Chapter 11

## Chapter Chronology

**“Awaken”** (目 (め) 覚 (さ) め, *Mezame*) is the eleventh chapter of the *Kagurabachi* manga series, written and illustrated by Takeru Hokazono.

## Summary

In his hospital room, Chihiro stirred awake, finding himself swathed in bandages. The arrival of Shiba and Azami marked their explanation about his confinement in a public hospital. Azami suggested that the Kamunabi Hospital would offer better treatment but expressed concern about Chihiro's lineage appearing in records due to some disapproval within the Kamunabi regarding Rokuhira.

Acknowledging the situation, Chihiro diverted attention to Char and Hinao, inquiring about their status. Shiba informed him that Hinao was alive and recovering well, even indulging in Shiba's specially prepared roughly cut apples, which brought a hint of relief to Chihiro.

However, a shadow of uncertainty loomed as Shiba expressed a somber thought about Char's survival. This led to a discussion about Sojo's intentions. Shiba disclosed information obtained from Norisaku Madoka, mentioning Sojo's possession of Datenseki, the source material for the enchanted blades, seeking Chihiro's confirmation on its significance. Chihiro promptly recognized Datenseki as the source material for the enchanted blades.

At Genichi Sojo's headquarters, the discussion centered on Datenseki, an extraordinary ore discovered during a past war, with only 250 kilograms known to exist. Sojo emphasized its unique trait: the stone's inherent spirit energy intensifies exponentially, reaching an uncontrollable concentration unfit for a human body. Expressing the parallel with the enchanted blades, Sojo highlighted Datenseki's perilous nature. He elucidated that when infused with spirit energy, the condensed power surges into a person's body, proving fatal as the body cannot contain such overwhelming energy, resulting in an explosion.

However, an exception arose in Kunishige Rokuhira, the sole individual capable of stabilizing this lethal power. Sojo emphasized Rokuhira's exceptional ability to manage Datenseki, marking him as the exclusive individual adept in handling its potential. Amidst this revelation, Sojo monitored a researcher's progress in what appeared to be a laboratory, confirming the readiness of their preparations. This led to Sojo's directive to add today's allocated portion of Datenseki.

Returning to Chihiro's hospital room, Chihiro expressed his wish for his father's capability to stabilize the dangerous Datenseki. Shiba revealed Sojo's belief that the Kyonagi Clan's cells held the secret to achieving this stabilization, explaining Sojo's intention to utilize Datenseki and Char to craft a new weapon. Puzzled by the notion of 'using' Char, Chihiro sought clarification from Shiba.

Meanwhile, in a dimly lit corner, Char remained confined, served with food in her cage. Moments later, doctors entered and transported her to a laboratory area. The medical team discussed specific anatomical features they needed, referencing muscles, ligaments, and other body parts for their procedure. Sojo, overseeing the process within the lab, gave instructions to commence the operation.

As the medical procedure ended, Char was returned to her cage after the necessary extractions. A mohawked member of Sojo's group raised the idea of fattening her up for more effective use of her flesh, prompting Sojo to dismiss the notion, stating the repeated shaving of her flesh as the preferred approach instead.

Chihiro was deeply frustrated for not being able to save Char. He asked for his sword, and Azami assured him it was safe. Shiba apologized for underestimating Sojo's abilities. Soon after, the lively arrival of the Kamunabi sorcerers disrupted the hospital's calm atmosphere. Their commander, Ikuto Hagiwara, took the lead, discussing their unsuccessful search at Sojo's abandoned location and asking Chihiro for ideas. Despite his injuries, Chihiro wanted to be part of the operation. Kazane rudely dismissed Chihiro's involvement, but Uzuki supported him due to his potential and his earlier success in protecting bystanders during Sojo's attack. The female sorcerer was amazed by the absence of casualties in the enchanted blade battle, caused by Chihiro's lightning absorption. His bravery earned admiration from Kugara, even though Chihiro played down his actions.

Despite acknowledging Chihiro's courage, Shiba highlighted his severe injuries, estimating a month-long recovery that would temporarily prevent him from participating in any operation. The Kamunabi sorcerers discussed Chihiro's condition following his intense battle with Sojo. Ikuto found it hard to believe that Chihiro engaged in such a fight in his weakened state. Uzuki clarified that they couldn't delay their mission and had already begun searching for Sojo's base when Chihiro collapsed five days earlier.

Chihiro was surprised by how much time had passed and worried about Char. He expressed a strong desire to participate in the mission. However, Ikuto explained that their goal was solely to eliminate Sojo, not rescue Char. Recognizing Chihiro's impulsiveness, Ikuto proposed a plan: while they dealt with Sojo, Chihiro could secretly rescue Char, considering his own condition and impulsive tendencies. The female sorcerer criticized the plan for being rushed, but Ikuto asked Chihiro if he agreed. Despite feeling conflicted, Chihiro, concerned about Char's situation and the threat posed by Sojo, reluctantly agreed to the plan.

## Quick References

### Chapter Notes

* Chihiro wakes up in a hospital, wrapped in bandages, and learns about his confinement.
	+ Concern arises about his lineage being recorded due to disapproval within the Kamunabi regarding Rokuhira.
	+ Chihiro checks on the status of Char and Hinao, finding out Hinao is recovering while Char's survival is uncertain.
* Shiba discloses Sojo's possession of Datenseki, the material for enchanted blades, seeking Chihiro's confirmation of its significance.
* Sojo explains Datenseki's dangerous nature, its fatal potential when infused with spirit energy, and Rokuhira's unique ability to stabilize it.
	+ Sojo monitors a researcher's progress in a laboratory and orders the addition of Datenseki for preparation.
* Chihiro expresses hope for his father's ability to stabilize Datenseki, which Sojo intends to use along with Char to create a new weapon.
* Char remains confined, served food, and is taken to a laboratory for a medical procedure.
	+ Sojo oversees the extraction of specific anatomical features from Char and discusses the repeated shaving of her flesh for use.
* The Anti-Cloud Gouger Special Forces (minus one member) arrive, discuss Chihiro's injuries, his bravery during the battle with Sojo, and his lightning absorption.
	+ Despite admiration for Chihiro's courage, concerns are raised about his severe injuries and a month-long recovery preventing his immediate participation.
	+ Chihiro expresses worry about Char and desires to join the mission, but the sorcerers aim solely to eliminate Sojo, not rescue Char.
	+ A plan is proposed: the Kamunabi will handle Sojo while Chihiro secretly rescues Char, despite reservations from some sorcerers, including concerns about Chihiro's impulsiveness. Chihiro ultimately agrees to the plan.

### Characters in Order of Appearance

**Chihiro Rokuhira**
**Shiba**
**Azami**
**Hinao**Mentioned
**Genichi Sojo**
**Kunishige Rokuhira**Mentioned
**Char Kyonagi**
**Ikuto Hagiwara**
**Kamunabi 1**
**Uzuki**
**Kugara**
**Kazane**1st Appearance