The Chidori torpedo boats were not so much like American PT-boats but more like tiny destroyers. At the time of the incident, they were equipped with three 5-inch guns in fully enclosed turrets (1 single and 1 twin mount), as well as 4 torpedo tubes, with extra reloads (8 torpedoes in total).
That's 60% the firepower and 40% of the torpedo launchers (but 80% of the torpedoes themselves) that a Fletcher-class destroyer carries, at a quarter of the displacement. Destroyer-grade equipment indeed.
Chidori-class torpedo boat
TomozuruKyan!Yes, yes, you're amazingA-are you alright!?Well? Onee-chan, isn't the power of the newest torpedo boats just amazing?Chidori-class torpedo boat
ChidoriW-we're alright! Why, we're the newest and greatest!...mmm, but the waves are getting taller by the minuteLet's put an end to today's exercise.Yes!!Putting destroyer-grade equipment on torpedo boats clearly has a negative effect on their stability...I've got a bad feeling about this, like nothing good can come from this weather...Are you two following me properly?