The Naruto universe was forever changed when Kurama, the Nine-Tailed Fox, made his ultimate sacrifice during the battle against Isshiki Otsutsuki in Boruto. This monumental loss left fans wondering how Naruto Uzumaki would continue to be relevant as one of the world’s strongest shinobi without his greatest source of power. However, recent developments in the Boruto manga suggest that Masashi Kishimoto has been carefully laying the groundwork for Naruto’s next major upgrade, one that could potentially make him even stronger than he was with Kurama. This strategic narrative move not only addresses the power vacuum left by Kurama’s absence but also opens up exciting new possibilities for Naruto’s character development and combat capabilities.
The Impact of Kurama’s Loss on Naruto’s Power Level
To fully appreciate the significance of Naruto’s upcoming upgrade, we must first understand the magnitude of what was lost when Kurama died. For nearly the entire series, Naruto’s identity as a jinchuriki has been intrinsically tied to his power level and combat effectiveness. The Nine-Tails wasn’t just a source of additional chakra—it was the foundation of Naruto’s most formidable abilities and techniques.
The Immediate Aftermath: A Weakened Hokage
Following Kurama’s death, Naruto experienced a dramatic reduction in his overall capabilities. The most noticeable losses included:
- Massive Chakra Reserves: Naruto no longer has access to Kurama’s nearly limitless chakra, which previously allowed him to fight for extended periods and use powerful techniques without tiring
- Tailed Beast Mode: The ability to transform into Kurama’s complete form, which granted Naruto flight, enhanced speed, and devastating destructive power
- Tailed Beast Balls: These massive energy attacks were among Naruto’s most powerful techniques, capable of leveling entire landscapes
- Enhanced Physical Abilities: Kurama’s presence significantly boosted Naruto’s strength, speed, and durability beyond normal human limits
- Accelerated Healing: The automatic regeneration that allowed Naruto to recover from injuries almost instantly
These losses were immediately apparent in subsequent Boruto chapters, where Naruto struggled against opponents he would have previously defeated with relative ease. The once-unstoppable Hokage now found himself vulnerable and, in many ways, a shadow of his former self.
The Psychological Impact
Beyond the physical power loss, Kurama’s death had a profound psychological effect on Naruto. Their relationship had evolved from that of prisoner and jailer to true partners and friends over the course of the series. This bond was forged through countless battles and shared experiences, making Kurama’s sacrifice not just a tactical loss but an emotional one as well.
Naruto’s depression and self-doubt following Kurama’s death were palpable. For the first time in his life, he truly felt alone, having lost the companion who had been with him since birth. This emotional vulnerability added a new layer to his character, showing that even the world’s strongest shinobi could be brought low by loss and grief.
Kishimoto’s Narrative Setup: Seeds of a New Power
Despite these setbacks, Masashi Kishimoto has been carefully planting seeds for Naruto’s next evolution throughout the Boruto series. These narrative elements suggest that Kurama’s death wasn’t meant to permanently diminish Naruto but rather to set the stage for a different kind of power—one that comes from within rather than from an external source.
The Awakening of True Sage Mode
One of the most significant developments has been Naruto’s increasing reliance on and mastery of Sage Mode. While Naruto has always been capable of using Sage Mode, his dependence on Kurama’s chakra often meant he didn’t need to rely on it as heavily as other techniques. However, without Kurama’s power to fall back on, Naruto has been forced to refine and perfect his Sage Mode abilities to unprecedented levels.
Recent chapters have shown Naruto entering Sage Mode more quickly and maintaining it for longer periods than ever before. This suggests that his natural chakra control and sensory abilities have improved dramatically, possibly as a result of no longer having to balance Kurama’s massive chakra with his own.
The Six Paths Sage Mode Evolution
Perhaps the most promising development is the evolution of Naruto’s Six Paths Sage Mode. Even without Kurama, Naruto retains the abilities granted to him by Hagoromo Otsutsuki, including the Truth-Seeking Balls and the ability to use all five nature transformations. However, without Kurama’s chakra to sustain these abilities, Naruto has been forced to find new ways to access and maintain this power.
Kishimoto has hinted that Naruto is beginning to tap into the Six Paths power more directly, without relying on Kurama as a conduit. This could lead to a more refined and controlled version of Six Paths Sage Mode, one that integrates more seamlessly with Naruto’s own abilities rather than being augmented by external power.
