Boruto confirms that Kaguya Otsutsuki isn't the strongest character in the universe

Shibai as seen in the Boruto manga
Shibai as seen in the Boruto manga (Image credit: Shueisha)

As Naruto's sequel, Boruto carries on the legacy of its predecessor while also adding new elements that help it distinguish itself. Notably, the series has completely overturned the power hierarchy, introducing terrifying new antagonists and formidable jutsu.

As a result, Boruto has confirmed that Shibai Otsutsuki, a presumed god and the creator of Shinjutsu, is the strongest character in the universe, taking over the spot from Kaguya Otsutsuki.

Most Naruto fans unanimously agreed for a long time that Kaguya Otsutsuki was a figure of unparalleled dominance and strength. As the progenitor of chakra who had countless deadly jutsu as well as the Byakugan and Rinne Sharingan, there was very little that Kaguya couldn't do.

Kaguya as seen in the Naruto: Shippuden anime (Image credit: Studio Pierrot)
Kaguya as seen in the Naruto: Shippuden anime (Image credit: Studio Pierrot)

However, Boruto has completely changed the power system that most fans had gotten used to in Naruto. This is mainly because of one individual—Shibai Otsutsuki. Despite never officially appearing in the series and only being spoken about by Amado, Shibai's powers are believed to transcend logic and have greatly influenced the plot.

Though his age is unknown, Shibai is presumed to have existed even before Kaguya. According to Amado, he continuously resurrected himself over several millennia and destroyed multiple worlds by consuming their chakra fruit. This allowed him to ascend into godhood, a dimension where his physical body wasn't required any longer.

Amado found his remains under mysterious circumstances and transplanted his cells into the members of Kara, which helped a few of them develop broken abilities.


Why Shibai Otsutsuki is the strongest character in the Naruto and Boruto universe

The main reason Shibai Otsutsuki is the strongest is simply because his powers are not bound by any of the pre-existing rules in the universe, allowing him to make the impossible possible. Amado stated that Shibai had various skills and didn't need to weave signs.

He could generate storms with a mere wave of his hand and could summon thunderbolts with a roar. The core of his power, however, was Shinjutsu. These were godlike abilities that did not fall under the category of any existing jutsu and were akin to miracles.

A few with Shibai's cells possess some Shinjutsu abilities, such as Eida's Charm and Omnipotence, Daemon's Reflection, Code's Claw Marks, Kashin Koji’s Ten Directions, and Kawaki's Sukunahikona and Daikokuten. Karma, which helps one achieve immortality, is also believed to be developed by Shibai.

Hence, even without having turned up in the series, Shibai Otsutsuki's powers have been driving the plot forward in Boruto. The special abilities revealed so far are already reality-altering—capable of resetting the timeline, looking into the future, unconsciously protecting users from harm, and even accessing other dimensions.

Shibai most likely has other powers as well, and Amado believes he can bring his daughter to life. Therefore, as a god in every sense of the word, there seems to be no way of defeating the immortal and invincible Shibai Otsutsuki. Unsurprisingly, this makes him stronger than Kaguya Otsutsuki, prompting numerous theories about his enigmatic role in the series.

Shibai as seen in the Boruto manga (Image credit: Shueisha)
Shibai as seen in the Boruto manga (Image credit: Shueisha)

Some have hypothesized that he will be the final villain in the story, bringing the ill-fated relationship between the main characters and the Otsutsukis to a close with a final clash against their god. Others have suggested that Shibai may be a hero in disguise who is currently on Earth, making himself resurrect to face a threatening enemy in the future.

While there is little tangible evidence to support the claims made about Shibai Otsutsuki, there is no doubt that he is among the most highly anticipated characters in the series, and his appearance is sure to raise the stakes to another level.

Edited by Ishita Banerjee