Kagurabachi 68, released on 2/16/2025, delivers a perfect mixture of drama and action, satisfying all fans. Hiruhiko, the paper crane sorcerer, continues to amuse with his consistently sociopathic behavior during his second clash with Chihiro. He shows no remorse for Iori’s circumstances — being thrust into a world of violence and fear due to the sins of her father — yet reserves all his compassion for Chihiro, the cold killer who chose to clean up Samura’s mess. Not to mention, he carries the hotel manager’s freshly severed head around like a bouquet of flowers, gleefully presenting it to Chihiro like a cat dropping a dead mouse at its owner’s feet.

Chihiro demonstrates further growth as a team player after what initially seems like a misstep — dropping himself down an elevator shaft. Fortunately, Ro, the Masumi Leader, emerges from a different elevator just in time to take down at least nine assailants.

The Masumi’s seal is finally complete, and this time, it promises to be the mother of all seals. Since ninjas are not exposed to human emotions, the Masumi’s original memory masking was deemed “insufficient.” Iori managed to break the seal over the years through sheer willpower. This time, however, the seal will “reach to the very root” of her consciousness. Iori would be officially in the clear if not for one problem: the Masumi need access to the lantern that powers the hotel’s barrier, and the key is on the first floor, where Chihiro and Hiruhiko are locked in combat.

Chihiro, thanks to his “keen vision,” deciphers Hiruhiko’s sword technique, which allowed him to cut through waves of hotel staff. In short, Hiruhiko is ambidextrous.

Meanwhile, Iori seems determined to “go back to school,” so to speak. However, the choice she faces is far heavier than simply pursuing an education. She is choosing to forget her father permanently. She is choosing to forget Samura because Samura is choosing to forget her.

Biggest Gripes

1. Hiruhiko’s Questionable Line: While holding the hotel manager’s head, Hiruhiko says, “Yeah. I asked this dude’s brain what room you were in.” What does he mean by that? How does one ask someone’s brain for information? Last time it was checked, Hiruhiko was a Paper Sorcerer who lost that power after contracting with Kumeyuri. He does not possess mind-manipulation sorcery. So, what is he talking about?
2. Memory Masking Sorcery: How can the memory masking sorcery be so powerful that it affects everyone in the world? Manipulating one person’s memory is plausible, but affecting the entire world seems far-fetched within this universe. If such a power exists, why didn’t the Kamunabi have the seal cast on Kunishige Rokuhira to ultimately protect him from threats like the Hishaku?
3. Samura’s Awareness: If the seal has been broken, why is Samura still unaware? It is his daughter, so why hasn’t he come in to save the day unless he trusts the Masumi that much despite betraying them.

Overall

Kagurabachi 68 was an 8/10. It sported intense action, great dialogue, and an exciting setup for Kagurabachi 69. Chihiro and Hiruhiko are going to square up for real this time. Where is Toto? Where is Kuguri?