Empty Tears

== Synopsis ==
Kawaki is startled by Kurama's appearance, who introduces itself and explains that watching him while Naruto sleeps was a request by the Five Kage. He has some concept of tailed beasts from reading Kara's files, and assumes that having Kurama sealed in him is why Naruto leads Konohagakure. Kurama corrects him, explaining the parallels between Naruto's life and Kawaki's, and summarising all the antagonism it posed to Naruto through the years, from causing him to hurt those close to him, to how the village mistreated him for being Kurama's jinchūriki. It comments on the irony of Naruto's use of the Shadow Clone Technique and his loneliness, Kawaki himself recalling Naruto's words on the jutsu. Kurama continues, mentioning how it saw Naruto fill his heart up through the years, and how he's at his strongest when protecting his friends. Kawaki tears up learning about Naruto, and Kurama tells him it's pretty late, so he should look for the missing vase piece the next day. The following day, Kawaki recalls how Jigen trained him, and learns walking up trees from Naruto. Sarada and Mitsuki watch from afar, and while sympathetic to Kawaki's circumstances, she is jealous of the treatment he gets from Naruto. Mitsuki points out it's natural for that to happen, as Naruto treats everyone in the village like family, even willing to let him be part of it. After training, Naruto asks Boruto about the pain from Kāma. Boruto says it hasn't hurt in a while, and Kawaki reveals his hasn't hurt in a while either. Determined not to be outdone, Sarada comments that Sasuke has been training her, and Boruto asks her to relay the message he wants to train with him again. Boruto invites Kawaki to train with them, but he refuses, saying there's something he has to do by himself at home. Boruto tells him that while he doesn't know how Kawaki feels, he's not alone any more. Kawaki reveals it was Jigen who gave him his Kāma, and he knows all about it. Boruto supports Kawaki, saying they'll defeat Jigen together. Sarada continues practising the Chidori on the waterfall. Sai and Shikamaru discuss whether Kawaki can be trusted, and the intel that Konohamaru recovered from the airship crash. In them, there was a coordinate that can only be accessed through space–time ninjutsu, which they can't ignore even if it might be a trap. Sai reveals he already sent Sasuke to investigate. Sasuke arrives at the destination, and notices carved walls. Boro preaches about salvation and Ōtsutsuki rule to his cult.
== Credits ==