Sorcery and the Enchanted Blade Arc

**Unofficially Titled Arc**
**Sorcery and the Enchanted Blade Arc'**s name is **conjectural** which means that no official designation has been assigned, and it is susceptible to change at any time.

## Arc Chronology

**“Sorcery and the Enchanted Blade Arc”** (妖 (よう) 術 (じゅつ) と妖 (よう) 刀 (とう) , *Yōjutsu to Yōtō*) is the first arc of *Kagurabachi* manga series.

Kunishige is a well-known master swordsmith, and his influence deeply affects Chihiro. Knowing that the katanas crafted by his father can be used for both good and evil underscores the moral responsibility of swordsmiths in shaping the world. However, three years ago, Shiba was surprised to discover interference at the Rokuhira Swordsmith Workshop. He hurried there and found Chihiro in a devastating situation. Chihiro was sitting amidst the wreckage of his burned home, holding his lifeless father. Additionally, all six enchanted blades crafted by Kunishige during the war, which had been safely hidden in the workshop's cellar, had been stolen by a group of three sorcerers, according to Chihiro's account. This incident led Chihiro, along with Shiba, to went on a relentless quest to recover the stolen blades.

## Arc Summary

Kunishige, a revered swordsmith, and his son Chihiro live a disciplined life crafting katanas. Kunishige's quirks include talking to goldfish. Chihiro, burdened with responsibilities, aspires to follow in his father's footsteps. An old friend, Shiba, visits, sparking discussions about past glories and a city under Yakuza turmoil. Kunishige questions Chihiro's readiness for the swordsmith's responsibility, showcasing the consequences of crafting katanas.

Months later, Chihiro and Shiba confront the Yakuza, witnessing their brutal methods and the Yakuza boss's menacing actions within an unnamed city. Shiba and Chihiro take down the Yakuza, revealing Chihiro's enhanced katana with unique powers from his father's craftsmanship. Chihiro spares the boss to extract information about the Hishaku, a group of sorcerers supporting the Yakuza. The boss reveals the Hishaku's monstrous nature, but Chihiro remains determined to confront them, driven by a relentless resolve to eliminate them, despite their intimidating description.

Chihiro and Shiba interrogate a Yakuza boss about Hishaku. The boss's head explodes, hinting at sorcery. Shiba saves the victim and checks on Chihiro, who nearly collapses. They plan to return to Tokyo. Shiba admires Chihiro's combat progress despite no prior experience, knowing only half of the Enchanted Blade's potential.

Three years prior, Chihiro's father, Kunishige, was killed, and the enchanted blades he crafted were stolen. Kunishige had mentored Chihiro on crafting blades with purpose, emphasizing the world's true needs. Chihiro weeps for his father and vows to avenge him.

Chihiro wields his father's dedicated katana, seeking Hishaku, linked to the stolen blades. In Tokyo, Shiba reports a lead on one of the enchanted blades, sparking Chihiro's urgency to find Hishaku.

Three years ago, Shiba told Hinao about Kunishige's death linked to Hishaku. Chihiro, with a visible scar, met Hinao then, but nothing significant happened. Now, Hinao contacts Shiba and Chihiro regarding a girl who witnessed something about enchanted blades. They're at Hinao's cafe where the girl, Char, seeks protection from someone chasing her. Chihiro plans to take Char to an orphanage after eating. Char hesitates to share details but mentions a formidable sword wielder pursuing her.

Shiba reminisces outside while Chihiro and Char discuss the person chasing her and the strong sword. As they eat, Char discloses seeing clouds emanating from the sword and mentions a flame symbol on their hands. A scuffle erupts in the restaurant, leading to the owner's death and the arrival of a bodyguard for Char. An explosion occurs, propelling Chihiro outside. Realizing Char was telling the truth, Chihiro apologizes for doubting her but finds Char held hostage by an unknown sorcerer.

The chapter opens with Chihiro facing a sorcerer to rescue Char. Chihiro surprises the sorcerer by using a technique to free Char and calls for Shiba, who teleports Char to safety. Shiba explains sorcery's link to spirit energy within everyone. Chihiro engages the sorcerer using unique abilities involving a goldfish, while Shiba discusses enchanted blades' power amplification through spirit energy.

