Chapter 12

## Chapter Chronology

**“Preparations”** (支 (し) 度 (たく) , *Shitaku*) is the twelfth chapter of the *Kagurabachi* manga series, written and illustrated by Takeru Hokazono.

## Summary

After finishing discussing the plan with Chihiro, the Kamunabi's Anti-Cloud Gouger Special Forces prepare to leave the hospital. Ikuto had dispatched someone to find Sojo's secret hideout, and upon discovering its location, the group intends to take action and inform Chihiro.

Forty-nine hours after Chihiro woke up, Shiba noticed Chihiro's strong determination despite his poor health, leading him to reminisce about a pleasant memory involving Azami and Chihiro from when they were 18, which sparked some thoughts. Chihiro then received a call from the Kamunabi—the signal for him to move out.

The chapter's perspective shifted to Genichi Sojo. While relaxing in his bath, he contemplated Chihiro's words. He found it unbelievable that Kunishige Rokuhira had a son, especially since there were no records of it. Additionally, he was unaware of the existence of the seventh enchanted blade. Suddenly, three men entered the bath area, returning a 'product' that Sojo had previously sold to them. Despite using it to easily eliminate their target, it resulted in the death of their best member.

Following a tense exchange of words, one of the men attempted to attack Sojo. However, he effortlessly defeated all three, resulting in a gory scene. After completing his bath and drying his hair, Sojo realized the need to comprehend the Cloud Gouger blade better. He requested the blade from the baththouse keeper and headed outside, fully aware that the Kamunabi group would be waiting for him. Observing Sojo was Ikuto Hagiwara, formally introduced as leader of the Anti-Cloud Gouger Special Forces, who prepared to confront him alongside other Kamunabi members.

Afterward, the chapter shifted its focus to a different hideout where Char was being kept captive. Two guards suddenly spotted a black goldfish-like creature floating nearby. Subsequently, a shadowy figure launched an attack, resulting in the deaths of two out of three guards. Surprisingly, the assailant turned out to be Chihiro Rokuhira. The chapter concluded with Chihiro looking down at the remaining guard, who was left in a state of shock.

## Quick References

### Chapter Notes

* **Kamunabi's Plan and Chihiro's Involvement:** The Kamunabi elite group, led by Ikuto Hagiwara, discusses their plan to take down Sojo. Chihiro, in the hospital, becomes privy to this plan, receives an invitation to join the Kamunabi, indicating a potential shift in allegiance or involvement.
* Genichi Sojo, while relaxing, reflects on Chihiro's revelations. He discovers surprising information about Kunishige Rokuhira's son and the existence of the seventh enchanted blade. Sojo faces an altercation with men returning a 'product', resulting in a lethal confrontation where he emerges victorious but realizes the need to understand Cloud Gouger better.
	+ Sojo anticipates an encounter with the Kamunabi group and prepares to confront them, led by Ikuto Hagiwara, who observes Sojo's actions along with other Kamunabi members.
	+ Ikuto Hagiwara and the Anti-Cloud Gouger Special Forces are formally introduced.
* **Chihiro's Surprise Attack and Char's Hideout:** Chihiro is revealed to be the assailant in an attack at a different hideout where Char is being held captive, resulting in the deaths of guards and leaving one stunned.

### Characters in Order of Appearance

**Chihiro Rokuhira**
**Ikuto Hagiwara**
**Uzuki**
**Kamunabi 1**
**Kugara**
**Kazane**
**Shiba**
**Azami**Mentioned
**Genichi Sojo**
**Kunishige Rokuhira**
**Kamunabi 2**
**Sojo's Underling**Debut