The survival hopes of Gabimaru and the expedition group face a catastrophic setback in Hell’s Paradise Season 2 Episode 5. Titled “Human and Sages,” the episode centers on Chobei’s shocking betrayal, which directly ruins a carefully crafted plan to leave the deadly island of Shinsenkyo.
The episode, directed by Ai Yoshimura and written by Yasuhiro Geshi, aired on Sunday, February 8, 2026. It continues the adaptation of the manga’s critical “Lord Tensen” and “Hลrai” story arcs.
The Escape Plan and a Fragile Alliance
Following the arrival of a powerful second expedition from the shogunate, the survivors on the island know they are running out of time. This new force includes the deadly Yamada Asaemon Shugen and a squad of Iwagakure ninjas specifically sent to execute Gabimaru.
To counter this, the group devises a two-part strategy. One team focuses on securing the elusive elixir of life, the original goal of their mission. The other team works to find and secure a viable escape route off the island. The plan requires precise timing and, most importantly, unity among the surviving criminals and Yamada Asaemon executioners.
A key part of this alliance is Mei, the mysterious child-like being from the island. She decides to leave Shinsenkyo with Gabimaru’s group. Her unique knowledge of the island’s terrain and dangers is seen as vital for the escape plan’s success.
Gabimaru, aware of the weight of her decision, turns to Mei and asks a pointed question: “Is this really okay?” He seeks confirmation, understanding that her choice to abandon her home carries deep consequences.
Chobei’s Deal With Rien and the Act of Betrayal
Unknown to the rest of the group, Chobei has been operating under a secret agenda. In the previous episode, he was defeated and captured by Rien, the supreme leader of the Tensen.
Rien, fascinated by Chobei’s unique ability to blend his Tao with the powers of the Waitanhua flower, proposes a deal. She offers to share all her knowledge about the island’s origins, the Tensen, and the elixir. In exchange, she wants to study Chobei through a profound and invasive process known as Bลchลซ Jutsu.
Chobei accepts this dangerous pact. His motivation is a complex mix of a thirst for ultimate power and a twisted desire to protect his brother, Tลma. This agreement with the group’s primary enemy sets the stage for his betrayal.
At a critical moment, as the escape plan is being executed, Chobei turns against Gabimaru and the others. His actions are calculated to sabotage their efforts, ensuring the plan to seize the elixir and secure an escape route falls into complete disarray. His allegiance decisively shifts to Rien, dooming the group’s best chance at survival.
Immediate Consequences and Rising Dangers
The fallout from Chobei’s betrayal is instant and severe. The carefully coordinated mission collapses. The group is now splintered, vulnerable, and exposed to multiple threats with no clear path forward.
- The team tasked with getting the elixir is left compromised and possibly walking into a trap set by Rien.
- The team working on the escape route is left without support, making them easy targets.
- The entire group loses the strategic advantage of unity, forcing each survivor to fend for themselves.
This internal collapse happens just as external threats reach their peak. Yamada Asaemon Shugen and his forces are actively hunting the survivors on the island. Furthermore, the island itself and the Tensen continue to be a constant lethal danger. Chobei’s decision has effectively boxed everyone in with no clear way out.
Character Focus: Gabimaru’s Resolve and Sagiri’s Resolve
The betrayal tests every character, but the focus remains sharply on the series’ core duo. Gabimaru, the “empty” ninja, finds his simple goal of returning to his wife further jeopardized. His question to Mei underscores his growing understanding of connection and sacrifice, themes that are challenged by Chobei’s selfish act.
Yamada Asaemon Sagiri continues to uphold her code amidst the chaos. Her role as Gabimaru’s executioner has evolved into one of his most steadfast protectors. With the plan in ruins, her skills with the blade and her unwavering principles will be critical for any hope of regrouping.
The dynamics of other key survivors, including Yuzuriha, Fuchi, Shion, Gantetsusai, and Nurugai, are also thrown into disarray. Trust, already a scarce commodity among the group, has been shattered.
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Where to Watch Hell’s Paradise Season 2
New episodes of Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku premiere weekly in Japan on TV Tokyo. For international viewers, Crunchyroll is the official streaming service for the series outside of Asia, releasing episodes with subtitles as they air.
The opening theme for Season 2 is “Kasuka na Hana” (Faint Flower) performed by Tatsuya Kitani featuring Babymetal. The ending theme is “Personal” by Queen Bee.
Also Read: One Piece Season 2 Trailer Drops as Netflix Confirms March Release Date
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