Sagiri, the Extraordinary Tao Master: Unveiling the Enigmatic World of Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku

"Be like water - shapeless, formless. Just as water can adapt to any container it is poured into - a cup, a bottle, a teapot - you too must possess the ability to adjust and transform. Water can flow gently or forcefully. Embrace this fluidity, my friend."

Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku delves deeper into its storyline with the introduction of the series' power system, Tao. As the characters encounter the formidable Tensen, they begin to grasp the enigmatic nature of Tao, even though most members of the Vanguard Party are still grappling to comprehend it.

Yamada Asaemon Sagiri, the secondary protagonist of the series, poses a considerable threat to Gabimaru, who is widely regarded as the strongest human. Sagiri has undeniably impressive abilities, but what baffles Gabimaru and her fellow Yamada Asaemon is her inconsistent performance and tendency to hesitate during battles. Despite her struggles on Shinsenkyō, those around her recognize her immense power, which can be attributed to her innate talent as a Tao genius, even before the concept is formally introduced.

Emotionless

The Fear In Sagiri's Blade – Hell's Paradise Jigokuraku Episode 2

In the realm of combat, the ability to cleave through even the strongest of individuals lies in the precise moment when the blade meets the intersection of taut muscles, resilient sinews, and unyielding bone. It matters not who the adversary is or how unorthodox their fighting style may be; the fundamental principles of decapitation remain steadfast. To embody the Yamada Asaemon way is to possess a deep understanding of the body's intricate framework and skillfully maneuver through its vulnerabilities.

Sagiri's rigorous training in swordsmanship as an executioner and sword-tester for the Yamada Clan's Asaemon made her strive to become an elite samurai capable of beheading her targets with a single swipe of her blade. This unique skill earned the Asaemon the nickname "Kubikiri Asa," meaning "Decapitator Asa," with "Asa" referring to morning. Sagiri, in the second episode, reflects on her childhood and the influence of her father, the previous head of the Yamada Clan, who demonstrated a flawless execution technique, devoid of any emotional attachment, ensuring a peaceful death for the criminals.

Sagiri's own proficiency with the sword was a far cry from her father's mastery, leaving her burdened with guilt over taking lives and struggling to wield her blade with utmost conviction. Eizen and Genji, her fellow Asaemon, initially attributed her hesitation to their biased belief that women were inherently emotional and unsuited for battle. However, their assumptions were quickly proven wrong when they arrived at Shinsenkyō. As Genji lay dying, he handed his blade to Sagiri as an apology for underestimating her skills due to her gender, acknowledging her resilience as a samurai. Genji recognized the stark contrast between Sagiri's strength in rejecting his suggestion that she leave and her vulnerability expressed through tears shed for his impending death.

Formless

the interconnectedness and balance between opposing forces. In Sagiri's case, it is her ability to empathize deeply with others while also being capable of violent acts.

This realization marks a turning point in Sagiri's character development. She no longer sees her rich emotions and empathy as weaknesses, but as sources of strength. This newfound acceptance allows her to fully embrace her true self, leading to her growth and the realization that she can be both compassionate and powerful.

In episode 3 of Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku, as the fight between Gabimaru and Sagiri reaches its climax, Gabimaru is frustrated with himself for not being able to kill Sagiri. However, Sagiri reassures him that his ability to retain his emotions and choose a different path, despite his reputation as a brutal killer, is a testament to his strength.

Sagiri's understanding of her own contradictions and acceptance of her extremes is the key to unlocking her immense potential. It is through this self-awareness that she is able to find "The Middle Way," a concept deeply ingrained in Dharmic religions, where she acknowledges and embraces the balance between her opposing qualities.

In conclusion, Sagiri's hesitation to kill the criminals, her growth through Gabimaru's presence, and her acceptance of her emotions and abilities are pivotal moments in her character arc. By understanding and embracing her contradictions, she taps into her immense potential and finds strength in her empathy and capacity for violence. This transformative journey allows her to discover "The Middle Way" and the interconnectedness of opposing forces within herself.

Like Water

Embracing nothingness – the gateway to enlightenment. The epic battle against the mighty Giant of Bizen, Rokurōta, stood as a testament to Sagiri's newfound self-assurance, while her mind, in moments of intense concentration, mirrored the relentless ebb and flow of the ocean waves.

Sagiri Formless Like Water – Hell's Paradise Jigokuraku Episode 6

Water is fluid, soft and yielding. But water will wear away rock, which is rigid and cannot yield.

Yamada Asaemon Shion, a blind samurai, unveils his remarkable ability to navigate effortlessly by relying on his unique perception of a peculiar substance he describes as "waves". By interpreting the constant ebb and flow of the energy emitted by his surroundings, he ingeniously creates a mental map that allows him to navigate flawlessly and anticipate danger in advance. This term, "waves", holds an intriguing significance due to both Sagiri's visualization of them as flowing water and the teachings of Lao Tzu, the ancient Chinese philosopher, as found in the Taoist scripture called the Tao Te Ching. In this text, Lao Tzu eloquently illustrates the fascinating paradox of the fluidity of water triumphing over the inflexibility of rock.

Lao Tzu's quote states that anything that is fluid, soft, and yielding has the ability to overcome things that are rigid and hard. It is a paradox, showing that what may appear soft is actually strong. Mei uses this concept to explain to Gabimaru and the rest of the group during their encounter with the Dōshi. Mei emphasizes that Tao is both strong and weak, and its effective use comes from comprehending the contrasting extremes within oneself. Sagiri, who has already recognized the presence of both weakness and strength within herself long before Tao was introduced, embodies an important aspect of understanding this force. This makes her a character with immense potential and a genius when it comes to Tao.