Kusuriya no Hitorigoto [Season 2 Episode 12]

The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 12: Frogs, Secrets, and Denial

Kusuriya no Hitorigoto (or The Apothecary Diaries) has always been a masterclass in blending mystery, humor, and palace intrigue, but Season 2 Episode 12, titled Ka Zuigetsu, takes things to a whole new level. Fans have been waiting for this moment—the big reveal about Jinshi’s true identity—and boy, did it deliver… in the most chaotic way possible.

The Frog Incident

Let’s address the elephant—or rather, the frog—in the room. After seasons of subtle hints and near-misses, Maomao finally discovers that Jinshi isn’t actually a eunuch. But instead of a dramatic confession, we get… well, a frog comparison.

Maomao, ever the genius apothecary, decides to inspect Jinshi’s… ahem… anatomy, only to declare it “somewhat large” and compare it to a frog. The internet has since exploded with memes about “frogjobs” and “frogblocking,” and honestly, it’s the kind of absurdity that makes this show so endearing. Fans on MyAnimeList couldn’t stop laughing, with one user joking, “I can’t believe I just watched an anime episode revolving around someone’s balls, that isn’t Dandadan.”

But beneath the humor, there’s a deeper layer. Maomao’s refusal to acknowledge the truth—literally covering her ears and chanting “I don’t want to know”—speaks volumes about her character. She’s a survivor, and in the cutthroat world of the imperial court, ignorance can be a shield. As one fan pointed out, “Given her social standing and the past she has endured, it makes sense. Seeing her cry as a child was sad and more so in the considerations she lived through.”

Jinshi’s Frustration (And Ours)

Jinshi, on the other hand, is done. After multiple failed attempts to confess his identity (and feelings), he’s met with Maomao’s stubborn denial. The tension between them is electric, but also frustrating. Some fans loved the push-and-pull dynamic, calling it “peak romantic tension,” while others felt it was dragging on too long. “Just tell her already,” groaned one viewer. “There’s too much at stake for him to not prioritize this.”

The episode also drops another bombshell: Jinshi’s real name, Ka Zuigetsu. This revelation ties into the larger political machinations of the series, hinting at a deeper conspiracy involving the imperial family. Fans are already theorizing about how this will play out, especially with Maomao now (reluctantly) in the know.

The Dog That Cockblocked a Nation

No discussion of this episode would be complete without mentioning the real MVP: the dog that interrupts Jinshi’s almost-kiss with Maomao. The timing was so perfect it felt scripted by the universe itself. “Poor Jinshi really got frogblocked, dogblocked, and bezoarblocked all in the span of a day,” quipped a fan.

The dog’s intervention also sparked debates about consent and power dynamics. Some viewers found Jinshi’s advances uncomfortable, especially given Maomao’s position as his subordinate. “Since when was romance making someone uncomfortable and pushing their boundaries?” asked one critic. Others argued that Maomao’s discomfort is part of her character growth, and that Jinshi’s persistence—while flawed—shows his desperation to be seen for who he truly is.

What’s Next?

With the frog secret out (sort of), the stage is set for even bigger revelations. The episode ends with Maomao flashing a rare, genuine smile—something fans are calling “way too cute”—but the looming political storm can’t be ignored. As one fan theorized, “Once she does find out [Jinshi’s true identity], that will completely kill things due to the power dynamics.”

And let’s not forget the post-credits tease: a bathhouse episode next week. Because why not?

Final Thoughts

Kusuriya no Hitorigoto Season 2 Episode 12 is a rollercoaster of emotions, blending humor, tension, and intrigue in a way only this series can. The frog scene alone is destined to go down in anime meme history, but the deeper character moments—Maomao’s fear, Jinshi’s frustration—are what make it truly memorable.

As one fan perfectly summed it up: “ABSOLUTELY AMAZING, PEAK ANIME!!!!!”

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be over here rewatching the frog scene for the 20th time.