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Senta apologizes

I, 4th Six Paths, would like to give those who visit the Jigokuraku wiki for information on the series my sincerest apologizes regarding the information concerning Gabimaru's real name. It has been years and because of my careless action some of you have already spread this misinformation on social media and other forms of news. I can't tell you how embarrassing and disgraceful as a supporter of Jigokuraku this makes me feel and will vow to do better. As for the other information from the fanbook and novels, I can assure you that they are all correct after going back to check but if you find any errors please let me know as soon as possible. Ever since I became admin of the wiki I have strived everyday to make it great for the series, even if it meant doing it alone, and hope that you can all find it in your hearts to forgive me.

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I'll perform feats to shake the Earth and Heavens! Then, my name will pass down through the generations and become legendary. Until they're telling bedtime stories about me! The name "Tamiya Gantetsusai" will live forever! Believe it! My image, my words! They'll paint pictures and pen tales far into the future and beyond! That is true immortality!!

—Tamiya Gantetsusai (Chapter 27)


Tamiya Gantetsusai ( (たみ) () (がん) (てつ) (さい) ) is a renowned master swordsman known throughout as the Blade Dragon ( (けん) (りゅう) , Kenryū) and Eight Provinces Unparalleled ( (はっ) (しゅう) () (そう) , Hasshū Musō). He is a major supporting character of Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku.

Before receiving the death penalty for cutting down a damiyo's property, Gantetsusai became recruited to join in an expedition team where he would compete against other death row convicts in acquiring the Elixir of Life for the shogun from an island believed to be Shinsenkyō in exchange for a pardon that would exempt him of his past crimes.

Appearance[]

Gantetsusai is a large man with dark hair split into three sections and tied in a ponytail, along with a mustache and a beard also split into three section. His wardrobe consists of a yukata along with a hakama, tied together with an obi.

After cutting off his left hand after it was infected by the Paradise Butterflies, Fuchi helps replace it with a hook. After his battle with Tao Fa and Ju Fa, Gantetsusai received a few minor facial scars and a tsuba eyepatch from Fuchi after ripping out his left eye in order to properly sense Tao.

Upon taking on the task of destroy the Banko's tandens, Gantetsusai procures shinobi equipment and starts wearing a headband and tasuki to hold up his sleeves. After returning to Edo to present the Elixir of Life to the shogun, Gantetsusai changes into a different robe.

A year later, Gantetsusai chooses to remove his left hook hand and wears a doctor's robe for his business.

Gallery[]

Personality[]

Gantetsusai considers fighting to be fun and lives to seek out and battle strong opponents that can make him feel a thrill whenever he has to draw his blade. Even when critically injured, Gantetsusai carries a satisfied smile from the adrenaline he gets from fighting and feels as though he is becoming stronger with each injury. However, he is not very disciplined, preferring to recklessly fight his opponents head on without thinking of a clear strategy, or listen to his allies, and hates it when others try to interfere in his enjoyment. Gantetsusai has also shown to be honorable as he thought it would not feel right to attack an unconscious Shugen after finding him, regardless of it being a perfect opportunity to avenge Fuchi. He is shown to be immune to intimation, or possibly even fear, as he kept a straight face when Fuchi drew his sword towards him and when he first encountered one of the Monshin on the island, only finding it as being disturbing. However, he can be shocked when unexpecting events occur. Gantetsusai also does not bother remembering people's names and instead gives them nicknames, although he will remember the names of those who made a big impact on him.

Gantetsusai expressing his goal

Gantetsusai expressing his desire to become a legendary warrior.

Gantetsusai has a massive ego and wishes to go down in history as a legendary figure. He believes that by performing extraordinary feats and people remembering his name throughout generations is the true form of immortality rather than gaining the Elixir of Life. He original thought that fighting strong opponents would guide him on this path but after arriving on the island, he believes the path lies in slaying monsters and immortal beings such as Lord Tensen, which is the reason why he allied himself with Gabimaru. His high view of himself causes him to think that even strong allies, such as Gabimaru, are beneath him and believes that he should be the one to take down the strong opponents. After Gabimaru successfully defeated one of the Dōshi, Gantetsusai jumped in to claim victory and take credit, though he was not satisfied with how the ninja took control in the end.

Gantetsusai underestimated

Gantetsusai's angry reaction after being underestimated.

Gantetsusai hates being underestimated and tends to lash out in anger; the reason for his death sentence being that a daimyo did not believe that he could cut down a dragon based on his epithet, which resulted in Gantetsusai cutting down his gate which bore a dragon to prove that he was wrong. He also holds grudges, as he vowed to return to the damiyo's mansion to cut it down and wanted to kill the Butterfly Dōshi after coming under the impression (based on his appearance and control over the Paradise Butterflies) that he was the one responsible for forcing him to cut off his left hand after it became affected with Arborification from one of the butterflies. After Tōma prepared to attack Gantetsusai first (between choosing Fuchi and Mei) because of his handicap, Gantetsusai grabbed his sword and quickly grew angry after knowing that Tōma thought he would be easy to defeat.

Gantetsusai perversion

Gantetsusai's perverted nature.

