Kagurabachi Chapter 73 debuted on March 31, 2025, at 12 AM JST as part of Weekly Shonen Jump’s 18th issue. This chapter depicted the poignant conclusion of Seiichi Samura and Iori’s father-daughter relationship, delving into Samura’s inner turmoil as he grappled with guilt from the tragic events of the Seitei War.
In the previous installment, readers were confronted with the devastating reality of the Seitei War, where the Sword Saint claimed the lives of 200,000 innocent individuals, despite the existence of an active peace treaty. Furthermore, the chapter unveiled that the Sword Saint’s Eternal Contract with Shinuchi extended its grip to other contracted sword bearers, illustrating the widespread implications of his actions.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from Kagurabachi Chapter 73.
Kagurabachi Chapter 73: A Tranquil Moment Before a Turbulent Change
Entitled “Daybreak,”Kagurabachi Chapter 73 opens with a character at the dojo having an earnest discussion with Samura, who feels concerned about Iori’s adjustment to her new school. The stranger reveals that Iori shares classes with his child, prompting Samura to express his apprehension. The man reassures him, stating that the class size is small and familiarity among students is likely.
Transitioning into a reflective flashback, Samura is seen speaking to a picture of his deceased wife, Inori. He shares updates about their daughter, Iori, highlighting that though she sometimes feels down due to her mother’s absence, she consistently maintains a brave facade.
Upon returning home from school, Iori updates Samura on her day. She had fun and brings light to how her classmates are curious about the heroic deeds of Samura, the celebrated Sword Saint of the nation. However, she also reveals that some students have questioned whether she possesses similar swordsmanship skills. A flashback captures her resolute desire to follow in her father’s footsteps, to which Samura responds with comfort, advising her not to rush the journey of finding herself.
However, Iori soon discloses that she had a confrontation with a peer, leading Samura to notice her bruised head. Chapter 73 highlights the fact that not everyone views Samura as a hero; some perceive him as a brutal killer, leading to bullying directed towards Iori from her classmates. Despite this adversity, she stands proud and resilient.
The Heart-Wrenching Divide: Samura’s Ultimate Sacrifice
In a subsequent scene, Samura sincerely apologizes to the parents of the child responsible for bullying Iori, while they in turn express regret for their son’s behavior. The moment takes a turn when Samura receives a concerning call from Iori’s school; she wants to come home instead of attending classes. Samura promptly picks her up
Upon their return, they are met with an unsettling sight: heaps of garbage cluttering their front yard. Samura notices the judgmental gazes of the neighbors, prompting a confrontation with the onlookers about the rumors circulating regarding his past. It becomes clear that the disgrace surrounding the Sword Saint’s actions has spread throughout the town, leading Samura to suspect that Yura, the leader of Hishaku, is behind this smear campaign.
The narrative shifts to Yura discussing tactics with a fellow sorcerer, contemplating the propaganda they’ve disseminated about the treaty and the Sword Saint’s supposed ethnic cleansing. Although they acknowledge that the information is based on factual events, Yura realizes that it may not be adequate to sway the academically inclined. Their strategy centers on fostering skepticism among the public concerning those labeled as “Heroes.”
As the story progresses, Samura learns from a townsperson that the unvarnished truth about the Seitei War is now common knowledge. Meanwhile, Iori is seen erasing threatening graffiti scrawled on their home. It surfaces that she has been subjected to bullying but was reluctant to let her father know, fearing he might leave if he discovered her suffering. She valiantly tries to suppress her tears, terrified of being abandoned.
Overwhelmed by guilt and feeling like a liability as a father, Samura struggles with the thought of confronting Iori, fearing that a killer’s embrace may harm her more than his absence. Ultimately, after a year and a half of this turmoil, Samura decides to send Iori to live with Inori’s sister for her protection. The chapter further depicts a moment of dread as Samura learns about the tragic demise of Rokuhira, heightening the narrative’s emotional stakes.
Conclusion: The Fallout of War on Family Bonds
Takeru Hokazono masterfully portrays the fragile bond between Samura and Iori in Kagurabachi Chapter 73. The repercussions of war deeply scar their relationship, prompting Samura’s heart-wrenching decision to part ways with his daughter, driven by a desperate wish for her safety.
Samura’s sacrifices not only strip him of personal happiness but also affect Iori’s future, underscoring the profound impacts of past sins on family dynamics. This chapter serves as a stark reminder of the limitations of heroism in the face of personal loss and societal animosity.