Kidomaru in Naruto

In the Naruto anime, the Sound Four had a slightly different backstory than in the manga. Originally, they were prisoners held captive by Orochimaru, the sinister rogue ninja. Orochimaru would pit these prisoners against each other in brutal battle royales, where they were forced to fight to the death. By surviving their respective matches, the Sound Four proved themselves to be the strongest among Orochimaru's prisoners, earning them a place as his personal bodyguards.

However, the dynamics of the group changed when Kimimaro, a highly skilled shinobi with a rare Shikotsumyaku ability, joined them. Due to his exceptional powers and loyalty to Orochimaru, Kimimaro was appointed as the leader of the group after he defeated the Sound Four with his unique abilities, and they became known as the Sound Five.

Kimimaro's bone-manipulating abilities made him a prime candidate to become Orochimaru's next host body, as Orochimaru sought to transfer his consciousness into a new vessel to extend his life.

Under Kimimaro's leadership, the Sound Five worked closely with Orochimaru, assisting him in various missions and acts of sabotage. One notable mission was the assassination of the Fourth Kazekage, the leader of the Hidden Sand Village. The Sound Five also played a role in disrupting the Chūnin Exams held in Konohagakure, the Hidden Leaf Village, where they were involved in the deaths of several shinobi, including Shiore's team.

However, during these events, Kimimaro fell gravely ill due to a terminal illness that had afflicted him for some time. This forced him to withdraw from the group and put a halt to Orochimaru's plans of using him as a vessel. The specifics of when Kimimaro became ill were not explicitly mentioned in the anime.

Konoha Crush

Kidomaru, along with the rest of the Sound Four, had their initial appearance during a critical event in the Naruto anime. The incident took place during the battle between Orochimaru, the rogue ninja, and Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage of Konohagakure, the Hidden Leaf Village.

As Orochimaru engaged in a fierce confrontation with the Third Hokage, the members of the Sound Four erected a powerful barrier. The barrier's purpose was to prevent anyone from interfering in the epic battle between their master and the revered Hokage.

During the intense clash, Orochimaru succeeded in defeating the Third Hokage and ultimately took his life. However, Orochimaru's victory came at a great cost. As a consequence of Hiruzen’s forbidden technique, the Reaper Death Seal, Orochimaru's arms suffered from severe necrosis, rendering them useless for combat. Realizing the urgency of the situation, Orochimaru ordered the Sound Four, including Kidomaru, to retreat and escort him back to Otogakure, the Hidden Sound Village.

Understanding the gravity of their master's condition, the Sound Four facilitated his return to Otogakure, where Orochimaru could seek the necessary medical assistance and plan his next moves.

Sasuke Recovery Mission

Under Orochimaru's command, Kidomaru and the rest of the Sound Four undertook a mission to return to Konohagakure in order to persuade Sasuke Uchiha to join forces with Orochimaru. Aware of Sasuke's potential and seeking to recruit him, the Sound Four arrived in Konoha with the specific objective of convincing Sasuke to abandon his village and ally himself with Orochimaru.

Kidomaru, alongside Sakon and Jirobo, engaged in a small skirmish with Sasuke, intending to gauge his abilities and determine if he was worthy of joining their ranks. With their superior skills and powers, the Sound Four tested Sasuke's capabilities, pushing him to his limits. However, Sakon eventually intervened and halted the fight, overpowering and defeating Kidomaru.

Following the confrontation, Tayuya and Sakon took the opportunity to present Sasuke with an enticing proposition: to join Orochimaru and gain power akin to theirs. Understanding the allure of strength and seeking to exploit Sasuke's desires for power and revenge, they extended the invitation and left Sasuke to contemplate their offer.

Later that night, outside the walls of Konoha, the Sound Four patiently awaited Sasuke's decision. Recognizing his potential as a leader and seeing him as their new commander, Kidomaru and the rest of the Sound Four bowed in submission to Sasuke, ready to follow his lead should he choose to join forces with Orochimaru.

