Boruto's Time Stone: The Karasuki, Explained

One of the most underrated aspects of Naruto was the ancient relics existing across the various lands. In the NarutoShippuden era, fans learned of the Uchiha tablet that informed what the likes of Madara and Obito would do. Plus, there were many forbidden scrolls the likes of Kabuto and Orochimaru uncovered in their attempts to meld science experiments with mysticism.

The Boruto era is no different. A key item is the Karasuki, an eons-old artifact that acts as the franchise's Time Stone. It made its first appearance in the Time Slip filler arc in the Boruto anime. And make no mistake, this item, if used properly, can be a serious game-changer down the line.

What is the Karasuki in Boruto?

Karasuki Has Immense Ethereal Power

The Karasuki's purpose wasn't known at first. When Ōtsutsuki Urashiki tried to invade the Hidden Leaf, Sasuke and Boruto assumed he was coming for Naruto's Nine Tails Demon Fox. However, Urashiki wasn't after Kurama directly. He wanted the Karasuki, which is also the entity's name. This was a robotic turtle that Konoha dredged up from the ocean. The plan was to study the item and learn its secrets. However, Urashiki already knew what it could do.

It was an Ōtsutsuki device from Urashiki's homeworld that allowed time-travel. The anime didn't reveal how it landed on Earth. But these exclusive fillers did have Urashiki charging it up with chakra he stole using his rod. His plan was to go back in time via what the turtle called a "temporal transfer." He wanted to attack and kidnap a vulnerable Naruto after Sasuke left Konoha. He could have then extracted Kurama from the boy.

Karasuki made it clear it has no allegiance. Sure, it is a sentient turtle, but it fulfilled one goal. Whoever fed it chakra would gain passage across the space-time continuum to wherever they wanted. Karasuki had a dry, blunt, and comical wit as it laid out the rules. It was very much a remix of Marvel's Time Stone, except it didn't rewind time; it granted passage across the timestream. It activated the transfer through a pocket known as the Void. Sasuke and Boruto rushed in and knocked Urashiki through the vortex, though, which enabled them to arrive a few days before Urashiki did.

Boruto, luckily, got ahold of the turtle, who had gone into sleep mode. However, Karasuki — independent and neutral in its personality — warned them not to tamper with the past. That would have created butterfly effects and possibly harmed the integrity of the future. Once the heroes protected young Naruto, killed Urashiki and ensured no one discerned their true identities, the turtle woke again. Coincidentally, being around Boruto and Naruto allowed Kurama's chakra to charge it fully. That allowed Karasuki to get the guys back to the present.

What Happened to the Time Stone in Boruto?

The Sentient Karasuki Was Left to Discover Its Purpose

As all parties discussed the journey home, Sasuke was relieved, knowing he used his Sharingan to erase people's memories. Karasuki, though, suggested that it had excess chakra from Kurama. Such is the power of a Tailed Beast or Bijuu. Kurama is the Kyūbi, after all, so he did possess godlike amounts of energy. With so much chakra in its system, Karasuki admitted it could take them to another timeline if they wanted. They just had to abide by the same rules.

However, the Konoha-nin didn't want the turtle to be a pawn again. Urashiki objectified it. It was also implied the other aliens from Urashiki's clan enslaved the relic and kept draining it to do their bidding. Sasuke and Boruto weren't that cruel, heartless or selfish. They saw a person, a character, someone who deserved to be free. Thus, once it dropped them off, they begged the Karasuki to go on its own mission of self-discovery across whichever timeline it wanted.

It could learn about people, the world and unlock whatever mysteries and knowledge its inquisitive mind was set on. The turtle was finally glad to be cut away from the Ōtsutsuki hegemony. Karasuki agreed, realizing it had more potential in this world than to just be a conduit. Karasuki gained a choice about how to live life on its terms. Sasuke knew a lot about this after he redeemed himself from his rogue days. Boruto also broke free from Naruto's destiny and was charting his fate. Therefore, Karasuki got advice from the best people around.

Boruto Can Use The Karasuki to Save the World

The Boruto Universe Will Be Filled With Death & Destruction

Now, there is a lot of destruction occurring in the Boruto: Two Blue Vortex era. Code and the Claw Grime are on the loose. Not to mention, Jūra and Hidari have already attacked the Hidden Leaf and battered Kawaki. Konoha is further doomed to be decimated when Kawaki and Boruto go to war, per the flash-forward that started this entire series. The point is, as Kawaki said, the age of shinobi will be razed.

But Karasuki could be the deus ex machina used if thousands of lives are lost, as portended. Karasuki could return to this timeline and offer Boruto a way back. Once Naruto's son finds the right point in the time-stream, he could sacrifice the present by tinkering and remolding things. It would speak to power and responsibility, while giving Karasuki a higher calling. That purpose is, of course, to be a hero. It can be used to stop Kurama from dying versus Isshiki, or even preventing Naruto from being imprisoned by Kawaki.

The Karasuki could be used to find the right moment where Boruto can work a Talk No Jutsu before Kawaki goes on a killing spree. Some might think it is a copout, but these time relics usually are. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has deployed this on a couple of occasions, whether with the time gem or Loki rebuilding the timeline. The point is, Karasuki is a Hail Mary play waiting to be used. If there is a cost to play god, well, that just adds more intrigue and mystique to the theme of consequences as the property evolves.

Boruto's Karasuki Can Remix Nagato's Pain Arc

Nagato Revived Konoha Magically With His Rinnegan

This sort of savior mode was used by creator, Masashi Kishimoto, already when Pain destroyed Konoha. A teenage Naruto convinced the Akatsuki leader, Nagato, to use his Rinnegan and undo this. There were no repercussions apart from Nagato dying. As a result, Karasuki already has a canvas to work with. Its mission could be resurrecting people or merely changing Kawaki's past where he was abused and sold to Isshiki to be weaponized. Rebirth doesn't have to be physically like the Pain arc.

It can be spiritual as well. In that sense, Karasuki changing life as fans know it would feel familiar. The turtle has a function, just like the Rinnegan did. There may be some controversy with loyalists who don't think fillers are canon. But they are, at least in the Boruto world. Ultimately, such an approach would bring Karasuki's life full-circle and help it atone for all the sins it helped the Ōtsutsuki agents of old enact across many worlds.

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Why Boruto is One of the Most Underrated Anime Right Now

The anime adaption for Boruto: Naruto Next Generations is often flacked by anime watchers. The series only has a 6.03 on MyAnimeList (and it dipped below this for a while, too), based on input from over half the users who watched it. The series is disliked for many reasons, including its general inferiority to its predecessor, Naruto. This sequel series took one of the most popular and lucrative anime franchises ever and performed what felt like the minimum amount of effort to keep the lights on.

Despite its poor reception, the series ran for nearly 300 episodes and is scheduled to eventually continue the manga's story from where it left off. Most viewers attribute Boruto's staying relevant to its connection to Naruto rather than its independent quality. However, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations gets more right than people give it credit for. It may never live up to the expectations of longtime Naruto fans, but it's still a worthwhile addition to the franchise.

How Boruto Fixed Naruto's Filler Episode Problem

Boruto Turned Filler Episodes Into Relevant Ones

One thing the Boruto anime did was take one of the original Naruto anime's most glaring weaknesses and turn it into one of its greatest strengths — it made the anime's filler into something worth watching. Naruto is infamous for having at least two-thirds of its 720-episode run devoted to content that only served to extend the length between canon, manga-based events. For many viewers who only wanted the story to progress, waiting anywhere from weeks to months to years for new canon episodes became agonizing.

Boruto never presented itself with the pretense of trying to adapt the manga at a reasonable pace. The start of the manga covered the Versus Momoshiki Arc from May 2016 through March 2017. Since this arc was a retelling of the events from Boruto: Naruto the Movie, which the anime had already proven it could get done in about an hour-and-a-half (only about four or five episodes, if that).

While the manga had an eleven-month head start over the anime, it was also a monthly series, which meant it would take even longer than the weekly Naruto manga for new canon material to be released. By the time the Boruto anime began airing in April 2017, the manga was only beginning to transition to new content. This slow pace for the manga forced the anime to release more filler episodes relative to canon ones than Naruto ever did.

The absurd amount of filler in the Boruto anime was justified by being deemed a separate continuity from the manga. This was further justified by the anime's divergences from the manga, like introducing Boruto and his next-generation friends to characters who impact future plotlines (legacy characters, anime-original characters, etc.) and teaching them ninjutsu techniques they never had in the manga. With this, the burdensome expectation of keeping up with the manga at a reasonable pace was all but lifted from the Boruto anime.

