Wikipedia

The Bugle Call: Song of War

The Bugle Call: Song of War (Japanese: 戦奏教室, Hepburn: Sensō Kyōshitsu) is a Japanese manga series written by Mozuku Sora and illustrated by Higoro Toumori. It began serialization in Shueisha's Jump Square magazine in June 2022. As of February 2026, thirteen volumes have been released.

The Bugle Call: Song of War
First tankōbon volume cover
戦奏教室
(Sensō Kyōshitsu)
Genre
Manga
Written byMozuku Sora
Illustrated byHigoro Toumori
Published byShueisha
English publisher
ImprintJump Comics SQ.
Magazine
  • Jump Square
  • (June 3, 2022–April 3, 2026)
  • Jump SQ. Rise
  • (July 2026–scheduled)
Original runJune 3, 2022 – present
Volumes13
icon Anime and manga portal

Plot

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Setting

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There are nine spires scattered across the land which contain relics and technology from an ancient, advanced civilization beyond the craftsmanship of the current day. The two greatest spires are controlled by the Papal States and the Erin Empire, who wage war over control of the other spires.

Humans born with branches sticking out of their heads are called Branched and each possesses a unique power such as invisibility or supernatural luck. The Branched cannot use their powers outside of a spires field of influence and will eventually die if they remain outside. In some nations, Branched are well-known while in others they are kept secret.

Premise

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Luca was raised among a band of mercenaries since he was an infant, but he hates the life. He is recruited by the Pontiff in his war against the Erin Empire in exchange for support of his dream of becoming a maestro. Part of their deal consists of Luca killing the Garland, a powerful Branched that can destroy nations.

Characters

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Papal States

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Luca (リュカ, Ryuka)
A 14-year-old Branched. He was raised by a band of mercenaries, where he served as their bugler. After being saved by the Pontiff, he agrees to become the leader of the Papal States' Branched, in exchange for help in achieving his dream of becoming a maestro. He's developed feelings for Zoe. His power allows him to turn sound into light, which he uses in battle to command troops.
Zoe (ゾーイ, Zōi)
A Branched under Luca's command and the Papal States' trump card. She has a mutual affection for Luca. She believes the Pontiff is her mother. Her power allows her to obtain her future self's strength, but she falls asleep afterwards as a consequence. She is 27-years-old but has the mind of a 9-year-old due to overuse of her power.
The Pontiff (教皇, Kyōkō)
The leader of the Papal States and of the Spirism faith.
Demi (デミ)
A Branched under Luca's command. Her power gives her exceptional eyesight that she can share with others.
Miura (ミウラ)
A Branched under Luca's command. His power allows him to run incredibly fast, though, because of the high speed, he cannot see where he is going.
Poppy (ポピー, Popī)
A Branched under Luca's command. Her power gives her telekinesis. Her telekinesis is very weak but has a large radius, allowing her to use a bow and arrow to hit enemies at a distance with high accuracy.
Cora (コーラ, Kōra)
A Branched under Luca's command. Her power allows her to transfer injuries between herself and another person. She primarily serves as a medic.
Oskar (オスカー, Osukā)
A Branched under Luca's command. He and Zahid have been friends since childhood. He is fanatically devoted to the Pontiff, who brought his younger sister back to life. His power grants him immortality, capable of healing from any wound, including decapitation.
Zahid (ザヒード, Zahīdo)
A Branched under Luca's command. Born to a traveling merchant, he often visited Oskar's village, with whom he became friends. His power gives him supernatural luck.

Erin Empire

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The Garland Branched (花冠の枝憑き, Kakan no Edatsuki)
A 13-year-old Branched capable of destroying whole nations. Her power allows her to summon a meteor on a target.

Kingdom of Gallia

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The Looking Glass Branched (鏡面の枝付き, Kyōmen no Edatsuki)
A powerful Branched serving Gallia as a soldier. Her power allows her to create a spatial connection between mirrors.
Catherine
Daughter of the Looking Glass Branched.

Other

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Gerhart (ゲルハルト, Geruharuto)
Leader of a band of mercenaries and Luca's adoptive father.

