Is the Naruto and Sasuke vs Momoshiki Fight in Episode 65 Canon?

Overview of Canon Status

Yes, the battle between Naruto and Sasuke against Momoshiki ōtsutsuki featured in Episode 65 of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations is considered canon. This episode directly adapts events from the Boruto: Naruto the Movie, aligning with the official Naruto franchise continuity. The confrontation clearly demonstrates the strength and determination of both Naruto and Sasuke, showcasing their struggles against a significant antagonist in the series.

Episode 65: Father and Child

Episode 65, titled "Father and Child," is widely considered one of the best in the series. It provides a thrilling and visually appealing battle scene that captures the essence of the characters and their development. Watching this episode is highly recommended for any fans of the series.

Continuity and Canon Issues

The relationship between the Boruto anime and manga can be quite complex. Due to significant time discrepancies between the two mediums, it's challenging to gauge exactly how much of the anime is canon. The anime covers the Momoshiki arc around Episode 60, while the manga reaches the first 10 chapters by this point. However, both series diverge from each other after the completion of the Momoshiki arc.

The anime and manga do continue their narratives independently, with the anime moving forward at a faster pace in terms of episodes, equivalent to about 140 manga chapters. Despite this, the Boruto anime occasionally references events that have not been depicted or mentioned in the manga. This creates a gap between the two versions, leading to ongoing discussions about which elements are canon.

Specific Canon Challenges

There are specific discrepancies between the anime and the manga's portrayal of the Momoshiki arc that have raised questions about canon status. For example, the Jougan, a tool used by Momoshiki, is shown in the anime but not in the manga. Additionally, the anime introduces a third Otsutsuki member who appears much later in the series, which does not align with the manga's timeline.

The portrayal of the third Otsutsuki member in the anime is particularly enigmatic. This character seemingly lacks a clear plan but continues to hunt the tailed beasts. Despite defeating Sasuke, Gaara, and Shukaku, this individual is later defeated by Boruto and Shinki. This inconsistency further contributes to the confusion surrounding the canon status of certain elements in the anime.

Future Convergence

It remains to be seen how the Boruto anime will reconcile its deviation from the manga's storyline. The creators have indicated that the anime will eventually catch up with the manga, suggesting that the narrative gaps will be addressed. However, how this will be achieved is currently uncertain, and fans are eagerly awaiting further developments to clarify the canon status of the various events and characters.

In conclusion, while Episode 65 of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations is canon as it adapts directly from the Boruto: Naruto the Movie, the overall continuity and canon status of the series remain a topic of discussion. Fans should stay tuned for further episodes and manga releases to get a clearer picture of the narrative's progression.