Kaguya Otsutsuki

The ancestor whose betrayal of fellow Ōtsutsuki sparked millennia of conflict on Earth.

Kaguya Ōtsutsuki is a central figure in the history of the ninja world, serving as the ancestor whose actions shaped the lineage of chakra users. This betrayal set the stage for future conflicts involving the Ōtsutsuki clan. While the current narrative focuses heavily on her descendants like Isshiki and Momoshiki, Kaguya's influence remains a critical backstory element. Amado later reveals that Isshiki has possessed Jigen ever since Kaguya betrayed him when they came to Earth.

Lore & Background

Kaguya Ōtsutsuki's role in the Boruto narrative is primarily defined through historical context rather than direct appearance. When Kaguya and her associates arrived on Earth, she betrayed them. Specifically, Amado explains to the protagonists that Jigen (later revealed as a vessel for Isshiki Ōtsutsuki) has been possessed by Isshiki ever since he was betrayed by Kaguya upon their arrival millennia ago. This ancient act of treachery is the root cause of the ongoing struggle between the remaining members of the clan and the people of Earth. Karma lets the Ōtsutsuki resurrect through a host's body, and Amado theorizes this was the original purpose of Karma and Kaguya's role as well.

Reader's Guide

Amado's account of the Ōtsutsuki clan's history explains Kaguya's place in the Boruto era. Jigen was possessed by Isshiki after being betrayed by Kaguya when they arrived on Earth millennia ago. This betrayal is the catalyst for the current conflict involving Kara and their search for Karma users. Karma lets the clan resurrect through hosts, a mechanic central to Boruto's own arc. While Kaguya herself does not appear in the active plot of Part I or Part II, her lineage includes Momoshiki and Kinshiki, who are pivotal antagonists whose defeat leaves behind the Karma mark that drives the story forward.

Origins and Creative Development

Kaguya was revered as the "Rabbit Goddess", but she was consumed by her power, lost trust in humanity and turned humans absorbed by the Divine Tree into her own army of White Zetsu to defend against her kinsmen. The betrayal she committed against her own kin upon arriving on Earth millennia ago serves as a foundational myth for the current antagonists like Isshiki Ōtsutsuki.

The Karma Curse and Otsutsuki Resurrection

Kaguya is tied to the mechanism of Karma and resurrection. Amado revealed that Isshiki had possessed Jigen ever since Kaguya betrayed him when they came to Earth millennia ago. This betrayal is a key plot point explaining why Isshiki seeks Kawaki and why Momoshiki places a mark on Boruto. Karma allows the Ōtsutsuki clan to resurrect through the host's body.