The Vs. Sojo Arc (
Three years ago, famous master swordsmith Kunishige Rokuhira was murdered in his workshop, and his greatest works, six Enchanted Blades crafted during the Seitei War, were stolen; all due to three sorcerers of the Hishaku. This incident led Kunishige's son Chihiro, accompanied by Kunishige's old friend Shiba, to embark on a relentless quest to recover the stolen blades, armed with Kunishige's seventh Enchanted blade, Enten.
After discovering Char, who claims to have seen an Enchanted Blade, Chihiro comes into conflict with major underworld name Genichi Sojo, wielder of the Enchanted Blade Cloud Gouger, who is chasing after Char. In order to surpass the craftsmanship of Kunishige Rokuhira, Sojo intends to harness the curative power of the Kyonagi Clan, to which Char belongs to. Chihiro, responsible for safeguarding Char, strives to shield her and simultaneously oppose Sojo as a fitting wielder of his late father's sword.
Arc Summary[]
The Path of Revenge[]
Chihiro in his fighting stance, wielding his katana, Enten, while chanting the words, "Enten," "Kuro" and "Nishiki."
Kunishige Rokuhira, a revered swordsmith, and his son Chihiro live a disciplined life crafting katanas. Despite his skill and seriousness when conducting his craft, Kunishige is a very energetic and outgoing individual, one of his quirks being talking to the family's goldfish. Chihiro, burdened with responsibilities, aspires to follow in his father's footsteps. An old friend, Togo Shiba, visits, and discusses how Kunishige's blades could be said to have ended the Seitei War of 15 years ago. Later, Kunishige questions Chihiro's readiness for a swordsmith's responsibility, and reminds him of the consequences of crafting katana; particularly how they can be weapons of slaughter as well as tools used to save people. Chihiro is unsure but is willing to try.
38 months later, Chihiro and Shiba confront the Korogumi Yakuza, witnessing their brutal methods and the Yakuza boss's menacing actions within an unnamed city. Shiba and Chihiro take down the Yakuza, revealing Chihiro's enhanced katana, Enten, that displays unique powers from his father's craftsmanship, these powers manifesting in the form of goldfish. Chihiro spares the boss to extract information about the Hishaku, a group of sorcerers supporting the Yakuza who Chihiro and Shiba are investigating. The boss reveals the Hishaku's monstrous nature, but Chihiro remains determined to confront them, driven by a relentless resolve to eliminate them, despite their intimidating description.[1]
The day the Rokuhiras' life changed forever
The Korogumi boss's head explodes, due to a trap set by a Hishaku sorcerer. Shiba and Chihiro quickly escape, Chihiro slightly staggering on his feet due to his earlier exertion. They plan to return to Tokyo. Shiba admires Chihiro's combat progress in only three years, but notes Chihiro has yet to begin channeling the 'true realm' of Enten's powers.
Three years prior, Kunishige was killed by the Hishaku, who stole the six enchanted blades he had crafted. Kunishige's mentorship of Chihiro on crafting blades with purpose, emphasizing the world's true needs, resounds within Chihiro, who hollowly wonders why the Hishaku murdered his father and why they couldn't understand his philosophy. A scarred Chihiro weeps for his father and vows to avenge him.
In the present, Chihiro wields his father's seventh and final enchanted blade, Enten, and is still seeking the Hishaku. The day after Chihiro and Shiba's raid on the Korogumi, in Tokyo, Shiba reports he's dug up a lead on one of the enchanted blades, prompting Chihiro to immediately pursue it.[2]
The Witness[]
Char found herself held hostage by Norisaku Madoka, who had caused the explosion at the restaurant
Three years ago, Shiba told Hinao, proprietor of Cafe Haru Haru, a cafe that links sorcerers to employers, about Kunishige's death linked to the Hishaku. Chihiro, with a visible scar, met Hinao then. Hinao promised to look out for any information, but had not managed to find anything over the three years. Now, Hinao contacts Shiba and Chihiro regarding a girl who has possibly witnessed an enchanted blade. They arrive at Hinao's cafe where the girl, Char, seeks protection from someone chasing her. Chihiro and Shiba appear unconvinced that Char really has seen an enchanted blade due to her unreliable testimony. Chihiro declines to protect Char, but offers to treat her to a meal, drawing his sense of responsibility developed after looking after his father.
Shiba drives them to a soba restaurant and smokes outside. As Chihiro and Char eat and talk, Chihiro asks for more information. Char hesitates to share details but mentions a formidable sword wielder pursuing her, disclosing that she saw clouds emanating from the sword. Chihiro asks if the sword wielder had a flame symbol on their hand, but Char replies she did not see any; though she did add the sword-wielder had several individuals working under him. Suddenly, Norisaku Madoka enters, kills a restaurant waiter and confronts Chihiro, summoning a Daruma doll that explodes and propels Chihiro outside. Realizing Char was telling the truth, Chihiro apologizes for doubting her and finds Char held hostage by Norisaku.[3]
Chihiro immediately uses his flying slash, Kuro, to free Char and calls for Shiba, who teleports Char to safety. Shiba explains to an inquiring Char how sorcery is powered by spirit energy, which dwells within everyone. Chihiro engages Norisaku using long-ranged flying slashes as Norisaku retaliates with exploding Daruma dolls, as Shiba discusses the enchanted blades' ability to amplify and manifest spirit energy in shapes; Enten manifesting it in the form of goldfish.
