Kagurabachi Chapter 31: Chihiro Confronts the Hishaku’s Leader and Learns His True Motive

The latest installment of Kagurabachi, chapter 31, was published in the #22-23 issue of Weekly Shonen Jump on Monday, April 29, 2024, at 12 am JST. This chapter focused on Chihiro Rokuhira’s intense showdown with a member of Hishaku, and also unveiled the surprising motive behind the organization’s decision to put the Shinuchi blade up for auction.

In the preceding section of Kagurabachi, Shiba and Hakuri successfully penetrated the basement of the Rakuzaichi establishment in order to access the Sazanami family’s burial ground and uncover the emergency exit door of the enigmatic storeroom.

Despite Shiba facing three members of the Tou and Hakuri locking horns with his elder brother, Soya Sazanami, it was a surprise to see Chihiro Rokuhira confronting a member of the Hishaku clan.

Kagurabachi Chapter 31 Highlights: Chihiro’s First Meeting with the Hishaku Leader

Continuing from the events in the previous chapter, Greeting, chapter 31 of Kagurabachi, opens with the Hishaku member remarking to Chihiro Rokuhira that he has matured. The memories of his painful past flood back, causing Chihiro to spiral into despair. Fuelled by anger, he confronts the sorcerer and bombards him with inquiries about his true motives.

The dark-haired man, Chihiro, is amazed by his ability to maintain composure while interrogating him. During this moment, Kagurabachi chapter 31 exposes him as the leader of the notorious Hishaku and the one responsible for the murder of Kunishige Rokuhira.

Kunishige’s son provokes Chihiro to engage in a fight, but quickly realizes he is no match for him. Despite not using sorcery, the leader of the Hishaku easily corners Chihiro. As the man observes Chihiro’s Cloud Gouger blade, he notices a decrease in its power compared to before.

The Hishaku's leader in Kagurabachi chapter 31 (Image via Takeru Hokazono/Shueisha) — The Hishaku’s leader in Kagurabachi chapter 31 (Image via Takeru Hokazono/Shueisha)

The protagonist contemplates if the Enchanted Blade’s diminishing powers are due to its broken state or because Chihiro, its current wielder, has only recently begun using it. The leader of the Hishaku clan firmly informs him that escaping his current predicament would be a challenging feat.

In order to prevent anyone from disrupting the auction, he requests that he remains still. In Kagurabachi chapter 31, the Hishaku’s boss calms Chihiro and announces the start of the auction.

The chapter now turns its attention to the auction stage, where Kyora Sazanami unveils the “special item”- the Shinuchi blade – and shares its historical significance.

Kyora Sazanami narrates the Shinuchi's tale (Image via Takeru Hokazono/Shueisha) — Kyora Sazanami narrates the Shinuchi’s tale (Image via Takeru Hokazono/Shueisha)

Based on Kagurabachi chapter 31, 18 years ago, Japan was thrown into turmoil during the Seitei War by an unknown “enemy.”Despite the gathering of numerous sorcerers from various regions of Japan, they still found themselves at a disadvantage.

Kunishige Rokuhira, known as the “Hero,”was the catalyst for change. His creation of the five Enchanted Blades shifted the tide in their favor, and the country’s ultimate triumph was secured by the addition of the sixth blade, the Shinuchi.

The Hishaku Leader’s True Motive is Revealed

Chihiro's outburst in the chapter (Image via Takeru Hokazono/Shueisha) — Chihiro’s outburst in the chapter (Image via Takeru Hokazono/Shueisha)

In the meantime, Chihiro Rokuhira inquires the Hishaku’s leader about his decision to auction off the Shinuchi. With a heavy heart, he also questions the leader about his involvement in his father’s death. The 31st chapter of Kagurabachi then reveals the leader’s response to Chihiro’s inquiries and his declaration of war.

The man claimed that his actions were all in pursuit of obtaining the Shinuchi blade. The leader revealed that including the Shinuchi in the auction was a strategic move in his overall plan. As a result, the organization has been frequently assisting the Sazanami clan.

Kyora and the Hishaku leader, as seen in the chapter (Image via Takeru Hokazono/Shueisha)

Despite his inability to comprehend how auctioning the blade would allow the man to wield it, Chihiro is certain that the protagonist has a specific purpose in mind for it. However, he is resolute in his decision not to allow someone as unscrupulous as him to possess the blade.

Despite Chihiro’s defiance, the leader of the Hishaku clan reminds him that the Enchanted Blades do not discriminate in their choice of wielder; they can be enslaved by anyone. In chapter 31 of Kagurabachi, Chihiro questions the man as to why he has not yet killed him.

The boss of the Hishaku tells him that he is not yet mature enough to be harvested. However, he also believes that Chihiro does not present a danger with his dying Cloud Gouger. Therefore, he suggests that they have a conversation to see what has developed from the seed of animosity he planted many years ago when he killed Kunishige.

As the Rakuzaichi auction has just started, the man assures that they have plenty of time. In an attempt to provoke Chihiro, the leader of Hishaku brings up the events surrounding the death of his father, Kunishige Rokuhira.

Despite the hurtful words of the Hishaku leader, Chihiro remains strong and channels his anger into his blade. He beseeches the Cloud Gouger to become his ally and stand by his side. The 31st chapter of Kagurabachi concludes with Chihiro Rokuhira forging a stronger bond with the Cloud Gouger and unleashing its full power through Mei: Shred.