Understanding the Antagonists in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations
If you're diving into the world of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations and wondering "Who is bad in Boruto?," you're not alone. The series, which follows the son of Naruto Uzumaki, introduces a new generation of heroes and, importantly, a new cast of antagonists. Unlike the straightforward "evil" characters of some narratives, the villains in Boruto often have more nuanced motivations, making them both compelling and, at times, even understandable.
The Major Players: Who's Causing Trouble?
When we talk about who's "bad" in Boruto, we're primarily referring to the various criminal organizations and individuals who threaten the peace established after the Fourth Great Ninja War. Here are some of the most significant threats:
Kara: The Shadowy Organization
Perhaps the most prominent antagonists in the early to middle arcs of Boruto are the members of **Kara**. This clandestine organization operates in the shadows, aiming to achieve its own mysterious goals that often involve destabilizing the world. The core of Kara is comprised of powerful individuals known as **Inner** members, each with unique abilities and a terrifying agenda.
- Jigen/Isshiki Ōtsutsuki: The leader of Kara, Jigen is revealed to be an ancient Ōtsutsuki clan member. His goal is to revive himself fully and harvest the chakra of Earth to create a new Divine Tree. He is the ultimate antagonist for a significant portion of the series, possessing immense power.
- Delta: A cyborg with incredible destructive capabilities, Delta's primary motivation is often linked to her "child," Kawaki, whom she is tasked with retrieving for Jigen. Her methods are brutal, and she shows little hesitation in causing harm.
- Boro: A religious fanatic who uses his immense strength and the ability to generate a poisonous mist to control others. He sees Jigen as a god and is willing to sacrifice anyone to protect him and his ideology.
- Deepa: A mercenary with the ability to create carbon-based constructs. Deepa is driven by a desire for power and enjoys tormenting his opponents. He operates with a cold, pragmatic ruthlessness.
- Victor: An elder within Kara, Victor's motivations are somewhat different. He seeks immortality and the scientific advancement of ninja technology, often through unethical means. He's willing to experiment and betray others to achieve his ambitions.
- Code: A loyal subordinate of Isshiki Ōtsutsuki, Code becomes a major threat after Isshiki's defeat. He is filled with hatred and a desire for revenge against Konoha and those who stand in his way.
Ōtsutsuki Clan: The Cosmic Threat
Beyond Kara, the overarching threat in Boruto stems from the **Ōtsutsuki Clan**. This ancient, extraterrestrial race travels through dimensions, consuming chakra from planets to cultivate Divine Trees, and ultimately achieve godhood. They are the ultimate antagonists, with their actions directly leading to the formation of organizations like Kara and the individual motivations of many characters.
- Kaguya Ōtsutsuki: Though defeated by Naruto and Sasuke in the Fourth Great Ninja War (before Boruto begins), her legacy and the threat she represented set the stage for the current conflicts. She was the progenitor of chakra on Earth.
- Isshiki Ōtsutsuki: As mentioned earlier, he is a primary antagonist who was working through Jigen. His ambition is the core of much of Kara's actions.
- Momoshiki Ōtsutsuki: Initially a threat to Naruto and Sasuke, he is eventually defeated and killed. However, his spirit and consciousness later possess Boruto, creating a constant internal struggle for the young ninja.
- Kinshiki Ōtsutsuki: Momoshiki's companion, Kinshiki is a powerful warrior who fights alongside him.
Other Individuals and Groups
While Kara and the Ōtsutsuki are the most significant, the Boruto series also features other antagonists:
- Hōzuki!}{Mizuki (from the *Naruto* series, reappearing in a filler arc): A former rogue ninja who resurfaces with a desire for revenge.
- Urashiki Ōtsutsuki: A lesser-known Ōtsutsuki member who appears in the anime, posing a threat to the younger generation of ninjas.
- Various rogue ninjas and criminals: As with any ninja world, there are always individuals who operate outside the law, motivated by greed, power, or personal vendettas.
The Nuance of "Bad"
It's important to note that Boruto often explores the gray areas of morality. Many antagonists, while undeniably causing harm, have backstories or motivations that make their actions somewhat understandable, even if not justifiable. For instance, characters like Kawaki are victims of abuse and manipulation, leading them to act out. The series questions the nature of peace and the consequences of past actions, making the definition of "bad" more complex than a simple good versus evil dichotomy.
Ultimately, the "bad guys" in Boruto are those who threaten the peace, endanger lives, and seek to exploit others for their own gain, whether it's power, revenge, or a warped sense of justice. The Ōtsutsuki Clan represents an existential threat, while Kara acts as their immediate pawns, carrying out their destructive plans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does Boruto fight bad guys?
Boruto fights bad guys using a combination of ninja techniques, taijutsu (hand-to-hand combat), ninjutsu (elemental and other special techniques), and genjutsu (illusions). He also wields his signature "Boruto Stream" Rasengan and his unique Ōtsutsuki eye, the Jōgan, which has special perceptive abilities. He often works with his teammates, friends, and the Hokage's forces to confront threats.
Why are the Ōtsutsuki so powerful and considered "bad"?
The Ōtsutsuki clan are extraterrestrial beings who have existed for millennia and possess abilities far beyond those of normal shinobi. They are considered "bad" because their primary objective is to harvest chakra from planets by planting Divine Trees, which ultimately leads to the destruction of those planets. They view other life forms as mere resources.
Is Momoshiki Ōtsutsuki truly dead?
While Momoshiki Ōtsutsuki was defeated and seemingly killed by Naruto and Sasuke, his consciousness was transferred into Boruto's body. This means he is not truly gone and can manifest through Boruto, influencing his actions and abilities. This creates a constant internal conflict for Boruto.
What is Kara's ultimate goal?
Kara's ultimate goal, under the leadership of Isshiki Ōtsutsuki, is to cultivate a new Divine Tree on Earth. This process involves draining the planet of its chakra and eventually allowing Isshiki to be reborn in a new, perfect vessel. Their actions are all in service to this destructive cosmic objective.
