Presence

Synopsis
Boruto is frustrated by constant surveillance as he and Kawaki spend time with Shikadai and Inojin. Kawaki notes Inojin's mention of the sensory team being able to locate any potential enemy unless they're able to erase their chakra signature. Amado joins Shikamaru, and tries to assure him that Code, while powerful, isn't as bright. Shikamaru is still suspicious of Amado, thinking that events are unfolding according to some plan. Amado says most recent events have been unexpected, such as him defecting to Konoha, and most of all Kawaki's attachment to Naruto. Shikamaru wonders if it's possible that Code's devotion to Isshiki could have wavered, explaining his lack of action against them, but they find it unlikely. At night, Kawaki takes out the trash under Nishi's watch, going through a shrub on his way back. Boruto finds something strange when he returns. He feels a presence from outside, where the real Kawaki is hiding in the shrub. Nishi still senses Kawaki and Boruto inside. Ada reports to Code that Kawaki erased his chakra signature, something that comes naturally to all Ōtsutsuki, and wonders if he's up to something. Boruto tries talking to the Kawaki in the bathroom, feeling he's up to something. He tries telling Naruto about sensing Kawaki's presence outside, but Nishi reports sensing Kawaki still inside the house. Boruto believes Kawaki is using a shadow clone as a decoy, but Naruto points out those would still be sensed. Naruto asks to see Kawaki, who opens the door and releases the shadow clone. The real Kawaki goes outside the village, Ada informing Code about it. Code travels to a nearby Claw Mark, and speaks to Ada through another, asking her to guide him to Kawaki. Code reaches Kawaki, marking him and using the Claw Mark to close the distance. Ino connects Naruto and Shikamaru, who discuss why Kawaki would leave when he was acclimating well to the village. Naruto tells Ino Kawaki erased his chakra signature, and Boruto tells him he can no longer sense Kawaki, finding he's too far away. Naruto wants Boruto to leave it to them, but Boruto leaves while they're distracted. Amado asks how they could have lost Kawaki, and Shikamaru says he ran away on his own, speculating on his motive. Boruto goes in the direction he last sensed Kawaki, hoping that the sensors will track him while he tracks Kawaki. Kawaki and Code fight, Ada warning Code not to accidentally kill him. Code diverts a blast from Kawaki with a Claw Mark. Code asks why he left the village, and Kawaki wants Code to kill just him as revenge for Isshiki, leaving Konoha out of it. Code refuses it and beats Kawaki around, despite Ada's protests. Code reveals he has inherited Isshiki's will to cultivate a God Tree and eat its chakra fruit. He surprises Kawaki by saying he's off his revenge list because someone else wants to meet him, and prepares to take Kawaki with him. Boruto arrives just in time to interfere. Ada informs Code that Boruto could still sense Kawaki and went after him. Boruto and Kawaki scold each other for getting themselves in danger. Boruto says they'll sense him and send reinforcements, but Kawaki thinks that defeats the point of what he did, willing to die himself to protect Naruto. He wants Code to take him to whoever wants to meet him, since talking to Code is getting him nowhere. Ada is flustered about Kawaki wanting to meet her. Boruto and Kawaki argue over what's happening, and Boruto punches him when he says what Naruto wants and thinks doesn't matter to what Kawaki does to keep him safe. Ada also gets flustered by Boruto's commitment to Kawaki, calling him a brother. Boruto activates his Kāma.