Norisaku acknowledges Chihiro's unusual mastery over spirit energy and reveals he has encountered an enchanted blade before; but refuses to give details. He warns Char that every protector she finds will always end up dead, just like her mother, causing her distress. Norisaku launches a wave of Daruma dolls that seemingly defeats Chihiro, but Chihiro calls Aka, a red fish materialising and absorbing the explosion. Chihiro uses Aka again to release the absorbed explosion back at Norisaku, damaging and knocking him down. Chihiro promises to protect Char due to their common interests; Chihiro wishes to pursue the people chasing after Char. Chihiro then turns to Norisaku and questions him about his motives, boss and the whereabouts of the enchanted blade 'Cloud Gouger'.[4]
The Bounty[]
The group return to Hinao's cafe and Chihiro thanks Hinao for her information before leaving in Shiba's car in order to get Char some more food. On the road, Chihiro's hand shakes, leading him to recall Shiba had taken over Norisaku's interrogation due to Chihiro's injured state. Char then sneezes in Chihiro's car, having snuck onto the car to stay with Chihiro for protection. Chihiro presses for information about why there are people after Char but gets no clear answers. Chihiro takes Char to various shops for food despite originally planning to return, the two enjoying their time together.
Meanwhile in an abandoned warehouse, Shiba interrogates Norisaku about his boss and Cloud Gouger, but Norisaku remains evasive. He warns of dire consequences if he were to reveal any information, and hints that the power behind him is very powerful, but Shiba remains nonchalant. At the same time, a man in a bath learns of Norisaku's failure to capture Char and incarcerates and mutilates the subordinate who gave him the info. He questions how a seventh enchanted blade could exist, before deciding to begin a bolder approach in regards to capturing Char. Back in Shiba's car, Char reveals to Chihiro her mother's words to 'live a happy life', and expresses gratitude for her time with Chihiro, stating that she was happy that day.
A spiral of people emerges
During their drive, Shiba calls Chihiro and informs him about their next target, Genichi Sojo (the earlier man in the bath), a weapons dealer, major underworld name, the one pursuing Char and the wielder of the enchanted blade Cloud Gouger. Shiba and Chihiro both suspect a connection between Sojo and the Hishaku due to his ownership of an enchanted blade. While Chihiro drives, a spiral of identical-looking individuals emerge from the intersection in front of them, one among them claiming they've found Char. At the same time, the drivers of the vehicles around Chihiro and Char are revealed to also appear the same.[5]
The spiral and individuals in the vehicles next to Chihiro and Char dissolve into dirt, encasing Shiba's car. Chihiro immediately escapes with Char on his shoulders and a man appearing the same as the suspicious individuals confronts him; though this one appears to be the source of the dirt puppets. The puppet sorcerer reveals Sojo has placed a bounty on Char and Chihiro's enchanted blade, before sending more dirt clones after the two. Hinao discovers the bounty and tries to contact Chihiro, but he does not respond.
Chihiro fights off his pursuers and deduces they are made of earth as he enters an alleyway. From the other end, the puppet sorcerer appears with a line of clones, mentioning his previous encounters with the enchanted blades' power but noticing a difference in the level of power displayed by Chihiro. He chalks it up to Chihiro's lack of skill. The clones rush in and as Chihiro cuts through them a different sorcerer reaches in, his hand aimed towards Chihiro's face.
Chihiro suddenly recalls a meal with his deceased father that rapidly cuts to his memory of his father's death. As he groggily shakes himself out of the memory and notes Char has also been affected, the sorcerer responsible gloats that his sorcery is able to track people's brain waves and trigger their traumatic experiences. The puppet sorcerer, surrounding the area with a legion of clones, wonders if they should eat Char due to her being the last surviving member of the Kyonagi clan. The trauma sorcerer shuts him down immediately, saying the money Sojo offers is their priority and shutting down the rumour of eating a Kyonagi's flesh leading to immortality. Instead, the Kyonagi simply have incredibly powerful healing abilities, which the trauma sorcerer tests by breaking her limbs.
Chihiro uses Nishiki to cut through the puppet sorcerer's clones
The trauma sorcerer turns to pick up Enten but Chihiro draws his wakizashi and slices off the trauma sorcerer's sword-holding right arm. The trauma sorcerer is surprised Chihiro can still move and Chihiro states the memory of that day is what fuels him. He switches out his wakizashi for Enten and activates Nishiki, his resulting boost in strength and speed allowing him to swiftly behead the trauma sorcerer, subsequently killing the puppet sorcerer and his clones.
Char confesses the sorcerers pursued her for her unique physical abilities, revealing this information as she trusted Chihiro. After the ordeal, Char expresses hunger due to having vomitied out her food after experiencing her trauma, and Chihiro shares his food, understanding her struggles.[6]
Chihiro, with Char on his back, faces three sorcerers at an intersection but is aided by a skilled man named Azami, an executive member of the Kamunabi, who dispatches the sorcerers easily. They head to Cafe Haru Haru, where Azami clarifies the Kamunabi's goal is to eliminate threats to the nation, thus they couldn't intervene in Sojo's interest in Char, much to his dismay. Shiba reveals he detests the Kamunabi's impersonal attitude, and it was one of the primary reasons why he left the Kamunabi years ago.
Azami chastises Shiba for letting Chihiro's enchanted blade be used in public, as now the Kamunabi are aware of a seventh blade, and only the Kamunabi members who had helped Kunishige hide had been privy to this information. Shiba replies Chihiro can fight now, leading Azami to admit that Chihiro had gotten very skilled in fighting.
