In "Shuumatsu no Harem" Episode 5, titled "First Victim," the narrative deepens as Reito Mizuhara is granted a one-month period to develop a cure for the MK Virus before being compelled to participate in the government's repopulation program. During this time, his attendant, Mira Suou, is dismissed from her duties and replaced by Rea Katagiri, whose demeanor towards Reito is notably hostile. Additionally, Reito is assigned to collaborate with Maria Kuroda, a reserved virologist, to advance his research.
The team travels to Keimon City, the origin site of the MK Virus, to interview Taniguchi, the widow of the virus's first victim, who is currently hospitalized. During their stay, Reito reluctantly joins the group in a hot spring bath, highlighting the ongoing tension between his personal reservations and the expectations placed upon him. Taniguchi initially refuses to cooperate and criticizes Reito for his reluctance to mate, adding complexity to the moral and ethical dilemmas he faces.
An unexpected encounter occurs when an American woman named Chloe attempts to seduce Reito in a hotel's sauna, leading to a compromising situation that further complicates his interactions with his companions. Subsequently, Mira engages in a conversation with Taniguchi, extolling Reito's honorable intentions, which persuades Taniguchi to share her knowledge. However, before she can divulge crucial information, an unknown assailant poisons her IV line, leaving her in critical condition. In her final moments of consciousness, Taniguchi requests that a photograph of her and her late husband be given to Reito, hinting at deeper connections and secrets yet to be uncovered.
"First Victim" intricately weaves themes of ethical responsibility, personal conviction, and the pursuit of truth within a post-apocalyptic context. The episode's animation effectively captures the emotional and psychological struggles of the characters, particularly Reito's internal conflict between his dedication to finding a cure and the external pressures to conform to societal expectations. This installment serves as a pivotal point in the series, intensifying the overarching narrative and setting the stage for subsequent developments in "Shuumatsu no Harem."