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Covers Naruto Side Stories

Boruto Adapts Extra Content From Light Novels & Bonus Chapters

The Boruto anime also became a platform for telling side stories from the Naruto franchise. Naruto: Shippuden did this with a few light novels released near the end of its run, like Itachi Shinden and Shikamaru Hiden. Boruto continued the concept to bring fans more canon material between manga chapters. The anime could hold off on airing manga-canon episodes without resorting to filler episodes by adapting light novels, bonus chapters, and anything else separate from the mainline Naruto and Boruto manga.

In the Boruto anime's case, this resulted in arcs like the Sarada Uchiha Arc (adapted from Naruto: The Seventh Hokage and the Scarlet Spring) and an episode covering Mitsuki's backstory (Naruto: The Path Lit by the Full Moon). Masashi Kishimoto may have written and drawn these manga chapters, but they're not counted as part of the mainline series. Therefore, the anime had the right to adapt these stories at the times of their choosing. They will likely do something similar for the Minato one-shot.

It also resulted in adaptions of the Naruto Shinden light novels, like Naruto: Naruto’s Story — Family Day (Episodes 93-95). Konoha Shinden: Steam Ninja Scrolls was also adapted into the Steam Ninja Scrolls Arc (Boruto Episodes 106-111); ironically, this 2016 light novel was animated in 2019, three years before it was published in manga form (2022). In a more traditional order, Naruto: Sasuke's Story—The Uchiha and the Heavenly Stardust began as a light novel in 2019, became a manga in 2022, and was animated in 2023 (though the anime arc wrapped up before the manga).

Even if the Boruto anime takes its time returning to telling its protagonist's story, it would be worth it if it meant seeing more of these side stories animated. This would affirm the canonicity of these stories and make them a formal part of the Naruto franchise's grander narrative. It's also an ideal way for casual fans who would rather see a Naruto story than read it to figure out what happens in the light novels.

The Boruto Anime Expands the Cast Greatly

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Fleshes Out Characters More Than The Manga

The Boruto anime's departure from the manga meant it could tell its stories as it pleased. It could take as much or as little time between canon events to do things that fleshed out its version of the series' continuity and give it more of an identity. For example, the anime begins with Boruto's Ninja Academy days, something that was yet to be covered. This gave fans insight into who Boruto was (beyond the Versus Momoshiki Arc) and who his friends and classmates were.

The expansion of Boruto's classmates was interesting because it let fans get to know characters besides lookalike children of Naruto characters, like Iwabe and Denki. The franchise expected fans to get to know these new classmates, too. When the Ao Arc started in the Boruto manga, it casually introduced Sumire as though readers were supposed to know who she was despite never making a formal appearance before that point.

Regardless, she's since become integral to the manga's plot. With any luck, the rest of Boruto's classmates (or at least the interesting ones) will make their manga debuts and become driving forces in the plot themselves. Several formed teams with Konoha 11 children, so they should become relevant sooner or later. Speaking of the Konoha 11's children, the Boruto anime helped flesh them out, too.

So far, the manga has left them firmly on the sidelines for much of the story. Most readers don't even get to know these characters and can only guess what they're like based on who their parents are. The anime helps fans to understand Metal Lee's insecurities, Inojin's snarkiness, Chocho's Main Character Syndrome, and more. The Boruto anime has also covered several more plot points that should profoundly influence the Naruto franchise's grand narrative.

One of these events is the revelation of Mitsuki's ability to use Sage Jutsu. Other such events that could factor into the canon series include Boruto and Sasuke's travels to the past, Himawari befriending Shukaku, Onoki's death, and everything that happened in the Hidden Mist Village.

The Boruto Anime Is Already More Than It Needs to Be

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations is The Perfect Sequel

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations arguably already does everything it's supposed to do as a Naruto sequel series. The initial premise of Boruto's story is a continuation of adventures in the ninja. It primarily follows Boruto and other shinobi following Naruto's generation. In the process, it expands the world, introduces new characters, makes callbacks to the old series without relying on them, and ultimately keeps the franchise relevant. These were the minimal requirements for Boruto's series to function as a sequel to Naruto, but it did more than that.

Boruto managed to do something Naruto fans hoped would happen for a while and lowered the stakes and intensity of the fights. While the shift to bombastic Dragon Ball Z-styled wars, fans yearned for the days when Naruto fights were won with strategy and skill rather than by who could hit the hardest. Boruto lowered the power ceiling and allowed for more intimate and story-driven fights like in Naruto's early days; this makes sense, as Naruto Next Generations is Boruto's equivalent to Naruto's first part.

The fights eventually get out of hand again once the Otsutsuki clan and Kara are involved. However, even then, the fights manage to be about more than throwing Rasenshurikens with the force of nuclear explosions. The gaps in power are kept low enough for the young Boruto and his contemporaries to make a difference with their relatively meager techniques. Even if the villains are more powerful than ever, the stakes and scale of the fights are just high enough to avoid reaching the absurd levels of end-of-series Naruto.

In any case, raising the stakes for Boruto was always optional. The Fourth Great Shinobi War is as intense as the Naruto franchise can and should get without covering older wars. Boruto lives in a time of peace Naruto and his friends fought so hard for. It would be a disservice to have it undone by enemies who successfully throw the ninja world back into chaos. It's okay for powerful new enemies to arrive and threaten the Uzumaki family and their friends, but the stakes should be fine by leaving things at that select group of people (and maybe the Leaf Village). In these regards, the Boruto anime is better off for never reaching the heights of its predecessor. Boruto could have been a slice-of-life series and people would have gladly tuned in.

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Why Shippuden Was The Naruto Franchise At Its Absolute Best

The overall Naruto anime franchise is split into two, with a two-year time skip dividing them. The original Naruto anime goes first, following 12-year-old Naruto Uzumaki as he begins his ninja career and learns more about the vast world beyond the Hidden Leaf Village's walls. After that comes Naruto Shippuden, the lengthier saga that depicts 15-year-old Naruto's great battles against the Akatsuki organization as the stakes become ever higher.

Fans will have their own opinions on which phase of the franchise is better, and there are plenty of arguments for the original Naruto anime, which put more emphasis on ninja-style trickery and had great comedy. Still, Naruto Shippuden has plenty of strengths as well in its canon story arcs, and it may be no coincidence that many of the show's best quotes, plot twists, battles, and iconic scenes take place in Naruto Shippuden. For ten particular reasons, anime fans may agree that despite how great the first Naruto anime was, Naruto Shippuden represents the franchise at its strongest.

10 Naruto Shippuden Focuses on the Akatsuki as the Ultimate Threat

It was both a strength and a weakness for the original Naruto anime to have a variety of villains. On the plus side, that led to more diverse antagonists with different jutsu, but then again, that made the original anime feel a bit disjointed, since the narrative couldn't decide who the main villain was. Naruto Shippuden focused mostly on the Akatsuki organization, and that was a real boon.

By having a more clearly defined group of villains, Naruto Shippuden could steadily raise the stakes and tension, from the Akatsuki's efforts to capture jinchuriki to Madara Uchiha's ultimate plan to capture the entire world in a genjutsu. Shonen fans also love villain teams like the League of Villains, Upper Moons, Phantom Troupe, and Espadas, and Naruto Shippuden easily cleared the bar with the Akatsuki.

9 Naruto Shippuden's Heroes Are the Ideal Age For Shonen Adventures

There are some exceptions, such as Gon Freecss and Killua Zoldyck, but for the most part, shonen action anime series tend to have teenage heroes for good reasons. Heroes aged 14-18 are the right age to be old enough for some maturity and confidence but still young enough to keep learning and growing. Heroes like Yuji Itadori, Ichigo Kurosaki, Monkey D. Luffy, and Tanjiro Kamado are all in their mid-teens, for example.

It was fun having a team of 12-year-olds in the original Naruto anime, but as fans got older, they were ready for a more mature set of heroes, so the time skip gave them an older, wiser Konoha 11 to match. Protagonist Naruto Uzumaki was the best example, retaining his youthful enthusiasm while having more moments where he acts like a proper young man. Sakura Haruno, who also reached 15, was more mature and sure of herself as a stronger young woman.

8 Naruto Shippuden Has Themes of International Politics

Some anime franchises keep the plot moving with in-universe geopolitics, such as the tension and then the war between Paradis Island and the Marley Empire in Attack on Titan, not to mention the affairs of the World Government in One Piece. Meanwhile, the Naruto anime hinted at the bigger world beyond the Leaf Village, and then Shippuden delivered.

