Season 2 Episode 5 of “Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun” has arrived, bringing with it a blend of humor, supernatural occurrences, and character development. Titled “The Melancholy of the New Number Three,” this episode, which aired on February 9, 2025, in Japan, adapts chapters 39 and 40 of the manga, delivering a two-part story that explores both lighthearted chaos and deeper emotional struggles.
A School Overrun: The Mokke of the Dead
The episode begins with an unusual situation at Kamome Academy. Nene, Kou, and Teru find themselves in the midst of a “candy zombie outbreak,” caused by rampaging Mokke. These mischievous spirits, usually known for their love of candy, have become aggressive and are turning the entire school into candy-crazed zombies, including Hanako himself.
The Unlikely Alliance
With the school overrun, Nene, Kou, Teru, and Akane form an unlikely alliance to combat the outbreak. The art direction takes a creative turn, portraying these scenes in black and white with neon highlights, adding a unique visual flair to the chaos. This stylistic choice, while a departure from the show’s usual aesthetic, maintains consistency through warm pockets of color.
Curing the Candy Craze
The group navigates the infested school, working together to find a cure. The episode showcases Teru’s quick thinking and Nene’s experimental skills as they try to contain the situation. After Akane is accidentally cured with a salted drink, they devise a plan to lure the zombies to the rooftop, where Kou attempts to purify them using the same method. When the salted drink proves ineffective, they resort to unleashing purifying salt water on the entire horde, successfully ending the outbreak.
Teru’s Revelation
During the chaos, Teru makes an interesting remark, acknowledging Nene’s importance in the exorcism. He states that he couldn’t have done it without a “special girl” like her. This comment hints at Nene’s unique connection to the supernatural, possibly related to her proximity to death, although its exact meaning remains ambiguous.
Mitsuba’s Melancholy: Finding a Place
The second half of the episode shifts its focus to Mitsuba, the new Number Three Wonder. Mitsuba is struggling to accept his new existence. The narrative delves into Mitsuba’s past experiences and his feelings of displacement.
Tsukasa’s Interference
As Mitsuba contemplates his place among the school wonders, he attempts to connect with the others in the broadcasting room. However, Tsukasa, Hanako’s younger twin brother, stirs up misunderstandings, causing Mitsuba to question where he truly belongs. This interaction highlights Mitsuba’s internal conflict and his difficulty in finding acceptance in his new role.
An Ominous Promise
The episode concludes with Mitsuba uttering the line, “I’ll make everyone’s wishes come true.” This statement carries a dual meaning. It could be interpreted as a sign of Mitsuba’s desire to regain his humanity, potentially by manipulating the Fourth Wonder. Alternatively, it could suggest that Kou might be able to rescue the Fourth Wonder and potentially get his wish to save both Nene and Mitsuba.
Production Details and Where to Watch
“Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun” Season 2 is produced by Lerche, with Yōhei Fukui directing and Yasuhiro Nakanishi writing the script. Hiroshi Takaki is responsible for the music composition. The opening theme song, “L’oN,” is performed by Masayoshi Ōishi, while Akari Kitō sings the ending theme, “With a Wish.”
The series is available for streaming on various platforms, including Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix, and Disney+. The English dub of Season 2 is also available on Crunchyroll, with new episodes being released weekly.
A Promising Season Continues
Episode 5 of “Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun” Season 2 successfully balances humor and heart, delivering an engaging story that explores both the chaotic and emotional aspects of the series. With its unique visual style, compelling characters, and intriguing plot developments, the season continues to captivate fans and promises more exciting adventures to come.
