Lord Tensen Arc

Lord Tensen Arc
Kanji	てんせん様編
Rōmaji	Tensen-sama-hen
Volumes	2-7
Chapters	17-59
Arc Chronology
← Island Arc
Palace Invasion Arc →

The Lord Tensen Arc (島てんせん様編, Tensen-sama-hen^?) is the second arc of Jigokuraku. It covers chapters 17 to 59 from volumes 2 to 7.

The arc focuses on the surviving criminals and executioners slowly learning about the history of the island, as well as unlocking the mysterious power known as Tao. Along the way, they encounter and battle against members of Lord Tensen, seven immortal beings who possess the Elixir of Life and rule over everything on the island. Meanwhile, the shogun becomes impatient of the first group attempting to acquire the elixir and dispatches another group consisting of four Asaemon and shinobi from Iwagakure.

Summary

Encountering Lord Tensen

Gabimaru restrains Mei.

Gabimaru senses someone watching them from behind and runs after them. He grabs their hood and pulls it down to see that it is a little girl. He then dodges an attack from a tree monster trying to protect the mysterious little girl. Gabimaru avoids another attack from the tree monster and tells the others that he going after the girl, hoping that she might know more about the island. Sagiri follows Gabimaru, knowing that it is still her duty to keep an eye on him, and leaves Yuzuriha and Senta to handle the tree monster. Not wanting him to see her abilities, Yuzuriha knocks off Senta's glasses and drinks a potion to activate her ninjutsu. Gabimaru catches up to the girl but is thrown aside by her, much to his shock by how strong she was. Sagiri then yells out to the girl that they do not intend to harm her. After stopping, the girl throws a punch towards Sagiri but is blocked by Gabimaru. He then notices that her attack feels a lot stronger and that she must be using some sort of power as he falls back bleeding from his mouth. Gabimaru becomes serious and restrains the girl with tree vines, demanding that she cooperate. The girl then starts to cry after becoming afraid of Gabimaru's sinister glare at her. Sagiri tells Gabimaru to let her down and calms her down. Yuzuriha then reunites with Gabimaru and Sagiri after defeating the tree monster. Gabimaru says that he wants to ask the girl about the Elixir of Life but is told by Sagiri that it would not be possible as long as she continues to cry. The tree monster then begins to talk and begs them to let the girl go. It then says that it will tell them what they know about the elixir and will guide them to the village.

File:Ju Fa defeats Chobe and Toma.png

Chōbē and Tōma defeated by Ju Fa.

At first the group doesn't trust the tree monster, believing that they might be led into a trap, but allows it to guide them to the village after it persuades Yuzuriha that the village has a bath. Sagiri still doesn't believe that they can trust it but is assured by Gabimaru that he will take down the monster if it tries anything. The monster hears him and tells Gabimaru that it will not turn on them. Senta then worries that the monsters and butterflies might come in to attack them but is told by the tree monster that the monsters, known as the Sōshin, will not approach the village and adds that it is not one of them. After arriving at the village and enter the tree man's house, the group talks to him about the Elixir of Life. He begins by telling them the island is known as Kotaku and that there is indeed an Elixir of Life that grants immortality, which is known as Tan on the island. He then maps out the three regions of Kotaku; Eishū, Hōjō, and Hōrai, and tells them the elixir is located in Hōrai, at the center of the island. After Gabimaru asks if he has any proof to what he is saying, the tree man says that they will not have any doubts once they eventually meet the immortal beings known as Lord Tensen, who warns them that they will meet their demise by their hands since they will not allow anyone to leave the island. At the same time, Chōbē and Tōma are quickly defeated by the mystery man and are dropped down a pit of bloomed humans.

Gabimaru and Yuzuriha point their weapons at the tree man thinking that he is their enemy based on what he just told them. The tree man assures them that he was only speaking the truth about those who come to the island and tells them that Tan is created from the "reborn" humans that Lord Tensen has dispose of. He then shows proof that the elixir exist by tearing off his arm and has it regenerate, much to their shock. Having saw this, Gabimaru points his sword towards the girl and asks if she has the ability but is then scolded by Sagiri and Yuzuriha for his rudeness.

Zhu Jin appears in front of Tensa and Nurugai.

