The titular protagonist of the Naruto series always had greatness in his destiny. Having been imbued with Kurama shortly after birth, he was given access to one of the most powerful super weapons in the entire world. However, there are many shinobi that could have handled the Nine-Tails better than Naruto.
Whether having more control over his powers or better opportunities to use it, these masters of discipline would have been able to put Kurama to use much sooner. Regardless of intent, these shinobi would have mastered using the Nine-Tails with ease.
10 Killer Bee Got Along With The Eight Tails Well
Killer Bee showed mastery over his own Tailed Beast, and at a much younger age than Naruto. By the time he encountered Sasuke in the Cloud Village, he used the Eight-Tails so fluidly that they virtually fought as a single unit.
Considering that Bee was experienced enough to teach Naruto about Kurama, it follows that he'd be able to use the Nine-Tails' power even better himself. It may not compliment his fighting style as gracefully, though he could adapt to make things work.
9 Ibiki Was Highly Disciplined
Ibiki was one of the most hardened shinobi in the Leaf. As the village's resident inquisitor and the proctor of the Chunin Exams, he understood enemy psychology much better than anyone else. This means that he'd be able to figure out Kurama faster than Naruto ever did, making him easier to handle from there.
Considering Ibiki's intense resilience and willpower, it's also unlikely that the Nine-Tails would overcome his body as he did to Naruto several times in the past. Given Ibiki's iron will, Kurama would never be let loose again.
8 Minato Has Experience With Kurama's Chakra
In addition to being a kage-level ninja, Minato is one of the only shinobi in history to have tasted the Nine-Tails' chakra firsthand. He imbued half of it within himself before dying so that Naruto wouldn't be overwhelmed as a child.
During the Forth Shinobi War, Minato showed proficiency at using Kurama's power despite not being a Jinchuriki himself. Should he have shouldered the full force of the Nine-Tails' power, it's likely that he would have been able to master it even more brilliantly than his son did.
7 Tsunade's Healing Properties Would Be A Tremendous Asset
There are dozens of reasons why Tsunade would be a more appropriate vessel for Kurama than Naruto. For example, her healing properties ensure that even when she is on the precipice of losing control, she can restore whatever damage is dealt to her body.
As a medical kunoichi, Tsunade's world-class chakra precision also ensures that she'd get the most out of Kurama's power. Additionally, her blood connection to Hashirama suggests that she'd be more capable at sealing the Nine-Tails if necessary, especially if trained to do so once inheriting his power.
6 Yamato Has Experience Controlling Kurama
Yamato was unlike any of Orochimaru's other experiments. Imbued with Hashirama's chakra, he showed remarkable proficiency with the wood release and even accompanied Naruto on his journeys. The captain's soul purpose was to seal Kurama up, should he ever bubble to the surface.
Should Yamato be given Kurama himself, he'd be able to safely practice its power knowing that he could lock it away at any time. Yamato may not share Naruto's outstanding lineage, though his training with the Anbu guarantees that he'll put the Nine-Tails to Konoha's best use.
5 Kabuto Has Mastered Jutsu To Better Contain Kurama
By the end of the series, Kabuto's extensive knowledge of jutsu made him nearly invincible. He adapted the powers of the Sound Four, Kimimaro, and even a handful of tricks from his former member, Orochimaru.
Although Kabuto would struggle with the Nine-Tails at first, he would be better able to hone it if he spliced himself with Hashirama cells. Considering what Orochimaru did for Danzo and Yamato, it would only be a matter of time before Kabuto gets his hands on them and integrates them into his body.
4 Madara Has Already Made Kurama Do His Bidding
Although making for a significantly darker future, Madara could master Kurama better than Naruto in the short term. He used his incredible jutsu to enslave the beast to his will, turning his unmitigated fury against Hashirama and the Leaf Village.
While Kurama hates Madara for using him as a weapon, the shinobi's iron will ensures that his victim's opinion remains inconsequential. Considering that Kurama did not backfire on him throughout his fight with the First Hokage, Madara could utilize him faster and more efficiency than Naruto ever did.
3 Kushina Was Kurama's Former Hostess
Considering that Kushina kept Kurama inside her for years without incident, it stands to reason that she is a much better user than Naruto. There were seldom times where she nearly lost control, save for the attack on Konoha.
Since Kushina spent most of her childhood being professionally trained as a Jinchuriki, she has better qualifications to use Kurama than Naruto. Additionally, she was much more trusted by members of the village since they knew she had the fortitude to control the Nine-Tails' tremendous power. Kushina's only shortcoming is that she isn't as natural of a fighter as Naruto.
2 Danzo's Infusion Of Hashirama Cells Would Be A Massive Boon
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Danzo's Hashirama cells may be intended to control the Izanagi, though they have a second property that would make them completely invaluable. It means that should he become Kurama's next host, he'd be able to seal him away whenever inconvenient to him.
Additionally, Danzo could use his sharingan to rewrite realities where Kurama escapes and forcibly resume control in a desperate situation. However, he must be careful not to overexert himself in fights, as the cell transplant proved volatile in his duel with Sasuke.
1 Hashirama Would Be A Perfect Match For Kurama
There are numerous indications to suggest that Hashirama is the best possible host for Kurama. A proficient master of sealing, he has already proven capable of defeating the Nine-Tailed fox before in his fight against Madara. His wood release is a fantastic asset toward that end, especially when combined with his experience as the god of shinobi.
Further, Hashirama is a reincarnation of Naruto himself, albeit one with more experience and wisdom. This means that he'd effectively have the same relationship with Kurama that Naruto did, albeit possessing better means of containing him.