WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Chapter #63 of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, “Ask No Questions,” by Masashi Kishimoto, Mikio Ikemoto, Mari Morimoto and Snir Aharon, now available in English from Viz Media.
The Karma is just one of the many new concepts Boruto has added to the ninja world. Since its introduction, the mysterious tool of the Otsutsuki has raised more than a few questions which the manga gradually continues to answer. The latest revelation about the Karma comes from Code, who explained its "true essence" to both Boruto and Kawaki in Chapter #63.
The Karma was first introduced in Boruto as an Otsutsuki "back-up file". Otsutsukis approaching death place them on suitable vessels as a means for their reincarnation. These seals contain highly compressed data about the entirety of the Otsutsuki clan. Over time, the Karma releases its stored information and slowly transforms the vessel into an Otsutsuki. When a Karma is completely extracted, the vessel's consciousness disappears and the Otsutsuki is completely reborn.
Karma users are among the strongest fighters currently in the Naruto-verse. Apart from being able to absorb and reflect ninjutsu just like fully-realized Otsutsuki, the Karma boosts all of its vessel's physical abilities to unprecedented levels once activated. Even with his own Karma boost, Boruto was way out of his league against Code, another Karma user. The two traded blows for a while but it was quickly made apparent that Naruto's son was no match for the villain. After tossing Momoshiki's vessel around for a while, Code finally explained the true nature of Karma and the difference between their strengths.
According to Code, the Karma not only boosts its vessel's strength but also gives experienced users access to all of its corresponding Otsutsuki's memories and experiences. The exponential increase in battle strength that comes with a Karma is owed to all the Otsutsuki combat experience gained before implanting a Karma. Once it's activated, the vessel's body and mind become primed with all Otsutsuki knowledge and skills. The Karma transforms users who know how to use it properly into instant combat veterans -- even if they've never wielded a kunai before.
Boruto Chapter #63's startling revelation further develops the Karma curse mark and answers some questions fans had, such as why Borushiki instantly becomes so strong. It also explains why a Karma-fueled Jigen, previously a humble monk, was able to go toe-to-toe and defeat Naruto and Sasuke, the two strongest Shinobi in all of existence.
While Code explained how the Karma made him so powerful, he is yet to fully demonstrate his own strength. Chapter #63 ends with Boruto giving in to Momoshiki's consciousness, and Code gearing up to fight the fusion of ninja and Otsutsuki. It's anyone's guess who the victor here will be. Borushiki has pulled off several surprises in his brief appearances, but Code also possesses the mysterious white Karma -- with much more experience controlling it and a millennia’s worth of knowledge at his fingertips.
