The Naruto Franchise's Definitive Worst Villain Just Became Boruto's Most Important Character
2 weeks ago
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Published May 27, 2026, 9:00 PM EDT
An experienced Editor representing Canada via ScreenRant's Team Anime, J.R. has been reading manga since the first printing of Shonen Jump in North America. This passion drove him to write about anime, manga, and manhwa since 2022, having recently served as Lead Anime Editor for ComicBook.com.
His favorite moments in media coverage include reviewing the series premieres of Zom 100 and Bleach: TYBW Part 2 back-to-back and briefly meeting Junji Ito at a VIZ gallery event in 2023.
The Narutofranchise had been on a roll for most of its run when it came to compelling villains with engaging stories, their arcs frequently satisfying with them feeling like a worthy obstacle to overcome each time. Generally speaking, aside from some bloat in the Fourth Great Ninja War, the only truly poor villain in the Naruto franchise was, by its end, Kaguya Otsutsuki, whose replacement of Madara Uchiha as the final villain felt forced, sending the series on a bizarre genre trajectory. But even then, the series is remembered fondly for far more memorable antagonists, although its sequel hardly always has the same grace.
Originally lacking a solid sense of direction, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations introduced more of a mixed bag of antagonists, from imposing overarching characters like Momoshiki Otsutsuki, to complex turns for underused legacy characters like Ao. Some were quite rewarding to follow, while others, like Isshiki Otsutsuki, were disengaging to follow, both underdeveloped and dispatched too quickly. But one villain who descended to the bottom of the Boruto barrel and overall Naruto franchise was Code, the last Inner of Kara. Despite sinking to unexpected lows in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, Code may still have a massive role to play, as the latest chapters indicate.
The Naruto Franchise Propped Up This Villain For Months Only To Do Him Dirty
Looking at Boruto: Naruto Next Generations in retrospect, it feels surprising just how much time was spent building Code up as an imposing adversary. His first proper introduction in chapter #55 propped him up as the successor to the will of the Otsutsuki as seemingly appointed by Isshiki's fading soul. He was a formidable opponent for even Boruto and Kawaki, his Claw Marks making him an especially slippery antagonist able to infiltrate even the highest office of Konoha. By chapter #70, Code's limiter was removed by Dr. Amado, enabling enormous feats of power including, crucially, splitting up the Ten-Tails he was guarding into Claw Grimes.
Despite his achievements, though, Boruto: Two Blue Vortex showed Code's growth coming to a halt in the timeskip, with Boruto essentially surpassing him, having his own high-mobility technique now with the Flying Raijin Jutsu. Moreover, Boruto's Rasengan: Uzuhiko proved dangerous enough to throw Code off his equilibrium, preventing him from using Claw Marks to slip away like from regular Rasengan attacks, all while his Claw Grimes overtook various characters, became Divine Trees, and became comparatively far more dangerous. By Boruto: Two Blue Vortex chapter #15, Code was seen as the intruder, with Divine Tree Ryū catching him from his Claw Mark and forcing him out.
Fully outclassed and down one hand after a humiliating defeat by Jura, Code vows to kill Boruto and his comrades, in a deal with Jura to get the Chakra Fruit, to complete Code's ascension as a new Otsutsuki. It's here that Code becomes, at best, an enforcer, and at worst, a low-level henchman compared to Jura and his ilk, with Code only now resurfacing as of chapters #33-34. But as Koji Kashin's Prescience lays out the possible futures depending on how Boruto addresses their reunion, it's clear that Code is about to become far more important to the series once again.
Koji Just Tipped Off Code's Next Move In Boruto, And It Could Be Catastrophic
Ahead of Boruto's reunion with Code, Koji discussed that the White Karma-bearer would be lying in wait, and that a confrontation would be inevitable. Koji additionally suggested that, regardless of the possible futures ahead, Boruto should aim simply to kill Code, as it's not only the first possibility, but it's also the one with the fewest repercussions. But what's more fascinating is the set of options, and what can be concluded from chapter #34's results:
Boruto kills Kawaki, the most ideal option as it's the only time they can predict encountering him for now.
Code retreats and goes after Sarada to use her as a bargaining chip to offer to the Divine Trees and draw out Boruto.
Despite agreeing to help them, Code may decide to ally with Boruto's team, but this is the lowest likelihood.
Given that Boruto very much did not kill Code, with the last Inner instead ominously suggesting he already has set up a plan to take Boruto down, option #1 is basically squandered at this point. Code's retreat, and his parting words, could very well imply his intent now to go after Sarada, who is in a vulnerable position.
Bringing Sarada to the Divine Trees is a dangerous prospect, as it's uncertain whether their reliability and willingness to honor a petty agreement with Code will override, for instance, Hidari's primary motivation to consume her. While they could hold Sarada hostage just long enough to draw Boruto out before they claim her for themselves, this opens up particularly chaotic possibilities, especially since it'd take a vastly powerful ally out of play for Boruto, and would effectively mean the death of the Uchiha clan. But in all likelihood, Boruto would still likely take the bait.
