The Weekly Shonen Jump series Kagurabachi has officially concluded its first major story arc, and the reception proves what many fans have been saying since 2023—creator Takeru Hokazono carries the same creative spirit that made Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto a global phenomenon. The February 2026 conclusion of Part 1, which saw protagonist Chihiro Rokuhira return to his father’s forge after 112 chapters of relentless action, has cemented Hokazono’s reputation as the heir to Kishimoto’s storytelling legacy.
The manga, which began serialization in September 2023, has grown from an internet meme into one of Shueisha’s most reliable hit machines. With over 3 million copies in circulation as of October 2025 and no anime adaptation yet, the numbers tell only part of the story. The real confirmation comes from how Hokazono structures his narrative, develops characters, and handles themes of legacy and revenge—all areas where Kishimoto’s influence shines through clearly .
The Direct Naruto Influence on Hokazono’s Creative Journey
Takeru Hokazono has never hidden his sources of inspiration. Born in Osaka Prefecture on September 6, 2000, the 25-year-old manga artist grew up reading Weekly Shonen Jump and specifically cites Naruto as the reason he pursued a career in manga . During a Q&A session at Anime NYC in January 2026, Hokazono explained how Kishimoto’s work shaped his artistic development.
When asked how he honed his visual expression skills, Hokazono stated, “I read a variety of manga, and was particularly influenced by Naruto. I studied not only Japanese manga but also watched many foreign works such as Western films, and I worked hard to hone my expressive skills simply by drawing manga relentlessly” .
His early one-shots, particularly Enten which won the 100th Tezuka Award, showed heavy Naruto influence. That same oneshot title eventually became the name of Chihiro’s enchanted blade in Kagurabachi, creating a full-circle moment that attentive readers noticed .
The structural similarities between Kagurabachi and Naruto run deep. Both series begin with a young protagonist carrying the weight of a parent’s legacy. Both feature a cast of rival swordsmen with distinct abilities. Both explore how violence shapes young people and whether revenge can ever provide closure. Chihiro at 15 watching his father Kunishige Rokuhira murdered by the Hishaku sorcerer group mirrors Naruto growing up without parents while carrying the Nine-Tailed Fox inside him .
How Kagurabachi’s Part 1 Ending Mirrors Classic Shonen Structure
The Part 1 finale, Chapter 112, which dropped on February 10, 2026, brings Chihiro back to the Rokuhira forge—the place where he spent his childhood learning swordsmithing from his father. This return is deeply symbolic. After the chaos of the Kyoto Bloodshed Hotel arc and the devastating confrontations with Seiichi Samura and the Hishaku, the story deliberately slows down to show its protagonist in a moment of quiet reflection .
This narrative choice echoes how Kishimoto structured Naruto’s first major story break. After the Sasuke Retrieval Arc, Naruto returns to the village fundamentally changed, ready for the next phase of his journey. Chihiro undergoes a similar transformation. The forge represents not just a physical location but a return to his original dream—becoming a swordsmith like his father rather than just a weapon of revenge .
Hakuri Sazanami, the disowned clan member who became Chihiro’s closest ally, plays a crucial role in this arc’s resolution. Their partnership, forged during the Rakuzaichi auction arc where they battled Kyora Sazanami and the underground weapon trade, represents the kind of found family bond that Naruto built its emotional foundation on .
Takeru Hokazono explained his approach to character names during the Anime NYC event: “I value the sound of the words when I read them aloud. I’m conscious of matching the character’s personality with the sound of their name” . This attention to detail in character construction mirrors Kishimoto’s famous method of creating names that reflect personality traits and abilities.
Industry Recognition and Peer Approval
The manga community has taken notice of Hokazono’s rapid rise. Kagurabachi won first prize in the print category at the 10th Next Manga Awards in 2024 and received nominations for both the 70th Shogakukan Manga Award and the Kodansha Manga Award . These honors typically go to established series, making the recognition even more significant for a rookie creator.
Perhaps the most telling endorsement came from Kohei Horikoshi, creator of My Hero Academia. Volume 9 of Kagurabachi featured a book band comment from Horikoshi praising Hokazono’s composition skills and calling him a “genius” . The relationship between the two creators runs deeper than public statements. Before Kagurabachi’s serialization began, Hokazono visited Horikoshi’s workplace and ended up helping draw background characters in a My Hero Academia chapter featuring Twice .
