In the Naruto universe, epic battles and mysterious powers shape the shinobi world, with the Otsutsuki clan standing out as one of the most intriguing and powerful groups. These alien humanoid creatures from another dimension have a plot-altering role, bringing cosmic challenges that push even the strongest ninja to their limits. 

From Kaguya, the original big boss, to Momoshiki and Kinshiki, the Otsutsuki are all about power, chaos, and world domination. Their selfish goals and strength add never-before-seen layers of danger, setting the stage for intense showdowns that test the very essence of ninjutsu. 

Who Are the Otsutsuki?

The Otsutsuki are an alien race that travels across various planets in the universe, seeking power and immortality. To achieve this, they use parasite-like methods, planting the God Tree to gradually drain chakra from all living beings and cultivate the Chakra Fruit. After harvesting the fruit, the Otsutsuki leave the planet.

However, there’s a catch. For the God Tree to grow, an Otsutsuki must make a sacrifice, which is why they rarely travel alone. Typically, two Otsutsuki visit a planet: one serves as the sacrifice while the other oversees the cultivation of the Chakra Fruit. 

And, although this process may seem harsh, the Otsutsuki have devised a way to harvest these fruits with minimal loss by creating vessels from humans that would later allow for their resurrection. Parasitic, indeed.

The Otsutsuki’s Appearance

The Otsutsuki clan members share a similar humanoid appearance with several unique and distinctive features. They are characterized by their white skin, pale eyes, and bland white or light blue hair. Furthermore, to add to this scary appearance, the Otsutsuki stand out with their horns – a feature that sets each clan member apart.

All Otsutsuki wear white, which appears to be their signature clothing color, making them easily recognizable wherever they go. And it’s not only their physical appearance that resembles humans – they are also biologically similar. Because of this, the Otsutsuki’s centuries-long successful procreation led to humans inheriting chakra, ultimately contributing to the creation of the shinobi world.

 The Otsutsuki Clan’s Background

Though the Otsutsuki clan was introduced later in Naruto Shippuden, their conquest of Earth began a millennium before the events of the anime and manga series. Back then, Princess Kaguya was assigned to cultivate the Chakra Fruit as the sacrificial member of the clan. Except she did not follow her objectives, marking the first major turning point that profoundly changed the world.

Kaguya did something truly unexpected—she consumed the fruit, absorbing its powers and ending the constant wars on Earth by putting everyone under the Infinite Tsukuyomi. Instead of leaving the planet, she chose to stay, giving birth to two sons and ushering in the age of shinobi. This decision halted the wars but also set the stage for numerous challenges which basically shaped the storyline of Naruto.

Hagoromo and Hamura Stop Kaguya

After her two sons – Hagoromo and Hamura – grew up into young ninjas with plenty of chakra, Kaguya’s ambitions changed dramatically as she chose to become the Ten-Tails and take her sons’ chakra for herself. This family conflict culminated in the sealing of Kaguya and the Ten-Tails. The beast’s chakra was absorbed by Hagoromo and its body became a part of the moon.

To maintain peace, Hamura went to the moon to guard the Ten-Tails, while Hagoromo took on the role of humanity’s protector. To further reduce the risk of Kaguya’s return, Hagoromo split the Ten-Tails' chakra into the Nine-Tailed Beasts in Naruto. As for Hamura, his ruling and bloodline continued peacefully on the moon, giving rise to a sub-clan of the Otsutsuki. 

Kaguya’s Return

Despite these efforts, Kaguya resurfaced with the help of her servant Black Zetsu during the Fourth Great Ninja War. She nearly achieved her goals but was ultimately sealed away once more by the Allied Shinobi Forces, led by Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha.

The Otsutsuki in The Last: Naruto the Movie

While The Last: Naruto the Movie centered on the love story between Naruto and Hinata, it was an Otsutsuki who stole the spotlight with a major threat to Earth. Toneri Otsutsuki, a descendant of Hamura who lived on the moon, emerged as the primary antagonist. 

Toneri was obsessed with Hinata, particularly her Byakugan, believing it to be the key to creating his ideal world. To ensure it would happen, he and his followers sought to capture Hinata to awaken a new doujutsu—the Tenseigan. With this power, they planned to eliminate humanity and establish their own dynasty.

