Summary
- Chidori, a lightning-style jutsu, is synonymous with Sasuke Uchiha, showcasing his rise in power and evolution.
- Sasuke improved Chidori to include variants like Chidori Nagashi and Kirin, adapting it to various combat situations.
- Sasuke used Chidori against friends and foes, demonstrating its growth throughout Naruto Shippuden.
In the world of Naruto, jutsu techniques are the defining abilities that shape every ninja’s journey. Jutsus usually differs in power, utility, and sometimes in complexity, growing with the character as they become more skilled. Probably one of the most iconic jutsu techniques within this series is Chidori, a lightning-style type of attack created by focusing incredible chakra into a piercing strike. While it has been used by other characters, it became most synonymous with Sasuke Uchiha, who used and evolved the jutsu over time, matching his rapidly growing abilities.
Sasuke learned Chidori from Kakashi Hatake, the original creator of the jutsu. Since the skill involves a lot of risk in using it, he would only teach it to someone gifted with the skill who could handle its risks. Kakashi felt the potential in Sasuke, especially because of his Sharingan. Chidori is a high-speed thrust which can shred the foe with great force. It would become his move, that is, the signature move, a sign and proof of his rise in power and craving for more than what limited him.
Sasuke's Revenge Mirrored Lightning
His Vengeance And Anger Resembled Chidori's Unstable Nature
Sasuke's drive for power was deeply rooted in his trauma and the objective of seeking revenge against his older brother, Itachi Uchiha, for the death of his clan. The Chidori is more than just a strong arsenal; to Sasuke, it became a tool he could use to prove his power, most especially against strong adversaries. This move alone granted him many advantages in combat, particularly in fights involving rapid action and precision.
Sasuke initially used Chidori during the Chunin Exams in Naruto. His fight with Gaara was among those very first glimpses of how devastating the technique could be. He had used it to pierce through the defense of Gaara with lasting effects. Later, during the fight on the rooftop between Sasuke and Naruto, Sasuke also used Chidori at that moment, which would foreshadow their future rivalry. Kakashi managed to mediate the battle, but a sense of tenseness and power from Sasuke's Chidori was crystal clear, given that such a technique could actually engage his closest comrades.
Chidori and its Variants
Sasuke Improving Chidori Over The Years
The young ninja never stopped at the basic version Chidori but continued inventing newer versions to keep up with the ever-growing challenge posed by various opponents, varying from smaller changes, such as combining his Chidori with the power he gained from the Cursed Seal given to him by Orochimaru, to applying it to Chokutō, his sword, which made it nearly unblockable as the sword could cut through even steel
- Chidori Nagashi translates to Chidori Current: The Chidori first evolved to take the shape of the Chidori Nagashi. Instead of focusing the lightning chakra onto one point, Sasuke disperses it throughout his body, creating an electric current. That form allowed him to defend himself against close-range attacks by paralyzing enemies that got too near.
- Chidori Senbon: During his time under Orochimaru, Sasuke remodeled Chidori into a projectile-based attack. With Chidori Senbon, he could shoot out multiple senbon-like needles made out of lightning; due to this being more adaptable, it allowed him to acquire an option for a long-range attack.
- Chidori Eisō: An enhanced version of Sasuke's Chidori, it shapes and extends the lightning into a spear-like weapon. Whereas the original Chidori is used as a close-range attack, the extended length of the Chidori Sharp Spear means Sasuke is capable of striking enemies from as far away as 10 meters. Also, it can extend and sharpen to pierce through targets, making this an offensive technique with extreme variability in its usage. This level of flexibility makes this one of Sasuke's most tactical abilities, helpful for both mid-range combat and precision strikes.
- Kirin: Although not a direct evolution of Chidori, Kirin shows an enhancement of Sasuke in executing and handling the nature of lightning. The power of natural lightning was borrowed by Sasuke to develop one of the strongest moves ever in anime, to engage Itachi Uchiha in a fight. Besides, it gave a further explanation of how his manipulation of the chakra of lightning developed over time.
- Indra's Arrow: By absorbing chakra from all nine-tailed beasts and using his Susanoo as a vessel, Sasuke then creates a longbow and arrow, infused with the lightning chakra. This was Sasuke's ultimate technique when he fought against Naruto at the end of Naruto Shippuden. Combining his Susanoo and Chidori, he then forms a huge arrow infused with the Chidori's lightning, which showcases the peak of his mastery over lighting.
Using Chidori Against Friends and Foes
Sasuke has used Chidori several times at crucial moments throughout the series. Perhaps one of the most controversial uses of all was when he struck Karin, the loyal member of his team, during his battle with Danzo. His blind desire for revenge made Sasuke never hold back on using Chidori against everyone, even on those who were loyal to him. This incident had marked one of the heights of Sasuke's fall into darkness, proof of just how low he would go to fulfill his ambitions.
In the end, Sasuke had taken his Chidori to new heights by the end of Naruto Shippuden. He applied his enhanced visual ability in turning his Rinnegan and evolved Sharingan into much greater precision and lethality with this technique. The fight against Kaguya and then Naruto himself showed just how refined his Chidori had gotten-a technique that represented his entire journey through all those painful moments of growing up and redemption. On the other hand, Sasuke also used Chidori honorably and strategically. His final fight against Naruto at the Valley of the End demonstrated how much Chidori had grown with him. Their Chidori vs. Rasengan clash became an iconic representation of the deep bond and rivalry between the two.
Chidori Potential in Boruto
From A Mere Tool To The Biggest Weapon In Sasuke's Arsenal
Within the sequel series, Boruto, too, Chidori is one of the techniques kept within Sasuke's armory. While Boruto has not learned this jutsu personally, Sasuke does proceed in using this jutsu through various battles with great finesse. There is further evolution possible as Sasuke's journey in Boruto proceeds. Given that he has gained experience and newer threats always pop up, there is always room for further creative variations of the Chidori. The changing nature of battles and the introduction of new enemies presuppose that Sasuke would develop new methods by amalgamating Chidori with the growth of other advanced abilities.
Sasuke Uchiha's Chidori is definitely much more than a technique; from his former desire for power up to his redemption, it spoke volumes about his growth as a character. It was symbolic of his moments of darkness and the path toward his redemption. Given that Boruto is still ongoing, fans have it in mind that there could still be a lot more in store with regards to Sasuke's techniques, with Chidori remaining a decisive part of his arsenal.
- Release Date
- October 2, 2002
- Network
- Adult Swim
A popular shonen anime based on Masashi Kishimoto's manga, Naruto follows its eponymous shinobi's journey as he goes from his town's outsider to its hero.
- Main Genre
- Animation
- Seasons
- 5
- Studio
- Pierrot
- Based On
- Manga
- Creator
- Masashi Kishimoto
- Number of Episodes
- 220
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix, YouTube
- MyAnimeList Score
- 7.99
