Sometimes a new manga can scare you. If there’s too much hype behind it, I sometimes feel apprehensive about starting it. What if it can’t stand it? Will it really have staying power? That’s one of the reasons it took a while before I brought it up Kagurabachi a chance, because manga seemingly immediately some people think it has the same potential as series like Naruto, One Piece, Demon Slayer, and some of the most famous Shonen Jump series. With Physical volume released properlyI finally got the chance and I’m so glad I did.
Editor’s note: There will be some spoilers about the first episode of the series. Kagurabachi comic below.
Kagurabachi begins by informing everyone about the Tanren forging process using Tamahagane steel to create the Japanese katana, before showing people being slashed by said sword. From there, we see our hero Chihiro Rokuhira working with his swordsmith father Kunishige. One of Kunishige’s final lessons is to teach Chihiro about the burden that craftsmen like them carry, and their need to choose the right people to train them.
Things then move forward three years later. Chihiro is now covered in scars, carries a katana herself, and is meeting with her father’s partner Shiba. Chihiro is on a quest for revenge, fighting anyone who may have answers or clues to find the Hishako witches responsible for killing his father and stealing six of the seven Enchanted Swords he forged. Here, at this time, Chihiro has the opportunity to get closer to people who may have information or access to one of them, but that means going through the Korogumi Yakuza that is plaguing the city.
In that first movement we get a perfect sense of melody. Chihiro has an extremely serious mission. Given the number of katanas he had to recover and the nature of Hishako, it was clear that this wouldn’t be a short journey. We get hints about both the power and potential of the sword he has, Enten. However, there are also hints that perhaps it isn’t always so deadly serious, as Shiba’s presence adds levity to the early scenes in the first two chapters. Additionally, we learn what the abilities of these witches he is hunting are, thanks to a sampling of the power used by a witch when Korogumi was threatening a resistance movement and a the spell is activated when Chihiro corners the Korogumi leader, who can spill information. Absolutely potential.
Especially because the other supporting actors are also very good at supporting the story’s progression. Shiba is very happy. Also, by the second chapter, we’re back in Tokyo and there are some joke scenes with Hinao breaking the fourth wall to teach us about the legends of the city, Chihiro and Shiba. We learn about the witches, yakuza, and other individuals in the city as well as how Chihiro becomes involved in potential cases around him to gain more information. The variety of personalities means there’s a lot to like about Chihiro, and the cases and situations are initially intriguing.
With the first episode of Kagurabachiit’s easy to see how this manga has become a favorite with both general audiences and the clergy. It ran to the ground. The original cast is strong, as are the situations and settings. Revenge stories often lend themselves well to serialized narratives, as well as setting up mysteries, big battles, and maybe even a few secrets. It also helps that the pacing is handled so well that it really pulls you through Chihiro’s missions and keeps them engaging.
Volume 1 of Kagurabachi The manga is now available on Viz Media and volume 2 is coming on February 4, 2025. There is a new chapter to continue reading MangaPlus And Viz Media every week after their appearance on Shonen Jump.
