Black Torch continues to build its central cast, and Episode 4 finally introduces the last core member of Ryosuke Shiba‘s Division 2. While Jiro Azuma has already begun adjusting to life inside the Bureau of Espionage, the arrival of a new recruit quickly disrupts the team’s chemistry.
Reiji Kirihara wastes little time making an impression. His calm, disciplined personality stands in sharp contrast to Jiro’s impulsive nature, and their first meeting immediately turns into a confrontation. Episode 4 also offers the first glimpse into why the Bureau’s newest recruit refuses to trust anyone connected to a mononoke.
Reiji Kirihara Belongs To A Prestigious Ninja Clan
Episode 4 officially introduces Reiji Kirihara, a 17-year-old Bureau of Espionage rookie voiced by Junya Enoki in the anime adaptation. He comes from the prestigious Kirihara onmitsu, or ninja, clan, a family known for its mastery of advanced swordsmanship.
Unlike Jiro Azuma, who relies on instinct, hand-to-hand combat, and his bond with the mononoke Rago, Reiji approaches every battle with precision and calculation. His swordsmanship makes him one of the Bureau’s most skilled young operatives.
Ryosuke Shiba quickly puts those abilities to the test in Episode 4, titled “Two Is Not Enough,” by pairing Reiji against Jiro in a training match. The exercise is meant to evaluate Jiro’s coordination with Rago, but it quickly turns into an intense clash of ideals.
Reiji openly refuses to work alongside someone who has fused with a mononoke, while Jiro refuses to back down from the challenge. Their opposing views and equally different fighting styles establish one of Black Torch‘s central rivalries from the moment they meet.
A Family Tragedy Shaped Reiji’s Hatred Of Mononoke
Reiji’s hostility toward mononoke comes from a tragedy that destroyed the Kirihara family.
He lost both his father and his older brother, Shinji Kirihara. Although many believed the family fell victim to a mononoke attack, the truth was far more devastating. Shinji was consumed by the cursed sword Yamakaze, causing him to kill their father and bringing disgrace upon the once-respected Kirihara clan.
The incident left Reiji isolated within the Bureau of Espionage, where many continued to associate him with his family’s downfall. Division 2 became one of the few places where he could focus on becoming stronger instead of carrying that burden.
That history also fuels his distrust of Jiro. Seeing someone willingly fight beside a mononoke reminds Reiji of the tragedy that changed his life, making it difficult for him to accept Jiro as a teammate.
While their relationship begins with hostility, Episode 4 lays the foundation for a rivalry that will continue to evolve as the members of Black Torch face increasingly dangerous mononoke together.
Black Torch Episode 4, titled “Two Is Not Enough,” is available to stream on Crunchyroll and iQIYI. The episode is also available in select regions through the Muse Asia YouTube channel, depending on local licensing.