The sorcerer acknowledges Chihiro's unusual mastery over spirit energy and reveals his encounter with enchanted swords. He warns Char of potential danger, causing her distress. Chihiro defends Char, promising protection regardless of her circumstances. Chihiro attacks the sorcerer, who retaliates with explosive dolls. Chihiro overcomes the attacks, defeats the sorcerer with an explosive strike, and questions him about his motives and the whereabouts of another enchanted blade.

Hinao lends Char a jacket and ensures she's okay. Chihiro thanks Hinao and discusses sorcerers pursuing Char. On the road, Chihiro recalls Shiba's recent encounter with a sorcerer and his injured hand. Char sneezes in Chihiro's car, leading to Chihiro questioning Hinao about Char's presence. Char reveals her desire to stay with Chihiro for protection. Chihiro presses for information about why sorcerers are after Char but gets no clear answers.

Shiba interrogates a restrained sorcerer about enchanted blades, but the sorcerer remains evasive. The sorcerer warns of dire consequences if information is revealed, hinting at a dangerous power behind their situation.

Chihiro takes Char to various shops for food despite planning to return, enjoying their time together. Meanwhile, a man in a bath learns of the sorcerer's failure to capture Char and plans a bolder approach. Char shares a life lesson from her mother, expressing gratitude for her time with Chihiro.

During their drive, Shiba informs Chihiro about their target, Genichi Sojo, a weapons dealer pursuing Char and possessing an enchanted blade. Shiba suspects a connection between Sojo and the sorcerers. While Chihiro drives, Char alerts him to suspicious individuals. Their car becomes immobilized, surrounded by transforming vehicles, and someone claims they've found Char, leading to an intense situation.

Assailants ambush Chihiro and Char's car, revealing Sojo's bounty on Char and Chihiro's enchanted blade. Hinao discovers this and tries to contact Chihiro. Chihiro fights off pursuers who transform into mud-like beings, suspecting earth manipulation. One attacker mentions previous encounters with the enchanted blades' power but notices a difference in current wielder Chihiro's skill.

Cornered, Chihiro recalls a meal with his deceased father before facing a sorcerer who manipulates brain waves. Chihiro struggles against the sorcerer's psychological abilities, attempting to reach a nearby sword. The sorcerer reveals Char as the lone survivor from Kyonagi and tests her healing abilities, baffling them about Sojo's motives.

During a critical moment, Chihiro swiftly beheads the sorcerer holding Char, subsequently defeating the rest. Char confesses the sorcerers pursued her for her unique physical abilities, trusting Chihiro to reveal this information. After the ordeal, Char expresses hunger, and Chihiro shares his food, understanding her struggles.

Chihiro, with Char on his back, faces sorcerers at an intersection but is aided by a skilled man named Azami, a member of Kamunabi. They head to Cafe Haru Haru, where Azami clarifies Kamunabi's goal to eliminate threats to the nation, including Sojo's interest in Char. Azami discusses an upcoming black market auction where one of Kunishige's enchanted blades will be sold by Sojo. He warns Chihiro against confronting Sojo, suggesting they leave the auction to Kamunabi.

Azami reveals Sojo's continued criminal operations and warns of Hishaku's increased audacious actions, suggesting they aim to use the enchanted blades for a larger agenda. He stresses the urgency of preparing for the auction and Hishaku's potential threat to the nation.

## Story Impact

* Chihiro Rokuhira, along with his deceased father Kunishige Rokuhira and their close friend Shiba, were initially introduced.
	+ Kunishige is a renowned katana craftsman, with Chihiro aspiring to follow in his father's footsteps.
	+ Shiba, an old friend, discusses Yakuza trouble and questions Chihiro's preparedness for swordsmith responsibilities with Kunishige.
* Chihiro defeats the Yakuza, revealing unique powers in his katana linked to his father's craftsmanship.
	+ Seeking retribution for his father's murder and the theft of the enchanted blades crafted by Kunishige, Chihiro learns about Genichi Sojo's existence.
* Shiba and Chihiro's first encounter with Char, a young girl pursued by Genichi Sojo, under the pursuit of a man who works under Sojo who wields a Daruma doll as a weapon, seeking refuge at Hinao's cafe.
* Chihiro protects Char from sorcerers chasing her, engaging in a fierce battle using unique abilities with Shiba's assistance.
* Char reveals she's targeted for her special physical abilities, trusting Chihiro to disclose this information.
* Chihiro's encounters unveil relentless sorcerer pursuit, connections to enchanted blades, and the imminent threat posed by Sojo and Hishaku.
* Azami from Kamunabi is introduced, aiding Chihiro and outlining their mission to eliminate threats, cautioning against confronting Sojo and detailing Hishaku's menacing actions and plans for the enchanted blades.

