WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Chapter #58, “The Right Job for Idiots and Bastards,” of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations by Masashi Kishimoto, Mikio Ikemoto, Mari Morimoto and Snir Aharon, now available in English from Viz Media.
Kawaki has always had nothing but pure, unadulterated hatred for Jigen in the Boruto series. The Kara leader mistreated Kawaki as a kid, nurturing him as a vessel so he could be possessed by his true form, Isshiki. The anime has also peered deeper into the torture and abuse Kawaki suffered, showcasing Jigen as a true tyrant and sadist.
However, in Chapter #58 of the Boruto manga, Kawaki does admit Jigen gained his respect in one crucial way -- and it's something that could inform his dark turn later down the line.
Kawaki wants to prep Team 7 for Code's revenge, as he knows the Kara assassin will want blood for Jigen's death. But he doesn't want them meditating, instead, believing they should be in constant combat and training the aggressive way. As Kawaki has reiterated time and time again, Code is deadlier than Jigen in battle so strategy and tactics will only get them so far. As a result, he attacks Mitsuki, Boruto and Sarada, making it clear they can only hone and perfect their talents by embracing war like never before.
Team 7 is stumped. They don't believe in this method but Kawaki confesses it's something Jigen ingrained in him, as well as other vessels and warriors. This is how Boro, Delta and others got so good at killing, and why he and Code became the ultimate soldiers. Kawaki then admits, in a disturbing manner, that he enjoyed and appreciated this part of Jigen as it made him stronger and prepped him for his role in the new world. Granted, he was always planning to backstab the leader and escape, but Kawaki loves fighting and the art of war, believing it can solve problems. It's similar to what Jiraiya's former charges -- Nagato, Konan and Yahiko -- bought into before they became the terrorist cell known as the Akatsuki.
Boruto Chapter #58 also hints Kawaki still has a darkness inside him. This lust for power, especially being envious of Boruto having a Karma while he doesn't, could be what corrupts him. Sasuke embarked down a similar path, so it does seem like history repeating with Kawaki attacking the village years later.
Make no mistake, it's a bittersweet scenario -- Kawaki does want to protect Naruto as he considers the Hokage his true father. Nonetheless, the road to hell is paved with good intentions, and the gaslighting and mental conditioning has truly worked. He doesn't realize the permanent imprint Jigen left on him, but Team 7 does. It certainly leaves them worried and very cautious over Kawaki's future in Konoha.
