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“We have a long road ahead...but even if we don't live to see it, human beings must build a peaceful world.” ― Ichiki's vision for the future.[source]
Ichiki (
Appearance
Ichiki is an incredibly short elderly man with light-coloured hair, a goatee and glasses. He wears standard Kamunabi attire in addition to a dotted vest over his uniform, indicating an elevated status relative to his colleagues.
Personality
Relationships
Allies
Togo Shiba
Soshiro Azami
During the war, Ichiki trained both Azami and Togo Shiba.[1] Azami and Ichiki remain close into the present day, working together as high-ranking members of the Kamunabi. Despite his age, Ichiki will sometimes accompany Azami into battle in the Threat Elimination Grounds.[2] Beyond work, the two have a trusting, positive relationship, with Ichiki hitching a piggyback ride on Azami’s shoulders when the two met up with Kiri Shirakai and Hakuri Sazanami on their way to seal Magatsumi.[3]
After Kasen outs himself as a traitor, Azami trusts Ichiki to interrogate their former colleague while he goes to kill Yura, demonstrating the bond they have with one another even in strenuous situations.[4] Ichiki is confident that Azami can defeat Yura and that he, in all respects, is the strongest of the Kamunabi’s higher-ups, proving his faith in his pupil.[5]
Plot
Past
Ichiki was already working for the Counter-Sorcery Army by the time of the Seitei War. During this time, he trained Shiba and Soshiro Azami in hand-to-hand combat.[6] Alongside Kasen, he attended the signing of the peace treaty at the end of the war, shortly before Akemura Soga committed genocide with Malediction.[7] After the end of the war, alongside several other leaders of the Kamunabi and Shiba and Azami, Ichiki helped find a place for Kunishige Rokuhira to hide.[8] Prior to Kunishige doing so, a seal was constructed on Shinuchi's box that required authentication from Ichiki, Kasen and Yatsuru to open.[9]
Ichiki and Samura discuss the possibility of a second Malediction.
Eight years ago, Seiichi Samura went to Kamunabi Headquarters to meet with Ichiki and retell his encounter with Yura, who had informed him of a prophecy of a second Malediction. Ichiki mused that the 'prophecy' Yura claimed to have received may be similar to the prophetic dreams of the monk of Tenrakuin. He acknowledged the possibility of Soga causing a second Malediction was not zero, but highly unlikely given Soga's imprisonment and Shinuchi's sealing and isolation.
To remove the possibility they would need to execute Soga, but that would kill the sword bearers including Samura given the interconnectedness of the Lifelong Contracts. Ichiki noted Samura was right to be concerned about the future given he was looking after his daughter but assured him the Kamunabi had the situation handled, telling Samura he could rest easy and focus on taking care of his daughter.[10]
Vs. Sojo Arc
Meeting after Sojo's death
On the 24th of November, 10 days after Genichi Sojo's death, Ichiki attended a meeting of the Kamunabi leaders to discuss their next course of action. After Azami reported the deaths of Sojo and four members of the Anti-Cloud Gouger Special Forces, Yatsuru brought up the topic of who should take Cloud Gouger's contract, but Ichiki posed the question of whether they held possession of Cloud Gouger in the first place. Discussions continued and Kasen revealed Kazane's report which stated Chihiro Rokuhira, not the Kamunabi, had killed Sojo and retrieved Cloud Gouger, and was wielding a seventh Enchanted Blade. With Chihiro armed with two Enchanted Blades, Kasen ordered for Hiyuki Kagari to be dispatched after Chihiro.[11]
Rakuzaichi Arc
On November 1st, eight days after her dispatch, Hiyuki and Tafuku arrived at Kasen's office. Hiyuki reported that they had encountered Chihiro, but he had escaped, apologising for her failure. Ichiki entered and questioned Tafuku on how Chihiro had slipped away, Tafuku mentioning there had been some interference.[12]
Hiyuki continued by saying they had come to learn the Kamunabi's plans regarding the Rakuzaichi, aiming to plan around retrieving Enten and Shinuchi. Kasen brushed her request off and revealed they would be bidding on Shinuchi, as they couldn't act hastily and risk casualties. Hiyuki interrupted him, stating the true issue was the fact that they weren't taking the opportunity to destroy the auction, especially given its perpetuation of human trafficking, thinking the current plan was only encouraging the auction.