The Uzumaki Bloodline Awakening
Another crucial element that Kishimoto has been developing is Naruto’s Uzumaki heritage. The Uzumaki clan was renowned for their exceptional chakra reserves, powerful life force, and mastery of sealing jutsu. While Naruto has always had access to these traits, they were often overshadowed by Kurama’s overwhelming presence.
Without Kurama’s chakra dominating his system, Naruto’s natural Uzumaki abilities have begun to surface more prominently. This includes:
- Enhanced Sealing Techniques: Naruto has demonstrated improved proficiency with sealing jutsu, a hallmark of the Uzumaki clan
- Increased Longevity and Vitality: Uzumaki are known for their incredible life force, which may manifest as enhanced durability and recovery abilities
- Chakra Chain Manifestation: Some fans speculate that Naruto may develop the ability to manifest chakra chains, a signature Uzumaki technique
The Next Upgrade: What Form Will It Take?
Based on recent narrative developments and Kishimoto’s storytelling patterns, several possibilities emerge for Naruto’s next major power upgrade. Each of these potential upgrades addresses different aspects of Naruto’s character and abilities while providing logical progression from his current state.
The Perfect Sage: Integration of All Sage Modes
The most likely upgrade is the perfect integration of all Sage Modes at Naruto’s disposal. This would include:
- Toad Sage Mode: The original Sage Mode Naruto learned at Mount Myoboku
- Six Paths Sage Mode: The enhanced version granted by Hagoromo
- Potential New Sage Mode: Some fans theorize that Naruto may develop a new Sage Mode based on his Uzumaki heritage or connection to natural energy
This integrated Sage Mode would allow Naruto to seamlessly switch between different types of sage power depending on the situation, creating a versatile and adaptable combat style that doesn’t rely on external power sources.
The Awakening of Ashura’s Full Power
Another compelling possibility is the full awakening of Ashura Otsutsuki’s power within Naruto. As the reincarnation of Ashura, Naruto has always had access to this power, but it was often amplified and expressed through Kurama. Without Kurama as a filter or amplifier, Naruto may begin to access Ashura’s power more directly and completely.
This could manifest as:
- Enhanced physical abilities beyond even what he had with Kurama
- New techniques based on Ashura’s original fighting style
- A deeper connection to the Will of Fire and the power of friendship and bonds
The Uzumaki Clan Ultimate Technique
Given Kishimoto’s focus on Naruto’s Uzumaki heritage, it’s possible that the next upgrade will come in the form of a long-lost Uzumaki clan technique. The Uzumaki were known for their powerful and complex sealing jutsu, some of which were considered legendary even among other clans.
Potential Uzumaki techniques that Naruto might unlock include:
- The Adamantine Sealing Chains: A technique that could bind even the most powerful opponents
- Reaper Death Seal Mastery: An advanced version of the technique used by Minato and Hiruzen
- Chakra Absorption and Manipulation: Advanced control over chakra that could allow Naruto to absorb and redirect enemy attacks
Narrative Significance: Why This Upgrade Matters?
Beyond the obvious power-scaling implications, Naruto’s upcoming upgrade carries significant narrative weight. Kishimoto is using this development to explore deeper themes and character arcs that have been present throughout the series.
The Theme of Self-Reliance
One of the central themes of Naruto has always been the importance of self-belief and inner strength. While Naruto has always had powerful allies and abilities, his greatest strength has always been his determination and refusal to give up. By taking away Kurama, Kishimoto is forcing Naruto to rely on his own abilities rather than external power sources, bringing the character full circle to the core themes of the series.
The Passing of the Torch
Naruto’s journey without Kurama also serves as a narrative parallel to Boruto’s own struggles. Both father and son are finding their way without relying on the powers that once defined them. This parallel creates a powerful narrative symmetry that reinforces the series’ themes of growth and evolution.
The Evolution of the Hokage
As Hokage, Naruto’s role has evolved from that of a warrior to that of a leader and protector. His new power upgrade will likely reflect this evolution, focusing less on raw destructive power and more on abilities that allow him to protect and lead more effectively. This could include enhanced sensory abilities to detect threats to the village, improved tactical intelligence, or techniques that can defend rather than destroy.
The Technical Execution: How Kishimoto Might Implement This Upgrade?