Meanwhile, Tensa and Nurugai walk aimlessly on the beach to try to find a current off the island. The two are then confronted by a mysterious woman. As the being switches from their female body to their male body, it asks them if they are the ones responsible for the Sōshin corpses it found in the forest. Tensa and Nurugai sense that the being is dangerous and decides to run. However, it doesn't allow them to leave and attacks. Tensa fights back by rapidly slashing away at their body but sees that it is able to regenerate their wounds in an instant and are unable to escape from it. A sword then suddenly beheads the mysterious being. Tensa looks back and sees that the sword was thrown by his teacher, Yamada Asaemon Shion who yells out to his student to run.

While running away, Nurugai notices that the blind Shion is somehow is able to follow them. Tensa explains that Shion is able to maneuver through obstacles through his senses. After the three manage to create some distance away from the being, Tensa introduces Shion to Nurugai and receives criticism by his teacher on his sloppy sword techniques. Shion explains that he was prepared to leave the island after executing Akaingu, who tried to seduce him, but was unable to find a good current. After he had searched around the island, Shion explains that he came across one that was suitable but sensed a strange sound and an odd presence. Tensa suggests that they investigate the current. Shion agrees but points his sword at Nurugai, demanding that Tensa explain why he was covering for his criminal even though he knew that it violates the rules. He tells him that based on her background, Nurugai is innocent. Shion says that he knows about Nurugai's past but explains that as Asaemons they are only meant to be used as blades and have no say in the matter of who is not deserving of being executed. Tensa justifies by pointing out the fact that Shion saved him off the streets because he felt that he had potential in him and says that he sees potential in Nurugai as well. Shion smiles and agrees to overlook the matter. The three then try to come up with a strategy to fight back against the regenerative being. However, it suddenly appears behind Tensa and Nurugai and overhears their conversation. Shion jumps in to push them out of the way but receives a cut to his throat by the being as a result. The being reacts fast to Tensa's furious attacks and punctures holes to Tensa's chest.

File:Zhu Jin kills Tensa.png

Zhu Jin kills Tensa.

Tensa has a brief flashback to a conversation he had with Shion about him wanting to help others and falls to his knees as he feels himself slowly dying from the being's attack. Despite his predicament, Tensa refuses to give up and fights back with all his might to save the others but is struck with a fatal blow to his stomach. With his throat damaged, Tensa tries to yell out to Shion and Nurugai to run. Shion senses Tensa's warning and takes Nurugai with him as he runs while Tensa protects them from the monster. During his final moments, Tensa thinks about how his life could have gone in the future and is ultimately killed by the mysterious being. Nurugai begs Shion to go back but is told that Tensa sacrificed his life in order to have them retreat and is assured that the time will come when they can repay this debt before the two of them escape from the island. However, Shion wonders if there is anyone that is able to stop it.

Sagiri accompanies Gabimaru to the bath house. After walking in, the two accidently sees the little girl, Mei, undressing and notices a strange marking on her shoulder. Sagiri then offers to give the two of them a proper bath. While washing himself, Gabimaru recounts the time his wife gave him a proper bath and how she gave him advice about he needed to relax his body. He also remembers how he requested that she not cover her scar with her bangs, to which she happily agrees to. After finishing up, Gabimaru shows respect to Mei by telling her that she should not be ashamed of her scar since appearances should not matter. Sagiri becomes shocked that Gabimaru was able to act respectful and sees that Mei now feels comfortable to be near him. As the three of them return back to the house, Sagiri feels that Gabimaru is slowly changing for the better, while on the other hand, Gabimaru realizes that he has no time to waste. Despite his extensive research tiring him, Senta insists that he keeps watch, however, during the night, Senta falls asleep in front of Gabimaru and gives him the opportunity to leave for Hōrai.

Gabimaru engages in battle with Zhu Jin.

As he rushes to Hōrai, Gabimaru comes across a field of multiple, immobile, tree humanoids similar to Hōko. While Gabimaru continues to advance forward, an unknown person follows him from behind. Gabimaru's travel leads him to a large gate that he assumes holds the Elixir of Life beyond the entrance. Gabimaru prepares to enter, however, he notices the mysterious being that previously killed Tensa behind him. The being becomes displeased with Gabimaru's arrival and asked that he leave since it is not in the mood to capture another human after their previous encounter with Tensa, Shion, and Nurugai. After hearing this statement, Gabimaru shockingly asks if it has been turning humans into the elixir. With no other choice, the two engage in battle. Gabimaru breaks the being's wrist and snaps its neck with a kick but sees that they are able to regenerate and has incredible speed and power. He then uses Ninpō: Fire Monk to set it on fire, seeing as how it was too dangerous to interrogate about the Elixir of Life. However, the being survives and deals a devastating blow to Gabimaru, sending him crashing to the wall. The being changes from its female body to its male body and wonders if its attack killed Gabimaru, becoming ashamed since it thought that he could make for good Tan. The being sees that Gabimaru is alive and is questioned by him on whether it was Lord Tensen. In turn, the being asked if Gabimaru was even human.

