Fans witnessed Kawaki attempting to kill Boruto from the moment the Boruto franchise debuted with a flash-forward. Kawaki admitted to murdering Naruto and gloating atop a destroyed Hokage mountain, instantly instilling fear. Surprisingly, as the series progressed, Kawaki was taken in by the Hidden Leaf, leaving fans wondering when he'd become a traitor and terrorist.

Naruto adopted the troubled adolescent to keep him from becoming a weapon for Kara or a vessel for Isshiki tsutsuki. Boruto was annoyed at first, but he eventually warmed up to Kawaki. That is, until the latter recently turned on the Uzumaki clan, transporting Hinata and the Hokage to a parallel universe. It's all in order for Kawaki to kill Boruto and prevent Momoshiki's return, but as Chapter 78 teases, this isn't going to be Naruto versus Sasuke. Instead, the Naruto role will be filled by someone close to the leader's heart.

 

Naruto vs. Sasuke Was Explosive

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Naruto and Sasuke started off as rivals when Kakashi taught them with Sakura in Team 7. Sasuke was bitter over the Uchiha clan being killed by Itachi, though, so he was easily corrupted by the dark side. In time, he'd find out Hiruzen Sarutobi (the Third Hokage) sanctioned the genocide, causing Sasuke to want to rule the world -- and Naruto to try to stop and redeem him.

Many fights played out as the teens evolved, with Naruto becoming more powerful due to Kurama and Sasuke evolving thanks to his Sharingan. In time, Sasuke also got the Rinnegan, with the battle evolving into quite a personal one. Naruto didn't want to kill Sasuke, but the latter didn't mind murdering anyone to get the job done. This left fans emotionally invested, crafting one of the most iconic rivalries ever. It's why the popular Naruto anime and manga are loved worldwide, with loyalists glad they teamed up against Kaguya and eventually made amends with Sasuke becoming a Ranger.

 

Boruto vs. Kawaki Doesn't Have the Same Emotional Payoff

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Now, what made Naruto and Sasuke's feud appeal was the emotional stakes. They eventually accepted each other as brothers; something Kakashi desperately craved, which is why Sakura tried to help mend the rift when Sasuke broke bad. But in Kawaki's case, his bond with Boruto isn't that deep. Sure, they live together and have missions, but apart from work and training, there's not much nuance there where they feel connected.

It'd be all style and no substance to really pit them as the key fight down the line because of this. They just don't have the history the way Naruto and Sasuke did. This teases that the time-jump might be a fake-out, with the misdirection hiding that another ninja could end up being the one to battle Kawaki in the decisive final fight. That shinobi could be the one person Kawaki truly loves outside of Naruto, with the personal stakes there being real -- and something Kawaki holds dear.

 

Himawari vs. Kawaki Could Be the Untold Story

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This ninja is none other than Himawari, Boruto's little sister. Kawaki tolerates everyone else, but he truly loves her. Thus, there's the passion, deep bond and an affinity that reflects what Naruto had for Sasuke. Boruto just doesn't have this for Kawaki, but by capitalizing on Himawari's affection for her other 'older brother,' the series can shape someone who believes Kawaki can be redeemed.

Himawari isn't a shinobi right now, however, with Boruto telling Daemon not to attack her due to her lack of training. That could be a sign she's going to improve and step up. After all, she has the Hyūga blood in her from Hinata's clan, which will allow her to shine with the Byakugan eyes. Naruto didn't do Hinata justice, making her pine for Naruto more than anything before making her a housewife. But a Himawari who becomes this Chosen One would redeem that mistreatment of her mother, while also playing into the Hyūga strength -- something Toneri warned of when he tried to kidnap Hinata years back.

 

Himawari Has the Potential to Be a Powerhouse in Boruto

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Himawari's Hyga eyes are extremely powerful, so it's difficult to imagine her not using them to the fullest. She's already shown tremendous rage and power in Hulk mode, which scares Boruto. Once she has perfected this, she can go on the hunt, but she does not want to kill Kawaki. It would be a reference to their caring relationship, with Himawari possibly hoping to use Naruto's "talk no jutsu" to persuade Kawaki to return to the light. She has more compassion and empathy than Boruto, so it feels more natural.

Chapter 78 of Boruto has Himawari coming home, only to be heartbroken seeing the house in a mess from Kawaki's assault. It teases she's the one feeling the loss and betrayal the most, as opposed to an angry Boruto. That's because she trusts Kawaki a lot -- more than anyone -- crafting real conflict and tension should she and Kawaki face off, remembering the days they were so close.

Those days have been filled with hope, love and optimism, so it'd be quite tense having them square off down the line. Ultimately, this swerve would be cleverly disguised with Boruto as a smoke-screen, shifting the franchise back into a more meaningful rivalry. Not to mention it'd make up for the franchise's poor treatment of female characters. By subverting what the series' opening teased in the process, Boruto would adopt an unpredictable air for the better and truly make it an Uzumaki family affair.