Kagurabachi

Plot Summary

In this thrilling fantasy adventure, Chihiro Rokuhira is the son of Kunishige Rokuhira, a legendary blacksmith who crafted six magical swords that played a vital role in ending the Seitei War. After living in hiding to protect their legacy, the Rokuhira family is discovered and attacked by the Hishaku—a notorious gang of sorcerers. The Hishaku murdered Kunishige and stole the enchanted swords, threatening the hard-won peace. Armed with a seventh magical blade called Enten, Chihiro embarks on a courageous journey of revenge and justice. His mission is to defeat the Hishaku and reclaim the stolen enchanted swords, restoring honour to his family and ensuring peace prevails once again.

Characters

Chihiro Rokuhira (Protagonist)

Chihiro Rokuhira, an 18-year-old, is the son of the legendary blacksmith Kunishige Rokuhira. From a young age, Chihiro trained with his father in swordsmithing, aspiring to carry on the family legacy. However, when a group of sorcerers called the Hishaku murdered his father and stole the enchanted blades his father had crafted, Chihiro swore to avenge him. He takes up his father’s last enchanted blade, Enten, and dedicates himself to reclaiming the stolen swords.

Though fueled by revenge, Chihiro is careful not to harm innocent people in his pursuit. Behind his stoic and distant demeanor, he’s capable of compassion and loyalty. Wielding Enten, Chihiro has the power to create magic-enhanced slashes, absorb energy for future attacks, and boost his physical strength, making him a formidable force against his enemies.

Rokuhira’s Group

Togo Shiba

Togo Shiba is a powerful sorcerer and close family friend of Kunishige and Chihiro. Driven by a shared desire for vengeance, Togo joins Chihiro on his quest to bring justice for Kunishige’s murder. Once a member of the Kamunabi, Togo left the group after Kunishige went into hiding. His sorcery skills focus on teleportation, allowing him to move swiftly and unpredictably, which makes him a valuable ally and formidable fighter.

Hinao

Hinao is a friend of Togo and owns Cafe Haru Haru, a cafe that doubles as a networking hub where sorcerers connect with influential figures, including yakuza bosses and corporate leaders, who may need their services. With a unique understanding of the magical and criminal worlds, Hinao serves as an important link between them.

Char Kyonagi

Char is a young orphan and the last surviving member of the Kyonagi Clan, renowned for their regenerative powers. She was previously held captive by Sojo, a crime boss and weapons dealer who experimented on her to exploit her abilities in stabilizing the Datenseki. Char’s regenerative powers allow her to heal from almost any injury, and she can also extend this healing ability to others, making her a valuable companion in battle and recovery.

Hakuri Sazanami

Hakuri Sazanami is a former member of the Sazanami Clan who was cast out by his family for being seen as weak and unworthy. Determined to prove his worth, he vows to dismantle the Rakuzaichi black market, which his family oversees, and ultimately joins Chihiro’s quest for justice. Hakuri’s struggles with sorcery stemmed from deep-seated self-doubt, which had unintentionally circulated his spirit energy within his body, blocking his powers. After overcoming his doubts, he learns to control his spirit energy and unlocks the Sazanami Clan’s signature move, Isou, a shockwave-like attack.

Hakuri also gains access to the Storehouse, a rare subspace ability used for storing items—or even people. He becomes only the second in the clan’s history to master both Isou and the Storehouse, a distinction previously held only by the clan’s first head. In addition to storing items, Hakuri can register individuals into the Storehouse, allowing him to keep items linked to their spirit energy, making him a powerful and versatile asset to Chihiro’s team.

Kamunabi

The Kamunabi is a government-backed organization of sorcerers with a mission to protect Japan from national-level threats. Formed during the Seitei War, the Kamunabi differs from independent sorcerers who typically work with private clients, like corporations or the yakuza. Recently, the Kamunabi has set its sights on acquiring the Enchanted Blades to strengthen its ability to keep peace in the country.

Azami

Azami is a high-ranking leader within the Kamunabi and an old friend of both Kunishige and Shiba. She played a key role in helping Kunishige go into hiding after the Seitei War. Now, she serves as a crucial informant for Chihiro, aiding him in his mission.

Hiyuki Kagari

Hiyuki Kagari is an elite warrior and the strongest fighter within the Kamunabi. Known for her formidable combat skills, she is one of the few who can stand up to an Enchanted Blade. Hiyuki wields a powerful sorcery known as the Flame Bone of the Starving, a technique with strength comparable to that of the Enchanted Blades, making her a key asset in the Kamunabi’s ranks.

