Kagurabachi (カグラバチ) is a Japanese dark-fantasy shōnen manga by Takeru Hokazono that began in Weekly Shōnen Jump in September 2023. In the story, 18-year-old Chihiro Rokuhira — son of a legendary swordsmith — survives a brutal attack by sorcerers who kill his father and steal his six enchanted katanas. Now wielding a hidden seventh sword (Enten), Chihiro embarks on a revenge quest to reclaim the stolen blades and avenge his family. As of 2025, Kagurabachi has earned a strong fanbase and critical praise for its intense action and storytelling. Officially, you can read Kagurabachi online through Shueisha’s platforms: the Manga Plus website/app and VIZ Media’s Shonen Jump service (which both offer the latest chapters for free).
Kagurabachi is known for its striking artwork and dark fantasy themes. The plot blends samurai sword-fighting with supernatural elements: Chihiro’s father Kunishige was a master blacksmith who forged six “Enchanted Blades” that ended a great war, using a rare ore called Datenseki. When a criminal sorcerer group called the Hishaku murders Kunishige and steals the blades, Chihiro — now master of the seventh sword Enten — vows vengeance. Fans have compared Kagurabachi to series like Chainsaw Man and Jujutsu Kaisen because of its gritty tone and supernatural action. By late 2025 it had sold over 3 million copies and even won the 10th Next Manga Award, cementing its status as a standout new shōnen hit.
Story and Characters
Kagurabachi centers on Chihiro Rokuhira, a typically stoic but compassionate young hero. After his father’s slaughter, Chihiro ends up with Enten, a hidden enchanted blade capable of absorbing energy and unleashing magical slashes. Despite his vengeful mission, Chihiro shows a warm side toward allies and avoids harming innocents. Training alone, he masters the Iai “White Purity” sword style by studying others, and slowly uncovers secrets about the war his father helped end.
Chihiro is joined by a small team of allies. One key companion is Togo Shiba, a friendly sorcerer and longtime family friend who uses teleportation magic. Shiba, a former member of a government sorcery agency (the Kamunabi), accompanies Chihiro to help fight the Hishaku and protect him. Another ally is Hakuri Sazanami, an exiled sorcerer from the Sazanami Clan who teams up with Chihiro after witnessing his courage and deciding to fight injustice alongside him. Together, Chihiro’s group faces the Hishaku sorcerer syndicate and other powerful foes. The Hishaku’s leaders (and a Yōtō black market) are major antagonists who drove the central tragedy.
The story’s dark, revenge-driven tone is a major draw. As one synopsis puts it, “the goofy father and the serious son thought these days would last forever. But suddenly, tragedy strikes… Chihiro and his blade now live only for revenge. Epic sword battle action!”. Kagurabachi’s mix of samurai action, magic, and high stakes has been praised by readers and critics alike. Even before the manga’s first chapter appeared, it was touted as a smash hit and one of Shueisha’s most exciting new launches. Reviewers note its cinematic influences (creator Hokazono cited directors like Tarantino and Fincher) and the way it reinvigorates classic revenge themes in manga.
Where to Read Kagurabachi Online
If you want to read Kagurabachi manga online, the official sources are Shueisha and VIZ’s platforms. Manga Plus (Shueisha’s official global site/app) simul-publishes Weekly Shōnen Jump titles, offering the latest chapters of Kagurabachi in English for free. In North America, the VIZ Media Shonen Jump service provides Kagurabachi chapters as well; its website notes that the newest free chapters are available via Manga Plus. (Aside from reading on the Manga Plus site/app or Viz’s site, you can also access Kagurabachi in print – VIZ publishes English volumes – but online reading is primarily through these digital platforms.)
It’s worth noting that only a few chapters at a time are free on Manga Plus; once new chapters release, older ones rotate out. To read beyond those or to catch up fully, VIZ’s Shonen Jump subscription (which unlocks their digital vault) or buying the collected volumes may be necessary. However, for casual online reading, Manga Plus is the easiest free option. (Be aware: Manga Plus may restrict access in Japan, and Viz’s free offering in your region might similarly defer to Manga Plus.)
Some unofficial scanlation sites also host Kagurabachi chapters online. For example, fan-run sites like “readkagurabachimanga.com” or “KagurabachiMangaOnline” advertise free English chapters. These sites typically provide every chapter in image format. However, such sites are not legal and often carry intrusive ads or risk. We strongly recommend sticking to the official outlets (Manga Plus/Viz) to support the creators and enjoy the best image quality.
In summary, Kagurabachi can be read online primarily through official channels: Viz/Shonen Jump and Shueisha’s Manga Plus. The English version follows shortly after the Japanese release (simul-publish). Reading via those services ensures you get accurate translations and up-to-date chapters.
Kagurabachi’s engaging characters, epic sword battles, and revenge story have made it a rapidly growing favorite. Whether you’re a long-time shōnen fan or new to the genre, this manga delivers a dark, thrilling adventure. Just remember to use the official sites for reading online – not only will you be reading legally, you’ll also help support Hokazono and the team behind Kagurabachi.
