“Mission” (すべきこと Subeki Koto) is the first volume of the Japanese manga series Kagurabachi, created, written and illustrated by Takeru Hokazono. It was released in Japanese on February 2, 2024, and an English release is scheduled for November 5, 2024.
Synopsis[]
Chihiro Rokuhira's father, Kunishige, is the most famous swordsmith in the land. Thanks to his six enchanted blades, the war that has been gripping the nation ends and peaceful days follow. After the war, he retrieves all six blades and hides them in the cellar of his workshop—but sorcerers raid his home and leave Kunishige dead in front of Chihiro. Many years later, Chihiro wields Kunishige’s seventh and final enchanted blade on a mission to retrieve the stolen swords!
As a young boy, Chihiro trains every day under his father to become a swordsmith. Although different in temperament, the two spend peaceful days laughing and working. But one day, tragedy strikes… Now Chihiro burns with hatred and sets out to exact revenge. Following clues left behind by a ruthless yakuza organization, Chihiro confronts the Hishaku, a deadly group of sorcerers who may be behind his father's murder!
Cover[]
In the cover, Chihiro, the protagonist, stands in the center, wielding his enchanted blade "Enten" to fend off attacking enemies visible in the background. A dynamic visual of "Kuro" showcases a black goldfish soaring above him, surrounded by splashing water. The backdrop features a slightly rugged asphalt-like texture, with a blend of rusty red and ruby red colors. The title of the series, Kagurabachi, is prominently displayed at the top in large white font, written in Japanese as カグラバチ. The volume number, 01, is written in black font on the left side of the cover, while the credits are positioned at the bottom left.
Chapter List[]
Chapters included in Volume 1:
- Chapter 1: Mission (すべきこと Subeki Koto)
- Chapter 2: Heaps (
累 累 Ruirui) - Chapter 3: Witness (
目 撃 者 Mokugekisha) - Chapter 4: Sorcery and the Enchanted Blade (
妖 術 と妖 刀 Yōjutsu to Yōtō) - Chapter 5: A Good Meal (ごちそう Gochisō)
- Chapter 6: Peace (
平 穏 Heion) - Chapter 7: Smoke Signal (
狼煙 Noroshi) - Chapter 8: Norisaku Madoka: I Will Change (
円 法 炸 ~俺 は変 わるんだ~ Madoka Norisaku ~Ore wa Kawarunda~)
Author's Note[]
“Certainly! A sword!” ― Takeru Hokazono
Gallery[]
Volume Covers[]
Inside Contents[]
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Side Story[]
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- Summary
Excitedly, Kunishige challenged his son, Chihiro, to a playful contest about who knew the goldfish better. Despite Chihiro's initial skepticism, he agreed to the challenge. They both reached into a small bowl to see which of them the goldfish would approach. Surprisingly, the goldfish swam towards Chihiro's hands, as he was the one who had been feeding and taking care of them. Kunishige acknowledged his son's win and suggested they get back to their work.
Other Illustrations[]
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- Translations
- Illustration 8:
Post-script:
This is Hokazono. Thank you for reading this volume! When I started working on this series, I had a large office and a big desk to call up my assistants but now they are working remotely...
I am grateful for my assistants who can somehow understand my abstract instructions, but I'm also working towards acquiring considerably better speaking skills.
Thank you very much!
- Illustration 9:
The initial draft of Shiba had his hair tied up in a bun, sunglasses and a floral pattern shirt..
Hokazono-sensei: He looks shady..
Special thanks to Akihira Kawasaki, a (real life) sword-smith!
I was given the chance to see the actual forge and some katana; we were even shown how he forges the swords with his brother! (points to an illustration to the right) > Exactly like this
I had met him when the storyboard and design for characters for the first chapter were about to be completed..
Hokazono-sensei: He look a little like Kunishige...
My image of a "swordsmith" is now even more solidified. Thank you so very much!
Trivia[]
- Chapter 1 remains largely unchanged, but some panels have been expanded, with more detail visible compared to the magazine release.
- Many of Char Kyonagi's panels were redrawn, making her appear less scruffy compared to the magazine release.
- Several wide-mouthed expressions were redrawn.
- The special extra from Jump GIGA for Kagurabachi was included as an additional panel in the tankobon version, along with some additional details.
- Azami's badge for Kamunabi was altered in the final tankobon version. It changed from resembling a pair of scissors to a deer.
- Chihiro's scar, which was not visible in the last page of Chapter 7, was added in the tankobon version of the chapter.