What Episode Does Naruto Become Friends With The Nine-tailed

Okay, let's talk about something kinda… tricky. When did Naruto and the Nine-Tailed Fox really become friends? It's a debate almost as heated as a bowl of Ichiraku ramen!

Many people point to the Fourth Shinobi World War. You know, the big one with all the zombies and Madara. But I'm not so sure.

The Official Answer? Probably Not

Officially, yeah, the war arc seems to be the moment. They combine their chakra. They fight together against Obito and Madara. Textbook friendship material, right?

They even call each other by name! Naruto acknowledges Kurama (that's the Nine-Tailed Fox's name, FYI). Kurama stops being such a grump. Case closed?

Nope! I'm here to stir the pot (gently!). I have a, shall we say, spicier take.

My Unpopular Opinion: It Was Way Earlier

I think the seeds of their friendship were planted way before all that epic battlefield stuff. Maybe even when we didn't realize it.

Let's rewind a bit. Remember the Pain arc? Specifically, Naruto going berserk after Hinata got smacked down?

He's about to unleash the full power of the Nine-Tailed Fox. He's losing control, things are getting dicey.

A Glimmer of Something More

Then, Naruto’s dad, Minato, shows up (plot twist!). He helps Naruto regain control and re-seals Kurama.

But before that, think about what happened inside Naruto’s mind. He was talking to the fox! They were negotiating, even if it was yelling.

And, arguably more important, think what Kurama was doing during the Pain fight. Kurama allowed Naruto to tap into his power. He didn't force it.

That's not just some random power-up. That's a sign of, at the very least, grudging respect, right?

But Wait, There's More Evidence!

Consider this: after the Pain fight, Naruto starts trying to understand Kurama. He's not just seeing him as a monster anymore.

He's actively trying to figure out the fox's motivations, his history. That's a pretty good definition of "trying to be friends," if you ask me.

Even during the Island Turtle Training Arc, Naruto has to fight Kurama to try to harness his power. That is another moment of understanding.

Friendship Isn't an Instant Ramen

Friendships don't just magically appear after one big battle (though teamwork helps). It's a gradual process. It's built on small moments of trust and understanding.

It's a bunch of failed high-fives, shared meals (even if one party is forced to eat inside Naruto's stomach!), and maybe a near-death experience or two.

So, while the war arc might be when they officially "became friends," I think their bond started much earlier. Perhaps when they were both at their lowest.

The Verdict?

My verdict? The Pain arc and its immediate aftermath were the turning point. Before the war, they planted the seeds, though they would not flower until later.

It's not about one dramatic moment. It's about the subtle shift in their relationship. From prisoner and jailer to something…more.

Agree? Disagree? Let me know! And maybe we can all grab some ramen and debate it further!