Kagurabachi Chapter 71 made its debut on March 10, 2025, at midnight JST as part of Weekly Shonen Jump’s 15th issue. This latest installment delved into the backstory of Iori Samura, shedding light on her relationship with her father, Seiichi Samura, while also revealing the fate of her mother, Inori.
Previously, we learned about Itsuo Shirakai’s development of the Iai White Purity Style, a technique allowing practitioners to outpace their opponents. The chapter underscored the importance of grip in mastering this style, which compelled Chihiro—lacking a model—to model his grip after Iori’s, enabling him to triumph over Hiruhiko.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from Kagurabachi Chapter 71.
Kagurabachi Chapter 71: The Memories of Iori
Chapter 71, entitled “Contest,”opens with a poignant flashback set nine years earlier, revealing Iori’s repressed memories. The narrative depicts Seiichi Samura’s arrival at his estranged wife Inori’s residence upon hearing of her collapse. Iori, however, seems distant and unable to recall her father’s presence.
Transitioning to a hospital setting, we learn that Iori’s mother is gravely ill. Inori, while seeking care for Iori, implores Samura to look after their daughter. He resists, questioning if Inori’s sister might be a better option, revealing his reluctance to take on parental responsibilities.
Inori counters Samura’s objections, noting her sister’s commitments to Kamunabi. He struggles with his guilt, reluctant to embrace Iori with hands stained by his history. Inori urges Samura to move forward, emphasizing the need to confront their personal demons.
The narrative follows Samura as he returns from the hospital with Iori, enveloped in silence. They visit a dojo where Samura introduces Iori to his friends, who speak highly of his valor during the war, explaining how their country owes its survival to him.
Unmoved by her father’s legendary status, Iori remembers her mother’s advice: to steer clear of men like Samura, who are shackled by their past. Iori confronts her father over his absence from her mother’s life, torn between resentment and her mother’s wish for reconciliation.
Kagurabachi Chapter 71: Strengthening the Connection Between Iori and Samura
The flashback continues, illustrating Iori practicing kendo with her eyes closed, leading to an unfortunate collision with her kendo stick. Samura questions her technique, to which Iori responds that one must always engage an opponent at their level.
Samura admires her spirit but cautions her not to emulate him, as he has adapted due to his blindness. Ignoring his advice, Iori persistently trains with her eyes shut, symbolizing their evolving relationship and her determination.
As Inori remains hospitalized, Samura and Iori bond over kendo practice and cooking, competing to create the best dish for her. Their efforts seem fruitful when Inori lights up upon tasting their meal, showcasing a fleeting moment of joy amidst her illness.
However, the atmosphere quickly shifts to one of sorrow when Iori experiences the loss of her mother. The chapter poignantly illustrates her isolation at the funeral, revealing that Inori suffered from a terminal illness, grateful that Iori and Samura shared meaningful moments before her passing.
As Iori grieves, Samura comforts her, but foreboding still lingers. The chapter concludes with an unexpected visit from Yura, who carries an ominous message. Despite Samura’s blindness, he senses Yura’s arrival and warns him against provoking him. Yura speaks of the sins associated with the Enchanted Blade wielders and the impending calamity that may befall their nation as a consequence of those past actions.
Conclusion
Chapter 71 of Kagurabachi delivers a gripping narrative rich with emotional depth, particularly spotlighting the growing connection between Iori and Samura. The chapter’s heart-wrenching scenes of Iori coping with her mother’s death and exploring her past highlight the complexity of familial relationships.
This chapter also reintroduces the concept of “Sin,”a recurring theme in the series, hinting that Takeru Hokazono will delve deeper into this storyline in future installments. Furthermore, the conclusion suggests that the Sword Saint is interconnected with these sins, hinting at a dark past that may have brought ruin upon their homeland.