The power system of Katekyo Hitman Reborn centers around Dying Will Flames—highly purified manifestations of life energy that emerge from a person’s resolve and determination. These colorful flames aren’t just pretty light shows; they’re potent forces that grant their users unique abilities based on distinct attributes.
While the series introduces both Sky and Earth Dying Will Flames, the Sky Flames—named after celestial phenomena and each associated with one of Tsuna’s guardians—form the primary power system that drives the action throughout the series. From the harmonizing orange Sky Flame to the healing yellow Sun Flame, each type offers distinctive capabilities that shape the combat styles of their users.
But not all Dying Will Flames are created equal. Some possess overwhelming destructive potential, while others excel in versatility or strategic advantage. After thorough analysis of their core properties, demonstrated abilities, and canonical feats, I’ve ranked all seven Sky Flames from most to least powerful in the world of Hitman Reborn.
1. Sky Flame (Harmony)
Color: Orange
Characteristic: Harmony
Notable Users: Tsunayoshi Sawada, Xanxus, Byakuran
The Sky Flame’s harmony characteristic grants Tsuna a unique form of control over other flame types, allowing him to both amplify or completely neutralize them.
The Sky Flame stands unrivaled at the pinnacle of the Dying Will Flame hierarchy. This rare and coveted power, identified by its brilliant orange coloration, possesses the characteristic of Harmony—a trait that allows it to interact with and influence all other flame types in ways no other flame can match.
What truly separates the Sky Flame from its counterparts is its unparalleled versatility in interacting with other flames. It can harmonize with different flame types to amplify their power, combine their attributes to create unique effects, or even neutralize opposing flames through petrification or freezing. This ability to both enhance allies and counter enemies gives Sky Flame users a fundamental advantage in almost any combat situation.
Tsuna Sawada, the primary Sky Flame user, demonstrates this versatility through techniques like Zero Point Breakthrough, which can extinguish and freeze other Dying Will Flames, effectively shutting down opponents’ energy-based attacks. His Sky Lion, Natsu, further exemplifies this dominance by possessing the ability to petrify flames through harmonization.
Beyond direct manipulation, the Sky Flame’s inherent property of “attracting all other flames and harmonizing with them” manifests as a natural leadership quality. This is symbolically represented by Tsuna’s position as the Vongola Boss surrounded by his six guardians, each wielding a different flame type. The Sky Flame essentially functions as the central force that brings together and maintains balance among the other six flames.
The exceptional power of Sky Flames is further demonstrated by Xanxus, who wields the Wrath Flame—a fusion of Sky and Storm attributes capable of reducing targets to ash. This ability to combine with other flame types creates potential for devastating techniques beyond the scope of individual flames, cementing the Sky Flame’s position as the most powerful of the seven.
2. Storm Flame (Disintegration)
Color: Red
Characteristic: Disintegration
Notable Users: Hayato Gokudera, Belphegor, Fon
The Storm Flame’s disintegration property allows Gokudera to break down anything it touches at a molecular level, making it the most directly destructive of all flame types.
The Storm Flame captures second place through raw, unstoppable destructive potential. Distinguished by its vibrant red coloration, this flame embodies the characteristic of Disintegration—the ability to break down and corrode anything it touches, including other Dying Will Flames.
What makes the Storm Flame so formidable is its unmatched offensive power. Unlike other flames that might control, enhance, or multiply, Storm Flames simply destroy whatever they encounter. This corrosive property allows them to bypass conventional defenses by breaking them down at a molecular level, making them exceptionally difficult to defend against.
Hayato Gokudera, the Storm Guardian, exemplifies this overwhelming offensive potential through his aggressive fighting style and explosive attacks. His dynamite, charged with Storm Flames, doesn’t just explode—it disintegrates targets. Even without his signature weapons, Gokudera can channel the Disintegration property into direct attacks that can reduce enemies to nothing.