After prompting from Shiba, Azami then reveals an upcoming black market auction, the annually held Rakuzaichi, where one of Kunishige's enchanted blades, the Shinuchi, will be sold by Sojo. He warns Chihiro against confronting Sojo, stating the Kamunabi have failed to deal with him for over a decade, and suggests they leave the auction to the Kamunabi. Chihiro states he accepts this, and Azami groans at the obvious lie. Nevertheless, Azami warns them of the Hishaku's increased audacious actions, suggesting they aim to use the enchanted blades for a greater agenda. As he receives an alert that his subordinates have erased the bounty Sojo placed, Azami stresses the urgency of preparing for the auction (held in a month) and the Hishaku's potential threat to the nation.[7]
The Clash[]
Shiba and Azami leave to plan their actions, telling Chihiro to stay put. The morning after, Chihiro wakes and thanks Hinao for letting them stay in the cafe's back room, while Char sleeps on the couch.
Sojo faces a memory
It is revealed that following Shiba's interrogation, Norisaku had been told by Shiba to start a new life, away from being a sorcerer. Norisaku takes this advice to heart and decides to reconcile with his family, first calling his sister and then planning to visit their mother to apologise. However, when Norisaku enters his sister's car, Sojo is in the back seat, and Sojo kills the two due to Norisaku's failure and decision to quit. Sojo is then contacted by the Trauma Sorcerer's younger brother, who has the same sorcery. The brother has located Chihiro and urges Sojo to get revenge for him, and Sojo agrees before aiming to kill the brother as a warm-up. The brother manages to trigger Sojo's trauma, but Sojo ignores it, comments on the interesting sorcery and kills him anyway.
Sojo then walks to Cafe Haru Haru, opening the door and immediately locking blades with Chihiro. Hinao quickly dashes to the back room to find Char as Sojo activates Cloud Gouger, which Chihiro notices, and is shocked by its presence. Sojo then calls Mei, the ensuing lightning bolt blasting Chihiro through a wall, but Chihiro uses Aka to absorb the lightning bolt's damage, unseen by Sojo. Woken by the noise, Char peeks into the front room and is terrified by Sojo's presence, before Hinao quickly tells her to hide.
Chihiro and Sojo ready Enten and Cloud Gouger
Chihiro then emerges from the hole in the wall, questioning if the blood on Sojo's blade is that of evildoers. As Sojo responds he doesn't care about that sort of thing, Chihiro activates Enten and declares Sojo has no right to wield Cloud Gouger. Sojo is excited at seeing Chihiro prepare to battle, and the two summon their respective clouds and goldfish in preparation for their clash.[8]
Several hours before Chihiro's clash with Sojo, Azami and Shiba discuss Sojo's possession of Cloud Gouger and the irregularity of his recent actions; particularly his auctioning of Shinuchi and issuing of a bounty on Char and Chihiro. Azami postulates Sojo is baiting the Kamunabi, due to believing he can overpower them using Cloud Gouger. Azami then brings up the recent Seitei War exhibition and Kunishige Rokuhira's status as a hero, and states the potential collateral damage from a public battle between Enchanted Blades would tarnish Kunishige's reputation.
Chihiro internally questions Sojo's sole focus on his Enchanted Blade rather than Char, but decides to use it to his advantage, jumping out the door with Sojo hot on his heels. The two leap across rooftops, Sojo unleashing an ice wave with Yui that Chihiro cuts through with Kuro. As the two continue to fight, Chihiro discovers Sojo's fighting ability far surpasses his own, Sojo not even being winded. Abruptly, Sojo expresses his admiration for Kunishige Rokuhira, having great respect for his blades. He questions Chihiro's motivation for wielding the enchanted blade, and is dismayed when Chihiro voices his desire to defeat evil and protect the weak, believing Chihiro to not understand Kunishige's true meaning.
"I'll tell you what he wanted."
Sojo responds that Kunishige's true purpose in creating the blades was for them to be instruments of massacre, and backflips into a crowded street while charging Mei. As Sojo lands, Chihiro rushes down and uses the Mei he had absorbed in the cafe to redirect the lightning towards himself, taking severe damage in the process. The blinding display causes the nearby civilians to rapidly evacuate. Sojo attempts another Mei but is unaware Cloud Gouger needs time to recharge after a highly-charged Mei. A heavily injured Chihiro prepares to unleash Nishiki and kill Sojo before the Kamunabi can arrive.[9]
In the meantime, Hinao and Char have left the cafe and are moving away from Chihiro and Sojo. Back to the battle, Chihiro activates Nishiki, amplifying his body using spirit energy. Sojo criticises Chihiro's altruistic motives for wielding weapons of destruction. Chihiro is enraged and inadvertently reveals his lineage as he shouts at Sojo and attacks. Sojo notes Chihiro's increased power and speed, and the two resume their fight, neither able to find an advantage though Chihiro begins reaching his limit.
The Anti-Cloud Gouger Special Forces confront Sojo
Chihiro then sees a car affiliated with Sojo with Char's leg visible inside, shifting his focus from Sojo. Chihiro immediately speeds after the car, prioritising rescuing Char rather than fighting Sojo. Sojo quickly fires a Mei after him, but it is blocked by Shiyumi Harima's Gansui. The rest of the Kamunabi's Anti-Cloud Gouger Special Forces (minus Kazane Machi) arrive on-scene, alongside Azami and Shiba on a nearby rooftop. Sojo deems it best to avoid their collective threat, summoning a cloud of mist using Kou and escaping. Chihiro intercepts the car, kills all but one of the men in the car and discovers Char's severed leg inside. Interrogating the last man, Chihiro learns they had cut off Char's leg to mislead him.
