As two of the most popular titles for martial arts manga and anime fans,NarutoandThe God of High Schoolhave a lot in common. Outside the action, fighting, and combat techniques, one of the most interesting similarities between the titles is the inclusion of the nine-tailed fox. However, while the fox has historically been depicted as a troublemaker in theNaruto-Verse, it has a much more positive and wholesome vibe inThe God of High School.
Originally, the nine-tailed fox appeared in Chinese folklore as Jiuweihu (九尾狐). The depiction of the shape-shifting “nine-tails” in those early references casts it as neither benevolent nor malevolent. Instead, it was largely described as being mainly concerned with its own interests. Accordingly, if the fulfillment of its interests requires it to act positively, it will. On the other hand, it wasn’t opposed to “doing evil” if the situation called for it.
As a result of the cultural links between China, Japan, and Korea,the “nine-tails” also seeped into Japaneseand Korean culture, respectively. Just as in China, the nine-tails is a more selfish, rather than a purely evil entity that can - depending on the circumstances - be a blessing or curse to the humans who come across its path.
The God Of High School’s Nine Tails Is The Fox Who Dreamed Big
Without forgetting the traditional dichotomy of the nine-tails persona,Naruto’sKurama generally leans into its “dark side”. This is most obviously illustrated in the history of death, destruction, hatred, and chaos it has caused over the years. It is only after decades of “living with"Naruto as a jinchuriki, that Kurama seems to display a modicum of benevolence. But even then, its first instinct is not an open-minded effort to protect the masses. Instead, it has a more “personal” interest in protecting and helping Naruto - the person it has grown to admire.
An early version of Kurama was actually Naruto’s dadin the series' prototype.
Conversely, inThe God of High School, the “Nine Tails Guardian” or, as he is also known in the story -Kumiho, is the purest version of the tailed entity. It is the epitome of loyalty, perseverance, courage, and searing righteousness. While it is a god now, that was not always the case. As in the original Chinese mythology, the Nine-Tails Guardian began as a supernatural being - or one of those who lived inThe God of High School’s Sage Realm.
Kumiho is the same name used for the nine-tailed fox in Korean mythology.
However, unsatisfied with its life as a demon, it trained for a millennium to ultimately become a god. However, once granted the near-impossible achievement of godhood, Kumiho wasn’t simply accepted as a peer. Instead, he was elevated to the position of personal bodyguard of the Jade Emperor - the undisputed king of the Gods and one of the most powerful beings among gods, demons, and humans. In that position, Kumiho was a top-tier presence in all three realms that make upThe God of High Schooluniverse. The end result is thatKumiho could easily rank among the best anime fox spirits.
In The God Of High School, Nine-Tails Played A Different Role
A Protector Who The Gods Turned Against
Kumiho’s self-interest fueled its rise from demon to god. Moreover, once its godhood was obtained and its position by the Jade Emperor’s side was secured, it put its immense powers and ability to use as a protector and peacekeeper. That is until he was betrayed. The gods and especially his boss - the Jade Emperor - began to fear Kumiho. As they saw it, if a demon could become a god, nothing would stop it from becoming the most powerful god. As a result, they turned on him. Escaping to the human realm, he hid for centuries until he found the right vessel to possess.
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Like inNaruto, the vessel turned out to be Park Il Pyo - a young boy of exceptional talent and morality. But whereas Kurama and Naruto had a tumultuous relationship for the longest time, Kumiho and Park had a wholesome relationship from the start. As a result, Park was quickly able to master the powers that Kumiho allowed him to access. In turn, this helped Park become one of the best fighters in Korea.
While bothNaruto’s Kurama andThe God Of High School’s Kumiho are, in essence, the same being, it is Kumiho who conforms to the more positive version of the original Chinese Jiuweihu tailed beast. As such, he is celebrated as a hero rather than reviled as a demon. It’s a subtle distinction that marks at least one difference among the numerous similarities betweenNarutoandThe God of High School.
The God of High School
The God of High School is an anime series adapted from the webtoon of the same name by Yongje Park. The show follows high school student Jin Mori and his friends as they compete in an intense martial arts tournament. Each participant wields unique powers, battling for the ultimate prize while uncovering secrets about their own pasts and the tournament’s true purpose. The series blends action-packed battles with elements of mythology and supernatural.
