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“Do I seem sane to you? I don't care if they're monsters. I have to cut them down.” ― Chihiro to the Korogumi Yakuza Boss as he interrogates him about the Hishaku.[source]
Chihiro Rokuhira (
After the death of his father, Chihiro dedicates his life to retrieving his father's stolen Enchanted Blades and hunting down the Hishaku, the group of sorcerers responsible for his father's death and theft of the swords.[4]
Appearance
Chihiro has short black hair and crimson eyes. He typically adopts a stoic expression.
Pre-Timeskip
Chihiro's appearance pre-timeskip
In his mid-teens, before the main time period of the series, Chihiro was of average height for his age, and had a slender, slightly muscular physique as a result of his daily training with his father to become a swordsmith. His hair was short, neatly groomed, and had a subtle spiky texture. During this phase of his life, Chihiro commonly dressed in long-sleeved dark-colored shirts for casual occasions. When he was working as a swordsmith, he wore traditional Japanese clothing such as "ko-gi" (甲着) or "hakui" (白衣), which were designed to provide practical protection and maintain cleanliness during the forging process. He also wore a white bandana as part of his work attire.
Post-Timeskip
Chihiro's appearance post-timeskip
Three years later, Chihiro's appearance has changed noticeably. He has grown taller, estimated to be around 170-175cm tall,[5] his hair is longer, and he now wears a knee-length black trench coat. Under the trench coat, he sports a black turtleneck jacket. He pairs this with black pants, creating an all-black ensemble. He carries two swords, Enten and a wakizashi, on his right side. Both blades have black wrappings around the hilt, silver hand guards, and are sheathed in black scabbards. During his raid on the Rakuzaichi, Chihiro used Cloud Gouger in place of Enten.
One striking feature is a prominent scar on his face, which is visible and runs from the upper left part of his head down to his jaw. This scar appears to be the result of a slashing injury incurred when the Hishaku attacked his residence.
During his second battle against Genichi Sojo, Chihiro lost his right arm.[6] His arm had returned by the time of the Rakuzaichi auction, likely through the assistance of Char.[7]
Personality
Chihiro has a diligent and curious personality, deeply committed to learning the art of swordsmithing under the guidance of his renowned father, Kunishige. He handles his responsibilities effectively, from caring for goldfish to other tasks assigned to him. Chihiro is driven by ambition, aspiring to follow in his father's footsteps as a swordsmith, fully aware of the moral and emotional weight that this role carries. He often reflects on the profound implications of crafting katanas and shows emotional resilience, bearing a daily reminder of past trauma in the form of a scar.
In his encounters with enemies such as the Korogumi Yakuza group and Genichi Sojo, Chihiro remains loyal to his father's teachings, which include the principle of ensuring that only deserving individuals possess katana. He displays exceptional swordsmanship skills and maintains a strong moral compass, questioning the consequences of their actions and emphasizing his commitment to justice. His unwavering determination becomes evident as he expresses his readiness to confront the Hishaku, regardless of their perceived monstrous nature, and is further proven by the lengths he goes to stop Sojo, someone who is undeserving of an Enchanted Blade in his eyes.
Despite his cold determination, Chihiro does possess a softer side, shown when he cares for Char in her unfortunate circumstances. As noted by Shiba, Chihiro's experience with his father makes him very good at looking after other people.[8] In addition, Chihiro maintains a strong moral compass, as shown when he uses Aka to redirect Sojo's Mei towards him away from the civilians,[9] as well when he refuses to gamble with people's lives during his confrontation with Kyora when the latter threatens to kill residents of the Storehouse.[10]
Background
For much of his life, Chihiro lived with his father Kunishige, a renowned swordsmith known for crafting special katanas using a unique method. He diligently trained alongside his father in swordsmithing, and often took care of much of the household chores. By the time he was nearly 15, Chihiro aspired to follow in his father's footsteps and become a swordsmith, though Kunishige at times questioned Chihiro's readiness to produce and entrust a katana to someone, given its potential impact. Despite his uncertainty, Chihiro remained committed to this responsibility and continued his training.
