Chapter 7

## Chapter Chronology

**“Smoke Signal”** (狼煙 (のろし) , *Noroshi*) is the seventh chapter of the *Kagurabachi* manga series, written and illustrated by Takeru Hokazono.

## Summary

While escorting Char following their recent confrontation with two sorcerers after the bounty placed on them by Sojo, Chihiro entered an intersection and found himself facing more sorcerers from the front, left and right. He instinctively assumed his combat stance, ready to defend themselves and make a quick escape. However, just as Chihiro was about to engage in combat, a man arrived and valiantly fought off two of the attackers on Chihiro's behalf. Notably, the man relied solely on skill and dexterity, eschewing any use of sorcery, a detail not lost on one of the attackers, and even when his hand was cut up the man seemed to completely ignore it.

Upon noticing the badge worn by this man, which indicated a rank of at least colonel, the last attacker decided to withdraw from the situation. It was evident that the man's casual attire had concealed his true identity. Chihiro later identified him as Azami, as they exchanged warm greetings, having not seen each other for a considerable time. Chihiro asked if Azami's hand was okay, and only then did Amazi start screaming from the pain. Char inquired about Azami's background, while Chihiro introduced him as a member of Kamunabi, a government-affiliated organization distinct from civilian sorcerers who typically deal with Yakuzas and corporations.

While Chihiro carried Char on his back, the three of them reached Cafe Haru Haru. Hinao inquired if Azami had come to take Char into custody, to which he clarified that while he wanted to, Kamunabi's mission remained unchanged since its inception during the war: "to eliminate any threats to the nation." Before Azami could elaborate, Shiba interjected, expressing relief that he had left the organization. Char, excited by the news that she could still be with Chihiro, playfully toyed with her jacket.

Azami mentioned that Kamunabi's higher-ups wanted to meet with Shiba to discuss Sojo's interest in Char and Chihiro, seeking insight into Shiba's intentions. Not all of Kamunabi's leaders were aware of Chihiro and the existence of the seventh enchanted blade; only a select few had aided Kunishige in hiding them. Azami believed that these enchanted blades posed a threat to the nation and contemplated confiscation. However, he had refrained from informing Kamunabi due to the situation.

Shiba defended his actions, explaining that Chihiro had progressed significantly in both body and mind, despite being relatively inexperienced, and Azami agreed internally, respecting Chihiro's progress in just three years. Azami then revealed his reason for coming: to share information about an upcoming event one month later. The higher-ups had summoned Shiba because the underworld's major players were holding their annual black market auction at "Rakuza Ichi." At this event, Kunishige Rokuhira's legendary "Shinuchi," one of the six enchanted blades, was to be auctioned, with Genichi Sojo as the seller.

Meanwhile, Genichi Sojo provided a report to two individuals seated in front of him, outlining that everything was proceeding according to plan.

Shifting back to Cafe Haru Haru, Azami elaborated further. Despite Kamunabi blacklisting Sojo over a decade ago, he had skillfully continued his operations in the criminal underworld. Azami indicated Sojo's cunning and formidable power, underscoring the futility of their past attempts to counter him. He emphasized to Chihiro that Sojo operated on a level beyond Sojo's current capabilities. He also informed Chihiro that his subordinates had successfully removed the bounty placed on Chihiro by Sojo. He suggested that even though Chihiro had gained some combat experience, he was still not prepared to confront Sojo, who remained vastly more experienced. Azami recommended that Chihiro entrust the task of dealing with the auction to them, a suggestion that Chihiro verbally accepted, though it was evident that he wasn't entirely honest.

As Azami prepared to depart, he mentioned Hishaku's recent activities following Rokuhira's murder. While there had been a few incidents initiated by them, their current actions were of a more audacious nature. Azami expressed his belief that Hishaku was undoubtedly plotting to utilize the enchanted blades for a significant and far-reaching agenda that could impact the nation. With the auction scheduled in one month, he stressed the urgency of their preparations and the need to be fully ready for the challenges that lay ahead.

## Quick References

### Chapter Notes

* **Introduction of Azami:** Chihiro and Char faced a new threat after their confrontation with Sojo's group, but Azami intervened to protect them. Azami is a member of Kamunabi, a government-affiliated organization.
* Sojo, who had been blacklisted by Kamunabi for over a decade, continued to operate in the criminal underworld.
	+ Azami highlighted the cunning and formidable power of Sojo and the futility of past attempts to counter him.
	+ Azami suggested that Chihiro wasn't ready to confront Sojo directly due to the vast difference in their experience.
* Azami revealed that the higher-ups of Kamunabi wanted to meet with Shiba to discuss Sojo's interest in Chihiro and Char.
	+ Azami expressed concerns about the potential use of the enchanted blades by a group called Hishaku, indicating that they posed a significant threat to the nation.
* Azami informed Shiba about an upcoming black market auction, where one of the enchanted blades, Shinuchi, was to be sold by Sojo.
	+ The urgency of preparations for the auction was stressed, as it could have far-reaching consequences.

### Characters in Order of Appearance

**Chihiro Rokuhira**
**Char**
**Azami**Debut
**Shiba**
**Hinao**
**Genichi Sojo**