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カグラバチ [Kagurabachi] #8
Kagurabachi, Vol. 8
Il gruppo si è nascosto presso il Kyoto Satsuriku Hotel. Chihiro sta affilando le zanne per proteggere Iori, tormentata dal dover decidere cosa fare dei ricordi di suo padre Samura. In quella quiete profonda fa la sua comparsa Hiruhiko, uno degli Hishaku. L’hotel si è ormai tramutato in un mare di sangue a causa dell’attacco di quel carnefice, quand’ecco che, sfuggendo alla follia, la ragazza innocente alla fine si risveglia!
192 pages, Paperback
First published July 4, 2025
About the author
Takeru Hokazono
16 books142 followersTakeru Hokazono (外薗健; Hokazono Takeru) is a Japanese mangaka.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 15, 2026
Kagurabachi's Volume 8 is a pretty important volume, considering all the big revelations and flashbacks, so it pains me to say that I didn't enjoy reading it as much as all the previous volumes. To explain what kind of problems I had with this volume I have to include spoilers, which I usually don't do, so please forgive me this time.
We're in a Bloodshed Hotel in Kyoto where our team of heroes is trying to protect the teenage girl Iori from the bad guys sent by the Hishaku. The focus is put mostly on Iori's character, we are given her backstory, and with that we're getting a whole bunch of long-time needed information about the Seitei War. For a reader like me who was looking forward to this info, this volume felt like a golden goose. Just for all the revelations and flashbacks (and Chihiro being the coolest), I would give this volume my usual rating, but there were some things that made my reading experience less enjoyable, unfortunately.
It's not that I'm dissatisfied. Life has been peaceful and good. But all along, I've had this vague sense of loneliness. [Iori]
I like Iori's character. She went through a lot as a child and when she got her memories locked in, a peaceful life of a teenager got suddenly disturbed by strangers who want to either protect her or harm her. She found out about her father and faced quite an impossible choice: either come back to her old, peaceful life with no memories or keep the memories, but spend the rest of her life with a huge target on her back. I liked how kind and selfless she is and I think her mental strength is incredibly impressive.
Here comes the "but":
it's the moment she "awakened" as Samura's daughter.
Look. I get that it was obvious that she knew the swordsmanship, knowing who her father is, but her being exceptional with the sword on a whim without any real fighting experience took me out. If she started to regain her skills bit by bit, considering how tightly locked her memories were, I would have been fine with. But her sudden "awakening" wasn't a pleasant experience for me, I'm sorry. I do like her character though.
"Who's disciple are you?"
"Why do I have to be someone's disciple? I'm a student of freedom."
I understand that we needed to show Hirohiko as a big threat, considering that he was about to face Chihiro again in a battle, but him defeating the hotel's manager, the experienced sword fighter who everybody feared, was baffling. I get that he had a tough childhood and had to rely on his instincts to survive and that he uses his instincts in a battle, but he was NOT trained in a sword fight. Let him win, okay, but make him struggle, at least a little!
"So long as the sword master lives, that calamity known as the malediction will occur again in the near future. In this country."
"What?"
"Seiichi Samura. You have a job to do. For the future."
Samura's goal is known already, and now we also know the dark past that is the reason why he chose the other side. But my problem now is why did he felt the need to kill Uruha and, well, every other enchanted blade user, if all he actually needs to do is to kill one of them to get rid of them all? Is it because he's so well guarded? Does he even know where he is? If he wants to punish all the sinners, he cannot ignore the sword master. So what's the plan? This makes me really confused.
Also, why did Yura talk about prophecy? That's not a prophecy at all. I mean, wasn't it obvious that the bloodshed would happen in the future anyway, as long as the Shinuchi blade exists? They might kill the sword master, but the moment Yura wields it, and if not Yura, then somebody else, the bloodshed will happen anyway. The only way to prevent this thing from happening is to destroy the Shinuchi. But is it even possible?
