Lightning Cutter

From Narutopedia

Lightning Cutter[1]
Name
Kanji	雷切
Rōmaji	Raikiri
Literal English	Lightning Cutter
English TV	Lighting Blade
Debut
Manga	Chapter #30
Anime	Naruto Episode #17
Data
Classification	Ninjutsu
Type	Lightning Release
Rank	S-rank
Class	Offensive
Range	Short-range
Hand seals	Ox → Rabbit → Monkey
Other jutsu
Parent jutsu	Chidori
Directly Derived jutsu Lightning Blade: Single Slash Lightning Chidori Blade Lightning Cut Combo Lightning Cut Flash Lightning Destruction Lightning Sword
Users Kakashi Hatake Hiruko (missing-nin) (Movie only)

The Lightning Cutter 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 Cutter 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 Cutter 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 Cutter. 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 Cutter in both of his hands to counteract Lightning Release: False Darkness.

Trivia

• The name Raikiri comes from a story about famous samurai Tachibana Dōsetsu (立花道雪, 22 April 1513 - 2 November 1585). Tachibana was in possession of a famous sword called Chidori (千鳥, A 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, 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 Raikiri (雷切, Lightning Cutter).

References

1. ↑ First Databook, page 225