WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Episode 219, "Return," now streaming on Crunchyroll.
In the Naruto anime, it was no secret the title character was overpowered. Sure, as the show progressed into the Shippuden era, we saw Sasuke, Itachi, the Akatsuki, as well as Kaguya come to the fore, but ultimately, Naruto always seemed to have the edge. Now, come the Boruto franchise, as we see Naruto's big brawl with Isshiki Ĺtsutsuki play off, it becomes perfectly clear why the x-factor that enabled Naruto to become this godlike figure had to die.
This is none other than the Nine-Tails Demon Fox, Kurama. He gave Naruto superhuman chakra when they both began bonding, living up to the dream Minato had -- as well as the Sage of the Six Paths when he took care of the Tailed Beasts.
This would allow Naruto to create super-powered clones, share chakra with others, heal ninja in the field, and basically be that one-up Konoha and the entire alliance could use to become stronger. Now, this is exponentially increased as he activates his Baryon Mode versus Isshiki where he unlocks all Kurama's energy.
Sadly, this partnership and the eventual win over the alien results in Kurama's essence dissipating as the fox dies. But it had to happen or else Boruto would not have high stakes anymore. Baryon Mode is unlike anything seen before, to the point not even Madara or Obito would be able to test him. Naruto uses it to pummel Isshiki and the only reason he's weakened is it takes a toll on his human frame.
If that weren't the case -- or if he and Kurama somehow found a loophole around the energy drain -- it'd be crazy to think what Naruto could do with new clones or chakra transferring to others. It'd be a major trump card that would nullify any attacks on Konoha or his family. After all, his speed, flight, invulnerability and his Rasengan bombs make him surpass The Matrix's Neo or even Superman as Naruto shows Isshiki what god-mode truly looks like.
Hence, Kurama had to die as Baryon Mode would have been a boring formality, a predictable endgame and an over-used Hail Mary no one would be able to overcome, akin to One Punch Man's Saitama or even Dragon Ball Z's Goku. What this death also does is cut the cord emotionally, as Naruto considered Kurama his best and longest-serving friend.
As Boruto continues, Kurama's death now makes Naruto vulnerable, scared and throws him back to his orphan days, which will test him mentally in addition to his current physical risks. The fact he's already feeling as empty as ever, lamenting how he did cheat the game with such a WMD inside him, says a lot. And so, this will now push Naruto to evolve the way he wanted Boruto to -- via natural skill and hard work.
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