Unraveling the Hidden Secrets: A Deep Dive into Naruto x Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm's Intriguing Original Characters

The newest installment in the popular arena fighter series, Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections, promises to seamlessly integrate the Boruto storyline while paying homage to Naruto's rich history. Despite the temporary hiatus of both the Boruto manga and anime, CyberConnect2 has not held back in delivering their renowned fighting experience to this side of the ninja world. This game introduces updated versions of familiar faces and exciting new characters from the Boruto timeline, but one significant decision has already garnered attention from fans of Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections.

With the inclusion of several new fighters in Storm Connections, the series is poised to redefine itself for returning players. These characters embody some of the most formidable figures in the expansive Naruto universe. Boruto's new form showcases his iconic Karma mark, a powerful attribute derived from an omnipotent Otsutsuki being, granting him abilities that range from space-time ninjutsu to chakra absorption. Similarly, Kawaki and Jigen possess their own unique powers, while Naruto and Sasuke make appearances in their most recent forms. However, the real intrigue lies in the brand-new characters that have been exclusively created for the narrative of Storm Connections.

Nanashi

Nanashi, the first character from Storm Connections to be introduced in the game's trailer, exemplifies a role typically taken by non-canon Naruto movie characters. While not much has been revealed about Nanashi, her official description has sparked intense speculation among fans due to its uncanny insight.

Reportedly, Nanashi exists as a guide character within a virtual reality game called "Ninja Heroes." It remains a mystery how Nanashi can materialize in the real world and impact the game's storyline. This unique and meta concept adds a disruptive element to the Storm series, particularly in the technologically advanced era of Boruto's story.

While still speculative, rumors within the Naruto community depict Nanashi as a truly unique character. Believed to be a young member of the Uchiha clan who has miraculously survived, Nanashi's bloodline potentially grants her a powerful genjutsu that will play a prominent role in Storm Connections' storyline.

This situation could possibly explain her involvement with a popular video game in the Boruto world. However, her appearance with blonde hair and blue eyes contradicts the idea of her having Uchiha heritage. There are various theories to explain this discrepancy, but one theory gaining traction suggests that the blonde girl may simply be a puppet body, linked to the game's other original character.

Merz

Merz, the enigmatic antagonist of the game, made his debut alongside Nanashi in a trailer for Storm Connections' latest content. The limited information available regarding this man adds to the mystique surrounding his origins and appearance. Veiled beneath bandages, his eyes hold the scars of an unknown past. One thing is certain - Merz seeks to ignite a war, perhaps even the Fifth Great Ninja War in this fractured timeline.

Little can be confirmed about Merz, except for his evident command over a legion of masked followers. Despite the dearth of concrete details, speculation abounds. Like Nanashi, rumors about Merz range from the fantastical to the plausible. In the trailer, Boruto confronts a distinctively new red Susano'o design, possibly associated with Merz himself. Some theorize that Merz is an Amegakure scientist, who has integrated an artificial Mangekyo Sharingan into his own body.

Speculation suggests that he is also aligned with Pain's brutal methods, strengthening the possibility of a link between him and Nanashi's theory of a puppet body. Regardless of whether he emerges as the leader of the enigmatic "ZERO" organization, determined to ensnare the entire world in a genjutsu, one thing is certain: Merz is set to introduce a newfound darkness into the ever-expanding universe of Boruto.

Coming soon to PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S is the highly anticipated Naruto x Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections.