In the whimsical world of Witch Watch, where everyday life intertwines with the extraordinary, sometimes the most profound shifts in destiny arise not from grand magical duels, but from a simple summer outing. What begins as a seemingly innocuous family trip to a serene river, guided by a cryptic prophecy, quickly unravels into a thrilling encounter that redefines alliances and unveils hidden powers, proving that even in moments of leisure, fate’s watchful eye never truly blinks.
The Prophecy’s Call and a Summer Getaway
Episode 15 of Witch Watch, titled “Summer Demon” (夏の魔物), begins with a new and intriguing prophecy from Nico’s mother, Ibuki. The prophecy directs Nico and her companions to “visit the ancient clan that exorcises evil.” Believing she knows who this “ancient clan” might be, Ibuki advises the group to seek them out for information. This quest, positioned not far from the Otogi household, takes on the guise of a casual summer vacation outing for Nico Wakatsuki, Morihito Otogi, Kanshi Kazamatsuri, Keigo Magami, and Nemu Miyao. The journey to a nearby mountain village, intended to be a serious mission, quickly devolves into a typical “baka brigade” summer trip, complete with swimsuits and lighthearted banter, much to Morihito’s initial consternation.
An Encounter with the Kiryu Family and a Striking Introduction
Upon arriving at their destination, the group is met by Kiryuu Miharu, a third-year middle schooler who is part of the “ancient clan.” Miharu’s introduction is anything but ordinary; despite his angelic appearance, he possesses a sharp tongue and a bluntness that leaves the others taken aback. He refers to Nico’s companions with demeaning titles, albeit apologizing each time, setting a humorous yet impactful tone for his character. They also meet Miharu’s father, Masumi, who reveals his side job as a pastor, with his true calling being an exorcist. Masumi also shares that his family has a significant debt of gratitude to Nico’s mother and is eager to assist Nico.
Miharu’s Exorcism Prowess
Initially, given Masumi’s profession, everyone assumes the prophecy of “an ancient retainer who can exorcize evil” refers to him. However, the narrative soon shifts focus to Miharu’s unexpected capabilities. The group’s leisurely time by a picturesque mountain stream, featuring Nico and Nemu in bikinis which understandably draws the boys’ attention, is abruptly interrupted.
The Warlock’s Ambush and Miharu’s Revelation
The summer fun takes a dark turn when a warlock, Rayohuchi, launches a surprise attack, aiming to capture Nico. This water warlock, who had been observing them, uses the river’s flow to cast spells from a distance, cleverly bypassing the group’s magical alert system. Caught off guard and unable to access their weapons or effectively use their magic, the team finds themselves in a precarious situation. Morihito’s ogre strength proves insufficient against the potent water magic.
The Unexpected Hero: Miharu’s Vampire Secret
Just when the situation appears dire, Miharu steps forward. Everyone anticipates his exorcist father to intervene, but Miharu dramatically reveals that he alone possesses the unique power to sever this type of evil magic. In a stunning display, Miharu utilizes his ability to break the warlock’s spell and rescue Nico.
The battle culminates in a shocking revelation: Miharu is not merely an exorcist; he is a vampire. This twist is presented with a fresh take on vampire lore; the Kiryu family are bat familiars who have evolved over generations of serving witches. Unlike traditional vampires, Miharu absorbs energy by touching skin, rather than by drinking blood, a creative and humorous spin on the concept. He can even draw on Morihito’s ogre energy to regenerate, showcasing a powerful and symbiotic new ability.
A New Ally and Shifting Dynamics
After the intense confrontation, the group is left stunned by Miharu’s true nature. The episode concludes on a high note, with Miharu moving into the Otogi household, welcomed by the group as a “cute little brother.” Nico realizes that the prophecy wasn’t about finding a weapon, but about finding a living solution to their warlock problem – Miharu himself. His unique abilities and quirky, unfiltered personality promise to introduce new challenges and humor to the Witch Watch crew. This development significantly shifts the group dynamic, expanding the supernatural world of the series and reinforcing themes of friendship and acceptance.
Broader Implications and Future Adventures
Episode 15 serves as a crucial turning point, not only introducing a memorable new character but also setting the stage for future adventures. The integration of Miharu, a powerful vampire exorcist with a unique energy absorption ability, provides the group with a significant asset in their ongoing fight against warlocks. His presence also opens up new avenues for comedic interactions and heartfelt moments, as he navigates living with the chaotic yet endearing Witch Watch crew. The episode’s brisk pacing, sharp dialogue, and beautiful animation effectively capture both the light-hearted and intense moments, making it a standout entry that promises exciting possibilities for the series’ future.
Where to Watch and Read Witch Watch
Witch Watch is based on the popular magical comedy manga by Kenta Shinohara, serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump, boasting over 3 million copies in circulation. The anime adaptation premiered in Japan on April 6, 2025, with Episode 15 specifically airing on July 13, 2025, in the MBS/TBS Sunday 5 PM JST slot.
International audiences can stream Witch Watch on various platforms, including Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Hulu in the United States and Canada, ADN in France, and Aniplus in Southeast Asia. The English dub for the series began airing on April 27, 2025. The first season of the anime is expected to have 26 episodes. For those interested in the manga, Chapter 15 of Witch Watch is available online and introduces characters and plot elements that differ from the anime’s progression, as the anime’s storyline covers multiple manga chapters per episode. Manga Volume 15 was released in March 2025.
