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The Infinite Tsukuyomi is considered to be the ultimate genjutsu. Those under this genjutsu are trapped in the dream they desire, and they will never know that everything is just an illusion. Many villains wanted it because they believed it could end the world’s suffering and wars forever.
But there is one thing that they did tell the people, that victims of the Infinite Tsukuyomi will become White Zetsus. Kaguya Otsutsuki used the Infinite Tsukuyomi to build a massive army.
The revelation of Kaguya’s plan to create a White Zetsu Army opened up a whole slew of questions after Naruto Shippuden ended. We all know how powerful the Rabbit Goddess is, but why does she need an army? Does this mean that there are beings far stronger than Kaguya? And are they coming to earth and attacking our favorite characters?
In Boruto: Naruto the Next Generation, it was revealed that Kaguya is not the only Otsutsuki. She betrayed her clan by taking the power of the God Tree for herself. The clan will seek revenge against her, so she builds an army. One of those clansmen is Isshiki Otsutsuki, who took over the body and identity of Jigen. Jigen would establish a secretive group known as the Kara in order to plant another God Tree.
In this article, I will be talking about Jigen, the leader of the mysterious organization known as Kara. We will explore his personality, abilities, and relationship with other characters in Boruto. If you haven’t caught up with Boruto: Naruto the Next Generation, then beware of SPOILERS.
Bottom Line Up Front
Jigen is the name used by Isshiki Otsutsuki to disguise his real identity. Isshiki is a member of the Otsutsuki Clan who was tasked to harvest the God Tree together with Kaguya Otsutsuki. He was betrayed by Kaguya and was left for dead. Isshiki took control of the body of a young man named Jigen, who happened to be nearby.
We are hyped to see the very man who Kaguya has been preparing to fight for centuries. Now that he has arrived, we ask, how powerful is Jigen? Is he a threat to Naruto and Sasuke? What are his plans?
Who is Jigen?
Jigen’s real name is Isshiki Otsutsuki. The Otsutsuki Clan seeks God Trees from a different planet to cultivate its power to attain Godhood. An Otsutsuki must be fed to the ten-tailed seedlings for them to bloom into God Trees. That is why members of the clan will always come in pairs.
Kaguya and Isshiki are tasked to harvest the God Tree on earth. Kaguya is weaker than Isshiki, so she is the one chosen to be sacrificed.
Of course, nobody wants to be food to demonic beasts, and neither does Kaguya. Kaguya betrayed Isshiki and ate the fruit of the God Tree. Isshiki would later encounter a monk named Jigen and take control of the latter’s body. Jigen would then form Kara to accomplish his goal of planting another God Tree.
Jigen, like Kaguya, obviously does not want to feed himself to the Ten-Tailed sapling because he wants to be a god. So he planned to modify his body in order to make it more ‘Otsutsuki-like’ while his consciousness was transferred to another vessel. He instructed Kara to search for a body compatible with his Kama.
Jigen: His Personality, Appearance, Abilities, and Relationships
Appearance
I found Jigen creepy and unsettling the first time I saw him on screen. His overall appearance has a sense of uncanny valley to it – a feeling that he looks familiar and dangerous at the same time. You may expect that having piercing onyx eyes, a youthful face, and a cold expression makes him attractive – although some do (no judgment from me), he looks like a corpse to me. His appearance really complements the horrifying secret about this character.
A black diamond-shaped mark can be found on Jigen’s chin. That is no tattoo; the diamond-shaped mark is Isshiki’s Kama. It turns out that the horrifying twist is that Isshiki controlled the real Jigen and took over his identity. The Kama is used as a backup copy of Isshiki, and that is what he used to control the body for centuries.
Like most members of Kara, he also has a Roman Numerical tattooed on his body. In Jigen’s case, the Roman Numeral of four (IV) is tattooed below his left eye. His number is interesting because the number four is usually associated with death in Japanese Superstitions. It might be intentional by the author because Jigen is the most dangerous villain in the series so far.
Jigen wore his black hair into a mohawk tied in a long ponytail. He wore a white kimono with black lines on the sleeves, black pants, and a pair of sandals. His toenails and fingernails are painted in black.
Of course, you can’t become a true Shonen villain without having your own power-up make-over. After being forced to reincarnate using Jigen’s body, Isshiki is shown to have pale skin, which is typical of an Otsutsuki. His prominent feature is his massive horn which protrudes from his left brow and wraps around the back of his head.
His appearance made him look like he was wearing a crown which symbolizes his leadership in Kama and his desire for Godhood.
