Ep. 23: Hyakkimaru battles a demon-possessed ancient tree that swallows villagers and woodcutters before he destroys it.

23

Villagers refuse to fell a 2,000 year old tree to allow for samurai fortress construction. Hyakkimaru suspects demonic possession and attempts to cut the tree, but his sword and arm are swallowed. When a woodcutter agrees to help Dororo, he is also absorbed into the trunk. Later, the trunk splits after floating downstream, releasing the woodcutter and Hyakkimaru. The demon inhabiting the tree reveals itself. Although the tree appears invulnerable, Hyakkimaru identifies its weakness and throws a spear into the spot housing the demon. This action kills the demon and causes the tree to burst into flames.