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Kagurabachi covers so far

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Chapter 82 Midair Chancla Posting

A perspective switch or two and some much appreciated information- let's dive in, dear void.

Editor's notes: First Page: 生きていた漆羽。場面変わって京都殺戮ホテル。チヒロも何やら感づいているようで...？！[ikite ita Uruha. bamen kawatte Kyouto satsuriku hoteru. Chihiro mo naniyara kandzuite iru youde...?!] "Uruha was alive. The scene shifts to the Kyoto Massacre Hotel. It seems Chihiro has figured something out as well...?!" Last Page: 二振の妖刀がぶつかる！！[futafuri no youtou butsukaru!!] "The two Enchanted Blades clash!!"

Uruha, Revived

Hoo boy, that flashback and info dump.

Missing scene restored?

It feels a little cheap that we couldn't have this line of dialogue be known until now. We were watching this from Hakuri's PoV in Chapter 58; he was in really rough shape but he wasn't fading in and out until he summoned Chihiro and completely did himself in. So it was just withheld from us to be revealed here- lame. Writing this as "you'll die as a hero" in the original scene would have been really cool foreshadowing to gnaw on with new context given this chapter. Alas.

But yeah. The theory of Samura only wanting to kill the Bearers in order to sever their bonds to the blades and spare them from true death? 100% real and factual as of this chapter. More on that later.

For now, what did we learn about Uruha?

One, he's got some really REALLY intense feelings about Samura.

His north star, perhaps?

Uruha actually cares a huge amount that he's the only one who stood a chance of keeping up with Samura. Out of all the people Samura taught, Uruha was the only one who could master the Iai White Purity style. It sounds like he chased that distinction quite desperately too. Uruha backstory soon, please? I want to know what Samura is to him and why he clings to being the only one who could stand by his mentor's side. Very glad we have a chance to get these answers now that he's back in action.

Second, Uruha's quite even-headed despite his silly appearance.

Hakuri parallels go brrrr

Whereas Samura and Chihiro let passion fuel their decisions, Uruha's like Hakuri- he's got a more logical mind that he uses to assess the situation and determine what he should do. Neither of them are cold logician types in the slightest! We definitely won't see them do that stereotypical glasses adjustment pose. They just don't let their hearts steer their actions in the moment nearly as much. Their motivations are just as emotional as their counterparts and they wear their hearts on their sleeves for the most part, especially compared to Chihiro and Samura. They just invert differently under pressure.

Uruha in particular is the direct opposite of Samura in this regard. Samura's drowning in guilt, fear, and other assorted misery- it informs everything he's done since he pushed Iori away to live with her aunt. But despite suffering a heavy loss, literally dying, and having extremely strong feelings about Samura trying to do things on his own, Uruha does what's logically best in the moment. He refused to take Hiruhiko's "bait" at the station despite clearly cherishing the people who protected him. He doesn't try to reach Samura but leaves it to Chihiro and the Masumi. Instead, he puts himself in play to defend the Kamunabi HQ and Hakuri. He might even suspect that there's a traitor in the ranks and tells the doctors to keep his revival a secret. Being an X factor in this fight could be what turns the tides!

Before moving on though, a translation detour...

Hooray for Pride Month

Camellia is a FushiUru shipper for real. The original in Japanese didn't say "he", it was left up to interpretation on who gave Uruha that chance to live. Other languages like Spanish specify "they", staying close to how it was translated in chapter 58. Because Uruha's line in this scene was identical between chapters 58 and 82:

58 ...だが 俺はもう過ごし... 生かされた...！！だから 死めわけにいかない

[...daga ore wa mou sugoshi... ikasa reta...!! dakara shime wakeni ikanai]

"...But ...Those people died for me!! I can't just... ...throw my life away! " (Official EN)

82 ...だが 俺はもう過ごし... 生かされた だから... 死めわけにいかない

[...daga ore wa mou sugoshi... ikasa reta. dakara... shime wakeni ikanai.]

