What is Karma in Boruto? Explained

The Karma mark of Jigan as seen in Boruto
The Karma mark of Jigan as seen in Boruto (Image Source: Studio Pierrot)

Boruto releases a scary power system that threatens to swallow its young protagonist from within. The diamond-shaped mark carved into his palm pulses with otherworldly energy, marking him as both blessed and cursed.

Karma in Boruto functions as an alien resurrection protocol engineered by the Otsutsuki clan. This biological data compression system allows dying Otsutsuki members to implant their essence into compatible vessels, gradually overwriting the host's DNA until complete genetic transformation occurs. The mark grants immense power enhancements while serving as a countdown timer toward the vessel's inevitable erasure and the Otsutsuki's triumphant return.

The Karma seal represents the Otsutsuki clan's method of achieving immortality. These alien beings compress their biological data into a wedge-shaped mark that embeds itself into a chosen vessel. The process ensures their survival beyond physical death.

Momoshiki Otsutsuki makes Boruto his vessel (Image Source: Studio Pierrot)
Momoshiki Otsutsuki makes Boruto his vessel (Image Source: Studio Pierrot)

Finding a compatible vessel proves extremely difficult and dangerous. The majority of people who undergo Karma implantation don’t survive the process due to its deadly nature. Only rare candidates possess the necessary compatibility to survive and become proper vessels for the Otsutsuki's resurrection.

In Boruto, characters acquire Karma through different methods. The most common way occurs when someone defeats an Otsutsuki member in battle. Momoshiki implanted his mark onto Boruto after the young ninja delivered the killing blow using a combined Rasengan technique.

Artificial implantation represents another method, though it carries extreme risks. The Kara organization conducted experiments on children, attempting to create suitable vessels through scientific means. Out of fifteen test subjects, Kawaki was the only one who survived.


Karma's Incredible Abilities in Boruto

The activation of Karma Marks (Image Source: Studio Pierrot)
The activation of Karma Marks (Image Source: Studio Pierrot)

The Karma mark in Boruto grants its bearer tremendous enhancements in combat. Users experience dramatic increases in speed, strength, and jutsu effectiveness. The mark allows users to absorb chakra-based attacks, though it cannot absorb techniques involving physical matter. Space-time ninjutsu becomes accessible to advanced users.

As Karma progresses, vessels undergo physical changes that reflect their Otsutsuki host. Horn-like protrusions emerge from their bodies, and their eyes may develop special dojutsu abilities. These transformations indicate the mark's advancing takeover of their genetic structure.

Though immensely powerful, Karma comes with dangerous side effects for those who carry it. The mark functions as a countdown timer toward the vessel's eventual erasure. Once the Otsutsuki data fully overwrites the host's genetics, the original personality dies, and the alien being resurrects in their place.

The Karma Mark of Kawaki as seen in the series (Image Source: Studio Pierrot)
The Karma Mark of Kawaki as seen in the series (Image Source: Studio Pierrot)

Code possesses a unique White Karma that functions differently from standard marks. This variant grants similar power enhancements without serving as a vessel for resurrection. Failed candidates who survive the implantation process may receive this alternative form instead.

White Karma gives its wielder Otsutsuki-level abilities without the danger of losing their sense of self. However, it lacks certain abilities like chakra absorption and space-time techniques.


In short, Karma is one of Boruto's most problematic and fascinating elements. The Karma system raises new difficulties and prospects for the characters involved. And also, the mark's dual nature as both blessing and curse constructs compelling narrative tension.

Edited by Sohini Biswas