Unveiling Gantetsusai's Path to Eternal Life in Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku

Immortality is a central theme in Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku. The series revolves around the Elixir of Life, now referred to as "Tan," which is believed to grant eternal life. The Lord Tensen, the series' antagonists, have acquired inhuman abilities through their rigorous training in the Five Training Methods to Immortality and their consistent consumption of Tan.

Despite the Tensen's centuries-long monopoly on the secret of eternal life, a member of the Vanguard Party believes he has discovered an alternative method: fame. Gantetsusai Tamiya, also known as "Blade Dragon" and "Eight Provinces Unparalleled," reveals that his motivation for joining the search is not driven by personal gain or pardons like his peers.

Dragon Slayer

Gantetsusai Tamiya Cuts Dragon Gate – Hell's Paradise Jigokuraku Episode 4

Gantetsusai's association with dragons stems from his exceptional skill with the blade. While his prowess in combat is the primary reason for this comparison, the dragon motif holds a deeper significance in his journey. Trained in swordsmanship since a young age, Gantetsusai earned a reputation for his unparalleled strength, rumored to surpass even that of a dragon. This is evident in his recollection of the events leading to his arrest and subsequent placement on death row. Bold and stubborn, Gantetsusai became the drinking companion of a local lord who doubted his ability to slay a dragon, as his epithet proclaimed. To prove his strength, Gantetsusai metaphorically demonstrated his power by cleaving the torii gate adorned with a dragon crest in half. This act directly challenged the lord's skepticism and resulted in his arrest, ultimately leading to his involvement in the expedition to Shinsenkyō. The association with dragons not only highlights Gantetsusai's extraordinary strength, but also amplifies his status as a formidable individual who can confront and conquer the very creatures that embody humanity's deepest fears and nightmares.

Go Big, Or Go Home

Gantetsusai's Hand – Hell's Paradise Jigokuraku Episode 3

Gantetsusai possesses an incredibly dominant personality, reminiscent of many swordsmen seen in anime, such as Kenpachi Zaraki from the BLEACH series. Like Kenpachi, Gantetsusai is driven by the thrill of combat and the chance to face formidable opponents. His character is intentionally designed to emanate strength, and it is through his experiences that the true horrors of the island are revealed. Gantetsusai is the type of individual who would not hesitate to sacrifice his own hand if necessary, demonstrating his quick thinking and intelligence in adapting to different situations.

Despite only having one hand, Gantetsusai has managed to survive on the island long enough to cross paths with Gabimaru and his crew. He remains confident enough to challenge the ninja to a fight. During this encounter, Gantetsusai discloses his true motivations for seeking the Elixir of Life, which do not revolve around seeking pardon for his crimes. In fact, Gantetsusai couldn't care less about any of that. His presence on Shinsenkyō is solely driven by his larger-than-life personality. Renowned for his combat prowess and swordsmanship, Gantetsusai's reputation is of utmost importance to him. It is his desire to protect his ego that ultimately landed him on death row.

Dragon Slayer (of Legend)

Gantetsusai's Goal – Hell's Paradise Jigokuraku Episode 10

Gantetsusai's identity as "the strong guy" extends far beyond his physical strength, as every aspect of his existence revolves around the concept of strength, both as a virtue and a vice. His formidable power instills fear in others, but when faced with someone who doesn't react to his strength, he recklessly gets himself into trouble without any regard for the consequences. Gantetsusai's sole desire is to be acknowledged for his role as "the strong guy", and his peculiar nature becomes apparent when he expresses his indifference towards immortality in its literal sense. If Gantetsusai were to stumble upon the legendary Elixir of Life, he would simply seize it and return home, as his yearning for immortality lies in a different context entirely – he wishes to be known as the legendary warrior who discovered the mythical elixir, not merely as someone who consumed it. Consequently, Gantetsusai has uncovered a path to immortality that the Tensen have never even contemplated: overwhelming and indisputable glory.