The Storm Flame is consistently described as “highly offensive” throughout the series, and its users often embody aggressive and impatient temperaments. This flame lacks the versatility of Sky Flames or the strategic advantages of some other types, but its sheer destructive capability more than compensates for these limitations.
While it might not be able to manipulate other flames like the Sky Flame can, the Storm Flame’s ability to simply disintegrate them offers a more direct approach to flame confrontation. This makes it particularly effective against energy-based defenses or constructs created by other flame types. When pure destructive power is required, no flame rivals the Storm.
3. Mist Flame (Construction)
Color: Indigo
Characteristic: Construction
Notable Users: Mukuro Rokudo, Chrome Dokuro, Mammon/Viper
Mist Flames are uniquely powerful because they can transform illusions into reality, allowing users like Mukuro to create attacks that are both physically real and nearly impossible to predict.
The Mist Flame claims third place through its unique balance of deception and creation. Distinguished by its indigo coloration, this enigmatic flame possesses the characteristic of Construction—a trait that enables users to create illusions so convincing they can become reality.
What truly elevates the Mist Flame is its ability to affect all five senses, allowing skilled users to completely deceive their opponents. These aren’t mere visual tricks but comprehensive sensory manipulations that can make victims experience entirely fabricated scenarios. This profound level of deception creates significant strategic advantages, allowing Mist Flame users to hide their true intentions, lead enemies into elaborate traps, or avoid detection entirely.
Even more impressive is the Mist Flame’s ability to materialize illusions into tangible objects with real physical effects. This characteristic of Construction transcends simple trickery, allowing users to create actual offensive weapons, defensive barriers, or completely reshape environments. The line between illusion and reality becomes blurred, making Mist Flame attacks uniquely unpredictable and difficult to counter.
Mukuro Rokudo, one of the primary Mist Flame users, demonstrates this power by creating illusions so real they can inflict physical harm. Chrome Dokuro maintains an illusory set of organs that function as real ones. Mammon, of the Varia, can create pocket dimensions and physical barriers using Mist Flames. These examples showcase how the Construction property allows for both strategic advantage and direct combat effectiveness.
The combination of complete sensory deception and the ability to materialize these deceptions into physical reality makes the Mist Flame incredibly versatile and unpredictable. While it may lack the raw destructive power of the Storm Flame or the omnipotent control of the Sky Flame, its unique duality of illusion and manifestation makes it an extraordinarily potent force.
4. Cloud Flame (Propagation)
Color: Purple
Characteristic: Propagation
Notable Users: Kyoya Hibari, Alaude, Skull
Cloud Flames’ propagation ability allows Hibari to multiply his weapons and attacks, overwhelming opponents with sheer numbers and increasingly powerful strikes.
The Cloud Flame secures fourth place through its remarkable potential for multiplication and expansion. Identified by its distinctive purple hue, this flame embodies the characteristic of Propagation—the ability to increase and multiply objects, attacks, or even living beings.
The primary strength of the Cloud Flame lies in its unmatched versatility in application. The propagation property allows users to create multiple copies of objects, significantly expand the size of existing constructs, or even duplicate themselves in some cases. This multiplication effect can be applied to weapons, barriers, or strategic diversions, making the Cloud Flame adaptable to nearly any combat situation.
Kyoya Hibari, the Cloud Guardian, demonstrates this power by applying propagation to his tonfas and Box Weapons, creating numerous restraints or rapidly expanding spiked spheres that overwhelm opponents. The ability to instantly turn a single attack into dozens or transform a small barrier into an impenetrable wall gives Cloud Flame users significant tactical advantages in both offense and defense.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Cloud Flame is its almost limitless potential for growth. Unlike other flames that have more defined applications, the propagation characteristic can theoretically be applied to any object or even living beings, as demonstrated by Iris’s BDM Squad whose members had their physical capabilities and regenerative abilities enhanced through Cloud Flame propagation.
