Highlights

  • Kurama sacrificed himself in Boruto, weakening Naruto and leaving fans dismayed with the change in the series.
  • Kurama returns in Himawari, sparking excitement and questions about the fate of the Tailed Beast.
  • Boruto continues to keep fans engaged with the evolving story, leaving them eagerly anticipating future developments.

Boruto has been a journey full of ups and downs for the fans, and while it has certainly dazzled in some aspects, at the same time, it has also been underwhelming in many other ways. One very big criticism from the fans when it comes to the Boruto series has been pertaining to the handling of some characters of the past who had already built a great legacy for themselves.

The likes of Naruto Uzumaki fall in this category, and fans know that he suffered a terrible fate in the Boruto series, and his Tailed Beast was stripped from him. Now, however, things are looking very different in the story, as the Tailed Beast, Kurama, is all set for a return, which is something that many fans had predicted would happen at some point later down the line.

Kurama's Role In Naruto And Boruto

Kurama Aided Naruto Uzumaki Greatly In Battle

Kurama was destined for a massive role in the Naruto series right from the beginning. He was the Tailed Beast sealed inside Naruto Uzumaki moments after being born, and he ended up playing the role of a huge detractor in Naruto's life. Kurama held back Naruto greatly at the beginning, causing him to slowly be consumed by things such as hatred, and of course, making him harm his loved ones at times as well. However, Naruto's never-say-die attitude, and at the same time, a very kind heart, saw to it that he conquered the hate inside of Kurama as well, and in the Fourth Great Ninja War, these two finally forged a very strong bond with each other, turning into best friends.

Together, Naruto and Kurama changed the world for good. Naruto was able to restore peace to the world, becoming the Child of Prophecy in the process. Naruto was able to defeat the likes of Obito, fight back against Madara, and seal even Kaguya, thanks to Kurama. In his fight against Sasuke, he was able to hold his own, and eventually win. All this was made possible because of the strong bond between these two characters.

In the Boruto series, Kurama's role was just as important as ever. He was always by Naruto's side, and together, these two were able to fight back against monstrously powerful individuals, such as Momoshiki, and later down the line, Isshiki. Their bond was taken to the next level when Naruto combined his powers with Kurama's to unlock Baryon Mode. As such, it was clear for the fans to see that the relationship between these two characters was as strong as ever, and that it would go on to strengthen even further, if given the opportunity.

Kurama's Death In Boruto

Kurama Ended Up Sacrificing Himself In Boruto

While Naruto and Kurama certainly did well for themselves even in the Boruto series, despite the writing being shoddy at times, they were not able to stay together for long. This is simply due to the fact that the authors had already decided to cut Naruto in Uzumaki from the big fights of the series, and they did so by nerfing him greatly.

Well, I guess this is it. I've got to go, but be careful. You ain't gonna have superhuman strength anymore. So if you overdo it, you'll end up joining me in no time.

The only way to nerf Naruto was to remove Kurama from the equation, and they did that in the most cruel way possible. Essentially, when Naruto tapped the power of Baryon Mode, Kurama died as a result. With Kurama dead, Naruto tremendously weakened. More importantly, fans had to say goodbye to a beloved character, who they had come to love for many years. Once again, fans did not like this change in the series, as another great character from the Naruto series had now been dealt a terrible fate.

images/news/2024/4/18/boruto-tbv-kurama-return-death-himawari-jinchuriki_1.jpg

Naruto Uzumaki did get the chance to fight a few battles even after losing Kurama later down the line. However, it was clear for the fans to see that he was, in no way, even remotely close to his former power level.

In fact, Naruto could even be called a liability in these fights, and that painted a clear picture of the fact that he was not the person that he used to be. As a result, Kawaki decided to seal Naruto and the dimension of Daikokuten, which is where he is currently. Meanwhile, Kurama was completely cut out, and fans did not get to see any further developments surrounding this character, that is, until now.

Kurama Returns As A Tailed Beast

Kurama Finally Returns Through Himawari In Boruto

Finally, at the beginning of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, fans have an update on Kurama's fate. This particular character was killed off in a very cruel manner in the first half of Boruto, but now, things are looking more hopeful for him. It was hinted at in the previous chapter that Kurama was alive, and this was down to the fact that both Jura and Hidari were able to trace his chakra back to him. By tracking down Kurama's chakra, they were hoping to get to Naruto Uzumaki, because he is the goal of Jura, and not only did he have some questions for him, but he also wants to consume him as that is what his instinct told him, now that has evolved beyond that being just a regular God Tree.

Which one is he? This is odd. What in the world is going on here?

Much to the surprise of the fans and the Shinju themselves, when they reached Konoha, Naruto Uzumaki was not there. The trace they were following eventually led them to none other than Himawari Uzumaki and this was quite strange. This was because they were absolutely certain that Naruto's chakra was the one that they were tracking down, and yet, the person in front of them was Himawari. In Boruto: Two Blue Vortex chapter 9, it was confirmed to the fans that Kurama had essentially returned. Inside of Himawari, a miniature version of Kurama was seen, and this baby appears to be reborn at some point.

Fans do not know how exactly Kurama has ended up inside of Himawari. For all fans know, it is simply the rebirth process of the Tailed Beasts that has been mentioned previously in the Naruto series as well. If that is not the case, then it is highly likely that Kurama left behind a piece of himself inside of Himawari, or Naruto simply passed down the chakra. Regardless, what fans know for sure is that a baby version of Kurama is inside of Himawari, and she's essentially a Jinchuriki now.

There are still many questions that remain, however. For one, fans do not know if this Kurama that is inside Himawari is the same one that ended up dying in the battle against Isshiki. It could easily be that this is still Nine Tails, but a completely different beast with no memories of what happened in the previous life. Or, it is possible that this Kurama knows everything that happened, and is now going to guide Himawari and be her source of power. Things are looking incredibly exciting from here on out, both for Kurama and For Himawari as well.

Boruto is available to read via Viz Media. The series can be read by the fans officially and for free on the Shonen Jump and the Manga Plus app. The release date for the next chapter of Boruto, Boruto: Two Blue Vortex chapter 9, is set to be April 18, 2024.