Unveiling the Spectacular Metamorphosis of Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku

In the latest episode of Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku, viewers were introduced to the entirety of the show's villainous group, the Tensen. The episode showcased Gabimaru's daring attempt to retrieve the Elixir of Life known as Hо̄rai from the innermost part of Shinsenkyо̄, which resulted in a fierce battle with the Tensen. This battle also revealed the vast difference in strength between the Tensen and even the strongest humans, with a never-before-seen dramatic trope: the final transformation.

Build-Up

Gabimaru and the Pious Arborified – Hell's Paradise Jigokuraku Episode 9

As they plan their way forward in the middle of the island known as Hо̄jo, Gabimaru and his group find themselves closer to the Elixir of Life than any previous expeditions to Shinsenkyо̄. With a solid understanding of the island's structure and knowledge of potential threats, Senta, despite being exhausted, insists on keeping watch alongside Gabimaru. However, fatigue catches up to him, causing him to pass out and leaving Gabimaru to watch alone. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Gabimaru investigates a square filled with tree-people like Hо̄ko fixed in a prayer position before rushing off to Hо̄rai alone. Unbeknownst to him, Mei watches from a safe distance.

The Way (To Eternity)

Gabimaru finally reaches the entrance to Hо̄rai, a pair of large red doors adorned with vines. As he prepares to enter, he is confronted by Zhu Jin, the Tensen responsible for killing Tenza. Zhu Jin, exhausted from dealing with humans, transforms into their feminine form and attacks Gabimaru. Despite putting up a strong fight, Gabimaru is eventually overpowered by Zhu Jin's relentless barrage of attacks. After unleashing the Ascetic Blaze, Gabimaru appears to have defeated Zhu Jin, but the Tensen quickly switches to their masculine form and continues the assault. Despite Gabimaru's attempts to extract information, Zhu Jin remains stubborn and declares that no one will leave alive. The intense battle causes significant damage to the surrounding environment.

Gabimaru's incredible strength is showcased in his epic battle against Zhu Jin, where the two exchange intense blows in a sequence reminiscent of the signature wide-shot scenes from Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku anime. Although the focus is more on the combat's intensity rather than its choreography, the fight is still well-animated and thrilling to watch. Despite taking numerous bolstered punches, Gabimaru remains unfazed and overwhelms his immortal opponent with a flurry of punches that leave the Tensen battered and bruised. It's clear that Gabimaru is not a normal ninja, and Zhu Jin realizes this as he decides to unleash everything he's got.

Fool, This Isn't Even My Final Form

In a desperate move, Zhu Jin unleashes their ultimate transformation known as the Tensen's "Kishikai State". Flowers sprout all over their beaten body as they undergo a rapid metamorphosis, emerging as a giant hibiscus flower with long vines that work like monstrous tentacles to crush their opponent. This monstrous form is only assumed in dire need of a power boost to overwhelm the enemy, and Zhu Jin uses it to produce arcs of electricity through the four antlers protruding from the flower's style. Despite Gabimaru's upper hand in their battle, Zhu Jin's electric attacks bring him to the brink of death. As Zhu Jin prepares for a final blow, Mei steps in and creates a forcefield to protect them both as they make their escape.

Kishikai

Gabimaru vs Kishikai Zhu Jin – Hell's Paradise Jigokuraku Episode 9

In Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku, the Kishikai State is the ultimate form of the Tensen, reserved for opponents that cannot be defeated in any other manner. The term "Kishikai" is derived from the kanji characters 鬼尸解, with the first character meaning "demon" and the second character "shi" representing "corpse". The final character "kai" implies a solution to a problem, resulting in the direct translation of "Demonic Corpse Release". This name further emphasizes the divine nature of the Tensen, but with a darker connotation.

Gabimaru's battle against Zhu Jin established several crucial facts about Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku. Firstly, it revealed the transformation available to the series' antagonists – the Kishikai State. Secondly, it showcased the true extent of Gabimaru's strength. Finally, the fight demonstrated that mortals can learn the strange techniques applied by the Tensen and Mei. During the battle, Gabimaru felt a strange sensation, as if a mysterious power flowed out of him with each blow. The yellow illumination of the connecting attack indicated the usage of Tao, which will be pivotal to the series' progression, although it has yet to be fully explained.