Chapter 55 (episode 218) of Boruto will go down in history as the most cursed installment of the series. In this chapter/episode, Kurama leaves Naruto forever after their joint attempt to end Isshiki. While the Baryon Mode helps Naruto defeat Isshiki, it also snatches Kurama away from him.
Since then, Naruto has been reduced to a mere side character. Of course, Naruto’s degradation was met with enough criticism and has become one of the top 10 anime betrayal moments.
Yet, the absence of Kurama may give Naruto an even bigger chance of individual growth.
Can Naruto use Baryon Mode despite Kurama’s absence?
Baryon mode was Naruto’s strongest move, at the risk of draining his and Kurama’s life force. In fact, Kurama sacrificed himself just to defeat Isshiki. The Baryon Mode is created by consuming Naruto and Kurama’s chakras as raw materials. In the absence of Kurama, it becomes impossible for Naruto to use the power again. However, a fan theory states otherwise.
According to a very recently emerged theory, Kurama’s death might not mean the end for Baryon mode. Essentially, the clash between Naruto and Kurama’s chakras creates tremendous energy that increases Naruto’s speed, reflexes, and power. So, theoretically, Naruto could clash his chakra against someone else’s instead of Kurama.
Chakra is a life force that all individuals produce to some degree. Shinobis have learned to generate more chakra and release it outside their body to perform various jutsu.
Kurama could have a greater chakra capability that boosted Naruto in the battle, but there are other shinobi who could easily match Kurama’s strength. Sasuke is one of the strongest characters in both Naruto and Boruto, and can easily support Naruto during a Baryon Mode.
Another theory makes use of Naruto’s control over nature chakra. Rather than making the Senjutsu chakra, he could clash the energy derived from nature with his own chakra and make Baryon mode.
Is Baryon Mode the final form of Naruto?
According to a fan theory, Baryon Mode likely isn’t the final form of Naruto. He could get a new form later in Boruto. In the war arc, Hagoromo stated that Chakra is meant to help the user connect to others or understand them. In the Kawaki arc, Naruto himself reaffirmed this when he was lecturing Kawaki.
However, the Baryon Mode is the exact opposite of this theme. It shortens the lifespans of its users, killed Kurama, and destroys anyone who comes in contact with it. This violent nature of the power is very unlike Naruto’s ideals.
A new form might be awaiting Naruto that will not only stop him from depending on Kurama but also get his understanding nature back. In fact, it will allow Naruto to grow, while breaking the cycle of hatred.
You can watch Naruto and Boruto on Crunchyroll or read the manga on Viz Media.
