Kurama is a character from the manga Naruto, created by Masashi Kishimoto. He’s also known as Kyubi (the nine-tailed fox demon) in Japanese folklore. That term references his mythological origins as one of the nine bijū—tremendously powerful creatures with massive reserves of chakra. From birth, Kurama was sealed inside Naruto Uzumaki, and over time, he shifts from being Naruto’s enemy to becoming a trusted ally, forging a deep bond with the young ninja. Learn all about his story in this article!
Kurama’s Different Forms
Kyubi Chakra Mode
The Kyūbi Chakra Mode is an advanced state that Naruto can access by tapping into the demon’s power sealed within him. When he activates it, his eyes turn orange, but his pupils remain normal. This form grants him the ability to sense negative emotions, regardless of distance or barriers. It also lets him emit a life force that accelerates plant growth and influences living beings like the White Zetsu.
However, this transformation comes with risks if the demon refuses cooperation, possibly draining Naruto’s chakra without him noticing. For instance, whenever Naruto uses Kyubi’s chakra to create clones, it rapidly consumes his energy. If Kurama doesn’t cooperate, Naruto is in danger because the complete depletion of his chakra becomes more likely.
Kurama Chakra Mode
The Kurama Chakra Mode is the full version of the demon’s powers, reflecting complete cooperation with Naruto. That means maximum power with fewer risks.
In this enhanced mode, Naruto’s body undergoes a dramatic change: he gains slitted eyes and sharper facial markings. He can even create parts of Kurama—like his head or tails—to fight alongside him. It’s more powerful than the standard Kyubi Chakra Mode because Naruto can share Kurama’s chakra with his allies, boosting their abilities.
Bijuu Mode
Now that Naruto can fully control the nine-tailed fox, he can activate his Bijuu Mode, multiplying his strength and speed by adopting Kyubi’s form. In this mode, Naruto can use his tails like extraordinarily powerful chakra arms and fire off Bijuu Bombs with staggering destructive force.
He dons a large cloak similar to a Hokage’s cape, with black markings across his body reminiscent of Kurama’s. Like Minato, he can create a Kurama manifestation that hovers overhead to protect others while simultaneously using jutsu. With training, he’s managed to extend this mode’s duration.
Kurama’s Abilities
- Immense Chakra: Kurama contains an enormous amount of chakra, surpassing that of all other Bijuu except Jūbi.
- Chakra Manipulation: He can channel his chakra to form energy orbs, protective barriers, or enhance his attacks.
- Bijuu Transformation: Kurama can become a massive chakra creature, drastically boosting his physical strength and defensive skills.
- Bijuu Dama (Tailed Beast Bomb): A powerful technique involving negative and positive chakra fused in his mouth, creating a devastating energy sphere.
- Enhanced Senses: Kurama’s senses are highly refined, allowing him to sense chakra from great distances.
- Regeneration: Rapid healing ability that helps his Jinchūriki recover from injuries that would be fatal to others.
- Physical Strength: In addition to his massive size, Kurama possesses tremendous brute force, capable of destroying mountains or creating tsunamis with just a tail swipe.
- Aura Projection: Kurama can radiate an intimidating aura that paralyzes opponents with fear.
- Telepathic Communication: He can mentally communicate with his Jinchūriki or nearby individuals.
- Chakra Clone Creation: Like Naruto, Kurama can use his chakra to create clones of himself or of Naruto, increasing their numbers in battle.
The Relationship Between Naruto and Kurama
How Do They Meet?
Naruto Uzumaki grew up isolated and misunderstood in Konoha, unaware that he was Kurama’s Jinchūriki. Orphaned and treated like an outcast, he learns the real reason for his solitude: the Kyubi is sealed inside him. Their first clash occurs when Sasuke, his teammate, appears to be killed by Haku. Overcome by grief and anger, Naruto unconsciously taps into Kurama’s chakra and defeats Haku.
Later, after Orochimaru restricts Naruto’s access to Kyubi’s chakra with a seal, Jiraiya—his mentor—helps him gain some measure of control over this power through a high-risk training session involving Gamabunta.
Rivalry Between Kyubi and Naruto
Initially, Kyubi is malevolent, cunning, and full of hatred toward Naruto. He exploits moments of rage or fear to try to dominate his host. For instance, while fighting Neji Hyūga during the Chūnin Exams, Naruto unwittingly accesses Kyubi’s chakra. Though he briefly becomes very powerful, he also struggles because Kyubi’s energy is overwhelming him.
