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カグラバチ [Kagurabachi] #9
Kagurabachi, Vol. 9
Not yet published
Expected 3 Nov 26イヲリの想いに応えるため、淵天を抜いたチヒロ。チヒロとの決着をつけるために酌揺を抜く昼彦。その瞬間、梟によって閉ざされた空が晴れ渡り、黒き盲目の剣士が舞い降りる。イヲリをめぐる3人の思惑が入り乱れる中、血の海と化した京都殺戮ホテルを舞台に人智を超えた妖刀三つ巴の戦いが始まる――!!
232 pages, Paperback
First published October 3, 2025
About the author
Takeru Hokazono
15 books140 followersTakeru Hokazono (外薗健; Hokazono Takeru) is a Japanese mangaka.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 26, 2026
There's a saying from the Seitei War that's fitting. When blackbirds flock, death is nigh. It's obvious where that saying came from. [Chihiro]
After the bloody events in the Bloodshed Hotel we arrived at the Kamunabi headquarters where we are currently under a Hishaku attack. It's another bloody event where both sides are giving their all - either to protect or to kill. Samura's here too, intentionally summoned by both Chihiro and Hirohiko. It means that we are having three enchanted blades clashing against each other. Which one will win the battle?
"Why so anxious? You're afraid to open your eyes to a future in which you go on living!"
"I know what that future looks like!"
Samura's going crazy in this arc, I'm genuinely speechless. I already knew that he was a powerful swordsman, he's one of the enchanted blades users, but the way he moved in this volume extended beyond everything I imagined and expected. The author did an awesome job at creating him as, maybe not menacing, but definitely an incredibly intimidating opponent. I named Chihiro as the walking death, and he fits the title, but Samura's the one who should actually wield it. He's a magnificent swordsman with a clear goal - a goal that we already knew, but it became more clear throughout this volume. When it comes to his character, I feel like I went through a rollercoaster of emotions, torn between uneasiness and fascination, hatred and love. Now I'm just sad, because the man dedicated everything to his mission, trying his best to avoid the worst possible outcome, not caring what it will do to him on the end and ignoring the voices of the people that want to help. There is hope on the end of this volume, maybe he had finally listened, but wouldn't it be too late for a change? We will see.
They all died to protect me. I can't rely on anyone. I'm alone. I have to fight. [Hakuri]
Samura's a big focus of this volume, but with everything going on, my heart went to Hakuri this time. My poor boy was stressed beyond belief, perfectly aware of his role in the showdown that was currently happening in the Kamunabi headquarters. I would have been easily traumatized if I found myself in his situation. It was scary, if not terrifying, for multiple reasons that I will not discuss here, because of the spoilers. He's not alone anymore, there is someone he can actually rely on, thank God, but it doesn't erase the fact that his situation is tough. I'm scared of what will happen next.
Chihiro. You alone are special. You gave me meaning. To face each other with the enchanted blades in the ultimate battle. With that goal, I can persevere infinitely! [Hirohiko]
Can I say that I despise this character? Because I truly despise him. His fascination with Chihiro feels now more like an obsession and it scares me. But what makes my negative feelings grow when it comes to his character is the 'he's a genius and what are you gonna do about it' vibe. He pissed me off when he (easily) defeated the Bloodshed Hotel manager, despite not having any experience in a sword fight, and now he pissed me even more when he mastered Kumeyuri in, like, minutes. I get that he's a genius, but c'mon, how unfair! I also hate that he's now bonded to an enchanted blade. I know that swords take lives away and bring utter destruction, but the enchanted blades feel sacred, because of Kunishige. Whenever a bad guy wields one of them, it hurts. Please someone take Hirohiko out already, I'm so tired of seeing him.
"But all along you were his guiding light, illuminating a path forward. The Enten was that path." [Shiba]
That made me cry so hard, o my gosh. And Chihiro's face expression when he heard those words? Jesus.
I will stop my review now, there is a chance that I could jump into a spoiler section, and I don't want that. I just want to say that I struggled a lot while reading the previous volume and I worried a lot how I would feel about the next one. I'm so glad that I worried over nothing! ☺️
After the bloody events in the Bloodshed Hotel we arrived at the Kamunabi headquarters where we are currently under a Hishaku attack. It's another bloody event where both sides are giving their all - either to protect or to kill. Samura's here too, intentionally summoned by both Chihiro and Hirohiko. It means that we are having three enchanted blades clashing against each other. Which one will win the battle?
"Why so anxious? You're afraid to open your eyes to a future in which you go on living!"
"I know what that future looks like!"