Publication

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Written by Mozuku Sora and illustrated by Higoro Toumori, the manga began serialization in Shueisha's Jump Square magazine on June 3, 2022.[2] In September 2025, it was announced that the series would be entering its final battle.[3] In April 2026, it was announced that the series would be transferred to the Jump SQ. Rise magazine beginning in the Summer 2026 issue.[4] As of February 2026, the series' individual chapters have been collected into thirteen tankōbon volumes.[5]

In October 2024, Viz Media announced that they licensed the series for English publication.[6]

Volumes

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No. Original release date Original ISBN English release date English ISBN
1September 2, 2022[7]978-4-08-883236-4June 3, 2025[8]978-1-9747-5259-1
  • 1. "Dreams of Sound" (夢見る音, Yumemiru Oto)
  • 2. "The Two Great Spires" (二つの主塔, Futatsu no Shutō)
  • 3. "Marching" (マーチング, Māchingu)
Luca is recruited by the Pontiff following a battle where he uses his powers for the first time to conduct a successful retreat. To assess his abilities, the Pontiff tasks Luca with eliminating enemies that have gathered outside the city gates of Thermi. The Pontiff makes Luca captain of the Branched and wants him to assist in his war against the Erin Empire and in killing the Garland, a powerful Branched. In return, Luca demands he be allowed to quit afterwards and become a maestro. The next day, Luca strikes up a friendship with Miura, a fellow Branched. After an abandoned fort was occupied by bandits, Luca leads Miura to recapture the fort.
2January 4, 2023[9]978-4-08-883344-6August 5, 2025[10]978-1-9747-5609-4
  • 4. "First Campaign" (はじめての遠征, Hajimete no Ensei)
  • 5. "The Battle of Fort Cannoli (Part 1)" (カンノーリ城の戦い➀, Kannōri-jō no Tatakai (1))
  • 6. "The Battle of Fort Cannoli (Part 2)" (カンノーリ城の戦い➁, Kannōri-jō no Tatakai (2))
  • 7. "Shining Far Off in the Night Sky" (夜空の奥で光るもの, Yozora no Oku de Hikaru Mono)
In their first proper campaign together, Luca and the Branched squad set out to intercept an Imperial army at Fort Cannoli. During the march, Luca repels an enemy ambush and takes the opportunity to learn more about his fellow Branched. At Fort Cannoli, Zoe defeats an enemy Branched in combat, forcing him to withdraw, while Miura captures another enemy Branched, securing a victory for the Papal States. However, that night Fort Cannoli and the surrounding countryside is destroyed by the Garland Branched. Two days later, in Thermi, the Branched squad celebrate their victory with a party. Seeing the good that still exists in the world, Luca begins to reconsider his outlook on life and becomes determined to defeat the Garland.
3April 4, 2023[11]978-4-08-883515-0October 7, 2025[12]978-1-9747-5823-4
  • 8. "Flower Ring" (フラワーリング, Furawā Ringu)
  • 9. "House of Mirrors" (鏡の家, Kagami no Ie)
  • 10. "Weather Report" (ウェザーリポート, Wezā Ripōto)
4July 4, 2023[13]978-4-08-883570-9December 2, 2025[14]978-1-9747-5824-1
  • 11. "Boy Meets Lady" (ボーイ・ミーツ・レディ, Bōi Mītsu Redi)
  • 12. "A Pitiable Emptiness" (愛しい空っぽ, Itoshī Karappo)
  • 13. "Flowering" (フラワリング, Furawaringu)
5October 4, 2023[15]978-4-08-883673-7February 3, 2026[16]978-1-9747-6175-3
  • 14. "Career Hopes" (進路希望, Shinro Kibō)
  • 15. "Off to the Land of Thralls" (奴隷の国へ, Dorei no Kuni e)
  • 16. "Domain of the Doppelgangers" (複命たちの国, Fukumeitachi no Kuni)
6February 2, 2024[17]978-4-08-883778-9April 7, 2026[18]978-1-9747-6176-0
  • 17. Spiredom of War (戦争教区, Sensō Kyōku)
  • Side Story 1 (番外編1, Bangaihen Ichi)
  • 18. Shelter from the Rain (雨宿り, Amayadori)
  • 19. Sounding the Dream (音見る夢, Otomiru Yume)
7June 4, 2024[19]978-4-08-884027-7June 2, 2026[20]978-1-9747-6360-3
  • 20. "The Branched Who Falls Towards Heaven" (天に落ちる枝憑き, Ten ni Ochiru Edatsuki)
  • 21. "Duel at Mount Tombe" (モン・トンブ城決戦, Mon Tonbu-jō Kessen)
  • 22. "One of Ten Thousand" (1万分の1, Ichi Manbun no Ichi)
  • 23. "Ticket to Ride" (乗車権, Jōshaken)
8September 4, 2024[21]978-4-08-884182-3August 4, 2026[22]978-1-9747-6518-8
  • 24. Wō Gēmu (ウォーゲーム)
  • 25. Tsūkagirei (通過儀礼)
  • 26. Otona ni Naru Made Sumau Heya (大人になるまで住まう部屋)
9January 4, 2025[23]978-4-08-884324-7——
  • 27. Modan Taimusu (モダンタイムス)
  • 28. "Happy"
  • 29. Zōi no Sekai (ゾーイの世界)
10April 4, 2025[24]978-4-08-884421-3——
  • 30. Oshie no Kuni (教えの国)
  • 31. Miraijin no Mura (未来人の村)
  • 32. Kyōdōtai (共同体)
11July 4, 2025[25]978-4-08-884586-9——
  • 33. Riaritī Shō (リアリティーショー)
  • 34. "Sweet Dreams"
  • 35. Nichijō Bibōroku (日常備忘録)
12October 3, 2025[26]978-4-08-884709-2——
  • 36. Ichiban Nagai Hi (いちばん長い日)
  • 37. Yūgure (夕暮れ)
  • 38. Yozora no Shita de Hiraku Mono (夜空の下で開くもの)
13February 4, 2026[5]978-4-08-884821-1——
  • 39. Fuyu Kitaru (冬来る)
  • 40. Tokeijikake no Ki (時計じかけの木)
  • 41. Tsunagari no Kuni (繋がりの国)
14July 3, 2026[27]978-4-08-885045-0——

