Ninja to Koroshiya no Futarigurashi [Season 1 Episode 1]

“Ninja to Koroshiya no Futarigurashi” Episode 1: A Killer (and Hilarious) Start

When you think of a ninja and an assassin living together, you might imagine a dark, gritty thriller filled with bloodshed and betrayal. But Ninja to Koroshiya no Futarigurashi (or NinKoro for short) flips that expectation on its head, delivering a bizarre yet brilliant mix of dark comedy, stylish violence, and oddly wholesome cohabitation. The first episode wastes no time setting the tone—cute, chaotic, and unapologetically violent—and fans are already hooked.

The Premise: Odd Couple Goals

The story follows Satoko Kusagakure, a runaway ninja with more enthusiasm than skill, and Konoha, a high school girl who moonlights as a ruthless assassin. Their dynamic is the heart of the show: Satoko is bubbly and naive, while Konoha is cold, calculating, and utterly unfazed by murder. Their “roommate agreement”? Satoko gets a place to stay, and in return, she helps Konoha clean up her bloody messes. It’s a match made in… well, not heaven, but definitely somewhere interesting.

First Impressions: Cute Girls Doing Murdery Things

The episode opens with a retro-style animation sequence, a nod to classic ninja films, before shifting into the show’s modern aesthetic. Fans on MyAnimeList were quick to praise the contrast, calling it a “brilliant touch” that sets the stage for the show’s blend of old-school charm and contemporary humor.

One standout moment? Konoha casually murdering Satoko’s former ninja comrades within minutes of their introduction. The sheer absurdity of it—combined with Satoko’s oblivious cheerfulness—had viewers laughing and cringing in equal measure. As one fan put it: “They spent all that effort designing these characters just to turn them into mulch. Savage.”

Animation & Style: SHAFT at Its Best

Studio SHAFT (Monogatari, Madoka Magica) brings its signature flair to the series. The animation is fluid, the fight scenes are stylish, and the backgrounds are packed with detail. The opening sequence, sung by Kana Hanazawa (who also voices Satoko), is already a fan favorite, with its catchy tune and vibrant visuals.

But what really stands out is the show’s ability to balance its dark themes with a lighthearted tone. The juxtaposition of cute character designs and brutal violence is a recurring joke—one that fans are eating up. “It’s like ‘Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid’ but with more murder,” joked one viewer.

Fan Reactions: Love at First Kill

The MyAnimeList discussion thread for Episode 1 is buzzing with praise:
– “This is the funniest premiere of the season. Satoko sniffing the ground like a dog? Konoha’s deadpan delivery? Perfection.”
– “I came for the yuri bait, stayed for the dark comedy. Konoha is terrifying, and I love her.”
– “SHAFT is back, baby! The animation is next-level, and the humor is so unhinged.”

Of course, not everyone is sold. Some found the tone too inconsistent, bouncing between slapstick and brutality without warning. “It’s either gonna be a cult hit or a trainwreck,” predicted one skeptical fan. But even the critics admit the show has potential—especially if it leans into its strengths.

Final Verdict: A Must-Watch for Chaos Enthusiasts

NinKoro isn’t for everyone, but if you enjoy dark humor, stellar animation, and a premise that’s as ridiculous as it is entertaining, this is your show. The chemistry between Satoko and Konoha is already electric, and the promise of more wacky assassinations (and clean-up jobs) has fans eagerly awaiting the next episode.

As one fan perfectly summed it up: “Cute girls, killer vibes, and SHAFT’s signature style? Sign me the hell up.”

Rating: 9/10 – A wild, hilarious, and visually stunning debut that proves even murder can be fun when done right.

What did you think of the first episode? Drop your thoughts in the comments!