Ichiki acknowledged the validity of Hiyuki's point, but emphasized that violent opposition would result in too many casualties, and thus they had decided given the circumstances that bidding would ultimately be worth it to retrieve Shinuchi without losing anyone.[13] Hiyuki still disapproved of the plan up until the last minute, believing that the lives of all individuals were important, only acquiescing due to knowing the importance and devastating power of Enchanted Blade-level strength; being privy to such strength herself.[14]
Sword Bearer Assassination Arc
Leaders' meeting with Chihiro
Following the end of the Rakuzaichi on the 9th of November, Chihiro offered to join the Kamunabi, and was escorted alongside Hakuri by Hiyuki and Tafuku into the meeting room where the leaders had gathered to discuss his proposal. The leaders recapped his proposal of transporting the Enchanted Blades to their bearers through Hakuri's Storehouse sorcery and Ichiki asked if Hakuri could demonstrate, but Tafuku stated he had exhausted himself over yesterday's events, Hiyuki also defending the potency of his sorcery. Accepting that Chihiro's plan was thus feasible, Ichiki then noted the topic of discussion would be whether they should give Chihiro access to the sword bearers; whether Chihiro was trustworthy.
After further discussion, Izaru stood and proposed they kill Chihiro to transfer his contract with Enten to a Kamunabi member instead. The meeting was interrupted by a Kamunabi member reporting Kokugoku Hot Spring, Sanso of Yoji Uruha, had been attacked by sorcerers with Enchanted-Blade-like spirit energy manifestations and a member of the Hishaku. As Ichiki mused over the appearance of multiple Enchanted Blade-like spirit energy reactions, Chihiro voiced that the Kamunabi needed immediate fighting power and proposed himself as their best option. Izaru was enraged but Kasen decided to accept Chihiro's proposal before ordering him and Hakuri to locate and protect Uruha, though threatened that the Kamunabi would not give him free reign with the Enchanted Blades.[15]
After the meeting, Ichiki, Kasen and Yatsuru began the sealing process once more. Prior to commencing sealing, the three investigated Shinuchi for anything suspicious such as foreign spirit energy, but did not discover anything.[16]
Meeting after the events at Senkutsuji Temple
At 3:14 am on the 10th of November, the Kamunabi leaders met and Azami relayed Uruha and Samura's final conversation as overheard by Hakuri. Izaru was aggravated that Samura had betrayed them and Ichiki noted though they had lost two Enchanted Blades to the Hishaku, they would still proceed with their plans. The topic of Hakuri's current situation was brought up and Azami noted he was in intensive care to see if they could treat his exhausted sorcery.
The notion of using Shinuchi was brought up but Izaru dismissed it given Owl's presence over Japan. After Izaru confirmed with Kudo and the leader with sideburns that the other two sword bearers had been hidden, Ichiki commented that the information warfare would be at a standstill for some time. The leaders decided to ambush Samura and the Hishaku when the time was right, and arranged Chihiro and the Masumi as a force against Samura.[17] Sometime afterwards, Ichiki arranged for Hiyuki and Shiba to guard the remaining two sword bearers.[18]
On the morning of the 14th of November, after Owl had disappeared, the Kamunabi leaders met and Azami relayed the Masumi's report that they had encountered Samura and three members of the Hishaku who had Kumeyuri with them. The Surveillance Sorcerer then reported that the Hishaku were attacking the Headquarters' barrier, and Kasen ordered for the barrier to be taken down around the first level to avoid battle taking place on the streets. Doing so, the Surveillance Sorcerer detected seven entrants which Ichiki reasoned were the seven remaining members of the Hishaku, and the leaders quickly assembled a force to intercept them, Azami volunteering. Ichiki internally wondered why the Hishaku had attacked Kamunabi Headquarters rather than the remaining sword bearers and questioned their plan.[19]
After the meeting, Ichiki entered combat.[20]
Sometime after Azami had dispatched Hokuto's puppet, Azami and Ichiki reconvened and Azami carried Ichiki down to Level 6, where they encountered Kiri and Hakuri. The four entered an elevator, where Ichiki expressed his hopes that the days would be calm going forth. Hakuri assured him that he would transport Shinuchi to the Storehouse and solve the situation, though Azami expressed his doubts. Ichiki explained that they had already surrounded the Hishaku, and explained that there was likely something else at play, given the Hishaku could not have believed their attack would work. He speculated that they may have set Shinuchi to be used remotely, which would mean giving it to the Kamunabi at the Rakuzaichi was essentially sending a bomb into their headquarters.
