Highschool of the Dead (Episode 9) – The Sword and the Dead

Highschool of the Dead Title

Separated from the others, Takashi and Saeko struggle to make it to Saya’s house before nightfall and have to take shelter in a shrine. That’s when she tells him about her past and her dark desires! Will he accept them and her?

Highschool of the Dead (Episode 9) – The Sword and the Dead

What did you watch?

I’m just going to put it out there now, but I love this episode of Highschool of the Dead. It is definitely my favourite and that is definitely because it was just Takashi and Saeko. The interesting thing about this episode is that this is the first scene that appeared out of order compared to the manga. In the books, this happens after the events that will take place in episode twelve and instead of making their way to Saya’s house, they head to the mall, where the others are waiting for them, Dawn of the Dead-style! Anyhow, we know I love it, so let’s just dive in!

Highschool of the Dead Episode 9 Saeko Killing Zombies

What happened?

After Saya’s mother rescued the others, Takashi told Saeko that he knew the area and that he’d lead them to Saya’s house. However, the closer they got to Saya’s house, the more zombies they encountered. If only he still had his bike! That was when Takashi noticed a bike shop and wandered inside. Saeko didn’t seem too keen to ride tandem – this wasn’t a date after all! Luckily, they found an ATV designed by the military. It would be perfect. Saeko gathered up what supplies she thought they would need and jumped in beside him. The sound of the ATV didn’t do anything to clear the streets of the zombies, but Takashi had a plan.

They raced back down to the river and skidded to a halt on the river bank. Zombies tumbled down after them, however, it wasn’t enough to keep them down for long. They staggered to their feet and shuffled after them. That’s fine, Takashi was prepared for that. He revved up the ATV and pushed on, driving straight into the river. It’s an amphibious ATV after all. He hadn’t considered the splash and what that might do to Saeko’s uniform! He glanced back to see her soaking wet shirt had gone completely see-through. Struggling to maintain his composure, he piloted the ATV to a sandbank in the middle of the river. At least they could rest there for a while.

Highschool of the Dead Episode 9 Takashi and Saeko Fleeing on ATV

Saeko changed out of her wet uniform and into a blank tank top. Takashi tried to make small talk, asking her if she had ever had a boyfriend or even a crush. She did but wasn’t forthcoming about the person. Once the zombies had wandered off, they rode the ATV back to the river bank and continued towards Saya’s house. The night was approaching and that seemed to give the zombies the advantage. Even more of them had emerged, flooding onto the streets. Takashi had another idea, riding the ATV into a fountain in the park. Then, he tapped up the handle so that it would continue to drive without them, drawing the zombies to the fountain so they could escape.

Not wanting to make any more noise with the shotgun, Saeko took the lead, smashing zombies aside with ease. Then, she froze when faced with a group of undead children. Takashi ran to her aid and got there just in time. He decided that it wasn’t safe to continue, so they took refuge in a shrine. It seemed to be quite well fortified so they should have any problems. Takashi revealed that Saeko’s uniform had dried and went behind a screen so that she could change. When she was dressed, he returned and broke the tension by revealing he had found a portable toilet that she could keep!

Highschool of the Dead Episode 9 Saeko Thoughtful

Saeko seemed uneasy, but Takashi wasn’t about to pressure her about her past. She took a deep breath and revealed that she wanted to talk about it anyway. It was probably best that he knew anyhow. Saeko revealed that she almost killed someone and believed that as a result, she didn’t deserve love. The incident with the undead children just reminded her that she was a monster. Four years ago, Saeko was attacked on her way home from school. She had her practice sword with her and once she realised she had the beating of him, she allowed him to get close so that she could destroy him.

It might have been self-defence at first, but not for long. She enjoyed it. The idea of holding someone’s life in her hands was a thrill. Takashi tried to reassure her that it wasn’t a big deal. He had felt that way ever since the outbreak began. She told him that she had always been like this and he was only adapting to the situation. Who could possibly love a monster like her? Takashi looked Saeko in the eye and then placed his hand on hers. He leant towards her as the candle flickered in the background.

Highschool of the Dead Episode 9 Takashi and Saeko

The next morning, they emerged from the shrine and discovered the zombies gathering outside. Saeko froze again. Even with the katana they found in the shrine, she couldn’t move on. Takashi refused to give up so he ran behind Saeko and grabbed her. He told her that he accepted her as she was. He needed her. After a moment’s pause, Saeko revealed that she was feeling better now and was ready to go on. She drew her blade and raced into the horde of zombies, slicing through flesh and bone with ease. Takashi could only watch as she singlehandedly destroyed the horde.

