Chihiro Rokuhira

> *“Do I seem sane to you? I don't care if they're monsters. I have to cut them down.”*
> ― Chihiro to the Yakuza Boss as he interrogates him about the Hishaku.[source]
>
>

**Chihiro Rokuhira** (六平チヒロ, *Rokuhira Chihiro*) is the main protagonist of the manga series Kagurabachi. Chihiro is the only son of Kunishige Rokuhira, a renowned swordsmith known for his unique method of crafting special katanas.

After the death of his father, Chihiro dedicates his life to retrieving his father's stolen enchanted blades and hunting down the Hishaku, a group of sorcerers responsible for his father's death.

## Appearance

Chihiro has short black hair and crimson eyes. He typically keeps a stoic expression, but sometimes looks tired when speaking with others.

### Pre-Timeskip

In his mid-teens, before the main time period of the series, Chihiro was of average height for his age, and had a slender, slightly muscular physique as a result of his daily training with his father to become a swordsmith. His hair was short, neatly groomed, and had a subtle spiky texture. During this phase of his life, Chihiro commonly dressed in long-sleeved dark-colored shirts for casual occasions. When he was working as a swordsmith, he wore traditional Japanese clothing such as "ko-gi" (甲着) or "hakui" (白衣), which were designed to provide practical protection and maintain cleanliness during the forging process. He also wore a white bandana as part of his work attire.

### Post-Timeskip

Three years later, Chihiro's appearance has changed noticeably. He has grown taller, his hair is longer, and he now wears a knee-length black trench coat. Under the trench coat, he sports a black turtleneck jacket. He pairs this with black pants, creating an all-black ensemble. He carries two swords, a katana and a short sword, on his right side. Both blades have black wrappings around the hilt, silver hand guards, and are sheathed in black scabbards.

One striking feature is a prominent scar on his face, which is visible and runs from the upper left part of his head down to his jaw. This scar appears to be the result of a slashing injury, adding a distinctive and perhaps intimidating aspect to his overall appearance.

## Personality

Chihiro has a diligent and curious personality, deeply committed to learning the art of swordsmithing under the guidance of his renowned father, Kunishige. He handles his responsibilities effectively, from caring for goldfish to other tasks assigned to him. Chihiro is driven by ambition, aspiring to follow in his father's footsteps as a swordsmith, fully aware of the moral and emotional weight that this role carries. He often reflects on the profound implications of crafting katanas and shows emotional resilience, bearing a daily reminder of past trauma in the form of a scar.

In his encounters with enemies such as the Korogumi Yakuza group and Genichi Sojo, Chihiro remains loyal to his father's teachings, which include the principle of ensuring that only deserving individuals possess katana. He displays exceptional swordsmanship skills and maintains a strong moral compass, questioning the consequences of their actions and emphasizing his commitment to justice. His unwavering determination becomes evident as he expresses his readiness to confront the Hishaku, regardless of their perceived monstrous nature, and is further proven by the lengths he goes to stop Sojo, someone who is undeserving of an Enchanted Blade in his eyes.

Despite his cold determination, Chihiro does possess a softer side, shown when he cares for Char in her unfortunate circumstances. As noted by Shiba, Chihiro's experience with his father makes him very good at looking after other people.

## Plot

### Background

For much of his life, Chihiro lived with his father Kunishige, a renowned swordsmith known for crafting special katanas using a unique method. He diligently trained alongside his father in swordsmithing, and often took care of much of the household chores. By the time he was nearly 15, Chihiro aspired to follow in his father's footsteps and become a swordsmith, though Kunishige at times questioned Chihiro's readiness to produce and entrust a katana to someone, given its potential impact. Despite his uncertainty, Chihiro remained committed to this responsibility and continued his training.

One day, the Rokuhiras' friend Shiba sensed something amiss and rushed to the their house only to find Chihiro in a devastated state. The house was in ruins, and Kunishige's katanas, six enchanted blades that he had released into the world during the Seitei War but secured in his workshop afterward, were all stolen. Kunishige was found lifeless on the ground. His death deeply affected Chihiro, who wept and questioned the identities of those responsible for the destruction and theft of his father's katanas. Chihiro was determined to confront and defeat the attackers, vowing to make them understand his father's beliefs and attachment to the blades. Chihiro's sole lead was the group known as Hishaku, which was linked to the enchanted blades.

### Sorcery and the Enchanted Blade Arc

38 months later, Chihiro and Shiba attacked the Korogumi Yakuza organization, Chihiro using his father's seventh enchanted blade Enten to dispatch of the Yakuza members. He then began interrogating their leader for information on the Hishaku, but the leader promptly exploded into a tree.

That evening, Chihiro and Shiba would receive info on a sighting of an enchanted blade from their informant, Hinao. Hinao introduced them to the witness, a young girl living on the streets named Char, and while Chihiro and Shiba were initially suspicious of her refusal to give information Chihiro later coaxed out information from her over a hot meal of soba. Norisaku Madoka's attack and brief capture of Char led Chihiro to fully trust Char, and he quickly saved the young girl and defeated the sorcerer, before interrogating him regarding the location of an enchanted blade, Cloud Gouger.

