Lightning Cutter


 * Name:
 * Type: S-rank, Offensive, Short range (0-5m)
 * User: Kakashi Hatake, Hiruko
 * Hand Seals: Ox → Rabbit → Monkey (finished with left hand just below right hand)
 * Debut (Anime): Naruto Episode 17
 * Debut (Manga): Chapter 30

The Lightning Blade is an enhanced form of the Chidori with the same effects and drawbacks, but more concentrated. It is said to have gained its name after Kakashi split a bolt of lightning with it. Because the Chidori is already powerful on its own, the Lightning Blade requires better chakra control, which is exemplified in its appearance. The Chidori appears as simply a mass of white electrical chakra in the user's hand, while the Lightning Blade is more focused and blue. In Part I he is limited to using it four times a day, but by Part II he can use it at least six times.

Kakashi has shown different ways of forming and using the Lightning Blade. During his confrontation with Orochimaru in Part I, he creates it without using hand seals. In Part II he is able to form a Lightning Blade in both of his hands to counteract Lightning Release: False Darkness. Soon afterwards he uses it in a downward cutting motion rather than a thrust to free Naruto Uzumaki from Kakuzu.

Trivia

 * The name Raikiri comes from a story about famous samurai . Tachibana was in possession of a famous sword called . One day, while he was still a young man, he was taking shelter under a tree, as it was raining. Suddenly, a bolt of lightning struck him. However, Tachibana used his Chidori to cut the Thunder God inside the lightning bolt, allowing him to survive. After this incident, he renamed his Chidori to.