“Kusuriya no Hitorigoto” Episode 48 “Hajimari” Broadcast! Maomao and Jinshi’s “Teasing” Scene Gets Interrupted Again, Eliciting Disappointed Reactions
TV anime “Kusuriya no Hitorigoto” episode 48, titled “Hajimari” (meaning “Beginning”), aired on July 4, 2025. A scene between Maomao and Jinshi where their “intimate moment was postponed” became a hot topic.
*The following text contains descriptions that may include spoilers for those who have not yet watched the series, due to the nature of the topic. Please proceed with caution.
“Kusuriya no Hitorigoto” is a palace mystery entertainment series based on the novel by Hinata Natsu, published under “Hero Bunko”, and also adapted into manga in “Big Gangan” and “Sunday GX”. The series boasts over 38 million copies sold. Set in a medieval East Asian-inspired court, it depicts the story of Maomao, a young girl working as a “poison taster”, as she solves various difficult cases that occur within the palace walls.
The TV anime’s first season began airing in October 2023, followed by the second season starting in January 2025. It has consistently ranked high in viewership rankings on various streaming platforms, attracting significant attention. Starting March 26th of this year, the first-ever exhibition, “TV Anime ‘Kusuriya no Hitorigoto’ Exhibition”, kicked off, and a collaboration event at Universal Studios Japan is planned for this summer, suggesting that the excitement for the series will continue to grow.
In the previously aired episode 47, Roran bravely fulfilled her role as a villain until the very end. On social media, comments poured in such as “She could have chosen to escape, tears won’t stop for her kindness,” “I have things to say about the ending, but for now, I just want to say thank you for your hard work,” and “I forgot to breathe in the final moment.”
Maomao and Jinshi’s Moment Interrupted?! The Children Awakened by the “Resurrection Drug”
And now, in this episode 48, Maomao awakens and notices the scar on Jinshi’s face. When Jinshi asks her, “Am I a man whose worth is lost with just one scar?”, Maomao shakes her head and asserts that he is more than just his face, saying, “In fact, a few more scars might even be good.” She adds, “Haven’t you become even more dashing than before?” Jinshi is deeply moved by her words and moves closer to Maomao, attempting to kiss her…
However, sounds are heard from the children who were thought to have died from the medicine given by Roran. They had been put into a state of suspended animation using the “resurrection drug” previously used by Suirei.
Jinshi had promised Roran, “Please do not hold those who died once accountable for their sins.” He wonders if this is what she meant, offering a wry smile and muttering, “It’s like being tricked by a fox.” Then, as Maomao busily attends to the children, he whispers in her ear, “Can we pick up where we left off later?”
However, upon returning to the palace, Jinshi is swamped with dealing with the aftermath involving the Zi clan and his original duties, leaving him no opportunity to see Maomao. With Rogyou remaining in the palace infirmary, Maomao, having lost her place within the palace walls, finds herself back in the pleasure district.
Furthermore, while Maomao was held captive by the Zi clan, Kouran’s tenure in the inner palace had ended. Maomao receives and reads a letter from Kouran. Her innocent words bring back memories of Shisui, causing Maomao to shed tears.
Regarding Shisui’s body, it was apparently not found despite searching through the snow. Maomao wishes, “I hope it isn’t found.”
Later, on another day, as she is about to cut off her little finger to test a new medicine, Jinshi-sama appears. He unexpectedly bites her neck…!?
“First, let’s continue from the fort,” he says, bringing his lips closer. Just as they were about to… they were interrupted yet again.
Fan Reactions to the Interrupted Scenes and Shisui’s Return!
Viewers expressed their disappointment, exclaiming, “An interruption again!!!”, “Postponed again!!!!!”, “I want to see more lovey-dovey scenes!!!!!!”, and “Why doesn’t Jinshi-sama go for it more decisively!?”
The scene then shifts to a port town somewhere, where “Tamamo”, now calling herself Shisui, makes an appearance. She exchanges the hairpin given to her by Maomao for goods. The hairpin has a bullet mark on it. It had protected her when she was shot at the end of the previous episode.
On social media, voices of excitement and relief were heard, such as “The hairpin foreshadowing paid offーーーーー!”, “She was alive after all!”, “I’m so glad she’s alive and well…!”, “I hope she meets Maomao and Kouran somewhere again,” and “I want them to eat ice cream together again.”
Third Season Production Announced!
Furthermore, after the broadcast, the production of a third season was announced. Numerous joyful comments from viewers flooded in, including “I can’t wait to see the continuation!”, “When will it air!?”, and “I can’t wait, I want to see it so bad!!!!!”
This episode 48, “Hajimari”, is available for free streaming on ABEMA.
《Yoneda Kaori》
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