Latest news with #Naruto
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
The real myth behind Naruto's Kurama: How japanese folklore inspired the Nine-Tailed fox
If you've ever watched Naruto, then you've most certainly come across the beastly nine-tailed fox named Kurama. Did you know that this fearsome beast wasn't purely a product of the television show? Kurama isn't just an artistic creation — he's inspired by the real Japanese mythological elementals. In Naruto, Kurama is a giant fox spirit sealed within the titular character Naruto Uzumaki, granting him immense strength but at a cost. Here's a look at the actual legend that inspired this iconic anime fox, and how it influenced Naruto's story arc. Who is Kurama in Naruto? Kurama, like a lot of the other nine tailed beasts, is a jerkwad in the beginning. These beings are pure chakra (energy) that were designed to maintain balance in the world. Naruto is made the 'Jinchuriki,' or human host, of Kurama once the beast is sealed inside him as a baby. This bestows upon him tremendous powers, but makes him feared and envied by everyone around him. During all those years Naruto is treated like a threat by the villagers, again due to the presence of Kurama. Through the course of Naruto, Naruto's main character arc is coming to an accord with the Nine-Tails, you know, coming to terms with it and ultimately being able to control it. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo In doing so, he even comes to gain Kurama's respect and find a deep connection with the beast, allowing him to become one of the world's most powerful ninjas. The japanese legend behind Kurama In Japanese folklore, foxes—or 'kitsune'—are illustrious magic beings that are cunning and wield a kind of positive power. According to other tales they can transform into alluring maidens or other people to deceive unsuspecting humans. Still others claim they can serve as protectors or messengers of the gods. Kurama's design and abilities in Naruto are obviously influenced by these legendary foxes. The concept that Kurama's chakra could cause Naruto to lose control is based on the myth that kitsune would bring disease or disorder if offended. The connection between Kurama and Mount Kurama Kurama is the name of this magical-looking, real-life mountain outside of Kyoto, Japan. Sojobo, the king of the Tengu (long-nosed goblin gods), is said to reside on Mount Kurama alongside other powerful spirits. It's home to more than just the healing energy of nature, it's where the healing art of Reiki was discovered. That healing connection is echoed in Naruto, where Kurama's chakra has the potential to heal or even revive others in battle, which is depicted through healing jutsu in the series. Kurama's global cousins: Gumiho and Huli Jing The concept of a nine-tailed magical fox isn't unique to Japan. In Korean folklore, there's a similar creature called 'Gumiho,' and in Chinese legends, there's the 'Huli Jing.' In these alternate versions, the protagonists are often more menacing or malevolent. To take one modern example, the Gumiho is a common villain in Korean dramas. In Naruto, Kurama is introduced as a terrifying, rampaging beast. Yet as the film unfolds, he reveals an almost contradictory, tempered, gentle aspect to his character, similar to the morally ambiguous Japanese kitsune. This change in personality is perhaps the most socially conscious and relatable reason fans adore his character. Naruto's whisker marks and Kurama's influence Ever asked yourself why Naruto has these whisker-esque features on his face? It's easy to dismiss this as a design decision alone though. These marks were a result of Naruto being exposed to Kurama's chakra even before he was born. His mother, Kushina, was Kurama's former host, and this initial contact made an impression on Naruto—quite literally. Even more interestingly, this design choice isn't limited to Naruto himself. Every other Jinchuriki has elements that represent their tailed beast. Gaara, for instance, has a very distinct feature of racoon-like eye shadows, which is a consequence of his relationship with Shukaku, the One-Tail. Kurama's rivalries: Kitsune vs Tanuki In Japanese folklore, the fox (kitsune) and raccoon dog (tanuki) are frequently portrayed as rivals. This classic rivalry is seen in early Naruto with Kurama and Shukaku, and their Jinchuriki hosts, Naruto and Gaara. Both begin as antagonists and rivals, but become friends and allies later on in the story, which not only connects to the myth, but serves as an excellent character development arc. Naruto's original fox form Before Naruto was the series we all think of today, creator Masashi Kishimoto had produced a one-shot pilot chapter where Naruto wasn't a ninja—but rather a fox spirit in human form. While this early design direction was eventually abandoned, many of these initial concepts carried over into the final look making his whisker marks and relationship with the Nine-Tails still part of