When Toneri captured Hanabi and Hinata, the ninjas of Konoha launched an assault on the moon to rescue them and protect humanity. However, no matter how strong Toneri was, Naruto’s love for Hinata was much stronger and the Otsutsuki was ultimately defeated by the shinobi. Realizing the truth behind his clan's plans and undergoing a change of heart, Toneri ensured that his moon clan would maintain peace and never threaten humanity again.

The Otsutsuki in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations 

The world was finally free of the Otsutsuki and enjoyed a very well-deserved period of peace that lasted for around thirteen years. However, trouble returned in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, as new, power-hungry members of the clan emerged, ready to conquer the shinobi world.

Unlike the usual tradition of sending pairs to a new world, the Otsutsuki in Boruto arrived in greater numbers to address the chaos left by Kaguya. The clan sent Kinshiki, Urashiki, and Momoshiki Otsutsuki to Earth, where they confronted Naruto and Sasuke and were ultimately defeated. However, this was far from the end of the Otsutsuki.

Things became more complicated with the introduction of Isshiki Otsutsuki, revealing the clan’s hidden goals. As Kaguya’s old squadmate and a very powerful Otsutsuki, Isshiki continued the defeated Princess’s ambitions by growing a new Ten-Tails. He worked through his vessel and intended to merge with the beast, using Kawaki as his new host. As for Momoshiki, he remained on this planet, marking an unexpected vessel – Boruto Uzumaki.

The Powers of the Otsutsuki 

The Otsutsuki are an advanced race that has consumed many Chakra Fruits and mastered chakra long before arriving on Earth – a knowledge that makes them far more skilled in harnessing its power than even the strongest shinobi. Additionally, the Otsutsuki often possess a powerful doujutsu, further enhancing their abilities and solidifying their reputation as some of the strongest beings across many dimensions.

The Otsutsuki clan can infuse chosen individuals with Karma, marking them as vessels for future resurrection. For the process to work, the vessel must be able to handle the Otsutsuki’s power and endure the associated hardships. During the transfer, the Otsutsuki’s genetic data is slowly transferred onto the vessel, which later loses its own personality. If the process fails, the host is left with a White Karma, acquiring some of the Otsutsuki’s powers and abilities.

Lastly, every Otsutsuki can travel through dimensions using the Yomotsu Hirasaka technique. This kekkei mora technique is far more advanced than typical space-time, so much so that even the strongest members of the clan don’t use it often. Kaguya utilized it effectively during the Fourth Great Ninja War, mainly to transport herself or distract and evade her enemies and their attacks.

The Strongest Otsutsuki Members

Apart from their white appearance and parasitic nature, all Otsutsuki share another trait: they are incredibly powerful warriors. With immense chakra reserves and mastery over its various abilities, this clan has earned a reputation far surpassing that of the average Genin or Jonin. 

Let’s explore what makes each Otsutsuki special and learn of their distinct powers and backstories within the Naruto anime and manga series.

Shibai Otsutsuki 

• Debut: Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Chapter 75 
• Kekkei Genkai: Byakugan, Rinnegan, Senrigan

Though more of a myth than an actual character in the series, Shibai is regarded as the strongest Otsutsuki. According to legend, Shibai is one of the oldest members of the clan who conquered planets long before Kaguya arrived on Earth, changing countless vessels and eating many Chakra Fruits, enough to turn him into something more – a divine being.

Though Shibai has yet to appear in the Naruto universe, his influence remains significant. His followers possess some of his powers and revere him greatly, but none have matched his level of strength. It is said that Shibai could use Shinjutsu, a unique chakra-based technique exclusive to the Otsutsuki. Additionally, Shibai wielded the Senrigan, mastered various powerful hand signs, and, most notably, possessed Omnipotence—a power capable of bending reality itself.

Isshiki Otsutsuki

• Debut: Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Episode 202 / Chapter 35
• Kekkei Genkai: Byakugan, Kokugan

Isshiki Otsutsuki, introduced in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, is recognized as one of the strongest members of the Otsutsuki clan. He was not a stranger to Earth, as he was Kaguya's partner when they first arrived on the planet. 

