Kagurabachi is a hot topic battle × dark fantasy series that began serialization in Shonen Jump from 2023! Among the currently popular series serialized in Shonen Jump, its story, setting, the beauty of the illustrations, and expressiveness are one of the reasons for its rising popularity!

In Kagurabachi vol.1, the upbringing, growth, and the unrelenting, merciless revenge of the protagonist, Rokuhira Chihiro, are depicted.

Chihiro was born in Japan, and under his father, the most famous swordsmith in Japan, he trained in sword making from a young age. Chihiro was a truly pure boy, fully understanding the nature of his father's work and its significance. This well-portrayed, slightly comedic childhood may be a factor that lends a sense of “legitimacy” to the revenge drama in the latter half of volume 1.

However, one day, six “cursed swords” (swords imbued with sorcery) crafted by his father, as well as his father's life, are suddenly taken by three sorcerers.

“Someday, a sword I've made may take someone's life. Whether they are a good person or a bad one, it will be equally merciless. Can you bear that weight?”

His father was a genius capable of creating “cursed swords,” but he fully understood the possibility that the “cursed swords” could be misused. Thus, he hid them in the basement of their home...... but they were stolen.

With his family, home, and future all taken from him, Chihiro begins his revenge 38 months later against the sorcery organization “Hishaku,” where the three sorcerers who stole the six “cursed swords” are taking refuge, and those associated with it, who arrogantly commit atrocities against civilians using swords in various places.

In this world, facing sorcerers, and especially those wielding incredibly powerful “cursed swords,” Chihiro carries out his revenge. He fights with the seventh “cursed sword,” which his father protected with his life...... and his form is simply beautiful!

The “cursed sword” En-ten, wielded by Chiro, summons three koi fish reminiscent of ink paintings, mastering long-range attacks, sorcery absorption, and physical ability enhancement. His battle form is incredibly cool, and the sight of the sword and beautiful koi successively defeating opponents is cruel yet captivating, feeling like a beautiful illustration. Although we can't see the colors in volume one, the use of colors when featured in center color was wonderful, I thought. Red, white, and black each beautifully color the koi, and their composition is excellent. It's the kind of illustration that rivets the eyes.

Thus, in volume one, the protagonist's objectives, means, combat capabilities, and even the flamboyant battles are clearly defined, making it very readable! Above all, the beautiful illustrations readily convey the content, and I think you'll grow increasingly fond of Chihiro's humanity as he delves into revenge as you progress. Truly pure in his youth, yet somewhat closed off as an adult, he remains earnest, occasionally showing boyish traits...... I hope for his happiness, but his journey of revenge is, admittedly, heart-wrenching to read.

Its popularity within Shonen Jump is steadily increasing, and it has now entered a new chapter! I believe there's no doubt about the possibility of an anime adaptation in the future, so please buy this volume 1 and check out the capabilities of Japan's latest “hot topic” work with your own eyes!