"He allowed me to live... just a little bit longer. That's why... I can't throw this gift away." (Official EN)

"...But those people died for me.... I can't just... throw my life away!" (Original EN TL)

What's going on? Not the first time she did this either:

Chapter 47

Here Fushimi's saying "we" will protect Uruha [俺ら, orera] in the second panel, but the official EN translated it as "I". Congratulations to FushiUru shippers; I suspect you have an agent working for you at VIZ.

Chihiro vs. Samura

He's so fucking tired, man.

Well. This fight started off slow then suddenly kicked into high gear.

At least Chihiro realised that Uruha's alive- hopefully that'll bolster him a bit. He's really got his work cut out for him to get through Samura's dense cloud of despair.

As could be expected, his attempt to Talk no Jutsu Samura into sense didn't work out and now they have to fight with their magic nuke swords instead. At least you tried, Chihiro. And you're right that you're extremely similar to Samura. He's just marinated in guilt for longer than you've been alive and no words will sway him. He's basically the bad end for you if you hadn't accepted help from Hakuri and the Masumi. Samura doesn't want you to be like him and he's absolutely correct in feeling that way!

I actually got a bit irritated with Samura this chapter. He's not doing anything differently, but the way he's acting reminds me a bit of a parent that thinks they know better. You've got people who want to help you, man! We know exactly why he is the way he is -those flashback chapters were brutally clear about it- but I can't help wanting to grab him by the collar and shake him a little bit. He's irrationally stubborn and it's an extremely well-written major fault of his. So, they have to fight it out.

Speed and power so intense even the sound effects are shaken.

I wonder how this will turn out in terms of progressing Chihiro's character. Chihiro doesn't care if he goes to hell. Samura doesn't want him to. Will he keep descending after this arc even after his win (because yeah he's gonna win), or has he stabilised a bit with the help of the Masumi and wanting to get stronger for Hakuri's sake? I guess it depends on how everything plays out. The only thing that's sure to happen is that Iori will come back for the climax as the only person who can get an emotional response out of Samura. She's absolutely going to be the key to getting him to stand down. I guess we will get some kind of mid-air battle until then? Cool stuff, can't wait to see some action reminiscent of the Sojo fight.

Chihiro fighting to save Samura and prove there's a different way to do things, Samura fighting to put Chihiro in his place and spare him from death and pain. The younger generation vs. the older one. Getting by with the help of friends vs. feeling the need to be isolated. Classic shounen, with a uniquely Kagurabachi twist!

A Neat Thing

Hello again, Mr. Pine

I just want to appreciate this bit of writing.

The pine seed bomb implants were a very cool and natural way to help us understand what Samura was doing with Suzaku. Hokazono-sensei set Hakuri up for more trauma to naturally explain the revival mechanic, but it didn't feel forced at all. In isolation those suicidal seed bombs work perfectly fine as a real, credible threat thanks to the elevator scene. And then they're conveniently present when we need to explain Suzaku.

All of this works because of the careful construction of the scenario and the Hishaku.

It's believable that the Hishaku have blackmailed about 50 Kamunabi employee's families because we've seen them use similar dastardly moves with the Sazanamis and Samura. We were sold on them being thorough planners that don't act without a ton of back-up options to secure victory at any cost they think is reasonable. Manipulating Samura, giving the datenseki to and unsealing the Magatsumi for Kyora, letting Hiruhiko lead the Sanso raids- Yura has never once given us reason to doubt that he's ten steps ahead of everyone around him. So of course they have insiders to get them info. Of course they have hostages.

The second key is the theme of family and how important it is. Much of the story revolves around Chihiro's family being shattered and what it did to him. Hakuri's family, the Samura family, Char and her mom, even Mr. Inazuma and his sister are different iterations on the theme of how precious those bonds are and what the loss of them can do to a person. So having those seed bombers be acting out of love for their own families is a cruel twist on the theme. Where Chihiro and his crew strive to preserve familial bonds, the Hishaku co-opt them and use them to cause vast destruction. That's how you really know they're the villains.

Maintaining tight focus like this is one of the reasons I love Kagurabachi so much. Instead of saying a little about a lot of topics, this series revolves around a small core and goes very in-depth on it. It's not perfect but it's damn good and refreshing to see after sprawling series like BnHA and ones that lose the plot later on like JJK. I hope this can remain true for the rest of Kagurabachi's run.

