Momoshiki Otsutsuki Arc

A celestial invader killed in battle returns through a cursed seal to possess his killer's son.

Momoshiki Otsutsuki serves as the primary antagonist introduced in the 2015 film Boruto: Naruto the Movie and plays a pivotal role in the subsequent Boruto: Naruto Next Generations series. A descendant of Kaguya, he arrives on Earth to plant a Divine Tree by absorbing chakra from ninjas, specifically targeting Naruto Uzumaki and the Tailed Beasts. Although killed during the film's climax by the combined efforts of Naruto and his son, Boruto, Momoshiki survives through a cursed seal known as Karma placed on Boruto. This mechanism allows him to gradually revive within the boy's body, shifting the narrative from an external invasion to an internal struggle that threatens Konohagakure.

Quick Facts

Primary antagonist: Momoshiki Otsutsuki
Major event: Chunin Exams Finals

Lore & Background

Momoshiki is described as a being with a superiority complex who views humans as inferior creatures. He possesses both Byakugan and Rinnegan, the latter located on his palms, which allow him to absorb and release ninjutsu. His design was created by Masashi Kishimoto based on the historical figure Minamoto no Yoshitsune. In his final moments in the film, after being overwhelmed, he consumes a red pill made from Kinshiki's body to gain another Rinnegan on his forehead before being defeated. Later retconned in the manga and anime, Momoshiki uses his last living moments to freeze time and discuss Boruto directly, branding him with the Karma mark upon seeing his potential. The Otsutsuki are beings capable of resurrecting by using the bodies of people cursed with Karma power.

Reader's Guide

Momoshiki was a focus of Kishimoto's film highlights alongside Sasuke and Naruto, while Mikio Ikemoto's manga gave him less focus. The anime adaptation by Hiroyuki Yamashita noted differences in Momoshiki's appearance after consuming Kinshiki compared to the original movie design. Critical response has been mixed; reviewers praised fight scenes but criticized him as a weak villain lacking appealing traits, though his role in the sequel earned major narrative impact. In Japanese, he is voiced by Daisuke Namikawa, who described Momoshiki as an unredeemable villain with a large god complex, while Xander Mobus voices him in English. The character also appears as a boss and playable character in Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4.

Did You Know?

Momoshiki's design was based on Minamoto no Yoshitsune, a famous warrior and military commander from the Heian period.
Daisuke Namikawa, the Japanese voice actor, stated that he views Momoshiki as having a large god complex and seeing humans as inferior creatures.
The battle against Kawaki was shown in the first chapter of the manga instead of Sasuke's fight against Kinshiki to generate a different impact on fans.
In a 2021 poll, Momoshiki took the 15th place among fan favorites.