“It’s So Sad…” “Tears Won’t Stop” Viewers Moved to Tears by Zisui’s Tragic Past and Her Interaction with Maomao… Reactions to Kusuriya no Hitorigoto Episode 45 (Spoilers Ahead)

TV anime “Kusuriya no Hitorigoto” Episode 45, titled “Choubon,” aired on June 6, 2025. Rouran (Zisui)’s upbringing and the cruel fate she bore were revealed, leading to comments like “It’s so sad” online.

※Due to the nature of this theme, the following text contains descriptions that may spoil the story for those who have not yet watched the work. Please proceed with caution.

“Kusuriya no Hitorigoto” is a historical mystery entertainment set in the inner court of a medieval East Asian-inspired setting. Based on the novel by Hinata Natsu, published under “Hero Bunko” with manga adaptations running in “Big Gangan” and “Sunday GX,” the series has surpassed a cumulative 38 million copies in print. It follows Maomao, a young woman serving as a “poison taster,” as she solves various difficult cases that occur within the palace.

The first season of the TV anime began airing in October 2023, and the second season started in January 2025. The series consistently ranks high in viewership charts across various streaming platforms, drawing significant attention. A first-ever exhibition, “TV Anime Kusuriya no Hitorigoto Exhibition,” started on March 26th of this year, and a collaboration event at Universal Studios Japan is planned for this summer, indicating continued excitement for the series.

In the previously aired Episode 44, Maomao, despite possessing sharp observational skills, kept putting off thinking about Jinshi-sama. This led to many comments online such as “She’s so sharp, so why does she put off thinking about Jinshi-sama lol?” and “Poor Jinshi-sama www”.

Now, in Episode 45, within the captured “fortress,” Maomao spent her days trying to create the “elixir of immortality” demanded by Shinbi.

Although she wanted to complete the medicine as a pharmacist, it wasn’t something that could be easily made. As the days simply passed, Kyou’u devised a plan to help Maomao escape, but they were discovered by the guards.

Just when they were relieved that Suirei had intervened and resolved the situation, Shinbi, having heard the commotion, appeared, instantly changing the atmosphere. Angered by Shinbi’s enjoyment at the prospect of torturing Maomao, Kyou’u, Suirei, and the guard, Maomao impulsively blurted out, “Damn old hag.”

Furthermore, Maomao took the blame, saying, “I asked this child to escape from the fortress.” By Shinbi’s command, she was taken to the torture chamber to receive the “Choubon” punishment (where one is thrown among highly venomous creatures).

However, Maomao, who loves poisons, wasn’t afraid of creatures like snakes and centipedes. Instead, she caught them, roasted them whole, and ate them. This garnered reactions online such as “Maomao is amazing, as expected lol,” “I can’t believe she ate them lol,” and “Has there ever been a heroine who eats poisonous snakes?”

The guard, who had come to rescue her at the request of Suirei and Kyou’u, let her out of the room and told her to escape, saying, “A punitive force is coming from the capital.” Maomao then snuck into the underground area where gunpowder was supposedly being made. There, Rouran appeared and gave money to the people being forced to work, ordering them, “Run away!”

Then, throwing the torch she held into the gunpowder, the fortress exploded violently. Maomao told Rouran they should leave the fortress before the punitive force arrived, but Rouran said, “I’m not going. There’s still something I have to do,” and headed somewhere. What Maomao saw when she followed was the sight of children who had been given poison and were already lifeless…

Through the conversation they exchanged before reaching that point, it was revealed that Suirei’s grandmother was the first victim of the previous emperor, a court lady separated from the child she bore, and Rouran’s tragic upbringing was also brought to light. Upon learning of Rouran’s circumstances, Maomao called her “Zisui.” Rouran responded with a full smile, saying “What is it?”, but for a moment, her expression seemed on the verge of tears. Seeing this led to comments online such as “How sad…”, “Tears won’t stop,” and “I wish they could have stayed friends in the inner court forever.”

Episode 45 “Choubon” is currently available for free streaming on ABEMA.

《Yoneda Kaori》

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