Nine-Tails

Biodata

Background / History

Kurama lived in secluded mountains and forests to avoid humans, who repeatedly tracked it down. It had once spent decades sealed inside an Uzumaki expert and vowed never to be sealed again 29.

When Senju ninja attempted to capture it, Kurama devastated their forces with Tailed Beast Bombs. Senju Hashirama later restrained it with Wood Release while he and Uchiha Madara fought over who would take it 29 30. Uchiha Yang approached the bound beast and used his Mangekyou Sharingan to enter its mental space. Kurama was startled that Yang knew its name—something it believed only the other Tailed Beasts knew 31.

Yang released his genjutsu rather than keep Kurama under forced control and had the Wood Release vines cut away. After Yang promised that following him would not cost Kurama its freedom, Kurama agreed. It shrank to the size of an ordinary fox and settled on Yang's shoulder 32.

Appearance

Kurama is a fox-like beast with nine tails. It can take on a massive form or shrink to the size of an ordinary fox 28 32 35.

• Nine tails — powerful enough to shake the ground when Kurama lashes them about 32.
• Sharp claws — used against attackers even while the rest of its body was pinned down 31.
• Fur — Yang often strokes it; Kurama appears to enjoy the attention 32.

Personality

Kurama distrusts humans because of their attempts to capture and seal it. Freedom matters more to it than winning a fight, and it initially reacts angrily to Yang calling it “Little Nine-Tails” 29 30 31.

Being addressed by name, released from genjutsu, and promised freedom gradually earns Yang its trust. Kurama remains proud of its destructive power, but shows a gentler side around Yang and Xia Lian: it accepts cookies from Xia Lian and appears pleased when Yang says he has no interest in the other Tailed Beasts 32 33 34 36.

Abilities & Skills

Tailed Beast Bomb

Kurama can launch a single destructive Tailed Beast Bomb or fire multiple smaller bombs in a barrage 29 30 36.

• Its first large blast kills Senju ninja who fail to escape 29.
• Smaller bombs shatter a perimeter of Rashomon gates 29.
• Its Tailed Beast Bomb: Dancing Storm sends bombs along erratic paths amid violent winds. Sustained bombardment destroys the elite ninja accompanying Senju Tobirama 36.

Chakra and Physical Power

• Kurama is described as having infinite chakra, enabling it to sustain a bombardment that its opponents cannot withstand 32 36.
• Its claws, tails, and roar can strike enemies or shake the surrounding ground 28 29 32 35.
• It detects a concealed ninja by scent and warns Yang before Tobirama's group emerges 35.

Vulnerabilities

• Kurama fears sealing techniques because of its earlier imprisonment 29.
• Hashirama's Wood Release restrains it, and a Senju Mud Swamp Trap holds it in place without seriously injuring it 29 30.
• Yang's Mangekyou Sharingan stops its claw and places it under genjutsu; an Eight Trigrams Sealing Scroll later suppresses its chakra until Yang breaks the technique 31 32 36.

Relationships

• Uchiha Yang — companion whom Kurama chooses to follow after Yang calls it by name, frees it, and promises not to restrict its freedom 31 32. Kurama later protects him during Tobirama's ambush 35 36.
• Xia Lian — Yang's maid; she offers Kurama cookies, which it accepts 33.
• Senju Hashirama — captures Kurama with Wood Release, then allows it to remain with Yang 30 32.
• Senju Tobirama and Uzumaki Changfeng — attempt to seal Kurama during an ambush on Yang; Kurama's counterattack forces them to flee 35 36 37.

Notable Quotes

“If I follow you, will my freedom be restricted?” 32

“Fine, I will follow you.” 32