#raikiri chidori

[aizukiwiart]

Throwback to my early art days drawing in pen and ink, obsessed with the Naruto manga/Kishimoto-sensei/Kakashi lol

All drawn freehand while referencing images in the manga, either within the story or from chapter/volume covers.

[depressedhatakekakashi]

*see's the cool mythology of chidori and raikiri from someone awesome*

*starts thinking about Samurai Kakashi cutting lightning with his sword*

[carlosromanart]

[namtab-draws]

[danzohater]

i didn't realise kakashi was in stardew valley ...

[catowine]

lightning cutter

[demms]

Gardevoir x Sasuke (Chidori)

[r--kt]

Kakashi — the man who cut the lightning

where did chidori and raikiri come from? already guessed what I'd say? yeah — cultural code!

contents | raikiri myth · thunder god's incarnation.

CH. 114

it's possible that this has already been written about before, but I just don't remember if I found out about it from tumblr or dug it up myself. anyways...

Raikiri myth

the name of the thunder god Raijin is associated with the story of a warlord Dōsetsu Tachibana, XVI century. Dōsetsu was in possession of a famous sword called 'Chidori' [ 千鳥, Thousand Birds ]. 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, Dōsetsu used his Chidori to cut Raijin who was inside the lightning bolt, and it allowed him to survive. after this incident, he renamed his Chidori to 'Raikiri' [ 雷切, Lightning Cutter ].

what else can I say? is there at least something in Naruto that is not a war/regime criticism and not a cultural code? [ yeah, gay men ] this part of the post just doesn't need commentaries, it explains so many things...

Thunder god's incarnation

a bit about Dōsetsu himself. of course, you can't just relate him to Kakashi (they aren't alike in general), but I'm interested in looking at his image of a military commander, which is close to Kakashi in some ways.

it is said that Dōsetsu has extraordinary physical strength, a sharp mind and practicing sword style named tachiuchi ni myō o etaru (the art of slashing in all-direction). the Chidori sword is forged by renowned 13th century swordsmith and its hilt design featured the Tachibana family crest. [ does it sound familiar? like the tanto of the Hatake clan? ]

for his mythical feats and personal prowess in the battlefield, Dōsetsu has become a subject of folklores and earned some nicknames, such as Hachiman incarnation [ 弓矢八幡 ], Raijin incarnation [ 摩利支天の化身 ], or God of war from Kyushu [ 九州の軍神 ]. because of his fierce character, he was nicknamed "Oni Dōsetsu" — "Dōsetsu the demon".

I'd say that this is a pretty entertaining background for Kakashi's story. personally, I perceive him as one of the closest characters to real samurai, and therefore such a number of references to history and folklore in him cannot but please me. especially the battle nicknames, in both cases, and a certain connection with the gods of thunder and war. now I'm thinking about the image of Kakashi's Susanoo, which is, well, a full armoured samurai, among other things.

[sinnbaddie]

It can’t be a coincidence that Kakagai has parallels to MinaKusha.

The “man of destiny” line both Gai and Kushina use in reference to their person

Kushina naming the rasengan and Kishimoto insinuating that Gai gave the name “Raikiri” to Kakashi’s chidori

The motivation and inspiration Kakashi and Minato give to both Kushina and Gai and the feeling of love and support Kushina and Gai give to Minato and Kakashi

MinaKusha is one of the better written romances in the series and it’s telling that Minato’s student would end up having parallels to his love story.

[avengernomore]

"You know, the few times I've heard of Kakashi using the Chidori or Raikiri, he always aimed for the heart... but if you think about it, there is another target he could go for that might get the job done even quicker than that..."

"...Imagine how quick and messy a Chidori to the head would be."

[reposhillo]

Kirigakure Rebellion Au

Just pretty much a list of headcanons for my Kirigakure Rebellion Au where Zabuza was a part of the resistance movement to remove Yagura, along with Mei and Ao. It pretty much also combines Zabuza and Haku live aus and Let's not give Kakashi a reminder of Rin's death for the hundredth time aus

Its also kinda a road map to get me to somehow connect these all together to make a cohesive fic out of

Also features my extra commentary

Works featuring this au

Bitten kisses

Battered Bones against the Waves

Kirigakure

Zabuza was raised in the slums of Kirigakure, where the poorest of the poor gathered. He lived with his mother (because damn we got all kinds of father figures but moms don't even get name dropped. What, did Sakumo get Kakashi express delivered?)