Once they had distanced themselves sufficiently from Konoha, Kidomaru and his teammates administered a Mind Awakening Pill to Sasuke, triggering the maturation of his cursed seal into a stronger, second stage. To allow Sasuke's body to adjust to the effects of the drug, the Sound Four utilized the Four Black Fogs Formation, putting him into an unconscious state. It was a crucial step in enhancing Sasuke's power and preparing him for Orochimaru's plans.

However, their departure did not go unnoticed. Konoha ninja Genma Shiranui and Raidō Namiashi intercepted the Sound Four, realizing their suspicious direction away from Konoha. Sensing a potential threat to their mission, a fierce battle erupted between the two sides. In response to the escalating conflict, Kidomaru and the rest of the Sound Four activated the second level of their cursed seals, pushing their abilities to the limit to overpower Genma and Raidō. The intense struggle left Kidomaru and his comrades thoroughly drained and exhausted.

Realizing the need to buy themselves some time, the Sound Four hastily set up traps in the surrounding forest, hoping to delay and deter any pursuers. However, they were aware that time was not on their side, and their frustration grew as they sought a moment's rest.

It was during this brief respite that Kidomaru, utilizing his Spider Web Area technique, was able to detect the presence of the Sasuke Recovery Team. With his spider-like senses, he successfully flushed them out of hiding, further complicating the situation.

As the Sound Four and the recovery team clashed, Shikamaru Nara, a member of the opposing team, managed to ensnare them all with his Shadow Imitation Technique. The situation seemed dire for Kidomaru and his allies, but unbeknownst to Shikamaru, Sakon's brother, Ukon, launched a surprise attack from the cover of the trees, disrupting Shikamaru's control and releasing the rest of the Sound Four.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Kidomaru's teammate, Jirobo, ensnared the Sasuke Recovery Team in his own traps, buying time for the Sound Four to forge ahead with their mission. Kidomaru then assumed the responsibility of carrying Sasuke's coffin, ensuring its safe transport as they continued their journey, fully aware of the challenges and dangers that lay ahead.

After being pursued once again by the Sasuke Recovery Team, Kidomaru made the decision to allow his comrades to proceed ahead, entrusting them with their mission. He opted to stay behind and confront their pursuers on his own. Recognizing the strength of his opponents, Kidomaru intended to toy with them before delivering a fatal blow.

Using his webs, Kidomaru swiftly ensnared the recovery team, intending to prolong their suffering before their inevitable demise. He specifically targeted Naruto Uzumaki due to his ability to create shadow clones. Kidomaru meticulously picked off the clones one by one, seeking to discern the real Naruto among them. However, to his surprise, all of the clones turned out to be shadow clones, leaving the real Naruto free to launch a surprise attack from behind.

Reacting swiftly, Kidomaru evaded Naruto's assault and caught him, aiming to end his life. However, his attempt was thwarted by the intervention of Neji Hyuga. Utilizing his Gentle Fist technique, Neji freed himself and the rest of the team from Kidomaru's webbing. With the stage set for a one-on-one battle, Neji engaged Kidomaru.

Initially, Kidomaru held a confident belief that he could swiftly dispatch Neji. He unleashed several volleys of webs, attempting to immobilize Neji and pin him to a tree. However, Neji managed to break free from the webbing, surprising Kidomaru. Neji capitalized on the opportunity and launched a close-range attack, utilizing his Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms technique. Kidomaru, relying on his armored defense, managed to block the assault.

Realizing that he was at a disadvantage in close-quarters combat, Kidomaru shifted his tactics and resorted to attacking Neji from a distance. Neji's Byakugan allowed him to anticipate and counter Kidomaru's incoming attacks. Employing his Eight Trigrams Palms Revolving Heaven technique, Neji skillfully defended against the onslaught. In a desperate move, Kidomaru narrowly evaded a kunai thrown by Neji.

