Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga Episode 1: Hidden Secrets Unveiled as Rin Assists a Friend

The long-awaited sequel kicked off its adaptation from chapter 38 of Kazue Kato's manga, delving into Mephisto's true identity and Rin's decision to assist a classmate who started encountering demons.

Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga episode 1 highlights: Rin promises to help his classmate

Studio VOLN's production was exceptional, despite shuffling events from the manga. In summary, episode 1 of Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga launched the season on a high note.

The first episode of Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga kicks off with a brief introduction to Exorcists as a whole, then quickly transitions to Rin Okumura participating in a lesson at the True Cross Academy. While in class, he catches sight of a passing demon.

Rin noticed his classmate, Makoto Godain, showing signs of discomfort and realized that the boy may have gained the ability to see demons. Upon inquiring, Rin found out that Makoto has been seeing demons ever since the summer vacation ended.

As an exorcist apprentice, Rin made the decision to help out his classmate. The first episode of Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga then time-skips a day ahead to see the protagonist meeting his friends at the True Cross Academy.

Rin and Makoto, depicted in the episode. Image courtesy of Studio VOLN.

In the midst of checking his locker, Rin Okumura comes across a letter. The elaborate envelope initially led him to believe that it was a love letter from a hidden admirer. Upon further examination, however, it becomes apparent that the sender was none other than Mephisto, the Chairman of the Academy.

The letter stated that Rin Okumura's execution was temporarily postponed and he was invited to the Exorcist apprentice mansion at a specific time, requiring formal attire. While Rin and his friends were discussing the letter, they heard a sharp cry from Makoto in the hallway.

In Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga episode 1, Makoto is then shown being attacked by a low-level demon. Rin quickly comes to his aid and uses his demonic power to frighten the demon away.

Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga episode 1: Mephisto reveals his actual identity

In a later scene, the exorcist apprentice turns to his friends for a solution to Makoto's problem, but they don't have one. He ultimately decides to seek advice from Mephisto, as he was heading to Mephisto's mansion. Upon arriving, Rin is surprised to learn a shocking fact: Mephisto Pheles' real name is Samael, the Demon King of Time, as revealed in Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga episode 1.

The image above shows Mephisto as seen in the episode (Image via Studio VOLN)

For more than 200 years in Assiah, he has been known by the name Mephisto Pheles. In Gehenna, however, he is renowned as the second-in-command and a member of the Demon Royal Family, Baal.

Samael takes Rin's consciousness with him to Gehenna, highlighting the difference in their strengths. Despite being Satan's son, Rin Okumura is cautioned not to become overconfident just because he vanquished the Impure King.

Mephisto speaking to Rin (Image via Image via Studio VOLN)

Later, Mephisto/Samael brings the protagonist's consciousness back to Assiah and offers to assist with Makoto's issue if he completes a task.

Episode 1 of Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga then showcases a conversation between brothers Rin and Yukio Okumura. Rin complains about Mephisto withholding the eyedrops to aid Makoto, while Yukio remarks on his brother's naivety.

Rin and his friends receive their task in Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga episode 1

Rin as seen in the anime (Image via Image via Studio VOLN)

The following day, Mephisto Pheles confronts Rin and his friends, requesting their assistance in eliminating the demons that have taken over the school. He selects a particular family portrait that has the ability to make anyone who gazes upon it become sick as their target.

Acting impulsively, Rin charges at the portrait and uses his Koma sword to cleave it in two. However, this action results in them becoming ensnared within a barrier.

The demon depicted in the episode (Image via Studio VOLN)

Luckily, Konekomaru realizes that the demon is a shapeshifter. He identifies the demon's vulnerability and directs everyone to simultaneously attack multiple family portraits. Working together, Rin and his friends achieve victory.

Following this, episode 1 of Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga shifts the setting to Yemen, where Arthur and Lewin Light are tasked with investigating the return of the Impure Princess.

Arthur (left) and Light (right) as seen in the episode (Image via Studio VOLN)

After failing to defeat the Impure King in Japan, Arthur showcases his Paladin strength by destroying the Impure Princess and asserting his authority. In episode 1 of Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga, Rin gives Makoto eye drops and reassures him that the medicine will prevent him from seeing demons. Before leaving, Makoto inquires about Rin's tail, prompting the protagonist to reveal that he is a half-demon.

Rin Okumura is seen in episode 1 (Image via Studio VOLN). Outside, Rin's friends eagerly awaited his arrival for a Monja party. Excitedly, the exorcist apprentice joins them. The first episode of Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga concludes with Mephisto's monologue on the blurring boundaries between Assiah and Gehenna.

Stay updated with more anime news and manga updates as we progress through 2024.

Editor's P/S

As a passionate fan of the Blue Exorcist series, I was thrilled to watch the first episode of the Shimane Illuminati Saga. The episode lived up to my expectations and delivered an exciting start to the new season. The animation and voice acting were top-notch, and the story quickly drew me in. I was particularly intrigued by the revelation of Mephisto's true identity and his connection to the Demon Royal Family. This twist adds a new layer of complexity to the character and sets the stage for some exciting developments in the upcoming episodes.

Overall, I am very excited about the direction that the Shimane Illuminati Saga is taking and can't wait to see what happens next. I highly recommend this episode to fans of the Blue Exorcist series and to anyone who enjoys dark fantasy anime.