Kagurabachi chapter 40: Kyora Sazanami demonstrates Shinuchi against Chihiro, while Hishaku's plan is revealed

Kagurabachi chapter 40 was released on Monday, July 8, 2024, at 12 am JST in Weekly Shonen Jump issue #32. The chapter saw Kyora Sazanami using the Shinuchi as his final resort against Chihiro Rokuhira. Even with a fraction of its powers, the sorcerer turned the tide of the battle.

The previous chapter of Kagurabachi saw Chihiro Rokuhira showcase his genius to outwit Kyora Sazanami and slice him with Enten. He had the help of Hakuri, who created Chihiro's preview image to confuse the Sazanami clan head. However, Kyora's resolve to complete the Rakuzaichi auction pushed him to consider using the Shinuchi Enchanted Blade.

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Kagurabachi chapter 40 highlights: Hishaku's plan regarding the Shinuchi blade is revealed

Picking up the events from the previous chapter, Kagurabachi chapter 40 kicks off with Kyora Sazanami planning to hold a demonstration of Shinuchi's powers for the audience, aside from wielding it against Chihiro. The crowd, including the Kamunabi sorcerers, in the Rakuzaichi auction's room look forward to what Kyora is up to.

Chihiro senses danger, so he uses Kuro on the ground, where Kyora is hiding like a cocoon. The narrative for Kagurabachi chapter 40 then delves into a flashback, where Shiba is seen speculating about the Hishaku's motive. The sorcerer surmises that the Hishaku are auctioning the Shinuchi to get the Kamunabi bid for it.

Since they went through the trouble of stealing the Enchanted Blade, they want to use it, but they can't unless the original user is dead. Considering the original users of the Enchanted Blades are put on a strict guard by the Kamunabi, they cannot infiltrate the place.

Shiba (top) and Kamunabi (bottom) in the chapter (Image via Takeru Hokazono/Shueisha)

Shiba realizes that if the blade ends up in Kamunabi's hands, there will be a distraction, allowing the Hishaku an opening to end the original users' lives and sever the Eternal Contracts.

Chihiro then recalls his father, Kunishige Rokuhira telling him how Shinuchi is an aberrant, which is why it is more heavily guarded than the other Enchanted Blades. Shiba informs Chihiro in Kagurabachi chapter 40 that those seals were placed by the higher-ups from Kamunabi, and only their bio-authentication can open them.

There's another way to unseal the box, where a user has to analyze the sealing formula and release the shackles. However, Shiba feels it may take at least ten years for even an experienced sorcerer to open them.

Hishaku's leader, as seen in the chapter (Image via Takeru Hokazono/Shueisha)

Back to the present, Chihiro notices Shinuchi's box lying on the ground, with the seals released. At that moment, Kagurabachi chapter 40 switches the focus to the Hishaku's leader, who is seen conversing with another Hishaku member. The mysterious leader reveals that it took him three intense years to open the box.

The other Hishaku member asks him, whether it's fine for Kyora to use the blade. Interestingly, the leader assures the other man, that there's a risk to demonstrating the blade's true powers, with the original user still alive. As such, he wants to use Kyora as a guinea pig to see what will happen once the Sazanami leader wields the blade.

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Kagurabachi chapter 40: Kyora wields Shinuchi against Chihiro, while a familiar face arrives for help

Kagurabachi chapter 40 shifts the focus to the Chihiro vs. Kyora Sazanami battle. The former gets an eerie sensation from Kyora, as the sorcerer emerges from the ground. He stands with blackened eyes, carrying the unsheathed Shinuchi.

Suddenly, Kagurabachi chapter 40 shows a panel featuring the original user of Shinuchi, chanting Magatsumi (Curved Sin). While the chapter doesn't confirm, there's a possibility that Magatsumi is the original name of Shinuchi.

Kyora (left) and the original use of Shinuchi (right) in the chapter (Image via Takeru Hokazono/Shueisha)

Following that, the chapter shows Kyora standing in a pool of blood, with blood dripping from the blade. Mysterious flowers bloom from blood and a butterfly flies toward the blade. As the butterfly touches Kyora's hand, his Spirit Energy manifests into a gigantic butterfly.

The sorcerer finally speaks. He realizes that he can't pull the Enchanted Blade out of its sheath. Chihiro is left flabbergasted by the whole situation. He wonders whether it's really Kyora Sazanami or someone possessing him.

Hiyuki in Kagurabachi chapter 40 (Image via Takeru Hokazono/Shueisha)

The sorcerer charges at Chihiro with the blade still in its sheath. Chihiro realizes that Shinuchi can cut even with just a fraction of its powers.

Meanwhile, Kagurabachi chapter 40 switches the perspective to Hakuri, who appears exhausted. Suddenly, he notices Hiyuki Kagari behind him. The chapter ends with Hiyuki looking resolute yet concerned about the ongoing situation.

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