Zhu Jin transforms into their Kishikai.

Gabimaru and the being create destruction in their wake as they battle. The being becomes impressed with Gabimaru's skills, stating that it had not come across any human like him for the past few centuries. Gabimaru demands that it tell him where the Elixir of Life is and sees that no of his attacks are having any effect. However, after strike the being's navel, Gabimaru sees that he has done damage after it coughed blood but wonders why it worked. The being then changes back into a female and becomes annoyed with Gabimaru, deciding that it was time to kill him. After taking a stance, the being sends out a barrage of invincible force attacks towards Gabimaru that causes major damage. Unable to do anything to defend himself, Gabimaru rushes in to deliver a series of punches to the being. It becomes overwhelmed with Gabimaru's strength and sees that it can not regenerate fast enough. With its body torn apart and immobile, Gabimaru once again asks where the Elixir of Life is located. The being smiles as it starts to bloom flowers and gives a statement about "them being furious with it." Gabimaru looks in horror as he sees the being transforming into a huge monster.

Gabimaru tries to calm himself and analyze the situation but is suddenly hit with a flash of lightning from the monster. He becomes badly injured from its attack and causes more strain to his body after dodging its tail. Gabimaru is then hit with another bolt of lightning and is unable to use ninjutsu due to his body being passed his limits. A barrage of attacks from the monster's tails direct towards Gabimaru, causing massive damage. Gabimaru becomes overwhelmed by the monster and starts to question whether the things he is experiencing is reality or a nightmare. He then blacks out and wakes up to find his wife next to him, becoming relieved that he was only having a nightmare. However, Gabimaru takes a moment to look at her and knew that he was dreaming but was glad that he got to see her once again and apologizes that he may not be able to come back to home.

Mei helping Gabimaru escape from Zhu Jin.

After regaining conscious, Gabimaru is about to be crushed by the monster but makes a desperate attack towards it. He then remembers his chief's words to him about taking down his enemy if he is about to die by their hands. As a last resort, Gabimaru sets himself on fire and attempts to kill the monster as well. However, Gabimaru burns away the monster's tail wrapped around him and falls to the ground, slowly falling unconscious as he pictures his wife. Mei then appears beside Gabimaru and unleashes her power to create a crater. She holds on to Gabimaru as the two slide down to escape the monster. The monster tries to attack them but fails after they have successfully managed to make it down. The monsters form starts to crumble away and reverts back to the being. It then wonders what was Mei's reason for wanting to help Gabimaru.

Lord Tensen having a meeting to discuss matters on the humans on the island.

Later, the members of Lord Tensen have a discussion on what genders they prefer. The leader arrives and has them focus on discussing the humans that have made landfall on the island, seeing as they may pose as a threat. The man that defeated the Aza Brothers, Ju Fa, becomes furious with Zhu Jin, the being that previously attacked Gabimaru, for allowing two humans to escape from them and failing to kill Gabimaru. He then blows up their head and becomes disappointed with them being in an elderly state after expending too much of their Tao. The leader berates Ju Fa for causing harm to Zhu Jin and gives him a menacing glare, reminding him that only he is allowed to hurt Zhu Jin. He then asks about the humans he dealt with. Ju Fa confirms that he has defeated the brothers and has dropped them down the blooming pit that should be far to deep for them to climb out of. After finding a Mōnshin corpse within the forest, the leader states that they should not underestimate the humans since killing one of those monsters was out of the ordinary. The leader also warns him of not overlooking the possibility of the brothers escaping from the pit and that if each human are inhuman then they will cause them trouble. He then asks Zhu Jin if he has killed Gabimaru, to which they answers yes. Despite this predicament with the humans, the leader says that they should have no worries as long as they are united in their cause. The group then toast to their eternity and to Sōshi. After drinking the cup, Zhu Jin rejuvenates.

