The Mysterious World of Doshi: Unveiling Hell's Paradise

Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku expands our understanding of the island of Kotaku, also known as Shinsenkyō, by introducing another intriguing element: the enigmatic Dōshi. These beings, who claim to be attendants of the powerful Tensen, make their appearance in episode 10 during a fierce confrontation involving the Bandit King Chōbei Aza and the otherworldly entities inhabiting the island.

Meanwhile, Gabimaru and his companions come face to face with a Dōshi, accompanied by hordes of Sōshin. Unlike the Sōshin, the Dōshi possess their own unique abilities and retain their intelligence and rationality as subordinates of the Tensen. But what exactly are these enigmatic beings known as the Dōshi?

Etymology

The term "Dōshi" in Japanese is represented by the characters 道士, combining the characters for Tao/Dao and a kanji commonly associated with scholars, students, or individuals with specific qualifications when used with nouns. When used independently, this kanji holds the same pronunciation and historically denoted "samurai" or "warrior". Consequently, "Dōshi" can be understood as a "student of the Way" or a "warrior of the Way". Both interpretations are valid due to their roles as students, servants, and the military force of the Lord Tensen.

This designation is applied to low-ranking hermits who, like the Tensen, are devoted to the Five Training Methods for Immortality under the guidance of the Tensen, who have successfully mastered these methods. Therefore, the Dōshi receive their training in Hōrai, the central area of Shinsenkyō where the Tensen reside. The term Tao, or "the Way", refers to the natural flow and order of the universe, the essence of life itself, and the fundamental concept that serves as the framework for everything else. Hence, the physical appearance of the Dōshi varies, but they are unified by their attire, which includes Taoist robes or a changshan, beads, and most notably, a headpiece adorned with the Yin-Yang symbol.

Abilities

Aza Chobei's Tao – Hell's Paradise Jigokuraku Episode 10

The Dōshi possess a formidable advantage in combat due to their ability to perceive Tao and their intelligence. Unlike their mindless counterparts, the Sōshin, the Dōshi are more difficult to defeat due to their mastery of Tao and heightened senses. Even Chōbei, who had previously battled one of the island's strongest entities, struggled to overcome the Dōshi's attacks. In addition to manipulating their own Tao, the Dōshi can also perceive the flow of Tao in other entities, granting them an edge in battle. While the Dōshi may not be at the top of the island's hierarchy, their status as the right-hand of the Tensen gives them authority and control over the Sōshin in their battles against the Bandit Brothers.

Unlike the Tensen, who have achieved their superior status through the mastery of the Five Training Methods to Immortality, the Dōshi are unable to change their gender and are exclusively male. The Dōshi encountered by Chōbei and Tōma has been sent by the Tensen to investigate the supposedly deceased Bandit Brothers. With their knowledge of Tao, the Dōshi can regenerate from attacks that lack sufficient Tao power. Chōbei, lacking this ability, can only muster minimal levels of Tao in his attacks, causing little harm to the Dōshi. Similar to the Nen power system in the Hunter x Hunter series, the Dōshi can envelop themselves in Tao, providing protection against various physical attacks.

History

Abominations on Shinsenkyo – Hell's Paradise Jigokuraku Episode 4

In the anime, the true nature of various entities found in Shinsenkyō has yet to be fully revealed. However, it is believed that these entities are either derived from or remnants of humanity in some way. The Dōshi, for instance, are believed to be the remains of humans who were part of the landing party that arrived from China with Jofuku many centuries ago, or humans who embarked on a quest to find the Elixir of Life but were destined never to return. Through unknown means, these individuals were transformed into servants of the Tensen, losing all their original memories and acquiring human bodies with deformed, hybrid heads similar to the lower-ranked Sōshin.

The Dōshi's devotion to the Tensen stems from their training in the ways of Tao. As a testament to their high position in the hierarchy of Shinsenkyō, the Dōshi possess the ability to speak, reason, and exhibit distinct personalities, unlike other monsters on the island. The discovery of the Dōshi in Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku adds a chilling element to the array of creatures found in Shinsenkyō. While it has long been known that the flowers scattered throughout the island originate from human bodies, the true nature of the monsters has remained perplexing to the surviving members of the Vanguard Party. The existence of the Dōshi, along with the presence of Hōko, suggests that human beings might have been involved in the creation of the island's fauna. This realization raises the possibility that even a member of the Vanguard Party could potentially serve alongside the Lord Tensen if deemed worthy.