#sazanami clan

[ati-nevershut]

The Sazanami clan in Kagurabachi are suuuuch a well written toxic family. I love it. The combination of love and duty are so well shown through the differences and similarities between Tenri/Kyora/Hakuri/Soya. I love that Hakuri hasn't escaped it just by joining Chihiro. Its a mess. They're all a mess. Also it makes such a good parallel to Chihiro, his father, and his mission.

[sanzu-sanzu-sanzu]

YOU GUYS :((( I NEED FIC OF THIS MAN :(((((( like an actual fic of HIM as main guy and and not as supporting character to that of his son and his boyfriend!!!!!!!!!!!

I BEG….

PLEASEEEE. ONLY HE CAN FIX ME.

[zenitsuinamogus]

Convergence of the Sazanami Elite ~☆~ Kagurabachi Ch. 23 manga coloring

This is my first Kagurabachi coloring in a long time, hope you all enjoy! It was also posted on reddit where you can find all of my previous manga colorings that have not yet been brought to tumblr

[jessunderstands]

Tamaki Sazanami

[kainekron]

it's nither are bad but I'm just surprised that these two have something so specific in common

[entenoi]

I need Choso to come back to life and beat the shit out of Soya like he did to Naoya

[hestzhyen]

What's in a Name? (Sazanami Clan)

Sincerely sorry for spamming you, dear void. Think of this as a purge of ideas that have been percolating around for a while but were never given time until now. Anyway, let's take a look at the kanji meanings for the Sazanami clan members' names! ( •̀ ω •́ )✧

Much like parents creating a name for their children, authors often put their wishes and intentions for the character into the name selection process. Kagurabachi is no different- the Saznami's names showcase how much thought Hokazono put into creating the characters to fit seamlessly into the story.

I'm not a pro at Japanese so these interpretations are based off of a lot of research only.

Without further ado:

漣 (sazanami, most commonly read as ren) means "ripple". An indirect reference to the inherited isou technique that uses shock waves?

More rarely, it can also mean crying or continuously flowing tears. A hint towards the horrible legacy they've got as a clan, perhaps.

Sazanami Kyora (漣 京羅) - Bizarre name.

京 (kyo) directly means capital city and is often used as shorthand for Kyoto city itself (京都). 羅 (ra) is for lightweight fabrics like silk or gauze... a surface reading is kinda weird. His name is "silk capital", huh...

In a name, 京 (kyo) can confer both grandeur and power. 羅 (ra) can confer the idea of a protective net, or a link of unity and strength. So in my mind, Kyora is meant to be the powerful, uniting force that protects. Protects what? Certainly not his kids! GOTTEM

Sazanami Soya (漣 宗也) - Soya is a special guy for many reasons... 宗 (usually read as mune) is associated with respect for family, ancestry, and following the teachings of a founder (in a religious sense). The so reading is actually pretty rare and means "origin" or "virtuous ancestor". In general it conveys a sense of the child being expected to honor the family's ancestors, legacy, and perhaps being the start of something new and special. Good good this is fine.

也 is pretty interesting too. It's archaic, for one. Thus making it a strange choice for a modern name. The most common readings of 也 (nari and ya) mean "to be" in the sense that something is certain to happen/occur, but there's also a less common one used here (ya) that is questioning- like "will it be?" or "is it"? And when it's included in a name, 也 (ya) often takes on a meaning like "also". In an abstract sense, ya here implies excitement for the baby being born, so at least he's got that going for him.

So IMO the most direct meaning of 宗也 (soya) is "another origin" in reference to his "love" being what helps Hakuri overcome Soya himself and start down his new path, with strong implications that he was expected to honor his family's tradition... but maybe wouldn't be able to. Cool stuff! And really depressing in the context that he was chosen to be the next head of the family! Did his parents not have high hopes for him for some reason? Imagine naming your kid "baby we're excited to have that will respectfully carry on our family legacy" while also throwing it in doubt by deliberately using an archaic kanji lol. Soya never had a chance.

Is that why he treated Hakuri the way he did once his little bro failed to manifest the talent he was assumed to have...?

Sazanami Hakuri (漣 伯理) Our favorite former boyfailure sure has an interesting name...

伯 (haku) means someone with a position of high authority like "chief", "earl", or "count". In a name, it conveys a sense of respect and admiration being due as the highest ranked person in the family. What audacity lmao. I think it's interesting that the middle child was given this name since haku also implies being obligated respect and admiration as the eldest brother/role model of the family. Should his and Soya's names have been swapped?