Okay. Now we wait for answers. How're Iori and Ikura holding up? How are Samura's chancla staying on his feet in mid-air? Will we ever get back to Azami and his private rock concert? I'll see you next week hopefully with something to say, dear void.

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companion

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The more I think about it, the more unserious Hishaku really is.

The main guy was in just an auction, acting like a small fry, revealed himself to be the leader and then dips. We then see him in a playground on one of the swing things and then we see him having fucking pinkie promises with a Sword Bearer.

Hatshaku making a massive fucking breach to the Kamunabi and then, appearently, go to a cafe, order coffee and call the members for the hostages.

Kuguri, carrying a sword nuke on his back, and Toto talking about killing some dude's daughter in a fish store.

Hiruhiko deciding to watch a play while fighting against Chihiro.

One of them has a sword fetish, one can taste someone's blood, one has a parasocial relationship with Chihiro, and the other two mentioned were on a date talking about their plans.

They are all morons.

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vatican aint shit

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Sakamoto Days wins "best destruction shot"

This chapter felt way too fast in a lot of ways. The whole plot of the guns has seemingly been resolved just like that.

Kagurabachi wins "best mob character"

This commander's brief panic was very engaging. The Shigyu were also fun for their brief lifespan.

Otr Of The Flame wins "best character intro"

Flygja is fun. Her design's simple enough, and I like her personality. She's a bit full of herself, but not enough to get annoying.

Ultimate Exorcist Kiyoshi wins "best clash"

This is such a good spread. Impact, reaction, effect on the area. Despite the mirrored look of the panel, the slight angling and difference in expressions helps show that Roth still has the power. I can already imagine it in animation.

Blue Box wins "the big damn kiss"

Cute as this is, please get some furniture in this house. You're making out on the hardwood floor.

Ichi The Witch wins "best strategy"

I'd forgotten about Origumo, to be honest. This panel made me do a little fist-pump.

RuriDragon wins "that's my girl!"

Every time I see Ruri figure out something new, I feel a little proud. Good on her.

Bug Ego wins "best nature shot"

Although to be honest, all I could think of with this spread was "when you're driving home after nearly crashing so you turn off the music and just stay silent the whole way home." No idea why.

Hima-Ten wins "best side character"

I don't think there's been a single Mayu appearance I haven't liked. She's so awesome.

Elusive Samurai wins "best death"

This series is, in the best way possible, dedicated to anticlimax. As a historical piece, it knows full well that history is not a fiction. Things do not happen "as they should", but "as they did". I like it.

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i heart them

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ok i fixed it this time

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love love love the contrasts between azami and shiba.

shiba: blonde, light eyes, wears western attire, taller, more burly look to him

azami: black hair, dark eyes, wears more traditional clothing, more boyish appearance, softer on the eyes.

Shiba gives off rugged smoker while Azami is much more gentle in appearance. Shiba is the one who ditched the Kamunabi while Azami stayed a govt hound. But when it comes to fighting?

Shiba is a teleporter who bounces from left to right. You don't see him coming. He hits hard and then he's out of there.

Azami is a bruiser who shows no mercy pummeling people into the ground. In his first appearance he shows up out of nowhere and immediately grounds two people to dust.

Despite his soft appearance Azami is the executioner, he doesn't even use his sorcery, his brutality doesn't rely on his magic. Shiba is the fleet footed fighter who we have never properly seen in combat.

We have yet to see the depths of their powers but they're clearly a dynamic duo and god I would have loved to see them fighting together.

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Uruha in gakuran school uniform

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Chapter 79 Gorilla Posting

Here we go, dear void. Hakuri, a lore dump that took me forever to translate, and some long-desired insight into a named character! Editor's Note: First Page: (none) Last Page: 急げっ！！！ [isoge!!!] "Hurry!!!"

Hakuri and... a New Name!

He learned nothing...

My boy! My little guy! The character I'm completely, totally normal about... he's back!! Unfortunately, he's still pressuring himself big-time.

