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. Due to the fact that it requires higher chakra concentration even the slightest distortion can cause it to self-destruct or harm Kakashi himself. The fact that Kakashi is an extremely concentrated ninja prevents this from happening but any disturbance caused can eventually harm or even kill Kakashi
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.
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).
References
- ↑ First Databook, page 225