Summary
TheBorutoseries serves as an extension to one of the mostpopular shonen anime of all time, further populating the vivid universe of theNarutofranchise. While several of the prequel’s concepts have become obsolete, others have been reused to the point of oversaturation, making the show seem unimaginative and lackluster. Ninjutsu absorption is one such element that has its roots inShippuden, though it now runs amuck in the world ofBorutoas a regular power possessed by every other antagonist.
The notion of ninjutsu absorption in itself is rather absurd, yet it still serves as a viable plot point to force the protagonists in a corner. However,Borutohas taken this concept to its extremes, with newer antagonists possessing this power in spades. Making this all-powerful ability commonplace has several implications for the series, though most important of all is the fact that it negates the entire foundation of theNarutouniverse — ninjutsu.
Where Did It All Begin?
Ninjutsu absorption isn’t a concept unique to theBorutoseries, and its roots are set inNarutoitself. The first instance of such an ability was witnessed in theChunin exams in part 1, where Sasuke’s opponent tried to absorb his chakra. While it may not be the same as ninjutsu absorption, it still serves as a basis for this power. However, the actual first instance of ninjutsu absorption came along with the introduction of the Rinnegan.
The Preta Pathwas the first to showcase such a power, followed by Madara and other users of the Rinnegan. At that time, this power was believed to be the pinnacle of theNarutouniverse’s power system, with barely any workarounds to counter it. Despite the power being extremely overwhelming, it still had its weaknesses (such as Senjutsu chakra), making it viable for the narrative. Moreover, it was only sparingly used even during the fight against Kaguya Otsutsuki, leaving room for other abilities and powers to shine through.
Boruto, on the other hand, went overboard with the concept of ninjutsu absorption by introducing several characters with this overwhelming power. Momoshiki wasthe first Otsutsuki introducedwith this power inBoruto, with other characters such as Isshiki, Delta, and even Kawaki gaining this power later on. Now, ninjutsu absorption has become a standard power in the series, forcing characters to resort to other techniques to tackle this ability.
The Problems With Ninjutsu Absorption
Ninjutsu absorption has always been a problematic concept since its inception inShippuden, yet its sparing use made its existence somewhat plausible. The same can’t be said forBoruto, especially with this power running rampant in every fight. The primary issue with this concept is that it goes against the very core of the ninja world. With every single aspect of theNarutouniverselinked to ninjutsu, introducing a concept that negates this very theme seems rather absurd.
The way ninjutsu absorption is structured further makes this power quite questionable. The ability has no chakra requirement, and it makes the user entirely immune to every single ninjutsu attack out there. Taijutsu is the only viable option left to deal with such foes, but relying on just one form of ninja fighting entirely and sidelining ninjutsu takes away the very essence of theNarutoworld.
Ninjutsu Absorption Has Become Far Too Common
The Otsutsuki already have the ability to absorb ninjutsu, andKawaki and Borutolater receive this power through their Karma. Naurto also possesses this power, and scientific ninja tools are further capable of granting wielders this power. With such oversaturation of this power, most fights are extremely predictable as characters solely rely on taijutsu, leading to battles becoming unengaging and repetitive.
Apart from this apparent issue in most ofBoruto’sfight scenes, ninjutsu absorption as an ability has lost all significance as well. It started off as a revered god-like power possessed solely by thosethat had the Rinnegan, naturally limiting its usage to a select few. However, Boruto’s narrative goes a bit overboard with its ninjutsu absorption fad, giving this power to such a vast number of characters. This has stripped it of its initial importance, and its appearance on-screen is akin to any other basic ability.
The Concept Has Been Poorly Executed
While ninjutsu absorption goes against the essence of theNarutouniverse, it still serves as a novelty and adds something different to the narrative. However, the concept has been managed rather poorly, as characters that possess this power rarely have anything else going for them. Madara and Kaguya had plenty of other abilities in their repertoire, and ninjutsu absorption was rarely used, which made this power seem balanced.
For villains like Momoshiki and Isshiki, most of their fights revolve around using ninjutsu absorption to negate attacks, forcing both sides to eventually rely on taijutsu. Kawaki and Boruto’s Karma leads these two characters down the same path as well, making ninjutsu almost entirely obsolete. It’s obvious that this power was introduced to tone down the overpowered state of ninjutsu followingthe Fourth Great Ninja War, yet it only makes the narrative worse by taking away the very thing that defines the franchise.
