Unnoticed Third Character in Boruto’s Opening Scene Fans Might Have Missed

Right from the outset of the Boruto manga, fans speculated eagerly about how the storyline would eventually connect to the series’ initial scene. Hence, there was palpable relief when the narrative transitioned from Naruto Next Generations to the Two Blue Vortex arc.

Since this pivotal change, readers have been thrilled by the numerous plot twists and character evolutions that each new chapter introduces. However, one particular moment that has left the fandom pondering is when the main character requested Kawaki to end his life if he were to lose control in the future. Does this imply that the protagonist was actually resigned to his fate in the flash-forward scene?

As fans exchanged their theories regarding this development, an interesting hypothesis emerged from a manga enthusiast on Reddit, known as u/MitsukiOtsutsuki, claiming that Boruto’s demise is unlikely. They suggested, rather intriguingly, that a third figure was present in the flash-forward scene: none other than Mitsuki.

Warning: This write-up contains spoilers from the Boruto manga.

The Hypothesis of Mitsuki’s Presence in the Opening Scene

Boruto as depicted in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

This theory presented by Reddit user u/MitsukiOtsutsuki argues that Boruto and Kawaki were not isolated in that pivotal moment. They propose that the sword Boruto wielded did not originally belong to Sasuke Uchiha but was actually Mitsuki in a transformed state. This is supported by the fact that Kawaki’s eye cannot compress a transformed object.

The theorist goes on to state that Mitsuki is “present”during this crucial scene to protect his “Sun.”According to Toneri Otsutsuki, Boruto’s Jougan is referred to as the “star of hope,”suggesting that his death is not an option. In a past interaction, Toneri spoke to Boruto in a vision, conveying, “I hope your eye will guide you to the light which will dispel darkness.”

Toneri Otsutsuki as portrayed in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

A parallel can be drawn with Mitsuki, who, upon awakening his Sage Mode, was told by Log that he would be the light in the darkness. The phrases “dispel darkness”and “illuminate the dark,”while expressed differently, convey a similar message. This leads to speculation that Toneri’s reference to “light”may indeed be an allusion to Mitsuki, reinforcing the connection between the two characters.

While Mitsuki is often referred to as “Boruto’s shadow,”various indicators suggest they stand as equals. For instance, the episode titles around Boruto’s Jougan initiation—”The Path That I Can See” —and Mitsuki’s Sage Mode awakening—”The Path Lit by Full Moon” —hint that their powers may be interconnected and perhaps on equal footing.

Mitsuki as shown in the manga (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Furthermore, it’s noteworthy that both Boruto and Mitsuki manifested their abilities at the young age of eight, sharing a similar aura that suggests a possible bond with Toneri. Even the anime-original character Urashiki Otsutsuki acknowledged a connection between their powers, labeling Mitsuki’s Sage Mode as “dangerous”and Boruto’s Jougan as “troublesome.”This further supports the idea that these two abilities could be seen as equals.

Lastly, it is essential to recognize that Boruto symbolizes Mitsuki’s “Sun,”while Mitsuki’s name is partially synonymous with “Moon.”This dynamic opens up the intriguing possibility of the two characters ultimately forming the Sun and Moon seals, reminiscent of Naruto and Sasuke’s collaboration at the conclusion of the Fourth Shinobi World War—an act that might not only involve Toneri’s narrative vision but also a confrontation with Kawaki.

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