While not as directly destructive as the Storm Flame or as strategically deceptive as the Mist Flame, the Cloud Flame’s capacity to scale and adapt to various situations makes it exceptionally potent. Its unique combination of offensive multiplication, defensive expansion, and overall adaptability earns it a solid position in the upper half of the Dying Will Flame hierarchy.
5. Lightning Flame (Hardening)
Color: Green
Characteristic: Hardening
Notable Users: Lambo, Gamma, Levi A Than
Lightning Flames create the ultimate defense, hardening objects to withstand tremendous damage while simultaneously allowing users to deliver devastating electrical counterattacks.
The Lightning Flame earns fifth place through its exceptional defensive capabilities paired with surprising offensive potential. Recognized by its bright green color and electricity-like appearance, this flame possesses the characteristic of Hardening—the ability to increase the firmness and durability of objects.
What makes the Lightning Flame stand out is its status as arguably the toughest among the seven Sky Flames. Its primary ability to harden and solidify objects significantly increases their durability and resistance to damage, creating formidable defensive barriers that few other flames can penetrate. Lambo, the Lightning Guardian, demonstrates this by using his flames to form resilient protective shields that can withstand substantial punishment.
Beyond its defensive prowess, the Lightning Flame’s inherent electrical nature provides unexpected offensive capabilities. Any attack imbued with Lightning Flames can electrocute an opponent, potentially causing significant damage and even paralysis. Gamma, another skilled Lightning Flame user, showcases this dual nature by channeling his flames through pool balls to deliver devastating electrical attacks while maintaining strong defensive positioning.
This combination of extreme durability and shocking counterattack potential gives the Lightning Flame a unique tactical advantage. While it may lack the raw destructive power of the Storm Flame or the strategic versatility of the Cloud Flame, its exceptional defense-offense balance makes it a formidable force that can withstand tremendous damage while still posing a significant threat to opponents.
The Lightning Flame’s position in the middle of the ranking reflects this balanced nature—not overwhelmingly powerful in any single aspect, but remarkably effective at both protection and retaliation. Its ability to serve as both an impenetrable shield and a devastating electrical weapon earns it a respectable place among the Dying Will Flames.
6. Rain Flame (Tranquility)
Color: Blue
Characteristic: Tranquility
Notable Users: Takeshi Yamamoto, Squalo, Bluebell
Rain Flames excel in control rather than raw power, allowing Yamamoto to tranquilize opponents’ movements and even create ice constructs for both offense and defense.
The Rain Flame secures sixth place through its unique emphasis on control rather than raw power. Distinguished by its calming blue color that resembles water more than fire, this flame embodies the characteristic of Tranquility—the ability to induce stillness and pacification.
The primary strength of the Rain Flame lies in its capacity to slow down or weaken opponents. Its tranquility characteristic allows it to calm other flames and diminish their effectiveness, essentially dampening their power. This makes Rain Flames particularly effective as a counter to more volatile flame types like Storm, creating a strategic niche in flame-based combat.
Takeshi Yamamoto, the Rain Guardian, demonstrates this power through various sword techniques enhanced by his flames. By imbuing his blade with Rain Flames, he can deliver strikes that not only cause physical damage but also induce a tranquilizing effect, slowing opponents’ movements and reactions. This combination of offensive capability and enemy debilitation creates a unique fighting style focused on control rather than overwhelming force.
Perhaps the most impressive application of the Rain Flame is its ability to solidify into ice at advanced levels. This provides both defensive options in the form of barriers and additional offensive capabilities through ice constructs and freezing attacks. This versatility in state transformation offers Rain Flame users tactical options beyond simple pacification.
While the Rain Flame’s position near the bottom of the ranking reflects its limited direct destructive potential compared to flames like Storm or Sky, its strategic value shouldn’t be underestimated. The ability to control the battle tempo by weakening opponents and potentially freezing their attacks makes it an essential component of balanced combat strategies, particularly in team scenarios where its supportive nature can complement more offensive flame types.