One day, the Rokuhiras' friend Shiba sensed something amiss and rushed to their house only to find Chihiro in a devastated state. The house was in ruins, and Kunishige's katanas, six Enchanted Blades that he had released into the world during the Seitei War but secured in his workshop afterward, were all stolen. Kunishige was found lifeless on the ground. His death deeply affected Chihiro, who wept and questioned the identities of those responsible for the destruction and theft of his father's katanas. Chihiro was determined to confront and defeat the attackers, vowing to make them understand his father's beliefs and attachment to the blades. Chihiro's sole lead was the group known as Hishaku, which was linked to the Enchanted Blades.[11]
Relationships
Family
Kunishige Rokuhira's introduction.
Kunishige Rokuhira
Chihiro shares a close bond with his father, Kunishige Rokuhira, who is renowned as the most famous swordsmith in their country. They both work at the Rokuhira Swordsmith, where they begin their days training together under the warm sunshine. Kunishige is known for crafting special katanas using his unique method, and Chihiro diligently trains alongside him every day.
Kunushige is described as being very serious when he's at work, which contrasts with his usual demeanor. This seriousness can be somewhat odd to Chihiro, especially when he observes his father engaging in quirky habits like talking to the goldfish they keep. Despite these eccentricities, Chihiro handles the responsibilities at the swordsmith and his father's whims with patience.
His father's fame and skill as a swordsmith are evident in the stories that surround him, particularly his heroic role in the Seitei War 15 years ago, where the sword he forged played a crucial role in ending the conflict. Chihiro has heard these stories countless times and is accustomed to the constant comparisons between him and his father.
Allies
Shiba's introduction.
Togo Shiba
Shiba was an old friend of Kunishige Rokuhira, and he frequently visited their home.[12] During his visits, Shiba typically engaged in casual banter and discussions with Chihiro and Kunishige. He often shared insights about the town's ongoing turmoil and, on one occasion, sparked a lighthearted height comparison between himself and Chihiro, displaying that they are on good terms. Shiba also reminisced about Kunishige's fame during the Seitei War and the heroic role played by Kunishige's forged swords. Chihiro is accustomed to hearing these stories and enduring the comparisons made between him and his father.
In the present, Shiba is Chihiro's oldest and closest ally in his goal. When Chihiro went to investigate the Korogumi Yakuza group, Shiba accompanied him. They engaged in conversations about their objectives and the Yakuza's potential connections to the Hishaku.
During Chihiro's first battle with Genichi Sojo, Shiba's immediate priority was to assist Chihiro against Sojo, despite acknowledging how the action would provoke Sojo.[13] Following the battle, Shiba was very concerned over Chihiro's state and urged him to get some rest, but ultimately decided to accompany Chihiro to Sojo's lab amidst the abandoned Kaburato Castle.[14][15]
Upon Chihiro returning from his encounter with Hiyuki with Hakuri in tow, Shiba was intially suspicious of the Sazanami but decided to trust Chihiro's judgement, and eventually regarded Hakuri as an important ally in their acquisition of Shinuchi.[16]
When Chihiro was investigating the Storehouse, he shared info with and bounced ideas off of Shiba, who joined him in crafting theories on the Storehouse's properties.[17]
Hinao
Hinao is an important ally in Chihiro's mission, having dedicated herself to do so ever since hearing about Chihiro's circumstances from Shiba. While she greets Shiba crassly, she talks more friendlily with Chihiro. Hinao used her job as a contact point for sorcerers in order to investigate information on the Enchanted Blades and the Hishaku, and immediately notified Chihiro and Shiba upon encountering Char.[18] She also lent out her cafe to use as a hideout for Chihiro and Shiba as they safeguarded Char.
Chihiro displayed thanks for Hinao letting them stay in the cafe,[19] and again when Hinao was looking after Char around November 1st,[20] showing his gratitude for her assistance.