Horikoshi himself has spoken about being influenced by Kishimoto’s work, creating a direct line of inspiration from Naruto through My Hero Academia to Kagurabachi. This mentorship chain shows how Weekly Shonen Jump maintains its creative ecosystem, with established artists supporting newcomers who then carry forward the traditions they learned.
What Part 2 Means for Chihiro’s Journey
The announcement that Part 2 begins immediately in Weekly Shonen Jump’s next issue, with Chapter 113 scheduled for February 22, 2026, confirms that Hokazono has no intention of slowing down . The new arc will explore what “a new era” means for the series, and fans have plenty of theories.
Chihiro’s return to the forge suggests Part 2 might focus on his development as a swordsmith rather than just a swordsman. Throughout Part 1, Chihiro carried Enten, the seventh enchanted blade his father created in secret. Unlike the six blades forged to end the Seitei War, Enten represents Kunishige’s final gift to his son .
The enchanted blades themselves remain a central mystery. Kunishige Rokuhira forged these weapons with Datenseki stones, giving them powers tied to different themes. Sojo’s Cloud Gouger manipulated clouds and lightning. Uruha’s blade, hidden at Kokugoku Onsen, remains largely unexplored. Samura’s betrayal during the Kyoto Bloodshed Hotel arc added another layer of complexity to who deserves to wield such weapons .
Hokazono revealed during the Anime NYC Q&A that he had specific inspirations for the blade designs. “I have always thought that the goldfish is a motif that can look cool if drawn well and wanted to one day include it in one of my works, so I included it in Kagurabachi. For Tobimune and Cloud Gouger, I wanted something that would look cool, and I built ideas by imagining the visuals when they fight Chihiro” .
The Hishaku sorcerer group, responsible for Kunishige’s murder and the theft of six enchanted blades, will likely remain the primary antagonists. Their leader Yura confronted Chihiro during the Rakuzaichi auction, and their encounter revealed how much emotional work Chihiro still needs to do. Revenge alone cannot heal the wound left by his father’s death .
Fan Reactions Confirm the Kishimoto Comparison
Social media has embraced the Kishimoto successor narrative. When Chapter 112 dropped, the hashtag #Kagurabachi trended globally on X (formerly Twitter), with thousands of posts discussing how Hokazono has matured as a storyteller .
One fan post highlighted by ORICON NEWS stated, “The way Part One ended was absolutely beautiful, and I thought we were heading straight into the climax, but are we really getting a Part Two? This is too exciting” . Another fan on Vvip Times noted that Chihiro finally looks at peace for the first time in the entire series, standing in the forge surrounded by memories of his father .
The Kagurabachi subreddit and MyAnimeList reviews consistently praise Hokazono’s artistic growth. A December 2025 review highlighted how the art has evolved: “The author, Takeru Hokazono, seems to find his footing and begins to show his growing skills at a rapid pace. The manga becomes almost like an art display, as we watch Hokazono-sensei develop his art and draw better and better with each chapter release” .
The same review noted how Hokazono uses art to reflect character development: “In the autumn months of 2025, Hokazono was publicly involved with work and travel. During this stretch the art became noticeably rougher; rather than detracting from the experience, it enhanced a character’s descent into madness, and his resolve to keep fighting” .
What Sets Hokazono Apart from Other New-Gen Creators
While comparisons to Kishimoto are flattering, Hokazono brings distinct influences that make Kagurabachi unique. He frequently cites Western films as major inspirations, particularly Quentin Tarantino movies and the John Wick series. During the Anime NYC Q&A, he specifically mentioned Captain America: The Winter Soldier as an influence, revealing that Sojo’s design may have been slightly influenced by the Winter Soldier character .
This blend of Shonen Jump storytelling traditions with Western cinematic sensibilities creates something fresh. The action sequences in Kagurabachi read like film storyboards, with dynamic camera angles and panel layouts that create tension and release. Hokazono also draws inspiration from directors Christopher Nolan and David Fincher, explaining why his manga often explores psychological complexity beneath the surface-level action .
The thematic depth of Kagurabachi also sets it apart. Like Kishimoto, who explored cycles of hatred and the possibility of peace in Naruto, Hokazono examines whether violence can ever be justified and what it means to carry a legacy. Chihiro’s journey is not just about retrieving stolen swords but about understanding what his father truly wanted for him .