Recognizing Neji as a formidable adversary, Kidomaru decided to take the battle to the next level. He activated the first stage of his cursed seal, amplifying his power and transforming his appearance. With newfound strength, Kidomaru viewed Neji as a true challenge, ready to engage in a fierce and potentially decisive confrontation.

Summoning the Kyodaigumo, Kidomaru deployed the giant spider to envelop Neji in a dense web, aiming to prevent him from utilizing his Eight Trigrams Palms Revolving Heaven technique. However, Neji's resourcefulness allowed him to slow down the web's progress using chakra, enabling him to dodge the entrapment.

Undeterred, Kidomaru intensified his assault, launching a barrage of spiders and kunai toward Neji. Through keen observation, he noticed that Neji was unable to evade all of his attacks, evidenced by a kunai cutting across Neji's shoulder. Intrigued by this discovery, Kidomaru recognized a blind spot in Neji's Byakugan vision. Eager to exploit this weakness, he unleashed a continuous stream of kunai and spiders, successfully striking Neji twice more.

With a sly grin, Kidomaru remarked that he knew he couldn't defeat Neji outright. Seizing the opportunity, he commanded the Kyodaigumo to execute a finishing move against Neji. However, Neji, utilizing his Gentle Fist technique, repelled the attack, only to discover that the webbing had transformed into thread, further complicating the situation.

Unyielding in his determination, Kidomaru persistently assaulted Neji with a barrage of kunai, landing three more hits on his body. The cumulative damage took its toll on Neji, causing him to collapse under the onslaught. Satisfied with his performance, Kidomaru confidently declared his impending victory and began to make his departure, believing the battle to be concluded. However, to his surprise, Neji defied the odds, rising to his feet moments later.

With a sense of exhilaration and satisfaction at the level of challenge Neji had posed, Kidomaru made the decision to ascend to the second stage of his cursed seal. As his power surged, he materialized a bow and arrow, intending to exploit Neji's blind spot once again. He released the arrow, aiming precisely at Neji's vulnerable point, but to his astonishment, Neji managed to shift his position just in time, avoiding a fatal blow. Instead, the arrow pierced through Neji's shoulder.

Caught off guard by Neji's evasion, Kidomaru came to the realization that Neji must have been using chakra exuded from his body to sense and anticipate attacks aimed at his blind spot. Adapting his strategy, Kidomaru created a new arrow that was connected to him by a thread. This modification would allow him to adjust the arrow's trajectory mid-flight, ensuring that it would find its mark on Neji. However, the arrow's path was disrupted by the dense forest surroundings, throwing off its accuracy.

Recognizing the need for a better vantage point, Kidomaru leaped to the top of the tree line, granting himself an elevated position and clearer line of sight. This new advantage enabled him to fashion another arrow, this time with a spinning motion intended to cut through any trees it encountered. To ensure a direct hit on Neji, Kidomaru attached a thread to the arrow, giving him control over its trajectory.

His strategy succeeded as the arrow struck its intended target, piercing Neji's body. However, Neji, ever perceptive, observed the cord attached to the arrow and seized the opportunity to retaliate. Channeling his chakra through the thread, Neji directed it back towards Kidomaru, inflicting severe internal damage upon him. The force of the attack caused Kidomaru to falter and collapse, his movements hindered by the injuries he sustained.

Frustration and anger consumed Kidomaru as he grappled with the realization that he had fallen prey to such a calculated counterattack. Disappointed in himself for allowing such a vulnerability, he resolved to push through the pain and continue the battle, determined to overcome Neji's resilience and secure his victory.

​​Convinced that Neji's previous attack had been his final act, Kidomaru prepared to depart the scene, underestimating his opponent's determination. Unbeknownst to Kidomaru, Neji, despite his injuries, had been steadily closing in on him. When Neji finally closed the distance, Kidomaru's assumption was shattered as Neji swiftly launched himself into action, employing his Gentle Fist technique to disable Kidomaru's chakra flow.

Realizing his mistake, Kidomaru found himself defenseless and vulnerable before Neji's impending strike. With a swift and precise movement, Neji delivered a fatal blow directly to Kidomaru's heart. The excruciating pain caused Kidomaru to let out a piercing scream of agony before collapsing to the ground.