Personality
Villains in Naruto often have such a sympathetic background or reasonable plans that sometimes I want to root for them. This is not the case with Jigen – he is evil to the core. Jigen is an adherent to the Otsutsuki Will which means that he strives to become Godhood by consuming the life energies of countless worlds.
He thinks that he is above everything else because he is an Otsutsuki, and he really wants to let others know. He is remorseless and sees even his clan members as expendable. He even mocked the original Jigen when the monk cried, calling him a worthless vessel.
Jigen has a strong belief in his abilities because he is willing to fight Naruto and Sasuke, the two strongest Shinobi in history.
This superiority complex made Jigen dislike losing, just like a typical narcissist. Jigen will show frustration and anger once he realizes that Naruto and Sasuke might defeat him. He also expresses it by lashing out at objects if things don’t go as planned. He is known to kill anyone who he thinks is a threat or has the potential to overpower him. That is why it was unusual that he spared Code.
Arrogant as he is, Jigen is still capable of praising his opponent. He is formal and courteous as he even apologizes to Naruto for leaving his shoes on while entering the Uzumaki household. He also prefers to incapacitate his enemies and is capable of negotiating with his enemies for an agreeable outcome.
At first glance, I could see that Jigen is a cartoonish villain with little to no characterization. That was until I learned about his relationship with Kawaki. Growing up with a narcissist, I could certainly say that Jigen is not a good parent.
In his quest to find a good vessel, he adopted Kawaki and fourteen other children. He subjected them to brutal experiments that left Kawaki the only child to survive. Under Jigen, Kawaki suffered a childhood filled with physical abuse and neglect, which greatly affected the latter’s mental health.
Does it make Jigen sympathetic? Certainly not. But a great villain doesn’t have to be morally complex, and they have to feel real. The Naruto franchise has been exploring Naruto’s desire for a family and how the lack of it affects a child. Boruto: Naruto Next Generation, on the other hand, explores the problems arising from families.
Jigen’s effect on Kawaki is another example of the Boruto Franchise showing us how toxic parenting negatively affects their child’s mental health.
Quotes
Jigen is arrogant and pretentious. His sense of superiority can be reflected in the following quotes:
“I struggle to understand why you, shinobi come at me knowing that you will die.”
“All genes… all people have a predestined fate. That man bore a mighty fate… a star of change. Now I understand. Amado had wanted to cling to it, to that man’s mighty fate, to the minuscule possibility of change… Koji Kashin, clone of Jiraiya of the Sannin. That you shall die here, was also predestined by your genes!”
“Kawaki or Boruto Uzumaki. Consecrate either of them to the Ten Tails and cultivate a God Tree. Then procure the chakra fruit that the God Tree bears. It is the crystallization of a planet’s life. It shall contain everything. A record of all life that ever lived and died on this planet, including me. Eat it and upgrade yourself, Code. Do that, and you yourself will become a new Ōtsutsuki. Then go forth and devour planet after planet across space. Keep evolving until you become a peerless, unique existence. A god. That is the Ōtsutsuki Will that you shall inherit, Code.”
I do not agree with Jigen on the idea that a person’s superiority lies in their blood and genetics. I believe that a person’s worth is made by his actions and accomplishments and not by blood and past. I am well aware that Naruto is related to the 4th Hokage and a descendant of Kaguya, but it was not his heritage that made him great but his personality and charisma.
This is the theme that I would like to be further explored in Boruto: Naruto Next Generation. I want to see Boruto overcoming his challenges based on his own actions and overcoming the shadow of his father’s accomplishment. The theme could also be very meta because I want the show to forge its own distinct identity in order to separate itself from the original.
Jigen’s Abilities
Like the rest of the Otsutsuki, Jigen possesses tremendous power, but he cannot use it to its fullest because his body is unable to withstand it. However, Jigen is still a dangerous enemy that can hold his own despite fighting the two most powerful shinobi in history – Naruto and Sasuke.
Ninjutsu
Jigen mastered the Space-Time Ninjutsu as he is seen as capable of summoning his own personal dimension. The personal dimension can also be used to seal and trap opponents that Jigen cannot kill. He is also capable of flying at high speed.
Kama
Kama is a type of seal that serves as storage for Jigen’s identity. The host or ‘vessel’ can have access to Jigen’s abilities by activating the seal. However, the vessel must be compatible. That is why Jigen is trying to search for a ‘perfect vessel’ since his current body could not withstand his true power.
