Chapter 4

## Chapter Chronology

**“Sorcery and the Enchanted Blade”** (妖 (よう) 術 (じゅつ) と妖 (よう) 刀 (とう) , *Yōjutsu to Yōtō*) is the fourth chapter of the *Kagurabachi* manga series, written and illustrated by Takeru Hokazono.

## Summary

While confronting Norisaku Madoka, Chihiro is focused on formulating a plan, with his main priority being to rescue Char. However, Norisaku insists that his only interest is in Char and advises Chihiro not to interfere. Suddenly, Chihiro draws his sword with a swift finger motion, reciting the words "Enten" and "Black," enabling him to cut the rope that bound Char. This surprises Norisaku, who had assumed Chihiro used sorcery due to his ability to cut through spirit energy. Chihiro urgently calls for Shiba, who promptly arrives and uses a sorcery technique to teleport Char to safety in his car. Witnessing Shiba's teleportation, Char inquires if he possesses sorcery abilities as well.

Shiba informs Char that anyone can harness sorcery, as it is powered by spirit energy, which essentially constitutes one's life force and resides within every human, including Char. Meanwhile, Chihiro continues his ongoing battle with Norisaku using his goldfish, which astonishes his opponent.

Returning to their car, Shiba elaborates on the concept of enchanted blades, explaining that they are the most potent swords available. These blades amplify a person's spirit energy to such an extent that it becomes highly concentrated, in Enten's case eventually taking the form of a goldfish when released. This transformed energy surpasses what a sorcerer can produce individually.

While Norisaku defensively observes Chihiro's fight, he remarks on Chihiro's unique ability to not only create objects from spirit energy outside his body but also to embody spirit energy itself.

Norisaku informs Chihiro that he has encountered an enchanted blade before, but this is his first encounter with someone wielding such a weapon in combat. While conversing with Chihiro, he becomes aware of Char's presence nearby. In response, Norisaku shouts to Char, warning her that if she doesn't emerge obediently, many innocent lives may be at risk, much like her mother's tragic fate.

Char becomes frightened upon hearing this, prompting Shiba to comfort her by placing his hand on her head. He reassures her, urging her to trust in Chihiro. However, her anxiety heightens when she witnesses Chihiro being thrown back by an explosion, triggering painful memories of her mother's demise.

Chihiro skillfully counters every explosive threat and confronts Norisaku in a confident manner. He firmly asserts that he won't allow the sorcerer to harm Char, emphasizing that he's committed to protecting her, regardless of her financial situation, as their shared choice for soba (a type of noodles) connects them.

Chihiro then attempts to attack Norisaku from a distance using **Kuro**, but the sorcerer manages to evade it. In response, Norisaku unleashes explosive dolls to attack Chihiro. In a nimble move, Chihiro leaps into the air to evade the explosive onslaught. However, Norisaku surprises Chihiro by quickly moving behind him and ensnaring him with a rope.

Remaining composed, Chihiro aims his enchanted sword at the sorcerer and unleashes a powerful explosion, defeating his adversary. After this victory, Chihiro approaches Norisaku and queries him about his affiliations, reasons for targeting Char, and the whereabouts of the other enchanted blade, Cloud Gouger.

## Quick References

### Chapter Notes

* The concept of sorcery and spirit energy is introduced. Chihiro uses spirit energy to cut the rope, surprising the sorcerer, who initially assumed Chihiro used sorcery.
* **Shiba's Sorcery and Enchanted Blade Explanation:** Shiba explains the fundamentals of sorcery and spirit energy, revealing that anyone can harness sorcery as it relies on spirit energy, which exists in every human.
	+ **Enchanted Blades:** Shiba elaborates on enchanted blades, powerful swords that amplify spirit energy. When released, this energy manifests, in this case taking the form of a goldfish, exceeding what individual sorcerers can produce.
	+ Norisaku acknowledges Chihiro's unique ability to create objects from spirit energy outside his body and to embody spirit energy itself.
* Norisaku warns Char that innocent lives may be in danger if she doesn't emerge obediently. This threat creates fear and tension in Char.
	+ **Char's Trauma:** Char's traumatic memories of her mother's death resurface when she witnesses Chihiro being thrown back by an explosion, highlighting her emotional vulnerability.
* Chihiro's determination to protect Char, regardless of her financial situation, is emphasized. Their shared choice for soba symbolizes their connection.
* The battle escalates as Chihiro faces explosive threats from Norisaku. Chihiro's nimble evasion and counterattacks showcase his combat skills.
* **Enchanted Blade; Cloud Gouger:** Chihiro defeats the sorcerer using **Aka** and demands information about the sorcerer's affiliations, motives for targeting Char, and the location of another enchanted blade, Cloud Gouger.

### Characters in Order of Appearance

**Chihiro Rokuhira**
**Norisaku Madoka**
**Char**
**Shiba**