Fourth Raikage

Biodata

Background and History

Ay accepts Neji into Kumogakure after Neji claims he can help the village dominate the ninja world. He grants Neji the village’s highest treatment and access to its training resources and secret techniques, telling a skeptical Dodai that he believes in Neji’s potential 8 9. When Neji awakens Lightning Release chakra in six months, Ay authorizes him to learn Lightning Release Chakra Mode despite his age 12.

After Yozuki Rei is killed, Ay considers confronting Kirigakure but accepts Neji and Dodai’s advice to investigate discreetly. He lends Neji Rei’s Chakra Blade for the mission and later ends an unproductive search of Kumogakure on their advice 47. Ay subsequently sends Neji to Konohagakure for the joint Chunin Exams with covert objectives, including bringing Naruto Uzumaki to Kumogakure. When Neji asks whether the Uchiha clan would be welcome as refugees, Ay affirms that he would accept them 53 54.

Following the Uchiha clan’s departure from Konoha, Ay personally travels to meet them in the Land of the Waterfall. He greets their new leader, Shisui, as a comrade and plans a settlement for the clan in Kumogakure 83 84. He later agrees to Neji’s proposed marriage alliance with Uchiha Mikoto 85.

During the war against other great villages, Ay leads Kumogakure’s forces, including a successful attack on an 800-strong Kirigakure vanguard. He prepares to confront Ōnoki on the western front and orders a counterattack after the successive disappearances of two Kazekage 99 124. After the war, he appoints Neji his assistant and intends eventually to pass the Raikage position to him 126.

Ay joins the operation against Akatsuki, fights Hiruko in Amegakure, and later defends Kumogakure against resurrected shinobi, holding his own in a clash with the Third Raikage 134 138 163.

Appearance

Ay is a burly, muscular man with short blond hair. He is first seen seated in his sparse office with his chest exposed 8.

• His blond hair stands on end when he intensifies his Lightning Release Chakra Mode 138.
• He wears the Raikage’s hat when departing to meet the Uchiha clan and when preparing a western-front counterattack 83 124.

Personality

Ay is quick-tempered and direct: Rei’s death prompts him to consider a confrontation with Kirigakure, and Ōnoki’s remarks nearly provoke a fight at the Five Kage Summit. He can nevertheless be persuaded to stand down when an immediate clash would be unwise 47 154. His confidence in Neji shows a willingness to invest heavily in talent, while his personal welcome to the Uchiha helps establish their place in Kumogakure 9 84.

Abilities and Skills

Lightning Release Chakra Mode

Ay uses Lightning Release Chakra Mode to enhance his speed and physical combat ability. After Minato’s death, Neji considers him the fastest ninja in the shinobi world 78.

• He can enter the mode and travel rapidly over long distances; he leaves to meet the Uchiha ahead of his escort and reaches them in less than two days 83 84.
• The mode strengthens his body against ordinary taijutsu, ninjutsu, and genjutsu. His version is described as surpassing the Third Raikage’s 138.
• Against Hiruko’s Swift Release, Ay can match his opponent’s speed, though Hiruko initially exploits Ay’s difficulty tracking movement at that pace 138.

Taijutsu

• Ay strikes Hiruko with Heavy Downpour, a high-speed blow that caves in Hiruko’s chest. Hiruko survives and regenerates the injury 138.
• He clashes head-on with the resurrected Third Raikage and holds his ground 163.

Relationships

• Hyuga Neji — Ay sponsors his training, entrusts him with sensitive missions, and eventually makes him Raikage’s assistant and intended successor 8 54 126.
• Dodai — Elder advisor who questions Ay’s decisions and helps temper his response to crises 9 47.
• Killer B — A close Kumogakure ally who accompanies Ay in the operation against Akatsuki 134 136.
• Uchiha Shisui — Ay personally welcomes Shisui and his clan to Kumogakure as comrades 84.
• Blue B — Ay’s cousin; Blue B’s death at Orochimaru’s hands leaves Ay with a personal grievance against him 88.