Char Kyonagi
While initially distrusting of her, Chihiro and Char would develop a close bond as Chihiro protected Char from various sorcerers dispatched by Sojo. As he did so, Char would entrust Chihiro with her secret; her lineage as part of the Kyonagi clan. When Azami arrived Char was initially dismayed at the thought of being separated from Chihiro and was visibly overjoyed when she was told she could stay with him.[21]
In his battle against Sojo, Chihiro would later prioritise rescuing Char over battling Sojo, revealing how his protectiveness even overrides his need for revenge.[22] He was devastated when he learnt Char had been taken by Sojo for five days after he woke up following the battle and was shaken at the realisation he had failed her.[23]
Even in captivity, Char never lost hope that Chihiro would come for her, her statement upon his arrival that he was late indicating she always believed he would save her.[24] Char would later go on to heal Chihiro, a strong sign of trust on her part, before his final duel with Sojo.[25]
Azami
Azami was a family friend of Kunishige, and Chihiro had met him several times in the past. Chihiro trusted Azami enough to handle several sorcerers approaching him.[26] Chihiro and Shiba also relied on Azami for key pieces of information regarding the Kamunabi's movements, Azami's leaking of this info suggesting he is clearly on their side.[27][28]
Hakuri Sazanami
Hakuri quickly became one of Chihiro's most trusted allies within moments of meeting him. On their first meeting right before Chihiro's first encounter with Hiyuki Kagari, Chihiro revealed his fears of people using Shinuchi to Hakuri.[29]
While Chihiro was initially plagued by doubts regarding his ownership of Enten during his battle with Hiyuki, Hakuri reminded Chihiro that he had saved people with Enten and told him the blade suited him,[30] and also defended Chihiro from one of Hiyuki's Flame Bone attacks using his body.[31] This not only allowed Chihiro to mount an offense against Hiyuki,[32] but also allowed him to willingly give up Enten to Kyora Sazanami in order to gain intel on the Storehouse, as well as save Hakuri, who was being held hostage. Chihiro's decision to give up one of his most prized possessions to save Hakuri, as well as his statement that Hakuri 'saved him' displays that Chihiro views Hakuri as an important ally and friend in his mission.
During his attack on the Rakuzaichi, Chihiro decided to temporarily abandon his revenge against the Hishaku Leader in order to save Hakuri, who at the time was battling against Soya. Chihiro has (albeit hesitantly) also shown trust in Hakuri's abilities when Hakuri decided to defeat Soya on his own in order for Chihiro to progress further into the building.
Enemies
Hishaku
Genichi Sojo
Genichi Sojo is one of Chihiro's most loathed opponents. While Sojo also highly respects Kunishige, he views Chihiro's father's works as tools of destruction and murder rather than items to protect the weak,[33] and he detests Chihiro's altruistic nature.[34] Likewise, Chihiro is disgusted by Sojo's worldview, openly stating Sojo doesn't understand anything and repeatedly declaring he will kill him in their first encounter.[35][36]
Despite their ideological differences, Sojo grew an interest in Chihiro after learning of his lineage, wishing to talk to him and fight him further.[37] Sojo would later use what he learned from his battle with Chihiro in order to aid in his defeat of the Anti-Cloud Gouger Special Forces.
During their final clash, Chihiro and Sojo 'communicated' through clashing their blades, their conversation represented in a metaphorical tea room. Sojo stated he acknowledged Chihiro's ideals, to defeat evil and protect the weak, but ultimately dismissed it in favour of his own beliefs, even in the face of the true nature of Kunishige.
While initially equally unwilling to accept Sojo's beliefs, Chihiro ultimately not only acknowledged Sojo's beliefs but admitted they may have truth, that both of them were indeed correct, and both could speak about their view of Kunishige and the Enchanted Blades. However, Chihiro ultimately stated that is why he would cut Sojo down: to prove his ideology was superior to Sojo's.[38]
Even though Sojo was accepted by an Enchanted Blade, Chihiro never viewed Sojo as standing anywhere near as close to his father's equal.[39]
Sazanami Clan
Kyora Sazanami
While initially cold and professional with his demands against Kyora, Chihiro quickly grows a personal dislike of him due to Kyora's purely financial interest in the Enchanted Blades, with no respect to the nuances of the blades' creation, and Kyora even telling Chihiro not to try retrieving his father's blades and instead bid on them.[40]
Chihiro is disgusted when he sees Kyora use his own son, Hakuri, as a hostage,[41] but ultimately decides to hand over his blade to ensure Hakuri's safety, as well as gain a viewpoint into the Storehouse.[42] Kyora is sure Chihiro has ulterior motives with the handover but agrees anyway, regarding business transactions without deals as boring. Kyora views the sparring of wits against Chihiro as a challenge.[43]
Abilities
Overall Abilities: Chihiro is a powerful individual who has faced a large number of enemies often on his own and emerged victorious. He has dealt with a multitude of sorcerers with little trouble, even while using his non-dominant arm.[44][45][46] Chihiro fought toe-to-toe with underworld major name Genichi Sojo while the latter held the Enchanted Blade Cloud Gouger and ultimately defeat him in less than twelve seconds while the two were both heavily injured.[47] He has also managed to fend off attacks from Flame Bone, the extremely potent sorcery of the Kamunabi's strongest fighter, Hiyuki Kagari, while avoiding making any serious offensive moves.[48][49]
Chihiro has accomplished the first stage of spirit energy usage, being able to use his spirit energy to strengthen his body to superhuman levels. Due to having formed a Lifelong Contract with the Enchanted Blade Enten (and later Cloud Gouger), he is unable to use sorcery.
