One of the most important aspects of Naruto was how its young main characters were destined to grow past their mentors, and now that's playing out once again in Boruto. Love them or hate them, Boruto and his friends are heading down a path to surpass their parents, and Boruto just proved it by effortlessly defeating one of Naruto's closest allies.
Boruto #65 is the perfect example of how the past and current manga combine to form a solid story that will make fans search out past issues for answers to any connection they see in the new series. The issue features the appearance of Shikamaru Nara. Shikamaru, who was perhaps the smartest shinobi in the previous series, now serves as the Seventh Hokage’s trusted assistant, resourceful right-hand man, and part-time father when Naruto is called away on business. It’s a reasonable position for Shikamaru being that he has the skills and experience to be a Hokage, but is not personally interested in the administrative and political aspects of the position.
Shikamaru accompanies Naruto to bring Kawaki back after they learn he left the safety of the village to search for Kara member Code. They arrive just in time to see Boruto, whom they had not expected to be present, fighting Kawaki and about to break his arm. After they are able to get Kawaki out of immediate danger they turn to face Boruto. Fearing that Naruto is not as strong as he was before since he no longer has the assistance of the Nine-Tails Beast inside him, Shikimaru moves first to constrain Boruto using one of his “shadow techniques.” However, using the kama, Momoshiki inscribed on his hand, Boruto effortlessly absorbs it. Caught off-guard by Boruto’s quick response, Shikamaru allows himself to be captured and incapacitated by Code, who threatens to kill him if Naruto does not stand down. Amazingly, Boruto agrees to assist Code defeat Naruto.
Clearly, Boruto is not himself. That is, Momoshiki Otsutsuki has used the kama to take control of Boruto. In order for an Otsutsuki to take control of a vessel before reincarnation, the vessel must be unconscious or suffering from near-complete depletion of their chakra. This occurred before during the fight against Isshiki Otsutsuki. Boruto had been knocked unconscious. However, in that instance, Boruto had enough chakra reserves such that Kawaki and Sasuke were able to help Boruto regain control.
In this instance, Momoshiki’s control seems much more complete. That means that whatever happened to Boruto prior to the arrival of Naruto and Shikamaru put him in such a position that Momoshiki has been able to gain more comprehensive control. Moreover, with Code also taking part in the fight, neither Kawaki, Shikamaru, or Naruto seem to have the opportunity to appeal to Boruto's true essence to fight against Momoshiki’s power.