After Kaguya betrayed him, Isshiki sought a new vessel and found a suitable one in Jigen. However, he continued his search for the ideal host, with Kawaki becoming his primary target, which turned into a quest that shaped the storyline of the Boruto series.

Isshiki’s Powers

Although it’s said that Isshiki once had the power to annihilate and conquer entire planets, he demonstrated a different but still incredible power in the series. Most notably, his true threat level became evident during his first battle against Naruto and Sasuke, where he effortlessly defeated both of them, proving that he indeed is one of the strongest Otsutsuki.

Isshiki possessed techniques like Sukunahikona, which allowed him to shrink himself or other objects to gain a strategic advantage in battle. He also utilized the Kokugan to create new dimensions where the normal laws of time do not apply, or summon massive cubes to disrupt the use of sensory techniques, such as those of the Sharingan.

Kaguya Otsutsuki

• Debut: Naruto Shippuden Episode 458 / Chapter 679
• Kekkei Genkai: Byakugan, Rinne Sharingan

Kaguya Otsutsuki is the most well-known member of the clan, playing a crucial role as one of the main villains in Naruto. She conquered Earth, introduced chakra to its inhabitants, initiated the age of shinobi, and caused significant harm in the process of gaining power. And what a power it was.

Kaguya was able to take on her two sons in a battle and come back even stronger after being sealed. In the later stages of Naruto Shippuden, she showcased her abilities in a dramatic fashion, revealing her Byakugan and Rinne-Sharingan—a doujutsu that enabled her to cast the Infinite Tsukuyomi. Additionally, she merged with the Ten-Tails, significantly enhancing her strength and chakra reserves to unparalleled levels.

Hagoromo Otsutsuki 

• Debut: Naruto Shippuden Episode 329 / Chapter 572
• Kekkei Genkai: Sharingan (Anime), Mangekyō Sharingan (Anime), Rinnegan

As Kaguya’s son, Hagoromo Otsutsuki also possesses extraordinary abilities and is capable of feats beyond imagination. Fortunately, Hagoromo embraced his human side and opposed Kaguya’s madness, stopping her and the Ten-Tails and establishing peace on Earth. This act made him the first non-parasitic Otsutsuki – a trait that set him apart from his clan's typical nature.

Hagoromo Otsutsuki was so powerful that he managed to seal both his mother, Kaguya, and the Ten-Tails, absorbing its chakra to keep it secure. Later, he used the All Things Creation technique to divide this chakra into nine parts, resulting in the creation of the Nine-Tailed Beasts which played a significant role in the story of Naruto.

Hagoromo Becoming the Sage of the Six Paths

Also known as the Sage of the Six Paths, Hagoromo Otsutsuki was one of the characters who changed the world. While he could perform wonders with his powerful Rinnegan and the ability to use the All Things Creation technique through the Yin Release, there is so much more to him. His greatest achievement was saving Earth and providing its people with the means to live in peace—a concept that was previously unimaginable before his and his brother's arrival.

Hamura Otsutsuki 

• Debut: Naruto Shippuden Episode 420 / Chapter 670
• Kekkei Genkai: Byakugan, Tenseigan

Hamura – just like his brother Hagoromo – was an equally important character who played a key role in changing the world. After he and his brother defeated Kaguya, Hamura went to the moon, and formed a clan there, using all of his powers to cultivate a peaceful environment that eventually grew into something beautiful.

While all of the Otsutsuki are famous for their feats in battle, there aren’t many details of Hamura’s combat abilities apart from the fact that he was nearly unbeatable in hand-to-hand battles. Nevertheless, his possession of the Six Paths chakra and the Taisengan establishes him as one of the strongest Otsutsuki.

Momoshiki Otsutsuki 

• Debut: Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Episode 15 / Chapter 2
• Kekkei Genkai: Byakugan, Rinnegan, Wood Release (Novel)

Momoshiki Otsutsuki was the first major villain in the Boruto series. He arrived on Earth with the goal of capturing Kurama but soon encountered the full strength of all shinobi, and was forced to showcase his powers which allowed him to fight Naruto and Sasuke simultaneously – all thanks to him absorbing Kinshiki’s powers and his taijutsu mastery.

