The Boruto series adeptly expands upon the extensive lore established in the original Naruto storyline. One of its primary strengths lies in how it intertwines foundational concepts like Jinchūriki, Chakra, Dojutsu, and Ninjutsu with a fresh narrative focus. Building on these core elements allows Boruto to maintain continuity while establishing its own identity.
Notably, Boruto introduces concepts like the Shinju, descendants of the Ten Tails, and Shinjutsu, a derivative form of Ninjutsu, thus enriching the universe further.
A particularly compelling aspect of the Boruto narrative is its deepened exploration of the Otsutsuki clan, a facet that Naruto only touched upon lightly, primarily through the lineage of the Sage of Six Paths. In contrast, Boruto provides a comprehensive examination of this enigmatic alien race, revealing Kaguya as just one of many Otsutsuki beings.
Throughout Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, not only do we witness Kaguya’s origins unfold, but we also come across her counterpart, Isshiki. Originally, Isshiki was portrayed as the Otsutsuki who partook of the coveted Chakra fruit. However, his significant betrayal by Kaguya nearly resulted in his demise.
A fascinating fan theory suggests that it wasn’t Kaguya who nearly killed Isshiki, but rather the Ten Tails. According to this theory, Kaguya may have cunningly maneuvered Isshiki into a position that left him vulnerable to the Ten Tails’ influence.
This theory gains some traction based on a flashback in Boruto that depicts Isshiki in a vulnerable state. Let us delve deeper into this intriguing speculation.
Disclaimer: The following discussion is a speculative theory reflecting the author’s interpretation.
An Examination of Kaguya’s Betrayal of Isshiki in Boruto
To evaluate the validity of this fan theory, we must revisit the Otsutsuki’s origin and their parasitic nature. This alien race aims to amplify their power by cultivating a Ten Tail Sapling on a new planet.
The sapling gradually matures into a God Tree, which drains the Chakra and genetic resources from the planet. Ultimately, this tree produces a large fruit, the consumption of which grants the Otsutsuki enhanced abilities.
Otsutsuki members typically travel in pairs; thus, when they arrived on Earth, it was Isshiki and Kaguya who descended together. For the sapling to yield a God Tree, one of the pair must be sacrificed. Kaguya’s profound attachment to Earth ultimately led her to betray Isshiki, opting not to fulfill her role as the sacrificial counterpart.
Executing such a betrayal is no minor feat considering Isshiki’s superior strength. Kaguya likely used strategic deception to incapacitate him, lending credence to the theory of her treachery.
In the narrative established by Naruto Shippuden, Kaguya’s consumption of a Chakra fruit endowed her with immense power, which later manifested in her sons, Hagoromo and Hamura. The path to accessing such power necessitated that Kaguya provide the Ten Tail Sapling with an Otsutsuki, specifically Isshiki.
This line of reasoning raises two significant inquiries: How did Isshiki endure if he was indeed sacrificed to the Ten Tail Sapling? And how has Earth remained unharmed? While the first question requires speculation, the second appears more straightforward; the Earth’s survival can be attributed to the fact that only a portion of Isshiki was consumed, allowing enough residual presence to avoid total destruction.
This scenario might explain why the world of Naruto and Boruto is confined to a single continent—suggesting that the remaining expanse may have suffered destruction.
Conclusion
The primary challenge this theory faces revolves around Isshiki’s apparent survival following his close encounters with the Ten-Tails and Kaguya’s betrayal. One plausible explanation lies in his Sukunahikona ability, which allows him to manipulate the size of objects, possibly including himself.
This capability may have facilitated his escape from the Ten-Tails, and considering the Otsutsuki’s inherent pride, Kaguya may not have ensured a thorough pursuit. Ironically, it is likely this same pride that led Isshiki to lower his guard.