Ep 5. Divine Blessings

In Hakkenden: Eight Dogs of the East season 1 episode 5, titled "Divine Blessings," the story takes a more spiritual turn as the characters find themselves in a shrine deep in the forest. The episode begins with Hamaji and Shino recalling a dream from the previous evening that involved the divine messenger, Inari.

As they arrive at the shrine, they meet a young girl who explains that the previous priest had passed away and that her sister, Oyakata-sama, will be performing the ceremony of succession. Oyakata-sama is blind, and she relies on her loyal servant, Seiran, to lead her. Seiran explains that Inari, the god of festivals, is waiting for the priestess to arrive to prepare for the upcoming event.

The ceremony begins but is interrupted by a strange presence that seems to overpower Oyakata-sama and Seiran. The presence takes the form of a monstrous being that attacks the priestess, and it's up to Shino and the other characters to fend off the creature and protect the sacred shrine.

From this point on, the episode takes a more introspective turn, as the characters grapple with their understanding of the divine and the role of religion in their lives. There's a sense of uncertainty and vulnerability that permeates the episode, as each character is forced to confront their own fears and assumptions.

Hamaji, for example, begins to question the validity of her dream and wonders if it's merely an expression of her own desires. Meanwhile, Shino is unsure of his own connection to Inari and struggles to understand the extent of his power. Kakizaki, on the other hand, is skeptical of the divine presences altogether and remains unconvinced of their significance.

The episode takes its time to explore these themes in a nuanced and thoughtful way, as the characters engage in conversations and debates about their beliefs. There's a sense of mutual respect and understanding that emerges from these moments, even as the characters struggle to find common ground.

Eventually, the episode builds up to a climactic confrontation between the characters and the monstrous presence, in which each character is forced to face their own fears and limitations. As the dust settles, the characters are left to contemplate the implications of their actions and the role of the divine in their lives.

In many ways, "Divine Blessings" offers a refreshing departure from the typical action-oriented episodes of Hakkenden: Eight Dogs of the East. Rather than relying on flashy fight scenes, the episode opts for a more introspective and spiritual tone, allowing its characters to grow and develop in meaningful ways. It's a testament to the show's ability to balance action and contemplation, making for a compelling and thought-provoking viewing experience.