Reception

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The reception of The Bugle Call: Song of War has been largely positive, with critics praising its innovative magic system,[28][29] detailed artwork,[30][1][31] and its blend of historical and dark fantasy elements.[32] Screen Rant included the manga in its list of the "10 Best New-Gen Manga to Read in 2026."[33] It was also recommended by Makoto Yukimura, the creator of Vinland Saga.[33][34]

The narrative and characters were well received by critics.[29][1] Kara Dennison of Otaku USA described it as a "surprisingly inspirational and hopeful story."[31] Mida of Scorpio Books noted that the ability to "see" music keeps the pacing "sharp and quick" while maintaining the emotional weight of the lives lost in war.[32] Kerstin of Walt's Comic Shop, however, noted an abrupt tonal shift in the first volume, causing the narrative to "lose some focus in the middle."[30] Some found Luca a relatable and likable character[31] while others found him to be unlikable though intriguing.[35]

The worldbuilding was generally favorably received,[28] though some critics found the setting unoriginal.[30][1] The series' worldbuilding and tone have been compared to other dark fantasy works, such as Berserk and Vinland Saga.[28][30] Kerstin noted that while "inspirations from Vinland Saga and Berserk are apparent", the world is "carefully constructed."

Higoro Toumori's artwork has received significant acclaim. Kerstin described the depictions of Luca's power as "particularly striking"[30] and Dennison called the art "gorgeous."[31]