Samura's going crazy in this arc, I'm genuinely speechless. I already knew that he was a powerful swordsman, he's one of the enchanted blades users, but the way he moved in this volume extended beyond everything I imagined and expected. The author did an awesome job at creating him as, maybe not menacing, but definitely an incredibly intimidating opponent. I named Chihiro as the walking death, and he fits the title, but Samura's the one who should actually wield it. He's a magnificent swordsman with a clear goal - a goal that we already knew, but it became more clear throughout this volume. When it comes to his character, I feel like I went through a rollercoaster of emotions, torn between uneasiness and fascination, hatred and love. Now I'm just sad, because the man dedicated everything to his mission, trying his best to avoid the worst possible outcome, not caring what it will do to him on the end and ignoring the voices of the people that want to help. There is hope on the end of this volume, maybe he had finally listened, but wouldn't it be too late for a change? We will see.
They all died to protect me. I can't rely on anyone. I'm alone. I have to fight. [Hakuri]
Samura's a big focus of this volume, but with everything going on, my heart went to Hakuri this time. My poor boy was stressed beyond belief, perfectly aware of his role in the showdown that was currently happening in the Kamunabi headquarters. I would have been easily traumatized if I found myself in his situation. It was scary, if not terrifying, for multiple reasons that I will not discuss here, because of the spoilers. He's not alone anymore, there is someone he can actually rely on, thank God, but it doesn't erase the fact that his situation is tough. I'm scared of what will happen next.
Chihiro. You alone are special. You gave me meaning. To face each other with the enchanted blades in the ultimate battle. With that goal, I can persevere infinitely! [Hirohiko]
Can I say that I despise this character? Because I truly despise him. His fascination with Chihiro feels now more like an obsession and it scares me. But what makes my negative feelings grow when it comes to his character is the 'he's a genius and what are you gonna do about it' vibe. He pissed me off when he (easily) defeated the Bloodshed Hotel manager, despite not having any experience in a sword fight, and now he pissed me even more when he mastered Kumeyuri in, like, minutes. I get that he's a genius, but c'mon, how unfair! I also hate that he's now bonded to an enchanted blade. I know that swords take lives away and bring utter destruction, but the enchanted blades feel sacred, because of Kunishige. Whenever a bad guy wields one of them, it hurts. Please someone take Hirohiko out already, I'm so tired of seeing him.
"But all along you were his guiding light, illuminating a path forward. The Enten was that path." [Shiba]
That made me cry so hard, o my gosh. And Chihiro's face expression when he heard those words? Jesus.
I will stop my review now, there is a chance that I could jump into a spoiler section, and I don't want that. I just want to say that I struggled a lot while reading the previous volume and I worried a lot how I would feel about the next one. I'm so glad that I worried over nothing! ☺️
May 30, 2026
samura you might just be the best written character. like. ever
September 24, 2025
chapter 85 had me getting up and taking two laps around my room with tears burning my eyes
October 1, 2025
4.5 - Another high rating. This is so good. The fights, the backstory, the mechanics, the villains, the motivations, the fake outs. It’s all good. I took some notes as I was reading to put here. Chapter 76 was kinda confusing ngl
Wow okay Hiruhiko being able to manipulate the whole building using play was insane and the phoenix ability of Samura. This is shaping up to be a very epic volume. Chihiro vs Hiruhiko feels like Yuji Itadori vs Mahito from JJK and I’m here for it. I also like how the powers are kinda in flux and mutate for each individual. I love that aspect of this so much it makes for interesting fights.
Hakuri joins the fight!
I love how the Hishaku used hostages to induce infighting. There’s always twists that I love.
Wow okay Hiruhiko being able to manipulate the whole building using play was insane and the phoenix ability of Samura. This is shaping up to be a very epic volume. Chihiro vs Hiruhiko feels like Yuji Itadori vs Mahito from JJK and I’m here for it. I also like how the powers are kinda in flux and mutate for each individual. I love that aspect of this so much it makes for interesting fights.
Hakuri joins the fight!
I love how the Hishaku used hostages to induce infighting. There’s always twists that I love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2025
Read up to chapter 89. I think this volume will end up covering up to chapter 84.
July 18, 2026
i dont even know what to say anymore. this series is amazing. everything related to samura has been amazing and seeing his guilt and him coming to terms with all of it and how to move forward UGH also with hiruhiko and him getting packed AGAIN... BUT BANQUET IS SO COOL. also the paneling hokazono does is amazing and cannot be understated. THIS IS A MASTERPIECE IN THE FLESH
(also it is always great to see my son hakuri alive and.... alive! hes dying of CTE and its ok!!!!)
(also it is always great to see my son hakuri alive and.... alive! hes dying of CTE and its ok!!!!)
April 16, 2026
Holy shit. It’s enough to make a grown man cry
October 5, 2025
amazing storytelling, this is my favorite volume by far
October 30, 2025
I want to take Takeru Hokazono to the Kagurabachi Burger King and get a Hakuri burger keychain
January 28, 2026
There will be SPOILERS in this review!
I don’t really get this manga. It’s, like, I think it’s good but then it gets kinda boring but then it gets good again. I can’t drop it because I’m too invested but I also can’t be a huge fan and read it week to week because it’s not good enough for that. It’s frustrating.
I need to speak about Samura cause the stuff concerning him in this volume is just too good. Like bro just unlocked some random OP powers and now he’s just way too good at fighting. But hey, it does make for an interesting story. Also I love how he still just really wants to protect his daughter and then at the end when he actually heals his eyes to see her and the future… so good. I loved it so freaking much. Oh and it’s really interesting to explore his motivation to kill all the sword bearers.
Oh and I also love the lore around Enten and how it’s able to destroy the other blades. It’s cool stuff and I love how Chihiro has to prove it to Samura.
There is also a part about a bunch of people in the organization being blackmailed and helping to organize the attack on the organization. I like that Hakuri has a part in it because I like the guy but then again, it’s not that interesting. Except for one thing…
… URUHA IS BACK BABY, YEAH! God I love Uruha. He is my favorite character and I don’t know shit about him yet. Still, I love him. I love that he is back from the dead.
Anyway, I’m giving this volume 4 stars. It has some amazing moments and I really really loved those but then again, there is just a lot of fighting. For my personal taste, too much focus is on fighting and that’s why I lowered the rating. Still, I’m excited for more now which is great because I was about to give up on this manga.
I don’t really get this manga. It’s, like, I think it’s good but then it gets kinda boring but then it gets good again. I can’t drop it because I’m too invested but I also can’t be a huge fan and read it week to week because it’s not good enough for that. It’s frustrating.
I need to speak about Samura cause the stuff concerning him in this volume is just too good. Like bro just unlocked some random OP powers and now he’s just way too good at fighting. But hey, it does make for an interesting story. Also I love how he still just really wants to protect his daughter and then at the end when he actually heals his eyes to see her and the future… so good. I loved it so freaking much. Oh and it’s really interesting to explore his motivation to kill all the sword bearers.
Oh and I also love the lore around Enten and how it’s able to destroy the other blades. It’s cool stuff and I love how Chihiro has to prove it to Samura.
There is also a part about a bunch of people in the organization being blackmailed and helping to organize the attack on the organization. I like that Hakuri has a part in it because I like the guy but then again, it’s not that interesting. Except for one thing…
… URUHA IS BACK BABY, YEAH! God I love Uruha. He is my favorite character and I don’t know shit about him yet. Still, I love him. I love that he is back from the dead.
Anyway, I’m giving this volume 4 stars. It has some amazing moments and I really really loved those but then again, there is just a lot of fighting. For my personal taste, too much focus is on fighting and that’s why I lowered the rating. Still, I’m excited for more now which is great because I was about to give up on this manga.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2026
Oh yeah, we’re starting to pick back up again! Loved this volume.
The Phoenix Ability of Samura is so badass. I couldn’t even think of a better one for him, it fits so perfectly and that shot of him coming through the hallway was crazy good. I really thought he was gonna die whenever Hiruhiko cast his illusions and overwhelmed him, he got pierced everywhere.
Him reversing everything he did and that total defeat of Hiruhiko was very well done, the fighting in this arc is probably my favorite so far. Them immediately moving from that onto the Hishaku attacking headquarters is crazy, can’t believe there wasn’t an intermission.
This infiltration does not look good, but they do seem to have really good defense and counter measures. Azami is an absolute beast, he reminds me of Toji and Maki, just a straight-up powerhouse.
That scene with the dude in the elevator talking about his daughter let me know that things aren’t looking good and it’s looking like a lot of people will die. The sword bearer of the shinuchi might even be released. (Dead God, let’s hope not)
But ending on a high-note: Uruha is alive! I’m hoping he really is and there isn’t gonna be some plot twist to where he has really been dead this whole time. But so far it’s looking like he is alive and that’s really good news for them. Also, Hakuri goated as always. I do think he is my favorite character, I just like every-time he shows up and I relate a lot to his story. Hoping we see a lot of him in the next volume.
We really are reaching that climax and tension is rising heavily, cannot wait to read what happens next. Chihiro and Samura need to bring their asses to headquarters.
The Phoenix Ability of Samura is so badass. I couldn’t even think of a better one for him, it fits so perfectly and that shot of him coming through the hallway was crazy good. I really thought he was gonna die whenever Hiruhiko cast his illusions and overwhelmed him, he got pierced everywhere.
Him reversing everything he did and that total defeat of Hiruhiko was very well done, the fighting in this arc is probably my favorite so far. Them immediately moving from that onto the Hishaku attacking headquarters is crazy, can’t believe there wasn’t an intermission.
