Baryon mode Naruto first appears in this episode of Boruto

Most every shonen anime has some manner of power-up for its main characters, but more often than not, multiple characters have the same power. Dragon Ball has characters go super saiyan, Baki has the demon back, and so on. Naruto is different, with the main character having several different power-up options including the new baryon mode.

In the world of Naruto, characters can draw power in a number of different ways. Most use chakra within themselves to channel jutsus, some can draw power from nature into themselves with sage mode, and each jinchuriki has their own means of wielding a tailed demon’s power.

Naruto Uzumaki is able to wield these powers in multiple ways throughout the series, and that trend continues on with Boruto. Here’s what baryon mode is, what it does for Naruto, and which episode and chapter to pull up to see it in action.

What is baryon mode?

Baryon mode in Naruto is when Naruto and Kurama combine their chakra together to increase their power. It is likely the strongest power-up of any character in the entire franchise.

Baryon mode combines Naruto and Kurama’s power in a new way that manifests as a chakra cape with nine tails. It doesn’t seem to radically impact Naruto’s abilities, but gives him an enormous power spike. He can move faster, hit harder, and use jutsus with impunity with the added bonus of absorbing life force from those he touches. 

Last Stand | Boruto: Naruto Next Generations

This new form is immediately shown to be significantly more powerful than anything seen from Naruto before. It’s first shown in a fight between Naruto and Sasuke against Isshiki Otsutsuki. Isshiki had very little trouble defeating Naruto and Sasuke despite both using all their most powerful techniques. After being mortally wounded, Naruto enters into baryon mode with Kurama and is able to easily overwhelm Isshiki. 

The drawback to baryon mode is that it’s harmful to both Naruto and Kurama. Naruto is physically drained by using it while Kurama is killed entirely. This means that baryon mode is likely to be a one-time appearance in the series.

What episode does Naruto use baryon mode?

Naruto uses baryon mode in Boruto episode 216 and chapter 52 of the Boruto manga.

Baryon mode is only part of a fairly long battle between several characters and Isshiki. The moment itself can easily be found on Crunchyroll’s official YouTube channel, but to actually understand the context of the fight, fans will basically need to start from the beginning of the series.