Returning to his original form, drained of all his chakra reserves, Kidomaru questioned Neji, astounded by his tenacity and survival. In response, Neji explained that he couldn't betray his comrades and friends, pushing himself to the limits to protect them. Acknowledging Kidomaru as the strongest opponent he had ever faced, Neji demonstrated respect for his adversary's prowess.

As Kidomaru coughed up blood, his life rapidly slipping away, he shared a grim truth with Neji — there was no way to save Sasuke, as Sasuke had chosen his path willingly. With his final moments dwindling, Kidomaru collapsed once more, admitting that he hadn't been pushed to his limits like this since his battle with Kimimaro. Gasping for breath, he uttered a curse towards Neji, a last desperate act of defiance, before succumbing to death.

Fourth Shinobi World War: Confrontation

During the Fourth Shinobi World War, Kidomaru was among the Sound Four members who were reincarnated by Kabuto Yakushi to serve as his loyal soldiers. Deployed to the northern edge of the Land of Lightning's peninsula, Kidomaru once again found himself facing off against his former adversary, Neji. Despite receiving enhancements from Kabuto, Kidomaru ultimately suffered defeat at Neji's hands.

However, the cunning Kidomaru quickly regrouped and employed his Space-Time Technique Formula: Underworld Turnover. Utilizing this powerful technique, he transported himself, his fellow Sound Four members, and their original opponents to a different location, escaping the immediate danger.

Within the confines of the Underworld Turnover barrier, Kidomaru reunited with his comrades and resumed their intense battles against their adversaries. The Sound Four employed their tactical advantage, frequently switching opponents, while Shikamaru Nara, on the opposing side, analyzed their strategies.

Despite their opponents' valiant efforts, Kidomaru revealed that even if they were defeated, the barrier would not be broken, indicating the seemingly insurmountable odds stacked against their enemies. Fueled by their deep-rooted hatred for the Konoha shinobi, the Sound Four pressed on, overpowering their adversaries and reveling in their revenge.

Taking advantage of this intense animosity, Shikamaru devised a plan to exploit their hatred, deliberately provoking their anger to lure Naruto Uzumaki to the barrier. Shikamaru's ultimate goal was to break his comrades free from the clutches of the Sound Four. As the battles raged on, Shikamaru's strategy began to unfold, gradually drawing Naruto closer to the barrier.

However, Naruto's arrival brought a drastic turn of events. With the release of the souls of their most despised enemies, Kidomaru and his comrades realized their impending defeat. Undeterred, they redirected their animosity toward Naruto, hoping to take him down. Unfortunately for them, Naruto proved to be a formidable opponent, easily overpowering the exhausted Sound Four members.

In the face of Naruto's strength, Kidomaru and his comrades were swiftly defeated, their souls returning to the afterlife. The battles came to an end, and the Sound Four's reign of terror was finally put to rest once again.

Legacy

During his quest for self-discovery, Kabuto Yakushi conducted experiments utilizing the DNA of the Sound Five members, including Sakon and Ukon. Through these experiments, Kabuto gained access to their kekkei genkai, which granted him the ability to manifest constructs of the other Sound Five members within his body. This included a replication of Kidomaru, who emerged from the base of Kabuto's navel snake.

The replicated Kidomaru possessed all of the unique abilities and powers associated with the original. Notably, he retained his formidable skill in creating intricate and resilient webs. Kabuto strategically utilized this ability during his fierce battle against Itachi and Sasuke Uchiha, both renowned shinobi of great prowess, in the Fourth Shinobi World War.

With the webbing at his disposal, the replicated Kidomaru collaborated with Kabuto to effectively corner Itachi and Sasuke, limiting their movements and restricting their options. The intricate web patterns served as both a physical obstacle and a psychological deterrent, forcing the Uchiha brothers to contend with the complex entanglement woven by the replicated Kidomaru.

