Orochimaru’s return to the Naruto storyline is a significant turning point, impacting the Fourth Great Ninja War and the subsequent Boruto era. He officially reappears in Naruto Shippuden Episode 347, titled “An Invincible Team-Up!”, though his presence is subtly hinted at earlier.
The Significance of Orochimaru’s Return
Orochimaru, the notorious snake Sannin, one of the legendary trio trained by Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, left an indelible mark on the Naruto universe. His relentless pursuit of immortality and his mastery of forbidden jutsu made him a persistent antagonist. His initial defeat at the hands of Sasuke Uchiha seemed to mark his end, but his innate ability to cheat death ensured his eventual resurgence. Understanding the circumstances surrounding his return and its ramifications is crucial for grasping the later developments in the Naruto and Boruto narratives. Orochimaru’s return signals a shift in his character from a solely destructive force to a more nuanced figure whose actions, while still ethically questionable, contribute to the overall good in unexpected ways. This evolution adds layers to his complex persona and challenges viewers to reconsider their perception of him.
The Specifics of Episode 347
Episode 347 of Naruto Shippuden marks the true re-emergence of Orochimaru from within Kabuto Yakushi’s body. Kabuto, having absorbed Orochimaru’s cells to gain power, unwittingly became a vessel for the Sannin’s spirit. As Kabuto’s Sage Mode powers overwhelmed him and began to break down, Orochimaru was able to reclaim his individual consciousness. This episode shows the gradual disintegration of Kabuto’s identity and the terrifying realization that he was essentially a ticking time bomb harboring one of the most dangerous individuals in the ninja world. The episode is pivotal because it re-establishes Orochimaru as a significant player, albeit one with altered motivations, impacting the course of the Fourth Great Ninja War and the relationships between key characters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Orochimaru’s Return
FAQ 1: How did Orochimaru survive his fight with Sasuke?
Orochimaru survived his battle with Sasuke by using his Living Corpse Reincarnation jutsu. This forbidden technique allows him to transfer his consciousness into a new host body, effectively granting him a form of immortality. He resides within the host, accumulating power until he can fully take control and emerge anew. Sasuke initially absorbed Orochimaru, believing he had eliminated him, but Orochimaru’s consciousness persisted within Sasuke’s body.
FAQ 2: What was Kabuto’s role in Orochimaru’s revival?
Kabuto Yakushi served as the unwitting catalyst for Orochimaru’s second major return. He sought to surpass Orochimaru by experimenting with his DNA and incorporating his abilities, including the Sage Transformation. In absorbing Orochimaru’s cells, he inadvertently provided the Sannin with a means of regaining his individuality and power. Kabuto’s attempt to emulate Orochimaru ultimately led to his own subjugation and the resurrection of his former master.
FAQ 3: Why does Orochimaru help during the Fourth Great Ninja War after his revival?
While still driven by scientific curiosity and a desire for knowledge, Orochimaru develops a different perspective after witnessing the events of the Fourth Great Ninja War. His motivations become more complex, driven not purely by self-interest but also by a sense of responsibility and perhaps even a twisted form of patriotism towards the Leaf Village. He helps revive the Hokage, allowing them to contribute to the Allied Shinobi Forces’ efforts.
FAQ 4: What motivates Orochimaru’s actions in the Boruto series?
In Boruto, Orochimaru’s primary motivation is continued scientific exploration and the pursuit of knowledge, particularly regarding genetics, immortality, and the nature of chakra. He operates under surveillance, focusing on his experiments and the growth of his “son,” Mitsuki. While his methods remain ethically questionable, he generally refrains from large-scale destructive acts. His involvement is largely focused on observation and scientific progress, making him a more passive, though still potentially dangerous, element.
FAQ 5: Is Orochimaru considered a villain in the Boruto series?
Orochimaru’s status as a villain is ambiguous in Boruto. While he has a history of villainous actions, he is now operating under the watchful eye of the Hidden Leaf Village. He actively participates in research and contributes to scientific advancements, albeit with questionable ethics. He’s more of an amoral scientist than a outright villain. This nuanced portrayal makes him a complex and unpredictable character.
FAQ 6: What is the significance of Mitsuki to Orochimaru?
Mitsuki is a synthetic human created by Orochimaru, possessing both Orochimaru’s DNA and Sage Mode capabilities. He sees Mitsuki as a vessel for his research and a means to explore the complexities of life and existence. Mitsuki is not simply a tool; Orochimaru shows a level of paternal concern for him, though his relationship remains unconventional. Mitsuki’s choices and development are also a key aspect of Orochimaru’s evolving character.
FAQ 7: How did Orochimaru revive the Hokage?
Orochimaru revived the deceased Hokage (Hashirama Senju, Tobirama Senju, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and Minato Namikaze) using a refined version of the Impure World Reincarnation jutsu. This technique, initially developed by Tobirama Senju, requires a sacrifice and DNA from the person being resurrected. Orochimaru used White Zetsu to provide the necessary sacrifices and DNA samples.
FAQ 8: What changes did Orochimaru undergo after his revival?
Following his revival, Orochimaru exhibits a slightly altered personality. While he still retains his scientific curiosity and pursuit of knowledge, he seems less fixated on destruction and more willing to cooperate, albeit on his own terms. He understands the value of the Hidden Leaf Village and recognizes the need to protect it, even if his reasons are not entirely altruistic. He prioritizes his research and the well-being of Mitsuki, indicating a shift in his focus.
FAQ 9: Was Orochimaru truly defeated by Itachi Uchiha?
While Itachi Uchiha managed to seal Orochimaru’s spirit using the Sword of Totsuka during their confrontation, he did not permanently defeat him. A portion of Orochimaru’s consciousness and chakra remained, allowing him to eventually resurrect through other means, such as Kabuto absorbing his cells. The sealing was temporary, not a complete eradication.
FAQ 10: What is Orochimaru’s relationship with Sasuke after his resurrection?
Orochimaru maintains a complex relationship with Sasuke even after his resurrection. He acknowledges Sasuke’s strength and potential but no longer views him as a pawn to be controlled. He observes Sasuke’s actions from afar, showing a degree of respect and understanding. He doesn’t actively interfere in Sasuke’s life, but he remains aware of his movements and actions.
FAQ 11: How does Orochimaru’s return impact the overall plot of Naruto Shippuden?
Orochimaru’s return significantly impacts the plot by adding a layer of complexity to the Fourth Great Ninja War. His decision to revive the Hokage changes the course of the war, providing a vital boost to the Allied Shinobi Forces. It also forces the characters to confront their preconceptions about him and consider his potential role in the future.
FAQ 12: What are the long-term consequences of Orochimaru’s presence in Boruto?
Orochimaru’s continued presence in Boruto poses both opportunities and risks. His scientific expertise could contribute to advancements in medicine, technology, and ninja arts. However, his ethically questionable methods and potential for manipulation remain a concern. His influence on Mitsuki and his experiments could have unforeseen consequences for the Hidden Leaf Village and the ninja world.