The Kuregumo Lock-In: Which Kagurabachi Chapter Unleashed Cloud Gouger's Full Power?

The phrase "Kuregumo Lock-In Chapter" has become a legendary piece of *Kagurabachi* fan lore, but it doesn't refer to a single, officially titled chapter. Instead, this popular meme is a direct reference to the moment the Enchanted Blade, *Kuregumo* (Cloud Gouger), was pushed to its absolute limit, unleashing a terrifying display of power that instantly cemented the manga's reputation for epic sword battles. As of December 2025, the manga has progressed far past this initial climax, but the legacy of the "lock-in" moment remains the gold standard for pure Enchanted Blade spectacle. The moment fans refer to as the "Kuregumo Lock-In" is the climactic finale of the *Vs. Sojo Arc*, specifically the brutal showdown between the blade’s temporary wielder, Genichi Sojo, and the protagonist, Chihiro Rokuhira. This chapter perfectly showcased the devastating potential of the Cloud Gouger, particularly its fearsome lightning-based technique, *Mei*.

The Enchanted Blade Kuregumo: Biography of the Cloud Gouger

The Enchanted Blades (*Kagurabachi*'s equivalent of legendary cursed swords) are central to the entire narrative. *Kuregumo* is one of the seven blades forged by Chihiro’s father, the legendary swordsmith Kunishige Rokuhira.

• Name: Kuregumo (刳雲)
• English Name: Cloud Gouger
• Creator: Kunishige Rokuhira (The Swordsmith)
• Original Wielder: Unknown (Stolen by the Hishaku)
• Most Prominent Wielder: Genichi Sojo (A primary antagonist in the early arcs)
• Element/Theme: Atmospheric Phenomena (Clouds, Water, Ice, Lightning)
• Status: Destroyed/Lost after the events of the *Vs. Sojo Arc*.
• Rival Blade: Enten (Chihiro Rokuhira's blade)

The blade itself is a masterpiece of sorcery, designed to manipulate the atmosphere. Its abilities, Mei, Yui, and Kou, are not just simple attacks; they are manifestations of the sky's raw power, making Kuregumo one of the most destructive of the Enchanted Blades ever revealed.

Unlocking Kuregumo's Power: Mei, Yui, and Kou Explained

The true power of the "Kuregumo Lock-In" lies in the mastery of its three distinct techniques, which collectively allow the wielder to control and weaponize atmospheric phenomena. When fans demand a "Kuregumo Lock-In," they are asking for the terrifying, all-out use of these abilities, often in quick succession.

1. Mei (鳴): The Lightning Dragon

Mei (鳴), meaning "Roar" or "Sound," is the technique most closely associated with the "Lock-In" moment. This ability allows the wielder to summon a massive, serpentine dragon made of pure lightning and cloud vapor. Mei is a high-speed, high-damage attack that can be used for both direct strikes and large-scale area destruction. When Sojo unleashed Mei, it was a breathtaking display of raw destructive power that forced Chihiro to push his own blade, *Enten*, to its limits. This is the ultimate "lock-in" move.

2. Yui (結): The Ice Formation

Yui (結), meaning "Knot" or "Bind," grants the wielder control over ice and frozen water. This technique is often used for defensive purposes or to trap opponents. By manipulating the moisture in the air, Kuregumo can instantly freeze an area, creating defensive barriers or encasing enemies in ice. It serves as a tactical counterpoint to the aggressive nature of Mei, allowing the wielder to control the flow of the battle.

3. Kou (降): The Mist and Rain

Kou (降), meaning "Descent" or "Fall" (as in rain or snow), is the foundational technique. It allows the wielder to generate and control mist, fog, and rain. This ability is crucial for battlefield manipulation, cloaking the wielder's movements, obscuring the opponent's vision, and setting the stage for the more powerful techniques. Kou is the subtle, tactical aspect of the Cloud Gouger, allowing for stealth and misdirection before the final strike.

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The Real "Lock-In" Chapter and Kuregumo's Legacy

The specific chapter that contains the climax of the Chihiro vs. Sojo fight—the moment that inspired the "Kuregumo Lock-In" meme—is widely considered to be around Chapter 17 to Chapter 20 of the manga, which conclude the *Vs. Sojo Arc*. It is in this sequence of chapters that Sojo, realizing he is cornered, goes all-out, demanding maximum output from the Cloud Gouger. This intense battle is a landmark moment in *Kagurabachi* for several reasons:

• The Ultimate Showcase: It was the first time fans witnessed an Enchanted Blade used to its full, terrifying potential, setting the scale for all future battles in the series.
• Chihiro’s Growth: To counter the "locked-in" Kuregumo, Chihiro was forced to develop and perfect his own techniques with *Enten*, specifically the use of his black and red Nishiki, a critical moment of character development.
• The Blade’s Fate: The fight resulted in the destruction of *Kuregumo* and the death of its wielder, Genichi Sojo. This act of destroying an Enchanted Blade was a massive shock to the reader base, emphasizing the high stakes of Chihiro's quest for vengeance against the Hishaku and the remaining stolen blades like *Sharin* and *Shibidare*.

Kuregumo's Role in the Current Arc (Post-Chapter 100 Updates)

While the blade itself is gone, the impact of *Kuregumo* continues to resonate, even as the manga moves into its later stages, such as the *Sword Bearer Assassination Arc* and beyond. The current plot, well past the Rakuzaichi Arc and into the triple-digit chapters, sees Chihiro Rokuhira facing opponents who are even more powerful than Sojo, wielding other Enchanted Blades or unique sorcery. The memory of Kuregumo serves as a benchmark for power. Whenever a new enemy unveils a devastating new ability, fans immediately compare it to the "Kuregumo Lock-In" to gauge its threat level. The term "Kuregumo Lock-In" is a tribute to the sheer spectacle and quality of Takeru Hokazono's artwork and storytelling during that pivotal early battle. It's a testament to the manga's ability to deliver on its promise of epic sword battle action, solidifying *Kagurabachi* as a breakout success in the world of serialized manga.