Boruto's true identity may be Shibai Otsutsuki, and it makes perfect sense

Since Shibai Otsutsuki's introduction in the Boruto manga, fans have speculated countless theories piecing a connection between the protagonist and the Otsutsuki God. But what if Shibai Otsutsuki is Boruto himself who orchestrated a time loop to save humanity and the universe as the true singularity of fate?

Shibai Otsutsuki has been described as the most powerful Otsutsuki, who transcended physical form, leaving behind his remains for Amado to use. Hence, this may sound absurd to fans that the protagonist could be the one pulling the strings. However, there are several hints within the story that nod towards this possibility.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from the Boruto manga.

How can Boruto be Shibai Otsutsuki?

Shibai Otsutsuki as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

As fans may have noticed, unlike other Otsutsuki, Shibai's name is quite unique. This suggests that he may have a unique origin. What if, as an Otsutsiki, Boruto ascended to Godhood and went back to the past to set everything in motion to save humanity? As absurd as it may sound, this theory also aligns with the fact that Boruto's Otsutsuki horns match that of Shibai and not Momoshiki.

That is not the only piece of evidence that ties the protagonist with destiny that of a higher purpose. The Jougan has been one of the biggest mysteries in the series. The only thing that fans know about it is that it can be used to perceive interdimensional rifts and disturbances in time and space and detect chakra and disruptions in the flow of reality.

Jougan as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

However, the last time fans saw the dojutsu in action was in the anime during the time travel arc. This could be a huge clue as the story arc may have subtly foreshadowed Jougan's connection to time manipulation.

As Boruto has already become an Otsutsuki, there lies a possibility that he will evolve into the Otsutsuki God Shibai, realize that the universe is on the brink of collapse, and go back in time to fix everything, creating a time loop.

Amado as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

Once he is in the past, he may have discarded his physical body, allowing Amado to find it and use his DNA to create individuals like Eida, Daemon, and Kashin Koji, those who could play a huge role in his plan.

Following that, Shibai could be using his Prescience ability from outside time and space to subtly manipulate key events, ensuring his former self grows into the hero the timeline needs without losing his free will. With that in mind, the timeline that fans are witnessing right now in the manga could be a result of this self-sustaining time loop that Shibai from the future has set up for his younger self.

Urashiki as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

This nods to the question of what happened to the original timeline. It is very much possible that the original timeline ended in chaos, which drove the protagonist to travel back in time to rewrite history.

Another hint towards such a possible development is Urashiki Otsutsuki's cryptic line in the Boruto anime. When Urashiki met Toneri, he said, "You might have done something to that woman's child," referring to Boruto. This could mean that Toneri might have helped the protagonist reach his destiny as the Otsutsuki God. Evidently, even Toneri has a unique name and lacks Otsutsuki horns, common to all members of his clan.

Sarada and Sumire as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

Boruto being Shibai also explains why Sarada and Sumire are immune to Eida's Shinjutsu. If Shibai is actually Boruto from the future orchestrating events, he might have safeguarded individuals close to him to preserve free will and serve as anchors to reality. Their immunity symbolizes that Shibai wants humanity to resist divine manipulation and not just make choices that they are forced to make.

So, effectively, Shibai Otsutsuki's endgame could be to manipulate events from the past and ensure humanity develops the strength to resist the Otsutsuki without relying on divine intervention. With that, he could be hoping to ensure that the best possible future is attained.