The anime adaptation of Sai Naekawa’s poignant yuri manga, This Monster Wants to Eat Me (Japanese: Watashi o Tabetai, Hito de Nashi), plunges viewers into a world where desire, protection, and a longing for release intertwine. Following the unusual pact between the mermaid Shiori, who desires to consume high school student Hinako, and Hinako, who harbors a subtle wish for death, the series explores complex themes of existence and connection. The narrative significantly deepens in episodes 5 and 6, which aired on October 30 and November 6, 2025, respectively, as hidden truths come to light and character dynamics take intriguing new turns.
Episode 5: “Beast of Affection” – Miko’s True Form and a Painful Past
Episode 5, titled “Beast of Affection,” serves as a pivotal moment, primarily focusing on the enigmatic Miko and her long-held secrets. The episode opens with a flashback to Miko as a child, visiting Hinako’s house after her parents’ death, establishing a long-standing friendship that Hinako cherishes. This tender memory is starkly contrasted with the present, as Hinako witnesses Miko’s true form: an enormous fox yokai battling Shiori.
The Clash of Protectors: Miko vs. Shiori
The intense confrontation between Miko and Shiori is a central highlight, revealing Miko’s intelligence as she strategically blocks Shiori’s path to the ocean. Hinako, caught in the middle, slowly grapples with the shattering of her perception of Miko. It is during this battle that a profound revelation occurs: Miko is not merely a classmate but a local deity. Hinako’s family, who lived near Miko’s shrine, had often prayed there, including a final wish for safe travels that Miko regretfully couldn’t fulfill before their tragic accident. This unfulfilled promise has burdened Miko with immense guilt, driving her protective instincts towards Hinako.
Unveiling Miko’s Sacrifice and Hunger
Miko reveals her past as a man-eating monster who was captured by a monk and forced to help humans, adding layers to her conflicted nature. Hinako, despite the shocking truths, bravely declares her friendship with Miko, regardless of her monstrous identity. This affirmation deeply moves Miko, but also triggers a disturbing transformation. As Miko becomes teary-eyed, she transforms back into her fox form, mouth agape, seemingly ready to devour Hinako. The episode concludes on a suspenseful note, as Hinako reflects on her life, feeling as though she has been sinking since her family’s death, with Miko always being her anchor, yet now facing an uncertain fate. Miko’s decision to literally rip off parts of her own tail to curb her desire to eat Hinako is a powerful symbol of her deep affection and internal struggle.
Episode 6: “The Shape of Affection” – A Fragile Alliance and Deeper Lore
Episode 6, titled “The Shape of Affection,” directly addresses the aftermath of Miko’s explosive revelations, bringing a temporary resolution to some pressing questions about her character and forging an unexpected truce between the rival protectors.
Aftermath and Understanding
Following the dramatic events of Episode 5, Hinako and Shiori must navigate the fallout of Miko’s true identity and her confession. The episode explores Miko’s complex motivations, cementing her role as a foil to Shiori. Miko’s dedication to Hinako stems from a multifaceted blend of guilt, affection, and her inherent nature as a protective deity. Her actions, including self-mutilation to suppress her hunger for Hinako, demonstrate the depth of her commitment.
The Truce and Hinako’s Hidden Scar
Crucially, Episode 6 sees Miko and Shiori reach a fragile truce. Both the “fox and the fish” concur that Hinako is in dire need of rest and relaxation. A significant piece of lore is revealed: Miko explains that a bruise Hinako sustained during the accident is the reason her blood started attracting yokai. This explains Hinako’s unusual allure to monsters and why she often wears clothing that covers most of her body, as Studio Lings meticulously animates the scarring.
Character Development and Evolving Dynamics
The episode further develops Shiori’s character, briefly showing a glimpse of sadness and loneliness beneath her playful exterior, hinting at her deeper motivations for staying by Hinako’s side. The dynamic between Hinako, Shiori, and Miko shifts from a simple predator-prey relationship to a complex protective alliance, albeit one fraught with underlying tensions and desires. Miko, in particular, emerges as a highly charismatic and complex character whose struggles with her monstrous nature and desire to protect Hinako make her incredibly compelling.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Hinako and Her Protectors
Episodes 5 and 6 significantly advance the narrative of This Monster Wants to Eat Me, delving into the rich backstories of its characters and expanding the lore of its world. The revelations about Miko’s identity, her tragic past, and the origin of Hinako’s irresistible allure to yokai add profound depth to the series. With a fragile truce established between Shiori and Miko, the stage is set for an intricate exploration of protection, affection, and the ultimate fate awaiting Hinako as the anime continues its 13-episode run. Viewers can anticipate further explorations of these intertwined relationships and the emotional toll they take on all involved.