Tafuku Mihara

Tafuku Mihara is Hiyuki’s partner, recognizable by his sumo-like appearance. His unique sorcery allows him to create a separate battle domain where two combatants can engage in one-on-one combat. This domain vanishes once the battle concludes, isolating the fight and intensifying its stakes.

Anti-Cloud Gouger Special Forces

The Anti-Cloud Gouger Special Forces is an elite squad within the Kamunabi, formed specifically to confront Genichi Sojo and his Enchanted Blade, Cloud Gouger. Out of six highly skilled members, only two survived the intense battle with Sojo.

Ikuto Hagiwara

Ikuto Hagiwara is the commander of the Anti-Cloud Gouger Special Forces. His signature spell, Jikai, grants him magnetic powers, making him a formidable leader in battle. He is one of the two survivors of the fight against Sojo.

Kazane Machi

Kazane Machi is the newest member of the Anti-Cloud Gouger Special Forces and one of the only two survivors from the battle with Sojo. His endurance and resilience have secured his place among the Kamunabi’s most elite fighters.

Shiyumi Harima

Shiyumi Harima is a skilled member of the Anti-Cloud Gouger Special Forces. Her spell, Gansui, allows her to create solid walls, providing strategic defense and protection in battle.

Hajime Kugara

Hajime Kugara is another key member of the squad, known for his spell that strengthens his arm with iron-like qualities, making him a powerful close-combat fighter.

Kiyohiko Uzuki

Kiyohiko Uzuki is a member with the ability to cast binding spells, which restrict the movements of his targets, effectively immobilizing enemies and controlling the battlefield.

Makoto Kasahara

Makoto Kasahara is a dedicated member of the Anti-Cloud Gouger Special Forces, known for his combat skills and loyalty to the team.

Enchanted Blade Wielders

Yoji Uruha

Yoji Uruha is one of the last remaining Enchanted Blade wielders from the Seitei War. He has a special, eternal bond with the blade Kumeyuri, which was given to him by Kunishige Rokuhira 18 years ago. Yoji deeply respected Kunishige and felt honored to be chosen as one of the sword’s bearers. At first, Yoji struggled to accept the idea of Kunishige having a son and lost his purpose after the blacksmith’s death. However, after meeting Chihiro, Kunishige’s son, Yoji reaffirms his loyalty to the Rokuhira family. Trained by another blade wielder, Seiichi Samura, Yoji is skilled in the Iai sword-drawing technique, making him a formidable fighter.

Seiichi Samura

Seiichi Samura is one of the last remaining Enchanted Blade wielders from the Seitei War, bound to the blade Tobimune by an eternal contract. To follow his Buddhist beliefs and avoid worldly distractions, Samura made himself blind, wearing sunglasses to conceal the scars running down each of his eyes. Despite his blindness, Samura is highly perceptive, relying on his heightened senses to navigate the world around him. His extraordinary ability allowed him to recognize Chihiro as Kunishige’s son when Chihiro was just a child. Kunishige himself once said that Samura is the fastest of all the blade wielders. A master of the Iai White Purity Style, Samura uses echolocation, relying on the reverberations of his sheathed sword to detect the size and direction of his targets, making him a lethal fighter.

Misaka

Misaka was the original wielder of the Cloud Gouger, an Enchanted Blade that was tragically taken by the Hishaku after Kunishige’s death. After Misaka’s death, the sword came into the hands of Sojo, who now wields its power.

Antagonist 

Hishaku

The Hishaku are a small but deadly criminal group of ten sorcerers, infamous for murdering Kunishige and stealing his six Enchanted Blades three years ago, making them the primary targets of Chihiro’s revenge. Known for their immense sorcery skills, they are often described as monsters in their own right. Each member of the group bears a tattoo of a flame emblem on the back of one hand.

After Kunishige’s death, the Hishaku killed Misaka and gave the Cloud Gouger, one of the stolen Enchanted Blades, to Genichi Sojo. They also provided another blade, the Magatsumi (also called the Shinuchi), to the Sazanami Clan, where it was later sold in the Rakuzaichi under Sojo’s alias. The Hishaku have built ties with powerful underworld organizations, such as the Korogumi Yakuza, and have furthered their plans by using these connections to secure their goals.

After three years of preparation, the Hishaku set their plan into motion by raiding the Sanso—fortresses owned by the Kamunabi. These fortresses house Enchanted Blade wielders protected by elite Kamunabi fighters. The Hishaku, with the aid of a large army of hired sorcerers, aim to assassinate the wielders, releasing the blades from their lifelong contracts so they can use them for their own purposes.

