In the tenth episode of This Monster Wants to Eat Me, titled “Engulfed in Prayer” (祈りを込めて, Inori wo Komete), the anime adaptation dives deep into the enigmatic past of Shiori, the mermaid yōkai, dramatically shifting the understanding of her relationship with Hinako. This pivotal episode unravels years of mystery, revealing Shiori’s true motivations and the intricate web of fate that binds her to Hinako.
The Long-Held Secret: Shiori’s True Intentions Revealed
For much of the series, Shiori has presented herself as a monstrous entity who plans to devour Hinako once she reaches her “most delicious” state, while simultaneously protecting her from other yōkai. This premise, initially accepted by Hinako due to her own death wish following a family tragedy, forms the core of their unusual bond. However, Episode 10 shatters this illusion, exposing the profound truth behind Shiori’s actions.
It is revealed that Shiori and Hinako’s connection predates their current encounter by a decade. Ten years prior, a young Hinako showed kindness to an injured Shiori. In a desperate act of gratitude and protection, Shiori imparted some of her mermaid blood to Hinako. This extraordinary intervention not only saved Hinako’s life but also enabled her to survive the devastating accident that claimed her family, subtly altering her body and making her irresistible to other yōkai.
Crucially, Shiori confesses that she never genuinely intended to eat Hinako. Her initial claims were a facade, a complex coping mechanism stemming from centuries of conflict avoidance and a profound fear of rejection. She aimed to keep Hinako alive for her own unstated reasons, believing that Hinako’s desire to be eaten was the only reason she didn’t end her own life. This revelation, however, leaves Hinako deeply hurt by Shiori’s prolonged deception and secrecy.
Shiori’s Emotional Turmoil and Coping Mechanisms
“Engulfed in Prayer” significantly deepens Shiori’s character by exploring her inner struggles and the origins of her emotional distance. The episode portrays Shiori as a being burdened by untold years of traumatic experiences and a history of failed relationships. Her decision to erase Hinako’s memories of their initial encounter and maintain a detached persona was an act of self-preservation, fueled by a belief that her presence would ultimately be corrosive.
Shiori’s character is depicted as a “mess” of coping mechanisms, often relaying sensitive information through a forced smile and matter-of-fact tone. Her tendency to “shut down” and distance herself is paralleled with Hinako’s own process of grief, where both characters internalized blame and rejected the world in their own ways.
The Role of Miko and the Path to Healing
Amidst Shiori’s emotional revelations, Miko Yashiro emerges as a crucial figure in the trio. Despite her own feelings for Hinako, Miko demonstrates remarkable understanding and offers genuinely helpful advice to Shiori. Her presence acts as a “breath of fresh air,” indicating that Shiori feels comfortable enough with Miko to begin communicating her deepest fears and anxieties.
Miko’s intelligence and perceptiveness highlight her role as a potential catalyst for healing within the complex relationship between Hinako and Shiori. Her advice suggests a path forward, acknowledging that both Hinako’s decade-long grief and Shiori’s centuries of emotional barriers will require significant effort to overcome.
Thematic Implications and Future Directions
Episode 10 recontextualizes the series’ central theme, suggesting that the title “This Monster Wants to Eat Me” can be interpreted from Shiori’s perspective as well. Humans, throughout yōkai folklore, have often sought mermaid flesh for immortality, turning the hunter into the hunted. This dual interpretation adds another layer of complexity to the narrative, blurring the lines between who is the monster and who is the victim.
The episode sets the stage for a profound emotional reckoning between Shiori and Hinako. With the truth laid bare, the characters must now confront the consequences of past actions and navigate the complicated feelings of love, betrayal, and the deep-seated desire for connection. The future of their intertwined fates hinges on their ability to move beyond their individual coping mechanisms and build a relationship founded on honesty and understanding.