Gantetsusai also has a perverted side. During the tryout for the departure group of criminals to Kotaku, Gantetsusai had taken note of Yuzuriha's physique during the massacre and later commented this to Fuchi upon landing on the island.[2] He became depressed that Mei reverted back to her child body after he had hoped that he could carry her while fully grown. He also reacted with excitement upon seeing Tao Fa's exposed body as she prepared to fight against him and Fuchi. Despite his perverted behavior, Gantetsusai also has morals. He believes that a swordsman such as himself should not engage in womanizing since it was "an enemy of the sword"; the reason being that he is familiar with geishas is because he once acted as a security guard for a brothel.[3] He is shown to act polite towards young and innocent females. After Gabimaru caused Mei to feel threatened by his glare, Gantetsusai reprimanded him by splattering the ninja with Sōshin blood and took the liberty of carrying her on his shoulder as they made their way to Hōrai. He also felt disgusted of the thought of the Dōshi using her for Bōchū Jutsu to complete their Tao training.

Gantetsusai is also loyal to his comrades and is willing to put in the effort if it is for a worthy cause. He can also show kindness and compassion, such as going out of his way to carry Mei on his shoulders for the majority of his travels and thought it might be safer for her to escape the island alone instead of waiting for the survivors to acquire the elixir. He was also willing to train Tōma after seeing his devotion to become stronger and allowed him to be with his brother instead of forcing him to stay on the survivors' side.

While he is a battle hungry man, Gantetsusai draws the line when it comes to fighting in a warzone after his past experience on the frontlines. He believes that luck determines whether a person gets to live or die on the hellish battlefield, which he considers to be unenjoyable compared to a proper fight, and that there is nothing to be gained such as pride. After a three sided conflicted ensued in Hōrai between the survivors, the Iwagakure shinobi, and the Dōshi army, Gantetsusai made the decision to flee with Fuchi, Tōma and Chōbei instead of fighting, explaining to them that one of the only ways to survive in a war is to run rather than fight.

Gantetsusai working

Gantetsusai devoting part of his life to treating the wounded.

Upon reflecting on Fuchi's understanding for the value of life after he had died to save him, Gantetsusai had underwent a major change, realizing that his desire to fight monsters was an escape from growing old and was no longer motivated to do so. Rather than jump onboard Rien's ship to fight Shugen and the Tensen, Gantetsusai solely focused his mind on slowing it down by trying to cleave it in two for the survivors to catch up and was prepared to board the other ship without a second thought, stating that he was not about to throw away the life he had been given. Gantetsusai has also learned to recognize and admit to those he thinks are stronger than him, as he told both Rien and Shugen in confidence that a certain superior man would come to take his place and defeat them. After receiving the pardon, Gantetsusai chose to live his life as both a doctor who treats people and as a swordsman who is willing to take on strong challengers.

Gantetsusai has a habit of touching his chin underneath his yukata.

Relationships[]

Vanguard Party[]

Yamada Asaemon Fuchi[]

Gabimaru[]

Aza Tōma[]

Aza Chōbei[]

Additional Landing Party[]

Enemies[]

Lord Tensen[]

Dōshi[]

Yamada Asaemon Shugen[]

Others[]

Mei[]

History[]

Past[]

At a young age, Tetsunosuke was trained in the art of swordsmanship. After being defeated by his master, Tetsunosuke asked how he was able to despite his old age, in which his master explains to Tetsunosuke that he has become greedy with wanting to become stronger and says that he must learn to throw away his strength in order to see everything in what he has left. Despite this lesson, Tetsunosuke was unable to understand what his master was telling him. As he grew up, Tetsunosuke spent his life searching for strong opponents to fight and soon renamed himself to Tamiya Gantetsusai after taking part of the name from the Ganryū's Dōjō from which he proved his worth after storming the place. Eventually he grew bored of fighting people and sought out to fight monsters instead to challenge himself. At some point he came across his first "monster", which was the "keel" ( (りゅう) (こつ) , ryūkotsu) of a ship, and managed to pull off the feat of cutting it down, earning him the alias Blade Dragon ( (けん) (りゅう) , Kenryū) as a result. Gantetsusai also at some point in time participated in an unknown war and learned from his experience on the battlefield.

At some point in time, Gantetsusai was invited by a daimyo to come and work for him. Right after they got acquainted, the daimyo had doubted the fact that he could actually slay a dragon based on his epithet. After hearing his statement, Gantetsusai becomes furious and lashed out by cutting the daimyo's gate in half, which resulted in him being kicked out and being sentenced to death. Before being sentenced to death, Gantetsusai was given a chance to be pardon of his crimes if he were to acquire the Elixir of Life for the shogun on an island.

Island Arc[]

Main article: Island Arc

After being gathered together with a group of criminals in Edo, they were told to start a massacre until only a few were available to leave for the island. Gantetsusai survived and left with his Asaemon, Yamada Asaemon Fuchi.[4]

Gantetsusai encounters a Monshin

Gantetsusai encounters a Monshin.

After arriving on the island and explaining how he got sentenced to death to Fuchi, Gantetsusai tells him his plan of taking down the noteworthy criminals while searching for the elixir. He finds a butterfly on his left hand and notices that it has a face. Remembering what happened to the guard that returned from the island, Gantetsusai cuts off his hand and is approached by strange looking insects. After becoming excited about going into battle, he spots a large monster from behind and becomes disturbed. He later kills the monster and proceeds to traveling.

Lord Tensen Arc[]

Main article: Lord Tensen Arc
Gabimaru allying with Gantetsusai and Fuchi

Gantetsusai and Fuchi forming an alliance with Gabimaru.

