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Discover how Orochimaru has evolved from Naruto to Boruto.

by Sofia Uzumaki
Discover how Orochimaru has evolved from Naruto to Boruto.

Orochimaru, one of the most feared and controversial figures in the Naruto universe, has undergone a remarkable transformation between the original series and its sequel, Boruto. From being a ruthless villain to evolving into a figure resembling a mentor, his metamorphosis raises eyebrows among fans and critics alike. The manner in which his redemption arc was crafted, especially given the severity of his past actions, has sparked extensive debate within the community.

### From War Legend to Unethical Scientist

Initially, Orochimaru was introduced as one of the Legendary Sannin of the Leaf Village, alongside Jiraiya and Tsunade. Although he played a heroic role during the Second Great Ninja War, his disregard for human life was evident from the start. A notable scene showcases his cold demeanor when he suggested eliminating three war orphans as an “act of mercy,” which Jiraiya vehemently opposed by deciding to train them instead.

As time progressed, Orochimaru delved deeper into forbidden experiments with the goal of achieving immortality. He utilized humans as test subjects, committing horrific acts that eventually led to his expulsion from the village. The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, discovered his laboratory, marking the beginning of Orochimaru’s transformation into one of the world’s most dangerous ninjas. He established the Sound Village and created numerous hideouts to continue his sinister experiments.

During the events of Naruto, Orochimaru’s obsession with knowledge and power drew him to Sasuke Uchiha, whom he viewed as a potential vessel for his soul transfer technique, the “Living Corpse Reincarnation.” However, this pursuit was abruptly halted when Sasuke ultimately defeated Orochimaru, showcasing the latter’s vulnerability.

### An Unlikely Twist in Naruto Shippuden

Following his sealing by Itachi Uchiha, Orochimaru was resurrected by Sasuke during the Fourth Great Ninja War. In an unexpected turn of events, he chose to assist Sasuke in understanding the past mistakes of the Leaf Village by reviving the first four Hokages. This gesture brought valuable allies to the Shinobi Alliance, although the ambiguity of his intentions lingered.

Orochimaru seemed more interested in witnessing Sasuke’s development as a shinobi rather than seeking revenge. He provided aid to Tsunade and other injured Kages, indicating a potential shift in his character, albeit one potentially driven by self-preservation. For some, his desire to observe Sasuke’s growth marked the beginning of a path toward redemption. However, many remain skeptical about the genuineness of this transformation, questioning whether it was truly a change of heart or simply a shift in focus.

### The Controversial Redemption in Boruto

In Boruto, Orochimaru is nearly unrecognizable compared to the villain who once instilled fear in Konoha. Now more subdued, he operates as a researcher under the watchful eye of Yamato and has even taken on the role of a father to Mitsuki, a clone he created. His involvement in the story is subtle yet significant, especially as he offers support to the new generation of ninjas, particularly Team 7.

However, his apparent redemption has failed to convince everyone. Many fans express discomfort at the fact that Orochimaru has never faced real consequences for his heinous crimes. Unlike Sasuke, who was imprisoned before receiving forgiveness, Orochimaru has largely evaded punishment, raising questions about the fairness of justice in the series’ universe.

While he appears more peaceful and cooperative in Boruto, his freedom and mentor role continue to cause unease among those who remember his dark past. The narrative seems to have rushed to grant him a second chance without thoroughly exploring the ethical implications of this shift.

### The Legacy of Naruto and Its Continuation

Naruto Shippuden aired from 2007 to 2017, marking the second phase of the anime. In this segment, Naruto returns after two years of training with the mission to combat the Akatsuki and rescue Sasuke from Orochimaru’s clutches. During this time, the Akatsuki begins its quest for the Bijuus, plunging the ninja world into its most significant crisis to date.

The entire series comprises 500 episodes, including fillers from Naruto Shippuden, and concludes the stories of Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and Kakashi while setting the stage for the direct continuation of their saga in Boruto.

As the narrative of Boruto unfolds, fans are left to grapple with the complexities of Orochimaru’s character. His evolution from a notorious villain to a seemingly benevolent figure raises critical questions about the nature of redemption, the consequences of one’s actions, and the moral fabric of the ninja world.

In conclusion, Orochimaru’s journey reflects a broader theme within the Naruto universe: the struggle between past transgressions and the possibility of change. Whether or not his transformation is perceived as genuine, it remains a captivating aspect of the ongoing saga, inviting fans to engage in discussions about morality, justice, and the potential for redemption in a world filled with conflict and complexity.

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