I don't know how the official English will translate this, but on the first page, Hakuri is literally asking Kudou for a "role". Not just a task he can do, but a specific function (役目 [yakume]). So despite his much-appreciated silly faces this chapter, he's still in the depths of his self-worth issues.

Wait, who's Kudou? That's our Kamunabi higher-up with the gas mask! Their surname is 区堂, with 区 [ku] for ward/district and 堂 [dou] for hall/temple/shrine. Not very descriptive but it imparts a sense of dignity and being a small part of something greater. Kudou-san uses the neutral/polite pronoun watashi so their gender isn't really known at this time. Might end up with another Hiyuki situation by assuming y'know?

Hakuri, though... he and Chihiro care so much about each other. He better take care of himself this time (he won't).

I can't wait to see them reunite.

Because...

And so it comes to pass (along with many cute expressions)...

Hakuri's slightly nerfed right now as a consequence of how his sorcery was restored, but he should still be able to use his Storehouse to withhold the Shinuchi from the Hishaku. After that, I'm really, truly feeling like he's going to get kidnapped or some other horrible thing will happen to him. He can get kidnapped by the mole/traitor, arm the Master Swordsman on request (yes it's sealed but it can also be unsealed), lose access to his sorcery by overdoing it again... any number of things. No matter what, he's going to be a big player for the climax of this arc and I hope he doesn't suffer too much for it. He's already been through so much.

The poor guy is really hard on himself too:

...

Uruha's death panel there is weighing so damn heavily on him. So despite him thanking Kudou for the Kamunabi saving him, he's still laser-focused on being useful, probably to make up even just the slightest bit for what he feels he did to Uruha. Lord knows what he'll do if he learns that Chihiro technically died because of him too. Hakuri, it wasn't your fault at all...!

That's what the scuff marks on his face are about, though. He slept for 3 days straight but he's still not completely restored. That's how badly he wore himself out and his mindset that led him to do it is worse than ever. Hakuri is absolutely desperate to do anything he can, and it's probably not going to end well once more.

You don't have to be useful, Hakuri. You don't have to be given a role to fulfill. You're worthy of love just as you are. Please, let him learn this one day soon... but at least we leave off with him on a silly note.

Go!

Hakuri being unable to calm down is so cute; he's always giving 110%. The day where he allows himself to relax before collapsing into a coma will be a precious one!

Kamunabi Lore Dump

Real depiction of the team I wish I could work with to translate these text-heavy chapters.

The random guy we followed in the middle section of this chapter gave us a bit of information. Thank you, random guy.

So the former name of the organisation was "Counter-Sorcery Forces" and used to have a strength-based hierarchy. Congratulations, powerscalers! You have a new tool to help you in your debates.

I assume the official English will translate the military ranks on that paper, and yay I was right. Cool beans. Keep them in mind!

These aren't still in use but it's still useful to draw comparisons. Other than that, I have kind of a hard time believing that 24 people with fighting experience -who are also expected to be the first line of defence in situations just like this chapter!- are no match for three guys. Maybe it's just Samuraishaku alone? Even Azami's got some respect for him after all.

Still, it's not the first time we've seen these "Dead Willow Brothers" (死柳兄弟, shigyuukyoudai).

Chapter 57, as a refresher.

The older brother was the one throwing chains to support Hiruhiko here most likely. So hooray that was cleared up!

I wonder if the other Hishaku team has mercenaries too or if we'll finally get a clear sighting of "Jane Hishaku" and the last member we haven't seen yet. Maybe a surprising character will appear as reinforcements too. There's a lot to speculate about!

My Dearly Beloved Gorilla Wife

Someone draw him crushing a watermelon between his bare thighs PLEASE

His first name at last! 奏士郎 [soushirou]! 奏 [sou] for play music/perform/report/petition, 士 [shi] for gentleman/scholar/samurai, and 郎 [rou] for son/young man (yes it's the same kanji for what Ro of the Masumi goes by). A somewhat stuffy and delicate name for a guy who pummels people to death with his fists.