Far off from Chihiro, the car explodes as Chihiro executes the man. Shiba teleports in and helps support a swaying Chihiro, telling Chihiro about Sojo's escape. Chihiro decides Sojo has no place holding Cloud Gouger and vows to confront and kill him. Elsewhere, Sojo arrives in the car that actually contains Char, where his mohawked henchmen are experimenting with Char's healing. Sojo, now aware of Chihiro's identity, believes he needs to deepen his understanding of Cloud Gouger and expresses his desire to talk more with Chihiro. In addition, now that he has 'the material', Char, back, he aims to continue his plan 'to surpass Kunishige Rokuhira'.[10]
The Plan[]
Five days later, Chihiro wakes up in a hospital. Shiba and Azami enter, both relieved, and the latter explains while a Kamunabi hospital would've treated him faster, it would also mean revealing Chihiro's lineage to the Kamunabi. Shiba tells Chihiro that Hinao was merely knocked unconscious by Sojo's underlings and is recovering well, but Char is still missing after being taken by Sojo. Shiba also discloses that Sojo is in possession of some Datenseki; the Enchanted Blades' source material.
In his laboratory within Kaburato Castle, Sojo explains the properties of Datenseki to his inquiring mohawked henchmen. Datenseki was discovered during the Seitei War and only 250 kilograms are known to exist. When spirit energy is transmitted into the mineral, it is magnified greatly, but when this spirit energy is returned to the wielder the wielder's body explodes due to being unable to contained in the body. However, Kunishige was the only one in history able to work with the material and weaponise it into a form that was safe to use: being the Enchanted Blades. Sojo then turns to a researcher and orders for the day's testing to begin.
Shiba states Sojo wants to use the Datenseki and Char to create a new weapon, and Chihiro is momentarily horrified at what experimentation on Char might be conducted on her that very moment, and despairs at his failure to save her. Recovering, he asks about Enten and Azami assures him that it is safe. Azami then carefully explains the Kamunabi have put together an elite squadron, the Anti-Cloud Gouger Special Forces, and invites Chihiro to share his knowledge of Cloud Gouger with them. After Shiba vouches that they're all loyal to Azami, Chihiro accepts.
The ACGSF enter the hospital
The ACGSF (minus Makoto Kasahara) then noisily enter. Their captain Ikuto Hagiwara quickly explains Makoto was out searching for Sojo's newest base of operations (as he had evacuated his old one) and asked for Chihiro's info. Chihiro replied he would tell them if he could join the operation. Kazane vehemently disagrees, but Kiyohiko Uzuki calms him down and notes Chihiro's skill during his fight with Sojo, particularly his protection of the civilians. Shiba then intervenes, stating Chihiro has incurred serious wounds and the muscles of Chihiro's left arm are in a dire state, and so Chihiro wouldn't be combat-ready for another month. Ikuto then comes up with a compromise; the ACGSF fight Sojo while Chihiro covertly rescues Char. Chihiro agrees with no hesitation.[11]
After discussing the plan, the Kamunabi Anti-Cloud Gouger Special Forces leave to locate Sojo's hideout. Forty-nine hours later, Shiba notices Chihiro's determination at such young an age, comparing it to his own far more immature time as an 18-year-old alongside Azami and Kunishige. Chihiro then receives a call from Kamunabi, signaling him to move out.
Sojo leaves Kaburato Castle to be guarded by several guards and sorcerers, and enters a bathhouse to contemplate Chihiro's words. He finds it unbelievable that Kunishige Rokuhira had a son and reckons the seventh enchanted blade is strong evidence in favour of it, but is disgusted by how Chihiro's ideals completely contradict his own. Sojo redoubles his need to understand Cloud Gouger better and heads outside, already aware of the ACGSF awaiting him; now with all six members present. Sojo grins and calls for Cloud Gouger to activate.
In the meantime, Chihiro has arrived at Kaburato Castle and kills all but one of a small group of guards, preparing to interrogate the last one.[12]
The Squadron and the Raid[]
Sojo sizes up the squad as Shiyumi uses Gansui to launch several large pieces of earth into the air beneath Sojo, the Kamunabi squad following. Previously, in the hospital, Chihiro had briefed the ACGSF on Cloud Gouger's three abilities: Yui/Ice, Water/Kou, and Lightning/Mei. Shiyumi requests Azami back them up, but he explains only the six members of the ACGSF were assigned. Ikuto and Uzuki elaborate the Kamunabi are also wary of the upcoming Rakuzaichi and the actions of the Hishaku. Ikuto adds that rather than pure strength, a strategy would be what they needed to counter an Enchanted Blade.
Kazane protects Shiyumi as she focuses on maintaining the floating earth pieces, while the other four squad members attack barrage Sojo with attacks. Chihiro had advised them do so in order to prevent Sojo from charging Mei, which would increase its power to an extent where it could kill someone if it hit. In the present, Sojo picks up on their strategy and uses Kou to spray the area with water and quickly following up with Mei, the resulting lightning striking the soaked Kamunabi sorcerers. Despite the lightning bolt's low level of charge, the Kamunabi are visibly pained and stagger back, giving Sojo time to charge up a stronger Mei.
Ikuto uses Jikai against Sojo
In the hospital, Chihiro had told the ACGSF that Sojo was likely to chain Kou and Mei, and told them to let him land the attack so Sojo would charge Mei, as Sojo would be vulnerable as he was charging. In the present, the Kamunabi recover and all but Ikuto jump out of the way, and right as Sojo unleashes his charged Mei Ikuto uses Jikai to repel the ground, Sojo and the water flying upwards as Sojo's lightning flows through the water uselessly, completely missing the Kamunabi. Makoto, Uzuki and Hajime Kugara then rush in to attack, taking advantage of Mei's enforced downtime.