Kidomaru possessed a distinct mindset when it came to battle, viewing it as a captivating game rather than a life-or-death struggle. He exuded a laid-back demeanor and a remarkable sense of ease during fights, showcasing a unique perspective on combat.

For Kidomaru, engaging in combat was a source of immense enjoyment. He reveled in the thrill of facing formidable opponents, finding their strength and skill to be a captivating form of entertainment. Strong adversaries piqued his interest and provided him with the challenge and excitement he craved. Kidomaru's inclination towards seeking out powerful opponents meant that he often disregarded those he perceived as weaker, deeming them unworthy of his time and finding their battles uninteresting and mundane.

This perspective was reflected in his speech and mannerisms during confrontations. In his battle against Neji Hyūga, Kidomaru casually referred to him as a "minor character," employing terminology reminiscent of gaming culture. He analyzed the situation through the lens of a gamer, utilizing concepts such as "level" and "difficulty" to assess Neji's abilities and the challenges he posed.

Kidomaru, much like his fellow members of the Sound Four, possessed a profound arrogance when facing opponents. While he wasn't as conceited as some of his comrades, he held an unwavering belief that they were no match for someone of Kakashi's caliber. This arrogance colored his interactions and battles, shaping his approach and attitude toward his adversaries.

One aspect of Kidomaru's character was his sadistic nature. He derived pleasure from prolonging his opponent's suffering, often toying with them and relishing in their struggles. As the battle progressed, he would gradually intensify the brutality of his attacks, finding joy in witnessing his opponent's desperate attempts to overcome the odds. This sadistic inclination occasionally manifested in laughter, accentuating his enjoyment of the challenge at hand.

However, this sadistic streak also proved to be a flaw for Kidomaru. His penchant for prolonging battles, particularly with opponents who intrigued him, caused him to overextend the engagements. This not only slowed down his team's progress but also demonstrated a lack of consideration for the dangers of his actions. Even though he was aware of the risks of using the second level of his cursed seal recklessly, Kidomaru's excitement often prompted him to enter that state prematurely, disregarding the potential consequences.

This flaw, coupled with his overconfidence, led Kidomaru to underestimate Neji during their battle. He became fixated on exploiting Neji's blind spot without considering the possibility that Neji might devise a countermeasure. This miscalculation proved to be Kidomaru's downfall and ultimately led to his defeat at Neji's hands.

In the anime, upon being resurrected, Kidomaru, along with his comrades, harbored deep bitterness towards those who had killed them. Fueled by a thirst for revenge, he was single-mindedly dedicated to eliminating the Sasuke Recovery Team, seeking retribution for their previous defeat.

The combination of Kidomaru's arrogance, sadistic tendencies, and vengeful nature added depth to his character and contributed to the complexity of his interactions and battles. These traits, though flawed, highlighted his unique persona and made him a formidable and captivating opponent in the Naruto series.

Kidomaru possessed dark skin and sported shaggy black hair that was gathered into a ponytail. His eyes were deep black, and he was often seen with a confident and somewhat mischievous grin adorning his face. One of the most notable aspects of his appearance was the presence of six arms, which gave him a uniquely imposing stature. Concealed beneath his forehead protector, Kidomaru had an eye on his forehead, which remained closed and hidden from view.

In terms of attire, Kidomaru favored a distinctive outfit that reflected his allegiance to the Sound Four. He typically wore a black, sleeveless shirt layered underneath a sleeveless gray tunic. The hem of the tunic featured the emblem of the Sound Four, proudly displaying his affiliation. Complementing his attire were black arm-warmers and form-fitting black shorts. He donned traditional black shinobi sandals, which were accompanied by calf-length leg warmers that were often wrapped in bandages. To complete his ensemble, Kidomaru tied a purple rope-like belt around his waist, fashioned into an inverted bow.

Following his reincarnation by Kabuto Yakushi, Kidomaru appeared as he did during his mortal life, with the exception of gray sclerae that were common among all the other resurrected ninjas. This alteration in his appearance marked his status as one of Kabuto's re-animated warriors.

