The Nine-Tailed Fox Returns
The Nine-Tailed Fox has unexpectedly returned to the ninja world at a key time. The beloved Kurama is now inside Naruto’s daughter, Himawari, a character loved by fans. Kurama’s essence resides within her.
But Didn’t Kurama Die?
In Chapter 55 of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, titled “Legacy”, Kurama confessed to Naruto that using Baryon Mode had cost him his chakra and his life. However, this new Kurama differs from the one we knew. While Kurama’s chakra left Naruto, it persists in the world. The new Kurama mentions that a Bijuu can’t truly die; even if their chakra fades, it will regenerate, similar to a seed sprouting. Therefore, the Nine-Tails’ essence has reappeared in Himawari. This rebirth makes Kurama’s previous death more poignant, as he likely knew he would be replaced by a new Kurama with similar powers but without memories of his past. The Kurama we knew is gone.
Why Did Kurama Grow Inside Himawari?
Kurama could have returned anywhere, but several reasons may explain his choice of Himawari. She is the daughter of a former host of the Nine-Tails, meaning she has the Nine-Tails’ chakra in her DNA. This makes her a natural vessel for Kurama.
Furthermore, Himawari’s parents belong to both the Uzumaki and Hyuga clans. The Uzumakis are linked to Hagoromo, while the Hyugas are descendants of Hamura—both sons of Kaguya, the first Jinchuriki. This heritage suggests it is almost destined for Himawari to inherit Kurama, as her ancestor Hagoromo was responsible for separating the Nine-Tails from the Ten-Tails.
Lastly, Kurama was closely attached to Naruto, and Himawari shares many traits with her father as a child. This could explain why Kurama’s soul felt drawn to her as a new host.
Why Didn’t Boruto Become the New Host?
Boruto, being the older child and also descended from Hagoromo and Hamura, was another potential candidate. However, after receiving Karma from Momoshiki, Boruto’s body began to change. His physical form increasingly resembles that of Momoshiki’s, which makes him less compatible as a Jinchuriki of the Nine Tails. Additionally, Momoshiki’s soul is already inside Boruto, leaving no room for another powerful spirit like Kurama to coexist.
Why Himawari Is Better at Using the Nine-Tails’ Powers?
Naruto struggled for years to control Kurama’s power due to the fox’s resentment toward humans who only sought to exploit him. This hostility initially made it difficult for Naruto and Kurama to bond.
However, the new Kurama inside Himawari has been reborn in a kinder environment, with no bitter history of being used by others. As a result, this Kurama was more willing to share his chakra from the start.
Himawari, on her part, not only handled this enormous power but effectively used it in her first battle. The new Kurama even remarks that she has a greater affinity for his chakra than Naruto did, likely because she inherits the traits of previous Jinchuriki from her Uzumaki lineage. The knowledge of using Kurama’s power may have passed down from her father and grandmother, making her highly capable of wielding the Nine-Tails’ abilities, from healing to using Tailed Beast Bombs.