References

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  1. 1 2 3 4 Koiwai; Erkael (March 26, 2024). "The Bugle Call Vol.1: Critiques". Manga News (in French). Archived from the original on March 30, 2024. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  2. 1 2 "音が見える"ラッパ手の少年を描く軍記ファンタジー「戦奏教室」がSQ.で始動. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. June 3, 2022. Archived from the original on February 6, 2023. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  3. ↑ Tai, Anita (September 8, 2025). "The Bugle Call: Song of War Manga Heads Toward 'Final Battle'". Anime News Network. Retrieved September 8, 2025.
  4. ↑ 『戦奏教室』がジャンプSQ.RISEへ移籍決定. Komi Rock (in Japanese). April 4, 2026. Retrieved June 10, 2026.
  5. 1 2 戦奏教室 13 (in Japanese). Shueisha. Retrieved December 20, 2025.
  6. ↑ Mateo, Alex (October 4, 2024). "Viz Media Licenses Steel Ball Run, Astro Royale, Tenmaku Cinema, More Manga". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on October 4, 2024. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  7. ↑ 戦奏教室 1 (in Japanese). Shueisha. Archived from the original on August 20, 2022. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  8. ↑ "The Bugle Call: Song of War, Vol. 1". Viz Media. Archived from the original on March 28, 2025. Retrieved March 8, 2025.
  9. ↑ 戦奏教室 2 (in Japanese). Shueisha. Archived from the original on February 21, 2023. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  10. ↑ "The Bugle Call: Song of War, Vol. 2". Viz Media. Archived from the original on May 1, 2025. Retrieved May 1, 2025.
  11. ↑ 戦奏教室 3 (in Japanese). Shueisha. Archived from the original on October 6, 2024. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  12. ↑ "The Bugle Call: Song of War, Vol. 3". Viz Media. Archived from the original on July 3, 2025. Retrieved July 1, 2025.
  13. ↑ 戦奏教室 4 (in Japanese). Shueisha. Archived from the original on October 6, 2024. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  14. ↑ "The Bugle Call: Song of War, Vol. 4". Viz Media. Archived from the original on December 9, 2025. Retrieved August 29, 2025.
  15. ↑ 戦奏教室 5 (in Japanese). Shueisha. Archived from the original on October 6, 2024. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  16. ↑ "The Bugle Call: Song of War, Vol. 5". Viz Media. Archived from the original on December 11, 2025. Retrieved November 3, 2025.
  17. ↑ 戦奏教室 6 (in Japanese). Shueisha. Archived from the original on October 6, 2024. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  18. ↑ "The Bugle Call: Song of War, Vol. 6". Viz Media. Archived from the original on January 2, 2026. Retrieved December 28, 2025.
  19. ↑ 戦奏教室 7 (in Japanese). Shueisha. Archived from the original on October 6, 2024. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  20. ↑ "The Bugle Call: Song of War, Vol. 7". Viz Media. Retrieved March 1, 2026.
  21. ↑ 戦奏教室 8 (in Japanese). Shueisha. Archived from the original on September 22, 2024. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  22. ↑ "The Bugle Call: Song of War, Vol. 8". Viz Media. Retrieved May 5, 2026.
  23. ↑ 戦奏教室 9 (in Japanese). Shueisha. Archived from the original on January 8, 2025. Retrieved November 19, 2024.
  24. ↑ 戦奏教室 10 (in Japanese). Shueisha. Archived from the original on February 23, 2025. Retrieved February 18, 2025.
  25. ↑ 戦奏教室 11 (in Japanese). Shueisha. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
  26. ↑ 戦奏教室 12 (in Japanese). Shueisha. Archived from the original on October 24, 2025. Retrieved August 17, 2025.
  27. ↑ 戦奏教室 14 (in Japanese). Shueisha. Retrieved May 19, 2026.
  28. 1 2 3 soy (June 29, 2025). "The Bugle Call: Song of War Volume 1 Review". Behind The Manga. Retrieved February 28, 2026.
  29. 1 2 Lillaz, Faustine (March 13, 2024). "The Bugle Call T1". Planete BD (in French). Archived from the original on October 6, 2024. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  30. 1 2 3 4 5 Kerstin (October 19, 2025). "The Bugle Call: Song of War - Manga Recommendation". Walt's Comic Shop. Retrieved February 28, 2026.
  31. 1 2 3 4 Dennison, Kara (May 15, 2025). "MANGA REVIEW: The Bugle Call: Song of War". Otaku USA Magazine. Sovereign Media. Archived from the original on December 12, 2025. Retrieved February 28, 2026.
  32. 1 2 Mida (October 26, 2025). "Book Review: The Bugle Call: Song of War". Scorpio Books. Retrieved February 28, 2026.
  33. 1 2 Waugh, J.R. (February 1, 2026). "10 Best New-Gen Manga to Read in 2026". Screen Rant. Valnet, Inc. Archived from the original on February 25, 2026. Retrieved February 28, 2026.
  34. ↑ @JUMP_SQ (October 4, 2023). 「#戦奏教室」最新５巻本日10/4発売！ 帯コメントは「ヴィンランド・サガ」の #幸村誠 先生からいだきました！ [The Bugle Call: Song of War Volume 5 releases today, 4th October! The cover blurb comes from Makoto Yukimura of Vinland Saga fame!] (Tweet) (in Japanese). Retrieved February 28, 2026 – via X (formerly Twitter).
  35. ↑ Martinson, Patti (June 1, 2025). "The Bugle Call: Song of War Vol. 1". Sequential Tart. Retrieved February 28, 2026.
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