In Konoha, everyone initially fears or mistrusts Naruto. Despite originally wanting to kill Naruto, the nine-tailed fox comes to believe they need to cooperate for both of them to survive.
Kyubi and Naruto Working Together
During Killer Bee’s training sessions, Naruto again tries to master Kyubi’s chakra, which has been antagonistic. Over multiple chapters, Naruto realizes that Kyubi is more than just a power source: it’s a sentient being with its own emotions and pain. In these training sequences, Naruto challenges Kurama inside his own consciousness.
Gradually, he learns that control isn’t about brute force, but about overcoming hatred with understanding. Naruto begins to see Kurama as a being capable of change and deserving compassion.
When Naruto Finally Masters Kyubi
Kyubi and Naruto begin cooperating during the Fourth Great Ninja War. While battling Tobi and the reanimated Jinchūriki, Kurama lends him chakra, noticing Naruto’s dire situation. But it’s in the final showdown against Obito and Madara Uchiha that they sync up perfectly, allowing Naruto to finally control Kyubi and claim victory.
Now they’ve become friends, with Naruto calling the fox by his real name: Kurama. Their friendship blossoms in Naruto Shippuden Episode 329, “Two-man Team”.
Naruto’s Kyubi Transformations
Naruto generally taps into Kurama’s chakra or transforms whenever he experiences intense emotions or needs to protect his friends. Early transformations are involuntary, triggered by rage or grave danger, but with Jiraiya’s training, Naruto gradually learns to harness Kyubi’s chakra.
Here are some key moments Naruto morphs using Kyubi’s power:
- Fight against Haku: Naruto’s first time using Kyubi’s chakra in battle. While fighting Haku in the Land of Waves, his fear and anger over Sasuke’s apparent death ignite Kurama’s chakra, massively boosting his strength and speed.
- Rescuing Sasuke at the Final Valley: During his intense fight with Sasuke, Naruto—driven by determination to save his friend—taps into Kyubi’s chakra, gaining extraordinary power and speed.
- Battle against Pain: Defending Konoha from the Akatsuki leader, Naruto releases up to six of Kyubi’s tails—a formidable yet perilous transformation that nearly kills him.
Who Else Wields Kyubi’s Chakra?
Minato Namikaze: The Fourth Hokage
Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, played a pivotal role in Kurama’s history and in the fate of Konoha. When Kurama attacked the village, Minato managed to seal the fox’s Yin half inside himself, sacrificing his own life but saving Konoha from devastation. Aside from showcasing his brilliance, Minato also proved himself a wise leader, paving the way for his son, Naruto.
Kushina Uzumaki: Naruto’s Mother
Kushina Uzumaki, Naruto’s mother, was Kurama’s previous host. Thanks to her Uzumaki lineage, she handled Kurama’s chakra exceptionally well, as the Uzumaki are known for their tight bond with Bijuu and their impressive longevity. Kushina used her abilities to seal Kurama inside Naruto, binding her family’s destiny to the nine-tailed beast for generations to come.
Sora: The Pseudo-Jinchūriki
Sora, an anime-only character from Naruto Shippuden, is a pseudo-Jinchūriki artificially infused with some of Kurama’s chakra. Unlike Naruto and Kushina, who rely on a more traditional sealing method, Sora’s link to Kurama came through experimentation. His story arc primarily shows that a human can host part of a Bijuu even if they aren’t the official Jinchūriki.
The Death of Kurama
In Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, it appears that Kurama—the nine-tailed fox—dies after burning through his energy in the Baryon Mode. This move rapidly depletes Kurama’s chakra, leading to his “disappearance” once his chakra is fully drained. In Boruto’s latest arc, Himawari Uzumaki seems to share some connection with Kurama, previously sealed in her father, Naruto. After Kurama’s “death,” there are hints that Himawari may have inherited or absorbed part of Kurama’s chakra.
However, it’s crucial to note that in the Naruto universe, Bijuu—Kurama included—don’t truly die. As living masses of chakra, they don’t experience death in the same way as mortal beings. They can be extracted, reincarnated, or their chakra relocated. Kurama’s “death” is more of a sacrifice of his current existence, not an absolute end.