​​​​​​Over time, the Naruto Shippuden anime started to focus on international affairs, such as the Kage summit that took place not long after the destructive Pain arc. That made the worldbuilding even more immersive while also creating new plot threads and stakes for the heroes to focus on. It wasn't just heroes vs villains; it was also nations vs nations.

7 Sasuke Uchiha is More Complex and Exciting Than Ever in Shippuden

In the first Naruto anime, Naruto's shonen-style rival Sasuke Uchiha slowly slid into villainy when he grew frustrated with his apparent lack of progress. That led to the original anime's plot twist, with Sasuke abandoning the Leaf Village to gain more power with Orochimaru. But in Naruto Shippuden, Sasuke was more than just a good guy turned bad.

In Shippuden, Sasuke was many things, being a cool antihero at his best and a chilling supervillain at his worst, and it was fascinating to see. Shippuden made it clear Sasuke wasn't just a villain for the sake of it; he was a confused yet confident rogue who had his own agendas and human faults and desires. Thus, he did everything from betraying Orochimaru and Karin to building his own team of friends and helping Team 7 defeat Kaguya Otsutsuki near the story's end.

6 Naruto Shippuden Kills Off Many Characters to Drive the Plot

The original Naruto anime indeed killed off a few characters, such as Hiruzen Sarutobi and a variety of minor villains, but that doesn't compare to the bloodbath that is Naruto Shippuden. That saga boldly kills off many major heroes and villains alike to create powerful emotional stakes and push the story in new directions.

Jiraiya's death at Pain's hand made Naruto the true successor to Jiriaya's dream, while Asuma Sarutobi's demise forced Shikamaru Nara to rise up as Team 10's new leader, all laziness forgotten. Shippuden even temporarily kills off Gaara to show what an immense threat the Akatsuki is, and Nagato gives his life to show his faith in Jiraiya's and Naruto's dream of peace.

5 Naruto Shippuden Shows Naruto Becoming Jiraiya's True Successor

The Pain arc killed off Jiraiya not just to create dire stakes and shock viewers, but to force Naruto Uzumaki to grow up some more. For years, Jiraiya had been Naruto's mentor and father figure, and Jiraiya shared his dream with Naruto: to achieve world peace by ending the cycle of violence. When Jiraiya died, Naruto grieved, and then assumed Jiraiya's mission.

Naruto stepped out from Jiraiya's shadow as his true successor, and he went further with that dream of peace and unity than Jiraiya ever did. It was almost like My Hero Academia, with Naruto Uzumaki becoming the symbol of peace that the war-torn ninja world always needed, and it made Naruto that much wiser and more lovable.

4 Naruto Shippuden Shows Naruto Uzumaki Becoming a True Hero

For years, protagonist Naruto Uzumaki dreamed of becoming a famous and respected ninja and even Hokage. Naruto endured years of mistreatment in the Leaf Village and was widely rejected as a monster, so Naruto strove to be the opposite. He took some steps in that direction early on, then broke into a sprint in Naruto Shippuden to realize that goal.

It was in Naruto Shippuden when Naruto became the Hidden Leaf Village's ultimate hero. He personally defeated Pain and inspired Nagato to revive all the fallen, so the entire village cheered for Naruto as their savior. It was a cathartic moment for Naruto, and nothing like that happened in the original anime, not even when he fought Gaara to a draw during Operation Konoha Crush.

3 Naruto Shippuden Focuses on the Theme of Cycles of Hatred

From beginning to end, the Naruto franchise had plenty of engaging themes and messages, from believing in oneself and the value of persistence all the way to the unbreakable bonds of friendship and forgiveness. But it wasn't until Naruto Shippuden that the story had its best and most worldly theme: the cycle of hatred and violence.

The young Nagato, Yahiko, and Konan tried to end that dreadful cycle but failed, so they decided to make the entire world suffer and learn a hard lesson about the cycle. Naruto Uzumaki shared their dream of unity and ending the cycle, but he taught them that hope, not destruction, would overcome the cycle. For a time, Nagato thought it was hopeless, and briefly, Naruto wasn't sure he had the answer, either. But then Naruto and Nagato did find the answer, and the world began to heal.

2 Naruto Shippuden Subverts Expectations About the Akatsuki's Members

While Orochimaru was a fine villain in the original Naruto anime, he was almost cartoonishly evil, meaning his character didn't have a lot of nuance or surprises in store for anime fans. Meanwhile, Naruto Shippuden unleashed the Akatsuki organization, which included members who had plenty of surprises in store.

For example, the villain Itachi Uchiha was revealed to be an anti-villain after all, an idealistic ninja who killed his own family to prevent a bloody coup in the Leaf Village. Then, the dreaded, much-anticipated leader turned out to be a would-be Naruto who once borrowed Jiraiya's dream of world peace, hence Naruto's successful talk jutsu after facing Nagato and Konan. Finally, the oddball Tobi tried to be a supervillain, only to be redeemed as Kakashi's old friend, and he gave his life for a good cause. Nothing quite like that happened in the original anime.

1 Naruto Shippuden Greatly Expands the Combat System

Even if the Naruto Shippuden anime got carried away with its power scaling to become off-brand Dragon Ball Z, it was still delightful to watch the franchise expand its combat system in such dazzling ways. For example, Naruto Uzumaki didn't just keep using the Rasengan jutsu -- he invented new forms, including a wind-based windmill Rasengan, among others.

The combat system also expanded to show what jinchuriki like Naruto and Killer Bee can do when they actually have control over their tailed beasts, as opposed to going berserk as a half-other. Shippuden also expanded upon the Mangekyo Sharingan, such as with the Susano'o, and fans also got to see the power of Sage Mode from both Naruto and Jiraiya.

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Naruto: Genjutsu, Explained

In Naruto, there are three main types of Jutsu: ninjutsu, genjutsu, and taijutsu. Ninjutsu typically requires chakra and hand signs, and it usually utliizes the five basic elemental natures of fire, earth, water, air, and lightning. There are thousands of ninjutsu techniques, and they can be used for offensive and defensive purposes. Taijutsu is pretty straightforward because it focuses on various types of martial arts and physical traits. Normal taijustu does not use chakra, but more advanced techniques can use it. Genjutsu does use chakra, but unlike ninjutsu, its effects are not real.

At its core, genjutsu produces sensory illusions that can only be seen by the individuals who are being targeted by the jutsu caster. Genjutsu may not produce real threats, but it is still highly effective during combat. A well-timed genjutsu can turn the tide of battle in the caster's favor, and in certain scenarios, it seals the target's fate. There are not many genjutsu specialists in Naruto, but the specialists who do exist are usually feared. Genjutsu can be terrifying at times, but there are ways to negate its effects.

Genjutsu Is Used To Control & Immobilize Others

Known Genjutsu Users: Gengetsu Hozuki, Tayuya, Obito Uchiha, Itachi Uchiha, Sasuke Uchiha, Kurenai Yuhi, Danzo Shimura, Kahuya Otsutsuki

According to the Second Mizukage, genjutsu is part of Yin Release - a nature transformation that exists outside of the five basic elemental natures. In principle, Yin release uses spiritual energy to create things out of nothing, but it can also be used to control imagination itself - which is the essence of genjutsu. When a ninja successfully uses genjutsu on a target, they take control of the chakra flow that leads to the target's cerebral nervous system. When this happens, the genjutsu user can manipulate their target's five senses. In most cases, the genjutsu user creates false images, but they can also trick their target's body into believing it has experienced some type of physical sensation. Most of the time, the target believes they are experiencing real pain.

Genjutsu can affect any human, but it can also be used on other mammals like ninja dogs. Even the Tailed Beasts can fall under the effects of a genjutsu. That being said, insects like the Kikaichu that are traditionally used by the Aburame Clan cannot be affected by genjutsu because insects are already dominated by their senses. When somone is placed under a genjutsu, their real body will usually fall unconscious. In this scenario, the target's body is left in a vulnerable state, which means that the genjutsu user can end the fight almost immediately. There is another type of genjutsu which allows the target to keep moving. In this instance, the target can only move their body in accordance with the genjutsu.

When this version of genjutsu is used, the target can attack someone who is not really there, or they can be tricked into walking off a cliff. Genjutsu can also be used to gain information from others. For example, Sasuke Uchiha learned about Killer B's appearance, weapon status, and location by placing a Cloud Village ninja under a genjutsu. Itachi Uchiha would cast a genjutsu whenever meeting someone. He would use specific images and then gauge the person's reactions to better understand them. No matter the scenario, it takes a great deal of intelligence and chakra control to pull off a convincing genjutsu. Even someone as strong as Jiraiya had difficulty with genjutsu, but certain ninja like Kurenai Yuhi are able to specialize in it.