Azami is a man of contrasts, apparently. He speaks softly compared to the rest of the male cast (aside from Kyora) and packs a gigantic fucking punch too. I love him. He's not the traitor, he's my wife. My mind-bogglingly strong wife that probably rose to the highest echelons of the Kamunabi on raw strength alone. Seriously, I don't think I can possibly love him any more than I already do. His fighting style is to cast "fist" in his opponents faces! Leave the fancy footwork and tactics to Shiba, Azami's just going to rely on his brawn to get things done. Would still like to know what his sorcery that involves him pinching some kind of energy between his fingers is, though.

As for the Azami traitor theory, I suppose people who want to cling to it can take comfort in the fact that he wasn't given an alibi. He's absolutely furious about what happened to the Rokuhiras and had to ask Chihiro for the details. But he still could have provided the information that let the Hishaku infiltrate in the first place, I guess. The only thing that would make sense to me is if he was aiding the Hishaku out of sympathy and they misled/lied to him about their intentions. But at this point I think even Kudou is more suspicious than him.

Remember, only four people in the Kamunabi's higher ups helped Kunishige hide after the war: Azami, Kudou, Prince Nez, and the eyepatch guy we haven't seen in ages. I think we're supposed to be playing a guessing game about which one of those four it is right now.

Anyway, my wife's innocent. Let's do a minor TL note instead.

Sauceless typesetting strikes again.

圧倒的殴殺力 [attouteki ousatsuryoku] is pretty over-the-top in how much it says but it's along the lines of "overwhelming lethal brute force" while the Ruby next to it simply says パワ- (power). Speaking of nitpicks, though...

C'mon, man.

I don't expect the vertical text to be kept but the huge bold font used in JP has a bigger impact than the polite font used in English. I don't know. I just feel like it's a better match for the ridiculous setting here- we've got dudes rocking out on taiko drums and a shamisen in the background, not giving a restrained performance y'know? People enter, but only one leaves alive! This is the mother fucking Thunderdome in the middle of Kamunabi HQ! Don't question or downplay it, go all-in on the ridiculousness! There's something I want to say about this chapter that might help anyone who sees a bunch of Azami fan art with the title of the chapter: 曲者 [kusemono]. 曲者 has a ton of possible meanings but some of them likely apply to Azami himself too. "Villain", what it was translated to in the official, is perfectly valid (as are similes like "ruffian" and "knave"). But it can also mean peculiar person/stubborn fellow, something that is more than it seems, expert/master, and monster/phantom/spectre. I hope we keep learning more about Azami as this fight goes on!

Lastly...

What in the heck are you wearing my dude?

First up, that's not Samuraishaku's real face, that's the men-yoroi for his helmet- including the moustache. Pray it breaks during the fight so we can see what he really looks like.

Next, this is the second time we are having a fight against one of Kunishige's killers. Hatshaku keeps escaping but maybe we'll learn more about this guy. I feel like this is a good time to get more information on the raid itself if nothing else.

Lastly, only bringing this up because I've seen some "what if he's a different person that wasn't there at Kunishige's murder" questions because he's not wearing the suit we saw in chapter 45. Yes, this is definitely the guy who only had his left leg in frame during chapter 2. This framing makes it unmistakable:

What's under that long bang?!

Azami sees the samurai guy

Thinks about how he asked Chihiro for details of the incident over two flashback panels, zooming in on the guy's leg in the second

Notices the same leg armour in the present right in front of him

Gorilla mode activated

Clenches his fist and says they "meet at last", clearly itching to fight

Wherever Azami's loyalties lie, he clearly cares a great deal about Chihiro and Kunishige. He's fucking pissed about his friend's death and is ready to cave one of the killer's faces in.

Alright life is steamrolling me so that's all I've got this week. Be safe and treat yourself one day this week while we wait to see if there's a perspective shift. Back to Chihiro and Samura or more of this Azami & Hakuri goodness? I know what I really want but I'll take what we get.

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My boy Hakuri is back

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Togo “I got your back” Shiba

wobble

bonus hiyuki:

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togo "let's fall back" shiba vs chihiro "no" rokuhira

bonus trmbl:

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we have the yuri sword (kumeyuri) and the bisexuality sword (enten). who got the yaoi sword

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Fan art I drew of seiichi samura dying in a glue trap