Ep. 8: Tanosuke's Tragic Past and the Demon Sword Nihil's Final End
Tanosuke attempts to retrieve the cursed sword Nihil from Dororo in a blacksmith's hut but fails. He recounts his past service to a lord, where he supervised fortress construction and was ordered to execute the carpenters to protect secrets. Reluctantly obeying, he wielded Nihil in battles, allowing it to develop a bloodlust. Villagers burn the hut under Tanosuke's direction, but Hyakkimaru rescues Dororo. Despite Hyakkimaru's warnings, villagers ignore him until Tanosuke kills a couple. Hyakkimaru challenges Tanosuke to a fight, which continues despite Tanosuke's wounds. Realizing his defeat, Tanosuke commits suicide with the sword, which consumes his blood. The demon dissipates as Tanosuke dies. At his grave, Hyakkimaru recovers an eye, gaining sight for the first time, while Dororo vows never to wield a sword again.
Episodes
- Ep. 4 · Hyakkimaru confronts the true demonic nature of Lady Bandai in the village.
- Ep. 5 · Hyakkimaru and Dororo endure heat as Dororo recalls his traumatic childhood during the Onin War
- Ep. 6 · Dororo continues his tragic narrative as Hibukuro faces betrayal and death while Ojiya perishes in winter.
- Ep. 7 · Hyakkimaru and Dororo encounter the demon sword Nihil and its former owner Tanosuke Niki
- Ep. 8 · Tanosuke's Tragic Past and the Demon Sword Nihil's Final End
- Ep. 9 · Hyakkimaru and Dororo face executioners and a mysterious fox near the Banmon border.
- Ep. 10 · Hyakkimaru encounters Nuinokata and Dororo learns the fox's role in the war.
- Ep. 11 · Tahomaru's Assault and Hyakkimaru's Revelation of Family Ties
- Ep. 12 · Dororo encounters a shape-shifting woman near the Waterfall of Vanity who seeks a face.