Karma Mark

Lore & Background

The Karma mark serves as the primary method for the Ōtsutsuki clan to bypass death. According to Amado, who revealed details about Kara's leader Jigen and his possession by Isshiki Ōtsutsuki, this technology allows the clan to resurrect via a host's body. The process involves the gradual overwriting of the host until they are fully consumed. Momoshiki specifically placed his mark on Boruto after their battle, intending to use him as a vessel once he matured. This threat became a driving force for the group known as Kara, which actively searches for individuals possessing these marks. While Jigen was possessed by Isshiki due to betrayal millennia ago, Boruto's situation presents a unique case where two different Ōtsutsuki members, Momoshiki and later Isshiki through Code, seek to utilize his body.

In Their Own Story

The conflict escalated when Momoshiki attempted to possess Boruto after Kurama sacrificed himself against Isshiki. During this struggle, Sasuke and Kawaki fought the entity until Boruto managed to regain control of his own body. However, the situation took a tragic turn later in the narrative. Code, acting on Isshiki's request to carry on their will, released powerful cyborgs Eida and Daemon before locating Kawaki. When Boruto engaged Code using his Karma abilities, Momoshiki seized full control of Boruto's form. This forced Kawaki to kill Boruto in self-defense. Following this event, Momoshiki revived Boruto, a transformation that resulted in Boruto becoming a full Ōtsutsuki.

Reader's Guide

Understanding the mechanics of Karma requires looking at its specific applications and consequences within the series. The mark is not merely a power source but a fatal countdown for the host's identity. Amado explained to Naruto and Sasuke that all Karma users, including Jigen and Boruto, will eventually be taken over by the Ōtsutsuki clan. This knowledge drove the mutiny within Kara, where Koji Kashin challenged Jigen while Amado revealed the truth about Isshiki's possession. The seal also interacts with other factors; for instance, Eida's powers of seduction are hindered except when interacting with those who possess Ōtsutsuki lineage or Karma marks. Furthermore, Code, the guardian of the Ten-Tails, was tasked by Isshiki to continue their plans after his death, highlighting that multiple individuals can be targeted or utilized in this system.

Did You Know?

• Momoshiki placed the Karma mark on Boruto immediately after he was defeated alongside Sasuke and the four Kage.
• Amado revealed that Jigen had been possessed by Isshiki Ōtsutsuki ever since Kaguya betrayed him millennia ago.
• Kawaki was forced to kill Boruto because Momoshiki took full control of Boruto's body during a fight with Code.
• The group Kara specifically searches for people who possess Karma marks, including the fugitive Kawaki.
• Code was instructed by Isshiki to carry on the Ōtsutsuki will after Isshiki died from Kurama's sacrifice.