The Code's Shadow

Lore & Background

Their operations are characterized by stealth and overwhelming force. While Konoha focuses on rebuilding after previous conflicts, this faction works from the periphery, manipulating events to isolate potential vessels. Eida, a human modified with Otsutsuki DNA created by Amado rather than a member of the clan, serves as a focal point for their efforts, though she operates with a degree of independence that complicates their hierarchy. This creates a complex web of allegiance where loyalty is tested by ancient bloodlines.

In Their Own Story

Rain slicked the rooftop tiles as Daemon watched the village below. His mask hid his expression, but his eyes glowed faintly in the dark. Somewhere down there, the boy with the Karma mark was sleeping, unaware that the shadow had already wrapped around him. The wind carried whispers of chakra, a scent only he could taste. He adjusted his grip on the weapon at his hip, ready to strike when the moon reached its peak.

Reader's Guide

The emergence of The Code marks a new chapter following the fall of Kara. These elite warriors operate covertly across the nations, seeking to secure Karma vessels for Momoshiki's return. Their presence forces Konoha and its allies into a defensive posture, as traditional ninja tactics fail against their Otsutsuki-enhanced abilities. Boruto and Kawaki find themselves targeted specifically due to their unique connections to the clan's power. Delta leads the charge, coordinating attacks that destabilize peace treaties and test the resolve of the new generation. The conflict escalates when members like Daemon infiltrate hidden areas, threatening civilians and shinobi alike. This shadow war highlights the ongoing cost of Isshiki’s legacy, as his distributed Karma now serves a different master. The Code's actions force Naruto and Sasuke to confront threats they previously thought contained. Ultimately, this storyline redefines the stakes for Boruto, proving that defeating one Otsutsuki does not end the cycle. It sets the stage for a final confrontation where humanity must choose between coexistence or extinction.

Did You Know?

• Delta was killed by Kawaki before Isshiki's defeat and does not participate in later operations.
• Boruto Uzumaki is the vessel for Momoshiki, while Eida possesses distinct truth-seeing abilities rather than his Karma.
• Members often wear masks to conceal their identities during operations.
• Their power levels exceed that of standard Kage-level shinobi due to Otsutsuki traits.

Origins and Publication History

The manga series emerged from a unique collaborative proposal by Shueisha editorials, initially suggesting that Masashi Kishimoto create a direct sequel to his groundbreaking work Naruto. Kishimoto declined the writing duties but recommended his former assistant, Mikio Ikemoto, for illustrations, while entrusting the plot creation to Ukyō Kodachi, who had previously written the film adaptation. Serialization began in May 2016 under the title Boruto: Naruto Next Generations within Weekly Shōnen Jump, with Kishimoto serving as an editorial supervisor alongside Kodachi. The series underwent significant structural changes over time; it moved to the monthly magazine V Jump in July 2019, and following Kodachi's departure in late 2020, Kishimoto assumed full writing responsibilities. After concluding its first narrative arc in April 2023, the story resumed later that year as Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, shifting the tone to a darker conflict where the protagonist fights against false accusations.

Narrative Arc and Key Conflicts

The storyline chronicles the life of Boruto Uzumaki, son of the Seventh Hokage Naruto, who initially struggles with his father's absence while training under Konohamaru Sarutobi. The plot intensifies when Kaguya Ōtsutsuki's descendants, Momoshiki and Kinshiki, invade Earth to harvest chakra from the Divine Tree, resulting in Boruto receiving a mysterious mark known as Karma. This curse connects him to the Kara organization and the ancient Ōtsutsuki clan, whose goal is resurrection through hosts. The narrative escalates when Isshiki Ōtsutsuki possesses Jigen, leading to a confrontation where Naruto sacrifices his life force. In a tragic turn of events orchestrated by Kawaki and Eida's memory-altering powers, Boruto is framed for the murder of his parents. Now branded as a traitor, he must navigate a world that fears him while secretly battling Code and the Shinju clones to clear his name.

Adaptations and Media Expansion

Beyond the manga, the franchise expanded significantly through a 293-episode anime adaptation produced by Pierrot, which aired on TV Tokyo from 2017 to March 2023. Under Kodachi's supervision for the majority of its run, the anime diverged creatively from the source material; rather than starting as a retelling of the initial film like the manga, it introduced original prequel episodes set before Boruto and his team officially became ninjas. This approach allowed for extended character development and world-building that differed from the printed story. Additionally, the universe was further enriched by light novel series adaptations. While the first part of the anime concluded in early 2023 to align with the manga's hiatus, official announcements confirmed that a second season is currently in development to cover the events of the subsequent Two Blue Vortex arc.

Reception and Critical Legacy

Upon its release, the series garnered over 10 million copies in circulation within Japan by October 2025, marking it as a commercial success despite initial mixed critical reception. Early reviews often focused on Boruto's characterization, with some critics feeling his main arc concluded too quickly in the second volume, leading to anticipation regarding his rivalry with Kawaki. Furthermore, the utilization of characters from the previous generation drew criticism for overshadowing the new cast. However, the narrative tone shifted dramatically with the launch of Two Blue Vortex, earning more positive reviews for presenting a stronger, more serious protagonist facing existential threats. Mikio Ikemoto's artwork received particular praise throughout the series, especially his dynamic depiction of high-stakes fight scenes, which helped elevate the visual storytelling and solidify the manga's standing in the shōnen genre.