As a member of Orochimaru's elite guard, Kidomaru showcased formidable skills as a shinobi. His abilities were highly regarded, and even Shikamaru Nara acknowledged his prowess, placing him at the level of a jōnin-ranked ninja. This recognition is a testament to Kidomaru's exceptional combat capabilities and overall skill set.

While Kidomaru preferred engaging his opponents from a distance, utilizing his long-range attacks, he also displayed competence in close-quarters combat. This was evident when he attempted to strike Sasuke with his taijutsu skills, demonstrating his proficiency in hand-to-hand combat. Despite his preference for long-range tactics, Kidomaru proved to be a well-rounded fighter who could hold his own in various combat situations.

In the anime, Kidomaru's taijutsu prowess was further showcased in his battle against Neji, a highly skilled practitioner of the Gentle Fist style. Despite facing a formidable opponent, Kidomaru demonstrated considerable skill and adaptability, effectively utilizing his physical abilities to engage Neji in close combat.

Intelligence

Kabuto's assessment of Kidomaru as the most intellectual member of the Sound Four was clearly evident in his battle style and strategic approach. Kidomaru showcased exceptional tactical prowess, swiftly and efficiently identifying his opponent's weaknesses. His keen observational skills allowed him to notice even the slightest discrepancies and make precise, calculated moves. Kidomaru's ability to quickly adapt and refine his strategies based on his previous observations set him apart as a formidable strategist.

During his intense battle against Neji Hyūga, Kidomaru demonstrated his analytical prowess by utilizing his attacks to uncover the secrets of the Byakugan and identify its blind spot. He effectively used the knowledge he gained to adjust his strategies and exploit Neji's vulnerabilities. Neji himself acknowledged Kidomaru as the strongest adversary he had faced at that point, a testament to Kidomaru's intellect and combat capabilities.

Under Orochimaru's guidance, Kidomaru had access to information about numerous Konohagakure ninja and their techniques. This knowledge allowed him to recognize renowned shinobi like Kakashi Hatake and be familiar with the unique Gentle Fist style of the Hyūga clan. Kidomaru's awareness of these techniques and individuals further emphasized his intellect and his ability to stay well-informed about potential adversaries.

Body Modifications

Kidomaru possessed a distinct and unusual body structure that set him apart from other shinobi. He was endowed with two additional pairs of arms, granting him a total of eight appendages, symbolizing his spider motif. These extra limbs served as a unique advantage in combat, enabling him to enhance the power and diversity of his attacks. With his additional arms, Kidomaru could wield multiple tools simultaneously, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, and even execute several hand seals at once, showcasing his exceptional dexterity and adaptability on the battlefield. Furthermore, his multiple arms allowed him to exert tremendous tension on his bowstring, significantly increasing the power and velocity of his arrows.

Another distinguishing feature of Kidomaru was the presence of a third eye positioned on his forehead, typically concealed beneath his forehead protector. However, in moments of intense battle or when faced with formidable opponents, he would unveil this mysterious eye. The third eye bestowed upon him heightened perception and unparalleled accuracy, enabling him to pinpoint his enemies' vital points with remarkable precision. Even at distances as far as 50 meters, Kidomaru's third eye granted him the ability to discern minute deviations, as evidenced by his awareness of missing his intended target by a mere 15 centimeters. This exceptional visual prowess, combined with his advanced archery skills, made Kidomaru an unparalleled marksman and a formidable adversary.

Cursed Seal

As one of Orochimaru's most trusted and formidable warriors, Kidomaru bore the mark of a cursed seal, which significantly enhanced his already impressive abilities. When activated in Level 1, the cursed seal manifested as intricate, twisting lines that spread across his entire body, symbolizing the dark power coursing through him. When Kidomaru ascended to Level 2, his physical appearance underwent a dramatic transformation. His skin took on a deep crimson hue, and his eyes turned a striking yellow color with a menacing black sclera. Elongated canine teeth and fingernails added to his ferocious visage, while his once-dark hair grew longer and turned a shade of gray.

