In Episode 8, the focus is on the character of Tenza Yamada Asaemon, the executioner tasked with looking after Nurugai. Over the course of the story, we see the two at the shores of Shinsenkyo, where their hopes of escape are dashed by the attack of a colossal octopus monster, forcing them to retreat to the relatively safer areas of the island.

Despite the looming dangers in the jungle, Tenza prefers the relative safety of the beach and decides not to venture into the jungle, which is teeming with threatening insects and demons. Together, Tenza and Nurugai resolve to find a current that will carry them away from the island—a strategy abruptly interrupted when a Tensen descends from above.

This Tensen is distinctly different from the ones Choubei and Touma encountered in the jungle. At first, it seemed Tenza might be able to negotiate with this Tensen, but that hope was short-lived. Without hesitation, Tenza springs into action, attempting to defend himself against the Tensen and escape.

A turning point occurs when the Tensen asks, "Why are you running away?"—possibly hinting at non-aggressive intentions. However, the narrative sends mixed signals, as the Tensen expresses outrage over the death of the island's creatures and wonders if Tenza and Nurugai are responsible. The nuances of this episode provide tantalizing hints about the nature of the elixir of life, referred to as "Tan," suggesting that humans must be alive to transform into this mystical substance.

The narrative then introduces Shion Yamada Asaemon, Tenza’s mentor, who saved him from a life of crime and trained him to become an executioner. The story of Tenza’s transformation from a wayward youth to a disciplined executioner under Shion’s guidance forms the emotional core of this episode. Interestingly, it is Shion’s backstory that holds greater appeal, particularly his past relationship with a student he was forced to execute, which sheds light on his vehement rejection of Tenza’s relapse into criminality.

Of particular interest are the scars on Shion’s eyes, revealing that his blindness is not congenital. Who inflicted this cruel punishment on Shion? Was it the result of a criminal past, similar to Tenza’s, or did Shion choose this path of self-imposed blindness? The lingering questions lay the groundwork for fascinating future revelations.

The episode ends with Tenza’s death at the hands of the Tensen on a somber note. Yet, Tenza’s sacrifice buys Shion and Nurugai precious time to escape, now facing the trials ahead as a pair.

A crucial revelation in this episode is that the Tensen can only transform living humans into Tan. This explains why the Tensen merely threw Choubei and Touma into a pit filled with human remains instead of killing them outright.