At Kaburato Castle, the guard Chihiro is interrogating reveals the sole entrance to the laboratory where Char is held is in the basement, guarded by sorcerers including the mohawked sorcerers. After dealing with the guard, Chihiro descends to the basement and hides in the rafters, watching the mohawked twins stand guard. He recalls his father stating the Enchanted Blades have a True Realm beyond their base theoretical values, and their abilities and limitations can shift greatly based on its wielder.[13]
Right before the Kamunabi had left, Chihiro revealed his father's knowledge of the True Realm to the Kamunabi, which the squad take careful note of. In the present, Shiba teleports near a shed near Kaburato Castle; he had come to raid Sojo's base alongside Chihiro. The interrogated guard had revealed the shed was connected to an underground storage room guarded by several sorcerers, and Shiba and Chihiro had decided to split up to investigate, as they were present not only to rescue Char but to find any links between Sojo, Shinuchi and the Hishaku. Before they split up, Shiba told Chihiro to avoid combat wherever possible.
In the present, Chihiro continues observing from the rafters but is ambushed by a visor-wearing sorcerer and forced to the ground. In his weakened state and fighting with his non-dominant right arm, he is unable to fight properly and cuts the light with Kuro, escaping. Shiba hears noise from the castle but is confronted by several sorcerers, forcing his attention away.
Chihiro accesses the True Realm
Chihiro hides behind a room of shoji doors, cursing his weakness and abruptly wondering if he could save Char even if he had been at full strength. He suddenly remembers his father's words, telling him to calm down and be flexible whenever he became too narrow-minded. Fuelled by the memory, Chihiro confronts the searching visor-wearing sorcerer, summoning a school of black goldfish and preparing to use Kuro: Shred, promising to not let Char suffer any longer.[14]
In the past, Char's mother advises Char to keep her rapid healing abilities a secret to keep herself safe, right before Sojo's arm is seen ringing the doorbell. In the present, Chihiro uses Kuro: Shred to bisect the visor-wearing sorcerer. Kuro: Shred's 20 small goldfish consume the same amount as a regular full-size Kuro, but sacrifice some of the flying slash's power and width in exchange for being less taxing on Chihiro's body. Rather than a conscious creation, Kuro: Shred was a breakthrough crafted by Chihiro's instinct, and during this state of intense focus Chihiro's understanding of Enten rose to unparalleled heights. Chihiro then activates Nishiki, beginning to speed through the castle.
In a flashback, Sojo recounts the Kyonagi Clan's fate, having been hunted to near-extinction not long after the Seitei War due to the false rumour detailing eating their flesh granting immortality. However, Sojo reveals 'a certain man' (heavily implied to be Char's father) sold information that a single 13-year-old girl survived the massacre, and now had a child of her own, to Char's mother's horror.
Over an unspecified period of time, Sojo committed countless experiments on the two in order to find a way to harness Datenseki, and Char's mother wished dearly that her daughter could live a happy life. To this end, she broke out of her cell with Char, found the only unguarded exit that only Char was big enough to fit into and ordered her daughter to run and live a happy life, while she caused chaos, set fire to the research facility and killed several researchers; but was eventually killed. Char ran away, eventually meeting Chihiro. In the present, the mohawked sorcerers mock Char's mother's attempt at freeing her daughter ending in failure.
Chihiro speeds through the Kaburato Castle courtyard, dicing up every single sorcerer and guard and once again reaching the basement, beheading both of the mohawked sorcerers. After defeating the guards, Chihiro offers Char a sandwich, and they share an emotional reunion. Char, overwhelmed, tells Chihiro he arrived late amid tears, proving she always believed Chihiro would come, no matter what despair she was feeling.[15]
Chihiro is visibly tiring after his usage of Nishiki, despite having used it to support his movements rather than strengthen them. Char notices this, especially the devastated nature of Chihiro's left hand, and utilises her power to heal it, remembering her mother's words that the source of their regeneration is their desire for the pain to stop. As they enter the courtyard, Chihiro passes Char over to Shiba, who is concerned over Chihiro's state but the three abruptly notice a presence by the front gate. Shiba and Char both warn Chihiro to be careful as Shiba teleports Char to safety, and Chihiro unsheathes Enten.
Sojo cloaks himself in Mei and takes back Cloud Gouger
Sometime beforehand, Sojo continues to battle the Kamunabi. The Kamunabi implement a strategy to knock Sojo off the airborne island and seize Cloud Gouger. Though the Kamunabi seem victorious, Sojo reveals he had previously 'cloaked' himself with a prior use of Mei, and after using a second Mei he creates an attraction force between himself and Cloud Gouger, speeding across and catching the blade in his mouth, while inflicting heavy damage to Kugara and Makoto in the process. As Ikuto orders Kazane to use his sorcery, Kaichi, Sojo immediately zooms over at lightning-speed and slices off Kazane's arm. The floating pieces of earth are later seen having crashed in the ocean as Sojo confronts Chihiro in the Kaburato Castle courtyard.
Sojo recognises Chihiro has also advanced his understanding of his Enchanted Blade, and wishes to discuss further; though he understands that at that moment words aren't what they need. The two activate Nishiki and Mei and speed off, preparing to clash; their time limits of remaining activity are 12 seconds.[16]
The Duel[]
The Twelve-Second Duel begins
The two immediately dash into the air and lock blades. Rather than communicate through words, the clashing of their blades does the talking for them; represented as the two sitting in a tearoom on two sides of a table, atop which sit two cups of tea and two plates with tricolour dango on them. Sojo reveals his desire to talk further with Chihiro, and states he acknowledges Chihiro's altruistic beliefs, no longer dismissing them, but asserts his beliefs as superior.