The slums were often scoured for shinobi recruitment during war times or just times of conflict, mainly used to collect fodder. However a young Zabuza saw becoming a ninja as a way to collect money to get his ailing mother medical help and to help claw their way up from the bottom

Sadly, just shortly after he reached his ninth birthday, his mother succumbed to her illness, leaving Zabuza alone. Heartbroken, and with nothing left to lose, he attends the Kirigakure Academy graduation and slaughters all the graduates

Zabuza becomes a well feared shinobi that rose quickly in ranks over the following years, however like many he grew to resent and question the practices and traditions that Yagura allowed to continue and even made worse (especially the Kekkei Genkai clan killings)

Zabuza became the sturdy backbone of the resistance, following Ao as part of the Sensory division for intel, and Mei, who with her abilities and political sway, was selected to be the candidate to replace Yagura when it came time to deal with him (It took Konoha how many days to find a replacement Hokage after the Third? Considering the Genjutsu that Yagura was under was discovered and dispelled right before the chuunin exams and Mei was selected in place quickly enough to decide not to participate their village in the exams, makes me think that she was always lined up, you know? Like it was planned.)

Unfortunately, there was a mole within Zabuza's ranks, which in turn ratted out his plans the night of his attempted coup. He had only chosen a small group to infiltrate and take out Yagura, as Mei and Ao were to only make their moves after Yagura was dead.

Zabuza, of course, flees that very same night. Only pausing to snatch Haku from where Zabuza had left him (who he had taken under his wing months before the attempted coup) before fleeing Kirigakure. It's thanks to Ao and Mei's hidden efforts that he isn't caught, and he takes on the sole blame for the attempted assassination as to not implicate them.

Zabuza then spends his time training Haku, avoiding Hunter-nin, and resorting to any work he can find that pays well so he can feed and shelter the few followers he has left, on top of circulating money or supplies back home (he has a radio that he contacts Ao on only when he comes into a good chunk of money, supplies, or intel. It's only for him to communicate what he's found, and neither Ao or Mei are meant to respond out of caution)

Land of Waves

Everything pretty much plays out the same EXCEPT

Kakashi is able to catch sight (and scent) of Haku right as he jumps between him and Zabuza to act as a shield. Kakashi only barely manages to redirect his Chidori/Raikiri/Lightning blade to not piercing through Haku's heart but rather tear through his shoulder

The wound is still grievous enough to make Haku lose consciousness while clutching at Kakashi's arm. With the amount of blood coating him and Haku falling limp, Zabuza assumes that Haku has died. For him.

Canon events play out from here, with Zabuza attempting to cleave through Haku's body and Kakashi leaping away with him. Kakashi closes Haku's eyes and continues fighting Zabuza (in the heat of battle and the fact that Kakashi only barely managed to raise his aim, he too assumes the boy is dead)

Gato appears, Naruto's speech, Zabuza's tears but then...shortly after Gato kicked Haku's face.....everyone is shocked to hear Haku faintly groan

This shell shocks Naruto, Kakashi "Wait I didn't murder another dark haired individual who looks strangely like Rin", and of course Zabuza

Gato, surprised to see Haku still alive, sees this as a perfect time for revenge and attempts to use his cane to bash in Haku's skull

Zabuza sprints into action, and Kakashi knowing Naruto would also leap into the fray to save Haku, clones himself to hold Naruto back while he joins Zabuza (they did just stop fighting once Gato pretty much fired Zabuza and turned on him )

With Kakashi in the fray, Zabuza doesn't get as severely injured, allowing him to make it to Gato where of course he decapitates the bastard

Cue the village population and Inari showing up, followed by clone shenanigans, and the fact two deadly ninja are within their midst, Gatos hired thugs flee

Zabuza's favor from Kakashi in this au consists of him helping Zabuza get to Haku's side. Kakashi agrees, and the pair make their way to Haku who is barely breathing, blood pouring from his wound. Kakashi would remark that Haku wouldn't last much longer, and Zabuza agrees.

With their truce and probably some parting words from Naruto, that movement of Zabuza's arm mustered in canon is used to get Haku hooked over his shoulder with the least injured arm. Zabuza says his goodbyes, and then uses what strength and energy he has left to escape the bridge with Haku.

The two weeks spent fixing the bridge and team 7 healing, Zabuza is instead tending to Haku at their hideout. The first week was spent in a toss up of whether Haku would live, but the second is spent with him healing after the worst had passed. The pair would tend to their wounds for probably a month or so, along with Zabuza admitting that Haku wasn't just a tool to him. He does care about Haku, and just wants him to be able to survive on his own should anything befall Zabuza.

Zabuza and Haku's relationship then shifts into a more Teacher/student and pseudo-guardian figure on Zabuza's end.