While traveling in Hōrai, the two approach Gabimaru who is badly injured from his fight with Zhu Jin. Gantetsusai smiles seeing Gabimaru's predicament and asked if he felt like dying. The two criminals then predict each other’s movements before making any attempt to attack. Fuchi stops them from this exchange, believing that it was pointless and wanted to extract information from Gabimaru. Gabimaru requested teaming up with them, causing Gantetsusai to draw his sword to see whether he was trying to trick. He became disappointed with Gabimaru for acting weak in front of him. The ninja then told them of his experience on the island. After hearing him, Gantetsusai was shocked to hear that someone like Lord Tensen existed and was convinced into teaming up with him. Fuchi asked if he was making a good decision since Gabimaru was also seeking the pardon. Gantetsusai says that he had no interest in the pardon and only seek to become a legendary figure. Having taken interest in Lord Tensen, the two teamed up with Gabimaru. Gabimaru then notes to the group that Mei has grown up after awaking. After Gabimaru asked her what the power was she used to save him, Mei tells them that she uses Tao but confuses them with her odd explanation. The group are then approached by a crowd of Sōshin. Gantetsusai attacks and asked Mei to teach him Tao after becoming interested in it.

Gantetsusai asks Mei if he was making any progress in using Tao as he continues to slash away at the Sōshin. Mei shakes her head saying no because of how he is using too much of his strength. Seeing Gabimaru doing the same, Gantetsusai asked her if he was getting anywhere as well. Mei says that he is also using too much of his strength. After making Mei cry, Gantetsusai slashes a Sōshin and splatters its blood on Gabimaru, stating that he will never be liked by females. Gabimaru remarks that he had no problem with this since he was already married, shocking both Gantetsusai and Fuchi though the former states that that was not what he meant by. The ninja then asked if he was also married which Gantetsusai answered saying that he had multiple wives. He then blocks a surprise kick from a Dōshi who manages to retrieve Mei off his shoulders. He hears that the Dōshi tells them that Mei is similar to Lord Tensen and is in need of her assistants in Hōrai. After Gabimaru comes to her side and decides to protect her, the Dōshi prepares to fight alongside another Dōshi with the appearance of a butterfly. Gantetsusai sees the Dōshi and states that he was in a killing mood.

Gabimaru and Gantetsusai vs Centipede and Butterfly Doshi

Gantetsusai and Gabimaru confronted by two Dōshi.

After summoning a swarm of butterflies Gantetsusai quickly leaps in and cuts them down. He then states that he seeks revenge on the Butterfly Dōshi for causing him to lose his left hand. As he was about to attack, the Centipede Dōshi hits Gantetsusai with an invisible attack and perceives this as Tao. Gabimaru and Gantetsusai fight off the Dōshi's attack but end up attacking each other. He then complains to Gabimaru to not get in his way. Gabimaru asked the Dōshi why they wanted Mei, to which they answer saying that she is a part of their training in terms of Bochu Jutsu where they perform sexual congress. Gantetsusai becomes confused and asked Fuchi what it meant. Fuchi answers saying that it meant sexual intercourse which Gantetsusai becomes disgusted by and makes a joke suggesting a woman he is familiar with. Continuing to listen to the Dōshi's explanation of Mei, Gantetsusai becomes furious and tells Gabimaru that he will kill the two Dōshis. However, he is surprised to see the ninja angry as well. The two then stand together ready to face the transformed Dōshis.

Gabimaru and Gantetsusai kill the Doshi

Gantetsusai and Gabimaru defeat the Dōshi.

Gantetsusai swings his sword at the Butterfly Dōshi and dodges a swarm of butterflies coming his way. He then becomes dizzy after breathing in the powder from the scales and asks for Gabimaru's assistant who is busy fighting the Centipede Dōshi. After Gantetsusai warns him that the butterflies are dangerous, Gabimaru expels out a large torrent of fire to ignite the swarm coming towards him. He then hears Fuchi yell out to Gabimaru that in order to learn Tao he must accept both strength and weakness. After Mei briefly helps him unlock his Tao, Gantetsusai watches as Gabimaru manages to see through the Dōshi's invisible attacks and comments on how his ninja training helped him understand Tao quickly. He is then shocked to see him dispel the Centipede Dōshi's transformation. Wanting to become the victor in the battle, Gantetsusai jumps in to finish off the Dōshi. Gabimaru jumps back and allow Gantetsusai to kill the Centipede Dōshi while he kills the Butterfly Dōshi, though the swordsman states that he is not happy with the outcome. Once the battle was over Fuchi suggests using Mei as a source of information, but Gantetsusai recommends returning her home. Since Gabimaru was indebted to her he was willing to do whatever she requested of him. However, before she could make up her mind, the group sees Gabimaru bleed from his nose and faints.

The group travels halfway up the valley with Gantetsusai carrying Gabimaru's body. They stop to rest at a cave and sees that Gabimaru has woken up. He then demands that Gabimaru light up the campfire to warm himself. The group then goes over everything they know about Tao and how they can use it to defeat Lord Tensen. During the end of the discussion, Gantetsusai falls asleep.

The next day, the four travel up the cliff and stumble into Aza Chōbei and Tōma. Gantetsusai becomes thrilled with Chōbei suddenly making an attack towards Gabimaru but becomes disappointed once Gabimaru ends the fight quickly by snapping Chōbei's neck. However, the bandit survives and battles Gabimaru. Gantetsusai watches as Gabimaru fights Chōbei, commenting on how he is fighting ugly using his teeth to bite away at Chōbei's vitals. He then asked Mei the reason for his change but is unable to understand here explanation. Tōma is order by Chōbei to attack the others and goes after Gantetsusai first. However, Gantetsusai catches his sword and becomes angry knowing that Tōma came at him first because he lost his hand. He grabs and headbutts Tōma and tells him to pick up his sword to get ready to fight him.