From a storytelling perspective, Kishimoto has several options for how to implement Naruto’s next upgrade. Each approach has its own narrative advantages and challenges.
The Gradual Awakening Approach
The most likely scenario is a gradual awakening of Naruto’s new abilities. This approach allows Kishimoto to:
- Build tension and anticipation as Naruto slowly discovers new powers
- Show Naruto’s growth and adaptation in real-time
- Create opportunities for character development and training arcs
This method aligns well with the established pacing of the Boruto series and allows for more organic character development.
The Crisis-Induced Awakening
Alternatively, Kishimoto might opt for a crisis-induced awakening, where Naruto’s new powers manifest suddenly in response to a dire threat. This approach offers:
- Immediate dramatic impact and excitement
- A clear demonstration of Naruto’s growth
- The opportunity for a spectacular battle sequence
This method would be more consistent with traditional shonen power-up tropes and could provide a memorable moment in the series.
The Mentor-Guided Evolution
A third possibility is that Naruto’s upgrade comes through guidance from a mentor figure. Potential mentors could include:
- Hagoromo Otsutsuki, who originally granted Naruto Six Paths power
- The spirits of previous Hokage, particularly Minato or Hashirama
- A new character introduced specifically for this purpose
This approach would allow for exposition and explanation of the new powers while also providing opportunities for emotional character moments.
Fan Theories and Speculation
The Naruto fan community has been buzzing with theories about what Naruto’s next upgrade might entail. Some of the most popular and compelling theories include:
The Complete Six Paths Sage Mode
Many fans believe that Naruto will achieve a complete version of Six Paths Sage Mode that doesn’t rely on Kurama’s chakra. This would include:
- Full access to all Six Paths abilities without time limits
- Enhanced sensory capabilities that surpass even the Byakugan
- The ability to use Truth-Seeking Balls more effectively and creatively
The Uzumaki Sealing Master
Another popular theory suggests that Naruto will fully embrace his Uzumaki heritage and become a master of sealing jutsu. This could manifest as:
- The ability to create complex seals instantly
- Sealing techniques that can trap or neutralize even Otsutsuki-level threats
- A new form of combat that combines sealing with taijutsu and ninjutsu
The Fusion of All Chakra Natures
Some fans speculate that Naruto will achieve the ability to use all five nature transformations simultaneously, a feat previously thought impossible. This would make him incredibly versatile in combat and allow for unique combination techniques.
The Impact on the Boruto Series
Naruto’s upcoming upgrade will have significant implications for the broader Boruto narrative and power scaling.
Restoring Balance to the Power Structure
With the emergence of god-tier threats like the Otsutsuki clan, the ninja world needs powerful defenders. Naruto’s upgrade will help restore balance to the power structure and ensure that there are characters capable of facing these new threats.
Creating New Story Opportunities
Naruto’s new abilities will open up new story possibilities and conflicts. This could include:
- New villains specifically designed to challenge Naruto’s upgraded powers
- Political implications of Naruto’s increased strength
- New training arcs and character development opportunities
Setting Up Future Generations
Naruto’s growth also sets the stage for the next generation of characters. By showing that power can come from within rather than external sources, Kishimoto is laying the groundwork for Boruto and his peers to develop their own unique abilities.
Conclusion: The Evolution of a Legend
Masashi Kishimoto has masterfully set the stage for Naruto’s next major upgrade following Kurama’s death. This development represents more than just a power-up—it’s a natural evolution of Naruto’s character and a fulfillment of the series’ core themes. By forcing Naruto to rely on his own abilities rather than external power sources, Kishimoto is bringing the character full circle while opening up exciting new possibilities for the future.
The exact form of Naruto’s next upgrade remains to be seen, but the groundwork has been clearly laid. Whether it comes through the perfect integration of Sage Modes, the awakening of Ashura’s full power, or the mastery of Uzumaki techniques, one thing is certain: Naruto Uzumaki’s journey is far from over. As he continues to evolve and grow, he remains the embodiment of the series’ central message—that true strength comes from within, and that the power to change the world lies in the bonds we form and the determination we possess.
Kishimoto has finally lined up Naruto’s next upgrade after losing Kurama, and in doing so, he’s ensuring that the Seventh Hokage will continue to be a relevant and powerful force in the Boruto series for years to come. The legend of Naruto Uzumaki is far from over—it’s simply entering its next chapter.