This article contains spoilers from the Naruto series.
Overview
- Orochimaru’s pursuit of Forbidden Jutsu is largely neglected, influencing his limited role in Boruto.
- Amado’s character fails to match Orochimaru’s intricate scientific curiosity and ruthless nature.
- The absence of Naruto and Sasuke cast uncertainty over Orochimaru’s intentions and actions in Boruto.
Quick Navigation
- The Obsession With All Things Forbidden
- The New Shinjutsu Endgame
- Amado Is Not As Interesting As Orochimaru
- Is This Long Enough For Change?
- No Sasuke And Naruto Means No Raison D’être
- The Pieces Are Already In Place
Fans of Naruto frequently cite Orochimaru as a character that the series underutilized. Initially, he was among the most notorious villains, especially as he posed as a powerful ally for Sasuke Uchiha in his quest for vengeance against Itachi. Although Orochimaru’s influence seemed promising at first, his ambitions unraveled as Kabuto manipulated the situation to his advantage, leading to Orochimaru’s diminishing role when greater threats like Pain emerged.
As Naruto came to a close, Orochimaru’s character transitioned into a more subdued figure, one who observed Sasuke out of curiosity rather than malice. In Boruto, this interest is mirrored in Orochimaru’s son, Mitsuki, who becomes fascinated with Naruto’s child. Despite earlier hopes for Orochimaru to regain a more prominent character arc, the introduction of a new villain, Jura, in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex seems to further diminish his prospects. However, the arrival of the Otsutsuki may rekindle Orochimaru’s commitment to his original ambitions.
The Obsession With All Things Forbidden
It’s Not Just About Immortality
Orochimaru’s reputation as a villain primarily stems from his fixation on achieving immortality. However, the underlying motive behind his desire for eternal life is his relentless quest for Forbidden Jutsu. This ambition led to his notoriety, particularly with techniques like the Impure World Reincarnation. The Third Hokage’s countermeasure during the Konoha Crush – disabling Orochimaru’s hand techniques – highlighted how formidable he had become, with his resurrection abilities complicating his defeat further.
Fans often perceive Orochimaru’s character as relatively subdued in Boruto. His most prominent representation in the series appears through Mitsuki, a clone who has gained independence. It’s essential to recognize that Orochimaru’s recent behavior reflects a passive interest in Sasuke’s journey rather than a complete transformation. With Sasuke absent, the dynamics shift. Orochimaru’s knowledge of Shinjutsu—potentially the highest form of Ninjutsu—could reignite his interest in pursuing Forbidden Jutsu once more, particularly with Amado’s revelations.
The New Shinjutsu Endgame
Why Refuse To Take Otsutsuki Power To New Heights?
Amado Sanzu serves as Boruto’s equivalent to Orochimaru, being the mastermind behind the creation of the Kara’s Inners—cyborgs enhanced with Otsutsuki DNA. While it appears he has assumed the role of the primary scientist within the series, Orochimaru’s legacy of experimenting with Forbidden Jutsu remains significant. The introduction of Shinjutsu techniques, derived from the power of the god-like Shibai, could present an enticing opportunity for Orochimaru.
As familiar adversaries like Hokage Shikamaru face unprecedented challenges posed by the arrival of Human God-Trees, there’s potential for them to turn to Orochimaru for guidance. This scenario raises intriguing questions about Orochimaru’s motivations, especially since Naruto and Sasuke are no longer around to curtail his ambitions. If powerful techniques could be executed without the constraints of traditional hand signs, could Orochimaru’s insatiable curiosity push him back into the fray?
Amado Is Not As Interesting As Orochimaru
The Cunning Act Could Only Go On For So Long
In the Naruto universe, the archetype of the Mad Scientist is epitomized by Orochimaru, who struck terror into the hearts of Konoha’s residents in the early days of the series. In contrast, Amado serves a more subdued purpose in Boruto. Although his initial portrayal as an ingenious scientist responsible for cyberizing Kara falls flat against Orochimaru’s malevolence, Amado’s goals—reviving his daughter, even at the risk of using Otsutsuki power—do create some complexity in his character.
Nonetheless, Amado’s character lacks the compelling nature of Orochimaru’s, especially in high-stakes scenarios. He often relies on his knowledge rather than raw power, which dilutes his effectiveness compared to Orochimaru’s notorious ruthlessness and audacity. In many ways, Amado serves as an expositional tool for the Otsutsuki lore, failing to capture the sheer intensity that defined Orochimaru’s character.
Is This Long Enough For Change?
A Heartwarming Quote Can Be Foreboding
Tsunade’s conversation with Orochimaru during the aftermath of the Fourth Great Ninja War reveals a poignant moment. When she ponders how Jiraiya would react to Orochimaru’s alignment with Konoha, he chillingly remarks, “Either people change or they die before they do – it’s one or the other.” This statement raises significant questions about the nature of change within characters like Orochimaru—especially given that he has yet to meet his demise.
Even Naruto acknowledges Orochimaru’s utility, recognizing that monitoring him within Konoha is preferable. With Naruto’s guidance now absent, the onus lies on Orochimaru’s choice: will he revert to his rogue tendencies? The potential for chaos lingers, particularly given his history.
No Sasuke And Naruto Means No Raison D’être
Sasuke’s Path Was Orochimaru’s Original Anchor
The dynamic between Orochimaru and Sasuke has historically served as a fundamental anchor in Orochimaru’s narrative. Orochimaru’s comments during the Fourth Great Ninja War reveal his shifted view: “The range of things that interest me has expanded… I know the pleasure of waiting for someone else’s wind.” Here, he reflects on allowing Sasuke to carve out his destiny—a shift from Orochimaru’s initial ambition to shape it himself.
This transformation is striking when considering Sasuke’s current role as a diplomat of sorts, juxtaposing his former self more than Orochimaru could have anticipated. Orochimaru’s earlier assertion about wanting to enjoy Sasuke’s journey poses an interesting conflict: if Sasuke were to become a rogue once more, how would Orochimaru respond given his previous obsession with Sasuke’s path?
The Pieces Are Already In Place
Mitsuki’s Obsession With The Sun
After Mitsuki’s departure from Orochimaru, he seeks out his “Sun” —symbolically tied to light and hope. Initially fixated on Boruto’s journey to find his purpose, Mitsuki’s attention gradually shifts towards Kawaki after a pivotal event. This evolving interest in an alternate figure indicates that Mitsuki may embody Orochimaru’s traits, reflecting his own programming as a potential observer.
Ultimately, Mitsuki’s pursuit of power seems deeply intertwined with Orochimaru’s original intentions, suggesting that his independence might be a calculated move by his creator. Should calamity befall Konoha, Mitsuki might be forced to leverage his advanced abilities to protect—or challenge—the very legacy that Orochimaru sought to cultivate.