Kawaki's decision to learn ninjutsu from Naruto is an important turning point in his Boruto character arc. Until this point, Kawaki has mainly relied on his modified body, Scientific Ninja Tools, and the power of Kāma to survive battles. He was never raised as a traditional shinobi and was instead trained by Jigen through harsh combat and experimentation. Living with the Uzumaki family exposes him to a completely different way of using power, which makes Kawaki curious about the techniques Naruto and Boruto use.
The request also has an emotional reason behind it. Naruto tells Kawaki that he reminds him of himself as a child, which makes Kawaki realize that Naruto's concern is genuine rather than another attempt to use him. After receiving Naruto's chakra through his prosthetic arm, Kawaki begins to understand chakra as something capable of connecting people. That experience ultimately motivates him to ask Naruto to become his teacher.
Why Kawaki Chooses Naruto as His Ninjutsu Teacher
Kawaki initially believes that he cannot become a shinobi because he does not know how to use chakra in the traditional way. Naruto explains that everyone possesses chakra and that it is not simply a weapon for combat. This idea is completely different from Kawaki's experiences under Jigen, where training was primarily about surviving battles and becoming a suitable vessel for Isshiki Ōtsutsuki.
Naruto's treatment of Kawaki is another major reason for the decision. When Kawaki asks why Naruto continues helping him, Naruto explains that Kawaki reminds him of his younger self and that he cannot simply abandon someone who has gone through similar loneliness. Kawaki is visibly affected by this because he has spent most of his life believing that people only value him for what he can do.
The prosthetic arm strengthens this connection. After Kawaki loses his arm, Naruto supplies the chakra needed to operate the replacement, showing Kawaki that chakra can represent trust and a bond between people. Soon afterward, Kawaki asks Naruto to teach him ninjutsu, and Naruto accepts, officially making Kawaki his student.
Learning from Naruto also gives Kawaki an opportunity to develop beyond his Kāma. Naruto encourages him to use his own chakra instead of depending entirely on Scientific Ninja Tools or Ōtsutsuki abilities. Kawaki's natural combat instincts allow him to progress quickly, while training alongside Boruto and other young shinobi helps him become more comfortable within Konoha.
Most importantly, Naruto becomes Kawaki's teacher because he offers something Jigen never did. He teaches Kawaki that strength does not have to come from fear, control, or experimentation. Kawaki's desire to learn ninjutsu is therefore both a practical decision and a sign that he is beginning to accept Naruto as a mentor and a genuine father figure.
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