Chihiro vehemently refuses, having worked with his father every single day. Sojo is momentarily captivated by the chance to learn more about who Kunishige truly was but rejects it in favour of maintaining his own agenda on the Enchanted Blades. Sojo eats a piece of dango as he reveals Cloud Gouger accepted and harmonised with his desire to slaughter, just as Enten harmonised with Chihiro's desire to rescue Char, and concludes anyone can speak on behalf of Kunishige's vision for the blades, which is what gives their battle meaning.
In reality, the two combatants are evenly matched. As the time hits 9 seconds and Sojo rears in with an attack that Chihiro cannot dodge, Chihiro sacrifices his right arm in order to buy time to gain some distance from Sojo, grimacing at Sojo's higher level of speed through his lightning cloaking, while Sojo muses that Chihiro's Nishiki is far faster than the last one he used. The time hits 7.68 seconds as Sojo consolidates his knowledge on Chihiro's abilities and weighs his own options. As the time hits 6 seconds, Sojo increases the amount of spirit energy present in the lightning cloaking him to twice his body's limit, doubling his power but halving his remaining time to 3 seconds. Sojo slashes in but Chihiro dodges and even manages a counterattack that Sojo himself barely evades.
In the tearoom, Chihiro picks up a stick of dango and eats all three pieces, grimacing at the taste. He ponders his father's words that Chihiro would have to make his decisions through seeing the world himself, and ultimately not only acknowledges Sojo's beliefs but also understands them; but refuses to show Sojo any respect, and will simply cut Sojo down with even thicker bloodlust.
The duel concludes
In reality, Chihiro slices off Sojo's left arm, Sojo quickly realising Chihiro had increased the spirit energy cloaking himself to triple his body's limit, Chihiro's remaining time being 1.47 seconds. Chihiro swerves in again but Sojo predicts his move and strikes Cloud Gouger behind him. However, Chihiro had predicted Sojo would react this way, and cancelled Nishiki to slow himself down, keeping himself out of Sojo's reach. As Chihiro prepares a point-blank Kuro at 0.89 seconds, Sojo attempts to parry and charge one last Mei, but Chihiro's resulting attack not only deals severe damage to Sojo but bisects Cloud Gouger, cancelling the lightning.[17]
Sojo collapses, fatally wounded, not only injured by the attack but also exhausted by over-coating his body with spirit energy. Chihiro is barely standing, exhausted for the same reason. Sojo begrudgingly mutters the Enchanted Blades must have chosen Chihiro. Chihiro admits they chose Sojo too, and as he moves to continue the scene transitions to Shiba teleporting in to support a collapsing Chihiro. Near the courtyard entrance, a Hishaku sorcerer takes a briefcase Sojo had brought, disappearing before Shiba notices him.
In the meantime, Sojo crawls away towards the castle's interior, and Shiba suggests finishing him off, but Chihiro deems it unnecessary. Char insists on healing Chihiro's severed arm, but she fails and is dismayed, Shiba quickly assuring her she most likely does not have mastery over the ability yet and Chihiro reminding her that her healing of his arm allowed him to defeat Sojo.
Meanwhile, Sojo drags himself into the laboratory, and grabs onto the Datenseki, believing his knowledge of the Enchanted Blades sufficient to use the mineral. However, as Sojo inputs spirit energy into the stone, it rebounds onto Sojo's arm, confusing him as he frustratedly wonders what he's doing wrong. The words Chihiro said to Sojo are then revealed; that no matter whether the blades accept Sojo or not, he will not even come close to measuring up to his father. Sojo tries one last time to use the Datenseki, screaming Kunishige's name, and the castle violently erupts in a great explosion, Shiba teleporting the three out of the explosion radius.
The Kamunabi leaders convene
Ten days later at Kamunabi Headquarters, Azami reports on the events at Kaburato Castle to his fellow Kamunabi leaders, detailing Sojo's death and casualties among the Anti-Cloud Gouger Special Forces, with all dead except Kazane and Ikuto. The leaders discuss Shinuchi's continued auctioning under a different seller's name and re-emphasise their need to recover Shinuchi, before moving to the topic of who should form the next Lifelong Contract with Cloud Gouger. In an aside, Lifelong Contracts are explained, which limit the use of Enchanted Blades' techniques to their owner while the owner is still alive. Hence the Kamunabi had protected the former Enchanted Blade wielders.
The seniormost leader explains that according to Kazane's report it was Chihiro Rokuhira, claiming to be Kunishige's son, and holding a seventh enchanted blade, who defeated Sojo and took Cloud Gouger. Another leader accuses the incident's cause being Azami's hiding of Kunishige and Chihiro, and as tensions raise the seniormost leader intervenes. He orders an internal investigation to be conducted later and focuses on retrieving the blades, deciding to deploy Hiyuki Kagari, the Kamunabi's strongest fighter, against Chihiro and the potential threat of two active Enchanted Blades, granting her permission to use Flame Bone up to the torso.[18]
Story Impact[]
- Chihiro Rokuhira, along with his deceased father Kunishige Rokuhira and their close friend Shiba, are introduced.
- Three years after his father's murder at the hands of the Hishaku, Chihiro defeats the Korogumi Yakuza in search of links to the Hishaku, revealing unique powers in his katana linked to his father's craftsmanship.
- Seeking retribution for his father's murder and the theft of the enchanted blades crafted by Kunishige, Chihiro learns about Genichi Sojo's existence, his ownership of an enchanted blade and his potential link to the Hishaku.
- Shiba and Chihiro encounter Char, a young girl seeking refuge at Hinao's cafe, under the pursuit of Norisaku Madoka, who wields exploding Daruma dolls as weapons.
- After Norisaku is defeated, Shiba interrogates him and learns Norisaku works for major underworld name Genichi Sojo, who wields the Enchanted Blade Cloud Gouger.
