Everything to know about Nue in Boruto

Among the many unique creatures introduced in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, none is quite as fascinating as Nue. Unlike the legendary tailed beasts or the divine Otsutsuki clan, Nue has its origins rooted in one of Konoha’s darkest legacies: Danzo’s secret organization, Root.

Created from forbidden experiments that involved Hashirama Senju’s cells, Nue is the result of Project Gozu Tenno, a plan designed to create the ultimate living weapon. Once created as a weapon of vengeance, Nue instead became a loyal companion to Sumire Shigaraki, giving its story both depth and tragedy.

Nue’s story in Boruto begins with the shadow of Danzo Shimura. Throughout his life, Danzo believed in sacrificing morality for the sake of protecting the Hidden Leaf, which often meant conducting inhumane experiments under the banner of Root. When he realized the unparalleled potential locked within Hashirama Senju’s cells, he spearheaded Project Gozu Tenno.

The project was entrusted to one of his most loyal researchers, Tanuki Shigaraki. The ultimate goal was to create a beast that could infiltrate enemy villages, sap away their chakra, and even self-destruct in a massive explosion if necessary. Following Danzo’s death, Tanuki’s loyalty turned to bitterness. He blamed the Leaf for betraying his master and sought to complete the project in hopes of exacting revenge.

Knowing he might not live to see it through, Tanuki entrusted Nue and the Gozu Tenno mark to his daughter, Sumire. She was trained from childhood to be the weapon’s wielder, carrying the burden of her father’s hatred. When Tanuki died, Sumire inherited both the project and its monstrous creation. Over time, however, her bond with Nue grew deeper than its original purpose, changing both their fates.

Personality of Nue in the series

At first glance, Nue appears to be nothing more than a rampaging beast. It seeks out negative emotions, preys upon them, and grows stronger by feeding on despair. However, this is only one side of its nature.

In reality, Nue in Boruto is fiercely loyal to Sumire. After being nurtured by her for years, it came to view her not as a master but as a parent. This shift in relationship redefined its role in the story, from a weapon of destruction to a protective companion.

Its willingness to sacrifice itself for Sumire, even defying her darker commands, demonstrates its independent will. In its smaller, chibi-like form, it often rests on her shoulder, symbolizing their inseparable bond.

Abilities of Nue in Boruto

Nue is one of the most versatile and dangerous creatures introduced in the Boruto series. Its abilities are a direct result of both its genetic engineering and the dark methods used to create it:

1. Negative Emotion Sensing – Nue is drawn to negative chakra and emotions, which enhance its power and make it especially dangerous in unstable or chaotic situations.
2. Chakra Absorption – Nue feeds on chakra, draining it from victims to sustain itself. This ability makes it extremely dangerous against high-chakra opponents, as absorbing too much could make it nearly unstoppable.
3. Wood Release Potential – Because it was created using Hashirama Senju’s cells, Nue is believed to carry traces of Wood Release potential, though this ability is never fully displayed in the series.
4. Durability and Regeneration – Nue can withstand direct attacks, rapidly heal from injuries, and even extend its body with multiple appendage-like growths during combat.
5. Teleportation and Explosion – Designed as a weapon of destruction, Nue has the power to teleport into pocket dimensions and detonate itself with devastating force.
6. Chakra Constructs – It can mold its chakra into tangible constructs, allowing it to extend its reach and strengthen both offense and defense.

Though reduced in power after being sealed, Nue gradually regained combat strength, able to grow into a jungle-cat-sized form to aid Sumire in later battles.

Final thoughts

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In Boruto, Nue represents the idea that the new generation is not bound to repeat the mistakes of the past. Moreover, Nue stands apart from other creatures in the Naruto universe.

Unlike the Tailed Beasts, which were ancient chakra entities, or summons tied to clans, Nue was man-made, a creation of Root’s desperation for control. Yet, instead of being a soulless weapon, it developed individuality and love.

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