Yura

Yura is the leader of the Hishaku and the mastermind behind the murder of Kunishige and the theft of his Enchanted Blades. His ultimate goal is to wield the Shinuchi blade for himself, making him Chihiro’s arch-nemesis and the primary target of his quest for revenge.

Hiruhiko

Hiruhiko is a laid-back, young sorcerer who enjoys fighting. From a young age, he was exposed to violence and killing, starting when he was only three years old. Assigned to assassinate Uruha, he encounters Chihiro while the latter is protecting him. Hiruhiko is intrigued by Chihiro, noting their shared traits—both are 18 years old, prodigies in combat, and have killed many people. His sorcery, Blood Crane (Chizuru), lets him create paper and mold it into origami. He can control the origami remotely, making it sharp enough to pierce through bodies and strong enough to carry heavy objects, like a piece of Datenseki.

Sazanami Clan

The Sazanami Clan is a powerful criminal organization of sorcerers, known for running the Rakuzaichi, an underground auction that deals in black market artifacts, weapons, and even people. This annual event has been a staple of the Japanese underworld for over 200 years, and the Sazanami Clan has been its overseer throughout its long history.

Kyora Sazanami

Kyora Sazanami is the 11th head of the Sazanami Clan and the lead auctioneer of the Rakuzaichi. He is also the strict father of Hakuri, one of the clan’s key members. As the clan leader, Kyora has control over a subspace known as the Storehouse (Kura), where he can store items and even people, manipulating the environment within. Kyora is wholly dedicated to maintaining the Rakuzaichi auction at any cost, even willing to sacrifice his own children to ensure its continuation. However, after being gravely wounded by Chihiro, Kyora ultimately meets his end when the immense power of the Shinuchi overwhelms him. His death marks the end of the Rakuzaichi auction, forever altering the course of the clan’s influence.

The Tou

The Tou, also known as the Special Defense Corp (Tokubetsu Bōei-Tai), is a small, elite group of four highly skilled fighters within the Sazanami Clan. Their primary duty is to follow the orders of the clan head and protect them at all costs.

Soya Sazanami

Soya Sazanami, Hakuri’s older brother, is intensely possessive of him, obsessively searching for Hakuri after his exile from the clan. As the next in line to become the clan head, Soya is typically cold and calculating but becomes emotionally unhinged when in Hakuri’s presence. His twisted sense of brotherly love leads him to physically torment Hakuri. Initially wanting Hakuri to return to the Sazanami Clan, Soya ultimately decides to kill his younger brother after Hakuri joins Chihiro. Soya is defeated by Hakuri, who finally masters the Isou technique and Storehouse space.

Tenri Sazanami

Tenri Sazanami, Hakuri’s younger brother, is dedicated to protecting his father and the Rakuzaichi. As one of the three members of the Tou, he faces off against Chihiro and Shiba when they infiltrate the Sazanami estate. Tenri specializes in short-bladed weapons and uses a Datenseki tool to enhance his sorcery during his battle against Chihiro. However, the unstable Datenseki overwhelms him, and the power ends up killing Tenri.

Tamaki Sazanami

Tamaki Sazanami is Hakuri’s older sister and one of the three members of the Tou who confronted Chihiro and Shiba when they infiltrated the Sazanami estate. As a skilled fighter, Tamaki plays a crucial role in the defense of her family and the clan’s interests.

Enji Sazanami

Enji Sazanami is another of Hakuri’s older brothers and a member of the Tou. Like Tamaki, Enji is part of the group that faces off against Chihiro and Shiba during their infiltration of the Sazanami estate. His role in protecting the clan makes him a key figure in the Sazanami family.

Other Characters

Genichi Sojo

Genichi Sojo is a notorious figure in Japan’s criminal underworld, renowned as a weapons dealer and the wielder of the stolen Enchanted Blade Cloud Gouger (Kuregumo). Sojo sought to harness the magical properties of Datenseki, the material used in the Enchanted Blades, to create new weapons. After several failed attempts, he kidnapped Char and her mother, hoping their regenerative abilities would stabilize the Datenseki. Sojo admired Kunishige Rokuhira and his blades, believing they were perfect for killing. After being fatally injured by Chihiro in a duel that led to Cloud Gouger being shattered, Sojo attempted to channel his energy into Datenseki. However, the energy backlash caused an explosion, killing him.