Anyways, Chihiro has been cool as always. With every volume I am more and more in love with him. I like how he gave Iori a chance to choose her own fate - a chance to go back to her normal teenage life, without violence and bloodshed - a life that he never had an opportunity to choose for himself. And the moment he trusted Ro with Iori's safety? He wouldn't do that previously, believing that he needed to handle everything alone. I am so happy to see this growth.
I am jumping to the next volume as we speak! I hope that the Iori situation will resolve this time and that we will fly to the rescue of the other sword wielders. Will we meet the infamous sword master this time, maybe? Who knows? ☺️
We're in a Bloodshed Hotel in Kyoto where our team of heroes is trying to protect the teenage girl Iori from the bad guys sent by the Hishaku. The focus is put mostly on Iori's character, we are given her backstory, and with that we're getting a whole bunch of long-time needed information about the Seitei War. For a reader like me who was looking forward to this info, this volume felt like a golden goose. Just for all the revelations and flashbacks (and Chihiro being the coolest), I would give this volume my usual rating, but there were some things that made my reading experience less enjoyable, unfortunately.
It's not that I'm dissatisfied. Life has been peaceful and good. But all along, I've had this vague sense of loneliness. [Iori]
I like Iori's character. She went through a lot as a child and when she got her memories locked in, a peaceful life of a teenager got suddenly disturbed by strangers who want to either protect her or harm her. She found out about her father and faced quite an impossible choice: either come back to her old, peaceful life with no memories or keep the memories, but spend the rest of her life with a huge target on her back. I liked how kind and selfless she is and I think her mental strength is incredibly impressive.
Here comes the "but":
it's the moment she "awakened" as Samura's daughter.
Look. I get that it was obvious that she knew the swordsmanship, knowing who her father is, but her being exceptional with the sword on a whim without any real fighting experience took me out. If she started to regain her skills bit by bit, considering how tightly locked her memories were, I would have been fine with. But her sudden "awakening" wasn't a pleasant experience for me, I'm sorry. I do like her character though.
"Who's disciple are you?"
"Why do I have to be someone's disciple? I'm a student of freedom."
I understand that we needed to show Hirohiko as a big threat, considering that he was about to face Chihiro again in a battle, but him defeating the hotel's manager, the experienced sword fighter who everybody feared, was baffling. I get that he had a tough childhood and had to rely on his instincts to survive and that he uses his instincts in a battle, but he was NOT trained in a sword fight. Let him win, okay, but make him struggle, at least a little!
"So long as the sword master lives, that calamity known as the malediction will occur again in the near future. In this country."
"What?"
"Seiichi Samura. You have a job to do. For the future."
Samura's goal is known already, and now we also know the dark past that is the reason why he chose the other side. But my problem now is why did he felt the need to kill Uruha and, well, every other enchanted blade user, if all he actually needs to do is to kill one of them to get rid of them all? Is it because he's so well guarded? Does he even know where he is? If he wants to punish all the sinners, he cannot ignore the sword master. So what's the plan? This makes me really confused.
Also, why did Yura talk about prophecy? That's not a prophecy at all. I mean, wasn't it obvious that the bloodshed would happen in the future anyway, as long as the Shinuchi blade exists? They might kill the sword master, but the moment Yura wields it, and if not Yura, then somebody else, the bloodshed will happen anyway. The only way to prevent this thing from happening is to destroy the Shinuchi. But is it even possible?
Anyways, Chihiro has been cool as always. With every volume I am more and more in love with him. I like how he gave Iori a chance to choose her own fate - a chance to go back to her normal teenage life, without violence and bloodshed - a life that he never had an opportunity to choose for himself. And the moment he trusted Ro with Iori's safety? He wouldn't do that previously, believing that he needed to handle everything alone. I am so happy to see this growth.
I am jumping to the next volume as we speak! I hope that the Iori situation will resolve this time and that we will fly to the rescue of the other sword wielders. Will we meet the infamous sword master this time, maybe? Who knows? ☺️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2026
Kagurabachi vol.8 é uma edição que, além de contar com excelentes cenas de ação e avançar um pouco no tempo atual da trama, ele aborda também o passado desse mundo, se propondo a desenvolver ainda mais a questão envolvendo as lâminas enfeitiçadas acabando com a guerra, bem como a realidade sobre o espadachim supremo.