The Level 2 transformation also brought forth distinct physical alterations. Horns sprouted from his forehead, shoulders, and elbows, serving as menacing adornments. His widened mouth allowed him to craft more refined weapons, while a previously concealed eye on his forehead, concealed under his forehead protector, opened, granting him heightened accuracy in his attacks and the apparent ability to perceive chakra with greater clarity.

In the anime, following his resurrection, Kidomaru discovered that intense feelings of hatred and rage could further tap into the power of his cursed seal. This enabled him to manipulate his Spider Sticky Gold at an astonishingly accelerated rate, weaving intricate webs and fabricating weapons with deadly precision. The weapons produced under this heightened state of power were even more lethal than before, showcasing Kidomaru's relentless pursuit of strength and his willingness to channel his negative emotions into a greater destructive force.

Ninjutsu

Kidomaru possessed a unique ability to create spider webs by infusing his spit or sweat with chakra. These webs served various purposes in combat, allowing him to bind, trap, and even sense his enemies. The threads he produced were incredibly adhesive, exhibiting both remarkable strength and elasticity. This exceptional quality was attributed to the continuous flow of his chakra through the webs. As a result, ordinary tools like kunai were ineffective in cutting through them.

However, the Gentle Fist combat style proved to be an exception to this rule. The Gentle Fist technique relied on the precise manipulation of chakra to target specific points on an opponent's body. This precise chakra control enabled users of the Gentle Fist to cut through Kidomaru's webs. By channeling their chakra into their strikes, practitioners of the Gentle Fist could disrupt the chakra flow within the web threads, rendering them vulnerable to being severed.

While Kidomaru's spider webs were typically impervious to conventional tools, the specialized nature of the Gentle Fist allowed its users to exploit the weaknesses in his chakra-infused threads. The ability to cut through his webs further added to the versatility and effectiveness of the Gentle Fist style, making it a formidable countermeasure against Kidomaru's web-based attacks.

In addition to his spider webs, Kidomaru possessed another unique ability involving a special golden liquid. This liquid, when exposed to the air, would harden into a chakra-blocking metal. By chewing the spider web liquid, Kidomaru could make it more solid and gum-like, enabling him to shape it into makeshift weapons.

This hardened material had multiple applications, including the creation of a body-covering armor that provided complete defense against physical attacks, metal projectiles, and even chakra-based techniques like the Gentle Fist. The durability of this armor allowed Kidomaru to withstand various forms of assault.

Furthermore, Kidomaru could mold the hardened material into an especially lethal bow and arrows. These arrows possessed incredible power, capable of shattering trees upon impact. In the anime, after being reincarnated and having his cursed seal enhanced by Kabuto, Kidomaru gained the ability to produce and fire these arrows at an even faster rate.

Summoning Jutsu

Staying true to his spider motif, Kidomaru had the ability to summon the Kyodaigumo, an enormous spider. This formidable creature had the capability to generate a vast number of smaller spiders under its command. Kidomaru could utilize these spiders to execute a technique known as the Rain of Spiders. This technique unleashed threads of webbing that possessed the same strength and power as Kidomaru's own, enabling him to ensnare and immobilize his opponents.

Furthermore, Kidomaru had a unique ability to merge with the Kyodaigumo, allowing him to call upon its assistance during battle. By fusing his own threads with the spider, he could enhance his offensive and defensive capabilities. This collaboration enabled Kidomaru to augment his web-based attacks, reinforcing their strength and effectiveness.

Cooperation Ninjutsu

Despite the complex dynamics within the Sound Four, they possessed a profound understanding of Cooperation Ninjutsu, allowing them to synchronize their abilities and work together seamlessly. One such technique they employed was the Combination Transformation, enabling them to masquerade as Orochimaru's bodyguards while concealing their true numbers. This deception added an element of surprise and confusion to their opponents' strategies.

