Raikou

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Raikou (雷公)
Species/Race	Legendary Thunder Pokémon 57 58
Gender	Masculine
Affiliation	Ho-Oh Guard 6 17
Occupation/Role	Guardian of vulnerable Electric-type Pokémon; protector of Dongshu 17 47
First Appearance	Chapter 6

Power Progression

Stage / Realm / Level	Chapter	Notes
Lv. 100	54	Dongshu spends Shock Points to raise Raikou to Lv. 100; Raikou is shocked and moved by the gesture. 54

Background / History

Raikou originally viewed all humans as deceitful and untrustworthy because of the harm they inflicted on Pokémon. When he first encountered Entei and the infant Dongshu, he warned Entei that raising the child would lead to betrayal. 6

While recovering from injuries sustained during an attempted human capture, Raikou reluctantly honored Entei's request to protect Dongshu. Dongshu healed Raikou's wounded foreleg with a Potion, then Raikou began bringing him Berries, keeping him warm at night, and helping establish a Berry orchard. 17 18 19 24

Dongshu's consistent kindness toward Pokémon ultimately changed Raikou's views. Raikou decided that Dongshu should be raised as a Pokémon rather than treated as an outsider, and openly claimed responsibility for him when Entei returned. 24 25 Raikou later helped choose Dongshu's name alongside Entei and Marshadow. 27

Appearance

Raikou resembles a saber-toothed tiger with a powerful, predatory presence. His golden coat and constantly crackling electricity make him immediately recognizable as a Legendary Pokémon. 6 57

• Golden fur and sturdy limbs. 6
• Sharp fangs and a black steel headpiece covering his forehead, nose, and mouth. 6
• X-shaped blue whiskers beneath his headpiece. 6
• Light-blue, lightning-shaped tail that crackles with electricity. 6
• Golden mane and an aura of violent electrical energy in battle. 97

Personality

Raikou is aloof, blunt, and intensely suspicious of humans. His hostility stems from witnessing humans harm and exploit Pokémon, particularly their treatment of Pokémon as objects to capture, trade, or abandon. 6 17 80 94

Despite his cold manner, Raikou is deeply protective and affectionate toward Dongshu. He frequently frames acts of care as obligations to Entei, but he brings Dongshu food, warms him in the cold, carries him home, and remains determined to protect him even if Dongshu chooses to live among humans. 18 19 25 61

Raikou is possessive of his place in Dongshu's life and repeatedly competes with Entei for Dongshu's attention. He nevertheless honors agreements with the other Ho-Oh Guard members, including leaving Dongshu in Suicune's care when it becomes Suicune's turn to accompany him. 35 79 103

Abilities & Skills

Electrical Manipulation

Raikou commands exceptionally powerful lightning and carries immense electrical energy within his body. 57 97

• Can surround himself with lightning and release thunder as he moves. 6
• Defeated a group of Pokémon sent by Moon Stone diggers with a single large-scale electrical attack. 83
• Repelled Team Rocket's Jessie, James, and Meowth with a lightning blast. 92
• Incapacitated several Team Rocket members and their Pokémon aboard the S.S. Anne with a thunderbolt. 102
• Charged Dongshu's Mushroom Night Light with electricity. 22

Thunderbolt

Raikou can fire concentrated Thunderbolt attacks with overwhelming force. 100

• Defeated Blaine's Arcanine in one strike despite Arcanine's Extreme Speed charge. 100
• Secured Dongshu's Volcano Badge through his victory at Cinnabar Gym. 100

Dig and Rain Dance

Although an Electric-type Pokémon, Raikou can use Ground- and Weather-based moves to assist Dongshu. 24

• Used Dig to prepare planting holes for Dongshu's Berry seeds. 24
• Used Rain Dance to summon rain and water the newly planted orchard. 24

Telepathy and Senses

Raikou communicates telepathically and can perceive the presence or location of other significant Pokémon. 17 30

• Communicates directly with Dongshu and the other Legendary Pokémon through telepathy. 17 58
• Sensed Entei and Suicune's locations over great distances. 30
• Detected Ho-Oh's aura on Ash. 91

Mobility

Raikou possesses lightning-like speed and travels rapidly across mountains, forests, and regions. 57

• Appears and departs with enough speed to resemble a bolt of lightning. 17 27 103
• Carries Dongshu during their travels through the human world. 54 81

Relationships

• Dongshu — Raikou's adopted son and the person who changed his opinion of humans. Dongshu calls him his “second dad,” while Raikou acts as a fiercely protective father. 25 58 79
• Entei / Fire Emperor — Fellow Ho-Oh Guard member, longtime companion, and Dongshu's first adoptive father. They respect one another but frequently argue over who should accompany or care for Dongshu. 17 25 79
• Suicune — Fellow Ho-Oh Guard member. Raikou initially dismisses Suicune's welfare, but later entrusts Dongshu to Suicune according to their agreement. 35 103
• Marshadow — Fellow caretaker of Dongshu. Marshadow observes Raikou's decision to accept Dongshu and helps choose Dongshu's name. 24 27
• Ho-Oh — Leader of the Ho-Oh Guard. Raikou supports Entei's decision to raise Dongshu even when facing Ho-Oh's possible disapproval. 37 47
• Professor Oak — A researcher fascinated by Raikou and Dongshu's father-son relationship; Raikou tolerates Oak's photograph request for Dongshu's sake. 57 60

Story Role / Major Arcs

Acceptance of Dongshu

Raikou begins as Dongshu's harshest critic, refusing to trust any human child. Entei's departure forces him to guard Dongshu temporarily; Dongshu's treatment of his injury and continued kindness gradually earn Raikou's loyalty. 6 17 18 24

Heavenly Green Mountain Family

Raikou helps Dongshu create and maintain the Berry orchard, brings Moomoo Milk on his return to the mountain, and supports the decision to keep Dongshu on Heavenly Green Mountain before Ho-Oh. 24 34 37

Protector of Pokémon

Raikou responds to threats against Pokémon throughout the story. He leaves to protect victims of Team Rocket's cloning operations and later drives away illegal Moon Stone diggers at Mt. Moon. 61 83

Journey with Dongshu

After reaching Lv. 100, Raikou remains with Dongshu on Heavenly Green Mountain and becomes his primary traveling guardian. Their appearances at Professor Oak's camp and across Kanto draw public attention because of Raikou's Legendary status. 54 57 58 89

Gym Battles and Team Rocket Encounters

Raikou accompanies Dongshu through Kanto, protects him from Team Rocket, and demonstrates his power in official battles. He defeats Blaine's Arcanine with Thunderbolt, earning Dongshu the Volcano Badge. 92 100

Notable Quotes

“Humans are all treacherous and untrustworthy!” 6

“I've already promised this human child that I'll take care of him.” 25

“No matter what, I will not leave Little One. Even if he chooses to stay in the human world, I will still protect him.” 61