Sorcery and the Enchanted Blade Arc (2024)

The Sorcery and the Enchanted Blade Arc is the first story arc of the manga series Kagurabachi.

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. Upon hurrying there, Kunishige's old friend Shiba found only Kunishige's son Chihiro sitting amidst the wreckage of the burned home, holding his lifeless father. This incident led Chihiro, accompanied by Shiba, to embark on a relentless quest to recover the stolen blades, armed with Kunishige's seventh enchanted blade, Enten.

Arc Summary

The Path of Revenge

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, 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.

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.

The Witness

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.

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'.

Back at the cafe, Hinao lends Char a jacket and ensures she's okay. Chihiro thanks Hinao for her information and discusses the sorcerers pursuing Char, 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 the interrogation due to his injured state. Char sneezes in Chihiro's car, leading to Chihiro questioning Hinao about Char's presence. Hinao explains Char sneaked out and Char reveals her desire to stay with Chihiro for protection. Chihiro presses for information about why there are people after Char but gets no clear answers.

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.

Chihiro takes Char to various shops for food despite originally planning to return, the two enjoying their time together. Meanwhile, 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 make 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.

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, Char alerts him to suspicious individuals in the vehicles around them; said individuals all appearing identical. Their car becomes immobilized, and from the intersection in front of them a spiral of individuals appearing the same as the ones around Chihiro and Char emerges. One of the individuals claims they've found Char, and Chihiro tells Shiba he'll be back as soon as he can.

The Bounty

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 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 adding the rumour of eating a Kyonagi's flesh leading to immortality is complete nonsense. Instead, the Kyonagi simply have incredibly powerful healing abilities, which the trauma sorcerer tests by breaking her limbs. The two are unsure about Sojo's motives in utilising this power.

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.

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.

Story Impact

• Chihiro Rokuhira, along with his deceased father Kunishige Rokuhira and their close friend Shiba, are introduced.
  • Kunishige is a renowned katana craftsman, with Chihiro aspiring to follow in his father's footsteps.
  • Shiba, an old friend, discusses Yakuza trouble and questions Chihiro's preparedness for swordsmith responsibilities with Kunishige.
• 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's encounter Char, a young girl seeking refuge at Hinao's cafe, under the pursuit of a man who works under Sojo who wields exploding Daruma dolls as weapons.
• Chihiro protects Char from sorcerers chasing her, engaging in a fierce battle using unique abilities with Shiba's assistance.
• Char reveals she's targeted for her special physical abilities, choosing to trust Chihiro with this information.
• Chihiro's encounters unveil relentless sorcerer pursuit, connections to enchanted blades, and the imminent threat posed by Sojo and Hishaku.
• Azami from the Kamunabi is introduced, aiding Chihiro and outlining their mission to eliminate threats, cautioning against confronting Sojo and detailing Hishaku's menacing actions and plans for the enchanted blades.

Characters Introduced

Battles & Events

Image	Battle / Event	Outcome
	Chihiro Rokuhira vs. Norisaku Madoka	While sharing a meal, Chihiro inquired about a potent sword Char mentioned, described as capable of emitting clouds. Before Chihiro could delve further, Norisaku Madoka interrupted them, recognizing Char and setting off an explosion, blasting Chihiro outside. In the subsequent fight, Norisaku revealed himself as the Daruma User, triggering a confrontation where Chihiro used his sword's power to rescue Char.
	Chihiro Rokuhira vs. the Puppet and Trauma Sorcerers	Chihiro and Char make a few food stops but are unexpectedly ambushed by a sorcerer who creates clones of himself out of dirt. As tensions rise, Chihiro confronts painful memories and engages in a showdown with a sorcerer possessing psychological abilities.

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 work and train together.
• Seitei War: A significant conflict that occurred 15 years ago, where Kunishige gained fame for forging crucial swords that played a pivotal role in ending the war.
• Enchanted Blades/Katanas: Seven special swords forged by Kunishige, each possessing unique abilities and magical properties, sought after by Chihiro after the Hishaku stole them from his father.
• Enten: The seventh and final Enchanted Blade Kunishige has created. It is now possessed by Chihiro, who uses it as his primary weapon in his quest for revenge.
• 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: Referenced as a mystical or supernatural force wielded by certain individuals, 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.
• Kamunabi: A government-affiliated organization that deals with large-scale threats to the nation. It is involved in events related to the enchanted blades.

Location

• 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 where Hinao works and where Shiba and Chihiro meet to discuss certain developments.
  • 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 co*ke float for Char.
• Rakuzaichi:
  • A venue where an annually-held black market auction takes place. Sojo is said to have submitted the Shinuchi, an enchanted blade, for auction here.

References

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