Ch. 381Kawaki's Nightmare
Chapter 381: “Kawaki’s Nightmare” — Summary
Key Plot Points and Events
- Kawaki uses the Claw Mark on Boruto’s chest to teleport directly into Boruto’s home in Shadow Hidden Village.
- He is enraged by the comfortable home and Boruto’s peaceful attitude, comparing Boruto’s life of luxury to the suffering Kawaki and his “father” endured in the Thorn Cage.
- Believing himself to be overwhelmingly powerful after his Karma fully awakens, Kawaki confronts Boruto and boasts that he now possesses power equal to Isshiki’s Ultimate.
- Kawaki argues that Uchiha Chen’s victory over Isshiki’s Ultimate was inconclusive because Isshiki had been weakened by an imperfect reincarnation and a failing body.
- Boruto mocks Kawaki, claiming that Kawaki’s intelligence is his greatest weakness. He compares him to “a giant baby holding a laser cannon” and says Kawaki’s role as a Vessel requires power, not a mind of his own.
- Enraged, Kawaki attacks with Daikokuten, but every projectile passes through Boruto without harming him. Even Boruto’s chair and teacup remain intact while the surrounding room is destroyed.
- Kawaki cannot understand how Boruto is avoiding the attacks. The explanation is that Obito is standing invisibly behind Boruto and sharing Kamui’s phasing ability with him.
- Chen deliberately left the Claw Mark intact as a trap, allowing Kawaki to enter the village and expose himself.
- As Kawaki continues attacking in frustration, Obito realizes that Kawaki has fallen completely into the trap. Behind Kawaki stand the unseen Kaguya Otsutsuki and Jūya, preparing to confront him.
Character Developments
- Kawaki: His newly awakened power dramatically increases his confidence, but his arrogance and lack of understanding leave him vulnerable. His hatred of Boruto and resentment toward Boruto’s comfortable life intensify, while Boruto’s insults provoke him into reckless attacks.
- Boruto: Remains completely calm and confident despite Kawaki’s threats. He deliberately taunts Kawaki, undermining his belief that raw power makes him comparable to Isshiki.
- Obito: Acts as Boruto’s hidden protector and enables him to phase through Kawaki’s attacks. He demonstrates improved control over his killing intent and recognizes that Kawaki has already been lured into the intended ambush.
- Uchiha Chen: Though absent from the confrontation, Chen’s earlier victory over Isshiki remains central to the argument between Boruto and Kawaki. His decision to preserve the Claw Mark is revealed as part of a larger strategy.
- Kaguya and Jūya: Their silent appearance behind Kawaki establishes that the trap is far more dangerous than he realizes.
Significant Themes
- Power versus intelligence: Kawaki possesses immense abilities but lacks the judgment and strategic awareness needed to use them effectively.
- Arrogance and misplaced confidence: Kawaki assumes his power makes him untouchable, causing him to underestimate Boruto and overlook the possibility of a trap.
- Appearance versus reality: Boruto’s relaxed behavior hides a carefully prepared defense, while Kawaki’s apparent dominance conceals his complete tactical disadvantage.
- Manipulation and bait: The preserved Claw Mark allows Kawaki to believe he is invading on his own terms, when in reality he has been guided directly into an ambush.
- Identity and worth: Kawaki’s belief that being Isshiki’s chosen Vessel makes him special is challenged by Boruto, who argues that Kawaki has been reduced to a replaceable tool.
Character Interactions
- Kawaki confronts Boruto expecting fear, but Boruto responds with casual sarcasm and calmly drinks tea.
- Their verbal exchange escalates from Kawaki’s boasting about his power to Boruto’s harsh criticism of Kawaki’s intelligence and identity as a Vessel.
- Kawaki’s anger at Boruto’s mockery leads him to unleash Daikokuten, yet Boruto remains unharmed thanks to Obito’s invisible assistance.
- Obito observes Kawaki’s growing panic and confirms that the “fish” has taken the bait, while Kaguya and Jūya silently position themselves behind the unaware Kawaki.