Kagurabachi Chapter 53: Chihiro Rokuhira Transforms into a Monster in Climactic Battle Against Hiruhiko

Kagurabachi Chapter 53 made its debut on Monday, October 14, 2024, at midnight JST in the 46th issue of Weekly Shonen Jump. This chapter delved into Chihiro Rokuhira’s philosophy as a swordsman, as he resolved to drag the Hishaku down to Hell alongside him. He realized that he had transformed into a monster the very first time he took a life, leading him to reveal his authentic self to Hiruhiko without hesitation.

In the preceding chapter, Hiruhiko attempted to undermine Chihiro psychologically, casting him as a villain in the eyes of the innocent audience at the theatre. Additionally, the Hishaku sorcerer displayed his origami Sorcery Power, utilizing it to manipulate the Datenseki users against Chihiro Rokuhira.

Disclaimer: This article includes spoilers from Kagurabachi Chapter 53.

Kagurabachi Chapter 53: Hiruhiko’s Strategy Against Chihiro

Samura trains Chihiro (Image via Shueisha) — Samura imparts swordsmanship lessons to Chihiro (Image via Shueisha)

The latest chapter, subtitled “Darkness,”kicks off with a flashback featuring Samura instructing Chihiro in the fine art of swordsmanship. Shiba believes the boy will excel quickly due to his Rokuhira lineage. However, Samura cautions Chihiro not to view him with admiration.

The blind swordsman reminds Chihiro of the countless lives he has taken during war. He notes that true battle requires a swordsman to strike down foes, not simply chop at straw targets. Transitioning back to the present, Hiruhiko speculates that he and Chihiro might be friends, asserting that he understands Chihiro like no one else.

Chihiro, perplexed, questions what Hiruhiko’s intentions are. The sorcerer ponders briefly before declaring that he wishes to murder him and simultaneously forge a friendship. He posits that they could bond through their confrontation.

Hiruhiko conceals his presence from Chihiro (Image via Shueisha) — Hiruhiko cloaks himself from Chihiro (Image via Shueisha)

At this moment, Hiruhiko utilizes additional papers to completely mask himself. Chihiro swings his blade but halts mid-motion upon noticing a civilian ensnared within the papers. The chapter illustrates Hiruhiko ensnaring multiple bystanders using his papers.

Chihiro Rokuhira notices innocent people caught in Hiruhiko's move in Kagurabachi Chapter 53 (Image via Shueisha) — Chihiro Rokuhira realizes innocent people are caught in Hiruhiko’s trap (Image via Shueisha)

Chihiro gradually comprehends that Hiruhiko can pinpoint his location using his papers and dispatch paper cranes powerful enough to slice through him. The Hishaku sorcerer deduces that Chihiro’s Enten absorption ability does not extend to tangible objects.

He speculates on Chihiro’s potential actions. Should he opt for Kuro, he risks harming innocent individuals. Alternatively, certain movements using Nishiki could also threaten bystanders. Focusing solely on defense seems equally grim, as it might leave him victim to a thousand paper cuts.

Kagurabachi Chapter 53: Chihiro Turns the Tables on Hiruhiko

Hiruhiko uses his paper cranes in the chapter (Image via Shueisha) — Hiruhiko employs his paper cranes (Image via Shueisha)

Though Hiruhiko’s tactics trap Chihiro, he makes an effort to assist the civilians. Yet, one bystander recoils in fear, viewing Chihiro as a monstrous figure. As this unfolds, Hiruhiko recalls the narrative of the disrupted play.

The play involves a scenario where adversaries take captives, leaving the hero Sasuke paralyzed while the villains escape. Hiruhiko deems Sasuke ineffective, noting that in genuine warfare, one cannot fret over a hostage lest they perish.

He admonishes Chihiro for trying to uphold a hero’s role, pondering whom the young swordsman is willing to forsake in Kagurabachi Chapter 53. However, an unexpected turn occurs, surprising the sorcerer. Instead of safeguarding the innocents, Chihiro Rokuhira chooses to confront the lethal paper cranes directly.

Chihiro Rokuhira bravely faces Hiruhiko's paper cranes (Image via Shueisha) — Chihiro Rokuhira confronts Hiruhiko’s paper cranes head-on (Image via Shueisha)

Believing Chihiro to be akin to Sasuke, Hiruhiko persists in his strategy. The narrative dives into another flashback wherein Samura reveals an additional reason behind his self-inflicted blindness: to sever ties with worldly temptations. The first instance of committing murder left him traumatized, struggling to accept the ghastly sight of the dismembered body.

Nonetheless, despite his blindness, he informs Chihiro that the horrific vision remains etched in his memory, as he perceives himself edging towards monstrosity. Nevertheless, Samura decided to embrace an Enchanted Blade and fight through the darkness.

Chihiro and Samura, as depicted in the chapter (Image via Shueisha) — Chihiro and Samura (Image via Shueisha)

He urges Chihiro not to idolize him, a sentiment the boy chooses to acknowledge with respect, which pleases Samura. Returning to the present, Hiruhiko debates if fortifying Nishiki could bolster Chihiro’s defense.

Meanwhile, Chihiro finally begins to grasp the burden his father and prior Enchanted Blade wielders carried, as he penitent strides down the same challenging path. The chapter culminates with Chihiro Rokuhira embracing Kuro, enveloping the area in total darkness.

Chihiro Rokuhira corners Hiruhiko in the chapter (Image via Shueisha) — Chihiro Rokuhira corners Hiruhiko (Image via Shueisha)

Seizing the moment, he strikes one of Hiruhiko’s arms and corners him, asserting that he too is a sinner. Chihiro acknowledges that his first kill solidified his transformation into a monster.

Thus, he is committed to minimizing harm to others while ensuring he drags Hishaku into Hell with him. The chapter concludes with Chihiro pressing Hiruhiko for information regarding the Hishaku.

Conclusion & Review

Chihiro Rokuhira gazes at Hiruhiko in Kagurabachi Chapter 53 (Image via Shueisha) — Chihiro Rokuhira confronts Hiruhiko (Image via Shueisha)

Kagurabachi Chapter 53 showcased some extraordinary visuals from Takeru Hokazono. The mangaka vividly illustrated Chihiro’s resolve through dynamic panels, emphasizing his evolution not just as a swordsman, but also as a person. This chapter highlighted Chihiro’s self-awareness, recognizing he is no longer on a heroic journey.

Once he embarked on the quest for vengeance, tainting his hands with blood, he abandoned his hero status, morphing into the monster Hiruhiko labeled him. Nevertheless, the chapter underscored Chihiro’s efforts to protect innocent lives.

Additionally, it spotlighted Hiruhiko’s Sorcery Power, skillfully employing his papers to locate Chihiro while sending forth dangerous paper cranes. Whether the Hishaku sorcerer possesses a deeper strategy remains uncertain. In contrast, Chihiro exhibited remarkable defensive fortitude by absorbing countless paper cranes without faltering.

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