There Are Several Forms Of Genjutsu

Examples of Genjutsu Techniques: Tsukuyomi, Izanagi, Izanami, Ephemeral, Bringer-of-Darkness Technique, Temple of Nirvana Technique, Kotoamatsukami, Demonic Illusion: Tree Binding Death, Demonic Illusion: Steaming Multistoried Building, Demonic Illusion: Toad Confrontation Chant, Infinite Tsukuyomi

Like ninjutsu, genjutsu comes in several forms, and they are all effective when used properly. The most common type of genjutsu is visual, and it typically involves some type of illusion - whether it be a fake person, a fake murder of crows, or a monstrous figure that is not really there. Certain forms of visual genjutsu are more direct, as the user can literally take control of someone's mind and actions. For example, Obito Uchiha used the Sharingan to place the Nine-Tails in a genjutsu, and he then ordered it to attack the Hidden Leaf Village. Some genjutsu, like the Tsukuyomi, can deal severe mental and physical harm through simple eye contact. The Tsukuyomi alters the target's perception of time. Depending on the illusion, the target can theoretically endure hours worth of torture in just a few seconds.

Kotoamatsukami is another powerful visual genjutsu, and it is proof that genjutsu can be used to control the minds of others as long as they are in the user's field of vision. Such a genjutsu causes the target to believe that every action they make is part of their own free will. It can be used to sway the minds of the Five Kage, as well as an entire ninja clan. It can also free a resurrected ninja from the effects of the Reanimation Jutsu. Under normal circumstances, a genjutsu does not have the power to affect the physical world, but a visual genjutsu like the Infinite Tsukuyomi can trap every single person on the planet in a heavenly dream world. Once humanity gets trapped, their physical bodies are drained of life energy until they die or become White Zetsu. Izanagi is another type of genjutsu that can alter the physical world because the user can alter reality itself - to the point that they can reverse their own death.

Tayuya of the Sound Four was able to cast genjutsu with her demonic flute - which proved the existance of sound-based genjutsu. The most effective sound-based genjutsu was used against Pain of the Akatsuki. It produces harmonized music that seals the target's mind and movements behind a barrier of water. Sound-based genjutsu are considered very dangerous because they can affect multiple people over long distances. In the anime, Orochimaru proved that genjutsu can be performed through scientific and physical means. He developed something called the genjutsu pill. This pill would paralyze the target's body as soon as they fell asleep, and they would have no recollection of what happened while they were under the genjutsu's effects.

There Are Various Ways To Counter Genjutsu

Characters Who Have Countered Genjutsu: Itachi Uchiha, Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, Shikamaru Nara, Chiyo, Gyuki

Genjutsu can be very effective in battle, but most ninja avoid using it. They avoid using genjutsu because it is a difficult skill to master, and it does not help that genjutsu can be countered in multiple ways. In most cases, the genjutsu caster's influence can be negated if the target's chakra flow is disrupted. When the target realizes they are in a genjutsu, they can disrupt their own chakra flow. An ally can negate a genjutsu that they are unaware of by emitting their own chakra into the target's body. If the target happens to be a Jinchuriki, their Tailed Beast can use their chakra to break the genjutsu. The Tailed Beast method will only work if the Tailed Beast wants to actually help their Jinchuriki.

Pain may be the most common genjutsu sensation, but it can also be used to counter a genjutsu. In this instance, the target can break free of a genjutsu if something outside of the genjutsu causes them enough pain. In rare cases, a strong smell like the one produced by Chilli Pepper Bombs can snap someone out of a genjutsu illusion. In theory, someone can counter a genjutsu with their own genjutsu, but this method will not work if the original genjutsu is more complex. Ocular genjutsu like those produced by the Sharingan can be countered if the caster's vision is obstructed. Concealing ninjutsu like the Hidden Mist Technique are very effective in this regard. For the most part, a Sharingan user is naturally immune to genjutsu because their eye can detect a genjutsu's flaws and influence. Even if they are not the target, a Sharingan user can insert themselves into the caster's genjutsu and dispel it. Some ninja, like Deidara of the Akatsuki, can even train their eyes to break through genjutsu.

Genjutsu has been around for centuries, and it is arguably the most difficult jutsu category to master. Every single genjutsu has a weakness that can be exploited, and most of them can be countered through simple means, but that does not mean that genjutsu is a pointless skill. It may be complicated to use, but genjutsu is still a highly effective weapon. It can be used to immobilize a single opponent, and certain techniques can affect multiple targets at once. In the right hands, a genjutsu can be used to destroy a major ninja village, and in certain cases, it can even be used to subdue an entire planet.

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10 Naruto Side Characters Who Deserved Way More Screen Time

As the Naruto anime continued, it's safe to say the franchise was anchored heavily on the titular character and Sasuke. There was also a slew of important villains brought into play. They included the Akatsuki, as well as the Uchiha tyrants: Madara and Obito.

They all streamlined the story for the NarutoShippuden series. This built towards the climactic battle with Ōtsutsuki Kaguya, the Rabbit Princess. Unfortunately, this direction left many characters behind. They needed a lot more screen time, so that they could have felt properly developed.

10 Rin Felt Like a Harsh Fridging

Rin Was Only There To Advance Kakashi & Obito's Rivalry

As the Shippuden era revealed more of the ninja world's politics, Nohara Rin was seen in flashbacks where she had the Three Tails Beast forcibly put into her by Kirigakure agents. She was meant to go back to Konoha, implode, unleash the monster, and destroy the region. However, she impaled herself on Kakashi's Chidori — an act that Obito saw and turned evil with. This required more pillars to properly resonate.

Firstly, Rin needed more time to forge a more nuanced love triangle. Obito loved her, but there wasn't much chemistry between her and Kakashi. As such, fans didn't connect to his pain and whether he lost a friend, sister or someone more. Rin didn't even spend as much time with her mentor, Minato (Naruto's father). This continued the franchise's bad habit of underplaying female characters.

9 Kurenai Never Became a Full-Fledged Hero

Kurenai's Treatment Felt A Tad Misogynistic

Kurenai was said to be one of the Hidden Leaf's best fighters. However, her only true battle came in a one-sided loss to Itachi and Kisame. Even her famous genjutsu abilities fell short of the mark. To make things worse, she was quickly shunted off to sire Asuma's child after he died. Kurenai was relegated to the role of housewife, thereafter. It was heartbreaking to see her give up her dream of guarding the Hidden Leaf.

This could have been offset had there been more exploration of the romance between her and Asuma. Having it off-screen left their bond feeling thin. In addition, Kurenai's big decision needed a bigger spotlight to show the effect on her daughter, Mirai. Their dynamic at home would have felt more substantial and addressed why Mirai wants to be a Hokage someday. Instead, not addressing Kurenai as a person molds her into nothing more than a prop to make Asuma's story more tragic.

8 Rock Lee Never Lived Up to Potential

Rock Lee Remains An Untapped Mystery

Rock Lee was the taijutsu expert raised by Might Guy. He was basically a Guy clone, although he was used sparingly in the story. Given how much Naruto liked Rock Lee, fans needed more of him outside the exam brawl with Gaara and how he channeled his chakra gates. There was so much wasted potential, given Rock Lee's powerful arc as an underdog who can't harness the mystical side of being a shinobi.

More episodes could have given him a sense of individuality while tapping into his unwavering resilience and unfettered perseverance. This would have fit well into the Boruto era where fans know he fathered Metal Lee — a teenager with the same grit and determination. However, no one knows who the mother is. Had Rock Lee not just been an ancillary character, this future mystery would have more foundation and been a lot more engaging.

7 Tenten Was Underused & Undercooked

Tenten Lacked Charisma & Identity

Tenten was in the same boat as Rock Lee. It's ironic because they were all on Team Guy. Not even the Naruto fillers established Tenten as a key force to be reckoned with. She was kept for cameos, to ridicule her teacher and Rock Lee, and to mourn Neji when he died. The latter should have been fleshed out better, as it was hinted there was a crush present.

Having Tenten coping yet looking towards a better shinobi world could even have hinted at what many theorize: she is Rock Lee's mother in the Boruto narrative. Tenten, as a mourning solo warrior, or deciding to move on with Rock Lee, both feel like intriguing angles that fell by the wayside for a character who needed impetus and urgency.

