Kawaki is a central fictional character from the manga and anime Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, serving as a key figure and rival to the protagonist, Boruto Uzumaki. Originally introduced as a rebellious member of the secretive organization known as Kara, his life changes drastically when he escapes and is brought to the Hidden Leaf Village by Boruto's team.

His background is marked by profound suffering. Purchased from an abusive, neglectful father by the Kara leader Jigen, Kawaki was one of many children subjected to cruel experiments. He was implanted with microscopic Shinobi-Ware, technology that modifies the body, and branded with a cursed mark called Karma, intended to turn him into a vessel for the Otsutsuki clan member Isshiki. This traumatic childhood shaped his early personality into that of an aggressive, vulgar, and deeply distrustful individual. He displays signs of post-traumatic stress, experiencing intense fear when reminded of his past with Kara, and struggles with self-loathing over what he was forced to become.

Despite a cold exterior, Kawaki is observant, pragmatic, and possesses a sense of sympathy for the weak. Upon arriving in Konoha, the Seventh Hokage, Naruto Uzumaki, takes him in, seeing beyond his hostility. Under Naruto's care, Kawaki begins a significant transformation. He experiences simple joys for the first time and develops a profound respect and loyalty towards Naruto, who becomes a true father figure. This bond is so strong that Kawaki's primary motivation shifts from mere survival to an obsessive desire to protect Naruto at all costs. He becomes determined to use his Otsutsuki-derived powers to eliminate every member of the clan he sees as a threat, a mission that tragically includes Boruto, who is the vessel for Momoshiki Otsutsuki. Convinced that good people like Naruto will die if they fight, Kawaki resolves to kill his adoptive brother and even seals Naruto and Hinata away in another dimension to prevent them from interfering, fully expecting to be hated for his actions.

Within the story, Kawaki serves as both a rival to Boruto and a dark reflection of what he could become. His role evolves from a victim seeking escape to a primary antagonist whose extreme methods create the central conflict of the series' later arcs. His key relationships are defined by this dynamic. With Naruto, he shares a deep, grateful, but ultimately twisted bond of devotion. With Boruto, he develops a complex brotherly relationship that deteriorates into bitter enmity as their ideals clash. He also has significant ties to other Kara members, viewing Jigen as a tormentor and later forming a complicated connection with the cyborg Ada.

Kawaki's character development is a core element of the narrative. He moves from a traumatized, isolated weapon to a person capable of caring for a family, only for that love to curdle into a terrifying, single-minded conviction that justifies terrible acts. His journey is one of extreme swings, from vulnerability to cold determination, making him one of the most complex and discussed figures in the series.

Notably, his abilities are formidable. He possesses a Karma seal that grants him immense power, including the ability to absorb ninjutsu and open portals to other dimensions. His body has also been heavily modified with Shinobi-Ware, allowing him to reshape his limbs into weapons and regenerate from injuries. These powers, combined with his tactical mind and ruthless willingness to use them, make him a lethal threat on par with the strongest characters in the Naruto universe.