Chapter 126

is the one hundredth and twenty sixth chapter of the Fire Force manga series.

Summary
In the Netherworld, Joker and Benimaru stare down the Shadow of the Holy Sun. Joker scowls and explains that the organisation are the Church's assassins and they are all rotten. When one of the shadows condemns their intrusion, Joker states he is simply returning. When asked if '52' means anything, the shadow is shocked.

Entering a flashback, a young boy, known only as 52, engages in a training exercise in a underground base. His skill with a knife allows him to best a much older opponent and impress his peers. Irritated by the boy's supposed arrogance, the captain of the group beats him to a pulp. While pummelling the child, the captain explains that none of them are special and all that matters is the group. As the captain is restrained from killing the young prodigy by the others, 52 lies on the ground. He claims he only wanted to grow stronger and that all people are individuals despite his leader's claims.

Some time later, 52 examines the watch that was left with him when he was abandoned to the Shadows. Knowing that this item is the only thing that connects 52 to the outside world, the captain destroys it with his third generation abilities and later beats a restrained 52 with the intent of making him suffer down to the bone.

In the Year 184, the Shadows observes the fire raging in the Kusakabe household. Aware that Shō Kusakabe has been abducted by a Demon Infernal, the captain orders them located and killed. While the organisation is distracted by the Demon, 52 (now wearing an eyepatch) manages to escape into the city. While feeing, 52 notices his left eye is burning but continues on believing that the Sun God's light would guide him. At some point, 52 collapses outside a family's house and they tended to his needs without needing a reward, despite 52 insisting on repaying them.

Later, 52 returns to the family with shopping only to see men in black suits leaving the house. Inside, the young man finds the family murdered in their living room by the Shadow of the Holy Sun. Faced with this tragedy, 52 fully embraces the cruelty of the world: becoming the criminal known as Joker.

In the present day, Joker calmly tells his opponent that he wishes to teach them about the truth of the world. The Shadow simply mocks his struggle and draws his sword. Joker removes his long coat, draws his cards and smiles. Ready for battle against his former masters.