Saiyuki Season 1 Episode 5 Pure Assassin
- TV14
- May 2, 2000
- 22 min
In Saiyuki season 1 episode 5, titled "Pure Assassin," the quartet of Sanzo, Goku, Gojyo, and Hakkai continue their journey towards the west despite encountering multiple obstacles along the way. In this episode, they stumble upon a village where they find out that a dangerous assassin is in town.
The episode starts off with the group arriving at the village, only to find out that it's under attack by a group of dangerous demons. They quickly jump into action and defeat the demons, but during the aftermath, they discover that the incident was all a ploy to distract them from the real danger lurking within the village walls.
The group meets a young girl named Yaone, who is the assistant of a talented assassin known as "Dr. Ni." Yaone explains that Dr. Ni was summoned to the village by the local ruler to deal with a demon infestation problem. However, upon arrival, Dr. Ni discovered that the whole situation was a sham and that the ruler had actually hired him as a hitman to kill a political opponent.
Dr. Ni refuses to carry out the assassination and is now being hunted by both the ruler's men and a group of mercenaries hired by the opponent. The Sanzo party decides to help Dr. Ni and Yaone and protect them from the endless onslaught of mercenaries and assassins.
The episode then focuses on Dr. Ni's past as an assassin. He admits that he used to be a hired killer who had no moral code until he met a woman who changed his ways. After taking her advice, he decided to only assassinate corrupt and evil individuals and not innocent people. Thus, he became a "pure assassin," which is also the title of the episode.
Dr. Ni's beliefs are put to the test in this episode, as the opponent he was hired to kill turns out to be a kind and generous man who has only ever wanted what's best for the village. Dr. Ni is conflicted, but ultimately decides to spare the man's life and escapes with the Sanzo party's help.
In the end, Dr. Ni decides to continue his journey alone to find his own path, but not before leaving a parting gift for the Sanzo party. He gives Goku a magic bracelet that he says he got from a demon king many years ago. Dr. Ni believes that the bracelet will someday help them on their journey, and the episode ends with the Sanzo party continuing their journey towards their ultimate goal.
Overall, Saiyuki season 1 episode 5 "Pure Assassin" is a thrilling and action-packed episode that explores the theme of morality and the consequences of one's actions. The episode showcases how even assassins can have a conscience and choose to do what's right instead of blindly following orders. It's an excellent addition to the series and a must-watch for fans of the show.