Part One Belonged To The Villains | Kagurabachi

Added: 2026-05-28

[00:00:00]Part one of Kagurbachi has concluded.

[00:00:02]This made me reflect on all the past events and ask myself, what is it that makes Kagurbachi so enthralling? On my old channel, I dropped a video about the weekly experience, which is the best aspect of Kagurbachi in my opinion. And I still feel like the weekly experience of reading the series is so great. But what is it that grabs the reader and pulls them in further? What exactly is the aspect that affects us so viscerally? Today, we will talk about exactly what that thing is. But first, I'd like to remind you to like the video and subscribe to the channel. Villains.

[00:00:33]Kagurabachi is on an insane run when it comes to the major villains in the story. Sojo, Kiora, Hirohiko, Yura, and Soga. Now, I'm not going to be talking about Samura because he is more of an antagonist than a villain, but his arc has been great and his moment as the opposition was something to experience.

[00:00:50]He was imposing and his presence was always felt even off panel. But I would like to mention the villains who have played their part beautifully throughout the story, but just don't have enough panel time or characterization to talk about in too much detail. Villains like Soya, Tenry, the rest of the Hishaku, and [ __ ] even give a minor shout out to Madaka, the Daruma sorcerer, just cuz they have done a phenomenal job filling in the gaps between the big fights. Some examples are Kaguri during the swordbearer assassination arc when he challenged Chihiro's view of swordsmanship. That moment gave Chihiro a reality check that would be the foundation for his growth as a swordsman and pay dividends as he progresses through his journey. Can't forget about Soya. The love he had for his younger brother Hakri is the basis for toughening up Chihiro's right-hand man.

[00:01:35]Oh, he was even the catalyst for Hakri's awakening. That development holds so much weight in the narrative and acts as a primary part of Chihiro's plan. Hakri is very important to Chihiro and the story. I could talk about Toto and her dynamic with Hirohiko. Yukiada being the core station vessel. Uran being present for Kunishig's assassination. Hataku was there as well and he's also been present for a lot of big moments in the series.

[00:02:00]It seems like he is even Yura's confidant. All those things are true, but there's one more villain that has come in and excited the fandom, and that's Hokito. Not only was he technically present for the assassination of Kunig, but he was also the one that killed the goat Ibiki Masaka, best Masaka brother by the way, at the same time of the events at Kunig's place. His introduction in chapter 89 is one of the best in the series. He continued to live up to the hype the Phantom gave him by constantly being a sword demon. All of his interactions are great. Plus, we can't forget about his inclusion in the 2v2 fight with Yura, Uraha, and Natsky. All of those events are an integral part of Kagurbachi's DNA. It's the fun moments we get from this charismatic villain ensemble and that increases the enjoyment of the weekly experience.

[00:02:45]Alas, it's time to face the major villains. First, we have Janichi Sojo.

[00:02:49]Not only the first villain, but also the first sword bearer we get to see Chihiro fight. We now know he was just a puppet for Yura's plan, but he was a puppet with Aura. He is special in the series as he is the only character to have a side story take place. There's a big part of the Phandom actually loves those short chapters of him at the bath house.

[00:03:07]In fact, some of the fandom even believes that Soja was the reason Kagurbachi didn't get asked from Shonen Jump. I personally don't believe that, but to some degree, he does play a part in the story becoming exciting. It was Hokazo who cooked those chapters each week to keep it going, though. Sojo's execution was next level. Not only was he imposing, but he was full of character. He reminds me of Zabaza in terms of the long-term influence they had on the MC. Sojo gave Chihiro a muchneeded reality check at the very beginning of his journey. Their first fight had amazing choreography, but the fight was so much more than that. We get to see Chihiro engage with another enchanted blade wielder who also loves Kunig, but for different reasons, conflicting reasons. Chihiro's inner monologue during the fight is super important as well. It shows how sporadic his thoughts were when he first faced Sojo. This fight also shows Chihiro truly knows what the enchanted blades are capable of. He knows their moves and weaknesses. This will come into play and be very handy for him going forward.

[00:04:07]Chapter 9 is one of the best chapters in Kagurbachi, but it's often forgotten about because of later developments.

[00:04:13]Finally, as they meet for their final fight, both swordsmen clash. They reach a level of understanding and are capable of exchanging words with their swords.

[00:04:21]They each accept the others ideals, but still value their own more in the end.

[00:04:26]As their duel came to an end, it was Chihiro who came out on top by resolving himself and destroying his father's creation, the cloud gouger. So deliluted himself into thinking he was worthy, but he fell short and blew himself up.

[00:04:40]Kiora Sazanami, he showed Chihiro what a toxic family dynamic looks like. At this point in the story, Chihiro only had his experience with his father to pull from.

[00:04:49]So Kiora's addition to the story showed him that not every child has a loving connection with their father like he did. Despite being a [ __ ] father, he was one hell of a character. His fight with Chihiro was really dynamic and showed off Hokazona's ability to get creative with the landscape of the battle.

