Naruto vs Jigen Explained: How Karma Powers Decide the Fight in Boruto

The battle between Naruto Uzumaki and Jigen in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations marks a turning point in the franchise’s power system. For years, Naruto stood at the peak of strength, wielding Six Paths power and Kurama’s chakra to defeat god-level threats. However, Jigen introduces a new level of danger through the mysterious Karma seal, which completely changes how battles are fought.

Unlike traditional ninjutsu-based combat, this fight revolves around abilities that negate and absorb chakra attacks. Even Naruto’s strongest techniques struggle to make an impact, forcing him into a defensive position. Understanding how Karma powers work is essential to explaining why Jigen dominates the fight. This battle is not just about strength, but about a new system that renders Naruto’s abilities far less effective than before.

What Is Karma and Why It Matters

Karma is a unique seal used by the Otsutsuki clan, granting its user enhanced abilities and acting as a vessel mechanism. Jigen’s Karma, tied to Isshiki Otsutsuki, gives him access to immense power and advanced techniques. This includes boosting his physical capabilities and allowing him to absorb chakra-based attacks effortlessly.

The most important aspect of Karma is its ability to neutralize ninjutsu. Naruto, who relies heavily on chakra-based attacks like Rasengan and Shadow Clones, finds many of his techniques ineffective. This immediately shifts the advantage to Jigen, who can fight without worrying about being overwhelmed by large-scale attacks.

Jigen activates his Karma seal, allowing him to absorb chakra-based attacks effortlessly. (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Jigen uses Karma strategically, absorbing Naruto’s attacks and turning defense into offense. Whenever Naruto launches a powerful jutsu, Jigen simply absorbs it, wasting Naruto’s chakra while maintaining his own stamina. This forces Naruto to rely more on physical combat, where Jigen also excels.

In addition to absorption, Karma enhances Jigen’s speed and strength to extreme levels. Naruto struggles to keep up with his movements, even in his most powerful forms. The combination of absorption and physical dominance creates a situation where Naruto cannot find an effective strategy.

Naruto’s Strengths and Limitations in the Fight

Naruto enters the battle with immense power, using Kurama’s chakra and Six Paths abilities to maximize his combat potential. His durability and stamina allow him to withstand Jigen’s attacks longer than most opponents. However, these strengths are not enough to overcome the unique advantages provided by Karma.

One major limitation is Naruto’s reliance on chakra-based techniques, which become liabilities against Jigen. Even his defensive strategies are less effective, as Jigen’s attacks bypass traditional counters. This forces Naruto into a reactive role, constantly adapting but never gaining the upper hand.

Jigen’s true strength comes from being the vessel of Isshiki Otsutsuki, which amplifies the effects of Karma. This connection gives him access to abilities far beyond normal human limits. Naruto is not just fighting Jigen, but the power of an Otsutsuki entity that surpasses previous enemies.

Isshiki’s influence ensures that Jigen can maintain control of the battle at all times. His techniques, combined with Karma, create an overwhelming advantage. This highlights the growing threat of the Otsutsuki clan and their impact on the Boruto storyline.

Naruto loses the fight because he cannot counter Karma effectively. His strongest attacks are absorbed, his speed is outmatched, and his strategies are neutralized. Jigen dictates the pace of the battle, forcing Naruto into a position where he can only defend and endure.

The fight ends with Naruto being sealed away, a surprising outcome that emphasizes the power gap. This moment serves as a reminder that the rules of combat have changed in Boruto. Traditional strength is no longer enough to guarantee victory against Karma users.