Gantetsusai vs Toma

Gantetsusai fights Tōma.

Gantetsusai punches Tōma and criticizes him for his lack of fighting experience by relying on his brother. He listens to Tōma as he explains his hatred for people teaming up and that he is simply an extension of his brother. Gantetsusai notices Tōma adjusting the grip on his blade and comments his way of thinking was ridiculous. He then becomes one of the few witnessing Gabimaru fighting a transformed Chōbei to the death. Gantetsusai wonders why he wasn't using Tao and was willing to risk his life. He then panics as Mei runs into the battlefield but is shocked seeing her create a massive crater to end the fight. Gantetsusai and Fuchi wonders if this was another use of Tao. The two are then shock as they turn around to see her fully matured. Fuchi suggests a quick dissection for answers but Gantetsusai found him to be ridiculous and wishes that they had some answers to the mysterious events that had occur. He later gives Mei his robe for coverage and carries an unconscious Gabimaru.

The remaining survivors

The remaining survivors of the mission come together.

After finally reaching the Hōrai gate, the group are met by Yamada Asaemon Sagiri, Yamada Asaemon Shion, Yuzuriha, Nurugai, and Hōko. Hōko gives his gratitude for keeping Mei save and asks if they traveled from the Sōshin nest. Gantetsusai answers that they did and managed to kill the Sōshin. Once they were all gathered together, Gantetsusai comments on Shion being filled with regret that are only a few survivors, saying that it was wasted since the criminals were planning to kill each other from the start and realizes that he was hoping that his clan members were all alive to return home. He then looks towards Tōma since he is a traitor and offers to get rid of him but is stopped by Sagiri stating that he was not a threat to them. Yuzuriha draws their attention towards Gabimaru's critical condition and suggest that they treat him. He then wakes up and makes everyone around him realize that he has lost his memories. Gantetsusai watches as Sagiri tries to help restore Gabimaru's Tao by force and wonders if what they were doing was Bochu Jutsu.

Gabimaru training

Gantetsusai, Shion, Tōma, and Nurugai sparring with Gabimaru.

The group relocates to a cave Gantetsusai picked out. Shion says that they must be cautious of Lord Tensen being able to sense their presence, causing Gantetsusai to reply that he was acting cowardly. He then receives criticism from Yuzuriha and Nurugai from their experience with fighting Mu Dan. After Yuzuriha reveals to Gabimaru the possibility of his wife being an illusion due to certain circumstances, Gantetsusai and the rest listens to Gabimaru's confidence that she is real. Gantetsusai likes his attitude and finds it ideal for the position as his right-hand man. He is later called out, along with Shion, Tōma, and Nurugai, by Gabimaru who requests that they help him train. Gantetsusai agrees but refuses to act as his training dummy. After Gabimaru avoids Tōma's attack, Gantetsusai comes in to make his attack. Gabimaru dodges and kicks Gantetsusai in his weaken Tao area around his chest, causing him to feel discomfort. He then starts to become serious with fighting Gabimaru and comes in to strike him in the face.

The vanguard party join forces

The survivors joining forces to complete the mission and escape the island.

Later, after the four are finish sparring, Gantetsusai is asked by Tōma to teach him how to wield a sword. Gantetsusai is reluctant to fulfill his request, however, after seeing his resolve by cutting his hair, Gantetsusai agrees to teach him and walks over to a private place where they can begin training. Later, Gantetsusai sees that Mei has reverted back to her child body and expresses his disappointment. He then complains about Gabimaru taking charge of the group after discussing with Shion about the group's next plan of action. Before they could move on, Mei warns everyone that she senses strong Tao coming from either a person or a group that has just arrived on the island. Shion and Fuchi believes that it is Shugen and the other Asaemon who were sent as reinforcements, along with another group of criminals. While Sagiri stated that Shugen will provide help for them, Shion reveals Shugen's infamous story of how he executed the Silver Serpent yakuza group along with their families since they were connected to criminals, giving proof that Shugen will not cooperate with the group. Moving on, Shion presents his plan of splitting everyone into two teams where one finds the Tan elixir and the other finds an escape route off the island. He explains his strategy of defeating Lord Tensen by using their Tao attributes to hinder each member. After Yuzuriha suggests another option of leaving the island and go into hiding, Shion gives everyone the decision of working separately or working together on completing the mission. Unanimously, everyone decides to follow Shion's plan. Knowing that only one criminal can receive the pardon, Gantetsusai speculates that the assigned criminals would have to fight for it.

Hōrai Arc[]

Main article: Hōrai Arc

Using the information Mei provided, the group strategies on how to escape the island by using the ships located within Hōrai and learns that the elixir is located in Rien's laboratory. Shion then pulls Gabimaru and Yuzuriha over to have them instruct the group in terms of espionage using Tao. While Yuzuriha teaches her lesson on masking one's presence using Tao, Gantetsusai loses focus after becoming distracted by Yuzuriha's rear, resulting in him being whacked by her. Gabimaru then teaches the group on how to use Tao physical and starts them off by having them practice dislocating their necks, joints, and stopping their hearts, but is yelled at by Gantetsusai, Shion, and Tōma that it would be impossible for them. After the lessons were over, Gantetsusai, Fuchi, and Nurugai become heavily exhausted. Gantetsusai then becomes angry after being mocked by Tōma for being able to handle the Tao lessons and challenges him to a fight. He is then placed in the Escape Route Securing Team along with Shion, Nurugai, Fuchi, Mei and Tōma. Gantetsusai suggests that they should have Mei depart alone without having to wait for the Elixir Retrieval Team since she wishes to leave the island. However, after Mei confesses that she wants to reunite with Rien and Jofuku to ask them why they underwent a major change in the past before leaving, Gabimaru promises to fulfill her wish.

