Overcoming Struggles: Chihiro’s Scars in Kagurabachi

Kagurabachi is still on a short hiatus, but that doesn't stop fans from speculating or discussing the intricacies of the popular manga series. It's surely getting to its peak, with its amazing action and really good storyline that raises stakes with every week. Especially if we look at Chihiro Rokuhira, the titular character, who went through hell to get to the current point of the storyline.

Past = One Large Scar

Although one could argue that Kagurabachi is the strongest in its representation of the martial arts and action scenes, Hokazono showcased his ability to work with metaphors in his storytelling. He uses subtle signs and symbolism to express characters' states of mind and current goings-on in the main storyline. In Chihiro's case, scars on his face became some sort of 'storybook' for the fans; it showcases what the teenager went through since his start. Before the Hishaku attack, Chihiro was a normal, healthy boy who was free from all harm, living a peaceful life with his father.

Once everything changed, and Kunishige was killed, Chihiro momentarily changed along with his baby face that now adorned a painful scar that was afflicted by the Hishaku members. It was the scar that started it all, and the one that symbolized Chihiro's reminder of his father's death, which only fueled him to the path of revenge.

Present = Full Face of Scars

The start of Chihiro's revengeful journey was fueled by his father's death, who was a war hero and the creator of powerful Enchanted Blades. Interestingly enough, Takeru Hokazono created context and metaphors that included those powerful weapons and paired them with their suitable Sword Bearers. For example, Seiichi Samura wields Tobimune, a blade that sees what he can't see since the swordsman is blind, and this particular weapon has a powerful ability to see everyone in a specific location.

The one that Chihiro has, the blade called Enten, holds the symbolism of 'goldfish' and is very similar to the ones his father Kunishige brought home to take care of them as pets. Overall, Hokazono really likes his references and signs to enhance his storylines, and scars of Chihiro in the present are what makes his struggles even more palpable. Chihiro went through a lot since the beginning of his revenge 'tour': battles with multiple yakuza groups, the Sazanami clan, Genishi Sojo, and, of course, the Hishaku clan left many scars on the teenager's face. Every scar symbolizes the struggles of Chihiro, who never really learned how to share his burden with other people. Even the events where he tries to save innocent people or his allies, Chihiro gains a new scar with every event, making him a martyr of his own story.

Conclusion: Scars as a Metaphor of Chihiro's Struggles

Chihiro's story in Kagurabachi is far from over: he is closer to his goal, but there are many obstacles in the way of his revenge. Despite being closer to his goal, Chihiro is losing a part of himself with every difficult fight or situation. Those hardships are reflected on his face that are drawn like cracks in a window, symbolizing his struggles to withhold his promise and the burden that he carries within himself. However, the recent emergence of the Masumi Clan keeps the teenager on his toes and tries to understand his struggles, and with the relief of sharing his burden with his allies, there is hope that Chihiro will start gaining less and less scars in the future. One thing's for sure: Hokazono really knows how to make his characters human and showcase their vulnerability in a brutal world that is Kagurabachi.

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