They continued on to Saya’s house. As they walked, Saeko asked Takashi if he meant what he said. He did. They walked the rest of the way holding hands and arrived at the back gate with their arms around one another. Saya was delighted to see them but wasn’t too impressed that they appeared to become closer. Alice and Zeke were ready to greet them as soon as the gates opened.

Highschool of the Dead Episode 9 Saeko's Getting Excited

What did you think?

Guess what! I loved this episode. It probably helps that I see a lot of myself in Takashi and that Saeko is my number one waifu, so this episode was almost like I got to hang out with Saeko in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. Seriously, that would just be too much. That said, I did actually write a short fan-fiction story about just that in response to a tag post – Isekai of the Dead. Anyhow, I loved the conversation between them in the shrine and I’ve always believed that they kissed in that scene as the camera zoomed in on the candle when they got close. However, I noticed that Saeko was refastening her skirt when they came out of the shrine in the morning. Was it more than kissing? It’s funny that this series is so brazen about panty shots and jiggling boobs, but anything else is down to interpretation.

Highschool of the Dead Episode 9 Takashi and Saeko Make it to Saya's House

What was your favourite moment?

I loved how vulnerable Saeko appeared when she was telling Takashi about her past. It was a massive contrast to that time in episode two when we saw her grin before attacking the zombies. We saw that same glint in her eyes in her flashback before she attacked her attacker. I don’t doubt that she has some dark desires and I don’t think that she can dismiss Takashi’s claim that he feels that way too because she’s been like that for years. The only difference is that she had a situation occur before the zombie outbreak. Oftentimes, there’s no telling what someone is capable of until the situation demands it. She just knew about it sooner than he did. Anyhow, it was a much slower moment, but I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen as she talked about it.

Highschool of the Dead Episode 9 Saeko Can't Believe it

Who was the most impactful character?

It’s Saeko. She already had my undivided attention before this episode, but this was where she absolutely stole my heart. Much like the way this series doesn’t commit to showing a kiss, it’s not entirely clear how the characters feel about one another. There are lots of implications which allow us to read into things how we want. For example, I’m not entirely sure this really is a harem in the usual sense. Rei and Takashi have a history which she blew up at the end of the first episode. Saya and Takashi are childhood friends, so she never stood a chance. Saeko is the new girl who he didn’t know before the outbreak. So, as far as I’m concerned, there’s the ex, the childhood friend, and the potential love interest. Of course, it’s more complicated than that, but that’s the baseline we’re dealing with. For me, Saeko is the love interest, but that’s just my interpretation.

Highschool of the Dead Episode 9 Saeko's Lost her Confidence

What have you learned?

I know this isn’t helpful from a review standpoint or even when I consider what I can learn from it, but this is one of those rare situations where I felt like this episode was just for me. Any time you can make the audience feel like that then you are on to a winner. The real question is why did it make me feel that way. Well, I think they’ve successfully added enough elements to Takashi’s personality that I find him relatable. His actions are also a factor, not to mention the idea that he was pretty much lost until the zombie outbreak occurred. That’s very much how I felt through high school and I’m sure that I wasn’t alone, although it feels that way at the time. Adding experiences that the audience can relate to will pull them into the story. You want them to feel what the characters are feeling. You want them to live it with them.

Highschool of the Dead Episode 9 Takashi and Saeko Together

Series Information

English TitleHighschool of the Dead
Japanese TitleGakuen Mokushiroku: Haisukūru obu za Deddo
GenresActionApocalyptic, Ecchi, Harem, Horror, Supernatural, Zombies
DemographicSeinen

Anime

SeasonSeason One
ReleasedSummer 2010
Animation StudiosMadhouse
Episodes12
1Spring of the Dead
2Escape from the Dead
3Democracy Under the Dead
4Running in the Dead
5Streets of the Dead
6In the Dead of the Night
7Dead Night and the Dead Ruck
8The Dead Way Home
9The Sword and the Dead
10The Dead’s House Rules
11Dead Storm Rising
12All Dead’s Attack
OVA
TitleDrifters of the Dead
ReleasedSpring 2011
Animation StudiosMadhouse
Bonus Posts
AnalysisIntroduction – A Killer Opening!
Saturday SpinoffSniper of the Dead
Saturday SpinoffMeet the Takagis
Fan FictionIsekai of the Dead

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What did you think?