Warning: Spoilers for Boruto: Naruto Next Generations episode 288The Boruto anime actually improved one of the most touching interactions between Naruto's son and Kawaki with the addition of just one minor scene that never occurred in the manga. The moment in question couldn't have happened in the manga even if the creators wanted to since it is contingent on one of the many earlier anime-exclusive scenes.
In episode 288 of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, the eponymous shinobi accidentally cuts the metal plate on Kawaki's forehead protector in half during a battle to determine whose strategy Team 7 would adopt to deal with the big Boruto villain Code. Although Kawaki doesn't care, Boruto laments over the development while Mitsuki realizes where they can get glue to mend the severed metal plate.
Boruto's Most Touching Moment is a Genius Callback
This scene is undoubtedly a direct response to an earlier dilemma in both the manga and anime when Kawaki accidentally breaks a vase that has sentimental value for Boruto. Although Kawaki initially shows indifference towards Boruto's feelings, the boy takes the time to eventually mend the broken object for him, effectively mending their relationship. This served as the first instance where the two became brothers. Now, the anime is repeating this crucial scene by Boruto obviously endeavoring to glue together something he broke of Kawaki's. This could have never happened in the manga even if mangaka Masashi Kishimoto tried, however. Kawaki doesn't earn a head protector from Konoha because he never participates in nor passes the Chunin exams in the Boruto manga.
How future episodes of Boruto handle the conclusion of this "headband arc" is critical because if the anime goes out of its way to connect the two scenes through a flashback, the moment will feel forced rather than maintaining its current status as a metaphor. Of course, the vase and headband are different since Kawaki obviously doesn't care that it broke even though it belongs to him. But it's possible that Boruto's effort to glue the protector's metal plate together could have some effect on Kawaki's character in Boruto, which could make them closer.
Another difference is that Boruto's kindness is being done more out of a selfish desire to save his own hide rather than for Kawaki's benefit. When it breaks, Boruto communicates a fear of him getting into trouble rather than his actions somehow negatively affecting Kawaki. Boruto endeavoring to fix Kawaki's headband could therefore serve more as a lesson for him than as a way to bring them together. Of course, Kawaki never planned on fixing Boruto's vase in the first place because he initially wasn't worried about how his actions affected Boruto. Kawaki deciding to mend the vase marked when he did begin caring. It, therefore, looks like Boruto's journey won't be as direct since he's trying to glue the headband together now and doesn't care if Kawaki is affected. That said, it is noteworthy that Kawaki is indifferent to the whole scenario as well, making it more difficult for Boruto to feel compelled to comfort him.
Boruto's Headband Moment is a Chilling Bit of Foreshadowing
Even without taking the vase scene into consideration, this development in the Boruto anime foreshadows what's to come. Kawaki's true loyalties don't lie with Konoha or to his adopted brother. All he cares about is protecting Naruto. So, him not caring about his headband, which displays the symbol for their village and what all Genin aspire to own one day, feels ominous, especially when taking into consideration the opening scene of the anime where Kawaki and Boruto are battling. Kawaki hasn't been fully assimilated even though he's a Chunin because all he truly cares about is Naruto, even if that means hurting Boruto.
Boruto: Naruto Next Genertions is streaming on Crunchyroll.