7. Sun Flame (Activation)
Color: Yellow
Characteristic: Activation
Notable Users: Ryohei Sasagawa, Reborn, Lussuria
While Sun Flames rank lowest in direct combat power, their activation property allows users like Ryohei to heal catastrophic injuries and enhance physical abilities to superhuman levels.
The Sun Flame occupies the seventh position, not because it’s weak, but because its strengths lie in support rather than direct combat prowess. Identified by its bright yellow coloration and star-like sparkles, this flame possesses the characteristic of Activation—the ability to induce and improve the efficiency of various activities.
The primary function of the Sun Flame is enhancement and restoration. It can significantly boost the physical capabilities of its user, increasing their strength, speed, and endurance. Ryohei Sasagawa, the Sun Guardian, exemplifies this with exceptional physical prowess far beyond normal human limits, directly attributed to the enhancement properties of his Sun Flames.
What truly distinguishes the Sun Flame is its remarkable healing potential. The activation characteristic can stimulate cell regeneration and improve bodily functions, making it invaluable for treating injuries. This healing capability can be applied to both the user and allies, providing crucial support in extended combat situations where attrition would otherwise wear down a fighting force.
Beyond physical enhancement and healing, the Sun Flame possesses a unique ability to deactivate other flames. Reborn, a master Sun Flame user, demonstrates this capacity for flame neutralization, adding a niche form of control to the Sun Flame’s repertoire. Additionally, the activation property can be used to temporarily boost an individual’s latent potential through techniques like the Dying Will Bullet.
While its position at the bottom of the ranking reflects its limited direct combat potential compared to the other Sky Flames, the Sun Flame’s supportive nature makes it an essential component of any balanced team. Its ability to keep fighters at peak performance through healing and enhancement can prove decisive in prolonged battles, demonstrating that power in the world of Dying Will Flames manifests in many forms beyond simple destruction.
Dying Will Flames FAQ
How do Dying Will Flames activate?
Dying Will Flames activate through a combination of intense resolve and specific triggers. The most common activation method is through extraordinary emotional states—particularly regret or determination in the face of death. This is why they’re called “Dying Will” Flames, as they often emerge when a person has something they desperately want to accomplish before dying. For those unable to naturally summon their flames, external devices like the Dying Will Bullet or Dying Will Pills can artificially induce the necessary state. The Dying Will Bullet, when fired at a person with regrets, temporarily “kills” them, allowing them to be reborn with their limitations removed and their flames activated for a short period. More advanced users can eventually learn to summon their flames at will without external aids, though this typically requires significant training and mental discipline. The Vongola Rings and other similar devices can also serve as conduits for flame activation, helping users channel and control their flames more effectively. As users grow more experienced, they can achieve more refined states like Hyper Dying Will Mode, which maintains the power boost while allowing them to think clearly and strategically.
What's the difference between Sky Flames and Earth Flames?
Sky Flames and Earth Flames represent two fundamentally different categories of Dying Will Flames, each with distinct properties and origins. Sky Flames, associated with the Tri-ni-sette (Vongola Rings, Mare Rings, and Arcobaleno Pacifiers), manifest in seven attributes named after celestial phenomena: Sky (Harmony), Storm (Disintegration), Rain (Tranquility), Sun (Activation), Lightning (Hardening), Cloud (Propagation), and Mist (Construction). These flames typically appear flame-like and are the more common type seen throughout most of the series. Earth Flames, introduced later in the manga, are tied to the Simon Rings and appear more solid and earth-like in form. They consist of seven attributes named after geological features: Earth (Gravity), Forest (Vegetation), Mountain (Stability), Desert (Fermentation), Swamp (Fermentation), Glacier (Freezing), and Ocean (Flooding). While Sky Flames generally manipulate energy and states of matter, Earth Flames typically affect physical forces and natural elements. The relationship between these two flame systems mirrors that between the Vongola and Simon Families—separate but interconnected, with each possessing unique powers that complement rather than directly oppose each other. Neither set is inherently stronger than the other; their effectiveness depends on the user’s mastery and the specific situation.
