Summary
The behemoths of chakra known as Tailed Beasts are an integral part of theNarutoseries' premise, with much of the narrative revolving around these creatures and their power. The Jinchuriki-Tailed Beast dynamic is one laden with intricacies that have not been fully explored, leading to fans debating about the full extent of a Tailed Beasts power. The series itself has given conflicting statements on the matter, with some accounts stating that Tailed Beasts are indeed weakerwithout a Jinchuriki, while others point towards the contrary.
Initially, Tailed Beasts were shown to be mindless beasts that required a human host to properly channel their powers. This was eventually retracted by the end ofNarutowhen all nine Tailed Beasts made an appearance as individual beings, without being tied to their respective Jinchuriki. While there is no concrete answer presented by the series, piecing together details can shed some light on the matter.
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The Strength of Tailed Beasts Without a Jinchuriki
Considering there aren’t many Tailed Beasts Without a Jinchuriki in the series, it’s difficult to decipher exactly how strong one would be. However, two separate accounts shed some light on the matter, albeit with entirely opposite conclusions. The first instance of a Tailed Beast without a Jinchuriki is Three-Tails, and viewers get to see the beast in action against Deidera of the Akatsuki. Afterthe Fourth Mizukage’s untimely demise, Isobu died alongside him, only to be revived in a lake years later without a Jinchuriki.
The fight is short-lived, however, asDeidera defeats Isobuin mere seconds with his explosives. After the fight is over, Deidera states that taking out Three-Tails was quite menial since it didn’t have a Jinchuriki host. This scene presents Tailed Beasts as mindless creatures with no way to properly channel their powers, making them weaker and easier to defeat. While the statement of being mindless beings doesn’t equate to less power, it certainly deems them as non-sentient beings that are weaker without a host to tame them.
Thisstatement is later retconnedby the end of the series when all nine Tailed Beasts are released from Obito’s body. Instead of being mindless creatures, the Tailed Beasts were shown to be highly intelligent creatures with sage-like wisdom. Considering they have existed for millennia, it makes sense for these creatures to possess wisdom and intelligence beyond human capabilities. Their strength runs parallel to their intelligence, making them exceptionally strong beings.
Tailed Beasts Within a Jinchuriki Host
There’s a widely believed notion among the anime’s fanbase that Tailed Beasts require a Jinchuriki host to access their true powers. This theory also stems from Deidera’s statement regarding Three-Tails, which now stands baseless after the retcon. In fact, several instances from the series portray the Jinchuriki-Tailed Beast dynamic to be much weaker than a standalone Tailed Beast.
Since most Tailed Beasts were forcefully implanted into their hosts, the two sides have always bore hostile feelings for one another. With a clear show of resistance, it’s impossible for Tailed Beasts to lend the full extent of their powers to their Jinchuriki. Even with a perfect Tailed Beast control, such as Yagura andNaruto’s initial Kurama Mode, Tailed Beasts can withhold their chakra from their host, making the Jinchuriki inherently weaker.
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However, in the case ofperfect Tailed Beast controlcoupled with a collaborative relationship between the Tailed Beast and the host, the Tailed Beast will always be stronger with the Jinchuriki. Since the Tailed Beast is lending the full extent of its power and the Jinchuriki’s own strength and chakra is being added to the mix, the result will be a much stronger Tailed Beast compared to a standalone one.
Are Tailed Beasts Weaker Without a Jinchuriki?
The answer to this common discussion isn’t a straightforward one as both sides are true to some extent. Tailed Beasts are indeed stronger independently as compared to being forcefully locked inside a Jinchuriki. This is further proven by the Tailed Beasts feely using the true extent of their powers and throwing Tailed Beast Bombs duringthe Fourth Great Ninja War. Each Tailed Beast was capable of articulating its own thoughts and strategies too, which was witnessed during their short-lived advance against Madara.
However, the contrary is also true as those Tailed Beasts that are able to foster a collaborative relationship with the Jinchuriki are bound to be stronger than their counterparts. This is proven byNaruto and Killer Bee’s Tailed Beast Chakramodes, essentially allowing them to become unstoppable powerhouses on the battlefield. Therefore, Tailed Beasts are much stronger with a Jinchuriki, albeit with the condition that the two have a bond of friendship. Otherwise, a standalone Tailed Beast will always be stronger than a beast forcefully locked up.
Narutois available to stream onCrunchyroll.
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