理 (ri) means reason/logic... and less often, justice or truth. It's interesting that this character was used instead of the more common 裡 (ri) that usually composes the full name (伯裡). This character is for something in the rear or the middle, inside or within- implying they're protected or sheltered. Name implications of 裡 carry connotations of inner strength, security, and comfort; a sense of belonging and connection. ...Things our Hakuri notably lacks. He was never meant to be a strong leader secure in his relationships and protected from harm, I guess. So let's look at why 理 might have been chosen instead.

There are many possible implications when 理 used in a name, but most of them imply that the child will be guided or helped along in a positive way. Whether by order and structure, logic and wisdom, deep empathy... any or all of them. So his name is something like "logical/natural chief" with the implication that something will guide his path through life. Fortunately for him and us, it happens to be empathy (RIP Ice Lady). Not escaping the swapped names theories though since Soya was supposed to be the logical, calculating oldest brother chosen to lead the clan. Hmm.

With all that context, this panel just makes me so... something:

Is there more to unpack with the Sazanamis after all? Is leadership a meritocracy or something? Because normally you'd expect the oldest son to have the duty passed on to him. Yet I'm not confident that Soya was always the first choice now.

But yeah, with a name like that, no wonder we see him being called special by Kyora at such a young age- Hakuri had a lot placed on his shoulders at birth. It makes me curious as to why he was apparently seen as a better prospect than Soya, but we'll probably never get the details.

Sazanami Tenri (漣 天理) - Another guy with a unisex name that leans feminine lol. Even more parallels to Chihiro!

A lot of fellow anime and manga fans will probably be familiar with 天 (ten)- meaning heaven, sky, sometimes God. No surprises there. 理 (ri) - the same one used in Hakuri's name- once again means reason/logic, and less often, justice or truth. In names, 天 (ten) also adds a sense of natural talent or gifts the child is born with (and we do see Tenri becoming the youngest member of the Tou ever, so he certainly was born with something special like his father claimed).

理 (ri) implications hurt my heart. He was also named with great expectations placed on him, but at least it's a relatively common name unlike his older brothers'.

I think a common, straightforward interpretation is usually best so "heaven's natural law" is the meaning I'd ascribe. But I do like the optional interpretation of "heaven's judgement" being there to echo Mr. Inazuma's "lightning of judgement" that Chihiro delivered on his behalf. Just a fun little thing for me to gnaw on. The additional naming implications make me think he was supposed to be guided by his natural talents to a bright future, but... well...

I kind of want a side story or episode zero about Kyora, Mrs. Sazanami, Tenri, Hakuri, and Soya before Hakuri was ostracized now. Why were they named like this?! Hakuri and Soya in particular have me going insane over implications for their relationship and why Soya might have been so cruel to him...

Anyway, thanks as always for letting me rant in your ambivalent ears, kind internet void. I'll be able to ride out the last hour or so of waiting for spoilers in peace thanks to you.

[ultfreakme]

Kyora & Hakuri: The meaning of 'Storehouse'

So we got our very first non-Chihiro Color Page and it's Hakuri! It's a shock of a page because for the first time in forever a cover isn't red, and doesn't contain our protagonist. Even more shocking is the way Hakuri is donning clothes that resemble his father Kyora in a backdrop that is very similar to the old Sazanami Auction Storehouse.

During the final showdown in the Rakuzaichi Arc, we get a flashback sequence where we see a young Hakuri saying he'll be the head of the Sazanami Clan.

Technically, with the dissolution of the Rakuzaichi and through possessing Storehouse + Isou, Hakuri is pretty much the Head. But in doing so he has redefined what the Storehouse means.

With Kyora and the remaining Sazanami legacy, the Storehouse existed to exalt the owner. It's a treasury, it holds all the 'valuables' meant to increase the power and value of the Owner of the Storehouse. The Storehouse exists to service its possessor. It's exploitative and inherently dehumanizing and was used exclusively to strip others of their agency- by registering the people that were trafficked and even his own family.

It was used entirely to devalue people.

With Hakuri, who's guilt-ridden for his own role in the Rakuzaichi with the fresh memory of how he dehumanized Ice Girl, the Storehouse (and Hakuri himself) exist solely in service of others. Storehouse is physically taxing and Hakuri is constantly endangering himself when he uses it. This is because of practical reasons where he has little experience, but also thematically- he is devaluing himself in service of others. It costs him every time he activates it, but he doesn't care about the damage to himself.

Hakuri has turned the Storehouse from a treasure hoard to what it's name suggests its use is- a place where people can keep and take things they need. He has reduced himself down to pure utility.

