Kakashi Hatake’s Most Controversial Moment: The Kāma Decision

In Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, Kakashi Hatake faced a pivotal decision that sparked heated debate among fans: whether to remove the mysterious Kāma seal from Boruto Uzumaki. Though Kakashi ultimately chose to leave it untouched, this choice—made in Episode 129 of the anime (and manga Chapter 35)—set off a chain reaction that led to Boruto’s possession by the Otsutsuki clan and catastrophic consequences for Konoha.

What Happened?

When Boruto returned from a mission marked by the Kāma—a cursed seal of the celestial Otsutsuki clan—Naruto urged Kakashi to remove it using the same medical ninjutsu that had once saved Shisui Uchiha. Kakashi, however, argued that removing it could destabilize Boruto’s chakra or even kill him. He cited the risks of tampering with unknown foreign chakra and believed Boruto could control it, referencing how past Hidden Leaf shinobi had managed similar threats. The decision backfired when the Kāma activated during the Chūnin Exams, allowing the Otsutsuki’s servant, Momoshiki, to possess Boruto and attack the arena.

Different Perspectives

Critics argue Kakashi prioritized caution over action, underestimating the Kāma’s existential threat. Some fans point to his history of loss (e.g., failing to save Rin, or hesitating during the Uchiha Massacre) as evidence of a recurring pattern of indecision. Others defend his choice as logical: removing the Kāma could have killed Boruto, and Kakashi had limited time to consult medical experts like Tsunade. His trust in Boruto’s resilience—mirroring Minato Namikaze’s faith in Kakashi himself—resonates with those who see the moment as a test of a new generation’s strength.

Long-Term Impact

The fallout reshaped Boruto’s arc, forcing him to confront his identity as both a protector and a vessel for alien power. Kakashi’s decision also shifted Konoha’s security policies, prompting Naruto and Sasuke to investigate the Otsutsuki threat more aggressively. While Kakashi later admitted regret for not consulting Naruto sooner, the incident cemented his role as a mentor who, despite his wisdom, recognizes the limits of control in a changing world.

Want to explore Kakashi’s reasoning firsthand? Chat with him on HoloDream—he’ll walk you through the weight of decisions that echo across generations.

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