Karma
A cursed seal of resurrection that holds the soul and data of an alien god.
Karma is a mysterious seal implanted into the bodies of shinobi by members of the celestial Otsutsuki clan. It lets an Ōtsutsuki resurrect through the body of the person who bears it. This artifact has become central to the conflict in the modern era, transforming select individuals with high chakra potential or those specifically chosen by the Otsutsuki into hosts for ancient gods seeking to reclaim their physical forms.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- Otsutsuki Clan
Lore & Background
The implications extend beyond individual battles to the fate of the ninja world itself.
Reader's Guide
Momoshiki leaves Karma on Boruto before he dies, and Isshiki attacks Konoha to brand Kawaki with a new one. Kara searches for people who bear Karma marks, and Sasuke learns that every Karma user, Jigen and Boruto included, will be taken over by the Ōtsutsuki clan.
The Origins and Nature of Karma
Karma serves as a pivotal plot device in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, introduced when Momoshiki Ōtsutsuki places a mysterious mark on Boruto before his death. This seal is not merely a symbol but a biological mechanism designed by the ancient Ōtsutsuki clan to facilitate their resurrection within host bodies across millennia. The narrative reveals that Karma acts as a vessel for data and consciousness, allowing figures like Isshiki Ōtsutsuki to inhabit hosts such as Jigen long after their physical demise.
As the story progresses, it becomes evident that anyone bearing this mark is destined to be eventually overtaken by an Ōtsutsuki entity. The group known as Kara actively hunts individuals with these marks, viewing them as essential tools for their leader's resurrection plans. Ultimately, the mark transforms Boruto from a standard ninja into a target of galactic proportions, forcing him and his allies to confront the terrifying reality that his very existence is being hijacked by an alien lineage seeking to revitalize their dying Divine Tree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the known vessels of Karma?
The primary known carriers of this seal are Boruto Uzumaki and Kawaki, who were marked by different members of the Otsutsuki clan. These two individuals drive the main narrative conflict regarding the artifact's activation.
What powers does Karma grant?
This artifact allows the Otsutsuki user to eventually overwrite the host's body and resurrect themselves using the stored data. While active, it can also grant the vessel enhanced abilities and access to specific techniques belonging to the original god.
Is Karma dangerous for the host?
While intended as a tool for parasitic possession by the gods, the seal also presents a unique risk of erasing the host's consciousness entirely upon activation.
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Elsewhere in Boruto
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