Chapter 3

## Chapter Chronology

**“Witness”** (目 (もく) 撃 (げき) 者 (しゃ) , *Mokugekisha*) is the third chapter of the *Kagurabachi* manga series, written and illustrated by Takeru Hokazono.

## Summary

Hinao is currently explaining Japan's system regarding the ownership of katanas, highlighting that it's legal for some individuals to possess them for self-defense, while others misuse them, attracting the attention of Yakuza leaders and other criminal organizations seeking better self-defense options. This is where sorcerers like the Hishaku come into play. Hinao has a poster in her shop that reads "Hishaku Information Wanted," which she displayed at Shiba's request on her shop.

Three years ago, Shiba visited her at her shop while she informed him about job opportunities, but Shiba rejected as he came for a different reason. He went on by informing about the tragic incident involving Kunishige Rokuhira. Shiba claimed that the Hishaku were responsible for Kunishige's death and the theft of his enchanted blades. This was also the first day Hinao met Chihiro, who had a visible scar on his face. Despite her willingness to help, nothing significant transpired. However, one day, a disheveled child entered her shop while she was distracted and not paying much attention.

Currently, Shiba and Chihiro are at Cafe Haru Haru, where Hinao works. They're there because Hinao contacted them related to someone who have come forward to have witnessed something regarding enchanted blades. Hinao mentioned that the witness is a young girl who is currently asleep in the store's back room. During Hinao's conversation with the girl, the child expressed an interest in hiring a sorcerer for protection because someone is pursuing her, even though she lacks the means to pay for it. The child mentioned that the person chasing her possesses a formidable sword, which made Hinao consider that it might be the enchanted blade the child is referring to. Shiba and Chihiro, however, both reacted with skepticism, thinking that the child might be making things up. While they were discussing this, the child began uttering the words "hippos" and "cell division" in her sleep but abruptly woke up, likely due to a nightmare.

As soon as the child woke up and sat up, she inquired if Shiba and the others were there to protect her. Shiba declined and instead inquired about the person who was pursuing her. The child couldn't provide any information about the reason for being chased and shook her head when asked about her home and parents. While considering taking the child to an orphanage, Chihiro asked if she had eaten already. Although she hesitated initially, she eventually expressed a desire for tempura soba.

Shiba is currently outside, having a smoke, and reminiscing about how Chihiro is good at taking care of people, thanks to his experience with his own father. Meanwhile, Chihiro and the child are inside the restaurant, where they are being served tempura soba for the child and cold soba for Chihiro. While they are still waiting for their food, the child introduces herself as Char, which surprises Chihiro a bit, but he proceeds to introduce himself as well.

Chihiro mentions that after they finish their soba, he and Shiba plan to take Char to the orphanage. This prompts Char to ask if they won't be protecting her, as she seems to think the soba seals the deal. Chihiro reiterates what Shiba told Char earlier, emphasizing that the cafe is not a place for her to play around. Char insists that she's not playing around, which leads Chihiro to inquire about the individuals pursuing her. Char, however, indicates that she can't share that information, leaving Chihiro skeptical and just eats quietly with her.

While they were eating quietly, Chihiro inquired about the strong sword Char had mentioned. Amidst some coughing as she was eating, Char described seeing clouds emanating from it, a detail that caught Chihiro's attention due to its specificity. Chihiro wanted to make sure Char wasn't joking, and Char confirmed that she wasn't. He then asked about a flame symbol on their hands, but Char wasn't certain about it.

During this conversation, a customer sitting behind Chihiro was currently being scolded by the restaurant owner for not placing an order and just occupying a seat. The customer, in turn, told the owner to leave them alone.

As Chihiro continued to ask Char about the person wielding the sword, Char mentioned that the man had a group of henchmen accompanying him. Meanwhile, in the restaurant, the store owner was suddenly killed using chopsticks, and the person seated behind Chihiro revealed that they had finally located Char, but this time she had a bodyguard with her.

As Chihiro began to stand up to inquire about the person's identity, the individual uttered the word "Invincible." Suddenly, a Daruma doll appeared, and just as Chihiro was about to react, the restaurant exploded, propelling him outside.

While sitting, internalizing the situation, Chihiro came to the realization that everything Char had mentioned was true, and it was evident that someone was genuinely pursuing her. What she saw might indeed have been one of the enchanted blades. In a fighting stance, Chihiro sincerely apologized to Char for doubting her. However, at this moment, Char found herself held hostage by Norisaku Madoka, a sorcerer who had caused the explosion at the restaurant. Char implored Chihiro to rescue her.

## Quick References

### Chapter Notes

 A Daruma doll, also known as a Dharma doll or simply a Daruma, is a traditional Japanese talisman of good luck and perseverance. These dolls are typically made of papier-mâché and are weighted at the bottom so that they return to an upright position when tilted. The most distinctive feature of a Daruma doll is its round shape and the lack of pupils in its eyes. When someone receives a Daruma doll, they make a wish or set a specific goal. They then fill in one of the doll's blank eyes with a black marker or paint, symbolizing the beginning of their journey or the making of their wish.

* Introduction of Hinao and her knowledge of enchanted blades and the role of sorcerers like the Hishaku.
* Background on Shiba's prior visit to Hinao's shop regarding Kunishige Rokuhira's death and stolen enchanted blades.
	+ The initial meeting of Hinao and Chihiro, with Chihiro having a visible scar on his face.
* The current situation where Hinao contacts Shiba and Chihiro about a young girl who witnessed something related to enchanted blades.
* Introduction of the young girl, referred to as Char, who seeks protection from a pursuer with a formidable sword.
	+ Initial skepticism from Shiba and Chihiro regarding Char's claims.
	+ Char's utterances of "hippos" and "cell division" during her sleep.
	+ Char's inquiry about Shiba and the others protecting her after waking up.
	+ Char's lack of information about the reason for being pursued and her home and parents.
* Discussion of taking Char to an orphanage and Chihiro's offer of tempura soba.
	+ Shiba's reminiscing about Chihiro's caring nature while smoking outside.
* Chihiro and Char's meal inside the restaurant and Char's introduction as "Char."
	+ Chihiro's plan to take Char to an orphanage after finishing their meal.
	+ Char's description of the strong sword and clouds emanating from it.
	+ Chihiro's inquiries about the flame symbol on their hands and the restaurant owner's altercation with a customer.
* The sudden killing of the restaurant owner with chopsticks by the sorcerer Norisaku Madoka.
	+ Norisaku's apperanace and comment that Char had a bodyguard (Chihiro) with her.
	+ The explosion at the restaurant and Chihiro's realization of Char's truthfulness.
	+ Char's hostage situation and plea for rescue by Chihiro.

### Characters in Order of Appearance

**Hinao**Debut
**Shiba**
**Kunishige Rokuhira**Mentioned
**Chihiro Rokuhira**
**Char**Debut
**Store Owner**Deceased
**Norisaku Madoka**1st Appearance