Code's Motives Are Still A Mystery
Given there's only one other Divine Tree remaining, Hidari, alongside their leader, Jura, these villains are at their most vulnerable point yet. While Sarada is also particularly vulnerable, she still can use her Mangekyo Sharingan, even if the blindness is quickly setting in. But, more importantly, Code would likely not accept serving the Ten-Tails he once had under careful control if there's even a hint that Jura could double-cross him, thus opening option #3 for consideration. This would be the most obvious reason for him switching sides.
However, eliminating Jura would mean potentially taking out the Ten-Tails with him, dashing hopes of Code sacrificing Boruto to him to awaken the true Divine Tree, and claim his Chakra Fruit. If anything, he'd likely ally with Boruto, only to throw him to the wolves when convenient, if Koji's third prediction presents itself.
Hidden Leaf Village · Chunin ExamNaruto Trivia Challenge
🔥JinchūrikiBelieve it!
🔴SharinganCopy ninja
🌀JutsuRasengan!
🌿VillageWill of Fire
⚡BondsUnbreakable
BELIEVE IT! →
01
Naruto Uzumaki carries an immense burden — a powerful Tailed Beast sealed inside him since birth by the Fourth Hokage. This fox demon’s chakra gives Naruto extraordinary power but also makes him an outcast. What is the name of this Nine-Tailed Beast?
AShukaku
BMatatabi
CKurama
DGyuki
✓ Correct! Kurama is the Nine-Tailed Fox sealed within Naruto by his father, the Fourth Hokage. Initially a source of fear and hatred, Kurama eventually becomes one of Naruto’s closest allies. Their bond is one of the most emotional arcs in the entire series.
✗ Substitution jutsu failed! The answer is Kurama. Shukaku is the One-Tail sealed in Gaara, Matatabi is the Two-Tails, and Gyuki is the Eight-Tails sealed in Killer Bee. Kurama, the Nine-Tailed Fox, is Naruto’s legendary partner.
NEXT →
02
Naruto’s greatest rival is a prodigy from a prestigious clan who possesses a powerful eye technique called the Sharingan. Consumed by a desire for vengeance against his older brother, he defects from the Hidden Leaf Village. Who is this rival?
ANeji Hyuga
BSasuke Uchiha
CGaara
DRock Lee
✓ Correct! Sasuke Uchiha is Naruto’s eternal rival and best friend. After the Uchiha massacre, Sasuke’s obsession with killing his brother Itachi drives him to leave the village and seek power at any cost. Their rivalry is the emotional backbone of the entire series.
✗ Substitution jutsu failed! The answer is Sasuke Uchiha. Neji is a Hyuga clan genius with the Byakugan, Gaara is the Sand Village’s jinchūriki, and Rock Lee is the taijutsu specialist. Only Sasuke wields the Sharingan and defects to join Orochimaru.
NEXT →
03
Naruto’s signature jutsu is a spinning sphere of concentrated chakra formed in the palm of his hand. Originally created by the Fourth Hokage and taught to Naruto by Jiraiya, it becomes the foundation for many of his most powerful attacks. What is this technique called?
✓ Correct! The Rasengan is a pure chakra manipulation technique that doesn’t require hand signs. Created by Minato Namikaze and passed down through Jiraiya to Naruto, it evolves into many variations including the devastating Rasenshuriken with added Wind Release nature transformation.
✗ Substitution jutsu failed! The answer is the Rasengan. The Chidori is Sasuke and Kakashi’s lightning technique, Shadow Clone Jutsu is a different Naruto staple, and the Lava Rasenshuriken is a late-series variant. The base Rasengan is Naruto’s iconic spinning chakra sphere.
NEXT →
04
Team 7’s leader is a mysterious, mask-wearing jonin known as the “Copy Ninja” for his ability to replicate over a thousand jutsu using his borrowed Sharingan eye. He’s always reading a certain novel. Who is this legendary sensei?
AMight Guy
BAsuma Sarutobi
CJiraiya
DKakashi Hatake
✓ Correct! Kakashi Hatake, the Copy Ninja of the Sharingan, leads Team 7 (Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura). His Sharingan was a gift from his dying friend Obito Uchiha. Always cool under pressure and perpetually reading Make-Out Paradise, Kakashi eventually becomes the Sixth Hokage.
✗ Substitution jutsu failed! The answer is Kakashi Hatake. Might Guy leads Team Guy, Asuma leads Team 10, and Jiraiya is one of the Legendary Sannin who later trains Naruto. Only Kakashi is the masked Copy Ninja with a borrowed Sharingan who leads Team 7.
NEXT →
05
Sasuke’s older brother massacred nearly the entire Uchiha clan in a single night, then joined the criminal organization Akatsuki. It was later revealed he did it all on orders from the village to prevent a coup — sacrificing everything to protect his brother. Who is this tragic figure?
