I hate to admit this, but Kagurabachi fans owe an apology to Samura

Kagurabachi is positioning itself to become a series for the ages. Takeru Hokazono continues to deliver with each chapter featuring breathtaking action and an ever-evolving storyline. Given the manga's most recent events however, it is fit to state that fans of the series owe an apology to Seiichi Samura. An original Enchanted Blade user from Seitei War, his intentions were misread.

Previously, he seemed to have "killed" Uruha. But unbeknownst to readers, he had a contigency worked out well. It is in the manga's recent chapters that his real goal and intentions were brought to light. As it stands, they were misread, due to which Samura's character was facing a backlash from fans. However, that isn't the case and it looks like his intentions are nobler than expected.

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Kagurabachi: Fans were unable to recognize Samura's true aims

As a brief refresher, Samura was held responsible for "killing" Yoji Uruha. This happened when the former explained his plan to eliminate all 5 remaining Enchanted Blade wielders, including himself. But Uruha was against Samura allying with the Hishaku to achieve his goal. Their interaction concluded with Uruha seemingly breathing his last and being pronounced deceased.

But some time later, Uruha made his return, taking both in-universe characters and real life folk by surprise. It was then revealed that Samura hadn't truly killed him. Instead, he had used Tobimune's Suzuka Flames, a sort of healing ability. So in essence, while he did "kill" Uruha, he also lit the Suzuka Flames in his wounds, allowing them to later heal completely and save Uruha's life.

Moving on, Samura's true aim was to end Life Contract from wielders of the Enchanted Blades. This stems from his negative opinion about the blades and their wielders, specifically the Master Swordsman. Given their actions in the Seitei War, he vows to eliminate them before taking his own life, believing it as a form of atonement. This he can do not outright murder, but severing their life contracts.

Uruha and Samura in Kagurabachi (Image via Viz Media)

But the only exception to this aim is Samura himself and the Master Swordsman. This is due to him wanting to prevent any chances of Malediction affecting the future. In other words, he seemingly doesn't want the other wielders to suffer death because of this, but himself has accepted it. Samura is strongly opposed to the "hero" depiction the blades bring and wishes to wipe that out.

However, the Shinuchi Enchanted Blade's life contract was linked to the other Enchanted Blades' life contracts. So, in the event that the Master Swordsman were to pass away, the same would happen to the rest of the wielders. But then again, each contract can only be severed if the user were to be killed. Given Uruha's case, Kagurabachi calls Samura's Suzuka Flames "the flames of mercy".

There is one point to be noted here that Samura cannot use the flames on himself. This means that if he were to sustain grave damage, he cannot save himself through this ability. A fine detail like this highlights Samura's resolve - he is ready for death without salvation. His actions aren't villianous, but that of a tragic figure weighed down guilt and determined to end a cycle of violence.

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Final Thoughts

Chihiro Rokuhira in Kagurabachi (Image via Viz Media)

Ultimately, Samura's actions in Kagurabachi stem from a deep and painful sense of responsibility, not malice or pride. He does not want the past to repeat itself and have the next generation, like Chihiro, bear the weight of the same horrors and regrets. In other words, Samura's wishes to stop the cycle of violence without including anyone else in it.

Him refusing to accept Chihiro's help was protection, not arrogance. Instead, he is prepared to take on all that pain and turmoil, ready for death even, if it translates in others being saved. His actions may seem like self-isolation, but they are those of a man who has suffered enough to know that some roads should never be tread again once again.

Again, his vow to prevent the Malediction represents his way of pushing for a future where others can live uninhibitied, free of pain or fear. Heroic, selfless and quiet, Samura is beyond a warrior; he is a guardian.

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