Kagurabachi Chapter 69: Memories Awake Something Hidden Within Us

The newest chapter of Kagurabachi is an absolute gem. Hokazono just raised the stakes even higher in chapter 69, titled 'The Guy With the Scar,' showcasing the continuation of Chihiro's fight against Hirohiko, Iori facing enemies, and finally choosing the path she wants to bestow upon. Someone would call this chapter 'an absolute cinema,' and it truly is. Buck up for our recap and review!

Fear That Can Make Us Paralyzed

In the previous chapter of Kagurabachi, we witnessed Chihiro facing off against Hirohiko and Iori still considering her final decision. Chapter 69 continues just as Iori and Ro reach the roof of Kyoto Bloodshed Hotel, where the rest of the Masumi Clan is waiting with the memory seal for Chihiro to get them a special key. Ro assures Iori they will protect her, but things get complicated when Kuguri arrives with dozens of assassins trying to kill them. Iori is terrified and starts spiraling when she sees that the Masumi Clan will risk their lives to protect her and remembers her conversation with Chihiro, who told her that both of the truths are her truths.

She starts to doubt her importance, thinking that everyone is better without her.

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Kindness Opens Many Doors  

Remember a boy that admired Chihiro and was later saved by Iori at school? Well, his name is Ikura, and he appears in brief flashbacks, where we learn that he was a close friend of Iori. When asked what is going on, Chihiro tells him that Iori's been chased by the dangerous gang and that they will protect her. Ikura decides to help his friend by tracking her to the Kyoto Bloodshed Hotel, where he stumbles upon dozens of dead bodies and so much blood. He immediately freezes out of fear, but then he remembers that Iori decided to be his friend even after her classmates tried to paint him as a 'weirdo'.

In spite of that, Iori still proceeds to become his friend, which motivates Ikura to continue in his mission; he uses his blood to paint a sign on his face, which is a representation of Chihiro's scar on the left side of his face. Ikura finds himself in the middle of the fight between Chihiro and Hirohiko and declares that he is fine with being covered by scars. Hirohiko is confused but immediately tries to strike a hectic boy. Chihiro pushes Ikura into the elevator, gives him the key, and tells him to bring it to the kid with glasses.

Memories Can Unlock Deepest Secrets

Ikura arrives at the roof of the hotel, and he is terrified; dozens of assassins are trying to kill the Masumi Clan and Iori. On the other hand, Iori is spiraling. She is still unsure what to do, but when she spots Ikura on the roof, she gets even more scared. However, something snaps within her when she sees Ikura being surrounded by assassins trying to kill him.

She breaks the memory seal, summons two katanas, and protects her friend, finally and truly, becoming Samura's daughter.

Conclusion: Iori Truly Became Samura's Daughter

This chapter was absolutely incredible. Hokazono's eye for cinematic angles and elements truly shined through every single manga panel, and as a reader, it truly feels like we're watching a movie. The emotional exploration of some of the characters, in this case for Ikura and Iori, was top-notch—the flashbacks, Iori's kindness, Ikura's brief conversation with Chihiro… Every part of that storyline was impeccably interpreted, and it elevated the whole chapter to the highest quality. Iori's awakening was heavily speculated among the fans, and the whole indecision with choosing between truths was definitely paid off this chapter. Also, the possibility of Samura's daughter being trained by one of the best sword-wielding masters ever? The potential is enormous with Iori, a true heir of Seiichi Samura. What happens in the next chapter of this hit series? We'll have to wait and see.

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