- Chihiro protects Char from sorcerers chasing her, engaging in a fierce battle using unique abilities with Shiba's assistance.
- Char reveals she is being targeted for her special regenerative abilities, choosing to trust Chihiro with this information.
- Sojo places a bounty on Char and Chihiro fends off attacks from several sorcerers.
- Another old friend of Kunishige, Azami, is introduced, who works for the Kamunabi.
- The Kamunabi are an organisation of sorcerers who work for the government, with their primary mission being the security of the nation.
- Azami reveals to Chihiro that Sojo has put the Enchanted Blade Shinuchi up for auction at the Rakuzaichi, the underworld's largest auction, which is expected in slightly more than a month. While originally cautioning Chihiro away from dealing with Sojo and the auction, Azami eventually tells Chihiro to ready himself as best he can.
- The next day, Sojo attacks Cafe Haru Haru and enters battle with Chihiro.
- Cloud Gouger's three powers, Mei (lightning), Yui (ice) and Kou (water) are revealed.
- Sojo reveals his idolisation of Kunishige and his belief that the Enchanted Blades are weapons of massacre.
- Chihiro inadvertently reveals his lineage.
- Sojo's men capture Char.
- The arrival of the Anti-Cloud Gouger Special Forces alongside Shiba and Azami cause Sojo to retreat.
- Chihiro falls unconscious for five days and wakes up in a civilian hospital.
- Shiba informs him of Sojo's possession of Datenseki and Char, and states Sojo plans to create weapons from Datenseki in order to surpass Kunishige.
- Azami invites the Anti-Cloud Gouger Special Forces to meet Chihiro and they form a strategy on how to kill Sojo.
- Chihiro decides to rescue Char while the squadron fight Sojo.
- The Anti-Cloud Gouger Special Forces confront Sojo.
- They are able to trick Sojo into charging Mei and causing it to discharge into Kou, forcing Mei into cooldown.
- Ikuto and Kugara deal severe damage to Sojo using an impromptu electromagnetic cannon-esque attack, and Makoto snatches Cloud Gouger from Sojo.
- Previously, Sojo had accessed the 'true realm' and cloaked himself with Mei rather than using it to attack. Sojo uses the lightning he had cloaked himself with to blast himself back to his blade and deal severe damage to the squadron, killing all but Ikuto and Kazane.
- After he lands, Sojo returns to his lab at Kaburato Castle.
- During the same time as the ACGSF's battle, Chihiro and Shiba raid Kaburato Castle.
- Shiba investigates a shed leading to an underground warehouse.
- Chihiro covertly searches for the lab entrance only to find it guarded by sorcerers. He is quickly found and finds a place to hide.
- Though initially doubtful of his own abilities, Chihiro recalls his father's words to calm down and be flexible whenever he found himself narrow-minded, and unveils a new technique: Kuro: Shred through accessing the True Realm, which allows him to strain his body less as he attacks.
- Chihiro kills all the sorcerers and guards before rescuing Char, handing her off to Shiba as the three walk into the courtyard.
- As Sojo enters the courtyard, Shiba teleports out and Chihiro and Sojo notice they both only have twelve seconds of activity left.
- Their ideological confrontation is represented in a tearoom, where they struggle to accept and understand each others' perspectives on Kunishige and the Enchanted Blades as they attempt to prove theirs is superior.
- Sojo slices off Chihiro's right arm and Chihiro slices off Sojo's left.
- Sojo cloaks himself with twice his body's capacity worth of spirit energy but Chihiro does the same with three times his body's capacity, outspeeding Sojo.
- Chihiro finally accepts and understands Sojo's view, recognising it as valid, but then proves his own view superior by landing a fatal blow on Sojo, cleaving through Cloud Gouger.
- Shiba teleports Chihiro out as Sojo blows Kaburato Castle and himself up as he tries to use Datenseki.
- The Kamunabi leaders convene ten days after the battle.
- Lifelong Contracts, which limit usage of Enchanted Blade techniques strictly to the wielder while the wielder is alive, are explained. Due to their existence, the Kamunabi are protecting the former Enchanted Blade wielders.
- The Kamunabi learn of Chihiro's existence, possession of a seventh Enchanted Blade and his victory over Sojo, presumably having taken Cloud Gouger with him.
- The Kamunabi decide to refocus on reclaiming the Enchanted Blades and dispatch Hiyuki Kagari after Chihiro.
Characters Introduced[]
Characters Introduced
Battles[]
Terminology Introduced[]
- Rokuhira Swordsmith: A renowned workshop led by Kunishige, a master swordsmith known for crafting special katanas using his unique method. The workshop is where Kunishige and his son, Chihiro, diligently worked and trained together.
- Seitei War: A significant conflict that occurred 18 years ago, where Kunishige gained fame for forging the Enchanted Blades, which played a pivotal role in ending the war.
- Enchanted Blades: Seven special swords forged by Kunishige, each possessing unique abilities and magical properties, six of which are sought after by Chihiro after the Hishaku stole them from his father.
- Enten: The seventh and final Enchanted Blade Kunishige created. It is now possessed by Chihiro, who uses it as his primary weapon in his quest for revenge. Its powers include Kuro, a ranged projected slash, Aka, a defensive technique that absorbs and reflects attacks, and Nishiki, a form of 'cloaking' that enhances Chihiro's power and speed using spirit energy.
- Yakuza: A Japanese organized crime syndicate known for its illegal activities such as extortion, gambling, and more, often identified by their elaborate tattoos and strict code of conduct.
- Korogumi: A specific Yakuza organization involved in violent actions, taking control of land and wealth, causing chaos in the town they occupy.
