Kagurabachi Chapter 52: Hirohiko Labels Chihiro Rokuhira as a Villain During Their Ongoing Battle

Kagurabachi Chapter 52 was released on Monday, October 7, 2024, at 12 a.m. JST, within the 45th issue of Weekly Shonen Jump. This installment featured Hirohiko engaging in psychological tactics against Chihiro Rokuhira, effectively casting him as a villain in the eyes of the public. Nevertheless, the Enten user remained unperturbed by the remarks from the Hishaku sorcerer.

In the preceding chapter, Samura showcased his Iai sword-drawing technique, effectively eliminating the Hishaku assassins at the Senkutsuji temple. The narrative also disclosed that Samura is the contractor bearer of the enchanted weapon, Tobimune.

Disclaimer: This article reveals spoilers from Kagurabachi chapter 52.

Kagurabachi Chapter 52: Hirohiko Takes a Step Back While Datenseki Users Face Chihiro

The title of Kagurabachi Chapter 52, “Just the Two of Us,”opens with a flashback dialogue between Hiyuki and Chihiro, where Hiyuki discloses that the Kamunabi has struggled to acquire information on the Hishaku’s true intentions and location, leaving them continually on the defensive. Chihiro asserts the necessity of breaking this ongoing cycle.

The story then shifts back to the present, showcasing Chihiro Rokuhira preparing for combat against Hirohiko, enveloping himself in Nishiki for protection.

Hirohiko, as depicted in the chapter (Image via Shueisha)

Hirohiko expresses his enthusiasm at witnessing Chihiro’s readiness, having anticipated this moment. The Hishaku sorcerer points out their shared age, and Chapter 52 reveals that Hirohiko was introduced to the concept of killing at only three years old.

Despite this, he reflects on his inability to find anyone who shares his perspective. However, he perceives similarities between himself and Chihiro, which leads him to desire a friendship with the Enten user. These assertions evoke memories of the atrocities committed by Hishaku in Chihiro’s mind.

Refusing to be equated with Hirohiko or his terrible actions, Chihiro stands firm against the Hishaku sorcerer’s declarations. The chapter then illustrates Hirohiko as he employs origami sorcery to create a distraction, enabling him to escape while leaving the Datenseki users to confront Chihiro alone.

Chihiro in combat with the Datenseki users (Image via Shueisha)

Meanwhile, Hirohiko finds himself inside a theater where the announcer is set to begin the stage performance of the Battle of Sano Island. With enjoyment as his aim, he allows the assassins at the Senkutsuji temple to manage Uruha. As the play commences, he strikes up a conversation with those seated nearby. One patron notices a wound on Hirohiko’s abdomen.

Upon inquiry, the sorcerer explains that it was inflicted by someone wielding an Enchanted Blade, advising caution. The perspective then returns to Chihiro Rokuhira, who is seen valiantly battling the Datenseki users alone.

Chihiro Rokuhira, as portrayed in the chapter (Image via Takeru Hokazono/Shueisha)

Hirohiko acknowledges the enormous potential of Datenseki, yet he recognizes that an inexperienced individual will struggle to utilize it effectively. This realization leads him to select three rogue sorcerers, confident they’ll provide a worthy challenge to Chihiro. Although their teamwork may not be flawless, Hirohiko plans to guide them with his origami from afar.

Still, the Hishaku sorcerer knows that sheer numbers might not suffice. The narrative then transitions back to the theatrical performance, where the announcer introduces the “ultimate challenger.”At this precise moment, Chihiro Rokuhira plummets onto the stage, accompanied by the lifeless bodies of the sorcerers he has defeated.

Hirohiko shows amusement at Chihiro’s entrance (Image via Shueisha)

The audience reacts in sheer terror, fleeing the scene in chaos. Hirohiko realizes that one of Datenseki’s weaknesses lies in its limited duration. Simultaneously, he acknowledges he shouldn’t have underestimated a user with three years of experience wielding an Enchanted Blade.

Yet, seeing Chihiro on stage, Hirohiko feels armed with numerous tactics at his disposal. He comments that to outsiders, Chihiro would be perceived as a monster.

Chihiro, however, directly counters, accusing the sorcerer of having facilitated this horrendous transformation. The chapter concludes with Hirohiko asserting that only he comprehends Chihiro’s true nature, yet Chihiro remains undaunted, stating that he has little regard for Hirohiko’s opinions.

Final Reflections

Chihiro and Hirohiko together (Image via Shueisha)

Chapter 52 of Kagurabachi skillfully illustrates the intricate relationship between Hirohiko and Chihiro. Mirroring the dynamics of Batman and the Joker, Hirohiko attempts to deeply provoke Chihiro. However, the Enten user remains impervious to his psychological manipulations.

Additionally, this chapter delves further into Hirohiko’s capabilities, revealing his ability to manipulate origami from a distance. His confidence in the Senkutsuji assassins handling the situation is notable, yet given how the chapter wrapped up, it’s pivotal to see what direction Takeru Hokazono will take in the confrontation between Chihiro and Hirohiko.

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