Bochu Temple Trap

Gantetsusai, Fuchi, and Tōma encounters Ju Fa and Tao Fa.

After reviewing their strategy to infiltrate the palace, the group decides to make their move tonight. The Elixir Retrieval Team sneaks into the palace and signals the Escape Route Securing Team that it is okay to enter. The team advances into the palace but are met by a sudden mist that causes Gantetsusai, Fuchi and Tōma to get separated from Shion and Nurugai. The three then encounter Ju Fa, Tao Fa, and Aza Chōbei in the Bōchū Jutsu Temple who plan to offer them as sacrifices to their master. Knowing that their plan to avoid Lord Tensen has failed, the group moves on to their second plan of fighting against them.

Gantetsusai and Fuchi vs Tao Fa

Gantetsusai and Fuchi fighting Tao Fa.

Upon reuniting with his brother, Gantetsusai and Fuchi allows Tōma to be by his side. After walking upstairs to join him, the brothers attack Ju Fa and Tao Fa. Gantetsusai and Fuchi then become shocked to see Tao Fa back on her feet regenerating near them. After removing her robes to get ready to fight the two, Gantetsusai and Fuchi gives compliments about her exposed body. She then dashes towards Gantetsusai first and sends him crashing to a pillar with increased strength. Gantetsusai gets up from his injury and becomes excited to know that he can fight someone like her. He and Fuchi fight Tao Fa but are unable to counter against her Tao abilities. She suggests that they give up, however, Gantetsusai refuses and speculates that she is having fun with their battle since she and Lord Tensen have a history of toying with humans. However, he listens to Tao Fa's depression on how she and Lord Tensen have been struggling to gain immortal bodies and falls done after receiving her next attack. Gantetsusai, along with Fuchi, gets up with full excitement with their ambitions in mind. He runs to Tao Fa and suddenly senses something coming towards his way and dodges, shocking Tao Fa. With no time to react, Tao Fa is slashed from the top by Gantetsusai.

Tao Fa's tanden destroyed

Gantetsusai cuts Tao Fa's tanden.

Gantetsusai believes that he is able to sense Tao, however, Tao Fa disagrees and sends him back with another attack. Fuchi jumps in to fight Tao Fa himself while asking Gantetsusai to observe so he can perceive Tao further. Although he is not able to see Tao Fa's next move, Gantetsusai feels that Fuchi is in trouble. After remembering what Shion said about using his senses in order to perceive Tao, and the accidental blood blinding him in his right eye, Gantetsusai gouges out his left eye to not rely on his sight. He then gains the ability to sense Tao and manages to grab Fuchi out of the way of Tao Fa's Tao projectiles, becoming excited as a result of getting stronger. Gantetsusai continuous to cut Tao Fa limb from limb but is not able to stop her from regenerating due to not having the right attribute. Since he has Metal Tao, Fuchi grabs Tao Fa from behind to hinder her Tao and tells Gantetsusai to cut her tanden. Remembering his master’s words, Gantetsusai uses his Tao sensory ability to not harm Fuchi as well. He then successfully destroys Tao Fa's tanden.

Gantetsusai, Fuchi, Chobei, and Toma work together

Gantetsusai and Fuchi team up with Chōbei and Tōma.

After delivering the final strike to Tao Fa, Gantetsusai and Fuchi watch as she transforms and reaches to Ju Fa. The two then fuse together to transform into their Kishikai state. The monster then releases a loud scream causing pain to Gantetsusai and Fuchi's ears and flies up after Chōbei attempts to attack. Gantetsusai mocks the bandit and is then told by Fuchi that he needs to apply first aid to his injuries. Gantetsusai refuses and says that his only focus is to slay the monster. He then starts to laugh uncontrollably from the spores the monster scatters in the air. Fuchi helps by removing the spore from his neck and the two watch as Chōbei fights the monster. After he is quickly defeated by the monster, Fuchi suggests that the four of them team up to defeat Ju Fa and Tao Fa. Instead of agreeing to his recommendation, Gantetsusai and Chōbei exchange insults but are reminded by Fuchi that their enemy is the monster in front of them and they can focus on fighting each other later. The four then ultimately decide to work together.

Ju Fa and Tao Fa defeated

Gantetsusai and the others defeat Ju Fa and Tao Fa.

Gantetsusai is told by Tōma that he has to follow his brother’s orders but refuses, saying that he will be the one to defeat the monster. Chōbei fends off the vines attacking them while Tōma and Fuchi attack Tao Fa. Gantetsusai jumps in to attack but fails as the monster flees out to the air. Chōbei warns them that the monsters form has changed and that they need to cut both tandens. Gantetsusai is then told by Chōbei to par up with him to kill Ju Fa while Tōma and Fuchi handle killing Tao Fa. Gantetsusai is reluctant to follow his orders but is persuaded after Chōbei compliments his abilities. The four then fight off the monster’s attacks. Gantetsusai rushes in to cut away the monster’s vines and give Fuchi and Tōma an opening to attack. He then dives into the pool and gets under the monster to cut Ju Fa and Tao Fa in half. Chōbei and Fuchi then attack the two Tensen's tandens, reducing them to a weakened state. As Tao Fa slowly starts to die, Chōbei pours Water Tao from a bottle he had to stop them from regenerating. Gantetsusai comes in to cut the Tensen in half, making Chōbei think that he was showing mercy. Gantetsusai explains that he wanted to be the one to kill them but also thinks about Tao Fa's past statement during their battle. He then places a peach from Tao Fa's corpse next to Ju Fa and thanks her for the "fun".

