Two of the most iconic moves in the Naruto franchise, many wonder which is better: Rasengan or Chidori.
In the debate of Rasengan vs Chidori, the two jutsu represent brute force and precise technique. The Rasengan is stronger because of its raw power potential and ability to transform with multiple chakra natures. The Chidori is used more for pinpointing vital spots, better fitting for a more reserved fighting style.
We say the Rasengan is stronger mainly for its ability to combine multiple different chakra natures. After all, the Chidori was created as a result of adding the lightning style to a Rasengan. The different amount of stages, such as the Rasenshuriken and the Vanishing Rasengan show its room for growth.
The Chidori can be used in a controlled state in your hand, or it can be wrapped around a weapon. In Shippuden, Sasuke often combined Chidori with his blade. It’s very difficult to use, requiring a Sharingan to control its erratic power. The Chidori was better for Sasuke personally because of his lightning type nature, but the Rasengan is a better long term investment for a ninja of a different type.
In chapter #143 of the manga, Jiraiya tells Naruto the Rasengan is mightier than the Chidori. This could have been said to convince Naruto to learn it, but the Rasengan did prove to have a more powerful blast than the Chidori when he fought Sasuke on the rooftop.
Can Naruto and Sasuke Swap Rasengan and Chidori?
Sasuke can use the rasengan, but it may not be worth it. The Chidori comes more easily to his lightning style chakra. Anyone can use the Rasengan and no special requirements are necessary for a ninja outside of a large time commitment.
He can also use the Sharingan to copy someone’s Rasengan. Since Sasuke isn’t a wind-type, he can only copy the regular form of the Rasengan. Sasuke can’t use Naruto’s Rasenshuriken because of his chakra incompatibility.
That also explains why Naruto can’t use the Chidori. The jutsu is the result of combining the lightning chakra nature with a Rasengan. A Chidori is not a failed Rasengan, it’s merely a new type similar to the Rasenshuriken.
Other Thoughts
The Chidori is an S rank jutsu discovered by Kakashi Hatake. He used his Sharingan to copy a Rasengan, but found he could only access its base form. A wind style chakra was necessary to be compatible with higher levels of the Rasengan.
Kakashi instead infused his lightning style chakra to the Rasengan, creating the Chidori. On paper you don’t need the Sharingan to use the Chidori. However, using the Chidori is a very difficult experience that having a Sharingan can help control.
Boruto can’t use Chidori because he lacks the Sharingan. Sasuke tells Boruto that without the Sharingan, he would not be able to control its power. Boruto could use Chidori in theory because of his lightning nature, but he instead has his own Purple Lightning strike.
Sasuke can use the Rasengan, but he learned the Chidori in its place. The Chidori is more compatible with his lightning style chakra than the Rasengan. That explains why wind-type Naruto can’t use the Chidori, instead upgrading the more accessible Rasengan into the Rasenshuriken.
When discussing the Rasengan vs The Chidori, the Rasengan is a more powerful blast but the Chidori is more precise. Both are used in different ways and ultimately prove to be equal in practicality by the final Naruto vs Sasuke fight. However, the Rasengan is better because of its ability to combine with different chakra natures and its raw damage potential.