Boruto: Is Kurama Dead?

Kurama activating Baryon Mode as seen in the Boruto anime
Kurama activating Baryon Mode as seen in the Boruto anime (Image credit: Studio Pierrot)

The Nine-Tails, Kurama, is one of the most critical characters in Naruto and Boruto, playing a crucial role in Naruto Uzumaki’s rise to Hokage. Though initially seen as a curse by the young boy and blamed for his parents’ deaths, Naruto and Kurama soon came to understand each other. They formed a formidable pair, saving the world from Kaguya Otsutsuki.

The duo continues their relationship in the sequel series as well. However, given the monumental rise in stakes and recent developments, fans are understandably worried that Kurama may be dead. As for the answer to this question, Kurama is not dead in Boruto, but he is currently in a different form from what fans are accustomed to.

To explore Kurama’s complex fate, it is important to know the events leading up to it. Boruto’s primary antagonists, the Otsutsuki Clan, aim to cultivate the God Tree. To achieve this, the leader of the villains, Isshiki Otsutsuki, wished to reimprint Kawaki with the Karma seal, making the boy his vessel.

Kurama, as seen in the Two Blue Vortex manga (Image credit: Shueisha)
Kurama, as seen in the Two Blue Vortex manga (Image credit: Shueisha)

Additionally, Isshiki also desired Boruto Uzumaki’s body for creating the God Tree since he possessed Momoshiki Otsutsuki. The celestial being had attempted an attack earlier in the series and delivered a brutal beating to both Naruto and Sasuke. Wishing to complete the job and more desperate to possess Kawaki since he lost Jigen’s body, Isshiki brought the fight to Konoha.

Since it would be a near-impossible battle without a trump card, Kurama presented Naruto with a choice. This involved draining both their chakras till they died, drastically increasing the Hokage’s powers. Naruto, willing to lay down his life to protect his loved ones, agreed. This resulted in the iconic confrontation between Baryon Mode Naruto and Isshiki Otsutsuki, where the former overpowered his opponent.

Following Isshiki’s defeat, Naruto was prepared to die along with his tailed beast friend who had accompanied him ever since he was a child. At this point, Kurama revealed his lie. He expressed how Baryon Mode would only kill him and not Naruto. Through a clever play of words, he had tricked the Hokage into believing both of them would die. Through his final act of compassion, Kurama passed away, leaving Naruto heartbroken.

As this was the last instance where anime-only fans saw Kurama, they may still believe he is dead. However, everyone’s favorite tailed beast has returned to the series in the Boruto sequel, Two Blue Vortex.


Kurama’s Return in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex

Two Blue Vortex introduces the most powerful villains in the entire Naruto universe, the Human God Trees. When their leader Jura was tracking down Naruto Uzumaki, he was led to Naruto’s daughter, Himawari. Though initially confused, the truth was revealed soon.

When Himawari was escaping from Jura, she was taken to her mental realm and met a small fox. This was Kurama, albeit much tinier and less intimidating than Naruto’s version. The Nine-Tails explained how death was never permanent for a tailed beast and that they could be reborn at any time inside a host.

Himawari using Kurama's powers, as seen in the Two Blue Vortex manga (Image credit: Shueisha)
Himawari using Kurama's powers, as seen in the Two Blue Vortex manga (Image credit: Shueisha)

Coincidentally, Kurama was reborn inside Himawari after the time skip. He deduced that Naruto’s daughter was chosen due to her Uzumaki and Hyuga blood. She also had traces of the former Kurama’s chakra, inherited through her father. The fox further explained that Himawari was more compatible with his power than any other Jinchuriki, including Naruto.

This was soon proven as Himawari demonstrated superior healing abilities and launched a destructive attack on Jura. Her prowess forced the Human God Tree to take the battle more seriously.


Kurama is not dead in Boruto, and his new host is Naruto’s daughter, Himawari. Although the new Kurama appears to retain memories of his past self, his personality is more serious, suggesting he is distinctive from the beast who shared a lifetime of adventures with Naruto. Nevertheless, with his return, fans can look forward to a more prominent role for Himawari in the series.

Edited by Sohini Biswas