Right from the beginning of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, the reader/viewer is thrown into a world of wonder about the state of Hidden Leaf Village whether or not they’re already a Naruto fan. The introduction of the monumental Hokage Rock blown to bits with only a couple of tattooed teenagers standing in the rubble invites quite a few who’s, what’s, and why’s — and the most unknown thing about the scenario is, of course, the new guy, who is clearly acquainted with Boruto, the scene’s narrator.
Here are 10 pressing questions fans might have about Kawaki, answered.
10 Stranger Danger! Who Is This Guy?
Though it might seem as if Kawaki came out of the ethers, it’s this same quality that makes him relevant in Boruto’s ninja world. Thanks to his upbringing, in Kawaki’s first real introduction, he only expresses mistrust for Konoha’s new Squad 7 ninjas, and an attitude too slick to ignore.
Kawaki’s appearance draws curiosity as well. The tattoo under his left eye looks more like a brand than art, and his sleeveless overcoat is embroidered with a symbol not unlike the Uchiha, but Kawaki himself has no affiliation with any ninja clans.
9 “Who Raised You?”
Kawaki’s hairstyle, edgy and unique as it is, was actually inherited from his dad, the only by-blood family that he is known to have. But life with his father wasn’t a pretty one by any means. In fact, when Jigen, leader of the Kara organization, shows up with a bag of cash, Kawaki’s father has no problem letting go of his parental rights and giving away his already battered-and-bruised child.
The abuse Kawaki suffered at the hands of his biological father only intensified once Jigen put on the dad hat. Life for Kawaki became a test of his resilience that claimed the lives of at least 13 children before him.
8 What’s Up With The Face Tattoo?
Being a member of a secret *terrorist* organization can surely come with its idiosyncrasies. Possibly borrowing from the Japanese Yakuza tradition to get flamboyant works of art tatted on their bodies (contrary to the active laws that forbid tattooing), each of Kara’s Inner members is branded with Roman Numerals on their faces, among other signifying marks.
What’s special about Kawaki’s face tatt is that it is in the same location as Jigen, Kara’s leader, has his own — though it is a different number. This could be a clue to how valuable Kawaki is to Kara’s plans.
7 Why Is Kawaki A Target Of Jigen?
Before any real information is revealed about Kawaki, the Kara group prioritizes retrieving what they call “the vessel” under Jigen’s orders. The mystery behind why Jigen is so interested in Kawaki is something that Koji Kashin, one of Kara’s Inner members, couldn’t help but investigate for himself.
It turns out that Kawaki’s plight is exactly the reason Jigen believed him to be so valuable. In his opinion, Kawaki’s empty, abused, lost and forgotten condition is why he figured Kawaki would be perfect for Kara’s plans.
6 What Kind Of Power Does Kawaki Have?
Having no notable talent for anything other than surviving his father(s)’ horrible parenting, Jigen was confident enough in Kawaki’s toughness to pass the Karma seal on to him after many failed attempts with other children.
On top of the Karma powers, every cell in Kawaki’s body has been altered using advanced technology developed by a man named Amad, Kara’s scientist. This biotechnology allows Kawaki to transform his limbs into weapons at will. As demonstrated when Konahamaru’s Team 7 found him, Kawaki is also capable of causing an immensely destructive explosion — and that’s without blowing himself to bits.
5 Why Is Kawaki On The Run?
With all that the Kara organization has going for them — like quick-slip teleportation, a superior level of technology and monstrous power feared by anyone who’s heard the name Kara and lived — it seems like a winning team Kawaki was on... so why did he leave?
As much as he may have Jigen and Kara’s technology to thank for his abilities, Kawaki described his life in the organization as a living hell, and would gladly give up the Karma seal and all that comes with it.
4 Why Was Naruto So Inviting Of Kawaki?
According to his flashbacks, Kawaki didn’t have what you could call a traditional childhood. And after being purchased from his father, life didn’t get any more comfortable, even with the immense power that had been injected into him.
As Konoha’s Jinchuriki, it wasn’t hard for Naruto to relate to Kawaki’s pain, and kick start the healing process — just like the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and others, did for him. Kawaki was reasonably doubtful but eventually saw the opportunity to ditch the dysfunction and be a part of a healthy community.
3 Can Kawaki Be Trusted?
Kawaki may have grown up rougher than most — even compared to Shinobi — but through his effort to fix some household furniture and the sacrifice of his right hand to protect Naruto and Himawari, Kawaki demonstrated that he did have a beating heart.
Though he earned the confidence of Boruto and his family, not all of Konoha is convinced of Kawaki’s trustworthiness. Shikamaru, who is arguably (probably unanimously) the most strategic man in the Hidden Leaf, openly expressed his suspicions, saying Kawaki could still be a spy for Kara.
2 What Is Kawaki After?
Showing no interest in going along with either Konohamaru’s team or Kara’s Outer member Garo, it was clear during their encounter that Kawaki had his own independent goals.
Realizing that running from Naruto would be impossible, Kawaki settled in and focused his attention on Boruto’s Karma seal mark. Kawaki didn’t seem to have much knowledge beyond how to use the powers but, noticing the link right away, Kawaki knew there was more to understand about the seal mark and where it came from, and began efforts to uncover the mystery.
1 Is There Any Reason Kawaki Shouldn’t Be Trusted?
During a sparring session, Kawaki reminds Boruto about learning to control his Karma powers. Until then, Boruto had only been able to activate the seal by fluke, and the only people around who can provide any information about it are the insidious, chakra-stealing Otsutsuki clan, Jigen, and Kawaki.
Kawaki can activate Boruto’s seal mark, and even use the Karma absorption technique with incredible ease. How likely is it that such an intrusive connection is not going to invite some trouble, especially considering the origin of the Karma seal and Otsutsuki’s plans for Earth? Not very likely.