Meanwhile, Sagiri hears from Senta that he has accidently allowed Gabimaru to leave his sight, much to her disappointment. Senta explains that he was unable to track him due to the mist. Sagiri suggests that they go after him if he has managed to navigate throw the mist. Yuzuriha refuses and asks Sagiri why she was concern for Gabimaru's well being. Hōko interrupts and offers to guide them to Hōrai, seeing as how he noticed that Mei has followed Gabimaru. Knowing that Hōko is able to navigate throw the mist, Yuzuriha becomes onboard with Sagiri in finding Gabimaru. As the four travel to Hōrai, Sagiri starts to wonder why she was hoping for Gabimaru's safety.

File:Gabimaru meets Tamiya and Fuchi.png

Gabimaru confronted by Tamiya and Fuchi.

While down at the valley, after regaining consciousness, Gabimaru goes over what he knows so far about the thing he fought earlier and strategizes, believing that he will be able to take down the monster if he were to fight alongside with allies. Gabimaru then finds himself face to face with Tamiya Gantetsusai and Yamada Asaemon Fuchi. The swordsman looks pleased to see the ninja badly injured and asked if he felt like dying.

The Power Known as Tao

Mei slightly ages.

Gabimaru notices that Mei is behind still unconscious and is prepared to defend her. He and Tamiya then start to anticipate each others moves before either of them make a move. Fuchi ceases their prediction battle, believing it to be meaningless, and suggests that they try to extract information from Gabimaru. Gabimaru thinks back to his chief's words about being the first one to make the kill but believes that the standard approach for a ninja will not work, since he can sense how strong Tamiya and Fuchi are, and suggests to them that they should team up. Tamiya ferociously brings his sword down to Gabimaru's head, telling him that he is disappointed with his cowardly act. Fuchi suggests that they hear Gabimaru out if he has a reason for going this far. After explaining his experience on the island, Tamiya and Fuchi become shock to hear about Lord Tensen and start to ask questions. Tamiya agrees in teaming up with Gabimaru since he will have the chance to meet Lord Tensen if they head to Hōrai. Fuchi wonders why Tamiya wanted to cooperate with Gabimaru since he is part of the competition. Tamiya explains that he does not care about receiving the pardon and that his only desire is to become a legendary warrior by fighting against strong foes such as Lord Tensen. Fuchi agrees to cooperate with Gabimaru as well after becoming interested in the undying Lord Tensen. With their own ambitions set, the three agree to form alliance. Fuchi says that they should exchange information. Gabimaru agrees and starts off by talking about Mei. He turns around and sees that she is awake, however, Gabimaru becomes shock to see that Mei has matured slightly.

Gabimaru explains to Tamiya and Fuchi that Mei was originally a little girl but has matured for some unknown reason. Gabimaru then hears Mei speak his name for the first time and asks her who she is and what was the power she used to safe him. Meanwhile, Yuzuriha asks Hōko who or what is Lord Tensen. Hōko explains that Lord Tensen is a group of seven immortals that were once one hermit but separated after the hermit achieved enlightenment. He also tells them about the past natives of the island and how they underwent a condition known as Arborification where they turned into the trees they see in front of them in Hōrai. After hearing Hōko talk about the islanders faith, Senta gives his theory on how the island is not actually a spiritual realm cut off from the outside world, based on the various cultural religious aspects taken from the mainland, and explains that everything that has been happening on the island are all the works of a "creator" who has been plotting something, which might lead them to the Elixir of Life and a way off the island. Going off Senta's theory, Yuzuriha that they will not be able to stand a chance against someone or something that has been scheming for the past 1,000 and adds that Gabimaru and Mei are possibly already dead. Sagiri denies this claim since she believes that Gabimaru is driven to keep himself alive in order to see his wife again. Later, Gabimaru asks Mei if there is a way to fight against Lord Tensen.

Shion explaining to Nurugai his ability to sense the "waves" around him.

Mei says that she uses a power called Tao but confuses the three with her odd way of explaining. At the same time, Hōko explains that Lord Tensen can use Tao, which is life energy can be found in everything. Meanwhile, rushes to attack Shion from behind but has her sword knocked out of her hand by his scabbard without him looking back and falls back into her sheath. Shion says that he refuses to teach Nurugai swordsmanship despite her wanting to avenge Tensa. Nurugai begs Shion to teach her and wishes to know his secret of being able to perceive the things him. Shion explains that he is able to sense "waves" from everything that is around him and can capture everything in specific detail. Shion, Hōko, and Mei then go in depth, to the people they are talking to, about Tao, saying that it can not only be used to sense their surrounds but can also give an increase in strength to one's body similar to a gods but can only be unlocked if a person's spirit is balanced. Shion says that this power can not be quickly mastered and that this is still little he knows of it. Nurugai asks that he teach her swordsmanship instead, prompting Shion to tell her the right way to wield a sword (though she was confused if whether he was absent mindedly doing thing or it was on purpose). A Sōshin then approaches Shion from behind but is instantly cut down using the sensation of the waves around him. As the two defend themselves against the Sōshin, Shion says that he will not teach Nurugai but is free to learn as she sees fits. He then tells himself that he does not have the capabilities yet to defeat Lord Tensen and needs time to improve his skills. Meanwhile, Gabimaru, Tamiya, Fuchi, and Mei are confronted by a horde of Sōshin. Tamiya rushes in to cut them down and wishes to learn Tao in order to defeat Lord Tensen. He then puts Mei up on his shoulder and ask that she teaches him how to use Tao while practicing on the Sōshin. Gabimaru then sees something else among the crowd and wonders what it was.

