Ch. 441Divine Dragon
Chapter Summary: “Divine Dragon”
Key Plot Points and Events
- During the academy’s new-student ceremony, Kakashi and Might Guy briefly engage in a sparring match.
- Guy’s powerful kick splits the island in two, but Kakashi avoids the attack by transforming into lightning and fleeing to a nearby flying bird.
- Kakashi refuses to resume the fight, choosing instead to read Icha Icha Paradise. His retreat shocks and embarrasses the students, while Guy proudly treats it as a victory.
- Guy reveals that he has now surpassed Kakashi in their long-running rivalry, winning forty-five of their ninety-nine contests.
- Principal Kabuto then takes center stage by riding his enormous summoning beast, the Divine Dragon, around the island and the students.
- The Divine Dragon demonstrates its immense power by manipulating fire, water, wind, and lightning, causing dramatic changes in the weather across the island and surrounding area.
- Boruto asks to ride the Divine Dragon. Kabuto agrees and takes him on an exhilarating flight over the island.
- While riding the dragon, Boruto’s mysterious eye activates. Kabuto examines it and realizes that it is neither a Byakugan nor a Tenseigan, suggesting the emergence of a new dōjutsu.
Character Developments
- Kakashi: Displays his usual intelligence and pragmatism by escaping Guy’s attack rather than continuing a battle he no longer wants. However, his casual retreat and preference for reading make him appear comically unheroic to the students.
- Might Guy: Becomes more energetic and competitive than ever, celebrating his apparent victory and eagerly demanding another round. His emotional reaction reinforces his exaggerated enthusiasm and lifelong rivalry with Kakashi.
- Kabuto: Shows his gentle, approachable side as an academy principal, especially when welcoming Boruto onto the Divine Dragon. At the same time, his analytical nature emerges when he studies Boruto’s unusual eye.
- Boruto: Is impressed by the Divine Dragon and eager to experience its power firsthand. His curiosity triggers the appearance of his mysterious eye, hinting at unexplored abilities.
- The students: Their opinions of Kakashi and Guy shift according to what they witness. Some are disappointed that Kakashi fled, while Metal Lee becomes even more devoted to Guy.
Significant Themes
- Public image versus reality: Kakashi is admired as a legendary Hokage, but his retreat makes the students question that image. The chapter humorously contrasts heroic expectations with ordinary personal choices.
- Rivalry and youthful passion: Guy’s continuing competition with Kakashi reflects his determination to preserve the spirit of youth, even in a long-established rivalry.
- Power and spectacle: The Divine Dragon’s display emphasizes the grandeur and overwhelming strength associated with legendary summons and elite shinobi.
- Emerging potential: Boruto’s unexplained dōjutsu introduces a mystery surrounding his heritage and future abilities.
- Mentorship and student experience: The ceremony exposes the new students to powerful figures, inspiring admiration, disappointment, and ambition.
Character Interactions
- Kakashi and Guy continue their comedic rivalry, with Kakashi avoiding Guy’s attacks and Guy interpreting the encounter as a personal victory.
- Konohamaru and the students openly react to Kakashi’s retreat, creating an amusing contrast between Kakashi’s reputation and his behavior.
- Mitsuki encourages Boruto to ride the Divine Dragon and immediately calls Kabuto over on his behalf.
- Kabuto kindly welcomes Boruto but also observes him carefully, becoming intrigued—and slightly unsettled—when Boruto’s mysterious eye appears capable of seeing through him.