6 Shisui Was Used As a Heartbreaking Plot Tool

Fans Wanted More Of Shishui's Personal & Professional Lives

In the Shippuden era, Uchiha Shisui was only seen fighting Danzo and fleeing. He ended up taking his life after revealing to Itachi the truth about the planned Uchiha coup. This was done just to have Itachi awaken his Mangekyō Sharingan and then cull his own clan. More needed to be seen, though, with Shisui and Itachi's brotherhood and code. This would explain fully why Shisui would betray his clan, and what made him and the Third Hokage so close.

The Uchiha arc is rife with family, after all. Yet Shisui didn't have that personal touch with his own kin the way Itachi did to Sasuke and his parents. This would have added torment and emotion to Shisui's story, while informing why Itachi considered him the most stoic, skilled shinobi he knew. By negating Shisui's past, it was tough to latch on to his theme of sacrifice.

5 Kiba Was Another Futile Jester

The 'Dog Master' Needed More Time to Shine With Akamaru

Kiba is a major part of the dog-controlling clan: the Inuzuka tribe. However, as much as they're supposed to be revered as this unique link between man and mongrel, the Naruto era under-utilized them. Seeing as Kiba doesn't use summoning jutsus to control their hounds the way Kakashi does, he needed more time in the limelight. Sadly, Kiba is just kept for comedic relief.

This wastes the opportunity to showcase him as an elite warrior, rather than a jester and supporting staff to Naruto. This would have made Kiba and Akamaru's appearances in the Fourth Great Ninja War all the more impactful. Luckily, the Boruto era would share more into Kiba's bloodline and their rivalry with the cat clans and such. But it does feel like this backstory needed to be told in the Naruto days where Kiba mattered more to the plot.

4 Iruka Sensei Was Wasted As a Father-Figure

Iruka Had Tons of Potential

Jiraiya, Kakashi and Hiruzen Sarutobi got the most credit for being a father-figure to Naruto. Iruka Sensei did most of the teaching and caring for Naruto, in and out of school, however. The anime needed more of their adventures and bonding moments together to galvanize this. Iruka didn't have that many fights in the field, so this would have advanced his character a lot. Plus, it would have informed why his personality rubbed off on Naruto.

Instead, by downplaying the teacher, Iruka — to this day — feels like a footnote in Naruto's life. Given Iruka was given pivotal roles in walking Naruto down the aisle, it felt like the franchise needed to pad his story a lot more. This would have explained why Hiruzen backed him to watch over Naruto, and why Kakashi saw him as the right guy to finesse Naruto's emotions.

3 The Legend of Ōtsutsuki Hamura Felt Short-Sold

Hamura's Brother Got More Appreciation & Reverence

Hamura is the twin brother of Hagoromo (the Sage of the Six Paths). Flashbacks had them sealing away their evil mother, Kaguya. But the franchise would spend more time focusing on Hagoromo as the father of ninshū. He became a legend who sired Indra and Ashura — the souls that would reincarnate as Sasuke and Naruto.

It wasn't until The Last: Naruto the Movie (the prequel to the Boruto era) that fans learned Hamura spent time on the moon, cultivated a Byakugan clan, and kept watch over the Ten Tails Husk. Extra episodes showing this dutiful arc, Hamura finding love, how his clan reacted to the Ten Tails being stolen, and the Kaguya war, would have added depth to the reclusive twin. Instead, TheLast quickly and cheaply indicated he grew old, died and had his clan misappropriated by Toneri. Hamura deserved better, as he was Hagoromo's equal and a true hero.

2 Neji's Development Came Too Little, Too Late

The Hyūga Warrior Was Rushed Off Into Death

Neji died saving his friends in the Kaguya War. Sadly, the franchise squandered his history. There was untapped nuance behind him feeling like he was from a lower caste in the Hyūga clan. The franchise briefly touched on it with his rivalry with Hinata, but it wasn't until the Boruto Time Slip arc that fans saw his true feelings. It sucks that the future narrative had a better, more relatable Neji.

While the Naruto era addressed Neji's angst and helped redeem his bitter side, more episodes would have mapped him out as a friend Naruto wanted, and the brother Hinata needed. Instead, Neji's U-turn felt too rushed and compressed. It was rushed, just to force a grief arc when he perished in the field. Having him as the bridge, encouraging Naruto and Hinata to explore their underlying feelings, would have been such a perfect arc. It would also have explained why Hinata misses him and why Boruto deems him to be the legendary, soulful uncle he never met.

1 Konohamaru Was Nothing More Than Cheap Punch Lines

The Sarutobi Progeny Needed More Gravity

Konohamaru was Hiruzen's grandson and an aspiring Hokage. He kept following Naruto around, challenging the teenager to tacky duels. Other than that, he had one big moment where he dropped a Rasengan on a Pain robot. However, he wasn't done justice around that lone brawl. The Naruto anime should have explained Konohamaru's motivations more than just being a fanboy.

Seeing him and his family grieving after Orochimaru killed Hiruzen would have helped frame his passion for change and protecting the village. They also lost his uncle, Asuma, to the Akatsuki. All of this gave him a journey of loss and tragedy like Naruto, except his moments of gravity were ignored. This approach would have laid the foundation to Konohamaru learning, growing and maturing to the point he became Naruto's Hokage assistant.

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10 Naruto Ships That Make No Sense

With the sheer popularity of Naruto and just how many characters are in the show's cast, it's no wonder that shipping is also immensely popular. Some Naruto ships are unanimously accepted by most of the fanbase — like Shikamaru and Temari, Tsunade and Jiraiya, and Minato and Kushina — but that isn't the case for all of them. Some Naruto pairings, both canon and non-canon, gain traction in certain parts of the fanbase despite making little to no sense when looking at the characters and their actual dynamic.

Some Naruto pairings don't make sense because the characters hardly interact and don't have anything that would connect them in a meaningful way, while others have an unhealthy dynamic that doesn't work romantically. This is only furthered by the fact that the end of Naruto Shippuden pairs up virtually all of its main characters, even if their romantic partner has barely been shown on-screen.

Kakashi Has Known Sakura Since She Was Fresh Out of the Academy

Kakashi Hatake And Sakura Haruno

A popular pairing in the Naruto fan community is Sakura Haruno and Kakashi Hatake, who met while Kakashi was already a jonin — well into his adult years — and Sakura was a pre-teen fresh out of the academy. Even without considering this questionable factor, there's nothing about Sakura and Kakashi's interactions that hints at anything even slightly romantic on either end.

Kakashi is a great mentor for Sakura who doesn't look down on her and teaches her invaluable lessons, and thanks to that and Tsunade's training, Sakura stands as his equal by the time Naruto: Shippuden rolls around. They have a great dynamic, but they should remain strictly platonic.

Sasuke and Hinata Barely Interact Throughout All of Naruto

Sasuke Uchiha and Hinata Hyuga

The Naruto pairing between Hinata Hyuga and Sasuke Uchiha is surprisingly popular in the fandom despite them being two of the characters who least interact throughout the series. The traits that attract Hinata to Naruto — his determination to prove everyone's view of him wrong, honestly chasing his dreams and wanting to gain respect — are ones that Sasuke openly rejects as he seeks power and revenge above all else.

In all likelihood, the main reason why Hinata and Sasuke have so many supporters is because of the ship wars that took place before Naruto's main pairings were solidified. Between Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura and Hinata, fans didn't know who would end up with who, and those who didn't like their other options or preferred Sasuke and Hinata as characters chose them to back romantically instead.

Fans Ship Tayuya With Naruto Because of Her Parallels With Kushina

Naruto Uzumaki and the Sound Four's Tayuya

Naruto Uzumaki and Tayuya are a pretty popular pairing in Naruto's shipping community despite Tayuya being of the Sound Four that aided in the Sasuke Retrieval Squad's ultimate failure. Supporters of the pairing cite Tayuya as fierce and independent, similar to Kushina — and also having her trademark, rare red hair.

This completely ignores the fact that Tayuya is part of the Sound Four and would have been Shikamaru's killer if Temari hadn't come to his rescue. Although she shares parallels with his mother, Tayuya is someone Naruto would never consider for a romantic partner, and the pairing feels nonsensical outside of the small community that supports it.

Ino's Attraction to Sai Is Built Around His Vague Resemblance to Sasuke

Ino Yamanaka and Sai

Since Naruto's beginning, Ino has been attracted to Sasuke along with Sakura, although Ino also takes an instant liking to Sai due to thinking he resembles Sasuke. Ino and Sai end up together by the end of Naruto Shippuden and have a child, Inojin, but their relationship doesn't have a lot of satisfying development and feels like a way to pair off two characters who didn't necessarily need it.