File:Chobe vs Tentacle Doshi.png

Chōbē vs. the Dōshi.

While engaging in sexual intimacy, the female member of Lord Tensen asks the other, Mu Dan, of the possibility of one of the humans making it out of the Tan pit. Mu Dan answers that it would be impossible since the pit is too deep and the walls are meant to keep those from escaping. However, despite the reassurance, Chōbē manages to climb out of the pit with his brother on his back. After getting out, Tōma suggests that they should think about finding a way of the island but is boldly told by Chōbē that he will take his revenge on the two members beings. Chōbē then says that he has figured out that their weak points lies with their lower halves after noticing how the one he cut in half regenerated from it instead of the upper half. The two brothers are then approached by a Dōshi, students of Lord Tensen, and says that he has been sent by Lord Tensen to check on them down the pit while his other comrades have been sent to the other humans locations. He then asks that they return to the pit, however, Chōbē charges to attack. The Dōshi fights back by punching Chōbē but has his hand ripped off. The Dōshi sees that Chōbē is more than human and wonders if he can use Tao. Chōbē says that he will defeat the Dōshi and have him answer his questions about Lord Tensen. He then sees that the Dōshi's hand has regenerated and summons the Sōshin to fight on his behave. Chōbē orders Tōma to take them down while he fights Dōshi. He attacks him but is unable to harm the Dōshi due to not being able to use Tao. With his disordered Tao, the Dōshi sees an opening to attack and rips out Chōbē's throat. Tōma panics at the sight of his fallen brother, however, Chōbē's eye suddenly opens.

File:Chobe's Tao.png

Chōbē using Tao for the first time.

Tōma rushes to Chōbē as the Dōshi is about to send him back into the pit. However, Chōbē wakes up with his neck fully heal with strange marks and injuries the Dōshi face. The Dōshi sees that Chōbē's throat has regenerated and believes that this is the result of him being infected during his time in the pit. Chōbē tells the Dōshi that he senses a strange aura coming from him and figures that is the source of his power. The Dōshi senses that Chōbē's Tao seems to have grown and decides that he should kill him since he may pose as a threat to Lord Tensen. The Dōshi sends out an invisible force attack and breaks Chōbē's arms. However, his arms are shown to instantly repair themselves. The Dōshi sees that Chōbē can no longer be seen as human and questions whether he was afraid of losing his humanity. Chōbē says that he has no problems with this since he believes that things in life will often change but not the bond he has with his brother as he remembers their past childhood. The Dōshi takes damage from Chōbē and struggles to fight back as Chōbē's Tao begins to grow. Desperate, the Dōshi orders the Sōshin to come to his aid but turns around to see that Tōma has killed them all. After gaining the upper hand, Chōbē tries channeling Tao to his hand in the same way the Dōshi did and strikes him down, causing the fight to come to an end. Tōma comes up to Chōbē and sees that the strange markings on his neck is starting to spread and becomes worried.

Tamiya continues to slay away at the Sōshin and asks Mei about his progress of being able to use Tao. Mei nods her head saying no, telling him that he was fighting strong and that Tao is suppose to be both strong and weak. Tamiya then asks Mei if Gabimaru was making any progress as he fights the Sōshin, only for her to say that he was also fighting too strong. Meanwhile, Fuchi excitedly analyzes the Sōshin's bodies and relays the information he gathered to Gabimaru and wonders about Mei. Gabimaru wonders himself after she saved him by using her power. A Dōshi then jumps in to attack Tamiya and retrieves Mei off his shoulder. The Dōshi becomes happy to see that he has found Mei and asks that she return to Hōrai since the Dōshi are in need of her aid. Gabimaru demands an explanation from the Dōshi. The Dōshi tells them that Mei is a similar being to Lord Tensen and desperately asks that she come back to Hōrai to guide him and his fellow Dōshi. Having learned this, Gabimaru starts to think that he should not get involved with other matters that don't involve his goal, however, after he sees Mei face in tears, Gabimaru comes to her side to protect her, explaining that he can not bear to see her cry again. The Dōshi sees Gabimaru as a nuisance and tells him that he, alongside another Dōshi, will bring Mei back to Hōrai. Tamiya notices the other Dōshi's appearance as a butterfly and instantly becomes enraged.