Enhanced Durability: Chihiro has a very durable body. He was able to leap off the roof of a multi-story building to protect civilians from a high-powered Mei by acting as a lightning rod to absorb the electricity from the attack, and despite sustaining considerable burns and severely damaging his left arm he was still able to activate Nishiki and continue to fight. While recovering from these injuries, Chihiro was also able to cut down an entire castle full of guards with little-to-no effort.
Chihiro cuts down four guards before they can react.
Enhanced Speed & Reflexes: Chihiro can move at speeds much faster than the trained eye can see. Upon arriving at the Korogumi's base, Chihiro instantly slashed the necks of four guards stationed at the entrance in a single fluid motion before any of them could react, even landing on the table they were seated at so fast he appeared to have teleported. Chihiro also has incredibly fast reflexes, instantly moving to defend Hinao when Genichi Sojo arrived at Cafe Haru Haru, a feat which impressed Sojo himself. During his raid on the Rakuzaichi, Chihiro made use of Cloud Gouger to augment his speed even further, speeding through a crowd of guards in seconds.
Expert Swordsmith: Chihiro has been trained in the art of swordsmithing by his renowned father, Kunishige. He is diligent and committed to learning this craft, which involves using a unique method to forge special katanas.[50]
Combat Prowess
Chihiro fights equally against Sojo.
Expert Swordsman: Having been trained in the art of swordsmanship by his father, Chihiro possesses expertise in handling katanas while in combat to deadly effect. His proficiency in sword wielding has been displayed on multiple occasions. When raiding the base of the Korogumi, Chihiro quickly dealt serious injuries to the guards stationed there, such as slicing off their arms and cutting through their bodies. His capabilities with the katana are further enhanced when he makes use of his blade's sorcery.
When his enchanted blade was taken from him by a sorcerer, Chihiro was able to use his wakizashi to slice off his arm to quickly retrieve the katana. Chihiro can also use his Wakizashi as a projectile, throwing it at his targets to create a diversion for him to get behind them.[51]
Chihiro's left hand is his dominant hand, meaning after his right arm was severed Chihiro's swordsmanship barely decreased in skill, if at all.
Equipment
Wakizashi
As a sidearm, Chihiro carries a wakizashi of standard size and shape. It has a rectangular-shaped tsuba with 4 angular indentations. It does not seem to possess any special powers. While generally being used as a secondary weapon to Enten, Chihiro used it as his main weapon alongside Cloud Gouger during his raid on the Rakuzaichi.
Enten
Enten (
Enten is activated by speaking its name and drawing the katana, which forms several water droplets on the edge of the blade. As with all Enchanted Blades, Enten amplifies the spirit energy inside its wielder to such an extent that it can no longer be contained inside the wielder's body, and instead concentrates into a giant mass of spirit energy which manifests in the form of giant goldfish which swim out of the blade of the katana. Slashes that utilise this spirit energy have their cutting capabilities greatly enhanced, which Chihiro makes use of through the techniques Kuro and Nishiki.
Each of the goldfish synergizes with the blade in different ways, producing special effects which Chihiro can unleash through chanting their names. The techniques of Enten are quite varied, blending both offensive and defensive moves that render Chihiro a formidable fighter. Despite the katana's extraordinary powers, Shiba initially remarked that Chihiro had yet to fully realize the true realm of Enten's abilities;[52] though Chihiro began tapping into the blade's potential through the creation of entirely new techniques caused by Enten resonating with Chihiro's instincts.[53][54]
Techniques
Cloud Gouger
Cloud Gouger (
Techniques
- * Cloaked Mei has no official name and is named solely based on conjecture.
