Boruto: Naruto Next Generations has gained significant popularity among anime fans, continuing the legacy of its predecessor, Naruto. However, one of the ongoing questions that fans constantly debate is: Who is the true villain in Boruto? While many characters play antagonistic roles, the question of who the real villain is requires a deep dive into the plot, motives, and how various characters impact the story. This article will explore the primary contenders for this title and analyze the impact of their actions in the series.
The Major Antagonists in Boruto
In Boruto, there are numerous antagonists, each representing different kinds of threats to the peace that has been established after the end of the Fourth Great Ninja War. Some of these villains are clear-cut, while others are more complex, operating behind the scenes. The main candidates that come to mind are:
1. Kinshiki Ōtsutsuki
Kinshiki Ōtsutsuki is one of the first antagonists to appear in Boruto. He is a member of the Ōtsutsuki clan, which has been central to the larger conflict in the Naruto universe. Kinshiki, along with his partner Momoshiki, is tasked with retrieving Naruto Uzumaki to gain control over the powerful chakra within him. Although his presence is significant, Kinshiki serves more as a follower of a larger, more ominous force. Therefore, while he is a threat, he doesn’t represent the true villain of Boruto.
2. Momoshiki Ōtsutsuki
Momoshiki Ōtsutsuki stands out as one of the more dangerous villains in Boruto. He possesses immense power and has a deep connection to the Ōtsutsuki clan’s goal of harvesting chakra from planets. He poses a significant threat, especially with his ability to manipulate energy. His battle against Naruto and Sasuke showcases just how dangerous he is. However, despite his threat level, Momoshiki’s ultimate motives are more about power and survival than malice. Hence, he is not entirely the main villain of the series.
3. Isshiki Ōtsutsuki
Isshiki Ōtsutsuki emerges as a major antagonist in the series. He is a member of the Ōtsutsuki clan, known for his overwhelming strength and strategic intelligence. Isshiki’s goal is to further the Ōtsutsuki clan’s plan of consuming the chakra of planets. His involvement with Kaguya Ōtsutsuki and his pursuit of Boruto adds a more personal layer to his villainy. Unlike Momoshiki, Isshiki appears to have more strategic and manipulative tendencies, positioning himself as one of the most formidable villains in Boruto’s universe. He remains a critical figure in the ongoing narrative, making him one of the most prominent antagonists in the series.
The Real Villain: Kawaki
While the Ōtsutsuki clan plays a major role in the story of Boruto, there is a character whose actions and development could argue that they are the true villain: Kawaki. Initially introduced as a child who is taken in by Naruto’s family, Kawaki’s journey takes a dark turn that brings him closer to becoming the real antagonist of the series. His transformation into a villain is complex and multifaceted, making him the true antagonist in Boruto.
The Origins of Kawaki’s Villainy
Kawaki’s story begins with his tragic past. Abandoned by his biological father and manipulated by the scientific ninja tools created by Kara, Kawaki’s early life was filled with abuse and trauma. He was essentially treated as an experiment, used by the organization Kara to reach their goals. Despite the efforts of Naruto Uzumaki and the Hidden Leaf Village to protect and nurture him, Kawaki’s bitter resentment builds over time.
Kawaki’s Role in the Future of Boruto
Kawaki’s true potential for villainy emerges later in the series, as his relationship with Boruto becomes strained. The trauma and manipulation he has endured ultimately push him toward a darker path. His transformation into a powerful and dangerous figure is cemented by his decisions in key moments of the series. Kawaki’s decision to target Boruto, especially after the events surrounding Isshiki and the Ōtsutsuki clan’s influence, brings him into direct conflict with the main characters of Boruto. This shift in his character aligns with the traditional rise of a villain – a once-innocent figure twisted by his circumstances and decisions into an antagonist.
The Complexity of Kawaki’s Villainy
What sets Kawaki apart from the other villains in Boruto is the complexity of his motives. He is not a typical villain driven by power or domination. Instead, his villainy is born from a combination of emotional wounds, manipulation, and a sense of betrayal. Kawaki struggles with his place in the world, especially after being adopted by Naruto’s family. His hatred of the Ōtsutsuki clan, coupled with his deep desire for independence, makes him a volatile figure. His actions throughout the series, especially his eventual split from Boruto, further cement him as the true villain.
The Clash Between Boruto and Kawaki
The eventual clash between Boruto and Kawaki is one of the most anticipated moments in the series. Kawaki, having gone down a dark path, views Boruto as a threat to his vision of the future. His relationship with Boruto is central to his transformation from a victim to a villain. Boruto, who once considered Kawaki a brother, is left to confront the harsh reality of Kawaki’s betrayal. This emotional conflict is what truly defines Kawaki’s role as the main antagonist of Boruto, as his personal vendetta against the world, including Boruto, fuels his destructive path.
Conclusion
While the Ōtsutsuki clan, including characters like Momoshiki and Isshiki, plays a significant role in the overall conflict of Boruto, the true villain is ultimately Kawaki. His journey from an innocent child to a vengeful and complex antagonist marks the most dramatic arc in the series. Unlike other villains, Kawaki’s motives are deeply personal, and his evolution into the series’ antagonist adds layers of emotional depth to the narrative. Kawaki is the real villain in Boruto, not because of his power, but because of the internal struggle that shapes his destiny.
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