Description
Burton serves as a lead researcher at the WNA Research Institute, collaborating with Berecca and Ron to develop Ninja-Gum. After three years of unsuccessful experiments, an accidental encounter involving his cat Goro's bell triggers the gum's successful creation. Consuming Ninja-Gum unlocks latent shinobi abilities while causing the unexpected physical de-aging of adults into children. This transformation afflicts both Burton and Berecca, compelling them to adapt to their new child forms.
He possesses confirmed descent from the historical ninja Hattori Hanzō. This heritage grants him access to specialized techniques like "Rising Devil," enabling combat against stronger opponents and sharing power via direct touch. Despite his lineage, he prioritizes scientific research over combat and frequently expresses admiration for inventor Thomas Edison, quoting him or referencing his philosophies.
Burton exhibits a mild-mannered, optimistic, and somewhat quirky personality. He maintains enthusiasm despite repeated research failures. Though intellectually gifted, he displays moments of obliviousness and is prone to errors, like accidentally tossing Goro into machinery. He occasionally uses mild swearing during high-stress situations, such as demanding answers from Ron during the lab confrontation.
Following the accident and transformation, Burton and Berecca enroll as students at the WNA Academy to seek a cure while evading the WNA Intelligence Division. His relationship with Ron evolves from betrayal to a reluctant alliance; initially attacked by Ron over the Ninja-Gum research, they later cooperate against common threats like the Shadow Ninjas and Space Ninjas. Key moments include back-to-back combat against assassins and Ron's eventual admission of trust.
On missions, Burton demonstrates investigative curiosity, especially concerning the Space Ninjas—gum-like aliens threatening Eagle City. He theorizes a link between their emergence and his Ninja-Gum research, fueling guilt and a drive to resolve the crisis. In episodes like "Burton & Chocomin," he investigates these creatures firsthand, advocating for communication over violence when encountering a seemingly friendly Space Ninja.
His development involves grappling with moral responsibility for both the Space Ninja attacks and initially withholding Ninja-Gum's weaponization potential from Berecca. He competes in the Ninjala Tournament, winning a round after Berecca and Naomi simultaneously knock each other out. Later arcs depict him mentoring others, such as encouraging Gibbet to embrace his passion for gardening.
As an inventor, Burton frequently applies physics concepts to practical problems, though his explanations often confuse younger characters. His creations include specialized mission equipment, and he remains dedicated to refining Ninja-Gum despite the personal risks involved.
He possesses confirmed descent from the historical ninja Hattori Hanzō. This heritage grants him access to specialized techniques like "Rising Devil," enabling combat against stronger opponents and sharing power via direct touch. Despite his lineage, he prioritizes scientific research over combat and frequently expresses admiration for inventor Thomas Edison, quoting him or referencing his philosophies.
Burton exhibits a mild-mannered, optimistic, and somewhat quirky personality. He maintains enthusiasm despite repeated research failures. Though intellectually gifted, he displays moments of obliviousness and is prone to errors, like accidentally tossing Goro into machinery. He occasionally uses mild swearing during high-stress situations, such as demanding answers from Ron during the lab confrontation.
Following the accident and transformation, Burton and Berecca enroll as students at the WNA Academy to seek a cure while evading the WNA Intelligence Division. His relationship with Ron evolves from betrayal to a reluctant alliance; initially attacked by Ron over the Ninja-Gum research, they later cooperate against common threats like the Shadow Ninjas and Space Ninjas. Key moments include back-to-back combat against assassins and Ron's eventual admission of trust.
On missions, Burton demonstrates investigative curiosity, especially concerning the Space Ninjas—gum-like aliens threatening Eagle City. He theorizes a link between their emergence and his Ninja-Gum research, fueling guilt and a drive to resolve the crisis. In episodes like "Burton & Chocomin," he investigates these creatures firsthand, advocating for communication over violence when encountering a seemingly friendly Space Ninja.
His development involves grappling with moral responsibility for both the Space Ninja attacks and initially withholding Ninja-Gum's weaponization potential from Berecca. He competes in the Ninjala Tournament, winning a round after Berecca and Naomi simultaneously knock each other out. Later arcs depict him mentoring others, such as encouraging Gibbet to embrace his passion for gardening.
As an inventor, Burton frequently applies physics concepts to practical problems, though his explanations often confuse younger characters. His creations include specialized mission equipment, and he remains dedicated to refining Ninja-Gum despite the personal risks involved.