Ep 10. The End of Wasuke of Dojo

Onihei is a Japanese historical-fiction anime series set during the Edo period, following the life of Heizō Hasegawa, the head of a special police force known as the Arson Theft Control. In season 1 episode 10 titled “The End of Wasuke of Dojo,” Onihei delves into a dramatic and emotional storyline of betrayal, revenge, and redemption as the protagonist confronts an old nemesis from his past.

The episode opens with Heizō Hasegawa, aka Onihei, and his team being called to a scene of robbery and murder at a wealthy merchant's residence. Upon investigating the murder scene, it quickly becomes clear that it was an inside job, only for the culprit to reveal his identity to Onihei - his former apprentice and Dojo member, Wasuke.

As the story unfolds, Onihei is thrown back into a time in his past where he mentored Wasuke, trained him in swordsmanship and jujitsu, and even regarded him as his own son. Despite Wasuke's criminal act, Onihei struggles with feelings of betrayal and hesitation in arresting him. However, he soon learns that Wasuke's wrongdoings go deeper than just robbery, and he must confront his former apprentice - not as a mentor but as the head of a law enforcement agency.

Throughout the episode, we see flashbacks of Onihei's past with Wasuke, revealing the reasons behind the betrayal. Wasuke, desperate for money to heal his sick sister, had resorted to desperate measures to pay for her treatment. However, his actions led to him being labeled as an outlaw, and his sister eventually died from her injuries.

The episode is filled with intense sword fights as Onihei and Wasuke confront each other, but it also presents a humanizing side of Onihei. The character's hesitation in bringing down his former apprentice, despite his criminality, showcases his compassion and empathy. It also underscores the importance of morals, ethics, and duty for Onihei as a law enforcement officer.

With this, the episode ends with a highly emotional conclusion that invites viewers to question the morality of law enforcement and the complexities of right and wrong. "The End of Wasuke of Dojo" is a standout episode in Onihei's first season, packed with powerful storytelling, thrilling action, and an emotionally resonant storyline that will leave a lasting impact on audiences.