On July 1, 2023, the final episode of Yuji Kaku’s intense dark shounen, “Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku” aired, bringing the first season to a close. Hell’s Paradise episode 13 garnered substantial attention online, solidifying its status as an underrated gem of the Spring 2023 anime lineup.
This anime perfectly combines the vibrant landscapes of Shinsenkyo with a grim and merciless narrative. In this article, we provide a detailed summary of Hell’s Paradise episode 13, along with a discussion of what lies ahead in the next season of this criminally underrated anime.
Hell’s Paradise Episode 13 summary – Everything that happened
The teacher appears! Shion vs Mu Dan
Hell’s Paradise Episode 12 resumes where the previous episode left off. The intense confrontation between Shion and Mu Dan takes center stage. Mu Dan is a formidable member of Lord Tensen and a Tensen-class Sennin. Injured by Sagiri in the prior episode, Mu Dan undergoes a transformation into his Kishikai form. He then launches a barrage of stingers at Sagiri and Yuzuriha. However, Yamada Asaemon Shion arrives just in time to sever the stingers, stepping up to face Mu Dan himself.
During the clash, we gain insight into Shion’s thoughts. He grapples with guilt over the death of Yamada Asaemon Tenza, unable to forgive himself. Sagiri and Nurugai join Shion in the battle, but they encounter a significant obstacle. Mu Dan possesses two navels, making it challenging to determine the correct target to attack.
However, Yamada Asaemon Senta, who was critically injured by Mu Dan’s earlier assault, imparts valuable knowledge to Shion in Hell’s Paradise episode 13. Senta’s extensive study of plants during his time in the Asaemon clan reveals that Mu Dan’s weakness lies in its ovule. Acting swiftly, Shion delivers a fatal blow to Mu Dan. Mu Dan commends him for mastering Tao more effectively in his dying moments. Mu Dan’s parting words hint at the idea that one who fully embraces death can excel in the mastery of Tao beyond others.
The death of the artist – and the loss of memory
Senta’s life comes to an end, and Yuzuriha provides solace, enabling him to find peace. Senta’s final moments are filled with contentment, envisioning himself painting in his birthplace alongside Yuzuriha. Yuzuriha’s perspective on life has had a profound impact on making Senta’s passing easier.
Shion, Yuzuriha, Sagiri, and Nurugai respectfully lay Senta to rest. They then engage in a discussion on their next course of action. Shion cautions Sagiri against the excessive use of Tao in battles. This is because the potential toll it takes on one’s body remains unknown. He speculates that such usage may even lead to memory loss.
Simultaneously in Hell’s Paradise episode 13, Gabimaru awakens from his exhaustion after pushing his Tao to the limit in his previous fight. He finds himself surrounded by Fuchi, Mei, and Gantetsusai. However, his memory is hazy, and he can only recall being the strongest ninja from Iwagakure. The season concludes with a profoundly surprising and poignant revelation—Gabimaru cannot remember his wife.
A second expedition – Yamada Shugen finally appears
In the post-credits scene of Hell’s Paradise Episode 13, a messenger from the Shogun arrives to deliver an important message to the Yamada clan. The Shogun’s patience is wearing thin. This is due to the lack of progress made by the initial expedition team sent to the island. As a result, the Shogun commands the Yamada clan to prepare for a second expedition to the island. Notably, Yamada Asaemon Shugen is chosen to lead this new team. We can anticipate their arrival on the island in the upcoming season
Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku – What’s Next?
With the conclusion of Hell’s Paradise Season 1, marked by Episode 13, anime enthusiasts can find solace in the knowledge that there is still plenty more to come. The Hell’s Paradise manga itself wrapped up with Chapter 126, published on January 18, 2021.
Considering that Season 1 of Hell’s Paradise covers up to Chapter 45 of the manga, we have only traversed one-third of the entire storyline thus far. This implies that two significant story arcs are yet to be explored, following the conclusion of the current arc. Here is a list outlining the various story arcs in Hell’s Paradise.
- Island Arc (Adapted in Hell’s Paradise Season 1)
- Lord Tensen Arc (Half of the arc was adapted in Hell’s Paradise Season 1)
- Horai Arc
- Departure Arc
While avoiding major spoilers, we can expect to witness Gabimaru and Sagiri’s relentless struggle for survival against formidable challenges. Simultaneously, back on the mainland, a new expedition team is preparing to embark on a journey to the island in order to acquire the elixir, prompted by the shogun’s impatience with the initial team.
This new team includes the formidable Asaemon, Yamada Asaemon Shugen. Additionally, one of Lord Tensen’s members, Zhu Jin, utilizes the power of the god-beast called Banko to seize control of Horai. Lastly, the surviving members from both the first and second landing parties manage to secure a ship to depart the island, determined to prevent Rien’s arrival in Japan and the potential devastation of its citizens.
Studio MAPPA is producing the animated series Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku with Kaori Makita as the director. You can enjoy the show by streaming it on Crunchyroll and Netflix.