✓ Correct! Itachi Uchiha is one of Naruto’s most complex characters. A pacifist genius forced into an impossible choice, he bore the hatred of the entire world — including his beloved brother Sasuke — to protect the Hidden Leaf from civil war. His final words to Sasuke remain iconic.
✗ Substitution jutsu failed! The answer is Itachi Uchiha. Madara is the legendary clan founder, Obito is the masked man behind much of the war, and Shisui was Itachi’s best friend. Itachi alone carried out the massacre to prevent the Uchiha coup and protect Sasuke.
NEXT →
06
From the very first episode, Naruto declares his lifelong dream to earn the respect of his village and prove his worth. He vows to achieve the highest rank in the Hidden Leaf — its supreme leader. What is this title that Naruto dreams of?
AKazekage
BJonin Commander
CHokage
DAnbu Captain
✓ Correct! Hokage is the title of the Hidden Leaf Village’s leader, and Naruto’s dream of becoming Hokage drives the entire series. After years of struggle, he finally achieves his dream and becomes the Seventh Hokage in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations.
✗ Substitution jutsu failed! The answer is Hokage. The Kazekage leads the Sand Village, Jonin Commander is a military rank, and Anbu Captain leads black ops. The Hokage is the Hidden Leaf’s supreme leader — and Naruto’s lifelong dream since he was a lonely academy student.
NEXT →
07
Naruto’s father was the Fourth Hokage, known as the “Yellow Flash of the Leaf” for his incredible speed using the Flying Thunder God technique. He sacrificed his life to seal the Nine-Tails inside his newborn son. What is his name?
✓ Correct! Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage and Yellow Flash, sacrificed himself using the Reaper Death Seal to seal Kurama inside baby Naruto. His love for his son and faith in Naruto’s potential made him one of the series’ most selfless characters.
✗ Substitution jutsu failed! The answer is Minato Namikaze. Hiruzen Sarutobi is the Third Hokage, Tobirama Senju is the Second, and Hashirama Senju is the First. Minato, the Fourth Hokage, is Naruto’s father who sealed the Nine-Tails at the cost of his own life.
NEXT →
08
A shy, kind-hearted kunoichi from the Hyuga clan admired Naruto from afar since their academy days. She boldly confessed her love while fighting Pain to protect him, and eventually became his wife. Who is this character?
ASakura Haruno
BIno Yamanaka
CTemari
DHinata Hyuga
✓ Correct! Hinata Hyuga went from a timid girl who could barely speak around Naruto to a fierce warrior who stood against Pain to protect him. Her confession during the Pain arc is one of the series’ most emotional moments. They marry in The Last: Naruto the Movie and have two children, Boruto and Himawari.
✗ Substitution jutsu failed! The answer is Hinata Hyuga. Sakura is Naruto’s teammate who loves Sasuke, Ino is Sakura’s rival from the Yamanaka clan, and Temari is a Sand Village kunoichi who marries Shikamaru. Only Hinata loved Naruto from the very beginning.
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Mission CompleteYour Ninja Record
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But any of these possibilities are incredibly dangerous, obviously. Bringing Sarada to Hidari would easily at least suggest Hidari tries to consume her soon, a victory no Divine Tree has achieved yet. It's unlikely given her prominence in the series, though. Moreover, Jura wouldn't likely surrender the Chakra Fruit, the product of absorbing the planet's chakra, until after he meets and consumes Naruto, who is currently trapped in Kawaki's Daikokuten.
It's therefore rather unlikely that Code's next move will be exactly what Koji is predicting right away, unless Boruto: Two Blue Vortex is staging a massive Naruto return, or at the very least, a truly epic clash. But Code is back and injecting variety as the manga's most unpredictable returning villain, which is an encouraging way to keep him in play for the series. After all, Koji did caution Boruto that, the more he leaves up to chance by not killing Code, the more possible futures could emerge once again, like with Mamushi.
First Film
Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow
Naruto is a franchise spawned from the manga series penned by Masashi Kishimoto that began in 1999. Generating several tv series, games, movies, and more, Naruto follows the exploits of a young outcast ninja harboring the spirit of a demon fox who seeks to become the Hokage, the leader of his ninja village, to break the stigma against him. Upon the conclusion of the initial series, Naruto expanded into Boruto, following many series protagonists' children and returning faces.
Writer
Masashi Kishimoto
Writers
Masashi Kishimoto
Penciler(s)
Mikio Ikemoto
Inker(s)
Mikio Ikemoto
Colorist(s)
Mikio Ikemoto
Publisher(s)
Viz Media
Years after fleeing his village with Sasuke, Boruto returns to confront the dark changes that have occurred. With memories altered and Kawaki now seen as the hero, Boruto faces a world where he is the outcast. The two rivals must settle their differences as their Otsutsuki powers grow more dangerous.
English (US) ·