Through my work, I have witnessed the final moments of all manner of people. When they are on the brink of death, I perceive what lies in their hearts. The blade reflects one’s true nature. Some may bluff and keep a brave face to the bitter end. Some turn desperate and cling to life. While others deceive themselves into accepting death.

This is fucking epic. I watched the first season of the anime (criminally underrated if you ask me) and loved it. I wanted to find out how it ends so here I am reading the manga. Gabimaru might be one my favorite characters ever. Don't be fooled by his tiny and unassuming look. He is a brutal and violent man who has slaughtered and taken countless lives. But when he met his wife, everything changed for him. He was whipped as fuck. The only reason he still has the motivation to live was because of her and as you read through the first volume, you'll understand why.

We also meet Yamada Asaemon Sagiri, a female executioner, who has been getting misogynistic comments from her colleagues telling her she should quit her job. Like, fuck off. She can do the job. She has been doing it for a while and the annoying side comments like women should be doing shit at home is just plain annoying and stupid. Luckily, my girl does not care about men's opinion. Being around Gabimaru was good for her.

What I needed all along wasn’t the strength to kill without fear, but rather the resolve to bear the weight of that fear. The weight of the lives I take.