When Zabuza and Haku decide to take their leave, Zabuza is amused to find his and Haku's 'graves', along with Kubikiribocho embedded at his. He thinks Kakashi has a twisted sense of humor (but also very grateful that his sword wasn't confiscated and them being 'dead' would buy them time from Hunter-nin)

Afterwards

Basically after Yagura was discovered brainwashed and Mei becomes Mizukage, Zabuza and Haku are "captured" and brought back to Kirigakure. Through some string pullings and other underhanded means, Zabuza is punished by being reinstated as a Kirigakure ninja (I know, big punishment right? Maybe she reverts him back to a Genin/Chuunin just to be petty)

[tsukuyomii45]

Naruto x Genshin Impact crossover: Team 7

Naruto Uzumaki - DPS / Support

Vision: Anemo

Weapons: Polearm

Elemental Skill: Rasen Shuriken

Elemental Burst: Shadow Clone Jutsu - His pet fox Kurama transforms/shape-shifts into a clone and that allows Naruto to create two Rasen Shuriken attacks that would crowd control the enemies, apply Anemo damage and Swirl reaction all at the same time - a perfect support for Elemental Mastery.

Nation: Inazuma - belongs to the noble Uzumaki and Namikaze Clan; while his father is the noble Minato Namikaze, Naruto earned the last name of his mother because of his elemental powers that resemble maelstroms. Naruto has a pet fox who is a nine-tailed spirit called Kurama that tends to sit on his shoulder. He is the student of Hatake Kakashi, the former student of his father, and best friend of Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno.

Sasuke Uchiha - DPS

Vision: Electro

Weapon: Sword (Kusanagi)

Elemental Skill: Chidori

Elemental Burst: Uchiha Hidden Art: Kirin- He would raise his sword to the heavens, and energy gathers onto his blade, then one swing would summon a kirin in the form of his lightning energy, that would float around the area of damage, striking the enemies.

Nation: Inazuma - The younger brother of Uchiha Itachi, who tries to be more involved with political affairs. He is the student of Kakashi Hatake, and best friend of Naruto Uzumaki of the Uzumaki Clan, and Sakura Haruno. Kakashi, who also has an Electro Vision, trains Sasuke personally to learn how to hone its powers and use them - hence his Elemental Skill is also Chidori.

Sakura Haruno - Support/Healer

Vision: Geo

Weapon: Catalyst

Elemental Skill: Mystical Palm

Elemental Burst: Healing Resusciation - Sakura would punch the ground and summon Geo rocks that would surround the enemies, applying some Geo damage, buff the team's normal attacks while also healing the entire team.

Nation: Inazuma - Her best skills are taijutsu; Sakura managed to use her Vision to apply elemental damage while punching and kicking the enemies; she could punch the air and Geo rocks would be projected towards the opponent. She is the childhood best friend of Naruto and Sasuke, and also the student of Kakashi Hatake, who taught her how to master her Vision. She split off the team for a year in order to train under the Great Sage Tsunade Senju, the descendant of the Great Hashirama Senju, and rejoined her old team after her powers became potent.

Kakashi Hatake - DPS

Vision: Electro

Weapon: Sword

Elemental Skill: Lightning Clone Technique: Raikiri

Elemental Burst: Hidden Art: Chidori Beast - large area of damage, and this technique is created by having his sword dissolve into lightning energy into his hands, then slamming his palms into the ground, summoning a wolf-like figure that would run around, striking the enemy within the premises, before engulfing the opponent, creating a lot of Electro damage.

Nation: Inazuma - Kakashi became the teacher of Minato's son, Naruto after the young boy grew up and received his Vision along with his two childhood friends, Sakura Haruno and Sasuke Uchiha. He taught them fighting skills and how to use their Vision, and trained them in working together as a team to create lethal damage with their elemental reactions. His influence rubbed off on Sasuke the most since they both have Electro Visions, and the two of them rotating together would apply fatal Electro damage as a mono Electro team.

[depressedhatakekakashi]

Just had a thought, in Minato's gaiden we found out Kushina named the rasengan, but I'm curious, did Gai named the Chidori as Raikiri?

