Naruto and Kurama (Nine-Tails Fox) officially become friends in Episode 329 of Naruto Shippuden during the Fourth Great Ninja War.
Their friendship begins when Kurama finally calls Naruto by his name instead of “brat” – a simple but powerful moment that changes everything.
But how did they get from bitter enemies to trusted friends? Let’s break down this incredible journey.
From Hatred to Partnership
The Nine-Tails was sealed inside baby Naruto by his father, the Fourth Hokage. For years, young Naruto had no idea why villagers hated him.
Their early relationship? Pure hostility.
When Naruto first used the fox’s chakra during his fight with Haku, it wasn’t friendship – it was desperation. The Nine-Tails was simply waiting for a chance to break free.
Each time Naruto drew on this power, he risked losing control. The fox wasn’t helping him; it was using him.
First Signs of Change
The Pain Arc brought the first major shift in their relationship.
When Hinata was struck down protecting Naruto, his emotional breakdown nearly released the Nine-Tails completely.
In this critical moment, Naruto met his father’s spirit, who revealed an important truth: he sealed the fox inside Naruto not just to contain it, but because he believed his son could master this power someday.
This gave Naruto a new perspective on his burden.
The Turning Point
The real breakthrough came during Naruto’s training on the Island Turtle with Killer B.
“I can see all your hatred. And I can feel your pain.”
This statement from Naruto to the Nine-Tails showed something new: empathy. For the first time, someone saw beyond the fox’s destructive power to the pain beneath.
The fox remained skeptical, but something had changed.
The Friendship Moment ✦
During the Fourth Great Ninja War (Episode 329/Chapter 570), everything changed with a simple exchange:
“Hey fox, you know what? You’re not all bad after all,” Naruto said during battle.
“Hmph. Don’t get sentimental on me now… Naruto,” replied the Nine-Tails – using Naruto’s actual name for the first time ever.
This moment marked the official beginning of their friendship. The fox finally revealed his true name: Kurama.
From enemies to allies to friends – the transformation was complete.
Why Their Friendship Matters
What made this partnership unique?
Unlike other jinchūriki (people with tailed beasts sealed inside them), Naruto never tried to control Kurama by force. Their power came from mutual respect and cooperation.
Their friendship demonstrated the core theme of the series: understanding can overcome hatred.
Key Friendship Milestones
- First chakra use – Land of Waves arc (unwilling, hostile)
- Pain attack – Nearly lost control, met his father
- Island training – Naruto acknowledges Kurama’s pain
- War begins – Working together reluctantly
- Name revelation – Kurama acknowledges Naruto (THE friendship moment)
- Full partnership – Fighting together as equals
The Impact
Their friendship transformed both characters:
For Naruto: Gaining Kurama’s friendship validated his belief that reaching out to others is always worth it.
For Kurama: After centuries of being used as a weapon, he finally found a human who saw him as an individual with feelings.
Together, they changed how the entire world viewed tailed beasts – not as monsters to be controlled, but as partners to be respected.
Beyond Friendship
Their bond continued to deepen throughout the war, becoming so synchronized they could enter new power forms together and eventually share chakra with the entire Allied Shinobi Forces.
What started as the story’s greatest burden became one of Naruto’s greatest strengths – not just in power, but in the emotional connection that defied centuries of hatred.
The Bottom Line: While they worked together before, Naruto and Kurama officially became friends in Episode 329 when Kurama finally called Naruto by name. This moment transformed their relationship from reluctant allies to true partners who trusted and respected each other.