[00:05:04]Storehouse usage from Cior versus Chihiro wielding anten and receiving assistance from the now awakened Hakari, but Chihiro is pushed by Hakri's plea.

[00:05:13]Please slay my father. The duo eventually lands a lethal blow to Kiora, but the fight is far from over as he emerges wielding the Magatsumi. Just a tip though, pause. The Magatsumi's first display of power is almost overwhelming and it's just a fraction of his power.

[00:05:28]Mind you, this is another example of Yura's plan excelling. He used Sojo and Cure to do his bidding, and it paid off for him. Cura was a guinea pig to show Yura how the Magasumi would react to someone wielding it. And the actual fight against the Magatasumi was peaked, too. It might be the longest fight in the series, and it doesn't disappoint.

[00:05:46]Yuki jumps into the battle to help Chihiro even though they once clashed as enemies. But above all, Cure was exceptional throughout the Raku Zachi arc. He said what he stood for and backed it up by his actions. His sense of self was so strong that it allowed him to face himself and realize the error of his ways, though, which this allowed him to fight off the sword saint's influence and die as Kior sizami. Chapter 43 has one of the most moving moments in the entire series. At death's door, Kior admits that Chihiro was right. He was the one who failed.

[00:06:16]Failed as a father. Now, as he finally looks at the one son that pleaded for Chihahiro to slay him, Hakri felt like his father never cared enough to truly see him. But now he gets that, but it comes at the cost of losing his father forever. Hakri resolved himself for this though, and he is now stronger and ready to move forward with Chihiro. I want to briefly talk about Hirohiko. Some of you may not feel like he is a major villain, but I personally believe Hokazona has set the stage for him to be Chihiro's running partner. Of course, he is currently without his enchanted blade and his stocks are in the dirt.

[00:06:49]Rightfully so, to be real. But Hirohiko is due for a big moment and I think that will be the thing that will push Chihiro to be ready for his final fight against Soga. Now, what that may be, I'm not sure. But one thing I will say, the dynamic between Chihiro and Hirohiko is great. Even if the win loss is completely one-sided, Hirohiko won't give up. Part two may be good to Hirohiko's character. Le Hogazono cook Yura. For those who know me or watch his Shaku hideout, you know Yura is my goat.

[00:07:19]He's one of one. First off, his character has massive panel presence.

[00:07:23]Anytime he appears, it enriches the story, even if it's just him talking to Hat Shaku. His introduction is especially good because of the effect it has on Chihiro. If you notice, when Shihira is face to face with Sojo for the first time in chapter 9, Shahhiro's mind is flooded with thoughts and questions, but he's able to keep his composure and fight. When Shahira is face to face with Yura, he is unable to keep that composure. Instead of asking your questions about the current state of the blades, he asks one question that resides deep in his heart. Why did you kill my father? What's beautiful about this is the answer to that question lies in chapter 104 where Yura bellows out, "Your father made the world like this."

[00:08:04]And just that one chapter changes how we look at Yura. We can sympathize with him and his resolve. He was a regular man who had enough conviction to gain the strength needed to surround himself with strong allies who would follow him. He came a long way and managed to get rid of Sojo and the Raku Zachi. But we can't dismiss the horrible crimes that happened because of your plans. And I'd bet he believes that the ends justify the means. Well, everything that he has done up until now was so the enchanted blades could be used to protect Japan.

[00:08:34]He might not be the one actually overseeing it right now, but So will show us the world that Yura wanted to see. Only time will tell us how this plays out. All in all, Yura's character moves the story so well. He puts his life on the line for what he believes in, and when it's time to fight, Yura is skilled enough to fight against sword masters. even though he's not a swordsman. And just to be transparent, I have to say seeing his story in 104 really moved me. Like it moved me more than anything else in this story. And maybe that's crazy. You tell me. But when you're said, "We were nobody, but we needed a hero." That will always stick with me. Lastly, Soga Akamura. I won't talk too much about Soga. We will see a lot more from him in part two, but truthfully, I believe he is the type that what you see is what you get. You can believe his words because he has no reason to lie. He is above everyone and he doesn't care how you feel because he is absolute. He believes in a traditional oldstyle justice. There is no gray area for him. Justice is black and white, but we know the real world doesn't function this way. So, we will have to see how his influence as the Kabonabi leader will affect Japan. Can't forget to mention he is a sword god. His introduction has lived up to the insane hype and it shows why they call him peerless. I'm looking forward to see if he shows a change in character at any point in the future. It looks unlikely, but we will get some kind of characterization from Soga. And I'm excited to see that. Well, these are the villains of part one. That will do it for me. Thanks for watching till the end. Let me know in the comment section who your favorite villain is. And don't forget to like and subscribe. And remember, stay normie, stay weeb, [ __ ] even in between is fine. Until next time, peace.