Assim, essa edição consegue trazer a tona algumas revelações que fazem o leitor refletir acerca de revisionismo história e/ou até mesmo pensar a respeito do ponto de vista que as narrativas são criadas, pois, os espadachins são realmente herois ou assassinos?
Além disso, essa discussão permeia também questões sobre moralidade e ética, tendo em vista que ao salvarem uma população da guerra, outra teve de ser dizimada, e os sobreviventes que contaram a história.
Ademais, a história que se passa no presente, é diretamente afetada pelos flashbacks envolvendo Seiichi e Iori, que são o foco desse volume e somam tanto nos momentos de ação quanto em momentos mais dramáticos que desenvolvem a lore.
Por fim, ao que diz respeito sobre o Chihiro, embora ele não tenha tanto destaque, os momentos em que ele aparece são bem emblemáticos, trabalhando sua evolução com a espada e a tentativa de utilizar novas técnicas.
Assim, essa edição consegue trazer a tona algumas revelações que fazem o leitor refletir acerca de revisionismo história e/ou até mesmo pensar a respeito do ponto de vista que as narrativas são criadas, pois, os espadachins são realmente herois ou assassinos?
Além disso, essa discussão permeia também questões sobre moralidade e ética, tendo em vista que ao salvarem uma população da guerra, outra teve de ser dizimada, e os sobreviventes que contaram a história.
Ademais, a história que se passa no presente, é diretamente afetada pelos flashbacks envolvendo Seiichi e Iori, que são o foco desse volume e somam tanto nos momentos de ação quanto em momentos mais dramáticos que desenvolvem a lore.
Por fim, ao que diz respeito sobre o Chihiro, embora ele não tenha tanto destaque, os momentos em que ele aparece são bem emblemáticos, trabalhando sua evolução com a espada e a tentativa de utilizar novas técnicas.
May 30, 2026
SAMURA AND IORI YOU MEAN SO MUCH TO ME 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
August 13, 2026
ha sido loco este tomo en
July 7, 2025
It’s so freaking tenoi 😭
July 20, 2025
There will be SPOILERS in this review!
Well, this is certainly not as good as the previous volume but it’s still okay. I like that series is finally trying to give the characters some more depth because it’s working… most of the time.
What I enjoy the most about this volume is definitely Iori’s backstory. I love how it gives Samura layers that this man needed. He is probably the most compelling character in the story currently. I hated him in the previous volume because he killed the other swordbearer but now I just can’t hate him. I mean, it’s not like he’s doing anything out of his own malicious intent. He is doing what he feels it’s right and also… dude was given the choice between helping that stupid organization and dying so this is not much of choice either way.
I also really like Iori, especially when she was child and kept calling her dad a loser. But like, it’s really convenient that as soon as the seal broke she became a master with the sword. I don’t know, I just don’t buy that the change would be so big.
I also like the blond dude whose name I forgot. He is just insane and thus a really enjoyable character overall. I love how his fighting style is just slashing around really fast.
But the biggest problem I have with this volume is the pacing. For some reason everything just feels really slow and like it’s not getting anywhere. Sure, the backstory is great but everything else is just so stretched out and I don’t like it. And oh, the inclusion of Iori’s classmate was totally unnecessary because he does nothing for me.
I’m going to give this 3 stars. I was thinking about 4 stars but then again, I don’t feel like the story was enjoyable overall outside of the backstory.
Well, this is certainly not as good as the previous volume but it’s still okay. I like that series is finally trying to give the characters some more depth because it’s working… most of the time.
What I enjoy the most about this volume is definitely Iori’s backstory. I love how it gives Samura layers that this man needed. He is probably the most compelling character in the story currently. I hated him in the previous volume because he killed the other swordbearer but now I just can’t hate him. I mean, it’s not like he’s doing anything out of his own malicious intent. He is doing what he feels it’s right and also… dude was given the choice between helping that stupid organization and dying so this is not much of choice either way.
