Episode 10 of ZENSHU., titled “CHAOS,” takes a dark turn, escalating tensions and placing Natsuko in a precarious position. After the tragic events of the previous episode, the Last City struggles to recover from the Void attack and the loss of QJ, leaving Natsuko grappling with guilt and regret.
Natsuko’s Descent into Paranoia and Blame
The episode highlights the tragic consequences of Natsuko’s presence in the world of “A Tale of Perishing.” The villagers, fueled by fear and desperation, begin to resent Natsuko, believing that she is responsible for the rapid evolution of the Voids, which now mimic her own designs. This resentment reaches a breaking point, leading to a witch hunt mentality as the villagers turn on someone who has been actively trying to help them.
The Villagers’ Rebellion and Memmeln’s Suspicious Activity
The speed at which the villagers turn on Natsuko is shocking, brutally illustrating how easily people can be manipulated in confusing and desperate situations. As the town descends into chaos, Memmeln is seen engaging in a suspicious ceremony at the Soul Future, sparking theories about her true intentions and whether she has abandoned her plan to invoke the Ultimate Void. Some speculate that Memmeln is attempting to resurrect QJ, while others believe that Natsuko herself will become the Ultimate Void.
Luke’s Crushing Pressure and the Return of the Death Cult
Despite QJ’s sacrifice, the gears of the story are grinding forward, pushing the narrative back towards its original tragic ending. Luke feels the crushing pressure of the people’s expectations, while Destiny’s fate takes an unexpected turn. The return of the death cult further complicates matters, and Natsuko is increasingly viewed as a harbinger of the Ultimate Void.
A Shift in Narrative and Character Fates
Episode 10 sees the narrative of “A Tale of Perishing” warping in a saddening way, with events mirroring the original story but with a darker twist. Natsuko realizes that situations are unfolding exactly as she saw in the movie, and she is now being hunted by the villagers who believe she will summon the ultimate void.
Echoes of the Original Story and Natsuko’s Fear
The episode showcases Luke’s desperate attempts to save Natsuko, even drawing his sword against the villagers he swore to protect. In a crucial scene, Natsuko runs to help a fallen child being attacked by a Void, and Unio moves to protect her. However, both Natsuko and Unio end up swallowed by a Void, leaving Luke devastated and highlighting the narrative’s cruel tendency to target those he loves.
Luke’s Love for Natsuko
Luke’s realization that he has been fighting for Natsuko all along, and that his battles against the voids were ultimately for her, adds a touching romantic element to the story. However, this romance is quickly overshadowed by the tragic turn of events, as Natsuko reveals that a tragic fate still awaits Luke.
Theories and Possible Outcomes
The ending of Episode 10 leaves viewers with many questions and theories about what will happen next. Some speculate that Unio saved Natsuko in some way, while others believe that she will either appear in the place that exists after the story or awaken in the real world.
Natsuko as the Ultimate Void
A popular theory suggests that Natsuko will become the Ultimate Void, either willingly or unwillingly. However, some believe that Luke will ultimately become the final void, especially if he believes that both Unio and Natsuko are dead.
A Hopeful Ending?
Despite the dark turn of events, some viewers still hold out hope for a positive resolution. One theory suggests that Natsuko will return in the nick of time and draw something that helps resolve the conflict, potentially leading to a scenario where everyone goes to her world. However, given the significant amount of death and suffering already depicted in the series, a truly hopeful ending seems unlikely.