Norisaku Madoka

Norisaku Madoka, also known as the Daruma Sorcerer, worked as a sorcerer for Sojo. His ability allowed him to create explosive Daruma dolls using his spirit energy. After being defeated by Chihiro and Shiba, Madoka decided to abandon his life as a sorcerer and sought to make amends with his family. However, he was killed by Sojo for betraying him by revealing information to Chihiro and Shiba.

Kunishige Rokuhira

Kunishige Rokuhira, Chihiro’s late father, was a highly respected swordsmith renowned for crafting the powerful Enchanted Blades. He was the only person capable of controlling the immense power of Datenseki, the material used to make these legendary swords. Kunishige’s blades played a crucial role in bringing an end to the Seitei War. After the war, he went into hiding to protect himself and his family. During this time, Kunishige had a son, Chihiro, and forged the seventh Enchanted Blade, Enten. However, nearly fifteen years after the war, Kunishige was murdered, and his blades were stolen by the Hishaku.

Yuu Inazuma

Yuu Inazuma, often called Mr. Inazuma, is a young boy determined to infiltrate the Rakuzaichi Black Market auction in order to rescue his older sister. His quest for her leads him to cross paths with Chihiro.

FAQs

Is the Kagurabachi manga out?

Yes, Kagurabachi is officially out in Japan. The manga’s first chapter was released on February 2, 2024, and it has already generated significant buzz, with the first print run selling out quickly due to high demand. As for the English release, Kagurabachi Volume 1 is expected to be available between October and December 2024​.If you’re looking to read it in English before then, the manga is available to read digitally on platforms like Shonen Jump. 

Where can I read KaguraBachi?

You can read Kagurabachi online on several platforms. Some dedicated manga sites like Manga-Kagurabachi and TheKagurabachi offer the latest chapters, allowing you to follow the story of Chihiro Rokuhira and his quest for vengeance after the brutal murder of his father. These sites provide access to all chapters, including the most recent updates​.

What does Kagurabachi mean in English?

The title Kagurabachi (神楽鉋) is a combination of two Japanese words:

Kagura (神楽): This refers to a type of traditional Japanese performing arts, often involving music, dance, and rituals dedicated to the gods. In a broader sense, it signifies sacred or ceremonial practices.

Bachi (鉋): This refers to a plane tool, specifically a type of hand tool used in woodworking. It’s commonly used to smooth or shape wood.

Is Kagurabachi released?

Yes, Kagurabachi is officially released! It began serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump on September 19, 2023. The first volume was published in Japan on February 2, 2024, and it has since been restocked following initial sellouts. The English translation will be released by VIZ Media, with the first volume expected to hit shelves by November 5, 2024​. You can read it digitally on platforms like Manga Plus or through Shueisha’s official services​.

What gender is Kagura?

In Kagurabachi, the protagonist, Chihiro Kagura, is male. He is introduced as a young swordsman with a deep desire for vengeance after his father, a swordsmith, is killed. The story revolves around Chihiro’s journey, his skills with swords, and his quest for justice.

How old is Hakuri Kagurabachi?

Hakuri Sazanami, a key character in Kagurabachi, is 17 years old. He is deeply involved in the complex family dynamics of the Sazanami Clan and plays a pivotal role in the story, especially after being exiled for perceived weakness. Despite his youth, he becomes an ally of Chihiro Rokuhira, seeking to dismantle the Rakuzaichi, a criminal auction organized by his family​.

Who is the antagonist in Kagurabachi?

In Kagurabachi, the primary antagonists are a group known as the Hishaku, a small but powerful criminal organization made up of ten sorcerers. Led by a man named Yura, the Hishaku are responsible for the murder of Chihiro Rokuhira’s father, Kunishige, and the theft of his prized Enchanted Blades. The Hishaku’s high-level sorcery makes them formidable enemies, and their leader, Yura, is particularly skilled, capable of breaking powerful seals and using advanced sorcery.

Their primary goal is to wield the Enchanted Blades for themselves, and they have connections to various underworld factions, including the Yakuza and weapons dealers like Genichi Sojo​. Chihiro’s quest for revenge is deeply tied to their actions, making them his primary targets throughout the series.

What is the story of Kagurabachi?

Kagurabachi follows Chihiro, a young man who lives with his father, a famous swordsmith. His father crafts enchanted katanas, powerful blades imbued with mystical energy, and Chihiro aspires to follow in his footsteps. However, tragedy strikes when Chihiro’s father is murdered, and his enchanted blades are stolen by powerful enemies. Fueled by vengeance, Chihiro embarks on a journey to retrieve the blades and bring justice to those responsible for his father’s death​.

