Throughout the Boruto: Two Blue Vortex manga, fans have been able to see a much more sinister and cruel version of Kawaki. Gone is the stoic Shinobi who idolized Naruto and wanted to work with his adoptive brother to create a better world. The Kawaki seen in the first few chapters of the story is manipulative, unapologetically allowing the world to blame Boruto for his misdeeds.

Still, there is a small but significant detail hidden at the beginning of the series that implies that Kawaki will at some point begin to redeem himself. Despite claiming that he wishes to execute Boruto in chapter #14, the flash-forward to their inevitable and destructive final battle hints at him wanting to protect his former ally as well.

Boruto Is Already Showing That Kawaki Is Not Really A Villain

Kawaki's Redemption Will Be The Most Important And Controversial Plot Point In The Series

During chapter #14 of the Boruto: Two Blue Vortex manga, Kawaki, Eida, and Daemon could be seen speaking about Naruto’s son being questioned by Konoha’s forces. When the youngest android asks the adopted Uzumaki what he would do if his former friend revealed his secret of kidnapping the Seventh Hokage, Kawaki replies that he does not care about such a thing. In his eyes, no one would ever believe Boruto, and he would get a chance to kill him, ridding the world of another Otsutsuki.

When Eida explains that Koji’s pupil seems to be protecting Kawaki, the latter is shown to be shocked. Despite all he has done to hurt Boruto, his former friend still refuses to tell the truth, something he could not understand. Naruto’s son has stated many times throughout the series that he wishes no harm upon Kawaki, as he simply wants them to forget their fight and become a family again. His feelings may affect Kara’s former member, as proven by the conversation they will have at some point in the future.

In chapter #1 of the original Boruto manga, Kawaki is seen telling his rival that he will send him to the same place he sent Naruto and Hinata. Despite how ominous this threat may seem, the series already revealed that this place is a protected pocket-dimension where people can reside unconscious to protect them from danger. This event heavily implies that by that point in the story, Kawaki has changed his mind about killing Boruto, and wishes to also protect him from an unknown enemy.

Kawaki’s Redemption Might Have Also Been Hinted At In Chapter #13

His Desire To Keep Boruto’s Connection With Kashin Koji Secret Is Unusual

While Boruto is being captured in chapter #13 of the Two Blue Vortex manga, Kawaki can be seen walking around the area, searching for anything suspicious. He encounters one of Kashin Koji’s toads, which is likely waiting to teleport Naruto’s son away from the Hidden Leaf. The series does not linger on this detail long, as it occurs in just a couple of s. Yet, Kawaki instantly recognized the toad sent by Boruto's new mentor, as he and Koji used to be of Kara.

Despite this, he does not reveal the truth of who Boruto’s mentor is to the Elders, even though this would have made the prisoner’s sentence much harsher. Koji is still considered an enemy of Konoha, due to his affiliation to the terrorist group commanded by Isshiki. If Kawaki wanted to, he could have informed the village’s superiors about Boruto working with a wanted criminal to make him look even worse in their eyes. The fact that he restrained himself makes it seem as if he was protecting his rival.

Another explanation could be that Kawaki is waiting for Boruto to lower his guard so he can find the location of Kashin Koji. Jiraiya’s clone was also imbued with cells from the mighty and enigmatic Shibai Otsutsuki, making him a part of the alien clan. Kawaki's mission to destroy all of the otherworldly family could be pushing him to find his location to destroy him. Nevertheless, this hypothesis lacks any proof, as Kawaki could have pushed the Elders to question Boruto about the clone’s location, yet he did not inform them.

Kawaki is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing characters in the Boruto: Two Blue Vortex manga series. His character development will surely have an impact on how the story unfolds. Although he is Boruto’s enemy for now, the future could make him reevaluate his goals and forces with his former teammate once again.