The Boruto: Naruto Next Generations episode 189, "Resonance," is a pivotal episode in the series, marking a significant shift in tone and animation style as it adapts a crucial chapter from the manga. This episode is widely celebrated for its high-quality animation, intense action, and the introduction of a major character, Kawaki, whose arrival fundamentally changes the trajectory of the story.
The episode focuses on the immediate aftermath of the previous episode's events, where Team 7 and Katasuke Tono encounter a mysterious, unconscious boy—Kawaki—surrounded by defeated Kara puppets. The tension escalates when Garo, an Outer member of the Kara organization, arrives to retrieve Kawaki. This leads to a brutal and visually stunning confrontation between the two.
The concept of "Resonance" refers to the strange reaction between Boruto's and Kawaki's Karma marks during the fight. This phenomenon hints at a deeper connection between the two boys and the true nature of the Karma, a central mystery of the series. The episode effectively establishes Kawaki as a formidable and complex character, someone who has endured immense trauma and possesses a power that rivals Boruto's own.