File:Gabimaru and Tamiya vs Doshi's.png

Gabimaru and Tamiya engages in battle with two Dōshi.

As Gabimaru prepares to get ready for battle after the two Dōshi summon their respective insects, Tamiya rushes in to cut the butterflies and says that he seeks vengeance on the Butterfly Dōshi (thinking that he is the insects leader) that made him have to cut off his left hand. Tamiya is then hit by an invisible attack and is warned by Gabimaru of this ability. Gabimaru and Tamiya engage in battle with the two Dōshi and accidently attacks hits each other. Gabimaru analyzes the Dōshi's fighting style and sees that they attack with the invisible technique from a distance and that they attack with their insects at close range. Tamiya then starts an argument with Gabimaru for getting in his way earlier. The Dōshi asks why they were willing to protect Mei despite not having any connections with her. Gabimaru answers that he is simply repaying a debt to Mei for saving his life and asks why the two of them wanted her. The Dōshi explains that they are in need of Mei to complete their Tao training in terms of Bōchū Jutsu where they must engage in intimate congress with her in order to combine both chi's of Yin and Yang, therefore strengthening their Tao. He also tells them about Lord Tensen having chi's of both Yin and Yang cycling through their bodies after years in practicing Bōchū Jutsu, which gives an answer to Gabimaru about why the beings were switching from male to female. The Dōshi reveals that Mei was banished by Lord Tensen for only having Yin chi and was "marked" by Rien, as well as given an option of either being recreated from the start or act as the Dōshi's Bōchū Jutsu partner. Tamiya becomes disgusted with the Dōshi's reason for wanting to take Mei and tells Gabimaru that he will be the one to defeat them. However, he sees Gabimaru become angry after the Dōshi said that Mei was "marked" and hears him furiously tell them to stop talking about Mei as if she is an object. Seeing as how defeating them will require more effort, the Dōshi use the insects to transform, causing Gabimaru, Tamiya, and Fuchi to get ready for battle as they protect Mei.

Gabimaru awakens his Tao.

Tamiya jumps in to attack the Butterfly Dōshi but misses after the Dōshi moves out of the way and sends out the butterflies to sting Tamiya. Tamiya manages to dodge the attack but starts to feel dizzy after inhaling the butterflies powder from their scales and orders Gabimaru to assist him, only to be told that he is busy fighting the monstrous Centipede Dōshi. Gabimaru takes note of the body being tough and how he won't be able to see the invisible attacks coming towards him. After the Butterfly Dōshi sends a few butterflies to sting Gabimaru, Gabimaru uses Ninpō: Fire Bridge to ignite them and create a flaming wall separating them from the Dōshi. Gabimaru sees that he doesn't stand a chance as long as he can't sense the opponents Tao. After interpreting Mei's words, Fuchi yells out to Gabimaru that he was focusing too much on his strength and that in order to perceive Tao he needs to accept both his strengths and weakness. Fuchi says that Mei has helped him sense his own Tao by making physical contact and has Gabimaru do the same. Gabimaru has Mei holds his hand but unable to sense anything. Fuchi tells him that he has to accept his weakness in order for his heart to be in a stable state. Gabimaru finds it hard to believe that that is the only way but hears Mei tell him that weakness gives rise to strength. Gabimaru then remembers Sagiri's past words to him about having emotions, which he thought was weakness, is a kind of strength, resulting in the awakening of his Tao. With this done, Gabimaru steps back into battle. Fuchi tells him to wait but hears Mei say that she senses that Gabimaru's possesses a huge amount of Tao. Gabimaru manages to sense the Dōshi's Tao attacks and causes the Centipede Dōshi's transformation to fall apart. The Dōshi's looks at Gabimaru and could tell that his skills resembles that of Lord Tensen's. Gabimaru kicks the Dōshi away and tells him that he was now able to fight against their master.