Momoshiki Otsutsuki

Lore & Background

Momoshiki is described as a being with a superiority complex who views humans as inferior creatures. He possesses both a pair of Byakugan and Rinnegan, with the latter located on his palms, allowing him to absorb and release ninjutsu. His combat style relies on this absorption ability; during his fight against Naruto, Sasuke, and Boruto, he consumes a makeshift red pill from Kinshiki's body to become stronger, causing another Rinnegan to appear on his forehead. Despite his overwhelming power, which forced the combined efforts of the protagonists, he is ultimately defeated by their Rasengan. His narrative role shifts after death when he utilizes the Karma seal to possess Boruto. Through this seal, Momoshiki seeks to take over Boruto's body, absorbing chakra from an unconscious Naruto to create a Rasengan and kill Boro. He even possesses Boruto to stab Sasuke's Rinnegan in an attempt to weaken him. Although he is dangerous enough to threaten Konohagakure, his attempts are often thwarted as Boruto regains control.

In Their Own Story

Momoshiki arrives on Earth with his partner Kinshiki Otsutsuki after their previous Shinju was dying from resource depletion. Their objective is to capture Kurama from Naruto Uzumaki to cultivate a new fruit. They destroy the Chunin Exams stadium and successfully abduct Naruto to their dimension. Before they can finish the extraction, they are confronted by Boruto, Sasuke, and the four Kage. Overwhelmed by this combined force, Momoshiki kills Kinshiki to gain new power, transforming into a more menacing form with an additional Rinnegan on his forehead. Despite this transformation, he is killed by Naruto and Boruto's combined Rasengan. In the sequel series, his fate changes; he freezes time in his final moments to discuss privately with Boruto, branding him with the Karma mark while cryptically warning of future tribulations. Later, during a fight against Boro, Momoshiki possesses Boruto but is overpowered by Sasuke and Kawaki. When facing Code from Kara, Momoshiki attempts to use the power to increase strength, causing his resurrection and an attempt on Naruto's life. Fearing his father's death, Boruto asks Kawaki to kill him to take Momoshiki alongside him.

Reader's Guide

Momoshiki Otsutsuki acts as the central catalyst for the major narrative shift in the Boruto era, ending the peace established by Naruto. Created by Masashi Kishimoto with input from Mikio Ikemoto, who provided a more realistic drawing style that surprised former director Hiroyuki Yamashita regarding Momoshiki's new appearance after consuming Kinshiki, the character is voiced by Daisuke Namikawa in Japanese and Xander Mobus in English. Critics have had mixed responses; while reviewers enjoyed his fight scenes against the Uzumaki family and Sasuke Uchiha, some felt he was a weak villain due to a lack of appealing traits and being overshadowed by protagonists. However, his role in the sequel earned major impact as a key narrative driver despite his death. In the manga's Vessel arc, Momoshiki is expanded upon as an Ōtsutsuki capable of resurrection via Karma, planning to use Boruto's body. His presence in Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 was initially a boss character before being added as playable. A poll from 2021 ranked him 15th.

Did You Know?

• Momoshiki was designed by Masashi Kishimoto based on the historical Japanese figure Minamoto no Yoshitsune, also known as Ushiwakamaru.
• In his final moments in the film, Momoshiki freezes time to place a cursed seal inside Boruto so he can gradually revive through the child's body.
• Momoshiki possesses Rinnegan on his palms which allow him to absorb and release ninjutsu, and gains a third Rinnegan on his forehead after consuming Kinshiki.
• Daisuke Namikawa voiced Momoshiki in Japanese, noting the pressure of the role due to the 15-year history of the original manga.
• In a 2021 poll, Momoshiki Otsutsuki took the 15th place among character rankings.