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Lenni Reviews: “Kagurabachi” Vol. 8, by Takeru Hokazono

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

While taking refuge at the Kyoto Slaughter Hotel, Iori contemplates restoring her memories as Chihiro risks his life to protect her.

This volume dives into Iori’s past and growing up with a famous swordman like Samura. Now, there’s also a prophesy about the sword bearers causing a great calamity (reminds me of Choujin X) The action is fantastic and there’s a lot of heart tugging events here, too. And it’s paced well enough that while cluttered, it’s easy to read and flows very well. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Marriage Toxin” Vol. 13, by Joumyaku & Mizuki Yoda

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Gero takes a break to hang out with Beppo and they go to a restaurant run by Sota of of the Taste Masters. Then he is hired to help Chinatsu escort Nabe, former head of the Arima family.

While this feels a little bit like filler, it’s fun filler and the second part is supposed to deepen the connection between Gero and Chinatsu. As fun as they are, I’m wondering what’s going to happen now in order to make progress on the initial deal: get married to save his sister from an arranged marriage. All these hijinks are fun and entertaining but I’d like to see the field of prospective wives start to dwindle. 3 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Kagurabachi” Vol. 7, by Takeru Hokazono

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Chihiro and Haruki face Hirukiko, who has an obsession with Chihiro. Samura decides that the root of the problem is the swordbearers, not the enchanted swords themselves.

With Samura making that decision, the bulk of this volume is protecting his daughter, Iori. There’s a sprinkle of Chihiro working on becoming a better swordsman so he can use regular swords proficiently, which will eventually help him become even better with the magic ones. I’m sure we’ll see more of that later, but this volume is getting Iori. I can see how we got here, and I like the direction this is going. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Kagurabachi” Vol. 6, by Takeru Hokazono

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Chihiro and Hakuri head to Kokugoku hot spring, where the enchanted sword bearer is being held. When they encounter Hiruhiko from the Hishaku, they end up in a tense battle.

This is an action-packed, angsty volume. There’s blood and body parts flying everywhere, giving us a chance to see some great swordplay and powers. It’s all very exciting, and Chihiro is an easy protagonist to root for. He has some AWESOME moments and fits right in with all the new characters. The world and cast are expanding and I love when a simple premise (get the swords back) branches off into something more. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Marriage Toxin” Vol. 10, by Joumyaku & Mizuki Yoda

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Gero is on the way to rescue Kinosaki and the rest of the matchmaking party from Gun Master Miyuki.

Gero is just kinda bopping to the tune of whatever drama the other families are getting up to in this volume. It’s fine, Gero is a good character, and his goofiness contrasts well with his grim and impressive talents. The fight scenes are interesting, but it just makes me wonder how all of this ties in with the original premise other than the “only one bed” trope. Not a bad read since seeing the various masters battle is always a treat. 3 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Kagurabachi” Vol. 5, by Takeru Hokazono

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

As Chihiro descends into the storehouse of the Rakusaichi auction, he encounters the leader of the Hishaku.

The space warping abilities Kyora has make for some interesting battles and great art. It really showcases how powerful and terrifying these swords can be. There are some beautiful two-page spreads and some great maturity from Chihiro. His father didn’t really let him know the details about what these swords can do, and realizing he can’t do this on his own was surprising. I thought he’d go full lone protagonist, but nope. I have the feeling he’s going to learn a great deal about his father that was hidden from him as this story goes on. 4 out of 5

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Lenni Reviews: “Kagurabachi” Vol. 4, by Takeru Hokazono

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Chihiro has to get into the storehouse on the Sazanami clan’s property before the Sinuchi sword is auctioned off.

Man, with all the family drama mixed in with the action, this was a fast-paced and entertaining read. Hakuri has a tragic backstory and it was amazing to see him rise above his shitty family’s criminal background and get in tune with his abilities. The battles are bloody and exciting. Definitely a stand out so far in the series, even though it’s kinda sad and Hakuri’s brothers are creepy. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Vagabond Definitive Edition” Vol. 2, by Takehiko Inoue

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Takezo is traveling to get stronger, challenging as many people as he can. Along the way, he picks up a kid, Jotaro, who wants to be Takezo’s disciple. He’s training hard but his feelings for his childhood friend, Otsu, are a dangerous distraction.

This volume is so much better than the first volume. The fight choreography is great here and Takezo is getting some good character development. Now that he’s facing opponents so much stronger than he is, he can’t just “I wanna be the very best” his way out of it. He has to think and strategize. I do have to say, I don’t care about his friend and whatever he’s doing. I’d rather stick to Takezo’s side of the story since that’s where the action is happening. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Kagurabachi” Vol. 2, by Takeru Hokazono

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

The Hishaku, who are the ones who killed Chihiro’s father, have captured Char and Chihiro goes to rescue her before they can use her unique abilities for evil.

This volume focuses on defeating Genichi Sojo, who possesses the Cloud Gouger blade. They have one heck of a battle and it’s fantastically done. They fit in a lot of lore about the weapons while the actions takes place. There isn’t a chunk of exposition when it comes to back story or the sword’s powers. I’m also glad we get to see more of Chihiro’s father in the flashbacks. He’s got a fun personality and balances out his very stoic son. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Kagurabachi” Vol. 1, by Takeru Hokazono

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Chihiro Rokuhira, son of the most famous swordsmith in the land, Kunishige . When Kunishige is killed and six of his enchanted swords stolen, Chihiro goes on a mission to recover the lost blades and avenge his father’s murder.

Not gonna lie, I was expecting a period piece like Steel of Celestial Shadows but the clothes are more modern and there are flip phones. This kicks off with some great battles and lore. A lot was unexpected and fresh; Kunishige is kind of a goof instead of a grumpy, vengeance driven sword master and I really like it. The art style give us some beautiful fights and abilities and in general has a fast pace with a wide variety of characters. I look forward to more. 4 out of 5.

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