The Vermilion Mask Episode 3 reveals Smoke Mask preview
The Vermilion Mask’s third episode introduces Moku and a flame dragon as Pell faces a dangerous new encounter on October 24.
The Vermilion Mask’s third episode, “The Smoke Mask”, will put Pell in the path of a flame dragon while introducing Moku, a restaurant worker who wants to become his travelling companion. The episode is scheduled to air in Japan on Saturday, October 24, at 5:30 p.m. JST, according to Anibu’s episode preview report. 1
A new ally and a dangerous encounter
Moku sees through Pell’s identity as a mask seller while working at a restaurant in Cornbloom. He carries the Smoke Mask, which gives him control over smoke, and asks Pell to help him leave his current life behind. The episode’s premise makes Moku more than a one-off stranger: his wish is to travel with Pell and receive help quitting smoking, giving the dark fantasy’s next chapter a deliberately human counterpoint to its larger supernatural conflict. 1
Pell’s journey is interrupted by Hien, a flame dragon that suddenly appears in the city. Hien already harbours a deep hatred of Pell, and their confrontation leaves the protagonist exhausted. Moku then comes to Pell’s aid, creating the circumstances for the two characters to begin trusting one another. 1
The official anime site describes The Vermilion Mask as a battle fantasy about masks that grant extraordinary powers but can also cause unimaginable tragedy. Pell, an apprentice of the legendary mask maker Gaston Roux, was once controlled by the Mask of the Warrior God and unintentionally killed his friends and master. He now travels the world destroying Gaston’s scattered masks in an attempt to prevent another disaster. 2
When to watch The Smoke Mask
The Vermilion Mask airs on Yomiuri TV and Nippon TV-affiliated networks in Japan on Saturdays at 5:30 p.m. JST, with some regional variations. Anibu lists TVer, ytv MyDo!, ABEMA, Hulu, Prime Video, U-NEXT and d Anime Store among the streaming options, although availability and timing can differ by platform. 1
The official website’s English-language material confirms the series’ central premise and its October 2026 broadcast window. It does not replace the episode-specific information in Anibu’s report, so the Saturday broadcast time and the details about Moku and Hien are attributed to the latter. 12
Our opinion
The Smoke Mask sounds like a useful episode for The Vermilion Mask because it advances both halves of the series’ appeal. Hien gives Pell a dangerous fantasy confrontation, while Moku offers a more grounded reason for Pell to let somebody close. That combination should make the episode feel like part of Pell’s long journey rather than simply another monster encounter. The oddity of Moku’s personal goal may also provide the breathing room the grim premise needs without undercutting its stakes.