Chapter 9

## Chapter Chronology

**“Enten vs. Cloud Gouger”** (淵 (えん) 天 (てん) VS (パーサス) 刳 (くれ) 雲 (ぐも) , *Enten VS Kuregumo*) is the ninth chapter of the *Kagurabachi* manga series, written and illustrated by Takeru Hokazono.

## Introduction

Hours before Chihiro's upcoming fight with Sojo, Azami and Shiba are in a car. Azami is surprised by Sojo having Cloud Gouger and discusses Sojo's bold actions, suggesting he's intentionally baiting the Kamunabi. He advises Shiba to have Chihiro keep a low profile regardless of being able to fight. Azami, frustrated, reflects on the potential impact of a public battle between Enchanted Blades, considering the historical context, the upcoming special exhibit commemorating the war's end and the status of Kunishige Rokuhira as a hero.

## Summary

Chihiro faces Sojo, who wields an enchanted blade crafted by his father. Sojo, impressed by Chihiro's resilience against Cloud Gouger's lightning attack, inquires about the unfamiliar enchanted blade. Chihiro refuses to answer and dashes out of Cafe Haru Haru, wondering why Sojo is more focused on his enchanted blade rather than Char. Sojo follows suit and the two begin leaping across rooftops.

Chihiro unleashes **Kuro**, prompting Sojo to counterattack with **Yui**. Chihiro remembers Cloud Gouger has three abilities, the previously used **Mei** being thunder and **Yui** being ice, just as a wave of ice spikes rear up from a nearby rooftop. Chihiro's flying slash carves through the ice and slashes at Sojo, who takes note of the ability and parries. Chihiro then throws his wakizashi at Sojo and dashes behind him, but Sojo blocks the attack and pushes Chihiro back, Sojo's strength even in an awkward position surprising Chihiro. Nevertheless, Chihiro is glad that Hinao and Char should be able to escape now.

Chihiro is acutely aware of the power difference between him and Sojo, who shows no signs of fatigue, suggesting he didn't use his full speed in the recent attack. Chihiro's remaining option is Nishiki, but its usage is limited, leaving him with only one chance to employ it and hoping to endure a few more seconds.

Unexpectedly, Sojo expresses his admiration for Kunishige Rokuhira, Chihiro's father, praising the excellence of the weapons he crafted. Sojo, eager to feel a closer connection, extensively researched Kunishige and recently acquired Cloud Gouger, fulfilling a dream. He then questions Chihiro about the enchanted blade he possesses, a weapon unfamiliar to him. Chihiro chooses not to provide details, prompting Sojo to inquire about Chihiro's motivation for wielding the sword for him to judge whether he's worthy of wielding it. Chihiro responds that it is to defeat evil and protect the weak, leaving Sojo disappointed, asserting that only he truly understands Kunishige.

Sojo asserts that labeling Kunishige a hero is an insult, citing literature that echoes the same sentiment. He intends to demonstrate Kunishige's true nature by descending towards a crowded area, Cloud Gouger crackling with lightning as he falls, claiming Kunishige's sole purpose in crafting the swords was for killing. Chihiro reacts with a shout as he leaps down afterwards, holding out his blade.

Still in the car, Azami indicates the inevitablility of civilian casualties if the swords were to clash in the city, suggesting it would tarnish Kunishige Rokuhira's heroic reputation.

As Sojo lands, he unleashes Cloud Gouger's **Mei**, electrifying the surroundings and aiming for the civilians in the area. Sojo praises Kunishige's craftsmanship while executing the attack. In the immediate aftermath, Chihiro is revealed to have redirected the full force of the lightning towards himself through emitting lightning from his own blade; said lightning having come from the **Mei** absorbed by **Red** in Cafe Haru Haru. The sight shocks the onlookers, who flee in all directions. Sojo analyzes Chihiro's ability to draw lightning, speculating that Chihiro's enchanted blade possesses similar powers, and also realising Chihiro used himself as the lightning rod.

Sojo attempts another **Mei** with Cloud Gouger but realizes it's not emitting anything. Chihiro explains that after Cloud Gouger releases a high-powered **Mei**, it requires a 10-20 second interval to recharge. He asserts that it's Sojo who lacks understanding. Assessing the situation, Chihiro believes the recharge time is ample for people nearby to escape, with the Kamunabi approaching the area soon. However, before their arrival, Chihiro intends to defeat Sojo, preparing to unleash **Nishiki**.

## Quick References

### Chapter Notes

* Azami and Shiba discuss Sojo's possession of Cloud Gouger and his bold actions, suspecting he's intentionally baiting the Kamunabi.
* Chihiro faces Sojo, wielding his father's enchanted blade, while Sojo expresses admiration for Kunishige Rokuhira's weapons.
	+ Sojo questions Chihiro about his enchanted blade, and Chihiro refuses to disclose details, disappointing Sojo, who claims only he understands Kunishige.
	+ Sojo asserts labeling Kunishige a hero is an insult and plans to demonstrate Kunishige's true nature by descending towards a crowded area.
* Azami warns of inevitable civilian casualties if the swords clash in the city, potentially tarnishing Kunishige Rokuhira's heroic reputation.
* Sojo unleashes Cloud Gouger's "Mei" in a crowded area, shocking onlookers, and Chihiro absorbs the lightning, prompting Sojo to analyze Chihiro's abilities.
	+ Sojo attempts another "Mei" attack but realizes Cloud Gouger needs a recharge. Chihiro explains the recharge interval, asserting Sojo's lack of understanding.
* Chihiro prepares to unleash Nishiki before the Kamunagi arrives, aiming to defeat Sojo while considering the potential impact on the public perception of Enchanted Blades.

### Characters in Order of Appearance

**Azami**
**Shiba**
**Kunishige Rokuhira**Mentioned
**Chihiro Rokuhira**
**Genichi Sojo**
**Char**
**Hinao**