Summary
In a recent interview, manga creators Mikio Ikemoto and Masashi Kishimoto shed light on the evolving dynamics between Boruto and Kawaki inBoruto: Two Blue Vortex, revealing a dramatic shift in their roles within the story.
Both authors drew an interesting parallel between these new-generation characters and their predecessors. They explained that Kawaki’s character arc is set to receive significant development, similar to Naruto’s growth inNaruto: Shippuden. Meanwhile,Boruto’s position is likened to that of Sasuke, who appeared unbeatable at the start of Shippuden. While not explicitly stated, it’s clear now thatBoruto and Kawaki are playing reversed roles now. Kawaki might need to ‘catch up’ to Boruto, mirroring the dynamic between Naruto and Sasuke, but Boruto plays Sasuke while Kawaki… a more complex version of Naruto.
It’s hard to compare Kawaki with Naruto, but Ikemoto and Kishimoto also highlighted key similarities between the two pairs ofBoruto: Two Blue Vortex.Like Naruto, who started with nothing,Kawaki began his journey with nothing, and overtime gained people and relationships he would do anything to protect. They were both shunned by their societies, and used as tools in war. Nobody understands Kawaki more than Naruto does. Boruto, on the other hand, had everything – only for it to be taken away. That’s a very obvious parallel to Sasuke.
These revelations have led many to infer that a redemption arc for Kawaki might be on the horizon. After all, despite his actions, Kawaki’s core motivation has always been to protect Naruto and his family. But even if Kawaki finds redemption, could Naruto ever truly forgive him after everything that happened?
Kawaki’s Path to Redemption: A Bittersweet End or a Second Chance?
Kawaki’s journey towards redemption may not mirror Sasuke’s path in the original series.While Sasuke survived his ordeals,Kawaki’s redemption could take a more tragic turn. One possibility is that Kawaki might choose to sacrifice himself, embracing death on his own terms. This sacrifice could manifest in two ways:
A very beautiful ending would be Boruto carving a gravestone for Kawaki with “Uzumaki” as his family name, symbolizing that, despite everything, Kawaki was still considered part of their family.
However, given the franchise’s history, Kawaki’s arc might be handled with more mercy. Boruto understands Kawaki and wants to save him, much like Naruto would. It’s conceivable thatif a new threat to Naruto emerges, these two might set aside their differences and join forces. In fact, it might only be a matter of time before that happens.
I’ll never agree to any option that involves killing Kawaki, understand? Cuz knocking sense into my idiot bro… and restoring the Uzumaki household… is my goal!
— Uzumaki Boruto, Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Chapter 13
The fight shown at the beginning of the series might not be the ultimate conclusion after all. While Boruto and Kawaki may indeed face off, there’s a strong possibility they’ll eventually unite or at least reach an understanding. A more unconventional ending could involve Boruto never returning home, but such a drastic departure from the series' themes seems unlikely.
Would Naruto Forgive Kawaki? Depends On Whether Boruto Survives
Considering Naruto’s character and his history of forgiveness, it’s highly likely that he would forgive Kawaki, regardless of the circumstances. Throughout his life, Naruto has consistently chosen understanding and compassion over hatred and vengeance.
Naruto’s capacity for forgiveness is well-established in the series:
Given these precedents, it would be out of character for Naruto to abandon Kawaki. In fact, Naruto would likely empathize with Kawaki’s struggles and help him through any resulting depression or emotional turmoil.
However, there is one scenario where Naruto’s forgiveness might be tested: if Boruto doesn’t survive. The loss of a child is fundamentally different fromother losses Naruto has faced so far. While we enter life expecting to outlive our parents, the death of a child goes against the natural order and can be especially devastating.
If either Boruto or Himawari die in the end, Naruto would never forgive Kawaki. Of course, his inherent nature suggests he would still struggle to truly hate Kawaki, and he might not out-right shun him. But it would not be possible for him to see Kawaki the same anymore.
So, as long as Boruto survives, it’s almost certain that Naruto will choose love and forgiveness over resentment.
Naruto’s unique understanding of Kawaki’s background and motivations would play a crucial role in this forgiveness. He has always been able to see beyond surface actions to the pain and circumstances that drive people. This deep empathy, combined with his personal connection to Kawaki, makes it highly likely that Naruto will find a way to forgive, even if the path to that forgiveness is difficult and painful.
After all, Naruto’s capacity for forgiveness isn’t just a character trait – it’s a fundamental aspect of who he is. It’s this unwavering belief in redemption and second chances that has defined his character throughout the series, and it’s unlikely to change,even in the face of Kawaki’s actions.
Boruto
Boruto is an action anime series that continues years after the events of Naruto, now in the shoes of the next generation - many of which are the children of the protagonists from the original series. Boruto follows the titular character, the son of Naruto, who seeks to impress his father. Together with the other ninjas-in-training, Boruto will battle to overcome trials and threats even more significant than his father ever faced.
