does reappear later in the series, it disappointingly deviates from fans' expectations.
Jiraiya Made His Return in Episode 132 of Boruto
Although Jiraiya did not return from the dead during the Fourth Great Ninja War, he does make a reappearance in episode 132 of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, titled "Jiraiya's Assignment," where Boruto and Sasuke travel back in time. In an effort to better synchronize his chakra with Naruto's, Boruto encounters a young Genin Naruto training in the past under Jiraiya's guidance. Additionally, episode 214 of Boruto, titled "Predestined Fate," reveals that Kashin Koji is actually a clone of Jiraiya. Created by Amado to infiltrate the villainous Kara organization and defeat Isshiki Otsutsuki, Kashin Koji continues to play a significant role in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. Although he cannot match Jiraiya's charisma, Kashin Koji manages to uphold Jiraiya's legacy through his comparable set of ninjutsu skills.
Is Jiraiya Coming Back In Boruto?
Jiraiya's demise in Naruto: Shippūden played a pivotal role in shaping Naruto into the independent ninja he later became. However, this does not eliminate the possibility of Jiraiya making a reappearance in Boruto. In the Time Slip Arc, it is strongly suggested that Jiraiya is aware of Sasuke and Boruto's origins from the future, along with their true intentions. This opens up the chance for Jiraiya to somehow travel to Boruto's timeline. On another note, while it is evident that Kashin Koji is not Jiraiya himself, the continued journey of this clone could potentially shed light on certain unanswered questions about Jiraiya's past. From a narrative standpoint, Jiraiya's untimely demise marks a crucial turning point in Naruto's growth, making it highly unlikely for him to be revived or brought back to life in Boruto.
Jiraiya Was One of Naruto's Most Important Characters
Jiraiya's impact on Naruto is undeniably significant. His greatest legacy lies in the very existence of Naruto himself. Not only did Jiraiya train Naruto, but he also influenced Naruto's father, Minato, who named his son after the protagonist in one of Jiraiya's legendary books. This aspect of Jiraiya's character is ironic yet fitting, as he has always played a supporting role despite his bombastic demeanor. Jiraiya serves as a crucial link between various characters, including his fellow Sanin, the next generation of ninja in Konoha, and the menacing Akatsuki. These connections solidify Jiraiya's pivotal role, culminating in a heartbreaking yet fitting conclusion in episode 133 of Naruto: Shippuden.