This view of himself as a "tool" is specifically highlighted in him giving Tobimune to Samura. His assigned goal along with Chihiro is to protect the Wielders. Hiyuki makes a very interesting comment-

Hakuri is sort of established as someone who isn't functioning for himself or on his own anymore. He follows others. With Chihiro gone, he's now a tool to be used by Uruha, Samura and the Makizumi.

He also knows the damage of dehumanizing people or determining value based on like, a merit system of any sort so to him the Makizumi aren't any different from the Wielders and he wants to help them too.

With Samura basically declaring what he needs and what he wants to do, what is Hakuri to do here but to oblige to his requests? He services them, he's going to be useful to them.

I think that's what the new cover is meant to highlight. While Kyora fought so hard to protect his Storehouse and the things within, Hakuri fights to protect everything outside of it, everything human and autonomous.

[mothboypoison]

Need Hakuri to go Maki Zenin on the Sazanami clan

[ati-nevershut]

Having just finished reading the Rakuzaichi arc for the first time, I gotta shout out Kyora Sazanami. Top. Tier. Villain. Not only is he a magnificent bastard, which I love, but he's such an interesting character study. Kyora is so dedicated to the Rakuzaichi, but its not because he's out for money or because he's just a bad person. Just like Hakuri, Tenri and Soya, Kyora is a victim of this terrible toxic dedication to the Rakuzaichi this family have. Kyora values the Rakuzaichi over his own life, and over any love he may have for his family (who he seems to truly love, in a way). The stupid auction destroys everyone in the Sazanami family. They are all victims.

[justwanderingyk]

[SPOILERS] Kagurabachi & The Mysterious Case of Trafficked Lovers: A Crack Theory

So in the discussion thread of this chapter (35th) on reddit, I commented something like "Why is everyone in this manga selling off their gfs?"

And user PikaBooSquirrel replied with something along the lines of, "What if it's the same guy on a mission to impregnate lots of women with special abilities and then sell to gain profit?"

On top of being a funny comment, it also piqued my interest. After all, who in their right mind would sell off pretty women with regeneration or ice powers? You could always just wear warm clothes and sit your ass down like a normal person. But no, these poor women were sold off to horrible people and forced to live through horrifying ends. So, does this mean that everyone in the Kaguraverse is fucked in the head and after profit? But these events are just too suspicious to repeat! Could there really be a certain man dedicated to plant seeds of hopelessness in young women's hearts and harvest them?

Wait...

"Harvest..."

That's right ladies and gentlemen, I accuse John Hishaku the Farmer of being a serial girlfriend trafficker, and here are my reasons:

He totally has the looks of a suave psycho heartbreaker. You've gotta make use of that somehow. See picture above for proof.

His lines scream "I want to cover the entire world with despair and to do so, I will ruin a lot of people's lives so that the victims get angry enough to continue the chaos I've started to build up"

3. "Seeds" are a very well-known euphemism for sperm. (Sorry) According to this crack theory, which seeds other than Chihiro could the Farmer harvest? That's right, Char, both due to her regeneration powers and due to her possibly being this guy's daughter. (Poor girl, her life is hard enough as it is.) And finally, my last and most serious reason: To achieve his evil goals, he needs allies (Sojo & the Sazanami) and to gain allies, he needs offers.

Who is John Hishaku currently helping? Kyora Sazanami Why? Because he wants to own Shinuchi, which is currently being auctioned by him What is his offer to him? Sojo's legacy, the temporarily stable datenseki stone What did Sojo use to create this legacy? Char and her mother's regenerating ability John Hishaku must have known about Sojo's obsession with the enchanted blades and his scientific genius, somehow. To utilize this, he pointed Sojo to the material he'd require the most to create the closest thing to the revered doomsday weapons: the remaining members of the Kyonagi clan.

But what does ice girl have anything to do with this? Well, if the Sazanamis are such a prestigious clan, they won't allow a mere edgelord farmer to just approach and strike a deal with them. First, he has to prove to them that he's worth their time. And to do that, he has to aid their business first, by finding merchandise to sell.

But why use such convoluted ways in the first place? Because a true master villain has to cover his tracks and use the most fucked up ways possible. Otherwise, the story would be boring :D

That was all from me. Thank you for reading my messy crafting of a crack theory, and if you have any other clues to add, please do so :DD

[zenitsuinamogus]

Shiba Takes to the Skies ~☆~ Kagurabachi Ch. 24 Manga Coloring

Another new Kagurabachi coloring, hope you all enjoy! Happy to see my boy Shiba getting some action, I want that twink [Soya] obliterated

More to come soon!