Ino's initial attraction to Sai is built around the fact that he looks like Sasuke, and Sai downright believes Ino is ugly when they meet. He calls her beautiful, the opposite of what he's thinking, to avoid getting punched like he had with Sakura. While they have good chemistry in Boruto, their buildup is lackluster, which leads to many fans questioning their relationship.

Sasuke Makes an Attempt on Sakura's Life

Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno

Although Sasuke and Sakura are one of Naruto's main pairings and have been built up since the first episode, they don't make sense together. Sasuke is initially annoyed and off-put by Sakura, and although she gains his respect as a teammate, their relationship is still rocky. During Sasuke's time defecting from Konoha, he doesn't hesitate to try to kill Sakura, who's only saved because of Kakashi's intervention.

Even as an official couple, Sasuke and Sakura don't work well together. Sasuke is emotionally unavailable and never around, with Sakura making excuses for his behavior instead of calling him out. Even Ino, who initially crushes on Sasuke just as hard, comments that she could never have a husband who's physically gone all the time like he is.

Orochimaru and Tsunade's Relationship Has Parallels to Sasuke and Sakura

Orochimaru and the Fifth Hokage, Lady Tsunade

Tsunade has various complicated relationships in Naruto, with Orochimaru being one of the most tragic. Their relationship parallels Sasuke and Sakura's, with both men defecting from Konoha after becoming obsessed with power and both girls initially preferring them to their other male teammates, Jiraiya and Naruto, respectively.

While Tsunade cared for Orochimaru as a teammate and might have crushed on him as a kid, any feelings on her end have vanished following the Konoha Crush and Orochimaru's request for her to heal his arms. He's too much of a threat to the Leaf Village for any respectable Hokage to consider having romantic relations with him, and Tsunade deserves someone who hasn't betrayed her and made attempts on her life.

Naruto Is Too Hyperactive and Childish for Tenten

Naruto Uzumaki and Tenten

When the cliché works, opposites attract because they complement the other, making up for their partner's weaknesses. In Naruto and Tenten's case, his hyperactivity, impulsivity and childish nature all directly clash with Tenten's quieter, mature personality and constant desire for peace. She's constantly around oddities and hyperactivity with her teammates, Lee and Might Guy, and likely wouldn't want it in a relationship as well.

Naruto and Tenten also suffer from the same issue that Hinata and Sasuke do, although it's more excusable for Tenten since she has the least screentime of any Konoha Eleven member. Naruto and Tenten almost never interact, especially when filler isn't taken into account, so it's hard to feel invested in them as a potential romantic pairing.

Sakura and Ino Are Better Off as Close Friends

Sakura Haruno and Ino Yamanaka

Sakura and Ino have been through a lot, starting out as close friends — with Ino being the one who helps Sakura bloom — and becoming bitter rivals by Naruto's first episode. This rivalry is spurred on by Sakura's desire to separate herself and her self-worth from her friendship with Ino and their mutual crush on Sasuke.

After regaining each other's respect during the Chunin Exams' Tournament arc, Sakura and Ino become closer than ever, eventually opening a mental health clinic together for children affected by war. They make incredible friends and push each other to be better in their pursuits of both love and becoming better ninjas, and they work best this way.

Kakashi and Iruka Don't Have Much in Common Aside From Being Naruto's Mentors

Kakashi Hatake and Iruka Umino

Kakashi and Iruka have known each other for a long time and have both been irreplaceable mentor figures in Naruto Uzumaki's life. Anytime Iruka doubts either Naruto or his own abilities to mentor Naruto, Kakashi is usually the one who guides him onto the right path. They're a surprisingly popular pairing in Naruto's Japanese community, but the overwhelming majority of fans don't feel that they make sense together.

Their interactions are pleasant, but Kakashi almost acts more like a mentor to Iruka than anything else, just involving Naruto. They also suffer from the same issue as other potential Naruto pairings, as they just don't interact enough for a romance between them to feel believable.

Choji and Karui's Romance Lacks Buildup Because Karui Comes Out of Nowhere

Choji Akimichi and Karui

When just comparing their personalities, Choji and Karui get along fine. Both Karui and Choji are more laid-back people with fiery, outspoken sides, and they share a similar passion for food. The main issue with their relationship is that, as a character, Karui comes out of absolutely nowhere. It feels like she was only created and thrown into Naruto Shippuden so Choji had someone compatible to end up with.

It's not like every member of the Konoha Eleven ends up with someone, so having Choji remain single instead wouldn't have felt out of place. Giving Karui proper build-up with Choji beforehand would also eliminate the issue of their relationship feeling forced.

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10 Most Underused Kekkei Genkai in Naruto

Every ninja in Naruto is skilled, and most of them can use a variety of jutsu. Certain ninja have access to unique abilities because they possess DNA anomalies. These anomalies are called kekkei genkai, and they are usually passed down through the generations of a specific clan. Several kekkei genkai were used quite often in Naruto, but other kekkei genkai were underused.

Every kekkei genkai is effective in battle, and certain abilities can kill an opponent with a single strike. Some of the most underused kekkei genkai were only used by a single person. In this scenario, the individual's clan was usually extinct or on the verge of extinction. Other kekkei genkai were underused because they were introduced very late in the series. It should also be noted that some of these kekkei genkai are incredibly rare.

10 Scorch Release Creates Deadly Heat Orbs

First Used in Naruto: Shippuden Episode 265, "An Old Nemesis Returns;" Used by Pakura

Scorch Release is a nature transformation that seemingly combines both Wind and Fire Release. It is an incredibly deadly kekkei genkai that was briefly shown during the Fourth Great Ninja War. The anime added a filler episode that centered around a Scorch Release user, but the kekkei genkai still received less than twenty minutes of screen time.

Scorch Release gives someone the ability to create heat orbs. These orbs look like miniature suns, and they can rotate around the user's body. They can also be controlled freely. If these orbs touch an enemy, all the moisture in their body will instantly evaporate, and they will die in a mummified state.

9 Shikotsumyaku Gives The User The Ability To Manipulate Their Own Bones

First Used in Naruto Episode 119, "Miscalculation: A New Enemy Appears!"; Used by Kimimaro Kaguya

Shikotsumyaku is a kekkei genkai that gives its user the ability to manipulate their bones. The user can grow their bones until they protrude from their body. This gives the user a decent defense because melee opponents can impale themselves during an attack. Shikotsumyaku also allows the user to remove their bones so they can be used as sharp weapons. Small bones can even be fired like bullets.

The Shikotsumyaku is a less lethal version of the bone manipulation ability possessed by Kaguya Otsutsuki. Only a few members of the Kaguya Clan could have inherited this kekkei genkai, and during the events of Naruto, only the clan's last living member possessed it. It briefly returned during the war, but the kekkei genkai went extinct when Kimimaro died.

8 Dark Release Can Absorb & Release The Chakra Of Others

First Used in Naruto: Shippuden the Movie: The Will of Fire; Used by Hiruko

Dark Release did not appear in either the Naruto manga or anime. It is a nature transformation kekkei genkai that has only been used in Naruto: Shippuden the Movie: The Will of Fire. The exact elements used by this kekkei genkai are still unknown, but it does seem to give the user a special diamond mark on their left hand.

Dark Release can absorb an opponent's chakra, and the user can then manipulate and release that chakra whenever they want. The upper diamond portion of the mark absorbs the chakra, while lower diamond releases it. Hiroku was the main villain of the movie, and he used Dark Release to absorb Naruto's Rasengan. In theory, Dark Release would be a variation of the Rinnegan's chakra absorption ability.

7 The Kurama Clan's Kekkei Genkai Makes Genjutsu Even More Dangerous

First Used in Naruto Episode 203, "Kurenai's Decision: Team 8 Left Behind;" Used by Yakumo Kurama

The Kurama Clan may not be part of Naruto's official canon, but they possess a rare kekkei genkai that focuses entirely on genjutsu. This kekkei genkai only appears once every few generations, which means that it is incredibly rare even within the Kurama Clan. As a result, the clan's full kekkei genkai only appears in a small handful of episodes.

Genjutsu revolves around illusions, but the Kurama Clan's kekkei genkai can empower these illusions. This empowerment causes the victim to sustain legitimate physical injuries. The main drawback of this kekkei genkai is the fact that the user can easily lose control and develop a second personality that will target both enemies and allies.