Once the battle ended, Gantetsusai receives Fuchi's tsuba from his sword as an eyepatch to treat his left eye and recovers. As the four start to discuss matters going forward, the palace begins to shake from the breach in the walls caused by the Monshin. They are then approached by Iwagakure shinobi from the second landing party and an army of Dōshi and enter into a three-way conflict. Seeing as how the area has turned into a war zone, Gantetsusai yells out that they needed to retreat.

Gantetsusai and Shugen clash

Gantetsusai clashes with Shugen.

Gantetsusai and Fuchi separate from the Aza Brothers for time being and makes their way in trying to secure an escape route. However, Yamada Asaemon Shugen appears and becomes furious to see that Fuchi has allowed Gantetsusai's hands to be unbind. Fuchi tries to explain the situation to Shugen but only manages to anger the Asaemon after he notices that his tsuba is being used as Gantetsusai's eyepatch. Gantetsusai becomes displeased with Shugen in his talk with Fuchi thinking that he will be executed and tells him that his abilities as an executioner is no match against swordsman that has gone into battle such as himself. He then clashes swords with Shugen and analyses that his size will give him the advantage since Shugen will be knocked back with each clash. However, he finds himself overpowered as Shugen unleashes his ability to imitate Yamada Asaemon Genji's strength and Yamada Asaemon Kishō's calm mind. Gantetsusai receives many cuts to his body and falls on his knees as he loses stamina. Fuchi comes in to block Shugen's next attack and tries to convince Shugen that Gantetsusai is not a bad person but is ultimately cut down by him, causing Gantetsusai to become shock that Shugen would kill one of his own comrades. Before he could come in to deliver his final attack on Gantetsusai, Shugen's attention is drawn to the sudden explosion of the Main Temple casued by Zhu Jin who has fused with the Banko. As a result, the palace becomes blanketed with flowers including Gantetsusai's and Fuchi's unconscious bodies, much to Shugen's wonder.

Gantetsusai carries Fuchi

Gantetsusai distraught over Fuchi's death.

After Iwagakure shinobi arrive to warn Shugen that Rien is preparing to set sail off to Japan and presents him the captured Elixir of Life, Shugen rushes to the floodgates and orders the shinobi to uncover their bodies and confirm their status. One of the shinobi reveals themselves to be Shija in disguise and throws two kunai to make sure that the two are dead as they make their way to confront Gabimaru. Shortly after, Gantetsusai wakes up fully recovered and finds Fuchi lying dead in front of him, causing him to cry out his name after realizing that he sacrificed himself to save his life. Gantetsusai becomes furious with the turn of events and carries Fuchi's body.

At the Rentan Temple, Gantetsusai reunites with Sagiri, Yuzuriha, and Mei who try to get Yamada Asaemon Isuzu to join forces with them. Gantetsusai objects to this after what had happen to Fuchi but chooses to not disclose the details. After giving Fuchi's body a burial, Gantetsusai lashes out his anger on Isuzu since she is sided with the enemy. He then sees her about to commit seppuku in order to hold herself accountable for her comrades deaths and happily offers to serve as kaishakunin, much to Sagiri and Yuzuriha's dismay. However, after the arrival of all the survivors, everyone decided that they needed to concentrate on destroying the Zhu Jin-fused Banko in order to proceed to the floodgates. Knowing that the Banko can only be brought down by destroying its five tandens, everyone split up into pairs based on the Tao restoration cycle; with Gantetsusai pairing up with Jikka since his Fire Tao can strengthen Earth.

After the two arrive at the main body holding the Water Tao, Gantetsusai prepares himself for the signal to initiate the coordinated attack with Jikka. Despite his readiness, Gantetsusai sees Jikka relaxing on the ground who explains that they will know when the timing is right to take down the main body based on his judgment on the roots connected to the tandens. Gantetsusai then becomes suspicious of Jikka after he hints at a scheme he setup.

Gantetsusai and Jikka vs Banko

Gantetsusai and Jikka prepare to take down the Zhu Jin-fused Banko.

Later, Gantetsusai is alarmed by Jikka that their time has come to take down the main body but warns him that the time they spent waiting allowed the Zhu Jin-fused Banko to take on another transformation after the day almost becomes morning. Jikka lets Gantetsusai know that he can handle the task, strips down to his loincloth for spiritual concentration, and asks Gantetsusai for his sword. As the monster reacts to their presence, Gantetsusai tells him that a sword may not be able to take it down but agrees to cooperate. Gantetsusai watches as Jikka avoids the Zhu Jin-fused Banko's branches and becomes shocked after the Asaemon manages to decapitate the monster's head. After recalling the time he saw Fuchi allow the Dōshi the Aza brothers enslaved to roam free, Gantetsusai reaches out to a baby clone Zhu Jin created from the monster and tells himself that he no longer feels the urge to defeat monsters. Before Jikka could cut the tanden, Gantetsusai warns Jikka that since Chōbei's and Gabimaru's Tao are connected to the monster they may be affected if the tanden is destroyed. Despite the warning, Jikka proceeds to cut the tanden. Though they followed through with the plan, Gantetsusai and Jikka become shock to see the Zhu Jin-fused Banko rising back up. Gantetsusai tells Jikka that it is because of the morning sun replenishing its Tao, as warned by Mei earlier, and that he has to make another attempt at cutting it down. However, with the help of Aza Chōbei, Gantetsusai and Jikka witness the monster being destroyed after the bandit destroys its regeneration link to the tandens. Gantetsusai then looks at the infant clone of Zhu Jin decaying in his arms as a result.