Kama is used so that Jigen can override the host’s personality so that he could be reborn after death. Jigen used his Kama in order to control the true Jigen to survive following Kaguya’s betrayal. Currently, Jigen left a White Kama on Code in hopes that Code will be the one to achieve Jigen’s goal.
Dojutsu
Naruto franchise is known for magical eyes – Jigen is no exception. Jigen possessed a unique right eye that allowed him to shrink himself and any other objects. By combining his shrinking abilities and his pocket dimension, Jigen could manifest any object anytime.
Jigen could store multiple shrunken pieces of furniture within his pocket dimension so that he could have a replacement every time he destroyed one. He could also manifest a glass of red wine to look classy while giving an evil speech.
Jigen’s left eye is a byakugan, another Dojutsu that is common among the Otsutsuki Clan, which grants the user a near 360° vision. The Byakugan also allows Jigen to see the flow of Chakra of his opponent and x-ray vision.
Relationship
Kawaki
Kawaki is under the care of his abusive father, who constantly forces him to chop wood to have money to buy more alcohol. Jigen offered Kawaki’s father a large sum of money for his son, which the father wholeheartedly accepted. Jigen reassured Kawaki that there was nothing to fear from him since he was Kawaki’s new father and that Kawaki’s suffering was now over.
Jigen lied. Jigen promised safety, but Kawaki would later describe it as a living hell. Kawaki was forced to undergo brutal experiments and body modifications to become Jigen’s next vessel. Kawaki was also physically beaten and berated by Jigen as part of his training. Jigen made it openly clear to his adoptive son that he values him as a vessel.
After abusing, lying, and subjecting him to brutal experiments and modification, it is unsurprising that Kawaki betrayed him. I am glad that Kawaki managed to find a stable home under Naruto Uzumaki.
Code
Code is one of the fifteen children that was experimented on by Jigen in search of a perfect vassal. Code displayed spasms, but he survived the experiment; however, he was not chosen to be Jigen’s next vessel. Code seems to view Jigen with high regard. He is openly antagonistic to Kawaki because the latter was chosen.
Nonetheless, Jigen acknowledged Code’s loyalty. Jigen has a tendency to kill members who he perceived to be undermining his position, but he exempted Code. Jigen is still cautious since he still implanted limiters on Code.
Before Jigen died, he chose Code to be the one to fulfill his goal of harvesting a God Tree. I am not sure why Code is loyal to Jigen since I have never seen Jigen being a good dad to both boys. I am very hopeful that this will be covered in future episodes.
Kaguya Otsutsuki
Jigen and Kaguya were chosen to harvest the God Tree on Earth, with Kaguya being the sacrifice. Kaguya ended up betraying Jigen and left him to die so that she could have the power of the God Tree for herself. The mortally wounded Otsutsuki was forced to possess and control a monk – the original Jigen, who happens to be nearby.
Momoshiki Otsutsuki
Momoshiki never bothered looking for Jigen when he arrived on earth. He was unfazed and did even grieve upon hearing about Jigen’s death. Momoshiki is aware of Jigen’s power which is why he was surprised that Naruto, Sasuke, and Kawaki defeated Jigen.
Interesting Facts about Jigen
Jigen is Based on a Japanese Folk Hero.
Jigen is based on the folk hero Issun Kotaro. Issun is only one inch tall, but he can transform into a regular-sized adult by using a magical hammer. Jigen’s ability to change the size of objects is certainly based on Issun’s Uchide no kozuchi.
Jigen is the founder and Leader of Kara.
Kara is the villainous organization that serves as the chief antagonist of Boruto: Naruto the Next Generation. The organization was founded by Jigen, whose goal is to plant a God Tree and harvest its power. The organization is divided into two groups; the “Outer” and the “Inner.”
The Real Jigen is Controlled by Isshiki Otsutsuki.
Isshiki Otsutsuki was left to die by Kaguya Otsutsuki. The real Jigen happens to be nearby, which allowed the mortally wounded Otsutsuki to seize control of the monk’s body. From then on, Isshiki would then steal the monk’s name as his own. The real Jigen briefly showed tears after Isshiki temporarily lost control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Is Jigen stronger than Kaguya?
Answer: It was revealed in Jigen’s backstory that the Otsutsuki members will always come in pairs while harvesting a God Tree. In order for the God Tree to bloom, they must sacrifice an Ostutsuki, which is usually the weaker of the pair. Kaguya is considered to be weaker than Jigen, so she was selected to be the one sacrificed.