[aseaofbutterflies]

!! Follow up post to this post !!

So I'm now fully caught up (i think) to ch50! A lot to take in so bear with me here but here are my thoughts:

(Please ignore any spelling/grammar I'll fix it later)

The Rakuzaichi Arc:

Probably one of the best arcs I've read in a while! Opens up the world of Kagurabachi really well and introduces to lot of different dynamics within Japan. I find it interesting that sorcerers are allowed to be out and about in public and it's just kind of normal ? Also that fact that everyone just turns a blind eye to the auction..... Also the Kamunabi's decision to buy the Shinuchi... doesn't sit right with me.

Hakuri

Oh boy oh boy was I excited when Hakuri was introduced. Yes ive seen the numerous yaoi kagurabachi posts....

Hakuri what a sad little guy.. love sad little guys <3 But his insane evolvement in this arc i thoroughly enjoyed!! I think his sorcery is very cool and his version of the storehouse is so interesting. It seemed like an open space as opposed to his father's structure storehouse.

Hakuris storehouse it seems was built out a subconscious need to protect himself from his brother's abuse. The things Soya used to abuse him 'dissappears' when in fact Hakuri subconsciously transports them so they cant be used. Its awful and horrific and yet such an interesting way to show subspaces can manifest. His other power Isou has the potential to be very powerful and deadly. Through guidance he learns to control his spirit energy which has been active for most of his life again subconsciously. What if things had been different?

I think Hakuri ultimately is a sad character, the Sazanami clan aren't a loving family. They just raise and manipulate the next generations in order to keep the auction (and in tune the family) alive and afloat. The Sazanami clan rely on unwavering loyalty to the cause, which of course Hakuri doesn't agree with. His experience of sibling abuse and his conversations with the Ice Girl opens his eyes to dark reality of his family. Once Hakuri realises that its hard to turn a blind eye.

At somepoint everyone needs to experience a homoerotic relationship with their friend and boy oh boy....

His relationship with Chihiro is interesting... it seems he admires him as a samurai. Chihiro took interest because he was a Sazanami. I think they are also both each other's first friend around their own age. I think Chihiro and Hakuri have similar goals which is why they work well together. There is something i think drawing them together but I dont know what... Im excited to see how their friendship progresses!! Also what do you mean Hakuri smells of Chihiro????? It is because he's registered???

The Kamunabi and The Hishaku

Finally got introduced to the Hishaku and Yura the leader. They killed Kunishige so that Yura could own the Shinuchui.... WHY !!! Obviously this is BAD BAD BAD. Very cool villian design though!

Again I DONT TRUST THE KAMUNABI!!! How the hell are you going to look in the eyes the son of a legendary sword maker and tell him that YOURE ENTITLED TO HIS SWORDS!!!! THE SWORDS BELONG TO CHIHIRO TO THE ROKUHIRAS!!! Also, some members had no idea Chihiro exists ??? Hmm, someone definitely leaked the Rokuhiras location to the Hishaku.... but who...

What happened that made some of Kamunabi hate Kunishige ??? Where has this entitlement come from??? WHY DO THEY HAVE THE SWORDBEARERS ??? I dont for a second believe they truly care about protecting them.... they want the swords therefore they need the owners... then they can transfer ownership. Again, like in my last post I said they reminded me of the Jujutsu Kaisen higher ups.... fishy fishy fishy.

[kainekron]

man see this is what i want out this yes more of this

editor note:  A man born to the Sazanami clan, he lived for the Rakuzaichi. He held on to his pride, and his delusion, until the very end...

[ghostofdiamonds]

the sazanami clan kind of gives off the same vibes as the zoldycks and I love it

[waketoweep]

um, fem! hakuri...... i have thoughts.......

the sazanami clan would most likely not change their behaviour towards fem! hakuri because it seems like they focused more in power and strength, and because hakuri in canon is actually weak (i'm sorry my babygirl) they would still beat fem! hakuri up :(

but it will give more potential in like arranged marriages though. i mean back then japanese women were usually given up in arranged marriages for political or strategic purposes, so sazanami kyora would definitely have powerful potential spouses for fem! hakuri so the sazanami clan would get even more allies through the marriage. soya being the overprotective older brother would try to stop his father from making the plan real but failed.

fem! hakuri, not wanting to get married to someone and to destroy the rakuzaichi, ran away from the family estate, and met chihiro , and the canon storyline goes on, but with fem! hakuri begging chihiro to be her bodyguard or...... fiance....... :3

i want to write this :3333