The Anime Question and Future Prospects
With Part 1 complete and sales surpassing 3 million copies, the question of when Kagurabachi will receive an anime adaptation grows louder. ComicBook.com reports that rumors have circulated since 2024, and industry insiders believe an announcement could come within the next year .
In December 2024, Toyo Keizai reported that CygamesPictures might be working on the adaptation. The same studio has confirmed they will share a major announcement during AnimeJapan 2026, scheduled for March 28-29 at Tokyo Big Sight in Tokyo . While neither Shueisha nor CygamesPictures has confirmed Kagurabachi is the project, timing and circumstances make it a strong possibility.
Fans have clear preferences for which studio should handle the adaptation. Many want MAPPA, known for Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man, to bring Hokazono’s stylish action to life. Others point to CygamesPictures’ work on Fate/Grand Order and recent projects as evidence they could do justice to the material .
Weekly Shonen Jump typically waits at least two years before announcing anime adaptations for successful series. Kagurabachi hit that mark in September 2025, making 2026 the logical window for an announcement. The combination of sales, awards, and fan demand creates ideal conditions for production committees to greenlight the project .
What Readers Can Expect from Part 2
Hokazono has laid extensive groundwork for Part 2. The Seitei War, which ended 18 years before the main story, remains largely unexplored. Kunishige’s role in that conflict and why he forged the enchanted blades in the first place could become central to the next phase .
The Hishaku’s true origins also need explanation. Who leads them? Why do they want the enchanted blades? What connection do they have to the war? These questions have been teased but not answered .
Chihiro’s supporting cast will likely expand. Shiba, his father’s old friend who helped him survive and train, has been underutilized according to Hokazono himself. During the Anime NYC Q&A, when asked which characters he wants to develop further, Hokazono immediately said, “That would be Shiba. I feel bad that I haven’t been able to make much use of him yet. And Hiyuki!” .
Iori Samura, daughter of the traitorous Seiichi Samura, represents another thread needing resolution. After Samura’s betrayal at the Kyoto Bloodshed Hotel, the Masumi ninja clan chose to fight alongside Chihiro to protect Iori. These alliances will likely prove important as the story progresses .
The enchanted blades themselves may require new wielders or even new forgings. With Chihiro back at the forge, some fans speculate he might eventually forge his own blade rather than simply wield his father’s creation. This would represent the ultimate evolution from avenger to creator.
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The Legacy Argument: Why Hokazono Deserves the Kishimoto Comparison
Calling any new creator the successor to a legend like Masashi Kishimoto requires evidence, not just enthusiasm. Kagurabachi provides that evidence across multiple categories.
First, Hokazono understands world-building. The Kagurabachi universe feels lived-in, with history, politics, and rules that make sense. The Kamunabi organization, the Sazanami family, the Hishaku sorcerers—each faction has clear motivations and internal logic .
Second, he balances action with character development. The Rakuzaichi auction arc advanced plot while deepening Chihiro’s relationship with Hakuri. The Kyoto Bloodshed Hotel arc tested every character’s convictions. These aren’t just fight scenes; they’re character studies expressed through conflict .
Third, Hokazono respects his audience’s intelligence. The power system requires attention to understand, but rewards careful readers. Moral questions don’t have easy answers. Villains have understandable if not justifiable motivations. This complexity mirrors what made Naruto resonate with millions of readers worldwide .
Fourth, the artistic growth from Chapter 1 to Chapter 112 shows a creator committed to improvement. Hokazono draws better now than he did two years ago, and his panel layouts have become more sophisticated. This dedication to craft defines great manga artists .
Fifth, he creates moments of genuine emotional impact. Chihiro returning to the forge, standing where his father once stood, carrying the weight of everything that happened—that image resonates because the journey to reach it took 112 chapters of struggle and loss. Hokazono earned that moment .
Takeru Hokazono was born the same year Naruto began serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump. He grew up reading Kishimoto’s masterpiece, internalized its lessons, and now creates manga for a new generation. That is not just succession by influence; it is succession by training, by dedication, and by delivering work worthy of comparison to the legends who came before.
Part 2 of Kagurabachi begins now, and if Part 1 is any indication, Hokazono is just getting started.
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