Jigokuraku Unleashed: The Mind-Blowing Climax That Will Leave You Breathless

The final episode of the 2023 Spring season adaptation of Yūji Kaku's Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku aired last weekend, delivering an impressive conclusion to the first season and setting the stage for season 2. Sagiri, Yuzuriha, Shion, and Nurugai faced a formidable opponent in the form of the Kishikai State Mu Dan, whose vines had the ability to make flowers bloom all over the body.

With stunning visuals from MAPPA and Shion risking his life due to his remorse over Tenza's death, the battle between Mu Dan and the Vanguard Party members has easily become the anime's most thrilling fight to date.

Nick of Time

Shion Concentrates His Tao – Hell's Paradise Jigokuraku Episode 13

Content:

Mu Dan's supposed fatal strike on Senta in the previous episode turned out to be less deadly than it seemed. As Shion and Nurugai arrived, Senta was barely clinging to life. Shion instructed Nurugai to remove the flowers blooming on Senta's body and escort the others to safety. Although the vines and flowers were subdued, Senta's internal organs had already suffered significant damage, leaving him on the brink of death. Shion prepares to confront Mu Dan, who is confident in their superiority. Surprisingly, Mu Dan's curiosity outweighs any fear or negativity, even when learning that Shion possesses a formidable Tao.

Shion has devoted time to understanding the uses and properties of Tao through training with Nurugai, who now shares Tenza's hairstyle. His timely arrival saves the exhausted Yuzuriha and Sagiri from certain demise, as he effortlessly slices through the enemy. Shion has developed techniques that enhance his overall abilities and senses by enveloping himself in Tao, resembling the concept of Nen in Hunter x Hunter. Despite the Tensen's aggressive attacks, Shion remains composed in battle, firmly resolved to give his all. He recognizes that the key to victory lies in inflicting damage to the opponent's life-force, described as "cutting the soul itself."

The Heat of Battle

Shion Defeats Mu Dan – Hell's Paradise Jigokuraku Episode 13

Nurugai assures the others that Shion is capable of handling the Tensen alone, and there is clear evidence to support this. The battle quickly becomes evenly matched as flowers bloom on Shion's body, signifying that even a small scratch could be deadly. However, Asaemon, who is determined, removes the flowers from his own body, despite the Tensen warning that it would cause serious harm. Shion is willing to accept death if necessary. While Sagiri and the others regroup, Nurugai explains how physical contact with her has helped Shion replenish his Tao. Unfortunately, this method does not work when she hugs Yuzuriha, but it is effective with Sagiri. This leads Nurugai to consider the potential for positive interactions between Tao users. Yuzuriha decides to stay out of the battle, but provides support using her Ninpo.

Sagiri shares information with Shion about the Tensen's source of power. With assistance from Sagiri and a skilled Nurugai, Shion is able to confront the vines and avoid energy beams while making his way towards the main body. However, as he prepares to strike, Shion hesitates because he senses no significant flow of "Waves," indicating that his target may not be the true source of power. Just when he needs it, Senta provides crucial knowledge: if the enemy is a plant-like life-form, the equivalent of the Tanden would be the ovule at the center of the flower's petals. Mu Dan's vines quickly attack Shion from all directions at close range, but his heightened senses allow him to anticipate their movements, allowing him to avoid each attack with precise flips and dodges. He then uses this momentum to deliver a powerful crescent moon slash on the true target. This moment showcases the stunning and fluid combat that Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku has consistently delivered throughout the season. Additionally, Nurugai's agile movements and Sagiri's precise swordplay are also breathtaking moments in the battle.

Farewell

Yamada Asaemon Senta's Death – Hell's Paradise Jigokuraku Episode 13

Mu Dan's ovule unfurls at the site of its injury, revealing a multitude of smiling faces. Their final gaze falls upon Shion, poised above them, prepared to sacrifice himself. A sense of beauty emanates from this alternative, a "perfect equilibrium of Yin-Yang," as they describe it. Regretful for not being able to share this sight with their leader, Mu Dan gradually dissolves, expressing gratitude towards Shion. They convey that they have been eagerly awaiting this moment for a millennium. Mu Dan's serene acceptance of death may seem peculiar, but it follows a common theme found in tales featuring immortal characters who often yearn for death in vain. With the threat vanquished, the group can now devote their attention to the dying Senta, whom Yuzuriha predicts will not last more than thirty minutes.

Senta's last contribution, the knowledge that led to Mu Dan's downfall, exacted a heavy toll on his battered body. Despite teetering on the brink of death previously, this action brings him even closer to the threshold. Yuzuriha possesses healing salves that staunch bleeding rapidly, albeit with only one remaining. In tears, she imparts to a grieving Sagiri that it would be best to use it on Shion. She lowers herself beside Senta, cradling him gently, while encouraging him to release his burdens to the Yamada Clan. Yuzuriha skillfully steers his final thoughts towards pleasant memories. Senta's thoughts drift to his beloved snacks, the artworks of his favorite artist, and, of course, Yuzuriha herself, his cherished confidante, in whose embrace he can now find solace.

What Now?

Yamada Asaemon Shugen – Hell's Paradise Jigokuraku Episode 13

After burying Senta, the remaining members gather to discuss their next steps, with Sagiri grappling with her grief. Through tear-filled eyes, she firmly resolves to prevent any further deaths, be it Asaemon or criminal. They venture deeper into Hо̄rai, stumbling upon comfortable rooms and fresh clothing. As they share their encounters with Tao and their knowledge about it, Yuzuriha's contribution sends chills down their spines. She reminds them that even if they manage to escape the island, the shogunate would still demand the Elixir of Life, whose existence she questions. However, Sagiri counters by highlighting Gabimaru's firsthand experience witnessing the immortality of the Iwagakure village chief. Yuzuriha recalls instances where entire villages fell victim to intricate illusions and manipulations, suggesting that Gabimaru may be just another brainwashed ninja manipulated with fabricated information like the existence of a wife or an elixir of life.

Meanwhile, Gabimaru's excessive use of Tao and injuries from battles have left him with amnesia. Although he wakes up jumpy and behaves oddly, only Mei can sense that something is amiss with the ninja, whose memories have always been shrouded in uncertainty, especially since the revelation of his supposed wife. The episode concludes with a conversation between Shion and Sagiri, who express concerns for Gabimaru following Yuzuriha's unsettling remarks. After the ending theme, a post-credits scene portrays a moment in Edo where the shogunate orders another expedition to the island under the leadership of Yamada Asaemon Shugen. This serves as a setup for the second season and heightens anticipation among fans familiar with the manga. Overall, the final episode of Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku offers a delightful feast for the senses with its captivating visuals, emotional moments, intriguing mysteries, and an enticing cliffhanger that intensifies excitement for the upcoming season.