Short Answer
Current Status (Canon)
Tsunade is alive at the end of Naruto Shippuden and during Boruto. After the Fourth Shinobi World War, she steps down as Fifth Hokage, allows Kakashi to take over, and acts as senior advisor to the medical division. Light novels such as Konoha Shinden (2016) show her exchanging letters with Sakura; Boruto anime Episode 72 includes a cameo where she consults with Shikamaru and Naruto.
Near-Death Moments & Key Battles
Several arcs push Tsunade to the brink, fueling speculation about her death. Each moment is cataloged here with context so you can cite real sources instead of rumor threads.
Battle Against Orochimaru and Kabuto (Naruto Episodes 91-95)
Tsunade suffers severe injuries from Kabuto's chakra scalpel strikes, losing the ability to mold chakra temporarily. She survives by activating Creation Rebirth, which consumes stored chakra but restores her body. This is the first time the audience sees her elderly form.
Pain's Invasion of Konoha (Shippuden Episodes 152-175)
While Pain devastates the village, Tsunade releases her entire Strength of a Hundred Seal to protect every citizen. The chakra drain leaves her comatose, prompting Danzo to seize the Hokage seat. She awakens after the invasion ends, proving she never died during the assault.
Five Kage vs. Madara Uchiha (Shippuden Episodes 322-323)
Madara impales Tsunade and divides her body, but Katsuyu connects the pieces so she can regenerate. She later collapses from exhaustion and is treated by medical-nin. Rumors that she “died off-screen” originate here, yet the anime and manga clearly show her recovery in subsequent chapters.
Where Is Tsunade in Boruto?
Tsunade's Boruto-era presence is mostly advisory, but the franchise reinforces her living status through cameos and references.
Any future Boruto episodes or manga chapters featuring Tsunade should be appended to this list with date stamps. Maintain a changelog in the editorial tracker so the FAQ stays current.
Rumors & Misconceptions
Death hoaxes often circulate through YouTube thumbnails or mistranslated spoilers. Use these fact-checks to respond quickly.
| Rumor | Origin | Reality | Suggested response |
|---|---|---|---|
| “Boruto episode shows Tsunade's funeral” | Clickbait video titles (2019) | No such episode exists. Footage used is from Jiraiya's memorial. | Link to Boruto Episode 72 summary and official synopsis. |
| “Mitsuki Arc reveals Tsunade died off-screen” | Misread fan translation of Weekly Shonen Jump preview | Preview notes only that Tsunade is “no longer Hokage.” | Quote Viz's official preview and highlight her council role. |
| “Timeskip leaks confirm Tsunade assassination” | Unverified social media threads (2023) | No official leak corroborates this. Editors debunked the claim on Twitter. | Advise readers to wait for Shonen Jump releases; reference editorial statements. |
Keep this table updated by logging rumor URLs in the newsroom spreadsheet. When new Boruto material releases, run a keyword search for “Tsunade death” to preempt misinformation.
FAQs
- Did Tsunade die in Boruto?
- No. All official media portray her as alive. The only Hokage deaths confirmed in Boruto timeline are historical (Minato and Hiruzen).
- Why do people think Tsunade died?
- Misleading thumbnails and mistranslated previews recycle clips of her injuries or coma scenes. None cite a canon death scene.
- Does Tsunade appear in Boruto's manga?
- Not yet. She is referenced in dialogue and novels, but the manga has not drawn her post-war. Expect updates if she appears in future chapters.
- Who would announce Tsunade's death if it happened?
- Konoha councils or the Hokage's office would issue formal notice, similar to Third Hokage's funeral. No such announcement exists.
- Is Tsunade still strong after retirement?
- Yes. Her chakra reserves and medical expertise remain intact; she simply chooses advisory roles.