The Evolution of Naruto Uzumaki: From Underdog to the Seventh Hokage
Naruto Uzumaki has embarked on an incredible journey, transforming from a misunderstood ninja to the esteemed Seventh Hokage and one of the most formidable characters in the Naruto universe. This evolution reached a significant peak during the Fourth Great Ninja War when Naruto unlocked the Sage Mode of the Six Paths, a power bestowed upon him by the legendary Hagoromo Otsutsuki. This newfound ability brought with it the notorious Truth-Seeking Balls, regarded as some of the most lethal weapons in the ninja realm.
Despite their immense power, these Truth-Seeking Balls gradually faded from existence over time. Even with their unique characteristics and seemingly indestructible nature, Naruto has not used them since. The question arises: why did this happen?
The Origin and Power of the Truth-Seeking Balls
The Truth-Seeking Balls made their debut when Naruto fully awakened the Senjutsu of the Six Paths. He was granted nine of these black orbs, each representing the five basic chakra natures along with the Yin and Yang transformations. This combination made them an ultimate weapon, suitable for both offense and defense.
These orbs had the ability to disintegrate anything they touched, including ninjutsu techniques, rendering them a formidable force. Even techniques like Edo Tensei, which allowed for the resurrection of deceased ninjas, could not regenerate what the Truth-Seeking Balls destroyed. In terms of destructive capability, they surpassed even the Dust Release, a technique infamous for its ability to obliterate enemies at the molecular level.
The Gradual Disappearance of the Orbs
As the Fourth Great Ninja War progressed, Naruto began to lose the Truth-Seeking Balls gradually. He utilized the first two orbs against Madara Uchiha to counter his Limbo clones. Subsequently, he lent one to Sasuke during their battle against Kaguya Otsutsuki, while two others were lost in the interdimensional spaces created by Kaguya.
By the time Naruto engaged in his final battle with Sasuke at the Valley of the End, only four orbs remained. During this climactic duel, Sasuke employed his Rinnegan to swap places with one of the orbs, reducing the count to three. These remaining orbs were ultimately used until the conclusion of the fight, when Naruto lost access to the Six Paths Sage Mode, and consequently, the last of the orbs. Interestingly, none of these orbs were destroyed; they can neither be annihilated nor recreated, only controlled within a 75-meter radius.
Why Didn’t Naruto Retrieve Them?
Despite the fact that the Truth-Seeking Balls are not destroyed and could be reclaimed if within proximity, Naruto never retrieved any of them, including those that were visibly present after his battle with Sasuke. The most plausible explanation for this phenomenon lies not in the story’s logic but rather in the creative decisions made by the series’ creator, Masashi Kishimoto.
Holding all the Truth-Seeking Balls would render Naruto nearly invincible. Such immense power would jeopardize the narrative balance of the series, particularly in the Boruto: Naruto Next Generations arc, where new villains and challenges emerge to spotlight the next generation of ninjas. The gradual loss of these orbs appears to be a strategic choice to prevent Naruto from completely dominating the storyline, even after he ascended to the role of Hokage.
Impact on the Boruto Narrative
The absence of the Truth-Seeking Balls in Boruto has made the storyline more feasible for the introduction of new characters. With the power those orbs bestowed, Naruto would have had the ability to eliminate virtually any adversary with a single strike, including the menacing Otsutsuki clan members who appear throughout the series. His unbroken presence and overwhelming strength would undermine the need for a new hero like Boruto to rise.
This is why many fans speculate that the gradual removal of these orbs serves as an intentional means of restraining Naruto’s power. This creative decision has allowed the narrative to explore more challenging and balanced paths, giving new characters the opportunity to shine and take center stage.
A Look Back at Naruto Shippuden
Naruto Shippuden aired from 2007 to 2017, encompassing the second phase of the anime. In this segment, Naruto returns after two years of rigorous training, set on the mission to combat the Akatsuki and rescue Sasuke from Orochimaru’s grasp. Meanwhile, the Akatsuki continues its quest for the Bijuus, pushing the ninja world to the brink of its most severe crisis.
The anime comprises a total of 500 episodes, including filler episodes, and it concludes the arcs of beloved characters such as Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and Kakashi. It also sets the stage for the direct continuation of the story, leading into the events of Boruto.
Conclusion
Naruto Uzumaki’s journey is a testament to growth, resilience, and the delicate balance of power within a narrative. The choices made by Masashi Kishimoto regarding the Truth-Seeking Balls are not just plot devices; they are integral to ensuring that the story remains engaging and that new characters have opportunities to develop and thrive. As the story continues to unfold in Boruto, the legacy of Naruto serves as a reminder of the importance of legacy, growth, and the ever-evolving nature of heroism in the ninja world.
You can watch Naruto in its entirety on Crunchyroll, where the series continues to capture the hearts of fans around the globe.
