Ep 20. Tree of Eternity

In Mushi-shi: Next Passage season 1 episode 20, entitled "Tree of Eternity," we follow Ginko as he arrives in a small village in the middle of a forest. The village is known for its ancient tree, which is said to bring eternal life to those who eat of its fruit. Ginko is skeptical of such claims, but the villagers are convinced of the tree's powers.

As Ginko explores the village, he discovers that the tree's fruit is being sold to people outside the village. He also notices that some of the villagers are aging at an alarming rate, while others seem immortal. Ginko suspects that the tree's mushi, or spirit, may be responsible for the villagers' strange behavior.

Ginko's investigation leads him to meet Michiyo, a young girl who is immune to the effects of the tree's fruit. Through her, he learns that the tree's mushi is feeding on the life force of the villagers, causing some to age rapidly while others become immortal.

As Ginko delves deeper into the mystery, he discovers a dark secret at the heart of the village's obsession with the tree of eternity. The villagers fear that if they stop eating the fruit, they will lose their immortality and die. Ginko must find a way to stop the tree's mushi and save the villagers before it's too late.

The episode is a haunting examination of the human desire for eternal life and the consequences of such an obsession. The stunning animation and eerie score create a mystical atmosphere that draws the viewer into the story. "Tree of Eternity" is a standout episode in a series that explores the mysterious world of mushi and the people who live alongside them.