Episode 7 of “This Monster Wants to Eat Me” (Japanese: 私を喰べたい、ひとでなし, Watashi o Tabetai, Hito de Nashi) plunges viewers further into the complex and often melancholic world of Hinako Yaotose, a girl haunted by a tragic past, and Shiori Oumi, the mermaid who promises to eat her “when she’s most delicious.” This installment marks a significant turning point, shifting the narrative towards Hinako’s gradual emotional recovery while introducing new elements of both connection and mystery.
The Melancholy of the Shore and Hinako’s Internal Ghosts
The episode opens with a poignant scene on a rainy beach, where Hinako and Shiori encounter sorrowful beings born from the anguish of those who tragically died at sea. Shiori explains these aren’t traditional yokai but rather the physical manifestations of regrets and resentments, harmless to humans but deeply unsettling. This moment is particularly impactful for Hinako, who immediately thinks of her own family, lost in a car crash that ended in the ocean. The hands flailing in the water serve as a stark reminder of her trauma, highlighting that her deepest ghosts are internal, something even Shiori, despite her supernatural abilities, cannot easily exorcise.
Shiori’s Unexpected Compassion
During this somber moment, Shiori observes the scars left by Hinako’s accident. Instead of a typical monstrous reaction, Shiori offers a surprisingly tender reassurance, telling Hinako that what truly matters is that she is still herself. This gesture, coupled with a vulnerable and romantic hug, suggests a deepening of Shiori’s feelings, hinting that her connection to Hinako might be more profound than her stated intention to devour her. Some theories even speculate Shiori’s potential involvement in Hinako’s accident, perhaps having rescued her, which could explain her protectiveness and desire to either heal Hinako’s survivor’s guilt or consume her if healing fails.
The Shifting Dynamics of Friendship and Rivalry
A few days after the beach encounter, the narrative shifts to a lighter, yet still complex, dynamic. Miko Yashiro, Hinako’s childhood friend, invites Hinako to be the manager for her basketball team’s training camp. Shiori, ever-present and protective, invites herself along, much to Miko’s annoyance. This creates a humorous rivalry between the two supernatural beings vying for Hinako’s attention, a comedic element that provides a counterpoint to the series’ darker themes.
Hinako’s Growing Happiness and the Newcomer, Ayame
Crucially, Hinako begins to show rare signs of happiness, even smiling and expressing anticipation for the training camp. This development is a significant step for her character, who has largely been defined by her trauma and vague wish to die.
At the training camp, a new character, Ayame Chiba, is introduced as also helping out. Shiori immediately senses something different about Ayame, noting that she “smells” unlike other people and that her blood emits an unpleasant scent, stronger than Hinako’s once did. Ayame’s presence, with her maternal demeanor that reminds Hinako of her own mother, creates new intrigue. Shiori suspects Ayame might harbor similar trauma to Hinako, or perhaps even be another type of yokai, hinting at potential future conflicts and emotional complexities.
The Underlying Tension: Devour or Protect?
Despite the positive developments in Hinako’s emotional state and her growing connections, the core premise of “This Monster Wants to Eat Me” remains. Shiori’s stated desire to eat Hinako is an ever-present undercurrent, creating a unique tension in their evolving relationship. While Shiori displays moments of genuine affection and protection, she also maintains a facade of selfishness, reinforcing her monstrous nature.
The rivalry between Shiori and Miko also highlights this dichotomy. Miko, a fox yokai, genuinely desires to protect Hinako and be her friend, having even sacrificed part of her power to avoid hurting her. Shiori, on the other hand, admits to envying Miko’s ability to form genuine human-like connections, yet still asserts her ultimate goal to devour Hinako, albeit “when she’s most delicious.” This internal conflict within Shiori—between her monstrous cravings and her developing emotions for Hinako—is a central theme explored in the episode, making her a compelling and unpredictable character.
Episode 7 skillfully balances moments of emotional vulnerability and character development with the lingering supernatural threat, leaving viewers eager to see how Hinako’s journey of healing intertwines with Shiori’s ambiguous intentions and the unfolding mysteries surrounding Ayame.
