In Kagurabachi Chapter 81, titled “Core Fighters,” the story plunges deeper into internal chaos within Kamunabi as Hishaku’s infiltration escalates. The chapter opens with Kamunabi’s higher-ups interrogating the Barrierkeepers regarding the alarming increase in pine tree sorcery-related deaths. The Barrierkeepers admit they’re still searching for the root cause, but suspicions mount that Hishaku is orchestrating a collapse from within.
Despite the Shinuchi Enchanted Blade remaining unaffected for now, Kamunabi identifies four vital assets that must be protected at all costs: the core barrier structure, the Shinuchi blade, the Sword Saint, and a mysterious undisclosed item. This indicates that the current crisis is not only physical but also symbolic—Kamunabi’s very identity and legacy are under siege.
The perspective then shifts to Hakuri Sazanami, who navigates Kamunabi’s darkened corridors, reflecting on his limited knowledge of the attackers. He soon encounters Kashima, a squad captain under Kudo. Upon learning that Kudo supposedly sacrificed himself during the pine sorcery outbreak, Kashima reveals the terrifying truth: Hishaku had embedded seeds within Kamunabi members, set to release pine tree sorcery upon their deaths. A security alert soon confirms this—50 out of 500 personnel might be infected, triggering widespread paranoia.
As a safety measure, Kashima asks others to avoid Hakuri, even while offering to help him reach the Shinuchi. But the momentary calm is shattered when Kudo suddenly reappears. While Hakuri is overwhelmed with relief, Kashima grows suspicious—and rightfully so. A twin-dagger-wielding girl ambushes them, and Kashima sacrifices himself to protect Hakuri. Moments later, the entire squad is brutally decapitated, confirming their worst fear: Kudo is an imposter.
Pine trees sprout from the dead as Hakuri is flung away. The fake Kudo coldly reveals that the real Kudo died earlier and confirms that he and the dagger girl are part of a Hishaku infiltration unit, fulfilling a “quota” of sabotage and death. As the dying Kashima urges Hakuri to escape, he breathes his last, leaving Hakuri paralyzed in grief and horror.
Meanwhile, chaos spreads to the Barrierkeepers, who realize they are dealing with both sorcery and covert agents. Their intel systems are compromised, making it impossible to verify real threats from illusions. Izaru steps up, calming the team and directing a tactical counter-response, proving his importance during this internal collapse.
As Hakuri flees, consumed by emotion, a dramatic final moment lands—Yoji Uruha, long absent, reappears. With cold efficiency, he eliminates both infiltrators and tells Hakuri to come with him. Uruha’s return signals a crucial turning point in Kamunabi’s resistance, possibly marking the beginning of a counterattack against Hishaku.
Chapter 81 is a devastating and high-stakes installment that deepens the stakes of the internal war within Kamunabi. With major deaths, identity betrayals, and the organization’s very foundation crumbling, Kagurabachi continues to raise the tension with every chapter.