More commonly referred to as the Nine-Tails, Kurama is the fox spirit that resides within Naruto. Widely regarded as the most powerful of the tail beasts, Kurama is said to possess the destructive force of a natural disaster.
At the beginning of the series, Kurama was depicted as a ruthless, uncontrollable antagonist who harbored a deep-seated animosity towards humans, showing no mercy or empathy towards them.
Despite being Naruto's best friend, why was Kurama considered to be evil?
However, fans view him in a completely different way and value his growth and development throughout the series. Kurama has transformed into one of Naruto's closest friends, guiding and protecting him through countless battles. Yet, fans ponder over Kurama's transformation and question whether he was truly a villain.
Kurama, while not inherently evil, made the conscious decision to embody the role of a villain. Throughout his existence, he was seen as a brutal creature and used as a weapon of war and chaos. This treatment fostered a deep animosity towards humanity, leading him to view people as self-centered and malicious.
Madara Uchiha, using his Sharingan, was the first to fully control the Nine-Tails and used it in battle against Hashirama Senju. Although Hashirama ultimately prevailed, freeing Kurama in the process, he believed the beast to be too great a threat to Konoha. As a result, Mito Uzumaki, his wife, took on the responsibility of sealing Kurama within herself and became the first Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.
In the later years of Mito's life, Kushina Uzumaki, who would later become Naruto's mother, was chosen to be the next Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.
Unfortunately, during her pregnancy, the seal weakened and Obito Uchiha was able to take control of Kurama, forcing the beast to attack Konoha. Tragically, this led to the loss of Minato and Kushina's lives. In order to contain Kurama, Minato used a contract seal to imprison half of the beast within his son.
From a young age, Naruto faced the constant struggle of Kurama attempting to break free from the seal. In moments of desperation, Kurama would share his chakra with Naruto, causing the young ninja to go on destructive rampages. As Naruto grew in strength, he made it his mission to confront and subdue Kurama once and for all.
What surprised Kurama was that even though he lost, his Jinchuriki continued to treat him with respect and considered him to be a friend.
Naruto possessed a natural gift for positively influencing people and bringing out their best. Through his unwavering will and persistence, he was able to form a strong bond with Kurama, who continued to support and guide him in his journey to become the Hokage. Ultimately, Kurama took pride in Naruto’s achievement of this goal.
Hagoromo Otsutsuki, known as the Sage of Six Paths, was the only human Kurama held love and respect for. All the tailed beasts saw him as a father figure and felt secure in his presence. During the fourth great ninja war, Naruto, as the chosen one, served as a mediator between the tailed beasts, earning their recognition and respect.
Concluding thoughts
After the end of the war, the Sage of Six Paths inquired about Kurama's future plans. Bashfully, Kurama confessed his desire to remain with his Jinchuriki, a clear indication of his transformation and the respect he had developed for the unpredictable ninja.
Kurama's ultimate desire was to be truly understood and valued. Having only witnessed the negative aspects of humanity, he had reciprocated in kind. However, Naruto's influence compelled Kurama to shift his perspective and recognize the inherent goodness in humanity.
Over time and through numerous emotional moments in the anime, fans have developed a deep appreciation for the enduring friendship between these two iconic characters. The departure of Kurama in the Boruto anime signaled the conclusion of one of the most legendary partnerships in the world of anime.
Editor's P/S
As a hard fan of Naruto, I have always been fascinated by the complex character of Kurama. Initially portrayed as a ruthless villain, Kurama's journey throughout the series reveals a deeper, more nuanced truth. His transformation from a destructive force to a loyal friend and ally of Naruto is one of the most compelling arcs in the entire story.
Kurama's evolution is a testament to the power of friendship, understanding, and the ability to see beyond preconceived notions. Naruto's unwavering belief in Kurama's potential, even in the face of overwhelming odds, is truly inspiring. Their relationship is a beautiful example of how even the most unlikely individuals can find common ground and forge deep bonds.