Why Naruto’s Overprotective Parenting of Kawaki in Boruto Was His Biggest Error, Explained

Despite being a beloved character among Boruto fans, Naruto Uzumaki is not immune to criticism. One particular mistake that fans find difficult to overlook is his overprotective behavior towards Kawaki, the former Jinchuriki. While the reason for Naruto’s adoption of Kawaki is known, many question the Hokage’s treatment of the karma user.

In the series, it is evident that Kawaki shared many similarities with Naruto. Both had lost their parents and lacked love in their lives. In addition, they were both burdened with a powerful and potentially dangerous ability, making them a danger to others. In light of these similarities, Naruto took Kawaki under his wing, providing him with a better life than he had before.

Notice: The following article may include spoilers from the Boruto manga.

Naruto’s Overprotectiveness Leads to Disaster for Boruto

Boruto as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Despite being loved by his son, Naruto Uzumaki was not the best father at the beginning of the series. Due to his responsibilities as Hokage, he often neglected his son, but it was clear that he still cared for him.

Similarly, Naruto’s daughter Himawari also experienced this as he was unable to attend her birthday party and resorted to using a Shadow Clone jutsu to deceive his family.

After the conclusion of the Momoshiki Arc, Naruto Uzumaki actively made an effort to become a better father. This was also when the manga series introduced Kara and Kawaki. Upon discovering Kawaki’s backstory, Naruto decided to take him in and officially adopted him into his family.

Naruto and Kawaki as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

At first, Naruto’s main purpose in adopting Kawaki was to prevent him from running away or causing any trouble. However, as he got to know Kawaki better, Naruto realized that their pasts were remarkably similar. Like Naruto, Kawaki had no family to support him and was seen as a threat due to a powerful force within him. This connection ultimately led to Naruto’s decision to adopt Kawaki.

Despite initially disliking Naruto’s overprotective behavior towards him, Kawaki eventually grew to appreciate and cherish his adoptive father. His attachment to Naruto became so strong that he even went as far as to kill his adoptive brother, Boruto, in order to protect him. This was a result of the constant comparisons between the two that caused Naruto to become overly protective of Kawaki.

Kawaki killing his adoptive brother in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

It was understandable that Kawaki’s actions were justified, given that he had to kill his own brother in order to prevent him from being controlled by Momoshiki Otsutsuki. However, Naruto’s response to the situation was surprising.

Despite the expected reaction of a father upon the death of their son, Naruto appeared to remain composed. However, his calm demeanor was not due to the loss of his biological son, but rather his fear of also losing his adopted son, Kawaki. Thankfully, Boruto made his return to the series after Momoshiki was forced to merge his data with that of his host.

Kawaki seals Naruto and Hinata in another dimension (Image via Shueisha)

It was clear that, in the end, everything turned out well. However, this still does not justify Naruto’s decision to not scold his adopted son for killing his biological son. This lack of punishment allowed Kawaki to have complete control over his actions. In order to safeguard his adopted father Naruto, Kawaki banished him and his wife Hinata to another dimension. Shortly thereafter, he set out to attack Boruto and end his life.

If Naruto Uzumaki had not been so overly protective of Kawaki, the Karma user may have avoided going down the wrong path.