- Sorcery: Referred to as a mystical or supernatural force wielded by certain individuals through manipulation of spirit energy, capable of influencing events or manipulating elements around them.
- Hishaku: A mysterious group linked to sorcery and associated with the stolen enchanted blades. They possess significant expertise and pose a threat due to their seemingly supernatural abilities. They are the group responsible for stealing the Enchanted Blades, murdering Kunishige and instilling within Chihiro a desire for vengeance.
- Protective Magic Barrier: A magical shield set up by Kunishige around their residence to isolate and protect it, alerting him to any potential threats or interference from the outside world.
- Daruma Doll: Norisaku Madoka's primary method of attack. These dolls can detonate violently at Norisaku's command.
- Cloud Gouger: One of the enchanted blades forged by Kunishige Rokuhira. It is currently in the possession of Genichi Sojo. Its powers include Mei (lightning), Yui (ice) and Kou (water). How enchanted blades (including this one) should be used plays a central role in the conflict between Chihiro and Sojo due to their differing viewpoints on the matter.
- Kamunabi: A government-affiliated organization that deals with large-scale threats to the nation. It is heavily involved in events related to the enchanted blades. The leadership of the organisation is comprised of nine individuals, including Azami, who have varying opinions on Kunishige Rokuhira and the Enchanted Blades. Following Chihiro's battle with Sojo and the Kamunabi's sudden awareness of the existence of Kunishige's son and a seventh blade, the Kamunabi dispatch Hiyuki Kagari in pursuit of him.
- Datenseki: The source material of the enchanted blades, discussed at Sojo's headquarters. It is presented as a perilous element, prone to causing its users to explode, and Sojo plans to use it for crafting a new weapon similar to the enchanted blades.
- Kyonagi Clan: A clan of peoples who were hunted to extinction sometime after the Seitei War due to a false rumour that one would become immortal if they ate the flesh of the Kyonagi clan. The sole survivor, Char's mother, eventually had a daughter, Char, before the two were targeted by Sojo due to their regenerative capabilities. Char's mother sacrificed herself to help Char escape Sojo's prison.
- Anti-Cloud Gouger Special Forces: A group of Kamunabi sorcerers specifically tasked with opposing Cloud Gouger. They plan and execute strategies against Sojo with the help of information provided by Chihiro. They are led by Ikuto Hagiwara.
- Lifelong Contracts: A system that limits the use of Enchanted Blades to their owner while said owner is still alive.
Locations[]
- Rokuhira Swordsmith:
- A workshop run by Kunishige, a renowned swordsmith in the country.
- Specializes in crafting katanas using a unique method.
- Korogumi Yakuza Base:
- Headquarters of the Korogumi, a powerful Yakuza organization.
- A location known for its association with violence and control over land and wealth.
- Train Station in Tokyo:
- A transportation hub in the city where Chihiro and Shiba meet during their travel going to the unnamed city.
- Bridge Underpass:
- A location where several hanged bodies associated with the Anti-Korogumi Movement were displayed as a warning.
- Cafe Haru Haru:
- A café which Hinao owns and Chihiro and Shiba's temporary base of operations, where they discuss information they have learnt, up until the location was targeted and damaged by Genichi Sojo.
- A shop owned by Hinao, displaying a "Hishaku Information Wanted" poster.
- A location where significant conversations take place between Chihiro, Char, Shiba, Hinao, and Azami. Their discussions involve strategizing against Sojo and the impending auction.
- Interrogation Site:
- An abandoned area where Shiba interrogates Norisaku Madoka, using techniques to restrict the sorcerer's use of sorcery.
- Babylonia Shop:
- A shop where Chihiro purchases sandwiches for Char during their journey.
- Tanda Shop:
- Another shop visited by Chihiro and Char to buy ice cream.
- Bloom Shop:
- A shop where Chihiro gets a coke float for Char.
- Rakuzaichi:
- A venue where a famous annually-held black market auction takes place. Sojo is said to have submitted the Shinuchi, an enchanted blade, for auction here.
- Norisaku's Sister's Car:
- The location where Norisaku Madoka and his sister would die due to Sojo's actions.
- Rooftops in the City:
- The setting of the first confrontation between Chihiro and Sojo, where they leap across rooftops, showcasing the powers of their enchanted blades.
- Kunishige Rokuhira's Heroic War Exhibit:
- A war exhibit emphasizing the historical context and Kunishige Rokuhira's status as a hero, discussed by Azami and Shiba.
- Hospital:
- A hospital where Chihiro is treated for five days following his first battle with Sojo. It is not affiliated with the Kamunabi.
- Kaburato Castle
- Sojo's base of operations after relocating. His research laboratory, where he attempts to work with Datenseki, is located here, and is guarded by several sorcerers. Chihiro and Shiba attack here in order to rescue Char and learn information about the Shinuchi. This location is also the site of Chihiro and Sojo's final confrontation, which resulted in the destruction of Cloud Gouger and the demise of Sojo.
- Tearoom:
- A symbolic, metaphorical dimension resembling a meal set for two, where Chihiro and Sojo engage in dialogue and an ideological clash, mirroring their physical clash in the real world.
- Kamunabi Headquarters:
- The headquarters where Azami reports on the events at Kaburato Castle, and his fellow leaders of the Kamunabi discuss Sojo's death and how they should adjust their plan to retrieve the enchanted blades.
References[]
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 1.
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 2.
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 3.
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 4.
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 5.
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 6.
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 7.
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 8.
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 9.
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 10.
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 11.
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 12.
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 13.
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 14.
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 15.
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 16.
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 17.
- ↑ Kagurabachi Manga: Chapter 18.