Naruto today. Why Kurama matters so much in Naruto's story Kurama might be a source of incredible potency and a great driving force in Naruto's character design. He embodies Naruto's greatest personal hurdle. Learning how to harness the power of the Nine-Tails was an integral step in his development into a true hero. By accepting Kurama for who he is, Naruto becomes a stronger person. More powerful, sure, but more compassionate. Kurama is anime's most famous fox for a reason Kurama is not just a fierce anime beast. He's the bridge between contemporary interpretation and ancestral Japanese mythological stories. By mixing rich mythology with emotional character work, Naruto transformed a fearsome nine-tailed fox straight from Japanese folklore into one of the best known characters in the world. Whether you're a long-time keeper of the Spirit World as a fan or only just now realizing what you've been missing with the show, understanding Kurama's roots definitely adds a whole new level to his character's beautiful story. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Naruto and Hinata's love story explained: How the red thread of fate made them destined to be together'
The hit anime Naruto is famous for its epic fight scenes, tear-jerking plots, and rich character development. One thing that never fails to start a debate amongst fans is Naruto's romance—namely, his coupling with Hinata Hyuga. Where some viewers found it shocking that Naruto wouldn't marry Sakura, many others interpreted his connection to Hinata as destiny's hand. If you ever wanted to know why Naruto and Hinata deservedly ended up together, there's a hugely important cultural reason—and its roots lie in the Red Thread of Fate, an East Asian romantic legend. What is the red thread of fate? The Red Thread of Fate (also known as the Red String of Destiny) is a familiar East Asian myth. According to the myth, two people who are destined to be soulmates are tied together with an invisible red string, usually drawn from a man's thumb to a woman's pinky. Though distance and time may keep them separated, they will always meet again. This myth can be found in just about every anime and drama that touches on the subject, from Your Name, to Tomorrow, to The Last: Naruto the Movie. In Naruto's case, the red thread is represented by something that long-time anime and manga fans will know a lot about—a red scarf. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The red scarf is more than just a gift In The Last: Naruto the Movie, Hinata knits a new red scarf as a stand-in for Naruto's old one, which he gave away as a child. This handmade scarf is much more than a thoughtful gift. It starts to serve as a harbinger of their fate. In the final minutes of the film, once Naruto figures out what Hinata has been trying to say and matches her feelings by shouting them back, the tears wetting her cheeks dissolve into the outline of the red scarf, a symbol of the red thread bonding them across time and space. It demonstrates that her love and tenderness have penetrated his heart, fulfilling the bond they were forever destined to connect. Naruto switching to a green scarf had a deeper meaning Even some of our most devoted fans couldn't wrap their heads around the fact that Naruto would swap out his beloved red scarf for a green one for the course of the film, let alone that Hinata would be so affected by it. Her reaction wasn't simply envy—it was emblematic. Within the context of the red thread legend, changing scarves would be similar to cutting the red string, or breaking one's fate. For Hinata, the red scarf was their connection. So watching Naruto put on another one may have seemed like he was severing that unique bond. Love at first sight? There are plenty of viewers who will find Hinata and Naruto's romance unrealistic, given that Hinata hardly spoke to Naruto in the show's first few episodes. Japanese culture has a word for that, too: 'Koi no Yokan,' or the premonition of love. It's not the feeling of being in love at first sight—it's more the feeling of someone being very important to you someday. Hinata might have even had an inkling that Naruto was the one she was destined to love, even before they became friends. This parallels the red thread origin story in which initially only one of the connected parties may recognize the bond. Naruto and Hinata's love story was built over time Though it wasn't love at first sight for Naruto, their romance was allowed to grow organically. Since childhood, Hinata looked up to Naruto's resolve, compassion, and perseverance embodying his never give up spirit. To Naruto, who had once felt like he was the most unloved and misunderstood child, it was a reminder that Hinata always loved him, always stood up for him, even when nobody else would. Only by the events of The Last: Naruto the Movie, more than a decade later, does Naruto realize just how profound Hinata's love was and start to reciprocate it. Their kiss under the moonlight wasn't just a romantic moment. It was destiny fulfilled. A love written in the stars Naruto and Hinata's romance came as a shock and disappointment to a lot of fans. If you consider the meaning of the red thread of fate, it works perfectly. Their connection went beyond the emotional—it was spiritual and cultural, forged by an East Asian embedded belief that has coursed through legends for hundreds of years. So, no matter whether you're a diehard anime lover or a newcomer to the franchise, rest assured in knowing that Naruto and Hinata were destined to be together. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Street Fighter skins likely returning to Fortnite after 3 years