6 Ice Release Was The Fearsome Power Of The Yuki Clan

First Used in Naruto Episode 13, "Haku's Secret Jutsu: Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals;" Used by Haku

Ice Release was the first kekkei genkai that Naruto and Sasuke had to deal with. It is a nature transformation kekkei genkai that combines Wind and Water Release. It was the Yuki Clan's signature technique, and it allowed Haku to become an Anbu-level ninja.

The Yuki Clan's Ice Release was feared in the Land of Water because they used it to create ice mirrors that they could instantly travel between. This allowed them to attack from any direction. Another version of Ice Release involves the user encasing their fists with ice. This kekkei genkai has unfortunately disappeared from the ninja world because its main users have gone into hiding.

5 Sakon and Ukon Can Break Their Bodies Down With Their Kekkei Genkai

First Used in Naruto Episode 120, "Roar and Howl! The Ultimate Tag-Team!"; Used by Sakon & Ukon

Sakon and Ukon were the apparent co-leaders of the Sound Four. They both inherited their clan's unnamed kekkei genkai - which gave them the ability to break their bodies down to a molecular level. With this skill, they were able to share the same body, and they could split apart at any time.

During combat, Ukon would help his brother during a melee exchange with his own arms. This kekkei genkai allowed them to merge with other people as well, and they were able to destroy the cells of their new host's body. This is a very unique and effective kekkei genkai, but it seems as though Sakon and Ukon were the last ninja to wield it.

4 The Ketsuryugan Is A Deadly Ocular Kekkei Genkai

First Used in Naruto: Shippuden Episode 484, "The Exploding Human;" Used by Chino & En Oyashiro

The Ketsuryugan is an ocular kekkei genkai that has been compared to the Sharingan, Byakugan, and Rinnegan. It only appears in Sasuke Shinden: Book of Sunrise - a four-episode arc that is part of the official Naruto canon. When the Ketsuryugan is activated, the user's pupils become rectangular and their eyes glow bright red.

The Ketsuryugan can only be used by certain members of the Chinoike Clan, and they can perform a strong genjutsu with it. These individuals can also manipulate anything with a high concentration of iron, including blood. If the user makes physical contact with someone, they can infuse their target with poisonous chakra. This chakra will eventually cause their victim's body to explode.

3 Storm Release Allows The User To Manipulate Beams Of Electricity

First Used in Naruto: Shippuden Episode 203, "Sasuke's Ninja Way;" Used by Darui & Madara Uchiha

Storm Release is a nature transformation kekkei genkai that combines Lightning and Water Release. It is a surprisingly common kekkei genkai in the Land of Lightning, but it does not give the user the ability to manipulate actual storms. Instead, the user is capable of manipulating beams of electricity that flow like water.

In most cases, a Storm Release user can fire multiple beams at once. They can alter the direction of each beam, which means that they can hit multiple enemies at once. They can also direct the beams around hostages. Madara Uchiha used a different type of Storm Release which produces a stream of lightning that is almost impossible to dodge. As useful as Storm Release is, it was hardly used in the series.

2 Boil Release Can Melt Anything - Including A Susanoo's Armor

First Used in Naruto: Shippuden Episode 204, "Power of the Five Kage;" Used by Mei Terumim, Han, Kokuo

Boil Release was first used during the Five Kage Summit Arc, and it nearly killed Sasuke Uchiha. This nature transformation kekkei genkai is a combination of Fire and Water Release. Boil Release typically produces a corrosive vapour that can dissolve most substances, including a Susanoo's armor.

Unfortunately, this kekkei genkai can injure allies as well. Boil Release is the main nature transformation used by the Five-Tails, otherwise known as Kukuo. Its version utilizes heated chakra to melt enemies. As strong as this kekkei genkai is, it has only been used on two occasions.

1 The Tenseigan Grants The User A Powerful Chakra Mode

First used in The Last: Naruto the Movie; Used by Hamura & Toneri Otsutsuki

The Tenseigan is an ocular kekkei genkai that can be awakened by an Otsutsuki who obtains a Hyuga Byakugan. They need to implant the Byakugan into their eye sockets. There are not many Otsutsuki left, and most of them prefer other ocular kekkei genkai, so the Tenseigan is incredibly rare. It has only appeared in The Last: Naruto the Movie - which is part of the official canon.

The Tenseigan can control gravitation forces like the Rinnegan's Deva Path, and the wielder can use it to hurl large moon rocks at the Earth. It also gives the user access to Tenseigan Chakra Mode, which produces a set of Truth-Seeking Balls. This form can fight on par with Naruto's Sage Mode enhanced Nine-Tails Chakra Mode.

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Naruto: Masashi Kishimoto Accounts "Are All Fraudulent" in Official Statement

While many manga and anime creators use social media to stay connected to fans, Naruto's Masashi Kishimoto is among those who don't have a public persona, leading to many parody accounts. In a statement to fans, Naruto's official account made it clear that any accounts claiming to be the creator are "fraudulent."

Via the official English Naruto X (formerly Twitter) account, Shueisha staff wrote, "[WARNING] The manga creator Masashi Kishimoto does not post on any social media. Please be aware that any accounts claiming to be him are fraudulent. - Shueisha." They also posted this on their Japanese account. Commenters were quick to highlight one of the most notable impersonators, with many tagging the account @kishimotomasshi. Readers can check out the statement and reactions below.

While @kishimotomasshi's recent tweets mostly repost Naruto anime and manga art and Kishimoto quotes, the account has been called out in the past for blurring the lines between real and fake. The account's X biography acknowledges that it's a parody account, but only after a wall of text and credits designed to mimic official accounts.

Anime and Manga Creators Take Vastly Different Approaches to Social Media

Without social media, Kishimoto's personal statements have come through the press and Weekly Shonen Jump releases. He joined fellow creators in mourning Akira Toriyama, calling Dragon Ball a "salvation for a rural boy like me." His statement was also read out following the director's announcement for the upcoming Naruto live-action. Different creators can take wildly different approaches to communication, from Vinland Saga's Makoto Yukimura routinely responding to fans and reposting fanart, Hajime no Ippo's George Morikawa engaging in online debates, Hayao Miyazaki, who appears to loathe communication, to Chainsaw Man creator Tatsuki Fujimoto's notorious X account, which many suspected was originally a parody itself.

Fans can follow Naruto officially on X via (@NARUTO_info_en), while the anime series is available to stream on Crunchyroll. The platform describes Part 1: "The Village Hidden in the Leaves is home to the stealthiest ninja. But twelve years earlier, a fearsome Nine-tailed Fox terrorized the village before it was subdued and its spirit sealed within the body of a baby boy."

Source: Naruto official X (formerly Twitter)

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Naruto Shippuden and Boruto Get All-New Official Artwork With Traditional Japanese Flair

Spring has sprung in Japan, and as cherry blossom season rolls on, characters from Naruto: Shippuden and Boruto: The Next Generations are partaking in the festivities in new artwork by GraffArt. The newly drawn images feature Naruto playing a shamisen and Sasuke a tszumi.

An homage to traditional Japanese music, the artwork forms part of a forthcoming product line, which will be released on April 19 and available on TV at the Tokyo Haneda Airport and Tokyo Station Store. Depicting fan-favorite characters such as Sakura in a fittingly sakura-themed kimono playing a biwa and Hinata performing on a nohkan, buyers will be able to purchase the images emblazoned on a variety of merchandise, including some ultra-cute chibi renditions of the ninjas as classical performers. The official artwork and merchandise, via PR Times, can be viewed below.

Products include tin badges, acrylic cards, acrylic stands and mini-colored paper that can be purchased in blind boxes or separately. Additionally, a premium postcard holder will be available featuring 30 slots -- a good get, as buyers will receive a postcard as a bonus for every purchase of 2,200 yen (US$14.49), with a total of eight to collect. There will also be GraffArt renditions available in their signature playful chibi style.

Naruto Remains a Massive Franchise Despite Its Age and Stalled Anime

While the tales of the Seventh Hokage have long finished, his successor continues the story in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. The anime reached its conclusion at Episode 296 in March 2023, with fans receiving the disappointing news that the next part might only reach screens in the late 2020s. While unconfirmed, leaks have suggested that the time skip will leave Studio Pierrot with much ground to cover.

Meanwhile, the Boruto: Two Blue Vortex manga is well underway; taking place about four years after the climactic battle between Kawaki and Boruto, the series introduces a time skip -- a move by Kishimoto that has sparked renewed enthusiasm in the franchise after a decline in readership since its 2016 launch. The series' latest chapter recently teased some potentially game-changing twists in the now-fugitive Boruto’s saga, hinting at the exposure of newly gained allies and suggesting imminent danger, as well as a steep cost for their allegiance.