I’ve seen some beautiful art work done where Gai is actually in a way the one who names the Chidori (he says it sounds like chirping birds which gives Kakashi the name idea)

But i do think he 100% named it Raikiri after Kakashi cut lightning to save him, because it makes sense

Kakashi never calls it Raikiri. He only refers to it as ‘chidori’ aka the name HE gave it

It’s only when Gai is present to see Sasuke use it that we hear it referred to as ‘Raikiri’ suggesting that it’s inly really Gai who refers to it by that name, aka giving it that name. Gai saw for himself what exactly Kakashi’s chidori could do, and in seeing that he bestowed a new name upon it that fit this fantastic new ability

[waffliesinyoface]

also an interesting thing im noticing: sasuke refers to the chidori, and all of the derivative versions of it (ie: chidori senbon) as chidori

but kakashi always refers to it as raikiri.

but kakashi uses both names interchangeably pre-timeskip

...i wonder if it's because he's ashamed, and wants to distance the tehnique he uses from the version sasuke uses?

[odessasilver]

All about yokai: The Raijuu

When picking a yokai to feature in my stories, there are a few ways I go about it. For the raijuu it came via a legend, which in turn inspired the story The Cry of the Raijuu. The legend tells of the samurai Tachibana Dōsetsu who was sheltering under a tree during a storm. As lightning struck, he drew his sword to stop it, and once the smoke had cleared all that was left lay a dead raijuu. From then on he renamed his sword, Chidori, Raikiri which means “lightning cutter”. When I first read this, I loved it so much and wanted to write it badly. I didn’t want to go from the samurai’s perspective though, I wanted another view, of someone seeing such a great feat. And from this I needed to do a lot of research in both Tachibana Dōsetsu and the raijuu.

So how did I pick my raijuu? First I looked into the most basic information I could find about the lightning beast.

Raijū

雷獣 - らいじゅう

Translation: Thunder beast I chose the spelling raijuu over raiju or raijū for two reasons. Firstly I was unsure how many people would understand the ū sound, as it’s not used in English. In Japanese it’s in place of an uu (and similarly the ō is in place of ou). I could have gone with the simpler raiju, however I’d love if people could pronounce the name as close to the japanese way, so I chose the full version raijuu.

Next I had to pick what type of animal the raijuu was. It is an embodiment of lightning in an animal form, though they have been likened to wolves, dogs, tanuki, and many other animals including even crustaceans. Other sources spoke of a white and blue wolf or dog wrapped in lightning, with a cry sounding like thunder.

The Raijū as depicted in Ban Kōkē's Kanda-Jihitsu. I also looked in one of my favourite books Yokai by Koichi Yumoto and found this picture too.

From Kaiki Denshōzushi by Motoyama Keisen, as seen in the book Yokai.

Deeper research led me also to popular culture and how they approached the raijuu or raijuu inspired creatures and that made me think of two things from my childhood (and adulthood in case of pokemon!). The pokemon Raikou and the digimon Garurumon.

Raikou’s design includes a purple cloud-like mane, and it’s an electric type.

Garurumon is not electric but does have the white and blue wolf shape.

Taking inspiration from it all, I ended up with my raijuu, a white wolf wrapped in blue lightning with black metallic claws which runs along the sky. I decided it can manipulate lightning, run with it, and it is drawn to the metallic nature of the claws. I imagined it’s fur to be coarse and rough, because if it was soft, the static would send mess with the fur. Beneath a coarse layer of fur would be a fluffier layer for warmth, as being high in the sky must be cold. Overall I thought it would be similar to a husky.

For the raijuu’s behaviour, I looked at my research again. It spoke of raijuu leaping around when agitated and striking trees, or creating mayhem wherever they landed. This feared creature comes across as very temperamental and uncontrollable, which fits their master well, Raijin. Raijin, the god of thunder and lightning owns raijuu as pets, and is said to awaken them during thunderstorms.

This leads to a wonderful piece of information I found and desperately wanted to add into my story, but unfortunately I couldn’t do it. Japanese superstition talks of raijuu burrowing into humans’ belly buttons to sleep or hide. And when they are woken up by Raijin, they can hurt the person, so during storms you should sleep on your stomach and/or cover your belly button when you hear thunder.

These feared creatures were quite the mystery to Japanese people, and as they could easily cause much destruction, I made sure to try and convey all that during my story. It was also said that whenever lightning struck, it was believed that a raijuu had been sent by the gods to punish them for some reason.

My poor protagonist ended up with the short straw really, as he wasn’t being punished for anything, he really didn’t do anything wrong. However he battled each challenge well, and Inari was watching with very curious eyes. She isn’t done with him yet.

---

Want to read all about the raijuu? Meet them now in my story The Cry of the Raijuu.

[bellshazes]

shoutout to the 2 guys in the comments of that ruins episode with the saint bernard who are litigating the difference between raikiri and chidori and if sasuke's chidori is wholly distinct from kakashi's raikiri. all this just because etho screwed up pronouncing it, allegedly