Image via Epic Games Fortnite players have reason to rejoice as one of the battle royale's most iconic collaborations may be making a comeback. According to well-known Fortnite leakers, the Street Fighter skins - last seen nearly three years ago, are likely returning to the game's Item Shop soon. And leading the excitement is none other than Chun-Li. Updated assets for Street Fighter characters like Ryu, Cammy, Guile, and Chun-Li were reportedly spotted in the recent Fortnite v35.20 update. This move strongly suggests that Epic Games is preparing for their re-release, though no official announcement has been made yet. The news has sent shockwaves across the community, where Chun-Li holds near-legendary status - not just as a tribute to Capcom's iconic fighting series but also due to the character's popularity among players who enjoy pairing her with in-game emotes. Fans divided over Chun-Li's return Though several Street Fighter characters have appeared in Fortnite, it's Chun-Li who dominates fan conversations. Since her original debut in the game, the skin has gained a near-mythical reputation, often praised for its design, animation compatibility, and rarity. Chun-Li's absence for nearly three years turned her into one of the most elusive cosmetics in Fortnite. With Chapter 6 Season 3 scheduled to launch on June 7, many fans believe her return could coincide with the new seasonal update. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Todos os idosos deveriam ter um desse no banheiro! Veja só! Evite quedas e escorregões Saiba Mais Undo Reactions to the leaks have been mixed - some excited, others skeptical. One user humorously declared, 'FINALLY. I CAN REST,' while another commented on Ken's outdated graphics: 'Ken's hair still looking like it was rendered in 2004 and I love it.' Others expressed disappointment, hoping for different collaborations. 'Give us Naruto instead,' one fan tweeted in response to the leak. Nonetheless, the buzz surrounding Chun-Li's possible return continues to grow, with many already preparing their V-Bucks. Chun-Li's return might just be the beginning. The leaks also point to the comeback of several other rare skins including Ferrari, Gamora, Star-Lord, and Rick and Morty. The Ferrari skins, for instance, haven't been seen for over 1,300 days, making them even rarer than Chun-Li's outfit. These asset updates suggest Epic Games is planning a broader wave of legacy skin revivals. However, players are advised to take the news with a pinch of salt until official confirmation is provided by the developers. With Season 3 fast approaching and excitement peaking, players are urged to keep an eye on the Item Shop and their V-Bucks stocked. If the leaks are accurate, Chun-Li and her fellow fighters could be landing in Fortnite very soon - turning the battlefield into a pixelated arcade all over again.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Naruto, One Piece, Demon Slayer fans — watch out for ‘exclusive episodes' and leaked scenes. Here's why
If you're a fan of anime classics like Naruto , One Piece , Demon Slayer , Attack on Titan , or Jujutsu Kaisen , here's an important warning: beware of any links offering exclusive episodes, leaked scenes, or premium access. They could be traps set by cybercriminals. According to cybersecurity firm Kaspersky, over 251,000 attempts were made to deliver malware or unwanted files disguised as content from these popular anime titles. These scams often exploit Gen Z's strong connection to anime by using clickbait to lure unsuspecting users. Among the top targets: Naruto topped the list with 114,216 attack attempts — proving its enduring popularity despite airing over 20 years ago. Demon Slayer followed with 44,200 attempts, fueled by its recent global success. Live Events Attack on Titan ranked third with 39,433 malicious activity detections. But it's not just anime. Kaspersky also tracked malware campaigns using the names of hit Gen Z favorites like Shrek, Stranger Things, Twilight, Inside Out 2, and Deadpool & Wolverine. These titles alone were linked to over 43,000 attack attempts in early 2025 — with Shrek surprisingly leading the way, spiking to more than double its 2024 monthly average in March. Cybercriminals are also targeting streaming platform names. Kaspersky detected over 96,000 attempts involving fake branding of services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video , Disney+, Apple TV+, and HBO Max . Netflix was most exploited, with 85,679 attack attempts and over 2.8 million phishing pages mimicking its look. 