Source: PR Times

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The Fate Of Every Hokage In Naruto

In Naruto, the Five Kage are the recognized leaders of their respective villages, and the Hokage is the leader of the Hidden Leaf Village. Only the strongest and most skilled Leaf ninja can become Hokage - which is why only a handful of individuals have officially held the title. Every Hokage has left behind a lasting legacy, but they have all had slightly different fates.

Several Hokage died in battle, which is not surprising since the ninja world is a violent place. That being said, their souls now reside in the Pure Land, which is essentially Naruto's version of heaven. A few Hokage have been able to retire, and they are currently enjoying their free time. The Current Hokage is presumed dead, but he is actually sealed elsewhere.

9 Hashirama Was The Leaf Village's 1st Hokage, And His Soul Is Now At Rest

First Appears in "Naruto Episode 69, "Village in Distress: A New A-Ranked Mission!"

The Hidden Leaf Village was founded by Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha, but it was Hashirama who became the village's First Hokage. He possessed the Wood Release kekkei genkai, and his own Sage Mode. Hashirama was the only person to ever beat Madara in combat, and he could defeat a Tailed Beast single-handedly. The exact cause of Hashirama's death is still unknown, but it happened before the First Ninja War.

Hashirama was resurrected by Orochimaru during the Konoha Crush arc, where he battled the Third Hokage. The fight ended when his soul was sealed within the Reaper Death Seal Technique. His soul was freed during the 4th Great Ninja War - where he helped to subdue the Ten-Tails. He also helped to summon Team 7 from Kaguya's dimension. When the war ended, his soul was finally able to rest in the Pure Land.

8 Tobirama Died During The First Ninja War As The 2nd Hokage

First Appears in Naruto Episode 69, "Village in Distress: A New A-Ranked Mission!"

Tobirama Senju is Hashirama's younger brother, and he was named the Second Hokage prior to Hashirama's death. He was a master with Water Release, and he created powerful techniques like the Reanimation Jutsu and Flying Thunder God Technique. Tobirama's speed allowed him to overpower the visual prowess of the Sharingan.

Tobirama was killed by Kinkaku of the Hidden Cloud Village during the First Ninja War, but he was resurrected decades later to fight the Third Hokage. Like his brother, his soul was sealed, but he was freed during the Fourth Ninja War. Tobirama used his skills to help fight Obito Uchiha - who was the Ten-Tails Jinchuriki at the time. He helped to bring Team 7 back from Kaguya's dimension, and his soul was now in the Pure Land.

7 Hiruzen Died As The 3rd Hokage After Fighting Orochimaru

First Appears in Naruto Episode 1, "Enter: Naruto Uzumaki!"

Moments before his death, Tobirama named Hiruzen Sarutobi the Third Hokage. He held the title for a record-breaking 42 years, and he is the only Hokage who participated in all four ninja wars. Other than Hashirama, Hiruzen is the only ninja who received the "God of Shinobi" title. Hiruzen sacrificed himself during the Konoha Crush arc when he used the Reaper Death Seal to stop his two predecessors.

He also sealed Orochimaru's arms in the process. Orochimaru released Hiruzen's soul during the Fourth Great Ninja War, and he helped to fight the Ten-Tails and its Jinchuriki. He then defended the Allied Shinobi Forces from Tobi's wooden buddha. After bringing Team 7 back, Hiruzen's soul was able to rest in the Pure Land.

6 Minato Died As The 4th Hokage During The Nine-Tails Attack

First Appears in Naruto Episode 1, "Enter: Naruto Uzumaki!"

Minato is Naruto's father, and he was named the Fourth Hokage after the Third Ninja War. He perfected the Flying Thunder God Technique, and in doing so, he became the fastest ninja in history. He defeated Obito while the Nine-Tails was attacking the Leaf Village, and he sacrificed himself to seal half of the Tailed Beast's chakra inside of Naruto.

Minato's soul was trapped inside the Reaper Death Seal, but he was freed by Orochimaru during the Fourth Great Ninja War. He got to fight alongside his son during the war, and he was able to save Naruto's life by giving him the other half of the Nine Tails' chakra. Before joining Kushina in the Pure Land, Minato was able to say goodbye to Naruto.

5 Tsunade Retired As The 5th Hokage Shortly After The 4th Great Ninja War

First Appears in Naruto Episode 83, "Jiraiya: Naruto's Potential Disaster!"

Tsunade was named the Fifth Hokage shortly after Hiruzen's death. She is the granddaughter of Hashirama, and she was trained by Hiruzen. She is still considered the strongest medical ninja in the world, and she mastered the art of Mitotic Regeneration - which makes her unkillable for a brief period of time. Tsunade used her medical skills to save many lives during Pain's assault.

She also led the Five Kage when they fought Madara Uchiha. Tsunade decided to retire after the Fourth Ninja War, but she remained Hokage for a full year until her successor was ready. During the events of Boruto, Tsunade seems to be enjoying her retirement by going on various trips, but she continues to advise and help the Leaf Village whenever she can.

4 Danzo Died After Becoming The 6th Hokage Candidate

First Appears in Naruto: Shippuden Episode 32, "Return of the Kazekage"

Danzo never became Hokage, but he was named the presumptive Sixth Hokage when Tsunade was incapacitated. He was part of the Second Hokage's squad, and he was in charge of his own Anbu division. Danzo protected the Leaf Village from the shadows, but his actions ultimately led to the Uchiha Massacre and the creation of the Akatsuki.

Danzo represented the Leaf Village at the Five Kage Summit - where he was caught trying to manipulate the other Kage with Shisui Uchiha's Sharingan. Sasuke attacked the summit because he wanted to kill Danzo. Their battle was epic, but it ended in Sasuke's victory. In his final moments, Danzo activated the Reverse Four Symbols Sealing Technique to destroy his body so Obito could not acquire Shisui's eye.

3 Kakashi Was The 6th Hokage For Over A Decade, And He Is Now Enjoying Retirement

First Appears in Naruto Episode 3, "Sasuke and Sakura: Friends or Foes?"

Kakashi Hatake is a true ninja prodigy who was trained by the Fourth Hokage. After acquiring Obito's Sharingan, Kakashi became known as the Copy Ninja, and he went on to lead the third division of the Allied Shinobi Forces. He was named the Sixth Hokage when Tsunade retired, but it took him a year to assume the title.

Kakashi does not have a Sharingan anymore, but he is still one of the ninja world's best fighters. He decided to retire after about twelve years, but he continues to help train the next generation of ninja. Kakashi can still fight if he needs to, but he spends most of his time relaxing. He even went on a trip to visit the filming location of the Make-Out Tactics movie.

2 Naruto Is The 7th Hokage, And He Is Currently Being Held In Another Dimension

First Appears in Naruto Episode 1, "Enter: Naruto Uzumaki!"

Naruto became the Seventh Hokage when he was just 27, but he missed his inauguration because he was accidentally knocked out by his daughter, Himawari. He is a perfect Jinchuriki who has defeated powerful ninja like Gaara, Sasuke, and Pain. Naruto does not get to spend much time with his kids because of his responsibilities, but he does try. As Hokage, Naruto has maintained the fragile peace that the ninja world has achieved. He was willing to sacrifice himself in order to protect the Leaf Village from Momoshiki Otsutsuki.

He basically adopted Kawaki and protected him from Kara. He even risked his life against Isshiki Otsutsuki. Naruto lost Kurama during the Isshiki fight, but he is still quite strong. Kawaki decided to kill Boruto because he possesses Otsutsuki DNA, but he knew Naruto would not be okay with it. For that reason, Kawaki sealed Naruto and Hinata in a different dimension. Most of the world believes Naruto is dead, but he is still in the dimension in suspended animation.

1 Shikamaru Currently Serves The Leaf Village As The Interim 8th Hokage

First Appears in Naruto Episode 1, "Enter: Naruto Uzumaki!"

Shikamaru is one of the smartest ninja in history, and he advised both Kakashi and Naruto when they were both in office. When Naruto went missing, Shikamaru was forced to lead the village. Many consider him the Eighth Hokage, but he has not officially accepted the title.

For two years, Shikamaru believed that Boruto killed Naruto, but he now knows that Naruto is still alive. He also knows that Ada altered everyone's memories with her Omnipotence ability. Even with this knowledge, Shikamaru is still skeptical, but he is now willing to hear Boruto out instead of killing him on sight.

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