In Kagurabachi Chapter 81, titled “Secret Room,” the story unfolds with Hakuri Sazanami still reeling from the chaos triggered by Hishaku’s covert invasion of Kamunabi. The chapter picks up inside Kamunabi’s secretive sorcery library, where Kudo guides Hakuri through its immense archive, urging him to understand its knowledge and Kamunabi’s deeper structure. As they walk, Kudo explains the organization’s complex internal defenses, including protective barriers and elite enforcers tasked with guarding crucial assets like the Shinuchi blade.
However, the moment of instruction is short-lived. Ishihira, a highly respected instructor within Kamunabi, suddenly activates Pine Tree Sorcery—a move completely out of character. His betrayal is revealed to be the result of Hishaku’s threats against his daughter, showing that Kamunabi’s downfall isn’t just a matter of force, but coercion. In a heartbreaking act of loyalty, Kudo sacrifices himself to protect Hakuri, pushing him into a sealed, hidden section of the facility as the sorcery engulfs everything behind him.
Alone and disoriented, Hakuri regains composure inside the hidden room. His emotional turmoil is quickly interrupted when two rogue Kamunabi sorcerers ambush him, intending to use him as bait to escape or negotiate. Demonstrating growth and determination, Hakuri swiftly defeats them using a mix of tactical sorcery and unrelenting resolve. This encounter opens his eyes to the full extent of Hishaku’s strategy—they’re not just attacking, they’re manipulating Kamunabi from the inside out by targeting their families and exploiting their weaknesses.
Determined to restore order, Hakuri resolves to reach the frontline and protect the Shinuchi blade, now more symbolic than ever as a pillar of resistance and honor. He understands that protecting the blade isn’t just about the artifact—it’s about holding Kamunabi together during its darkest hour.
Looking ahead, Kagurabachi Chapter 81 is poised to deepen the conflict further. We may soon shift focus to Soshiro Azami’s battle against the invading Hishaku sorcerer, offering insight into his Executioner-class techniques, a tier of combat that remains mysterious but deadly. Simultaneously, Chihiro Rokuhira is likely to enter the fray, possibly clashing with Samura, one of Hishaku’s elite, which would provide a stage for Chihiro’s evolving strength and leadership to shine.
With betrayals, deaths, and revelations mounting, Kagurabachi continues to escalate its war-torn storyline. Chapter 81 is expected to release on Monday, June 2, 2025, at 12 am JST, with international readers gaining access a day earlier depending on their timezone. Fans can read it officially on MANGAPlus, Viz Media, or Shonen Jump+, where the latest chapters are updated regularly.