The creative team behind the dark battle fantasy series Chained Soldier (known in Japan as Mato Seihei no Slave) has hit an unexpected hurdle. Shueisha's digital platform Shonen Jump+ announced that the ongoing manga created by writer Takahiro and artist Yōhei Takemura is stepping away from weekly serialisation to prioritise the artist's health and recovery.
According to a direct statement released by Takemura, the artist sustained damage to the fibrocartilage in their right wrist this past June. Although initial chapters were completed while wearing a protective brace, the physical demands of digital and ink production placed immense strain on the joint, exacerbating the pain and hindering natural healing. Following medical advice, Takemura has chosen to halt rough drafts entirely to secure a full recovery.
Serialization Return and Franchise Context
The editorial department at Shonen Jump+ confirmed that the dark fantasy manga is provisionally scheduled to resume serialization on November 14. However, editors stressed that medical guidance remains paramount, and future pacing will be coordinated closely with both Takahiro and Takemura based on ongoing health evaluations.
Launched originally in January 2019, Chained Soldier has built a substantial global following through its gritty premise featuring demonic gates, magical peach trees, and the anti-demon squads tasked with protecting humanity. The property's popularity expanded further with an anime adaptation by Seven Arcs, which launched its first season in January 2024, followed by subsequent broadcast waves on HIDIVE and confirmation of a third season currently in development.
