“This Monster Wants to Eat Me” (Japanese: 私を喰べたい、ひとでなし, Watashi o Tabetai, Hito de Nashi) has captivated audiences with its darkly romantic and poignant narrative centered on Hinako, a girl who wishes for death, and Shiori, a mermaid who promises to consume her when she’s “at her peak.” Episode 10, titled “Engulfed in Prayer” (祈りを込めて, Inori wo Komete), marked a pivotal moment in the anime adaptation, deeply exploring the enigmatic past of the mermaid Shiori and shedding crucial light on the origins of her profound, yet complicated, bond with Hinako.
The Unique Premise of “This Monster Wants to Eat Me”
The series, based on Sai Naekawa’s yuri manga, introduces Hinako Yaotose, a high school student grappling with survivor’s guilt after losing her family in a car accident. She secretly harbors a desire for death but cannot bring herself to end her own life. Her unique blood, however, attracts various yōkai. Her path intertwines with Shiori Oumi, a powerful mermaid yōkai who saves Hinako from another monster. Shiori declares her intention to eat Hinako but promises to protect her until she becomes truly “delicious”. This unusual pact forms the foundation of their relationship, blending elements of horror, drama, and yuri romance. The anime adaptation, produced by Studio Lings, premiered in October 2025 and has been lauded for its exploration of grief, self-worth, and the evolving nature of love.
Episode 10: “Engulfed in Prayer” – A Deep Dive into Shiori’s Past
Airing on December 4, 2025, “Engulfed in Prayer” serves as a critical backstory episode, revealing the hidden truths behind Shiori’s motivations and Hinako’s very survival. Until this point, Shiori has been portrayed as an emotionally distant and somewhat mysterious figure, her intentions often masked by a matter-of-fact demeanor. This episode finally pulls back the curtain, offering viewers an intimate look into her centuries-long existence and her initial encounter with a young Hinako.
Shiori’s Origins and the Mermaid Blood
The episode reveals Shiori’s past, particularly her struggles with human interaction and her ancient existence. It’s disclosed that Shiori encountered Hinako many years ago, long before their current dynamic began. In a twist that redefines their relationship, it is confirmed that Shiori gave Hinako some of her own mermaid blood. This act was not driven by a desire to make Hinako tastier but rather to save her life after the accident that claimed her family. This mermaid blood not only allowed Hinako to survive but also altered her body, making her unappetizing to other yōkai, and ironically, initially to Shiori herself. This revelation reframes Shiori’s promise to eat Hinako as a complex lie, born from a desire to protect her and to give Hinako a reason to live, as Hinako found purpose in the eventual promise of death.
Hinako’s Role in Shiori’s Transformation
The narrative emphasizes how a young Hinako’s innocent radiance and capacity for care profoundly impacted Shiori. While Shiori had spent much of her existence aimlessly drifting and avoiding conflict, Hinako’s simple act of kindness towards an injured Shiori stood in stark contrast to the human desires to either “eat or worship” her. Hinako saw Shiori as beautiful and worthy of care, leading Shiori to make the life-altering decision to save her. This early interaction laid the groundwork for Shiori’s deep attachment, explaining her protective instincts despite her outward facade of merely biding her time to consume Hinako.
The Complicated Nature of Their Relationship
“Engulfed in Prayer” further delves into the intricate emotional landscape between Shiori and Hinako. Shiori’s internal conflict is palpable; she subconsciously distances herself from Hinako’s innocence, focusing on her own “inner darkness”. Her attempts at self-preservation, like erasing Hinako’s memories of their initial meeting, are revealed to be acts of self-hatred and a fear of rejection. The episode also highlights the perceptive role of Miko Yashiro, a bake-danuki and Hinako’s friend. Miko astutely points out Shiori’s avoidant habits and her failure to have open, reciprocal conversations with Hinako, offering genuinely helpful advice to both women. This dynamic reinforces the idea that their bond, though unconventional, is slowly moving towards genuine emotional connection.
Thematic Resonance and Emotional Depth
Episode 10 significantly deepens the thematic exploration of “This Monster Wants to Eat Me.” It confronts themes of self-hatred, the struggle to form genuine connections, and the search for meaning in a life marked by trauma. By exploring Shiori’s lengthy past and her coping mechanisms, the episode establishes parallels between her emotional shutdown and Hinako’s own process of grieving. The title of the series, initially seemingly from Hinako’s perspective, gains a new layer of meaning, suggesting that in some ways, Shiori also feels “eaten” by the expectations and desires of others, including the humans who sought her flesh for immortality. The episode effectively portrays Shiori as a complex character, a product of “untold years’ worth of coping mechanisms and conflict avoidance,” making her and Hinako “perfect for each other” in their shared, albeit different, forms of emotional vulnerability.
Where to Watch “This Monster Wants to Eat Me” Episode 10
“This Monster Wants to Eat Me” is available for streaming on Crunchyroll, which releases new episodes with English subtitles. Episode 10 premiered on December 4, 2025, with new episodes typically arriving on Thursdays at specific times across various time zones (e.g., 6:30 a.m. PST / 9:30 a.m. EST). Viewers can catch up on the series and delve into the pivotal revelations of “Engulfed in Prayer” through the platform.
Conclusion
“Engulfed in Prayer” is a monumental episode for “This Monster Wants to Eat Me,” providing critical backstory and emotional depth to Shiori’s character. By unveiling the true nature of her connection to Hinako—one rooted in an act of preservation rather than predation—the episode transforms their dynamic from a dark fantasy into a profound exploration of complex love, trauma, and the arduous journey towards healing. It solidifies the series’ standing as a unique and emotionally rich narrative within the yuri genre, setting the stage for even deeper understanding and development of its central relationship.
