Ikuto Hagiwara

**Ikuto Hagiwara** (萩 (はぎ) 原 (わら)  幾 (いく) 兎 (と) , *Hagiwara Ikuto*) is one of the characters in the manga series Kagurabachi. He leads the Kamunabi's Anti-Cloud Gouger Special Forces, a group comprising of six individuals including himself, who are collectively recognized as 'elite'.

## Appearance

Ikuto possesses a tall, robust physique, distinguishing himself as a member of Kamunabi's elite forces. His distinct hairstyle features a clean-cut mohawk, with shaved sides and a central strip of hair, often stylishly braided at the tufted section. During special missions, Ikuto typically dons the standard Kamunabi attire, resembling a modern haori kimono tailored for males, alongside his team. He wears glasses, implying impaired vision to an unspecified level.

## Plot

### Background

When Sojo and Chihiro were fighting in the streets, Ikuto arrived with his squadron (barring their newest member) as well as Shiba and Azami. Their combined presence dissuaded Sojo from attacking and Sojo left after throwing up a cloud of mist with **Kou**.

Five days afterwards, Ikuto and his squadron (barring the member with large hands, who was investigating Sojo's base), met with Chihiro at Azami's request. There, Ikuto requested for info on Cloud Gouger to refine their strategy for dealing with him. Chihiro agreed, but only on the condition that he could join the operation. Recognising Chihiro's hot-blooded nature and the futility of declining his request, Ikuto negotiated that Chihiro could rescue Char while the Kamunabi dealt with Sojo, which Chihiro approved of.

Chihiro told them of Cloud Gouger's three abilities, and when Azami informed Ikuto's squad that the six of them would be the only ones confronting Sojo, Ikuto explained that the Kamunabi can't throw all of their fighting power in one area, since they have many other concerns, like the Rakuza Ichi and Hishaku. Ikuto then stated that dealing with Enchanted Blades was less about having more or less people but more about strategy, prompting Chihiro to tell them his plan.

The male Kamunabi members present later took a collective bathroom break, and Chihiro followed in order to continue the discussion. When Ikuto questioned why Sojo would use **Mei** with **Kou**, Chihiro replied that **Kou** would increase **Mei**'s area of effect, compensating for a **Mei** with lower charge. Ikuto inquired what they should do in response to that, and was audibly confused when Chihiro replied they needed to let Sojo hit them with the **Kou**-**Mei** combination attack. Chihiro then elaborated they needed to let Sojo perform a fully-charged **Mei**, as it would leave Sojo wide open. Ikuto affirmed that they would hit Sojo with a barrage of attacks in order to lure out the **Kou**-**Mei** combo and the fully charged **Mei**.

More than 49 hours afterwards, Ikuto and his squadron tracked Sojo to a bathhouse and engaged him. One member sent pieces of the ground into the air and moved them towards the ocean to prevent damage to civilians, while another protected her as she did so. Following the strategy, Ikuto and his squad charged in and continuously attacked Sojo, Ikuto using throwing knives that Sojo initially blocked with **Yui**. Ikuto utilised **Jikai** to force them through the wall of ice as one of his squad members attacked from above, but Sojo was able to dodge both attacks.

Sojo then unleashed **Kou**, spraying water over the surrounding area including over the four attacking Kamunabi members, before using a **Mei** with little charge. Ikuto took this attack and fell to the ground, as did his subordinates, and Sojo used the opportunity to begin charging **Mei**. When Sojo was nearly finished charging, Ikuto ordered his subordinates to jump out of the way as he unleashed **Jikai** onto the ground, cracking the earth, the impact also sending Sojo and the water flying into the air, just as Sojo unleashed a fully-charged **Mei**. With Sojo now in the midst of his water, he was struck by his own attack, to Ikuto's glee. Two of his squad members then rushed Sojo down, taking advantage of the 10-second interval they now had before Sojo could use **Mei** again.

## Relationships

*This section is a stub. You can help the Kagurabachi Wiki by expanding it.*

## Abilities

As leader of the Kamunabi's Anti-Cloud Gouger Special Forces, Ikuto has authority over the other members of his squad, reflected in him generally being the one making tactical decisions in combat, as well as being the main spokesperson when discussing plans to counter Sojo with Chihiro.

Ikuto also possesses a skillful ability to read people, as indicated when he easily picked up on Chihiro's hot-blooded nature and his desire to get involved. However, he noted that Sojo was quite hard to read.

### Combat Prowess

Befitting his status as leader of an elite squadron, Ikuto is a powerful individual. He possesses great speed, as seen when he dashes around the battlefield when confronting Sojo. He also has great leg strength, kicking off of surfaces to achieve high-velocity travel. Ikuto's arm strength is visible when he launches multiple throwing knives at high speed simultaneously despite holding them between his knuckles. Ikuto's endurance is evident as well, able to endure a lightning strike from Sojo and strike back with **Jikai** afterwards.

#### Sorcery

As an elite member of Kamunabi, an organisation of sorcerers, Ikuto's sorcery is appropriately powerful.

* **Jikai** (磁戒 (じかい) , **Jikai**): Ikuto can utilize magnetic forces to attract or repel. He used the force of attraction to telekinetically shoot knives at Genichi Sojo after they were blocked by ice. He used the force of repulsion to repel a large amount of water from **Kou**.

## Equipment

### Throwing Knives

Ikuto utilises throwing knives in combat, holding them between his knuckles and launching them at high velocity at his opponents. He boosts their capabilities with his sorcery technique **Jikan**, causing the knives to fly faster and further.

## Etymology

The name **Ikuto Hagiwara** (萩 (はぎ) 原 (わら)  幾 (いく) 兎 (と) , *Hagiwara Ikuto*), potentially reflecting a name rich in seasonal imagery ("bush clover" and "field"), alongside elements like "several" or "how many" followed by "rabbit."

* **萩 (はぎ, hagi):** This character 萩 refers to the "bush clover" plant, a symbol of autumn in Japan. It's also used in names and poetry to evoke a sense of the season.
* **原 (わら, wara):** This character 原 means "field" or "plain." It's a common element in Japanese surnames and place names.
* **幾 (いく, iku):** This character 幾 means "several" or "how many." It's often used in phrases related to counting or asking about a quantity.
* **兎 (と, to):** This character 兎 signifies "rabbit" or "hare." It's associated with animals and often used in names and expressions.

## References

*Kagurabachi* Manga: Chapter 10 (Pages 9-13).
*Kagurabachi* Manga: Chapter 11 (Pages 12-19).
*Kagurabachi* Manga: Chapter 13 (Pages 2-4).
*Kagurabachi* Manga: Chapter 13 (Pages 10-13).
*Kagurabachi* Manga: Chapter 12 (Pages 14-16).
*Kagurabachi* Manga: Chapter 13 (Pages 2, 4-7).
*Kagurabachi* Manga: Chapter 13 (Pages 9-16).
*Kagurabachi* Manga: Chapter 11, 13.
*Kagurabachi* Manga: Chapter 11 (Page 16).
*Kagurabachi* Manga: Chapter 12 (Page 16).
*Kagurabachi* Manga: Chapter 13.
*Kagurabachi* Manga: Chapter 13 (Pages 5-7).