The battle between Sasuke Uchiha and Jigen in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations stands as one of the most surprising fights in the series. Fans expected Sasuke, alongside Naruto, to hold their ground against any threat, given their god-tier abilities after the Fourth Great Ninja War. However, Jigen completely dominates the fight, showcasing a level of power that surpasses even their combined strength.
This fight is not just about brute force but also highlights a fundamental shift in power scaling within the Boruto era. Jigen’s abilities, tied to the mysterious Otsutsuki clan, introduce techniques that even Sasuke’s Rinnegan struggles to counter. Understanding why Sasuke loses so decisively requires breaking down Jigen’s powers, Sasuke’s limitations, and the narrative purpose behind this overwhelming defeat.
Jigen’s True Power Comes From the Otsutsuki
Jigen is not an ordinary enemy, as he serves as the vessel for Isshiki Otsutsuki, one of the most powerful beings in the Naruto universe. This connection grants him access to abilities far beyond what even elite shinobi can handle. Unlike previous villains, Jigen operates on a completely different scale of power.
His strength, speed, and durability are amplified to the point where even Sasuke’s Sharingan struggles to track his movements. This alone creates a massive disadvantage, as Sasuke relies heavily on visual perception in combat. Jigen’s Otsutsuki abilities effectively render many traditional ninja techniques ineffective.
One of the biggest reasons Jigen overpowers Sasuke is his unique abilities, particularly Sukunahikona. This technique allows him to shrink himself and non-living objects instantly, making attacks nearly impossible to land. Even when Sasuke anticipates an attack, Jigen can simply disappear and reappear at will.
In addition, Jigen uses Daikokuten to store shrunken objects in a separate dimension and summon them instantly. This creates unpredictable attack patterns that overwhelm Sasuke’s defenses. The combination of these abilities turns the battlefield into something Sasuke cannot fully control or understand in real time.
Why Sasuke’s Rinnegan Was Not Enough
Sasuke’s Rinnegan is one of the most powerful dojutsu in the series, granting him abilities like space-time ninjutsu and teleportation. However, against Jigen, these powers are not enough to close the gap. While Sasuke uses his teleportation strategically, Jigen adapts quickly and counters his movements.
Another limitation is chakra consumption, as Sasuke’s abilities require significant energy. During the fight, he is forced to use his powers carefully, which limits his options. Jigen, on the other hand, displays overwhelming stamina and efficiency, allowing him to maintain pressure throughout the battle.
Beyond his abilities, Jigen completely outclasses Sasuke in close combat. His speed and reaction time are so high that Sasuke struggles to keep up, even with his enhanced perception. This forces Sasuke into a defensive position for most of the fight.
Jigen’s attacks are not only fast but also devastatingly powerful, capable of breaking through Susanoo defenses. Sasuke’s usual strategies, such as creating distance or using large-scale attacks, become ineffective. This physical dominance ensures that Sasuke cannot regain control once the fight begins.
Even with Naruto Uzumaki fighting alongside him, Sasuke is unable to turn the tide. The duo attempts to coordinate their attacks, combining their abilities to overwhelm Jigen. However, Jigen’s powers allow him to counter both fighters simultaneously.
Their teamwork, which once defeated enemies like Kaguya, proves insufficient against this new threat. Jigen’s ability to adapt and exploit their weaknesses highlights how much stronger the Otsutsuki threat has become. The fight ends with both Naruto and Sasuke being defeated, marking a major shift in the series.