Can a person have more than one type of Dying Will Flame?
While most individuals in Hitman Reborn naturally possess only one primary Dying Will Flame type, there are several exceptions and special cases where multiple flame types can manifest in a single person. Gokudera Hayato demonstrates this possibility through his Sistema C.A.I., which allows him to use all seven Sky Flames simultaneously through specialized equipment, though his Storm Flame remains his primary and strongest attribute. Some characters possess unique hybrid flames, such as Xanxus with his Flame of Wrath—a powerful combination of Sky and Storm attributes that appears as dark orange with elements of red, resulting from his extreme anger. The Six Funeral Wreaths under Byakuran each possessed both a Sky Flame and a corresponding Earth Flame, showing that cross-category flame possession is also possible. Certain powerful artifact weapons like the Vongola Box Rings allow their users to temporarily channel flame types beyond their natural affinity, though with less power than their primary flame. The ability to use multiple flame types generally indicates exceptional potential or specialized training, remaining relatively rare within the series. Most characters who demonstrate multiple flame types still show a clear dominance of their primary attribute, with secondary flames typically being weaker or requiring special equipment to manifest effectively.
How do Box Weapons interact with Dying Will Flames?
Box Weapons represent a sophisticated fusion of Dying Will Flames and advanced technology, creating a symbiotic relationship between user, flame, and weapon. Each Box Weapon is specifically designed to be activated by a particular Dying Will Flame type, with the box absorbing the flames to power its transformation and abilities. When injected with the corresponding flame, these cube-shaped devices release various weapons, animals, or equipment that inherit properties of the flame used to activate them. For example, Storm flame-powered boxes might produce weapons with disintegration properties, while Rain flame boxes might create animals or tools with tranquilizing effects. The strength and effectiveness of a Box Weapon directly correlates to both the purity and quantity of flames supplied by the user, meaning that more powerful flame users can generally extract greater performance from the same box. Box Animals, a special subset of Box Weapons that take the form of animals, share a particularly close connection with their users, often reflecting their personality and fighting style. Advanced users can even combine multiple boxes through techniques like Cambio Forma, merging the box animal with the user or their equipment to create enhanced weaponry with specialized abilities. In essence, Box Weapons serve as flame conduits and amplifiers, allowing users to manifest their Dying Will Flames in diverse and tactically advantageous forms.
Which Vongola Guardian has the most powerful flame?
While flame potency depends significantly on the user’s resolve and training rather than just the flame type, certain Vongola Guardians demonstrate exceptional mastery and power with their respective flames. Hibari Kyoya, the Cloud Guardian, consistently shows remarkable flame output and combat prowess, maximizing his Cloud Flame’s propagation property to devastating effect. His independent nature perfectly aligns with the Cloud Flame’s characteristics, allowing him to draw out its full potential. Mukuro Rokudo (and by extension, Chrome Dokuro) wields Mist Flames with extraordinary skill, creating illusions so powerful they can affect reality itself. The construction property of his flames enables complex illusions that few can penetrate or resist. Gokudera Hayato deserves special mention for his innovative use of Storm Flames through his Sistema C.A.I., which allows him to utilize all seven flame types simultaneously. However, from a raw power perspective, Tsunayoshi Sawada ultimately possesses the most powerful flame among the Guardians. As the Sky Flame user and Vongola Boss, Tsuna’s flames demonstrate unparalleled purity and power, especially in Hyper Dying Will Mode. His Zero Point Breakthrough and X-Burner techniques showcase flame mastery beyond what other guardians achieve. While each guardian excels with their respective flame type, Tsuna’s Sky Flame dominance reflects his position as the gravitational center that harmonizes all other guardians.