Naruto: What Happens to the 9-Tailed Fox in Boruto? Is Kurama Dead?

In the first episode of Naruto, fans of the series would have never guessed he would become the hero that he did! The first time we saw him sitting on that swing, wishing he had friends, wishing someone acknowledged him, who would've known that he would one day change the world? By the end of Naruto: Shippuden, our titular Uzumaki had us all teary-eyed and proud of his achievements.

Over the fifteen years that the series aired, the number one most unpredictable ninja won our hearts and the hearts of every other character within the show. He came to gain the trust of characters like Nagato (Pain), Itachi, the five Kage, and most difficult of all, Kurama, the 9-tailed fox. Anyone who has watched the series cannot deny that one of Naruto's greatest achievements was befriending, what was known as, the 9-tailed demon fox.

Rumors of Kurama's death have been going around for a while now. However, over time, the Uzumaki not only managed to befriend Kurama but earn his respect as well. By the end of the series, the two forged a strong relationship, setting up great expectations for Boruto! Since many original series fans do not watch Boruto, they've often wondered what happened to Kurama? Read on to find out.

What Happens To Kurama in Boruto? Does Kurama Die?

The first question fans have concerning the rumor is, can a tailed beast like Kurama die? Unfortunately, the answer to that question is yes. Tailed beasts dying is a rare occurrence, but it does happen. Beasts like Kurama can die, though they do not pass from physical wounds or age. Instead, they die when they expend more chakra than they can recharge, and they have lots of it.

Now, to confirm Naruto fans' worst fear: Yes, Kurama does indeed die in Boruto. The 9-Tailed Fox Kurama dies in Episode 218 of Boruto, giving an emotional farewell to Naruto and fans of the series. During the fight with Isshiki Otsutsuki, Naruto uses something called Baryon Mode. The new mode gives Naruto the power to destroy Isshiki. However, unbeknownst to Naruto, the cost of using Baryon Mode was Kurama's life.

Instead of putting Naruto's life at risk, our 9-tailed hero uses all of his own energy to fuel Baryon Mode, costing him his own life. What's even worse is that Kurama doesn't tell Naruto any of this before the latter decides to use Baryon Mode. Instead, he warns Naruto that the power would put his own life in danger. Naruto decides to sacrifice himself to save everyone else and unwittingly uses the new power.

After the battle, Naruto talks to Kurama in his subconscious. Naruto believes he is dead, but Kurama interrupts him and says he only started the conversation to say goodbye. The Seventh Hokage then starts recounting his past and reminisces about how the two of them have been through so much together. Kurama and Naruto have a short conversation. The tailed beast explains that even though a Jinchuriki dies when someone extracts the beast from the host's body, the rules are different when its chakra vanishes.

He then tells Naruto that even though it seems to others that the latter is dead, he will wake up soon. A surprised Naruto wonders what his tailed companion is talking about, causing the latter to explain the cost of using Baryon Mode. Kurama then says that he deliberately hid the truth from Naruto because the latter would then hesitate to use the power. As the hero fox vanishes, he tells Naruto to be careful since he won't have superhuman powers anymore.

Naruto is heartbroken as Kurama disappears and calls out to him in agony. The scene is one of the most emotional and tragic events in the series, especially since Kurama has been Naruto's companion since he was born. Not only Naruto, but several fans of the original series were just as heartbroken when the 9-tailed fox, Kurama, bid his final goodbye.

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