Ep 22. The story of Nui

Dororo is a Japanese anime series adaptation of the late 1960s manga series of the same name created by Osamu Tezuka. The story of Dororo follows the journey of a young samurai named Hyakkimaru, who was born without several of his body parts which were sacrificed to demons by his father, a powerful lord seeking power. Hyakkimaru embarks on a journey to retrieve his stolen body parts with the help of a young orphan named Dororo, who accompanies him as he battles demons and fights to regain his humanity.

The 22nd episode of Dororo's first season, titled "The Story of Nui," focuses on a girl named Nui, who is a prostitute that Hyakkimaru and Dororo encounter during their travels. On their way to a nearby village, they see Nui selling her body to passing merchants and farmers in order to make a living. Hyakkimaru and Dororo decide to stay in the village and help Nui, who is being mistreated by her pimp, Bishamon, and his associates.

Throughout the episode, hints are dropped that Nui has a tragic backstory. It is revealed that she is a former member of the Okaka, a band of female samurai who were tasked with protecting a nearby shrine. The Okaka were disbanded after failing to protect the shrine from being raided by bandits, which led to Nui being sold into prostitution. She was forced to live a life of shame and despair, with no hope for a better future.

Despite her bleak outlook on life, Nui joins Hyakkimaru and Dororo on their journey. She proves to be a valuable asset to their team, using her skills as a former Okaka member to help them defeat demons and navigate through dangerous terrain. Throughout their travels together, Nui's relationship with Hyakkimaru and Dororo deepens, and she begins to feel like she can trust them.

The episode takes a dark turn when Bishamon and his associates catch up with Nui and attempt to take her back to the brothel. Hyakkimaru and Dororo are forced to fight them off, but they are overpowered. Nui is captured and taken back to the brothel, where she is beaten and tortured by Bishamon and his associates.

In a desperate attempt to save Nui, Hyakkimaru and Dororo launch a rescue mission on the brothel. They fight their way through the building, defeating every obstacle in their path. When they find Nui, she is on the brink of death, but Hyakkimaru is able to save her by using his powers to restore her life force. Nui is finally free from the brothel and reunited with Hyakkimaru and Dororo.

"The Story of Nui" is a powerful episode that explores the dark reality of life for women in feudal Japan. It highlights the bravery and resilience of women like Nui, who were forced to survive in a world that granted them no agency or respect. The episode also continues to develop the relationship between Hyakkimaru and Dororo, as they battle demons and protect the innocent together.

Overall, "The Story of Nui" is a captivating episode that furthers the growth of the show's characters and storyline. It showcases the show's strengths in creating complex characters and exploring the intricacies of feudal Japan.