A

Biodata

History

During a Cloud assault on Konoha’s headquarters, A orders Dodai to capture and interrogate Konoha ninja from major clans for intelligence on patrol routes. Dodai later reports that Sector A has been cleared, though some defenders escaped through the western defenses 140.

A subsequently confronts Minato, attacking his neck with a lightning-charged Lariat; Minato evades the strike 158. After a later Konoha offensive catches Cloud positions off guard, A receives Dodai’s report of severe losses and issues orders backed by the threat of immediate execution by an assassination unit 225 226.

In battle against Hyuga Qingchuan, A’s physical attacks meet Quincy defenses he cannot break conventionally. Qingchuan wounds his chest through Lightning Release Armor and drives him back with a volley of arrows 232. Minato intercepts Killer B when B tries to assist, separating the fight into Qingchuan against A and Minato against B 232 233. A later attempts to create a two-on-one opening against Qingchuan, but continues to regard him as an opponent who has not shown his full strength 234 235.

At a meeting in the Land of Whirlpools ruins, A objects to combining Cloud troops with Hidden Rock forces, suspecting that Cloud’s fighters would be used to absorb Qingchuan’s arrows. Ōnoki appeals to A’s pride in Cloud’s strength, then reveals he attended the meeting through a Rock Clone rather than in person 350 351 352.

Appearance

A has a massive build; his frame casts a shadow large enough to envelop Dodai while the latter kneels before him 140.

• Eyes — Described as bell-like, and bloodshot when he suppresses his anger 235.
• Lightning cloak — Lightning Release chakra crackles across his body when he challenges the proposed combined force 350.

Personality

A is forceful and quick to anger. He responds to Cloud’s losses with uncompromising orders, and to the proposed alliance with Hidden Rock with open contempt 225 226 350. He is also confident in his own strength: despite setbacks and the Eight-Tails’ injury, he still believes he can win a frontal clash 351.

Abilities & Skills

Lightning Release and close combat

• Lightning Release Armor protects A in combat, though Qingchuan’s enhanced blade cuts through it and wounds his chest 232.
• Lariat and hand-blade strikes combine lightning with high-speed physical attacks; he uses a Lariat against Minato and a Lightning Release Hand Blade against Qingchuan 158 233.
• Speed lets him close on Qingchuan rapidly, but Qingchuan’s Spirit Particle-based movement can evade his strikes 233 237.

Battlefield command

• Intelligence gathering — Orders Dodai to capture Konoha ninja and extract patrol-route information for an ambush 140.
• Tactical coordination — Tries to exploit an opening with Killer B against Qingchuan and recognizes when ordinary attacks are insufficient 232 234.

Relationships

• Killer B — Brother and combat partner; A calls for him to use greater power when Qingchuan’s defenses resist conventional attacks 232.
• Dodai — Cloud Village jonin who reports battlefield developments directly to A 140 225.
• Hyuga Qingchuan — Major opponent whose defenses, ranged attacks, and mobility frustrate A’s attempts to overpower him 232 234 237.
• Minato — Opponent who evades A’s Lariat and intervenes to keep Killer B from joining A against Qingchuan 158 232.
• Ōnoki — Uneasy negotiating counterpart; A rejects the idea of mixing Cloud forces with Hidden Rock troops 350 352.

Notable Quotes

“Cloud Village reveres speed and absolute strength! You want us mixed in with those Hidden Rock rats who hide in holes?” 350

“That kid still hasn't gone all out.” 235