Naruto Uzumaki first uses the Rasenshuriken against Kakuzu in episode 92 of Naruto Shippuden, titled “The Decision.” This pivotal moment marks a significant leap in Naruto’s abilities and a turning point in his battle against Akatsuki.
The Debut of a Devastating Technique
The Rasenshuriken, a more powerful and dangerous evolution of the Rasengan, represents Naruto’s relentless pursuit of strength and his determination to protect his friends. Its creation and subsequent utilization against Kakuzu are crucial plot points in the Naruto Shippuden series. The episode itself is meticulously animated, emphasizing the sheer power and visual spectacle of this new technique. Kakuzu, with his multiple hearts and Earth Grudge Fear technique, proved to be a formidable opponent, requiring Naruto to push himself beyond his limits. Episode 92 not only showcases the debut of the Rasenshuriken but also highlights Naruto’s growth as a ninja and his unwavering resolve.
The Road to Rasenshuriken: A Brief Recap
Before reaching the point where he could execute the Rasenshuriken, Naruto underwent rigorous training. The Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, originally created the Rasengan but failed to incorporate his own nature transformation. Naruto, with the help of Kakashi Hatake and Yamato, took on the challenge of adding wind nature to the Rasengan. This process involved countless hours of practice and mastering the manipulation of chakra on a microscopic level. This difficult journey is documented over several episodes, showing the struggles and breakthroughs that eventually led to the birth of the Rasenshuriken.
The Aftermath: Limitations and Consequences
While the Rasenshuriken proved incredibly effective against Kakuzu, it came with a significant cost. The technique’s incredibly dense and chaotic chakra caused severe damage to Naruto’s arm at the cellular level. This damage was so significant that Tsunade explicitly forbade Naruto from using the Rasenshuriken again, highlighting its dangerous and unsustainable nature. The episode following the battle with Kakuzu delves into the consequences of Naruto’s actions and the limitations he now faces, adding further depth to the storyline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Rasenshuriken?
The Rasenshuriken is an A-rank Wind Release technique developed by Naruto Uzumaki. It’s an evolved form of the Rasengan that incorporates wind chakra nature transformation, creating a densely packed, spinning sphere of chakra with numerous microscopic wind blades. When it strikes a target, these blades inflict immense internal damage at the cellular level.
Why was the Rasenshuriken so dangerous?
The Rasenshuriken was considered dangerous because of its unpredictable and chaotic chakra. The microscopic wind blades tore apart cells upon impact, not just of the target, but also of the user if they were too close. The internal damage was considered nearly irreversible, making it a high-risk, high-reward technique.
How did Naruto learn to create the Rasenshuriken?
Naruto learned to create the Rasenshuriken with the assistance of Kakashi and Yamato. He started by learning to manipulate his chakra to the point where he could introduce wind chakra into the Rasengan. Yamato’s Wood Release allowed him to create a safe environment for Naruto to practice, while Kakashi provided guidance and support.
Did anyone else ever use the Rasenshuriken?
While no one else officially mastered the Rasenshuriken in the same way as Naruto (prior to him gaining access to Six Paths Sage Mode), Boruto Uzumaki, Naruto’s son, created a variation called the Vanishing Rasengan, which uses the same principles but with a different execution. This is a notable evolution of the original technique.
How effective was the Rasenshuriken against Kakuzu?
The Rasenshuriken proved incredibly effective against Kakuzu. It destroyed two of his hearts almost instantly, showcasing the technique’s devastating power. While Kakuzu survived due to his other hearts, the Rasenshuriken was instrumental in weakening him enough for Kakashi to ultimately deliver the final blow.
Was there a specific reason Naruto chose to use the Rasenshuriken against Kakuzu?
Naruto chose to use the Rasenshuriken against Kakuzu because he knew he needed a technique powerful enough to overcome Kakuzu’s unique abilities. Kakuzu’s Earth Grudge Fear allowed him to extend his life by stealing the hearts of others, making him incredibly resilient. The Rasenshuriken‘s cellular damage bypassed Kakuzu’s physical defenses and directly targeted his hearts.
What were the initial reactions of others to the Rasenshuriken’s power?
The initial reactions were a mixture of awe and concern. Kakashi was impressed by the technique’s destructive power but worried about the damage it inflicted on Naruto. Yamato was equally impressed but cautious, recognizing the inherent risks involved in using such a dangerous technique. Tsunade was outright furious, immediately forbidding Naruto from using it again after witnessing the damage to his arm.
How did Naruto eventually overcome the Rasenshuriken’s self-inflicted damage?
Naruto eventually overcame the self-inflicted damage of the Rasenshuriken by mastering Sage Mode. In Sage Mode, Naruto’s body became much more resilient, and his chakra control improved significantly. This allowed him to use the Rasenshuriken with greater precision and less risk of self-harm.
Did Naruto create any variations of the Rasenshuriken later in the series?
Yes, after mastering Sage Mode and eventually gaining access to Six Paths Sage Mode, Naruto created numerous variations of the Rasenshuriken. These included the Wind Release: Rasenshuriken, Lava Release: Rasenshuriken, Magnet Release: Rasenshuriken, and several other variations based on the different Tailed Beast chakras he could access.
How does the Rasenshuriken compare to other powerful techniques in the Naruto universe?
The Rasenshuriken is considered one of the most powerful techniques in the Naruto universe. Its ability to inflict cellular damage makes it particularly effective against opponents with high durability or regenerative abilities. It’s comparable to techniques like Chidori, but with a greater emphasis on raw power and destructive capability.
What role did the Rasenshuriken play in Naruto’s overall character development?
The Rasenshuriken played a significant role in Naruto’s character development. It represented his determination to become stronger and his willingness to push himself to his limits to protect his friends. However, it also highlighted the importance of self-control and the consequences of reckless behavior. Learning to master the Rasenshuriken and its variations was a key step in Naruto’s journey to becoming the Hokage.
Why is the Rasenshuriken so popular among Naruto fans?
The Rasenshuriken is popular among Naruto fans because of its visually stunning design, its devastating power, and its connection to Naruto’s personal growth. It represents a significant turning point in Naruto’s journey and symbolizes his unwavering determination to protect those he cares about. The technique’s raw power and dramatic debut cemented its place as one of the most iconic and beloved abilities in the entire series.