Hell Teacher: Jigoku Sensei Nube continues to delve into the supernatural threats plaguing Domori Elementary, and Episode 12, titled “Spirit Beast vs. Spirit Fish,” presents one of Nube’s most formidable challenges yet. This installment sees the kind-hearted exorcist teacher, Meisuke Nueno, face a colossal and terrifying entity, putting not only his students’ lives but also his own at immense risk. The episode aired on September 17, 2025, and has been a topic of eager discussion among fans of the classic ’90s series and its modern adaptation.
The Ominous Arrival of the Spirit Mist Fish
Episode 12 kicks off with a sudden and overwhelming terror as a giant spirit monster known as the Spirit Mist Fish (or Remugyo) materializes at Domori Elementary. This colossal creature immediately establishes itself as a significant threat, its immense power causing the mist enshrouding the town to grow thicker and more ominous. Nube’s initial attempts to prevent the Spirit Mist Fish’s resurrection prove insufficient against its overwhelming might, setting the stage for a desperate struggle.
A Dire Threat to the Students
The danger escalates dramatically when the Spirit Mist Fish begins to lay dangerous eggs on the backs of Nube’s students. These parasitic eggs are no mere inconvenience; they are set to hatch and kill the students, draining their life force. This gruesome development raises the stakes considerably, pushing Nube to confront what could be his biggest enemy yet. The creature’s ability to regenerate itself from any injury further complicates the battle, making it a seemingly unstoppable force.
Unlikely Alliance: Nube and Tamamo Team Up
As the crisis intensifies, Nube finds himself pushed to his limits. The perpetually healing Remugyo relentlessly attacks, forcing Nube to exhaust himself trying to lure it out of its protective fog. During this dire situation, the cunning fox demon Tamamo, a recurring character who often acts as an antagonist or rival, begrudgingly steps in to offer assistance. Tamamo, recognizing that a city infested with abominations is not in his best interest, decides to help Nube, though not without his usual calculating demeanor.
The fight against the Spirit Mist Fish requires more than just Nube’s “Demon Hand” (Oni no Te); it necessitates a combined effort from Nube, Tamamo, and even the boys of Nube’s class. This teamwork is crucial in the taut and exciting climactic battle, showcasing some of the anime’s better action animation.
The Source of Nube’s Power and a Lesson in Teamwork
In a poignant moment following the intense battle, Nube reveals the true secret behind his incredible power to Tamamo. While Tamamo initially seeks to understand the source of Nube’s limitless spiritual energy, Nube reveals that his strength ultimately comes from the gratitude and affection of his students. He is willing to risk everything to protect them, a dedication that deeply impacts Tamamo. This realization seems to humanize Tamamo, even causing him to blush when the girls express their admiration for his role in saving them.
The episode also features the notoriously inept local police arriving long after the supernatural chaos has been resolved, highlighting the hidden nature of Nube’s battles against the otherworldly.
Cultural Context and Legacy
The Jigoku Sensei Nube series, based on the immensely popular occult comic by Shō Makura and Takeshi Okano, boasts a cumulative circulation of 29 million copies. The original anime adaptation ran for 49 episodes from 1996 to 1997, with additional movies and OVAs. This 2025 anime adaptation aims to bring the “academy hero action” and “monster-of-the-week” elements to a new generation, combining classic ’90s charm with modern animation. Episode 12 successfully captures the essence of the franchise, delivering both terrifying supernatural encounters and heartwarming character development, reinforcing Nube’s role as a protector who puts his students above all else.
