Naruto and his family have been on an emotional roller coaster in the Boruto manga. They almost lost Boruto after Momoshiki possessed him, but thankfully the boy survived. It’s been an uphill task, however, with Eida and Daemon coming to Konoha, and Amado revealing sinister secrets about the bots’ purpose.
That left Shikamaru scrambling to come up with a plan, because he doesn’t want to anger Eida, knowing she could help them against Code. That’s why Shikamaru wants Kawaki help keep things in check, finally trusting him. Sadly, as Chapter 77 unfolds, Naruto‘s team is dealt another major blow, due to a betrayal by Kawaki himself.
Kawaki Wants to Kill Boruto
Kawaki initially killed Boruto to stop Momoshiki from taking over the teen’s body, which broke Naruto‘s heart. He always endorsed non-lethal methods, so the sight of his dead son greatly shook him. Still, Momoshiki healed Boruto, allowing the kid to store him in his mind — something the Hidden Leaf is trying to find a solution for. Unfortunately, Kawaki doesn’t care to wait, sensing the alien’s spirit around.
He confronts Boruto, who makes it clear he can control Momoshiki — so much so that they may become partners like Naruto did with Kurama. Kawaki storms off, however, adamant the alien will corrupt Boruto and destroy the planet. Kawaki removes his chakra signature, shrinks down using Isshiki’s powers and heads to Naruto‘s home, where he confesses his intentions to end Boruto.
Kawaki Banishes Naruto and Hinata
Naruto and Hinata are glad to have Kawaki, but things turn sour when he admits he can’t let Boruto ruin this new home. Hinata slaps him, but Kawaki doesn’t mind everyone hating him, as he thinks he’s doing the right thing. It nods to Sasuke wanting to conquer the shinobi world and lay down a new brand of order years ago, but Kawaki’s selfishness comes from a different place, outside of ego.
After being experimented on and enslaved as Isshiki’s weapon, Kawaki has come to love Naruto‘s clan as his own. As such, when Naruto tries to talk him down, he opens a rift and exiles the Hokage and Hinata. It’s meant to ease the pain of the mission, removing emotional attachment and giving him one less obstacle. It’s a crushing moment, walking back Kawaki’s altruism, which has Boruto fans wondering how he’ll fare against Naruto‘s son. Both have new powers they’re unlocking, but the timing’s awful as Code is poised to strike with his Ten-Tails army.
This ultimately feels irredeemable, leaving fans also curious if Eida will pick sides; she might accept Boruto’s death if it’ll create a paradise for her and Kawaki, who she loves. That said, Shikamaru and the other shinobi won’t like hearing what transpired, setting up Mitsuki to battle Kawaki, too. They’re not as strong as they’d like to be, however, especially as Sasuke’s lost his Rinnegan; this means Sarada and her Sharingan — and even young Himawari (Boruto’s sister) — will have to step up against the traitor they never saw coming. This sets up a scary civil war, and if it’s not sorted soon, Code will find it pretty easy to wreck the village and avenge Isshiki.