Ep 3. The story of Jukai

Dororo season 1 episode 3, titled "The Story of Jukai," takes a deep dive into the backstory of one of the show's most intriguing characters, the mysterious and wise doctor Jukai.

The episode opens with a flashback to young Jukai, a skilled and ambitious doctor who dreams of using his talent to cure people. However, his aspirations are destroyed when he is forced to perform an unethical surgery on a young boy, commissioned by a cruel lord who cares only for his own agenda. The boy dies on the operating table, and Jukai's heart is shattered.

Years later, with his reputation sullied and his hopefulness gone, Jukai has become a hermit who spends his days in solitude, collecting bones from the battlefield and piecing them together to create a new, perfect human being. His creation, who he names Hyakkimaru, is a boy born with no limbs, eyes, ears, nose, or mouth - a being so broken that Jukai believes he can fix him.

As Jukai sets about crafting Hyakkimaru's prosthetic limbs and senses, he comes to see the boy as a sort of surrogate son, and the two bond as Jukai teaches his creation the ways of the world. But as Hyakkimaru grows stronger and more capable, he becomes increasingly restless, consumed by a desire to explore the world beyond Jukai's small hut.

In the episode's climactic scene, Hyakkimaru convinces Jukai to let him leave, promising to return once he has seen the world and learned how to use his new limbs. Jukai reluctantly acquiesces, and we see Hyakkimaru set off on his own for the first time, eager to discover what secrets the world holds.

Overall, "The Story of Jukai" is a deeply emotional and character-driven episode that offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of Dororo's most enigmatic figures. With masterful storytelling and gorgeous animation, it effectively captures Jukai's pain, regret, and eventual redemption, while also further developing Hyakkimaru's backstory and motivation. A must-see for fans of the series, and a great entry point for new viewers looking for an introduction to its complex world and characters.