WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Boruto: Naruto Next Generations by Masashi Kishimoto, Mikio Ikemoto, Ukyo Kocachi, Mari Morimoto and Snir Aharon, now available in English from Viz Media.
202 was a big year for the Boruto manga. New chapters contained massive revelations surrounding Kara's purpose and exactly what Jigen intended to do with the terrorist cell. Readers learned Kara was fashioned even more in the vein of the Akatsuki than first assumed, and their mission was certainly meant to redefine the future of Boruto, Kawaki, their seniors and Konoha itself. Let's look back at the past year's biggest moments from the manga and what they mean for the upcoming year.
5. Boruto Takes Out Sasuke's Eye
In Chapter #53, "That's Reality," fans got a major shock when Boruto attacked Sasuke with his kunai, stabbing him in the eye. But it wasn't just any eye -- it was Sasuke's Rinnegan, which means if it's lost permanently thanks to his blindsiding, his ability to traverse space and time will suffer immensely. In addition, the Rinnegan could have allowed Sasuke a mass resurrection like what Nagato did with Konoha during the Pain invasion arc so it's a serious blow.
What also stunned readers was the assailant actually wasn't Boruto -- it was really Momoshiki whose possession of the kid's body had finally been completed in the fight against Isshiki. This means Naruto will have to fight for the soul of his son with Sasuke now at a major handicap. And to make it worse, if Momoshiki is allowed to roam free using Boruto's body and wreak havoc, he could bring the God Tree back to suck the Earth's chakra dry.
4. Kaguya' Real Past, Revealed
In Naruto, it was thought Kaguya alone came to Earth and tried to colonize it, bonding with humans before growing bitter and trying to bleed it empty with the God Tree. In Chapter #46, "True Identity," however, readers discovered she didn't come alone -- Jigen is really Isshiki, another member of the alien clan she's part of. Apparently, the Ōtsutsuki army sends two aliens out but Kaguya betrayed Isshiki and tried to kill him so she could get the chakra fruit all for herself.
This chapter confirmed Isshiki hid inside the monk, Jigen, taking over his mind and body until he could turn Kawaki into a vessel and be reborn. It's why he's been using Kara all this time and what this retcon also clarifies is why Momoshiki and Kinishiki came as a pair. It's always a master and a junior, and Kaguya was the junior who turned on the boss. This doesn't bode well, however, as it means there are more depleted worlds and more Ōtsutsuki soldiers who could invade soon.
3. Koji Kashin's True Identity
It's long been known Koji had some sort of affiliation with Konoha as he was able to get past the chakra barrier and the sensory ninjas. Chapter #47, "Predestined Fate," spilled the truth about his connection as he tried to expose Isshiki and trying to kill his leader. There, it was revealed he was really a clone of Jiraiya. Amado was the other traitor in Kara and he apparently cloned Jiraiya's body, although we don't know when it happened.
The legendary Sannin was killed and left at the bottom of the ocean by the Akatsuki so we need to know how and why Amado did it, and why they turned on Kara. Isshiki sent Koji fleeing so it remains to be seen when he'll come back and reveal the news to Naruto. No one else knows his identity but as he's a clone of Naruto's godfather, someone Tsunade loved and who other ninjas looked up to, Koji could continue Jiraiya's mission. Many felt Jiraiya died early so this is also a chance to possibly have Koji become Hokage someday which fans wanted Jiraiya to achieve.
2. Isshiki's Death
Isshiki left Naruto, Sasuke and Boruto battered in Chapter #53 and was about to place the Karma mark back on Kawaki. This meant he'd be reborn in due time within the teen but he placed it on a shadow clone. As time ran out, Isshiki (in Jigen's frail body) started turning to dust. Kawaki stomped on him to crush the villain and ended it once and for all, which left fans with their jaws on the ground as no one expected him to die so soon.
It's a big moment as no one else could have taken him out. Naruto's defence strategy wasn't working as desired but thankfully, Kawaki used the secret he learned in Konoha. This now leaves Kara without a leader and possibly more dangerous. Momoshiki could start his own invasion plan or other aliens could come for revenge. But the big mystery is who will possess Kawaki as it can't be Isshiki anymore. Konoha will be grateful nonetheless as he easily defeated their most elite ninjas so the village will enjoy some safety for a bit.
1. Naruto's Baryon Mode
In Chapter #52, "Baryon Mode," Naruto unleashed his full form by bonding with Kurama's energy. This chakra form's known as Baryon Mode and as Sasuke confessed, it's the most powerful form a shinobi could take. Even Isshiki was left frightened, giving us an epic fanboy moment as Naruto and the Nine Tails Fox even transcended the Sage of the Six Paths. But it's not a form Naruto has perfected, which is why Isshiki was still able to best him.
Now, fans want to see how Naruto will improve this form, as well as learn about its aftereffects. He brushed it off when Sasuke asked about them, so it seems he's hiding something. Kurama suggested it'd wreck his health, so while many thought Naruto would die by Isshiki's hand, it appears death could be around the corner even in victory. Either way, we're eager to see how the anime handles this.