Uniquely, Momoshiki Otsutsuki possessed two Byakugan eyes and a pair of Rinnegan embedded in the palms of his hands. With his Rinnegan, he could absorb chakra attacks and redirect them toward his enemies or even turn his targets into ingestible pills, which he consumed to prolong his youth—an ability that aligns with the parasitic nature of the Otsutsuki clan.

Momoshiki vs Boruto

Despite his Otsutsuki powers and unique abilities, Momoshiki was ultimately defeated by Boruto, who became Momoshiki’s vessel. So, even if his physical form was destroyed in that battle, there remains a possibility that he could later manifest through Naruto’s son. This ongoing uncertainty is a major plot point in the series. For now, Boruto remains resilient and determined, standing strong in the face of this looming threat.

Kinshiki Otsutsuki

• Debut: Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Episode 15 / Chapter 2
• Kekkei Genkai: Byakugan

Kinshiki was Momoshiki's guardian and foster parent, tasked with conquering the shinobi world and locating the Nine-Tailed Beast. As one of the biggest Otsutsuki, Kinshiki showed great resilience and raw strength that not even two Kage could match together. He fought alongside Momoshiki with great skill, standing his ground firmly against Naruto and Sasuke.

Kinshiki had some of the most interesting powers as he could absorb chakra and craft various weapons capable of cutting through almost anything—even a God Tree. He also wielded space-time jutsu and utilized his Byakugan to gain an edge over his opponents. Being Kinshiki’s favorite enemy, Sasuke experienced this firsthand and had to use all his skills and resources to contain the Otsutsuki. 

Asura Otsutsuki 

• Debut: Naruto Shippuden Episode 203 / Chapter 462
• Kekkei Genkai: Wood Release (Anime)

Hagoromo Otsutsuki had two sons: Asura and Indra. Asura, the more timid of the two, was dedicated to achieving peace rather than engaging in battles. And because of that, it was he who inherited his father’s mission, which led to prosperity among the shinobi. However, it also caused conflict with his brother, Indra.

To manage this conflict, Asura demonstrated immense physical strength, a deep understanding of all nature transformations—including Yin and Yang releases—and exceptional mastery of taijutsu. He also wielded the Six Paths Senjutsu and summoned powerful forces like the Six Paths: Kunitsukami, which helped him confront Indra and his Susanoo.

Indra Otsutsuki

• Debut: Naruto Shippuden Episode 203 / Chapter 462
• Kekkei Genkai: Sharingan, Mangekyo Sharingan 

Although Indra was defeated by Asura in combat, he was undeniably the more naturally gifted brother in terms of fighting. Possessing immense chakra reserves and employing creative means of channeling his power more effectively, Indra invented hand signs and ninjutsu as a new manner of combat, which would later become essential elements of ninja culture.

Indra also created the Clone Technique and the Body Replacement Technique, powerful abilities familiar to fans of the Naruto series. Moreover, he inherited powerful dōjutsu from his father in the form of the Mangekyō Sharingan, which allowed him to summon the Complete Body Susanoo and use an Amaterasu-like technique called Hinokagutsuchi. 

Despite these top-notch abilities, Indra’s hatred toward his brother marked the beginning of a cycle of centuries-long conflict which continued with Madara and Hashirama, and later, Naruto and Sasuke.

Final Thoughts on the Otsutsuki Clan in Naruto 

The Otsutsuki Clan had surprisingly become the most important clan in the Naruto series, causing many key events with their quest for power and immortality. Their presence adds depth to the story, influencing the actions and goals of many characters and their ambitions shape the world and conflicts in Naruto. 

Their role underscores major themes in the series, including the struggle for control and the consequences of seeking ultimate power. And, while they were mainly villainous, it was a pleasing realization that some cared for the planet and its people, giving hope that even the worst characters could do good. However, the Otsutsuki sure are the biggest villains of the series, making groups like the Akatsuki look like they’re just playing ninja games.