Boruto: Kishimoto Just Revealed A New Wood Style User

As a long-time fan of the Naruto universe, I must say that the recent developments in Boruto have left me utterly astounded. The introduction of Matsuri, a Shinju with the ability to utilize Wood Release, has certainly added a new layer of excitement to the series.

This article contains spoilers from Boruto: Two Blue Vortex.

Summary

Hashirama Senju was the original Wood Release user. (70 characters)
Matsuri is a powerful Shinju who can sense trees. (58 characters)
Matsuri should be an Otsutsuki level threat. (49 characters)

Wood Style is one of the most powerful abilities to exist in the Naruto universe. This ability was introduced properly during the battle between Hiruzen Sarutobi and Orochimaru. It was the latter who used Edo Tensei to bring back the First and the Second Hokage, the former of which utilized the incredible power of Wood Release. Undoubtedly, Wood Release was an ability that many considered to be the pinnacle of ninjutsu, but that certainly doesn’t mean that it is unmatched. That said, its powers are definitely tremendous, especially when used by the First Hokage.

One interesting aspect of the Wood Release technique is that only a few individuals have mastered it throughout history. Although there seems to be another user in the series “Boruto“, their abilities haven’t been shown yet. In the latest episode of “Boruto: Two Blue Vortex“, it looks like another proficient Wood Release practitioner has surfaced.

The Power Of Wood Release And Hashirama’s Legacy

Hashirama Senju Was The Original Wood Release User
Hashirama Cells Gave Wood Release To Many

Wood Release, a remarkably potent Kekkei Genkai, often leaves fans speculating about its potential as the most powerful ever. This technique combines Water and Earth Releases to create Wood Release. However, merely having Water and Earth Releases doesn’t automatically grant one the ability to use Wood Release. Instead, it requires a unique skillset to produce this jutsu. The first known user of Wood Release was Hashirama Senju, and to this day, he continues to be regarded as the most proficient user of this technique by fans.

Only one man could utilize its powers—the First Hokage!!

Utilizing the potency of his Wood Release technique, Hashirama had an extraordinary command over flora surrounding him. He possessed the ability to grow entire forests seemingly out of thin air, and dramatically alter the landscape around him. The Wood Release was exceptionally versatile against various elemental forces, yet its most significant application was in subduing the power of the Tailed Beasts. This unique characteristic of Wood Release allowed Hashirama to control and curb the destructive tendencies of these beasts, as demonstrated frequently throughout the series. Furthermore, because of its inherent chakra draining property, the Wood Release proved effective in keeping the Tailed Beasts under control.

It wasn’t unexpected that Konoha sought more practitioners of Wood Release, given its remarkable capabilities. Regrettably, none of Hashirama’s descendants possessed this ability naturally. Nevertheless, research into the Wood Release and Hashirama’s cells persisted, leading eventually to the birth of Yamato. Despite being born from Hashirama’s cells, Yamato’s Wood Release was relatively feeble. It did manage to keep the Nine-Tails under control to some extent, but it didn’t offer much beyond that in terms of combat. Compared to the combat prowess of Hashirama Senju, Yamato’s abilities were disappointing and not particularly notable.

Apart from Hashirama, only two characters with Wood Release abilities have been depicted in the story: Obito and Madara Uchiha. Both gained access to this ability through transplanted Hashirama cells. It was Madara who took a piece of Hashirama’s flesh during their final battle at the Valley of the End, which he later cultivated in his secret lair. Over time, he developed these cells and implanted them not only into his own body but also used them to create the missing half of Obito’s body. Consequently, this allowed Obito to utilize Wood Release, while Madara himself was able to wield this power as well.

In the former instance, his power was significantly boosted to unprecedented levels. He employed Deep Forest Emergence during the Fourth Great Ninja War, and if not for Naruto Uzumaki, he might have wiped out the entire Shinobi army with it. It’s worth noting that Madara’s Wood Release came very close to being as devastating as Hashirama’s in terms of destructive capabilities.

Boruto Hints At Matsuri Being A Wood Release User

Matsuri Is A Powerful Shinju Who Can Sense The Trees

Skipping ahead through the annals of time, I find myself in a world where legends like Madara Uchiha, Hashirama, and Obito have taken their final bows. The Wood Release users have dwindled significantly, with Yamato being one of the few exceptions, perhaps joined by a select few like Orochimaru who’ve continued to nurture this power. However, the Boruto series has recently introduced an intriguing twist: another practitioner of Wood Release! This revelation was subtly foreshadowed in chapter 17 of Boruto: The Last. The user is none other than Matsuri, one of the Shinju. Now, here’s where it gets interesting – Matsuri is a force to be reckoned with, and as hinted in the last chapter, she possesses an uncanny ability to sense trees around her.

There are trees everywhere, even under the Earth! – Matsuri

In a unique category among the Shinju, Matsuri possesses an extraordinary sense. Recalling past events, Hashirama was a sensor-type ninja, his abilities primarily stemming from his proficiency in Wood Release and Sage Mode. Similarly, Matsuri, as she mentioned in the last chapter, can perceive trees beneath the Earth’s surface, extending far beyond. This connection to trees suggests that she too is capable of using Wood Release, as it allows her to locate individuals anywhere, a clear testament to this ability.

It’s no shock to fans, given that Matsuri is a Shinju derived from Moegi. Fans are aware that Moegi is an exceptionally powerful Earth and Water Release user, and there’s even mention in another databook that she can manipulate Wood Release too. Although she hasn’t demonstrated this ability yet, it’s hoped she will in the future. Essentially, Matsuri’s access to Wood Release implies that Moegi is proficient in it as well, since Matsuri shouldn’t possess this power without her original form having it first.

How Strong Is Matsuri?

Matsuri Should Be An Otsutsuki Level Threat

To date, I’ve yet to witness Matsuri employing the Wood Release in the Boruto series. However, she has demonstrated impressive skills with Earth Release. As a sensor-type ninja, she’s proven to be quite formidable, but her command over the Wood Release remains a mystery. Given her origin as a Ten-Tails offspring, a known user of Wood Release, it’s reasonable to expect her mastery of this technique to be extraordinary. In fact, some speculate that her control could surpass both Moegi and even the legendary Hashirama Senju. This shouldn’t come as a shock to fans, considering she’s an overpowering Shinju capable of potentially devastating consequences. It won’t be long before we see Matsuri in action against Konohamaru, at which point the full extent of her Wood Release abilities will undoubtedly be unveiled.

Currently, overcoming Matsuri in battle seems virtually impossible due to her formidable skills in Wood Release. However, somehow our ninja forces must find a way to tackle this towering menace, as her destructive power could lead to catastrophic consequences for the Earth if left unchecked.

You can access Boruto for reading through Viz Media. Fans are able to read it officially and without cost on both the Shonen Jump and Manga Plus app. The next chapter of Boruto, titled “Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Chapter 18,” is scheduled for release on January 20, 2025.

2024-12-27 03:35