Etymology
The name Chihiro Rokuhira (
六 (Roku): Means "six," suggesting balance or harmony.平 (Hira): Means "flat" or "peace," conveying tranquility and stability.千 (Chi): Means "thousand," symbolizing abundance or a lot of something.鉱 (Hiro):Means "mineral" or "ore," which often represents something valuable.
Trivia
- Chihiro doesn't like sweets.
- Chihiro's attacks Kuro and Aka were translated as Black and Red up until Chapter 14.
- Chihiro is left-handed, but can use his right hand to an extent.
- Chihiro is the only individual who has formed a lifelong contract with more than one Enchanted Blade.
- As of Chapter 37, Chihiro's Lifelong Contract with Cloud Gouger has expired due to the blade's destruction.
References
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 1 (Page 18). — Kunishige mentioned how his son will turn 15 soon.
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 1 (Page 26). — Timeskip of 38 months occurred.
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 27 (Page 3).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 1 (Pages 53).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 27 (Page 3).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 17 (Pages 9).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 27 (Pages 11).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 3 (Pages 12-14).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 10 (Pages 14-18).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 23 (Pages 13-16).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 2 (Pages 12-21).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 1 (Page 15).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 10 (Page 12).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 10 (Page 17).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapters 14-18.
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 22 (Pages 1-5).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 28 (Pages 1-9).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 3 (Pages 2-10).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 8 (Page 3).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 22 (Page 2).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 7 (Page 10).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 10 (Page 8).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 11 (Pages 1-10).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 15 (Page 19).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 16 (Pages 3-4).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 7 (Pages 3-8).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 7 (Pages 13-15).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 24 (Pages 3-4).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 20 (Pages 5-7).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 21 (Page 1).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 20 (Pages 17-18).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 21 (Pages 4-5).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 9 (Pages 10-14).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 10 (Pages 2-3).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 9 (Pages 18-19).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 10 (Page 19).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 12 (Pages 7, 12-13).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 17.
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 18 (Pages 9-10).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 23 (Pages 8-10).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 25 (Page 12).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 25 (Pages 14-19).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 26 (Pages 15-16).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 4.
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 6.
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 15.
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 17.
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 20.
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 21.
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 1 (Pages 1, 5-7 & 10).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 9 (Pages 7-8).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 2 (Page 11).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 14 (Pages 2 & 19-21).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 15 (Pages 5-6).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 1 (Pages 48-49).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 4 (Page 14).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 19 (Pages 11-14).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 15 (Pages 4-6).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 38 (Page 18).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 4 (Pages 12-13).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 21 (Pages 12-14).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 4 (Pages 16-17).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 41 (Page 13).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 6 (Pages 15-17).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 15 (Pages 6-7, 15-18).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 16 (Page 1).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 32 (Pages 2-6).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 37 (Page 17).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 37 (Pages 13-15).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapters 30-31.
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 32 (Pages 2-6).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 34 (Pages 13-15).
| List of Characters | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Chihiro's Allies | Rokuhira Swordsmith | Chihiro Rokuhira • Kunishige Rokuhira† | |
| Sorcerers | Togo Shiba • Azami • Hakuri Sazanami • Hiyuki Kagari • Tafuku Mihara | ||
| Other | Hinao • Char Kyonagi | ||
| Kamunabi | Leaders | Azami | |
| Anti-Cloud Gouger Special Forces | Ikuto Hagiwara • Kazane Machi • Shiyumi Harima† • Hajime Kugara† • Kiyohiko Uzuki† • Makoto Kasahara† | ||
| Other Members | Hiyuki Kagari • Tafuku Mihara | ||
| Former | Togo Shiba | ||
| Enchanted Blade Wielders | Yoji Uruha • Seiichi Samura | ||
| Hishaku | Yura • Hiruhiko | ||
| Sazanami Clan | Kyora Sazanami† • Soya Sazanami‽ • Tenri Sazanami† | ||
| Other Characters | Sojo's Group | Genichi Sojo† • Norisaku Madoka† • Mohawk Henchmen† | |
| Independent Sorcerers | Puppet Sorcerer† • Trauma Sorcerer† • Oni Mask Sorcerer | ||
| Non-Sorcerers | Yuu | ||