- Mangaka : Kishimoto, Massashi
- Publisher : Shonen Jump
- Genre : Action, Samurai, Sci-Fi, Shounen
- Published : August 18, 2019
Contains Spoilers
Discussion Time
Just like that, ladies and gentlemen, we learn the truth behind Hachimaru’s birth. Chapter 14 of Samurai 8: Hachimaru Den had us learn that our main samurai didn’t have a normal birth. The seven clones of Hachimaru explain to him that they were made to be the keys to not Pandora’s Box but Mandala’s Box, and Hachimaru’s dad was the key to it all. Creating these clones the project seemed to work until an eighth clone was birthed, Hachimaru. With his birth, the clones weakened and Hachimaru’s “dad” was supposed to restore the balance by killing the eighth child. Realizing he couldn’t do this, our scientist ran off with the baby Hachimaru and hid on a planet to raise him.
Our chapter spends a bit more time with our father and son discussing their love for one another and apologizing for their failures which legitimately made us tear up a bit. In his final words, Hachimaru is told to protect Ann and stop Ata as he is the only one who can. Samurai 8: Hachimaru Den truly did a fine job of bringing genuine emotion to this series with the passing of the doctor and just like Kishimoto’s previous works, it came off heartful and powerful. Despite the clones wanting Hachimaru dead to regain their power, we doubt our samurai will give up on his life so easily. While we wait patiently for chapter 15, let us discuss why chapter 14 of Samurai 8: Hachimaru Den accomplished reviving the initial enjoyment we had of this manga series.
1. Emotional Chapter Indeed
We’ve shown a lot more dislike for Samurai 8: Hachimaru Den as it rarely gets us motivated to show emotions, but with this week’s 14th chapter, that statement needs to be reexamined. We truly felt horrible seeing Hachimaru’s “dad” pass away as he tells his son the truth of his birth and were amazed at how beautiful the panels looked making the narrative impact us even more. Chapter 14 has had the strongest slew of emotions so far and we can only hope future chapters can do the same!
2. A Mystery Solved
Samurai 8: Hachimaru Den, from the very beginning, made it kind of obvious that Hachimaru wasn’t the son of the doctor. That’s why when it was revealed in chapter 14, the revelation didn’t make us go “OH GOD WHAT A SURPRISE!” Yet, hearing the full details of his birth made Hachimaru’s past a bit more intriguing. Now, we know our samurai trainee is far from normal and like Naruto—almost exactly like Naruto—this young man seems like an outcast born to be amazing. Now, we shall all pray that Hachimaru grows from this tragic moment and becomes amazing as he stops Ata and protect his princess from evil space samurai…as silly as that sounds.
Final Thoughts
Samurai 8: Hachimaru Den chapter 14 was a solid chapter that showed us why Kishimoto is a master at making your heart feel for fictional characters. With the passing of Furuta, Hachimaru will need to make a choice. Give his life to the clones so they can open Mandela’s Box or save himself and fight off those willing to hurt the universe. We know the answer already—as it’s obvious—but we still are excited to see the next chapter of Samurai 8: Hachimaru Den! Are you now enjoying Samurai 8: Hachimaru Den after the last few strong chapters? Comment below to tell us your thoughts and keep stuck to us here at Honey’s Anime for even more chapter reviews!
Author: Aaron