Toilet-bound Hanako-kun [Season 2 Episode 9]

Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun Season 2 Episode 9: A Twisted Love Story Unveiled

Title: Make It Secret
Release Date: March 9, 2025
Studio: Lerche
Director: Masaomi Ando

A Night to Remember (or Forget?)

Episode 9 of Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun’s second season, titled Make It Secret, delivers a rollercoaster of emotions, blending eerie suspense with moments of fleeting romance. The episode opens with Nene dragging Hanako beyond the school grounds, desperate to escape the fabricated world they’re trapped in. What follows is a bizarre yet oddly charming “date night” between the two—complete with hand-holding, bike rides, and a confession that left fans screaming into their pillows.

But don’t let the sweetness fool you. This episode is a masterclass in deception, peeling back layers of Hanako’s true motives. As one fan aptly put it: “Hanako in his villain era isn’t something I realized I needed.”

The Plot Thickens (and So Does the Suspense)

The episode’s central twist revolves around Hanako’s shocking revelation: he’s been orchestrating this painted world to keep Nene alive. In the real world, Nene’s lifespan is tragically short, but here, she can live forever. It’s a selfish yet heartbreaking act of love—one that divides the fandom. Some viewers, like @Reima1, argue: “I know what Hanako is doing is bad, but I am so down for a man who is ready to do anything to save his loved one.” Others, like @Sheol01, counter: “The ends don’t justify the means.”

The tension escalates when a mysterious paintbrush—seemingly working against Hanako—guides Nene toward a secret door, hinting at an unseen ally. Fans are buzzing with theories: “Who’s behind the phantom brush? Is it someone we know?” The ambiguity keeps the stakes high, especially when Hanako, in a chilling moment, subdues Nene to stop her from leaving.

Character Dynamics: Love, Betrayal, and Yandere Vibes

The episode shines in its character interactions. Nene’s confession—“The person I like isn’t here, so I’ve got to go”—resonates deeply, showcasing her unwavering loyalty to the real Hanako, even as she’s trapped in a world where he’s playing god. Meanwhile, Hanako’s internal conflict is palpable. As one fan noted: “He tried to keep it secret, but the mask slipped the moment Nene confessed.”

Kou and Mitsuba’s subplot adds another layer of emotional weight. Mitsuba’s reformed personality, mixed with fragments of his old self, creates a bittersweet dynamic with Kou. Their reunion is a standout moment, balancing the episode’s darker themes with warmth.

And then there’s Shijima, the enigmatic artist controlling this world. Her omnipresent, yandere-like demeanor (“Shijima’s face everywhere looks like a yandere character lol”) amps up the creep factor, making her a love-to-hate antagonist.

The Verdict: Why This Episode Works

Make It Secret is a turning point in the Picture Perfect arc, proving that Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun isn’t afraid to blur the lines between hero and villain. Hanako’s morally gray actions spark heated debates, while Nene’s determination to return to reality—despite the cost—cements her as one of the most compelling protagonists in recent anime.

The animation, as always, is stunning. Lerche’s use of surreal visuals—floating paintbrushes, shifting landscapes—enhances the dreamlike (or nightmarish) quality of Shijima’s world. And the soundtrack? Pure magic. One fan even called it “one of the best FF7 OST covers ever.”

Final Thoughts: A Must-Watch for Fans

If you’re looking for an episode that balances romance, horror, and mind-bending twists, Make It Secret delivers in spades. It’s a testament to the series’ ability to keep viewers on their toes, questioning everything—and everyone.

As the credits rolled, one fan’s reaction summed it up perfectly: “WHAT IS HAPPENING?! I can’t wait to see what happens next.” Neither can we.

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5) – “Hanako’s villain era is everything.”

What did you think of the episode? Drop your theories (or screams) in the comments!