I also really like Iori, especially when she was child and kept calling her dad a loser. But like, it’s really convenient that as soon as the seal broke she became a master with the sword. I don’t know, I just don’t buy that the change would be so big.
I also like the blond dude whose name I forgot. He is just insane and thus a really enjoyable character overall. I love how his fighting style is just slashing around really fast.
But the biggest problem I have with this volume is the pacing. For some reason everything just feels really slow and like it’s not getting anywhere. Sure, the backstory is great but everything else is just so stretched out and I don’t like it. And oh, the inclusion of Iori’s classmate was totally unnecessary because he does nothing for me.
I’m going to give this 3 stars. I was thinking about 4 stars but then again, I don’t feel like the story was enjoyable overall outside of the backstory.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2026
Best volume so far in this arc. Hiruhiko vs Chihiro really made me want to keep reading. Seeing Hiruhiko’s talent and Chihiro trying to learn Iai White Purity Style was so fascinating to read.
One gripe I do have though is that they made Hiruhiko and Iori start using white purity too, I did not like that. I didn’t like that because it made me feel like what Chihiro’s doing doesn’t fit him, I feel as though he needs something of his own. But because so many people are using the style, it feels unremarkable now. It makes his “training” arc not feel as personal anymore and I hope he eventually finds his own unique sword-play.
My favorite part of the volume was Iori’s memories of being with her Dad. Seeing her deal with all that pain just so her Dad doesn’t potentially leave her really hit me in the heart. That is one strong little girl.
I understand Samura more now and his motivations, especially after the Hisuhaku pulled up on him. The Malediction possibly happening again would make me extremely anxious too, especially since some of the sword bearers are already dead. I do not blame him at all for feeling the way he does, but at the same time, I feel like this could be manipulation by the Hisuhaku. Maybe it isn’t, and they really are afraid of the next malediction, but it works so well in their favor for him to kill the sword bearers that it seems too fitting. I really want to see where that goes.
The action will never slow down with this series lol, I love it. I loved that the volume ended with Samura pulling up with his daughter there. I can’t wait to read the next chapter. Onto the next!
One gripe I do have though is that they made Hiruhiko and Iori start using white purity too, I did not like that. I didn’t like that because it made me feel like what Chihiro’s doing doesn’t fit him, I feel as though he needs something of his own. But because so many people are using the style, it feels unremarkable now. It makes his “training” arc not feel as personal anymore and I hope he eventually finds his own unique sword-play.
My favorite part of the volume was Iori’s memories of being with her Dad. Seeing her deal with all that pain just so her Dad doesn’t potentially leave her really hit me in the heart. That is one strong little girl.
I understand Samura more now and his motivations, especially after the Hisuhaku pulled up on him. The Malediction possibly happening again would make me extremely anxious too, especially since some of the sword bearers are already dead. I do not blame him at all for feeling the way he does, but at the same time, I feel like this could be manipulation by the Hisuhaku. Maybe it isn’t, and they really are afraid of the next malediction, but it works so well in their favor for him to kill the sword bearers that it seems too fitting. I really want to see where that goes.
The action will never slow down with this series lol, I love it. I loved that the volume ended with Samura pulling up with his daughter there. I can’t wait to read the next chapter. Onto the next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
Volume 8 is an interesting mixture of character development and action as we get to know much more about Samura and his daughter Iori.Story: Chihiro has promised to protect Iori and is keeping his word. But the seal on her memories is breaking and she is beginning to understand that her quiet life as a high schooler was a lie. Now that the Hishaku know of her existence, Chihiro will have to make a final stand at the Bloodshed Hotel.
This is a bit slower than previous volumes because we get a lot of backstory as Iori's memories return. Most of the action scenes center around a storming of the hotel in which Iori and her protectors are hiding. Of course, the action includes Hiruhiko to keep Chihiro very occupied. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
May 17, 2026
Kyoto bloodshed hotel is one of the most masterfully written arcs in all shonen manga. The foil of chihiro and Samura. With the contrast of hirohiko as a backdrop. WHICH ALL COMES TO A HEAD IN A THREE WAY CLASH??? THE INTERWEAVING OF FIGHTS AND CONCEPTS IS SO PERFECT!!