This infiltration does not look good, but they do seem to have really good defense and counter measures. Azami is an absolute beast, he reminds me of Toji and Maki, just a straight-up powerhouse.
That scene with the dude in the elevator talking about his daughter let me know that things aren’t looking good and it’s looking like a lot of people will die. The sword bearer of the shinuchi might even be released. (Dead God, let’s hope not)
But ending on a high-note: Uruha is alive! I’m hoping he really is and there isn’t gonna be some plot twist to where he has really been dead this whole time. But so far it’s looking like he is alive and that’s really good news for them. Also, Hakuri goated as always. I do think he is my favorite character, I just like every-time he shows up and I relate a lot to his story. Hoping we see a lot of him in the next volume.
We really are reaching that climax and tension is rising heavily, cannot wait to read what happens next. Chihiro and Samura need to bring their asses to headquarters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2025
Taking a break from novels, I started Kagurabachi, and quickly caught up to the latest chapter.
At first the manga felt formulaic and derivative of other Shonen titles. But as I read further, its world and characters drew me in. Beneath the surface level tropes lies an intriguing question - the “death of the author.” When a creator, in this case a blacksmith, passes, what holds more weight: the creator’s intent or the consumer’s interpretation?
Chihiro’s journey begins as an act of devotion to his father’s legacy, but through conflict he discovers that his understanding of the swords’ purpose is shaped by his own perception rather than his father’s design. This evolution in perspective gives the story unexpected depth.
Kagurabachi is both entertaining and accessible, and I can easily see a future anime adaptation resonating with a wide audience. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys classic Shonen tropes
At first the manga felt formulaic and derivative of other Shonen titles. But as I read further, its world and characters drew me in. Beneath the surface level tropes lies an intriguing question - the “death of the author.” When a creator, in this case a blacksmith, passes, what holds more weight: the creator’s intent or the consumer’s interpretation?
Chihiro’s journey begins as an act of devotion to his father’s legacy, but through conflict he discovers that his understanding of the swords’ purpose is shaped by his own perception rather than his father’s design. This evolution in perspective gives the story unexpected depth.
Kagurabachi is both entertaining and accessible, and I can easily see a future anime adaptation resonating with a wide audience. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys classic Shonen tropes
January 25, 2026
Si bien tiene momentos demasiado memeables, de esos que siempre se parodian en el shōnen, como cuando alguien revive y dice “ahí te lo explico”, acá ocurre algo muy similar y, sinceramente, me descolocó un poco. Lo de Samura abriendo los ojos era bastante evidente, así que no me sorprendió demasiado.
Por eso, me quedo mucho más con todo lo relacionado con las traiciones y la desconfianza dentro del cuartel general, con Hakuri tomando un rol protagónico. Esa parte me gustó muchísimo y me pareció lo más sólido del tomo. Eso sí, el timing para cortar esa línea narrativa e irse a la otra historia se sintió un poco extraño y algo abrupto.
Por eso, me quedo mucho más con todo lo relacionado con las traiciones y la desconfianza dentro del cuartel general, con Hakuri tomando un rol protagónico. Esa parte me gustó muchísimo y me pareció lo más sólido del tomo. Eso sí, el timing para cortar esa línea narrativa e irse a la otra historia se sintió un poco extraño y algo abrupto.
November 20, 2025
Absolutely phenomenal. Samura is a masterfully written character and the build-up to the ending of this volume is so well done. The fights are so well done and incredibly emotionally charged. I was tearing up close to the end.
July 6, 2026
hiruhiko est juste le personnage d’une vie et aura son arc redemption ISTGGGGG . no one does it like him et puis chihiro doit apprendre à aimer son ombre (hiruhiko) ou il ne grandira jamais en tant que personne . my sons
October 13, 2025
Good stuff
October 21, 2025
kagurapeak
January 26, 2026
Got me stressed the fuck out
January 28, 2026
85/100
February 5, 2026
Enten lore. Pure fire.
February 19, 2026
this volume was so intense….CHAPTER 85???? HELLLOOO
February 21, 2026
this manga is like a roller coaster ride that never stops
February 21, 2026
Holy shit.
March 21, 2026
absolute cinema
March 25, 2026
MR SAMURA IS BACK BABY!!!!
March 28, 2026
screaming crying throwing up
May 13, 2026
absolutely heart wrenching and beautiful
“all i’m doing is living the best i can”
“when are you going to let go of the past and look toward the future?”
“all i’m doing is living the best i can”
“when are you going to let go of the past and look toward the future?”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2026
My son hakuri back in action and SEIICHI. GOD.
Chihiro... I love your heart and your determination. I will stand by you always.
Chihiro... I love your heart and your determination. I will stand by you always.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews