Fans of Takeru Hokazono’s manga Kagurabachi are drawing emotional parallels between Hakuri Sazanami’s tragic past and the Megumi-Tsumiki storyline from Gege Akutami’s Jujutsu Kaisen.
Despite the differences between the two series, the intense reactions to Hakuri’s backstory, revealed in Kagurabachi chapter 35, have sparked passionate discussions among readers.
In the latest chapter, titled “Cage,” readers are taken through a flashback of Hakuri’s harrowing experience. He was tasked with taking care of a mysterious girl with icy skin, meant to be auctioned off in the Rakuzaichi auction.
Kagurabachi’s Single Flashback Evokes More Emotion in Fans Than Jujutsu Kaisen’s Full Arc
Over the weeks, Hakuri bonded with her, sharing meals and revealing the torture he endured from his family. The girl, who sympathized with Hakuri, became a source of solace for him.
However, on the last day of his duty, the girl revealed her intention to die rather than be sold, holding a knife to her throat.
She expressed regret for involving Hakuri in her plight and ultimately slit her throat in front of him, leaving him traumatized. This poignant moment left readers deeply moved, as it portrayed a relationship crushed by societal constraints and personal suffering.
Why did I feel more for that girl in that flashback than Megumi's sister in 200+ chapters 🫠 https://t.co/RFdfn4gxay
— Thunder Devil (reading Air Gear) (@ThunderTheDevil) June 2, 2024
Comparisons have been drawn to Jujutsu Kaisen’s Megumi Fushiguro and his sister, Tsumiki. Tsumiki, cursed and left in a coma by Pseudo-Geto, briefly reappears during the Culling Game arc only to reveal herself as the vessel for the ancient sorcerer Yorozu.
This twist, culminating in Sukuna killing Tsumiki through Megumi’s body, was meant to evoke despair. However, fans felt that Tsumiki’s character was underdeveloped, serving more as a plot device for Megumi’s story rather than an individual character with depth.
In contrast, Hokazono’s portrayal of the ice girl in Kagurabachi resonated more deeply with fans. Her interactions with Hakuri and the tragedy of her fate were fleshed out within a single flashback, making her death more impactful.
Fans appreciated the emotional depth Hokazono achieved in such a brief span, feeling a stronger connection to the ice girl than they did to Tsumiki over many chapters.
The response from the fan community highlights differing opinions on character development and emotional impact. Some argue that Megumi’s sister was always intended as a plot device, while others critique Gege Akutami’s writing style.
Ultimately, the latest chapter of Kagurabachi has sparked a nuanced discussion about the emotional resonance of tragic storylines, showcasing Hokazono’s ability to evoke powerful emotions through his characters.