Seeing Chihiro's weakness from exerting himself, Shiba offered to do the interrogation while Chihiro escorted Char back to Hinao's place, which Chihiro agreed to. Seeing Char was still hungry when they got there, Chihiro drove Shiba's car to get her some food, Char sneaking on board as well. After Char ate, Shiba called Chihiro, informing him that Genichi Sojo, Norisaku's boss, was the one in possession of Cloud Gouger, and also the one aiming to capture Char. Shiba also voiced his suspicions that Sojo was connected to the Hishaku. Chihiro acknowledged this as a hostile sorcerer's puppets prepared to engage him.

The puppets dissolved into dirt and swamped the car, but Chihiro grabbed Char and slashed through, just as the sorcerer himself confronted Chihiro, revealing the bounty Sojo placed on the two. Chihiro tried to escape but the puppets surrounded him, and though he cut through them with **Kuro** the sorcerer continued to spawn more. In the midst of the puppets a second sorcerer extended his hand to Chihiro's face, causing Chihiro to flash back to his trauma of his father's death. The sorcerer responsible gloated at Chihiro's weakness and mused over why Sojo would want Char, assuming it was due to her abilities, which he showed to the puppet-creating sorcerer. As he picked up Enten, Chihiro suddenly shot up and disarmed the trauma-inducing sorcerer using his wakizashi, before grabbing Enten and using **Nishiki**, effortlessly cleaving through both sorcerers and the puppets and rescuing Char. Through this clash, Char began to trust Chihiro fully.

Chihiro carried Char and began running back to Hinao's cafe, but was ambushed by a group of sorcerers; however, they were taken out easily by Azami, an old friend of Kunishige and Shiba working under the Kamunabi, an organisation of government-affiliated sorcerers. As the three returned, Azami discussed confiscating Enten, but Shiba rebutted him, stating Chihiro was a capable combatant, Azami begrudgingly agreeing. Azami then told Chihiro of the Rakuza Ichi, the largest black market auction, held annually, which was to be held in a month. One item to be auctioned was Kunishige's Shinuchi of the enchanted blades, submitted by Sojo. Azami ultimately told Chihiro to be ready for that time, as whatever the Hishaku had planned involving the enchanted blades could rock the nation.

## Relationships

### Familial

**Kunishige Rokuhira:** Chihiro shares a close bond with his father, Kunishige Rokuhira, who is renowned as the most famous swordsmith in their country. They both work at the Rokuhira Swordsmith, where they begin their days training together under the warm sunshine. Kunishige is known for crafting special katanas using his unique method, and Chihiro diligently trains alongside him every day.

Kunushige is described as being very serious when he's at work, which contrasts with his usual demeanor. This seriousness can be somewhat odd to Chihiro, especially when he observes his father engaging in quirky habits like talking to the goldfish they keep. Despite these eccentricities, Chihiro handles the responsibilities at the swordsmith and his father's whims with patience.

His father's fame and skill as a swordsmith are evident in the stories that surround him, particularly his heroic role in the Seitei War 15 years ago, where the sword he forged played a crucial role in ending the conflict. Chihiro has heard these stories countless times and is accustomed to the constant comparisons between him and his father.

### Allies

**Shiba:** Shiba was an old friend of Kunishige Rokuhira, and he frequently visited their home. During his visits, Shiba typically engaged in casual banter and discussions with Chihiro and Kunishige. He often shared insights about the town's ongoing turmoil and, on one occasion, sparked a lighthearted height comparison between himself and Chihiro, displaying that they are on good terms.

Shiba also reminisced about Kunishige's fame during the Seitei War and the heroic role played by Kunishige's forged swords. Chihiro is accustomed to hearing these stories and enduring the comparisons made between him and his father.

When Chihiro went to investigate the Korogumi Yakuza group in search of the group of sorcerers named Hishaku, Shiba accompanied him. They engaged in conversations about their objectives and the Yakuza's potential connections to certain individuals involving Hishaku.

## Abilities

**Enhanced Durability:** Chihiro has a very durable body. He was able to block Cloud Gouger's **Mei** with his Enchanted Blade alone without activating its powers or sustaining any injuries despite the attack blasting holes into the walls of Cafe Haru Haru. Later, Chihiro leaped off the roof of a multi-story building to protect civilians from a high-powered **Mei** by acting as a lightning rod to absorb the electricity from the attack, only sustaining considerable burns despite the attack tearing holes in the road.

**Enhanced Speed & Reflexes:** Chihiro can move at speeds much faster than the trained eye can see. Upon arriving at the Korogumi's base, Chihiro instantly slashed the necks of 4 guards stationed at the entrance in a single fluid motion before any of them could react, even landing on the table they were seated at so fast he appeared to have teleported. Chihiro also has incredibly fast reflexes, instantly moving to defend Hinao when Genichi Sojo arrived at Cafe Haru Haru, a feat which impressed Sojo himself.

