Breaking Free: How Kagurabachi Alleviated Chihiro’s Struggles

Chihiro's journey is very well documented in Kagurabachi, created by Japanese mangaka Takeru Hokazono. Since the first chapter, we saw our protagonist, Chihiro Rokuhira, go on a very bloody path, full of obstacles and dangers that would be fatal for most teenagers. However, Chihiro is far from a normal teenager, a master swordsman who vowed to avenge his father's death. However, the recent Kagurabachi chapter made a major move for our protagonist, whose dangerous journey just got slightly easier.

Chihiro's Hard Journey Was Marked By Tragedy

Takeru Hokazono didn't waste time with introducing us to the plot of Kagurabachi; in the first chapter we see the story of a father and a son and their passion for swords. Of course, this was before the impending tragedy that struck the family, but before everything, Chihiro was a very diligent boy, willing to learn his father's craft. He was also very curious and driven by ambition for Kunishige's work, so when Hishaku took away his father's life, Chihiro massively changed and focused all his drive and will on revenge. The heartbreaking moment has driven Chihiro to become more closeted and introverted, compartmentalizing all his feelings and carrying the burden himself.

Killing dozens of people, if not more, in his wake, Chihiro became a proper killing machine who kept everything to himself, despite the support of his right-hand Shiba and others that came after. Even the toughest person can break after some time, and through them, Chihiro showcased his anger and aggressive feelings that plagued him over the years.

An Eye for an Eye Leaves Everyone Blind

On his journey to avenge his father, Chihiro met many people, many of them being his enemies. Some of them were 'easy' to go through, but others proved to be extremely difficult, and one of them is Genichi Sojo, who is still considered one of the strongest enemies our protagonist ever faced. Sojo wielded one of the Enchanted Blades, and Chihiro, knowing what his father went through to create them and what it eventually cost him, showcased his strong feelings for the first time. Hunger for justice, a solid moral compass, and determination to prove no one is worthy of carrying his father's Blades led Chihiro to an even bloodier path—killing every enemy in his wake.

Despite showing his softer side for Charu and his friends, Chihiro never expressed that much regret for his actions and always carried the burden of his revenge by himself. At least, until he met Seiichi Samura, one of the Sword Bearers and eventually, one of Chihiro's idols. Samura knew Chihiro's father and taught the teenager the art of swordsmanship, but he never approved of his actions. Samura took the liberty of telling Chihiro he needs to stop because this type of life never fares well for people, and it usually equals an early grave. However, everything changes when Samura betrays everyone for his own mission—to kill every sword bearer and seal every Enchanted Blade, finally ending the cycle of death. This is where Chihiro truly breaks, and we finally see him showcase everything he kept inside of him.

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Every Person Needs Support

Interestingly enough, Samura is the one person in Chihiro's life who actually took the liberty to outright call out the teenager for his actions and then eventually betrayed him for his own reasons. This situation deeply affects Chihiro, who barely survives the encounter with Samura and admits to Shiba that he regrets killing so many people but needs to end everything sooner than later; his bloody wager would be too hard to bear. Just as we see Chihiro vulnerable and defeated, one group steps up and vows to help the boy in his mission—the Masumi Ninja Clan. The leader of the Clan welcomes Chihiro and offers his support to the younger boy, giving Chihiro hope that he has a chance to finally end the bloodshed once and for all.

The alliance proves fruitful immediately—they figure out that they can get fleeing Samura out of the shadows by taking in his estranged daughter, Iori. In the newest Kagurabachi chapter that is full of action and incredible cinematic manga panels, we also see Chihiro almost breaking and going back to his old ways. However, the leader of the Masumi Clan steps up and finally offers Chihiro to share his burden—to let them help him and make him 'lighter.' The reaction is instant—Chihiro feels 'lighter,' Chihiro is free.

Conclusion: Life is Easier With Friends and Support

Takeru Hokazono knows how to create very cinematic manga panels, making them feel like we're watching a movie through his artwork and pages. However, one of the more underrated parts of his work is his writing and realization of his characters. He isn't doing anything revolutionary with Kagurabachi; in the end, it is your usual shōnen series with the main protagonist trying to 'win.' Yet he utilizes his characters in a way that triggers visceral emotions from his readers—every new development feels incredibly rewarding. The Masumi Clan leader offering Chihiro support and asking him to share his burden with them is so important for his character because you instantly feel in the next moment. You feel Chihiro is freer and that he is indeed 'lighter.'

This moment is pivotal in Chihiro's characterization because it moved him and potentially the whole plotline of Kagurabachi in ways that will impact the whole series.

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