Kaguya never underestimated Jigen and other Otsutsuki. The reason why she cast the Infinite Tsukoyomi is to build an army of White Zetsu in preparation for an incoming Otsutsuki attack.
Question: What are Jigen’s goals?
Answer: Jigen is an adherent to the Otsutsuki Will, an ideology where members of the clan will strive to achieve Godhood. Jigen’s goal is to plant another Godtree and harvest the chakra fruit so that he can achieve that. Unfortunately, thanks to Konoha’s intervention, he was killed before he could achieve his goals. Before he died, he told Code that he would be the one who would achieve Jigen’s goals.
Question: What does Jigen want from Kawaki?
Answer: Jigen’s body is not compatible with his Chakra, which is why Jigen could not fully use his true power for fear that it would destroy it along with him. Jigen plans to modify the body to make it more like an Otsutsuki and sacrifice it to make a God Tree. Of course, Jigen wants to transfer before sacrificing the body, which is why he is looking for a replacement.
Children were subjected to brutal experiments, leaving most of them dead, except Kawaki and Code. Kawaki was deemed to be perfect, and so he was subjected to intense training as preparation for Jigen’s transfer.
Question: Is Jigen dead?
Answer: Jigen and the original monk both died after the two were incinerated. Jigen attempted to use Kawaki’s Kama to be reborn, but it turns out it was a shadow clone. He was defeated by Naruto and Kurama with their Byron mode but at the cost of Kurama’s life.
Code’s White Kama is a non-vessel; therefore, Isshiki could not be reborn through Code. Before dying, Isshiki told Code that although his soul dissipated, Code would inherit the Otsutsuki Will and continue to strive for Godhood.
However, the previous show is no stranger to suddenly making characters return after ‘dying.’ Hopefully, we could see more of Jiden in the near future.
FAQs
Question: Is Jigen stronger than Kaguya?
Answer: It was revealed in Jigen’s backstory that the Otsutsuki members will always come in pairs while harvesting a God Tree. In order for the God Tree to bloom, they must sacrifice an Ostutsuki, which is usually the weaker of the pair. Kaguya is considered to be weaker than Jigen, so she was selected to be the one sacrificed.
Kaguya never underestimated Jigen and other Otsutsuki. The reason why she cast the Infinite Tsukoyomi is to build an army of White Zetsu in preparation for an incoming Otsutsuki attack.
Question: What are Jigen’s goals?
Answer: Jigen is an adherent to the Otsutsuki Will, an ideology where members of the clan will strive to achieve Godhood. Jigen’s goal is to plant another Godtree and harvest the chakra fruit so that he can achieve that. Unfortunately, thanks to Konoha’s intervention, he was killed before he could achieve his goals. Before he died, he told Code that he would be the one who would achieve Jigen’s goals.
Question: What does Jigen want from Kawaki?
Answer: Jigen’s body is not compatible with his Chakra, which is why Jigen could not fully use his true power for fear that it would destroy it along with him. Jigen plans to modify the body to make it more like an Otsutsuki and sacrifice it to make a God Tree. Of course, Jigen wants to transfer before sacrificing the body, which is why he is looking for a replacement.
Children were subjected to brutal experiments, leaving most of them dead, except Kawaki and Code. Kawaki was deemed to be perfect, and so he was subjected to intense training as preparation for Jigen’s transfer.
Question: Is Jigen dead?
Answer: Jigen and the original monk both died after the two were incinerated. Jigen attempted to use Kawaki’s Kama to be reborn, but it turns out it was a shadow clone. He was defeated by Naruto and Kurama with their Byron mode but at the cost of Kurama’s life.
Code’s White Kama is a non-vessel; therefore, Isshiki could not be reborn through Code. Before dying, Isshiki told Code that although his soul dissipated, Code would inherit the Otsutsuki Will and continue to strive for Godhood.
However, the previous show is no stranger to suddenly making characters return after ‘dying.’ Hopefully, we could see more of Jiden in the near future.
Jigen Boruto Guide: Bottom Line
There is always a bigger fish. Kaguya is the final villain in Naruto: Shippuden, but she is not the strongest threat that our hero has to face. Jigen is possibly the strongest antagonist of the series to date. He manages to face off against Naruto and Sasuke, and both are considered the strongest shinobi in history.
It is quite a shame that Jigen is already dead. I liked his character design, and his first impression of him has filled me with awe and wonder. But who knows? The franchise is not alien to bringing back the dead. Maybe someday we can see him return somehow to become a threat or ally to our favorite heroes.