The manga features epic sword battles and a unique blend of supernatural elements, such as spirit energy used alongside the katanas. It offers an action-packed narrative with a protagonist who channels his grief and anger into a relentless pursuit of revenge​.

Is Kagurabachi getting an anime adaptation?

As of now, there has been no official announcement regarding an anime adaptation of Kagurabachi. However, the manga’s immense popularity has certainly generated interest in an adaptation. In fact, Kagurabachi ranked seventh in AnimeJapan’s 2024 poll for “Most Wanted Anime Adaptations,” which highlights the strong fan demand for such a project​.

Given the manga’s success—quickly amassing millions of copies in circulation—and its significant reception globally, including praise from prominent manga creators like Kōhei Horikoshi and Masashi Kishimoto, an anime adaptation might be on the horizon in the future. Still, for now, fans will need to wait for an official confirmation.

Is Hiyuki a girl Kagurabachi?

Yes, Hiyuki Kagurabachi is a female character in the Kagurabachi manga. She is depicted as a skilled fighter and an important character within the series. Hiyuki’s design and role, including her powerful abilities and connections to the protagonist, are notable aspects of her character development in the story.

What is the plot of Kagurabachi?

Kagurabachi follows Chihiro Rokuhira, a young man seeking revenge for his father’s death at the hands of the Hishaku, an elite group of sorcerers who stole his father’s Enchanted Blades. These blades, made from the rare and powerful material Datenseki, were used to end a war but are now in the hands of criminals. As Chihiro tracks down those responsible, he uncovers deeper conspiracies involving deadly sorcery, dark alliances, and betrayal​.

How old is Chihiro in Kagurabachi?

Chihiro Rokuhira, the main protagonist of Kagurabachi, is 18 years old. He embarks on a journey to avenge his father’s death and recover the stolen Enchanted Blades. His quest for revenge is central to the story as he battles sorcerers and uncovers hidden truths surrounding the powerful blades.

What happened to Chihiro’s dad Kagurabachi?

Chihiro’s father, Kunishige Rokuhira, was a renowned swordsmith who forged the powerful Enchanted Blades. He was murdered by a group known as the Hishaku, who stole his blades. This tragic event sets Chihiro on his path of revenge. He seeks to uncover the truth behind his father’s death, recover the stolen blades, and confront those responsible for his family’s downfall.

Who is the deuteragonist in Kagurabachi?

In Kagurabachi, Hiyuki Kagari serves as the deuteragonist. She is a skilled fighter who assists Chihiro in his journey. Despite their differing backgrounds and motivations, Hiyuki plays a crucial role alongside Chihiro, aiding him in navigating the challenges posed by the quest to avenge his father and recover the stolen blades. Her character adds depth and complexity to the narrative, with her own past and abilities intertwining with Chihiro’s storyline.

How did Chihiro get his arm back in Kagurabachi?

In Kagurabachi, Chihiro regains his arm after it was severed through the use of powerful sorcery. He receives a prosthetic arm, which is a magical construct tied to his quest for vengeance. The specific details of how the arm is restored are tied to Chihiro’s growth, his skills in wielding the enchanted blades, and his connections to other characters in the story. This event is significant for Chihiro’s development and sets the stage for his continued journey.

Who is the main villain in Kagurabachi?

In Kagurabachi, the main antagonist is a figure linked to Chihiro’s quest for vengeance. The villain’s motivations revolve around their involvement with the sorcery surrounding enchanted swords and their role in Chihiro’s tragic past. Their connection to Chihiro’s family and the events surrounding his father’s death drives the conflict in the series, setting up a personal battle between them. The antagonist’s identity is more complex, with deep ties to the themes of vengeance and the supernatural.

Why is Kagurabachi popular?

Kagurabachi has gained popularity for several reasons. Its compelling blend of fantasy and action, featuring enchanted swords and dark magic, draws readers into a unique world. The protagonist, Chihiro, embarks on a personal journey of revenge, with intricate character development and a gripping plot. Fans are also intrigued by the beautiful artwork and the mysterious, powerful antagonists. The series appeals to readers who enjoy deep emotional stakes, action-packed sequences, and a strong sense of vengeance, similar to other successful manga in the same genre.

How strong is Chihiro Kagurabachi?

Chihiro in Kagurabachi is a skilled swordsman, though his strength initially comes from his desire for vengeance. His abilities grow significantly as he masters the use of his powerful sword, which is linked to his father’s legacy. Chihiro can perform highly advanced techniques, demonstrating a mix of martial prowess and magical ability, especially as he hones his craft throughout the series. However, his true strength is his determination and resolve in the face of overwhelming challenges.