Boruto: Naruto Next Generations is a popular shonen Japanese anime series that has received a lot of praise and appreciation from the anime community. Directed by Masayuki Koda, the anime has been releasing episodes since 5th April 2017, totaling to a number of 291 episodes up till now. Studio Pierrot has been responsible for the production of the anime series.
Studio Pierrot received a lot of praise for introducing new characters while putting emphasis on the development of the recurrent characters, but the anime has not covered the main storyline of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations yet. The anime will take a hiatus as it will wait for the manga to continue the narrative.
The latest episode of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations was an intense episode filled with action, which made the spectators speechless and in awe. They are curious as to what is going to unfold as the episode ended on a climactic cliffhanger, and we need more details. This arc will possibly be the last adaptation for a while, as the studio declared that the first part of the anime would come to an end on 26th March 2023.
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations is somewhat like its prequel, Naruto, but it is focused on the characters, Boruto, Naruto, and Hinata’s son. Sarada, Sasuke and Sakura’s daughter and Mitsuki, Orochimaru’s son. During the Chunin exams, Naruto gets abducted by Momoshiki and Kinshiki Otsutsuki, who wish to use Kurama, the nine-tailed beast sealed inside him, to revive the dying Divine Tree.
After a huge battle between Boruto and Momoshiki, Momoshiki realizes the true potential of Boruto and gives him a mysterious mark called ‘Karma.’ The anime series follows Boruto, Naruto’s son, as he fights his own destiny and becomes a worthy shinobi like his father.
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations: Plot
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations is the sequel to Naruto, depicting the story and life of Boruto Uzumaki, the son of the former protagonist and current Hokage, Naruto Uzumaki. The series focuses on Boruto, Sarada, and Mitsuki.
Boruto is the only wielder (so far) of the Dojutsu eye, a mysterious power that belonged to the Otsutsuki clan. After around fifty filler episodes, the anime throws light on the antagonists of the story, the Otsutsuki clan, who had come to Earth to clean up the mess created by Kyuga.
The clan members had come to revive the dying Divine Tree. To do so, they needed to collect the scattered-tailed beasts. As a result, Naruto was their main target as he was a Jinchuriki, holding the massive chakra reserves of the nine-tailed beast Kurama.
After abducting Naruto from the Chunin exams, Boruto, Sasuke, and three other Kages come to help fight off Momoshiki, the head of the Otsutsuki clan. After a thunderous battle, Momoshiki is hit with a massive Rasengan by Boruto. Shocked at the fact that a mere child defeated a God like him, Momoshiki realizes the potential of Boruto and gives him a mysterious mark called the ‘Karma.’
The story takes on a darker turn as we are introduced to an Akatsuki-like group called the ‘Kara,’ which is also headed by an Otsutsuki clan member. Boruto’s squad meets Kawaki, a hostage captured by the Kara, where he learns that Kawaki also has a Karma mark on him. Kawaki is kept under the protection of the Uzumaki clan. However, the leader of the Kara, Jigen, attacks them and seals Naruto.
Team 7 saves Naruto, but Boruto is possessed by Momoshiki due to his mark. Here, it is revealed that all people who had been marked by Karma would be eventually possessed by the members of Clan Osutsuki, which includes Boruto and Kawaki. This triggers the whole plot of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations.
Also, read: One Piece Anime Review: What Makes This Anime So Special?
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Episode 291: Recap
Episode 291 0f Boruto: Naruto Next Generations is titled ‘Control.’ The episode is enjoyable not only because Boruto learns more about his Karma and obtains new powers to fight against Code, the main antagonist of this arc, but also makes a shocking compromise that boggles the minds of the audience.
The episode begins with Code introducing himself to Boruto, stating that he respects Boruto because he is indirectly related to the Otsutsukis, a clan that he deeply reveres. He also feels sorry because he had the responsibility of feeding Boruto to the Ten-Tailed beast to develop the Divine Tree.
The previous episode showed Kawaki’s face-off with Code, but now the spotlight has been shifted to Boruto. Ignoring Kawaki’s requests to leave the battleground, Boruto engaged in a battle against Code. Code possesses the White Karma, a power purely existing for mass destruction, which makes Code an insanely strong villain.
The battle showed Boruto losing as he struggled against Code. The latter even told him that he did not know how to wield his Karma properly. The true essence of Karma lies within the cumulative battle experiences of the Otsutsuki, who bestowed this power on Boruto. If utilized in battle efficiently, Boruto would become an expert warrior.
To provoke Boruto, Code stomped on him to reveal Momoshiki’s power. However, Boruto managed to avoid the attack and gained access to Momoshiki’s power, radiating a whitish-blue aura around himself, signifying Momoshiki’s power.
The surprising part here is that Boruto did not lose control of his mind even though he was radiating Momoshiki’s power. Eida told Code that it was probably Amado’s medications that prevented Momoshiki from taking over Boruto’s mind.
The scene now shifted to Naruto, who was desperately searching for Kawaki and Boruto. Shikamaru accompanied him, fearing the powers of Code. However, Naruto objected to Hinata accompanying them because someone had to stay and keep Himawari company.
While the raging battle was still ensuing between Boruto and Code, Sai informed Amado of the situation. Failing to land a hit on Code, Boruto collapses from exhaustion. Code was about to attack Boruto, who had a seizure, but the time stopped, revealing Momoshiki, who asked Boruto to swap places with him. Momoshiki took control of Boruto’s mind and started attacking using a powerful Rasengan.
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Episode 291: Review
Part 1 of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations will come to an end within a couple of weeks. With only two episodes left for this arc, fans have had a myriad of reactions of astonishment and shock. The episode also had a few surprising elements, especially when Boruto was seen controlling Momoshiki’s power.
Episode 291 is a continuation of 290, showing the change in battle from Kawaki against Code to Boruto against Code. Overall, it is a well-executed and well- choreographed episode. It shows Kawaki as a person who is power-hungry. His devotion to Naruto seems quite suspicious as he seems to be obsessed with Naruto.
Episode 291 is an integral part of this arc of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations because he gets to learn more about the Karma Mark. According to Code, Karma is not just about speed or power. It is about the battle experience which makes up its essence of it. Boruto needed to tap into that battle experience of the Otsutsuki to unleash the true potential of the Karma mark.
We also get to see Momoshiki entering the stage at the end of the climactic battle. Much to Code’s disdain, he realized that he would not be able to fight such a god-like person with immense power. There is also the aspect of Naruto and Shikamaru joining the battlefield soon enough, and fans are eager to see what is going to happen.
Our Verdict
Episode 291 of Boruto creates a space for the audience to ask inquisitive questions because our main character Boruto starts to learn more about the Karma mark. The battle between Code and the others is going to be thrilling.
Our Rating: ⭐ (4.3/5).
Also, read: Sasuke’s Cursed Mark Meaning In Naruto Shippuden: The Powers Explained.
