Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Episode 290

Escaping the Sensory Team

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Episode 290 actually had some good Code content. But, before we get to that, let’s talk about Kawaki and how he gave the sensory team the slip. Apparently, Kawaki can suppress his chakra signature and move around undetected.

At the start of the episode, Inojin mentioned that this is the only way to bypass the sensory team. Because of this statement, I knew someone would do that in this episode. But, I assumed it would be Code. I wasn’t expecting Kawaki would be the one to do it.

Up until this point, there was no indication that Kawaki had any such ability. Though, once Kawaki started sneaking around, it became pretty clear that it was going to be him, not Code. And I thought it was obvious that he would pair this ability with the Shadow Clone jutsu.

If he hadn’t created a Shadow Clone, it would have been too obvious. Nishi would have noticed that his chakra signature disappeared. And as soon as he noticed that, he’d sound the alarm. By using a Shadow Clone, Kawaki bought himself some valuable time to escape.

Still, it doesn’t make complete sense. How did Kawaki’s real body escape from the bush? Nishi was watching that area the entire time. And yet, Kawaki somehow slipped past him. Maybe the Hidden Leaf shouldn’t rely so much on sensory-type shinobi. They also need to hire some shinobi with good eyesight.

Also, I do want to point out that Eida said suppressing one’s chakra signature is an Ōtsutsuki ability. I don’t remember if any of the Ōtsutsuki clan members used this ability in the past. If they did, fine. If not, which is what I suspect, this is just a deus ex machina.

Is Code Actually Cool?

No. Code still isn’t cool. But, for a brief moment, Episode 290 made me think that perhaps he could be more than a whiney nerd. The scene with Code chasing down Kawaki actually made him seem like a good antagonist.

I think getting to see Code use his claw mark ability during the chase did a lot for his image. Previously, we saw him use it when fighting some of Boro’s grunts. But, I didn’t feel like his ability was cool during that fight. Powerful, sure. But cool? No.

What was cool was seeing how Code used his ability to catch up to Kawaki. It’s hard for me to put into words why this was cooler than his previous uses of the ability, though. It might have something to do with the fact that fighting random grunts is never cool.

Or, it could have to do with the fact that Code looked intimidating during this scene. It’s amazing how much of a difference the art can make. Most of the time when Code’s on screen, I don’t see why anyone would be afraid of him. But this time, I saw him as an actual threat.

Something else that probably helped Code here was the framing. Most of the shots that made him look intimidating focused on his upper body. And, he was covering himself with his cloak. Why do those things matter? Because Code has one of the lamest outfits in the entire series.

Code is pretty much the Rock Lee of Kara. They’re both strong. But, they also both wear outfits that make them look like clowns. Hiding Code’s outfit is the single best way to make him look more intimidating. And while I know he won’t get a new outfit, I can hope.

Protecting the Hokage

So, why did Kawaki sneak out of the Hidden Leaf Village? Because he wanted to meet up with Code. And why did he want to meet up with Code? Because he thought he’d be able to negotiate with Code to protect Naruto.

Kawaki mistakenly believes Code only wants revenge on the one who killed Isshiki. So, Kawaki tells Code that he was actually the one who killed Isshiki. If Code kills Kawaki, he’ll get his revenge and have no reason to go after Naruto, Boruto, and Sasuke. At least, that’s what Kawaki thinks.

In reality, Code’s desire for revenge is secondary to his true goal. He wants to personally kill those responsible for Isshiki’s death. But, he’s also going to kill everyone else in the world by creating a chakra tree and harvesting the planet. So, even if he agreed to Kawaki’s deal, he’d kill Naruto eventually anyway.

It’s also pretty funny that Kawaki thinks Naruto needs protecting. I get that Naruto doesn’t have Kurama anymore. But, it’s not like he’s weak now. He’s still one of the strongest shinobi in the Leaf Village. And he still has some chakra from the other tailed beasts within him.

Despite what Kawaki seems to believe, I doubt Code could kill Naruto right now. When Code has his limiter removed, things might be different. But, right now, his only real ability is that he can teleport using his claw marks. I don’t see that being enough to bring down Naruto.

And that’s assuming Code is able to cut Naruto off from any support. If Code can’t stop other Leaf Shinobi from coming to Naruto’s aid, there’s no chance he can win. Code understands this. That’s why he hasn’t made a move on the Leaf Village.

Conclusion

What do you think of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Episode 290? Did you think Kawaki would be the one to hide his chakra signature when Inojin brought it up? Do you think Code is a cool villain? And what’s your prediction for how the fight against Code is going to go? Let me know in the comments.

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My review of Episode 291 is available now.