Episode 4 of the Fall 2025 anime series “This Monster Wants to Eat Me” (Japanese: Watashi o Tabetai, Hito de Nashi) delivered significant plot twists, intensifying the already complex relationship between Hinako and the mermaid Shiori, while also exposing the hidden depths of a seemingly innocent character. Titled “Miko Sees the Blood of the Unseen,” the episode, which premiered on October 23, 2025, plunged viewers deeper into the yuri horror-romance narrative, revealing a surprising love triangle fraught with deception and primal desires.
Plot Summary: A Festival’s Aftermath and Shocking Disclosures
The fourth installment of “This Monster Wants to Eat Me” picks up after Hinako and Shiori’s shared experience at a festival. Miko, Hinako’s childhood friend, notices a change in Hinako’s demeanor, sensing her newfound happiness. Hinako, in turn, attempts to conceal her deepening bond with Shiori from Miko. This subtle tension quickly escalates as Shiori, a powerful mermaid yōkai, confronts Miko, hinting at a shared, yet distinct, interest in Hinako. The core of the episode revolves around the dramatic reveal of Miko’s true identity and intentions, shattering Hinako’s perception of her oldest friend.
The confrontation between Shiori and Miko is central to the episode. While Shiori is explicitly honest about her desire to eventually devour Hinako once she reaches her “most delicious” state, Miko is shown to have been secretly protecting Hinako from other yōkai while masquerading as a human. This protection, however, comes with its own set of dark implications, revealing Miko as a powerful kitsune yōkai herself, who has been manipulating Hinako’s memories and actions to keep her close and potentially for her own selfish or carnal motivations.
Key Revelations and Character Development
Episode 4 dramatically reshapes the character dynamics and the audience’s understanding of the series’ central conflict.
Miko’s True Nature: A Deceptive Protector
The most impactful revelation is Miko’s identity as a kitsune (fox yōkai). This disclosure not only resolves potential plot holes regarding Hinako’s previous safety despite her “delicious” blood but also paints Miko in a much more ambiguous light. Historically, kitsune are trickster spirits known for their ability to deceive humans, often transforming into human women to seduce their targets. Miko’s actions—manipulating Hinako’s memories and covertly eliminating other yōkai—align perfectly with this traditional folklore, suggesting her protective instincts might be rooted in a possessive and deceitful desire to keep Hinako for herself.
Shiori, recognizing the similar roles they both play in Hinako’s life, draws a clear distinction: she is openly honest about her intentions, while Miko has been playing a deceptive part. The episode highlights the contrast between Shiori’s brutal honesty and Miko’s manipulative affection, leaving Hinako in an emotionally vulnerable position.
Shiori’s Intentions and Hinako’s Dilemma
Shiori’s character is further developed as a figure of straightforward, albeit unsettling, intent. She explicitly states her goal to eat Hinako when she is “tasty enough” and protects her from other yōkai until then. This dark promise, initially perceived by Hinako as a means to escape her painful existence after losing her family, now coexists with the stark reality of Miko’s betrayal. Shiori’s decision to expose Miko in front of Hinako, while seemingly a protective act, is also presented as a potentially cruel demonstration of her inhumanity and a ruthless assertion of her claim over Hinako.
Hinako, already burdened by survivor’s guilt and a passive wish for death, is thrust into a confusing love triangle. She must now grapple with the truth that both her “savior” and her “best friend” harbor predatory desires towards her, albeit with different methods and levels of transparency.
Thematic Implications
“This Monster Wants to Eat Me” Episode 4 deepens its exploration of several key themes:
- Deception vs. Brutal Honesty: The stark contrast between Miko’s manipulative protection and Shiori’s transparent, yet terrifying, intentions forms the thematic core of the episode. It questions whether a protective lie is more harmful than an honest threat.
- Desire and Possession: Both Shiori and Miko exhibit strong desires for Hinako, transforming the narrative into a complex psychological battle for her fate. The episode explores different facets of possession—physical (Shiori’s ultimate goal) and emotional/manipulative (Miko’s actions).
- The Nature of Humanity and Monstrosity: Miko, despite her monstrous nature, displays a facade of human affection. Shiori, while a clear monster, is paradoxically more “honest” in her dealings. This blurs the lines between who is truly monstrous and who acts with a semblance of humanity, even if for selfish reasons.
- The Pursuit of Happiness as a Catalyst: Shiori repeatedly links Hinako’s happiness to her becoming “delicious enough,” creating a twisted incentive for Hinako to find reasons to live. This theme continues to play out as Hinako faces new emotional challenges.
Viewer Reception and Future Expectations
Episode 4 has been met with significant discussion among fans, particularly concerning the shocking revelation about Miko. Viewers are dissecting the implications of Miko’s kitsune nature and the impact of Shiori’s confrontation. The episode has been lauded for its psychological tension and the complicated “toxic yuri shenanigans” it promises for the future.
With the introduction of a clear love triangle and the unmasking of Miko, the series is poised for further dramatic developments. Fans are eagerly anticipating how Hinako will react to these truths and what new forms of protection, manipulation, and burgeoning affection will unfold as Shiori continues her self-appointed role as Hinako’s protector until the day she consumes her. The anime is scheduled for 13 episodes this season, with Episode 5 set to release on October 30.
