Chōchō Akimichi’s feelings for Tomaru become one of the most humorous and revealing character stories in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. During a mission at a television studio, Chōchō is chosen to replace an injured actress and discovers that she will have a romantic scene with Tomaru, the show’s popular lead actor.
Tomaru is immediately attracted to Chōchō while she is using her Butterfly Mode to appear slimmer, and his attention quickly makes her believe she has found her own romantic hero. Her excitement grows so much that she becomes determined to deliver the perfect on screen kiss. However, Chōchō’s emotions also begin affecting her ability to perform her duties as a shinobi. The storyline uses her crush to explore her desire for acceptance, her fascination with romance, and her complicated relationship with her appearance.
Why Chōchō Falls for Tomaru and Enters Kiss Mode
Chōchō first becomes interested in Tomaru because she already admires him as a television actor. When he begins flirting with her after she takes over the injured actress’s role, she becomes completely love struck. Tomaru also gives her a prop ring, which makes Chōchō immediately imagine a much deeper romantic relationship despite their limited interaction.
Her excitement reaches another level when she learns that her replacement role includes a kissing scene with Tomaru. Chōchō becomes so nervous and enthusiastic about the moment that she briefly struggles to maintain her Butterfly Mode. She wants to look perfect for Tomaru, making the scene less about professional acting and more about fulfilling the romantic fantasy she has built around him.
This is why Chōchō enters what the episode calls Super Chōchō Kiss Mode. The transformation is essentially a comedic expression of how completely her crush has taken over her thoughts. She becomes determined to make the kiss convincing, but Inojin points out that the performance does not look like genuine love, leading the director to stop the scene.
Chōchō’s attraction also affects the protection mission. When Tomaru’s fans break into the studio, she takes him away and hides with him, while Sarada later questions whether Chōchō has become too distracted by her feelings. Their relationship becomes even more complicated when Tomaru reacts negatively after seeing Chōchō without her slimmer appearance.
The experience eventually teaches Chōchō an important lesson about being accepted for who she really is. When Tomaru is kidnapped, Chōchō puts herself in danger to protect him, eventually showing her genuine personality rather than relying on Butterfly Mode. By the end of the storyline, Tomaru becomes interested in the real Chōchō, while she chooses not to let the relationship define her.