## Characters Introduced

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

## Terminology Introduced

* **Rokuhira Swordsmith:** A renowned workshop led by Kunishige, a master swordsmith known for crafting special katanas using his unique method. The workshop is where Kunishige and his son, Chihiro, diligently work and train together.
* **Seitei War:** A significant conflict that occurred 15 years ago, where Kunishige gained fame for forging a crucial sword that played a pivotal role in ending the war.
* **Enchanted Blades/Katanas:** Special swords forged by Kunishige, each possessing unique abilities and magical properties, sought after by Chihiro and stolen from their workshop.
* **Yakuza:** A Japanese organized crime syndicate known for its illegal activities such as extortion, gambling, and more, often identified by their elaborate tattoos and strict code of conduct.
	+ **Korogumi:** A specific Yakuza organization involved in violent actions, taking control of land and wealth, causing chaos in the city.
* **Sorcery:** Referenced as a mystical or supernatural force wielded by certain individuals, capable of influencing events or manipulating elements around them.
* **Hishaku:** A mysterious group linked to sorcery and associated with the stolen enchanted blades. They possess significant expertise and pose a threat due to their seemingly supernatural abilities.
* **Enchanted Blade:** Refers to the magical enhancement or abilities imbued within a katana, altering its properties and granting it unique powers.
* **Protective Magic Barrier:** A magical shield set up by Kunishige around their residence to isolate and protect it, alerting him to any potential threats or interference from the outside world.
* **Daruma Doll:** Appears mysteriously during the chaotic situation at the restaurant.
	+ **Unidentified Sorcerer:** Holds Char hostage after causing the explosion; prompts Chihiro to apologize for doubting Char's story.
* **Cloud Gouger:** One of the enchanted blades possessed by Genichi Sojo, wielded in battles against Chihiro and associated with powerful elemental abilities like lightning and ice.
* **Kamunabi:** A government-affiliated organization dealing with sorcerers and criminal elements, involved in events related to the enchanted blades.

## Location

* **Rokuhira Swordsmith:**
	+ A workshop run by Kunishige, a renowned swordsmith in the country.
	+ Specializes in crafting katanas using a unique method.
* **Korogumi Yakuza Base:**
	+ Headquarters of the Korogumi, a powerful Yakuza organization.
	+ A location known for its association with violence and control over land and wealth.

Train Station in Tokyo:
A transportation hub in the city where Chihiro and Shiba meet during their travel going to the unnamed city.

* **Entrance of a Huge Torii Gate:**
	+ A location where several hanged bodies associated with the Anti-Korogumi Movement were displayed as a warning.
* **Cafe Haru Haru:**
	+ A café where Hinao works and where Shiba and Chihiro meet to discuss certain developments.
	+ A shop owned by Hinao, displaying a "Hishaku Information Wanted" poster.
	+ A location where significant conversations take place between Chihiro, Char, Shiba, Hinao, and Azami. Discussions involve strategizing against Sojo and the impending auction.
* **Interrogation Site:**
	+ An abandoned area where Shiba interrogates a captured sorcerer, using techniques to restrict the sorcerer's use of sorcery.
* **Babylonia Shop:**
	+ A shop where Chihiro purchases sandwiches for Char during their journey.
* **Tanda Shop:**
	+ Another shop visited by Chihiro and Char to buy ice cream.
* **Bloom Shop:**
	+ A shop where Chihiro gets a coke float for Char.
* **Rakuza Ichi:**
	+ A venue where the annual black market auction takes place, involving the sale of an enchanted blade owned by Kunishige Rokuhira.