Is Jigen Dead in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations?

As of the last knowledge update in August 2023, Jigen, the primary antagonist of the series, has met a fiery demise. However, the latest chapters or episodes might reveal additional developments in the series as it continues to evolve.

Jigen's Journey to the End

The plot of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations has taken a dramatic turn with the death of Jigen. Initially, Jigen was trapped in a supernatural fire by Kashin Koji, a move that he failed to absorb due to the nature of his Karma Seal not being made of chakra. Additionally, Jigen's body had significant damage from a previous confrontation with Naruto and Sasuke. As a result, when Kashin summoned natural hellfire, Jigen couldn't resist the flames, leading to his ultimate destruction.

Resurrection and Beyond

While Jigen's physical body was consumed by the flames, Isshiki, the weaponized Otsutsuki, emerged from his body, indicating that Jigen's life force, or "Karma," continued to exist. This is reminiscent of the situation with Madara Uchiha, where the life force persisted even after the vessel was seemingly destroyed. However, the recent chapters show that Jigen's body was in such a state of destruction that Isshiki had to take over the body and begin to use it.

Implications for the Otsutsuki

Given that Jigen was the host for the ōtsutsuki Isshiki, his death marks the end of the vessel aspect of the relationship, while the Otsutsuki itself continues to exist. This dynamic is similar to the relationship between Momoshiki and Kinshiki, where the vessel dies while the Otsutsuki lives on. Consequently, Isshiki will continue to operate within the world of Boruto, possibly using Jigen's body as a vessel until a more suitable one can be found or created.

Potential Futures

While Jigen's physical body is technically dead, the question remains whether the memories and essence of Jigen will be retained. It is also possible that parts of him were absorbed by the Otsutsuki or that his essence might be reincarnated or recreated. The plot's future developments will likely clarify the exact fate of Jigen and Isshiki's relationship.

Conclusion

Jigen has essentially died within the current storyline of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. His death is marked by the destruction of his body and the emergence of Isshiki, but his true form of existence remains ambiguous. As the series progresses, more details will likely unfold regarding the fate of Jigen and the nature of the Otsutsuki.