Ch. 21Boruto's Summoning
Summary: “Boruto’s Summons”
Key Plot Points and Events
- One year into the story, thirteen-year-old Boruto is living in Konoha after Kawaki’s escape from Kara.
- Isshiki, using Jigen’s body and having advanced his Karma to its second stage, attacks Konoha to reclaim Kawaki. Naruto and Sasuke—referred to as Second Pillar—refuse to surrender him.
- Naruto and Sasuke fight Isshiki in another dimension. Although Isshiki initially overwhelms them, Naruto’s mastery of the Flying Thunder God Technique and Sasuke’s ability to use Rinnegan powers without the physical eye allow them to survive until Jigen’s body begins to break down.
- Isshiki retreats to Kara’s dimension to heal, but Amado and Kashin Koji’s betrayal disrupts his resurrection plans. Isshiki retaliates by crushing Koji with Daikokuten, though Koji escapes using Reverse Summoning.
- Naruto and Sasuke realize that Isshiki’s full reincarnation makes him far stronger than before. Sasuke reveals a possible countermeasure: using Boruto’s multiple Karmas to summon Otsutsuki Tatsuten, the Ancestor of Sage Arts.
- The summoning is extremely dangerous because it crosses space and time and would consume so much chakra that Boruto would need months to recover. Naruto initially objects to involving Boruto, but ultimately agrees because they have few other options.
- Isshiki again demands Kawaki from Konoha. Naruto refuses and engages him in Kurama Sage Mode, but Isshiki quickly dominates him.
- Naruto uses the Flying Thunder God Technique to evade Isshiki’s summoned black cubes. Sasuke and Boruto then arrive, and Boruto uses Karma-based space-time ninjutsu to transport Isshiki, Naruto, and Sasuke to another dimension.
- In the alternate dimension, Naruto activates Nine-Tails Tailed Beast Mode and Sasuke manifests his Complete Body Susanoo. Sasuke instructs Boruto to use a jutsu he previously taught him.
- Isshiki immediately disrupts their teamwork by dropping enormous black cubes through Daikokuten, damaging their formations and knocking Sasuke into the rocks.
Character Developments
- Naruto demonstrates major growth through his mastery of the Flying Thunder God Technique and his ability to combine Kurama and Sage Modes. Despite being badly outmatched, he remains determined to protect Kawaki and the wider ninja world.
- Sasuke is portrayed as more powerful and strategically prepared than in the original storyline. He can use Rinnegan abilities without the physical eye and has developed a secret plan involving Boruto’s Karmas and the summoning of Tatsuten.
- Boruto is revealed to possess far greater potential than his current combat ability suggests. His Karma is connected not only to Momoshiki but also to three powerful ancestral figures, making him essential to Sasuke’s plan. He is eager to fight beside Naruto and Sasuke, though he is aware of the difficulty of the jutsu he must perform.
- Isshiki remains overwhelmingly powerful, effortlessly suppressing Naruto and Sasuke in direct combat. His confidence and contempt for human strength are reinforced, although he recognizes Naruto’s abilities.
- Kashin Koji continues opposing Isshiki but is forced to retreat after being instantly defeated.
Significant Themes
- Sacrifice and responsibility: Boruto may need to endure months of recovery to give the others a chance against Isshiki.
- The burden of inherited power: Boruto’s multiple Karmas connect him to ancient Otsutsuki figures and make him central to the conflict.
- Teamwork versus overwhelming power: Naruto and Sasuke rely on coordination and specialized abilities to resist Isshiki’s superior strength.
- Protection and defiance: Naruto’s refusal to surrender Kawaki reflects his commitment to protecting those under Konoha’s care.
- Preparation and hidden potential: Sasuke’s secret trump card and Boruto’s unexplored abilities suggest that victory may depend on powers not yet fully understood.
Character Interactions
- Kashin Koji taunts Isshiki over Naruto and Sasuke’s success, prompting Isshiki to attack him.
- Naruto questions Sasuke’s mysterious plan and initially rejects the idea of involving Boruto, but Sasuke explains the risks and necessity of the summoning.
- Boruto happily volunteers to help, wanting to support his father and Sasuke.
- Naruto and Isshiki exchange blows, with Naruto repeatedly refusing to give in despite Isshiki’s overwhelming superiority.
- Sasuke and Boruto arrive together to rescue Naruto, using Boruto’s Karma to move the battle into another dimension.
- Sasuke begins directing Boruto’s role in the fight, but Isshiki quickly interrupts the team’s strategy with Daikokuten and overwhelms Sasuke.