'From beloved anime like Naruto to blockbusters like Inside Out 2, scammers are exploiting Gen Z's passion for digital content,' said Vasily Kolesnikov, a security expert at Kaspersky. 'As these threats grow, it's critical for young users to stay alert and learn how to protect themselves online.' Bottom line: If a link promises free access to unreleased content — think twice. It could cost more than you expect. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer, and more anime targeted by cybercriminals: Kaspersky report
Anime fans may be under serious threat. A new report by Kaspersky has found out over 2,50,000 potential cyber attacks disguised as popular anime on streaming platforms. These shows, which are hugely popular among younger audiences, have a massive fan base. In order to spread awareness about the cyber risks of streaming content online, the popular anti-virus provider has launched Case 404, an interactive cybersecurity game. Streaming has become a way of life for most members of Generation Z as it instantly helps in forging a connection with characters, worlds, fandoms which go on to define their identity. According to a CBR report, over 65 per cent of Gen Z watch anime regularly. For the latest study, experts and Kaspersky's selected five anime titles that are popular among Gen Z – Demon Slayer, Attack On Titan, Naruto, One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, etc. The experts found 2,51, 931 attempts to deliver malware or unwanted files disguised under names of these anime titles. According to the report, cybercriminals were tapping into the trust Gen Z has for these series. They often use bait like 'exclusive episode', 'leaked scenes', or 'premium access.' When it comes to titles, Naruto had the most with 1,14, 216 attempted attacks. Demon Slayer followed with 44,200 attack attempts, and at the third spot is Attack on Titan with 39, 433 detected attempts to distribute malicious content. Apart from anime, Kaspersky also analysed five films and series that continue to resonate with Gen Z: Shrek, Stranger Things, Twilight, Inside Out 2, and Deadpool & Wolverine. These shows accounted for 43,302 attack attempts with a pronounced spike in attention to these titles from cybercriminals at the beginning of 2025. All of these are primarily related to the rise of attack on Shrek with over 36,000 attempts in all and a steep rise in March 2025. While OTT platforms have reshaped the anime watching experience, this has also created a fertile ground for cybercriminals. Kaspersky detected 96,288 attempts to distribute malicious or unwanted files disguised as the names of these major streaming platforms. According to the report, among streaming services, Netflix stood out with 85,679 attack attempts related to over 2.8 million phishing pages imitating its branding. Cybercriminals take advantage of the constant traffic, frequent subscription-based activity, and global reach. Experts said that scammers mimicked login pages, shared free trial links or spoof password reset emails. Kaspersky's game, Case 404, invites players to become cyber-detectives and solve immersive cybercrime cases. With this game, Kaspersky aims to empower Gen Z to develop their mindset and skillset to stay safe in an increasingly vulnerable online world. 'As the world of entertainment continues to evolve, so do the tactics used by cybercriminals to exploit popular content, whether through fake downloads or fraudulent merchandise offers. From beloved anime like Naruto and Demon Slayer to the latest blockbusters like Inside Out 2, scammers have found new ways to take advantage of Gen Z's affinity for digital culture and streaming platforms. With the rise of these cyberthreats, it's more important than ever for young users to stay vigilant and understand how to protect themselves online,' said Vasily Kolesnikov, security expert at Kaspersky. To safeguard one online while streaming content, Kaspersky recommends the following steps: 📌Use a legitimate, paid subscription when accessing streaming services and ensure you're using apps from official marketplaces or the official websites. 📌Verify the authenticity of websites before entering any personal information. 📌Stick to trusted, official pages when watching or downloading content and double-check URLs and company name spellings to avoid phishing sites. 📌Be cautious about the file extensions you're downloading. Video files should not have .exe or .msi extensions, these are usually associated with harmful programs. 📌Use a reliable security solution to detect malicious attachments that could compromise your data 📌Ensure secure browsing and safe messaging with reliable VPN, protecting your IP address and preventing data leaks.
