As two of the most popular titles among martial arts manga and anime fans, Naruto And Lord of High School have a lot in common. Aside from the action, combat, and fighting techniques, one of the most interesting similarities between the titles is the appearance of the nine-tailed fox. However, while this fox is traditionally portrayed as a troublemaker in the Naruto-Verse, it has a much more positive and wholesome atmosphere in The God of High School.
The nine-tailed fox originally appeared in Chinese folklore as the Nine-Tailed Fox (九尾狐). The shape-shifting depiction of the “nine-tailed fox” in early references suggests that it is neither benevolent nor evil. Instead, it is primarily depicted as being concerned only with its own interests. Accordingly, if the fulfillment of its interests requires it to act positively, it will do so. On the other hand, it is not opposed to “doing evil” if the situation requires it.
Due to the cultural connections between China, Japan, and Korea, the “nine-tailed beast” has also permeated Japanese and Korean culture. As in China, the nine-tailed beast is a more selfish entity, rather than a purely malevolent one, and can – depending on the circumstances – be a blessing or a curse to the humans who cross its path.
The God of Nine Tails High School is a fox with big dreams.
Not forgetting the traditional dichotomy of the Nine-Tails’ personality, Naruto’s Kurama often leans towards its “dark side.” This is most clearly illustrated by the history of death, destruction, hatred, and chaos it has caused over the years. It was only after decades of “living together” with Naruto as a jinchuriki that Kurama seemed to show some compassion. But even then, its first instinct was not to openly try to protect the masses. Instead, it had a more “personal” interest in protecting and helping Naruto – someone it had come to admire.
On the contrary, in The God of High School, the “Kinetail Guardian” or as he is also known in the story – Kumiho, is the purest version of the tailed entity.. It is the embodiment of loyalty, perseverance, courage, and burning righteousness. Although it is now a deity, it was not always so. Like in the original Chinese mythology, the Nine-Tailed Guardian was originally a supernatural being – or one of the people who lived in the Sage Realm of the Divine High School.
Kumiho is the common name for the nine-tailed fox in Korean mythology.
However, not content with living a life as a demon, he trained for a millennium to eventually become a god. However, once he was granted the near-impossible feat of godhood, Kumiho was not simply accepted as an equal. 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 leading presence in all three realms that make up The God of High School universe. The end result is that Kumiho can easily rank among the best anime fox spirits.
In The God Of High School, the Nine-Tails plays a different role.
A Guardian Against the Gods
Kumiho's personal interests fueled his rise from demon to god. Furthermore, once he achieved divine status and his place beside the Jade Emperor was secured, he used his immense power and abilities to protect and preserve peace. Until he was betrayed. The gods, and especially his master – the Jade Emperor – began to fear Kumiho. As they saw it, if a demon could become a god, nothing could stop him from becoming the most powerful god. As a result, they turned against him. Escaping to the human realm, he hid for centuries until he found a suitable vessel to possess.
Like in Naruto, the ship turned out to be Park Il Pyo – a boy with exceptional talent and morality. But while Kurama and Naruto had a tumultuous relationship for the longest time, Kumiho and Park had a healthy relationship from the start. As a result, Park was quickly able to master the power that Kumiho gave him access to. In turn, this helped Park become one of the best fighters in Korea.
While both Naruto's Kurama and The God Of High School's Kumiho are essentially the same creature, it is Kumiho who follows the more positive version of the original Chinese Nine-Tailed Fox. As such, he is hailed as a hero rather than being seen as a demon. This is a subtle difference that marks at least one point of distinction among the numerous similarities between Naruto And The god of high school.