**Expert Swordsmith:** Chihiro has been trained in the art of swordsmithing by his renowned father, Kunishige. He is diligent and committed to learning this craft, which involves using a unique method to forge special katanas.

### Combat Prowess

**Expert Swordsman:** Having been trained in the art of swordsmanship by his father, Chihiro possesses expertise in handling katanas while in combat to deadly effect. His proficiency in sword wielding has been displayed on multiple occasions. When raiding the base of the Korogumi, Chihiro quickly dealt serious injuries to the guards stationed there, such as slicing off their arms and cutting through their bodies. His capabilities with the katana is further enhanced when he uses sorcery.

When his enchanted blade was taken from him by a sorcerer, Chihiro was able to use his wakizashi to slice off his arm to quickly retrieve the katana. Chihiro can also use his Wakizashi as a projectile, throwing it at his targets to create a diversion for him to get behind them.

## Equipment

### Wakizashi

Chihiro carries a wakizashi of standard size and shape. It has a rectangular-shaped tsuba with 4 angular indentations. It does not seem to possess any special powers.

### Enchanted Blade

**Enten** (淵天 (えんてん) ): The last of the seven katanas forged by Kunishige Rokuhira, and the one which he gave his life to protect. Enten is infused with sorcery and possesses supernatural powers that appear to be based on 3 goldfish that Kunishige bought from a shop when Chihiro was still a child. According to Kunishige, when talking about the goldfish he had bought, the red goldfish "attracts good fortune", the black goldfish "wards off evil", and the three-colored goldfish is "supposed to be totally amazing".

Enten is activated by speaking its name and drawing the katana, which forms several water droplets on the edge of the blade. As with all enchanted blades, Enten amplifies the spirit energy inside a person to such an extent that it can no longer be contained inside the wielder's body, and instead concentrates into a giant mass of spirit energy which manifests in the form of giant goldfish which swim out of the blade of the katana. Every single slash performed using Enten is made of pure spirit energy which enhances its cutting capabilities.

Each of the goldfish synergizes with the blade in different ways, producing special effects which Chihiro can unleash through chanting their colors. The techniques of Enten are quite varied, blending both offensive and defensive moves that turn Chihiro into a formidable fighter. Despite the katana's extraordinary powers, Shiba remarks that Chihiro has yet to unlock its full potential.

## Etymology

The name "**Chihiro Rokuhira** (六平チヒロ, *Rokuhira Chihiro*)" seems to be a combination of a numerical element ("六平") and a given name ("チヒロ"), and it's quite possible that it was chosen for its aesthetic and phonetic qualities rather than having a specific etymological or historical significance.

* **六平 (Rokuhira):**
	+ **六 (Roku):** This character means "six" in Japanese. It could be a reference to the number six or might have some personal significance, such as being the sixth child in a family.
	+ **平 (Hira):** "平" means "flat" or "level" in Japanese. It is a common character used in Japanese names and might be chosen for its positive connotations of stability and peace.
* **チヒロ (Chihiro):**
	+ **チ (Chi):** This is a katakana character, often used for foreign names or borrowed words. It doesn't have a specific meaning in this context.
	+ **ヒロ (Hiro):** This is a common element in Japanese names and can be a standalone given name. It is often associated with positive attributes such as "wide," "vast," or "generous."

## Trivia

* Chihiro's attacks **Kuro** and **Aka** were translated as **Black** and **Red** up until Chapter 14.

## References

*Kagurabachi* Manga: Chapter 1 (Page 18). — Kunishige mentioned how his son will turn 15 soon.
*Kagurabachi* Manga: Chapter 1 (Page 26). — Timeskip of 38 months occurred.
*Kagurabachi* Manga: Chapter 1 (Pages 53).
*Kagurabachi* Manga: Chapter 3 (Pages 12-14).
*Kagurabachi* Manga: Chapter 2 (Pages 12-21).
*Kagurabachi* Manga: Chapter 1 (Pages 26-55).
*Kagurabachi* Manga: Chapters 3-4.
*Kagurabachi* Manga: Chapter 5.
*Kagurabachi* Manga: Chapter 6.
*Kagurabachi* Manga: Chapter 7.
*Kagurabachi* Manga: Chapter 1 (Page 15).
*Kagurabachi* Manga: Chapter 1 (Pages 1, 5-7 & 10).
*Kagurabachi* Manga: Chapter 9 (Pages 7-8).
*Kagurabachi* Manga: Chapter 1 (Pages 48-49).
*Kagurabachi* Manga: Chapter 4 (Page 14).
*Kagurabachi* Manga: Chapter 15 (Pages 4-6).
*Kagurabachi* Manga: Chapter 4 (Pages 12-13).
*Kagurabachi* Manga: Chapter 4 (Pages 16-17).
*Kagurabachi* Manga: Chapter 6 (Pages 15-17).