Chapter 14

## Chapter Chronology

This is the fourteenth chapter of the *Kagurabachi* manga series, written and illustrated by Takeru Hokazono.

## Summary

Chihiro is sharing his late father Kunishige's teachings with the members of Kamunabi. Kunishige believed that the Enchanted Blade's material, Datenseki, held an inexplicable power beyond theoretical. This power was said to shape the blade based on the wielder's will, intelligence, and understanding of the weapon.

Meanwhile, in a different hideout, Shiba arrives and is currently in preparation to search the hideout. Through a flashback, it's revealed how he and Chihiro gained crucial information from a defeated guard about Char's whereabouts. When inquired about the connection between Sojo, Hisaku, and Shinuchi, the guard informed Shiba and Chihiro about a small shed leading to an underground warehouse which is guarded by several sorcerers.

Feeling wary of suspicious activities, Shiba decides to investigate and instructs Chihiro to focus solely on rescuing Char. Once more, he emphasizes to Chihiro the importance of avoiding unnecessary confrontation and not pushing himself too hard.

If there are no ways for Chihiro to enter without getting involved in a fight, Shiba advises him to keep an eye on the enemies and wait for Shiba's arrival. Chihiro follows Shiba's advice diligently, but unexpectedly, he is ambushed by a sorcerer from behind. Meanwhile, Shiba senses Chihiro's peril. At the same time, two imposing sorcerers emerge, prompting Shiba to postpone his mission and prioritize returning to assist Chihiro later on.

Char becomes aware of Chihiro's arrival due to the disturbance outside. On the battlefield, Chihiro draws his blade, preparing to confront three sorcerers guarding the path to the lab. One of them, with a keen sense of smell for blood, informs the others about Chihiro's altercation with the guards outside. In the ensuing confrontation, Chihiro attempts to use his sword to fend off his opponents despite being injured, but his injuries hinder his ability to wield the blade effectively. He then uses Kuro to cut the lights and retreats. The enemy sorcerers taunt him and call for reinforcements, seeing an opportunity not just to defeat Chihiro but also to steal his Enchanted Blade.

Filled with self-doubt, Chihiro questions his ability to defeat them, even if he were not injured. Suddenly, he recalls a touching memory with his father, Kunishige Rokuhira. In this heartfelt moment, Chihiro asks his father if he could ever become like him. Kunishige advises Chihiro, acknowledging their similarities in seriousness but warning him not to lose his own identity while aspiring to emulate him. Kunishige then lightens the mood by making funny faces, almost coaxing a chuckle from his son.

In the present, at the lab's location, researchers come to take Char for experiments. They discuss Chihiro's departure, mentioning how he left the little girl with lifeless eyes. However,Chihiro didn't actually leave. Instead, he concealed himself and pushed beyond his limits to summon multiple black goldfish simultaneously.

Apologizing to Char from the shadows, Chihiro assures her that it will be over soon. He begins chanting "Kuro...Shred," an advanced form of his Black technique. Chihiro's eyes reflect a cold determination despite being filled with resolve.

## Quick References

### Chapter Notes

* **Kunishige's belief in the Enchanted Blade's Datenseki material:** It possessed an unexplainable power beyond conventional understanding, shaping based on the wielder's will, intelligence, and grasp of the weapon.
* **Chihiro's emotional struggle:** Filled with self-doubt during the confrontation, recalling advice from his father about identity while aspiring to emulate him.
	+ Despite the perception of leaving, he conceals himself and summons multiple black goldfish to aid his situation.
* **Introduction of a new ability:** As Chihiro apologizes to Char, he then initiated an advanced technique, "Kuro...Shred," displaying cold determination despite his emotional turmoil.

### Characters in Order of Appearance

**Ikuto Hagiwara**
**Kamunabi 1**
**Kugara**
**Uzuki**
**Kazane**
**Chihiro Rokuhira**
**Shiba**
**Mohawk Henchmen**
**Char Kyonagi**
**Kunishige Rokuhira**Flashback