Departure Arc[]

Main article: Departure Arc
Gantetsusai in the floodgates

Gantetsusai rushes towards Rien's ship before it leaves the floodgates.

After mostly everyone arrives at the entrance to the floodgates, Gantetsusai hears the sound of Rien's burning ship departing and decides to move on ahead of everyone before it leaves Kotaku. He manages to make it aboard the burning ship and later finds Shugen on deck lying on the floor badly injured with his right arm severed, figuring that the Tensen was responsible. After Shugen wakes up, Gantetsusai prepares to bring his sword down to avenge Fuchi but is managed to be intercepted by the Asaemon. Gantetsusai tells Shugen that its pointless for him to fight back since he can no longer wield his sword properly but is told by the Asaemon that he can not give up due to his pride as a samurai, much to Gantetsusai's anger. Gantetsusai lashes out at Shugen for his statement, saying that his pride as a samurai is what caused him to kill Fuchi. He then turns his back on Shugen, calls him pathetic, and states that he does not care if he burns to death. Before leaving, Gantetsusai turns around to see Shugen cauterizing his severed arm with his blade caught on fire and doing practice swings. He then becomes shock to see that Shugen has quickly learned how to wield his sword with his left arm and receives a lecture from him about a samurai's sense of duty. Gantetsusai prepares to fight Shugen again but suddenly senses something off about him.

Rien's ship damaged

Gantetsusai slashes Rien's ship.

The two once again clash swords, however, after he notices Shugen using Fuchi's movements, while looking back on how the deceased Asaemon saved his life, Gantetsusai remembers as to why he came on the ship and that it was not to fight Shugen. After letting Shugen in on how he came to be known as the Blade Dragon, Gantetsusai smiles as he brings his sword down and slashes the ship. As a result, Gantetsusai's wounds open up and notices that his attack wasn't enough to split the ship in half but believes that another attempt would. The two men are then confronted by Rien, who becomes angry with Gantetsusai. Though he wasn't able to completely destroy the ship, Gantetsusai says that he has done his job of slowing them down as the survivors' ship pulls up next to Rien's. Not wanting to waste the life he has been gifted, Gantetsusai decides to leave and warns Shugen and Rien that someone stronger than him will come to defeat them in his place. He then becomes glad to see Gabimaru on the other ship and receives praise from the ninja for the work he has done.

The survivors join Gabimaru as he confronts Rien. Having exhausted his strength, Gantetsusai asks to sit it out but is yelled at by Nurugai to cooperate. After the battle commences, Gantetsusai cuts Rien's arm to free Nurugai and coordinates his next attack with Gabimaru to slice Rien in half, giving Sagiri and Shion the opportunity to bisect Rien to destroy her tanden. However, the events were revealed to be a Tao illusion created by Rien, which caused Gantetsusai and his allies to fall unconscious in the real world. Gantetsusai's unconscious body is then carried by Shion and Nurugai to the other ship while Gabimaru, Sagiri, and Shugen handle fighting Rien. Shortly after the Tensen allows herself to be defeated, Gantetsusai regains consciousness and sails off with the others to Edo.

While sailing off, Gantetsusai, Gabimaru, and Yuzuriha are reminded that only one of them can return with the retrieved Elixir of Life and receive the pardon. After Sagiri confesses her attachment to them, despite being criminals, Yuzuriha says that she does not blame her for not having a solution, since she does not view herself as being a villain, but makes fun of Gantetsusai and the others for being evil, which leads up to a comedic conversation. Upon the topic of being evil is targeted at Gabimaru and his wife by Gantetsusai and Yuzuriha, Gantetsusai and the others react in shock after they witness Gabimaru react in laughter about the silly idea of his wife being a villain. Gantetsusai comments on how he is getting tired of hearing his wife coming up frequently and tries to ignore Gabimaru's explanation about Yui with the others. Later, Gabimaru and Yuzuriha decide that Gantetsusai should be the one to receive the pardon while they go their separates and have Jikka make a false report about their deaths.

Gantetsusai receiving the pardon

Gantetsusai receiving the pardon as the "sole" surviving criminal.

After ten days passed since returning to Edo, Gantetsusai presents himself to the shogun as the only criminal to make it out alive from the island after retrieving the Elixir of Life. Having receiving the pardon, Gantetsusai is set free and is exonerated for his crime.

Epilogue[]

After a year passed since receiving the pardon, Gantetsusai earned a high reputation as the "Deadly Bone Setter" after opening up a dōjō dedicated towards medicine and swordsmanship. Despite the dōjō also focusing on medicine, Gantetsusai finds himself receiving more challengers than patients.

At some point after finishing up with a patient free of charge, Gantetsusai is visited by a challenger at the door but yells at him to quiet himself.

Abilities and Powers[]

Gantetsusai is a powerful swordsman who is widely known in Japan, having been recognized by a daimyo who offered him a position to work for him. He was qualified enough to partake in the shogun's mission to acquire the Elixir of Life after surviving a massacre full of death row criminals while his hands were restrained. After his arrival on Kotaku, Gantetsusai was capable of cutting down a Monshin, a feat Rien noted to be anything but ordinary for a human and became one of the first few in 1,000 years to have managed to survive the ordeals the island had to offer, reach Hōrai where Lord Tensen previously resided, and successfully escape. During the raid in Hōrai, Gantetsusai was able to last long enough to bring down Tao Fa, a Tensen-level Sennin, as well as help defeat the combined Kishikai of Ju Fa and Tao Fa.

Physical Abilities[]

Gantetsusai swinging a man

Gantetsusai swinging a man by the legs.

Gantetsusai possesses impressive physical strength, capable of lifting and swinging around a man by the legs with one hand to fight back against other opponents. He was able to easily defend himself against Tōma's sword attack by catching his weapon by the blade and easily fought him barehanded with little effort. He is also extremely fast and has quick reflexes. He was able to quickly dash forward to cut a horde of Sōshin and block an oncoming kick from a Dōshi. He was also fast enough to dodge a swarm of Paradise Butterflies.

Gantetsusai has shown to have immense endurance and a high tolerance to pain. After having his left hand infected by one of the Paradise Butterflies, Gantetsusai did not hesitate to cut it off and did not show any signs of pain afterwards. During his battle with Tao Fa, Gantetsusai endured taking on physically enhanced attacks, Tao attacks that causes major damage from within his body and ripping out his left eye to sense Tao. Even though Fuchi noted that he had lost too much blood and received multiple critical injuries internal and externally, Gantetsusai was still able to stand on his feet and continue fighting Ju Fa and Tao Fa in their Kishikai, taking on slashing and piercing vine attacks to give his allies an opening.

Kenjutsu[]

Gantetsusai destroys daimyo's gate

Gantetsusai cuts a gate in half with one sword swing.

Gantetsusai has powerful mastery of swordplay. Even before he had to cut off his left hand, Gantetsusai's high level skills with his sword allows him to fight with one hand (though he tends to swing his sword as if he is using both hands). He was capable of decapitating a massive creature known as a Monshin. He was also able to cleanly slice through multiple Sōshin with a single swing of his sword and completely bisect a Dōshi. An impressive testament to his skills as a swordsman is that Gantetsusai can create air compressed slashes that can slice through a large gate in half and the giant bulb body of Ju Fa and Tao Fa's Kishikai. Gantetsusai has also shown great precision in his swordsmanship, being able to swiftly cut multiple Paradise Butterflies in an instant.

By using the sensation of Tao with his swordsmanship, Gantetsusai can perform delicate swordplay that only highly skilled swordsmen such as the Asaemon can use, being able to cut Tao Fa's tanden with "Neck Flap" precision in order to not harm Fuchi holding her from behind.

Techniques[]

  • Monpigiri ( (もん) () (ぎり) , Literal meaning: Gate Slash): Gantetsusai swings his sword to create a powerful slash attack that is capable of slicing through an entire gate in half.
  • Mujigen-ryū Chōhissatsu Waza: Karatakewari ( () () (げん) (りゅう)   (ちょう) (ひっ) (さつ) (わざ) (から) (たけ) () り, Literal meaning: Ruthless Eye Style Ultra Certain-Kill Technique: Vacuum Mountain Splitting): Gantetsusai makes a diagonal slash to his opponent that is strong enough to cleave them in two.

Tao[]

Further information: Tao
Gantetsusai senses Tao

Gantetsusai dodging Tao Fa's Tao projectiles.

Gantetsusai possesses Fire-attribute Tao and managed to awaken his ability to sense Tao after blinding himself during his battle with Tao Fa. With it, he was able to sense Tao Fa's Tao projectiles and dodged them with quick succession. He was also able to use the sensation to target Tao Fa's tanden without harming Fuchi from behind her.

Intelligence[]

After choosing to become a doctor after escaping the island, it can be presumed that Gantetsusai managed to acquire some degree of medical knowledge.

Weapons[]

Gantetsusai's sword

Gantetsusai wielding his sword.

Gantetsusai wields a sword that is rather befitting for someone of his large stature.

Creation and Conception[]

Gantetsusai and Fuchi's Concepts

Gantetsusai's and Fuchi's early concepts.

Early concept art of Gantetsusai and Fuchi were included in Jigokuraku Kaitai Shinsho.

Trivia[]

  • Gantetsusai's rankings in the Popularity Polls:
    • In the first popularity poll, Gantetsusai ranked 30th place with 221 votes.
    • In the second popularity poll, Gantetsusai ranked 9th place, with 493 votes.
  • Gantetsusai's birthday, November 23, in Japan is known as Labor Thanksgiving Day.
  • Gantetsusai claims to have a harem of wives.[5]
  • Currently, there are only three people who Gantetsusai has chosen to address by name instead of a nickname, which are: Yamada Asaemon Fuchi, Aza Tōma, and Gabimaru
    • In Chapter 97, Gantetsusai once called Yamada Asaemon Shugen by his name but this is most likely because he was trying to explain completely to the others how Fuchi died rather than to say his name out of respect.

References[]

  1. Jigokuraku Kaitai Shinsho, page 20
  2. Chapter 6, Page 6
  3. Jigokuraku Kaitai Shinsho, page 20
  4. Chapter 2, Page 52
  5. Jigokuraku Chapter 32, page 8

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