NARUTO COLUMNS
04/02/2024
[Birthday Column] Celebrating Hidan's Birthday on 4/2! Looking Back on the Devout Yet Easily-Provoked Akatsuki Member!
A column celebrating the birthdays and achievements of everyone's favorite ninja!
Today we'll be reminiscing about the follower of Jashin who aided in the Akatsuki's mission: Hidan!
Today we'll be reminiscing about the follower of Jashin who aided in the Akatsuki's mission: Hidan!
■Hidan
・Birthday: April 2nd (Aries)
・Favorite Foods: Spare ribs
Guided by the Way of Jashin
The "Way of Jashin" that Hidan preaches is a new religion that worships Jashin as a god. Its goal is to violently sacrifice people via a curse ritual in the name of the deity.
"TOTAL SLAUGHTER IS THE MOTTO OF THE CHURCH OF JASHIN.
THERE'S EVEN AN ACTUAL COMMANDMENT THAT PROHIBITS HALF-KILLING."
It has many strict commandments, such as a rule that prescribes the performance of a prayer before and after every curse ritual.
"...I MUST CONFER WITH MY KAMI."
Though Hidan has a violent temperament and is usually quite lazy, he diligently follows the rules of his religion. At times he can spend more than 30 minutes in steadfast prayer.
"SHUT UP! DON'T INTERRUPT THE RITUAL!!"
"AND HOW DARE YOU MENTION ABBREVIATING IT!
THAT'S BLASPHEMY!!"
He also seems determined to spread the word about Jashin via the battlefield.
"I WAS ABOUT TO SHOW THOSE HEATHENS THE MIGHT OF THE CHURCH OF JASHIN!"
He even appears to enjoy the pain caused by the curse ritual, which most would be unable to bear. Perhaps this is due to the delight he takes in paying tribute to Jashin...
"NOW, I CAN FINALLY SAVOR IT...
...THE PAIN CAUSED BY YOUR DEATH."
The teachings of the Way of Jashin are a core part of Hidan's identity, and a conviction he must stay true to despite his enemies and his own partner, Kakuzu.
"LORD JASHIN, BEHOLD!"
The Worst Temper in the Akatsuki?!
It's not only ideologically that Hidan defies social norms. His manner of speaking shows very little respect for the Akatsuki's hierarchy.
"THAT DARN LEADER!
ONE OF THESE DAYS, I'M GOING TO PUT A CURSE ON HIM!"
His talkativeness and quick retorts give his personality a lightheartedness that contrasts with his bloodthirst in a uniquely charming way.
Despite being recently recruited by the Akatsuki, he's perfectly comfortable talking back to other members or even the leader. Perhaps the Way of Jashin has a commandment that says everyone is fair game?
"SAYS THE WEAKLING...
...WHO HAD TO HAVE HIS ARM REATTACHED BY KAKUZU!"
However, when his blood is up, he completely loses his cool, and this seems to be more pronounced with every curse ritual he performs.
Maybe his excitement affects his ability to reason?
Maybe his excitement affects his ability to reason?
"ENOUGH TALK, THEN!!
I'M GONNA TEAR YOU APART NOW AND KILL YOU LATER!!!"
Hidan, Devotee of Jashin
Hidan contributes greatly to the Akatsuki's goals while working with Kakuzu. Together, they capture the Two Tails' Jinchuriki and kill former Guardian Shinobi Twelve member Chiriku.
However, during the battle with Team Asuma, his habit of running his mouth gets the better of him, allowing his opponents to figure out his curse ritual's methodology.
However, during the battle with Team Asuma, his habit of running his mouth gets the better of him, allowing his opponents to figure out his curse ritual's methodology.
In a poetic twist, the person who ends up defeating Hidan is Shikamaru, the student of Hidan's previous victim, Asuma.
Before being buried alive, Hidan says this:
Before being buried alive, Hidan says this:
"I WARNED YOU!
THE CHURCH OF JASHIN WILL PUNISH YOU! EH?!
GWAHAHAHAHA!!! AND THEN I'LL BE THE ONE PASSING JUDGMENT ON YOU!"
Hidan adheres to his belief in Jashin even as he is entombed by Shikamaru's trap, never once doubting. Despite his rough and fearsome nature, there may be a kind of purity to be found in Hidan's sincere devotion.
Article and Composition: Yu Kawasaki (Caramel mama)
That's all for Hidan's birthday column!
Take this opportunity to reread the manga and look back on his bloodlust and commitment!