During the intense clash between the Third Hokage and Orochimaru, the Sound Four utilized the Four Violet Flames Formation. This intricate formation created a barrier that effectively sealed off the designated area, preventing anyone from entering or exiting. This tactic demonstrated their tactical prowess and strategic thinking.

In their mission to transport Sasuke to Orochimaru, the Sound Four employed the Four Black Fogs Formation. This unique barrier engulfed the target, inducing a temporary state of suspended animation resembling death. This immobilization served the purpose of facilitating Sasuke's adaptation to the cursed seal, making the transportation process smoother and more manageable.

In the anime, the Sound Four showcased additional techniques, including the Space–Time Technique Formula: Underworld Turnover. This intricate technique confined both the user and the target within a specialized barrier, effectively transporting their souls to a different realm. This ability demonstrated their mastery over space-time manipulation and their capacity to manipulate the battlefield to their advantage.

Furthermore, the Sound Four could utilize the Sound Four: Summoning: Four Beasts Encirclement Formation. This technique summoned their individual animal summons, allowing them to encircle and trap their opponents from all sides. The combined force of their summoned beasts created a formidable obstacle for their adversaries to overcome.

Kidomaru possessed the following jutsus in his arsenal of techniques:

• Armour of Sticky Gold

• Barrier Method Formation

• Combination Transformation

• Four Black Fogs Formation

• Four Violet Flames Formation

• Rain of Spiders

• Sound Four's Cursed Seals

• Sound Four: Summoning: Four Beasts Encirclement Formation (Anime only)

• Space-Time Technique Formula: Underworld Turnover (Anime only)

• Spider Bind

• Spider Cocoon

• Spider Sticking Spit

• Spider Sticky Gold

• Spider War Bow: Terrible Split

• Spider Web Area

• Spider Web Flower

• Spider Web Unrolling

• Summoning Technique (Kyodaigumo)

In addition to the Naruto manga and its anime adaptation, Kidomaru appears in other media formats of the Naruto franchise as well.

He also appears in a Naruto OVA (Original Video Animation), titled “Hidden Leaf Village Grand Sports Festival!”

Kidomaru made his debut in the gaming category with the release of Naruto: Ultimate Ninja.

He is a playable character in the following games:

In the Naruto video games Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm, Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations, and Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolution, Kidomaru is only available as a supporting character.

• (To Naruto Uzumaki) "I guess it was more fun this way…but now, game over!!"

• (To Neji Hyuga) "So you're the strongest of the bunch, huh. Sheesh..you're making me want to play even more. Gotta take it slow, you know. Or else it's not as much fun...First, I need at least three minutes to toy with you before you die!"

• (About Neji) "What kind of a freak is this guy?"

• "This game has a higher difficulty level than I thought!"

• (To Neji) "The weakest one in the game always goes down first!"

• Kidomaru was the first member of the Sound Four to be created by Masashi Kishimoto.

• Kidomaru was the only member of the Sound Four seen wearing an Otogakure forehead protector.

• His name, "Kidomaru," translates to "demon child" in Japanese.

• The "-maru" in his name means "circle" or "perfection," which is a common ending for male Japanese names.

• Kidomaru shares his name with an oni (evil spirit), a character from the Kokon chomonjū, a compilation of legends from the Kamakura period. According to legend, this Kidomaru was the son of the demon Shuten-dōji and sought to avenge his father's defeat by the legendary warrior Minamoto no Yorimitsu.

• According to the databook(s):

• His favorite phrase was: "Game over (ゲームオーバー, gēmu ōbā).

• His hobby was playing games.

• He desired to fight opponents that allowed him to enjoy himself.

• Kidomaru officially completed 46 missions: 20 D-rank, 15 C-rank, 8 B-rank, 2 A-rank, and 1 S-rank.

• Kidomaru can be seen during the Konoha Sports festival and the omake of Naruto: Shippūden episode 129, picking masks with Sakon nearby.

• In the manga, Kidomaru is the only member of the Sound Four not to have a personal summon.