BUT THE ENTEN BREAKS SWORDS IS WHEN CHIHIRO CAN EMPATHIZE AND SEE THE WORLD THROUGH HIS OWN EYES. Which metaphorically is refuting their argument. TO CONSTANTLY QUESTION AND REFINE HIS VIEW OF THE WORLD AND SHARE IT WITH EVERYONE ELSE IS SO BEAUTIFUL. HE WILL SHOW YOU HOW TO LIVE WITH HOPE. And the ENDING??? Oh how you've only grown as a mangaka my beautiful goat hokazono.
I could talk ab this arc all day but I'm so happy a manga like this exists and is this popular.
BUT THE ENTEN BREAKS SWORDS IS WHEN CHIHIRO CAN EMPATHIZE AND SEE THE WORLD THROUGH HIS OWN EYES. Which metaphorically is refuting their argument. TO CONSTANTLY QUESTION AND REFINE HIS VIEW OF THE WORLD AND SHARE IT WITH EVERYONE ELSE IS SO BEAUTIFUL. HE WILL SHOW YOU HOW TO LIVE WITH HOPE. And the ENDING??? Oh how you've only grown as a mangaka my beautiful goat hokazono.
I could talk ab this arc all day but I'm so happy a manga like this exists and is this popular.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2025
4.5 - Another banger. I have a few things to mention that I thought while reading. The first is that I love how easy it is to follow most of what’s going on compared to Jujutsu Kaisen for example which can often be confusing. I like getting more lore on Samura and his daughter and even seeing her pull out all the stops after breaking the seal. I like seeing Chihiro leveling up without using Enten too. I also like how in order for him to get stronger story-wise the obstacle was added of Samura knowing if they drew their enchanted swords and coming after them. Which happened at the end and makes for a really good volume ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2026
Pensé que iba a ir por una historia muy cliché y, si bien tiene elementos bastante tradicionales; la madre fallecida, el padre que huye de sus demonios, me sorprendió gratamente que la hija fuese una guerrera. Ese pequeño giro fue suficiente para descolocarme y darle un matiz distinto a lo que esperaba. Siento que este manga tiene todas las fichas para convertirse en un gran anime. Con la música adecuada, una buena dirección y una puesta en escena cuidada, podría ser una verdadera locura.
August 24, 2026
Kagurabachi Vol. 8 was another great addition to the series! The story keeps getting more intense, with exciting battles, great character development, and some really impressive artwork. I love how each volume continues to expand the world while keeping me hooked and wanting to know what happens next. The action scenes are especially well done and easy to follow. As a manga collector and Kagurabachi fan, I’m really happy to add Volume 8 to my collection. Definitely looking forward to Volume 9!
July 8, 2025
ABSOLUTE PEAK!!!! My favorite volume so far HANDS DOWN 😭 and we got Iori on the cover!!!?!!??!!! AAAH
Read
August 3, 2025SAMURAAAAAAAAAA
August 25, 2025
one word, PEAK!
August 26, 2025
Nice. But it's getting kinda repetitive...
October 21, 2025
This might be my favorite arc 🤌🏻
October 28, 2025
demasiado épico
January 26, 2026
No notes
February 4, 2026
It's pretty good.
February 19, 2026
IORIIIIIIIII and hiruhiko’s sword technique is actually insane
February 20, 2026
how the hell does it keep getting better?
March 3, 2026
kagurabachi supremacy
March 24, 2026
Love the loreeeeee. I want more backstory on the Setei war and what the swordbearers really did. Still don’t think we’re getting the whole truth
April 16, 2026
Le prochain tome s'annonce excellent !!!
Read
April 28, 2026Bon, toujours trois tonnes de combats et une intrigue au ralenti... Aucun doute, on est dans un shonen. Dans un shonen au moment où c'est longuet quoi...
May 1, 2026
Encore un sacré tome 🫠
May 7, 2026
IORIII 😭😭😭💚💚💚
May 11, 2026
it just gets better and better every time
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews