Episode 7 of ZENSHU., titled “First Love,” takes a detour from the isekai narrative of “A Tale of Perishing” to explore the formative years and influences that shaped the protagonist, Natsuko Hirose. Instead of focusing on the fantasy world, this episode provides a series of perspectives from individuals whose lives were touched by Natsuko’s unwavering passion and unique journey to the top of the animation industry.
A Childhood Spark: “A Tale of Perishing”
The episode opens through the eyes of Midori Ichihashi, a nine-year-old elementary school student who recounts her childhood experiences with Natsuko. Midori highlights the profound impact that the film “A Tale of Perishing” had on young Natsuko. The film’s initial screening ignited a spark within her, setting her on a path toward the animation industry.
Natsuko’s immersion in the world of “A Tale of Perishing” deeply affected Midori. Watching Natsuko pursue her passion ignited a feeling of admiration, which Midori describes as her “first love.” This segment establishes the foundation of Natsuko’s artistic journey, revealing the catalyst that motivated her to pursue animation.
The Drive to Create
Driven by her love for “A Tale of Perishing,” Natsuko dedicated herself to understanding the intricacies of animation. She immersed herself in drawing, researching the film’s staff, and studying the animation techniques employed. This early dedication showcased her ambition to become a “Virtuoso,” someone capable of creating art that could inspire others as “A Tale of Perishing” had inspired her.
Middle School Dreams: The Price of Dedication
The narrative shifts to the perspective of Shu Ninomiya, a middle school boy and track team member. Shu recounts his observations of Natsuko’s unwavering focus on her artistic pursuits, even at the expense of other aspects of her life.
A Singular Focus
Shu witnessed Natsuko’s commitment firsthand as she relentlessly pursued her artistic goals. This dedication, while admirable, seemed to consume her, leaving little room for other interests or social interactions. It foreshadowed her later struggles with understanding emotions and relationships.
College Years: Guiding a New Generation
The episode then introduces Saburo Aoi, a college student with aspirations of becoming a renowned anime director. Saburo’s story highlights Natsuko’s influence on aspiring animators and her ability to inspire creativity.
Saving the Animation Research Club
Saburo and his team in the Animation Research Club faced a creative block, struggling to develop an idea for an animated music video. Natsuko’s timely arrival at the club injected a surge of inspiration, rescuing the project from failure. This demonstrated Natsuko’s ability to mentor and guide young talent, even during her own journey to success.
Natsuko’s Directorial Debut
The narrative jumps to Natsuko’s adult life, revealing her appointment as the director of her studio’s upcoming anime film about first love. This new role presents a challenge for Natsuko, who struggles to grasp the complexities of love and attraction. Her past dedication to her craft has seemingly left her emotionally detached, making it difficult for her to connect with the film’s themes.
The Irony of “First Love”
The irony of Natsuko directing a film about “first love” is a central theme in this episode. Her single-minded pursuit of her artistic ambitions has left her with a limited understanding of human emotions, particularly romantic love. This disconnect leads her to seek out insights from her coworkers and even high school girls, resulting in humorous and often awkward interactions.
Questioning the Core of Human Emotion
Natsuko’s struggle to understand love underscores the episode’s exploration of the human condition. Her relentless questioning and attempts to analyze emotions highlight the complexities of feelings that cannot be easily dissected or understood through logic alone. This struggle humanizes Natsuko, revealing her vulnerabilities despite her professional success.
A Dream Within a Dream: Reality and Reflection
The episode concludes by mirroring the events of the anime’s first episode, where Natsuko dies from food poisoning after consuming expired food. It’s revealed that the preceding events were a dream, a reflection of Natsuko’s past life.
Waking Up to a New Reality
As Natsuko awakens surrounded by her new friends in her new reality, she contemplates the nature of “A Tale of Perishing” and whether its world was intended to be as idyllic as she perceives it. This ending raises questions about the power of dreams, memories, and the potential for the past to influence the present.
The Significance of Outsider Perspectives
The episode’s narrative structure, told through the perspectives of those who observed Natsuko, offers a multifaceted view of her character. By presenting these external viewpoints, the episode provides a deeper understanding of Natsuko’s motivations, struggles, and impact on others. This approach subverts traditional exposition, allowing the audience to piece together Natsuko’s story through the eyes of those who were touched by her journey.
Themes of Passion, Dedication, and Emotional Understanding
“First Love” explores several key themes, including the power of passion, the sacrifices required for dedication, and the importance of emotional understanding. Natsuko’s story serves as a reminder that while pursuing one’s dreams is essential, it’s equally important to cultivate emotional intelligence and connect with others on a personal level.
Subverting Expectations
ZENSHU Episode 7 stands out as a unique installment in the series, deviating from the established isekai formula to delve into the protagonist’s backstory. This shift in focus allows for a more nuanced exploration of Natsuko’s character, revealing the human side of a driven and talented individual.
Humor and Heart
The episode balances humor with heartfelt moments, creating an engaging and entertaining viewing experience. Natsuko’s awkward attempts to understand love provide comedic relief, while the stories of those she inspired offer poignant insights into her positive impact on others.
Conclusion: A Pivotal Episode for Character Development
ZENSHU Episode 7, “First Love,” is a pivotal episode that enriches Natsuko Hirose’s character. Through the eyes of those who witnessed her journey, the audience gains a deeper appreciation for her passion, dedication, and the challenges she faces in understanding the complexities of human emotion. By stepping away from the isekai world, the episode provides a grounded and relatable exploration of the human condition, leaving viewers with a renewed appreciation for the importance of both artistic pursuits and emotional connections.
