In Kagurabachi Chapter 80, titled “Secret Room,” the narrative expands the worldbuilding within the Kamunabi headquarters while delivering a sudden and harrowing betrayal. The chapter begins with Kudo guiding Hakuri through a vast underground library, filled with sorcery-related texts—resources that reflect Kamunabi’s deep-rooted traditions and strategic depth. Kudo explains that mastering these texts, much like the Masumi workers have, would allow Hakuri to become a vital contributor to the organization. Although the idea seems overwhelming to Hakuri, a loud thundering noise interrupts their conversation.
Kudo dismisses it as likely being Azami’s punches, but the tension subtly rises. He assures Hakuri that the headquarters is heavily protected by an intricate barrier maintained by core members on a rotating schedule, making any external breach impossible. However, as the noise grows louder, Kudo speculates that Ichiki, an elder member presumed to be non-combative, may have joined the fray—an implication that Kamunabi’s leadership, while not all on the front lines, is still formidable in battle.
As the conversation deepens, Kudo details the Kamunabi’s structure, revealing that over 300 fighters undergo rigorous training in martial arts, spiritual energy, and sorcery. He personally has memorized a third of the library’s contents, underscoring the mental discipline and readiness of Kamunabi’s core. Meanwhile, Azami on the battlefield observes Hishaku’s unusual aggression, suspecting something deeper has disrupted their typically calculated tactics.
The chapter takes a dark and shocking turn when Ishihara, a curriculum instructor, arrives in the library. At first, his demeanor is warm, even emotional, as he shares a photo of his daughter and expresses his patriotic duty. But the moment swiftly shifts—he suddenly pulls a knife on Kudo and declares that his daughter means more than his allegiance to the nation. As pine trees grotesquely erupt from his body, revealing a forbidden form of sorcery, Kudo reacts by pushing Hakuri into a hidden chamber below, moments before the upper floor is consumed.
Hakuri lands in a secret room, disoriented and wounded, where he finds Kudo’s blood-stained gas mask—an ominous sign that his mentor might not have survived. The situation worsens when two Kamunabi sorcerers corner him, suspecting he’s an infiltrator. Driven by desperation and promises to protect their own families, they decide to use Hakuri as bait. Though he manages to absorb their weapons into his Storehouse, he struggles in the close-quarters fight and is injured.
However, the pain triggers a deep emotional resolve in Hakuri. Memories of his past trauma, his duty to protect the Shinuchi blade, and his loyalty to Kudo fuel a powerful counterattack. Summoning the blade Isou, Hakuri overcomes his opponents, knocking them unconscious. With fresh wounds and a hardened spirit, he resolves to push forward—alone—toward the battlefield, ready to fulfill his mission.
Chapter 80 delivers an intense blend of exposition, emotional stakes, and betrayal, effectively setting up a larger confrontation while spotlighting Hakuri’s growth from a passive apprentice into a determined warrior.