The popular dark fantasy military manga, The Bugle Call: Song of War (Japanese: Sensō Kyōshitsu), is heading towards its “final battle.” The announcement was made in the October issue of Shueisha’s Jump Square magazine, released on Thursday, September 8, 2025. Fans of the series, which combines themes of music, warfare, and fantasy, can anticipate the culmination of its epic narrative.
The Journey of Luca: A Muse of Massacre
Created by writer Mozuku Sora and illustrator Higoro Tōmori, The Bugle Call: Song of War debuted in Shueisha’s Jump Square magazine in June 2022. The story centers on Luca, a young bugler in a mercenary company whose deepest desire is to abandon the battlefield and become a true musician. However, Luca is marked as one of the enigmatic “Branch-hexed” individuals, possessing the unique ability to “see” the sound of his instrument.
Left for dead after a battle, Luca is rescued by a mysterious figure known as the Pontiff. He soon discovers that he is not alone in his unusual powers; the Pontiff has assembled a special team of Branch-hexed individuals with the aim of defeating rival empires. Luca’s extraordinary abilities, rather than offering him an escape from conflict, instead force him to become a “muse of massacre,” drawing him reluctantly into a large-scale war. The narrative explores a world dominated by ancient towers known as the Spires, remnants of an old civilization that hold lost secrets and powerful knowledge, for which nations now struggle.
Publication and English Release
Shueisha, the Japanese publisher, released the 11th compiled book volume of The Bugle Call: Song of War on July 4, 2025. The 12th volume is scheduled to ship on October 3, 2025. For international readers, Viz Media has licensed the series for English publication. Viz Media released the second English volume on August 5, 2025, allowing a broader audience to follow Luca’s perilous journey. The series has garnered attention for its compelling mix of action, fantasy, and psychological depth, with fans appreciating its exploration of war and fate.