Ichiki stated that they had ruled out the possibility when the Kamunabi's highest three leaders had inspected it, but was still concerned.[21] He explained to Hakuri that to use Shinuchi, one would not only need to put spirit energy into the blade, but also have a strong desire to use it; though in exchange, Soga would attack the proxy wielder's mind. In any case, Kasen, Yatsuru and Ichiki himself had inspected the blade for any foreign spirit energy before sealing it, Azami noting they were the most powerful sorcerers of the Kamunabi. Hakuri pointed out that Kudo had stated Azami was 'on another level', though Azami stated that was only in combat and in part due to his younger age; the three had immense scholarly knowledge on sorcery.
Once more musing on the Hishaku's reckless actions, Ichiki speculated that one of the three sealers was in league with the Hishaku, though wanted to find proof first. The four entered the Shinuchi sealing room, where Kasen stood on the viewing balcony. Kasen noted Hakuri had made it and Ichiki stated the operation to transport Shinuchi would begin, internally adamant that the Hishaku would not take down Kamunabi Headquarters. Kasen, however, responded in the negative. Ichiki suddenly noticed spirit energy pouring out from within Shinuchi and realised Kasen had covered up the spirit energy during the inspection.[22]
Kasen explained that powerful clans of sorcerers had existed for centuries, and the Kamunabi's mere eighteen years of history was nothing in comparison; while they were strong and maintained some degree of order, the clans were a major obstacle that refused to cooperate, thus the order they could maintain was limited. One example was the Rakuzaichi continuing to exist. Kasen expressed his belief that bringing the clans to heel would establish order for good, and for that, they needed the power of the Enchanted Blades.
Ichiki refuted that Shinuchi had caused the greatest atrocity of all time, and when Kasen replied that that was caused by Soga, Ichiki continued that the scope of the blades' powers was unknown even to Kunishige, and so the risk of usage was intolerable. That was why they had prioritised educating the next generation to promote peace and emphasise the building of a peaceful world. Kasen agreed that was what they had decided back then, but they could not truly govern with that approach; they needed the Enchanted Blades. Kasen had hid his ambition and maintained his authority for many years solely for this moment. Ichiki noted he was still consorting with criminals, and Kasen stated he was prepared to make many sacrifices, be it his pride, the lives of the sword bearers, Kunishige's life, or the others in the room, Kasen readying his sorcery.
Azami then struck him in the face and sent him flying into a wall. Azami told Ichiki to interrogate Kasen and find out the sorcerers aligned with the Hishaku before leaving to confront Yura. Privately, Ichiki noted that Kudo really meant every level when he said Azami was on another level, and was confident that Azami could stop them.[23]
Ichiki ordered a nearby sorcerer to contact Shiba and Hiyuki and get them to move to Headquarters, as they had to prevent Soga from being killed. He then noticed the spirit energy signatures of Tobimune and Enten above, though wondered why they hadn't entered yet. The Kamunabi agent then returned, stating he couldn't make contact. Ichiki promptly realised Kasen had ordered the barrier be modified and Kasen commented that his comrades had done good work. Ichiki wondered if it was set to prevent Tobimune and Enten from entering, before noting that the original settings were set against all non-Kamunabi sorcerers, and focusing on the Enchanted Blades would require the barrier's entire strength. He noted it would only take a few minutes for Samura's group to get in, though Kasen stated a few minutes was more than long enough for Shinuchi to wreak havoc.[24]
Abilities
Overall Abilities: As one of the highest-ranking leaders of the Kamunabi, Ichiki is an extremely skilled individual and one of the most powerful sorcerers in the Kamunabi.[25]
As a sorcerer, Ichiki has accomplished the first stage of spirit energy usage, being able to use his spirit energy to strengthen his body to superhuman levels.
Combat Prowess
Master Combatant: Ichiki trained Shiba and Azami in combat during the Seitei War.
Sorcery
Etymology
壱 (Ichi): Means "one" or "first".鬼 (Ki): Means "demon".
Trivia
References
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 72 (Page 11).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 80 (Page 3).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 93 (Pages 14-15).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 95 (Page 10).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 95 (Page 19).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 72 (Page 11).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 72 (Page 4).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 46 (Page 8).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 40 (Page 5).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 72.
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 18 (Pages 11-19).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 22 (Pages 6-9).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 22 (Page 12).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 29 (Page 12).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 46.
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 94 (Page 3).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 60 (Pages 1-4, 17-19).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 78 (Page 18).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 78 (Pages 14-18).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 80 (Page 3).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 93 (Pages 15-19).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 94 (Pages 1-8, 14-15).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 95.
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 96 (Pages 3, 8-11).
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 94 (Page 3).