Blue Exorcist Season 4 Episode 4 Recap: Rin and Yukio Save Shura from the Dragon God

Blue Exorcist Season 4 Episode 4 premiered on October 27 at 12:30 AM JST across various broadcast networks in Japan. This episode resumes the storyline from where it ended previously, focusing on Shura while Rin and Yukio make efforts to save her from the Dragon God, Hachiroto.

This episode of Blue Exorcist Season 4 provides a deeper exploration into Shura’s history, showcasing her ties to Shiro Fujimoto. Viewers also gain a clearer understanding of Hachiroto’s distinctive motives and emotions. Additionally, the highly anticipated confrontation with Hachiroto takes center stage, revealing the intricacies of his character and abilities.

Note: This article includes spoilers for Blue Exorcist Season 4 Episode 4.

Blue Exorcist Season 4 Episode 4: Shura’s Past and Her Connection to Shiro

Shiro and young Shura (Image via Studio VOLN)

In this episode of Blue Exorcist, we witness the adversities Shura faced during her upbringing in the mountains of Aomori under Hachiroto’s supervision. Following the conditions outlined in the contract established by Tatsuko, Shura’s ancestor, she endures rigorous training with the Dragon God each day. Hachiroto even nicknames her ‘Tatsuko,’ seeing her as a vessel for a new era.

The episode illustrates young Shura’s mischievous escapades, where she would practice her sword skills on unsuspecting farm animals. The locals, witnessing her antics, branded her a witch, dubbing her ‘Baba Yaga.’ This reputation serves as a cornerstone for her bond with Shiro.

Shiro discovers young Shura while investigating the ‘Baba Yaga’ rumors. Enchanted by his abilities, she professes her aspiration to bear his child once she matures. Recognizing how this aligns with Hachiroto’s goals, he permits her to accompany Shiro.

Rin and Yukio Confront the Dragon God

Hachiroto's eyes as he uses the ability to control Shura's body (Image via Studio VOLN) — Hachiroto’s gaze as he exerts his ability over Shura (Image via Studio VOLN)

After Shura’s disappearance in the prior episode, she encounters Hachiroto at the Towada Shrine. This meeting highlights his unsettling ability to dominate others’ bodies with mere eye contact. However, using this power comes at a cost, exhausting him and inflicting damage to his own physique.

Rin and Yukio then interrupt this interaction, rushing to shield Shura from Hachiroto’s overwhelming strength and eternal nature. However, they are swiftly subdued. Hachiroto intends to use Yukio’s body to father a child with Shura.

Rin fighting Hachiroto (Image via Studio VOLN) — Rin in combat with Hachiroto (Image via Studio VOLN)

Fortunately, Rin’s demonic flames manage to inflict damage on Hachiroto, momentarily diverting his attention away from Shura and Yukio. This triggers an intense battle between Rin and Hachiroto, during which Shura contemplates sacrificing herself to end the turmoil.

In a clever move, Yukio proposes forging a contract with the Dragon God that would preserve Shura’s life while fulfilling his aspirations. He even deters Rin from fighting back, thus persuading Hachiroto. But as Hachiroto removes Shura’s seal and gears up to transfer it to Yukio, Rin strikes from behind and successfully impales Hachiroto.

This action transforms Hachiroto into his true Hydra form. Shima arrives as backup for the brothers, yet the Dragon God remains a formidable adversary. He holds Shura hostage while hypnotizing Rin to prevent him from accessing his powers.

The episode culminates with Shura making a shocking proposition to join Hachiroto at the bottom of Lake Towada, promising to stay with him until his eternal rest. This severe offer inevitably leads to her demise as Hachiroto plunges into the lake with her.

Review of Blue Exorcist Season 4 Episode 4

Studio Voln showcases its meticulous craftsmanship in bringing Hachiroto, the Dragon God, to life. This character is layered, displaying a blend of toughness and regality that is epitomized in both animation and character design. Portrayed as an immortal villain yearning to escape his isolated and sorrowful existence, Hachiroto captivates the audience.

Furthermore, Blue Exorcist Season 4 Episode 4 excels in its portrayal of the combat scenes between Hachiroto and Rin. The choreography melds fluidity with fierce confrontations, producing visually stunning sequences. Each punch and counterattack is expertly animated, encapsulating the raw energy and strategic depth of the fights.

Conclusion

As the conflict with Hachiroto concludes, the next episode promises to unveil Shura’s fate. The brothers’ display of evolving strength and teamwork during the battle is a remarkable portrayal of fire and intensity. Fans can anticipate a visually striking experience as the crisp animation conveys the urgency and high stakes of the showdown.

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