Youkai Gakkou no Sensei Hajimemashita! [Season 1 Episode 23]

“Youkai Gakkou no Sensei Hajimemashita!” Episode 23 Review: A Heartfelt Twist in the Supernatural Classroom

If you’ve been following Youkai Gakkou no Sensei Hajimemashita! (also known as A Terrified Teacher at Ghoul School!), you know it’s a wild ride of comedy, supernatural shenanigans, and surprisingly deep character moments. Episode 23, however, takes things to another level—delivering emotional punches, unexpected backstories, and a twist that left fans buzzing.

The Plot Thickens

For those who need a quick recap: Haruaki Abe, a former public school teacher, now teaches at Hyakki Academy, a school for youkai (supernatural creatures). The series balances humor with heart, and Episode 23 leans hard into the latter. The episode revolves around the class’s desperate mission to rescue Rensuke, one of their own, while uncovering shocking truths about Kuniko (Utagawa) and her connection to Rensuke’s past.

Fans were quick to point out how this episode shifted gears from the usual lighthearted tone. One commenter on MyAnimeList noted: “This goes to show how selfless Seimei and his students are. These final episodes turned into an arc, and I’m all in for it.”

The Emotional Core

The biggest revelation? Kuniko is actually Ruri, Rensuke’s long-lost love. This twist wasn’t entirely unexpected for manga readers, but the anime’s execution hit hard. As one fan put it: “I didn’t expect this twist, even though I thought this was such a simple anime. It may not be so simple after all.”

The episode also gave depth to Akira, the sadistic youkai doctor, who—despite his usual cruel demeanor—showed a softer side when it came to Kuniko. “I never expected that Akira has a kind side to him,” one viewer admitted, “but in a way, it was heartwarming how much he cares for Kuniko as a daughter.”

Action and Humor Still Shine

Even with the heavy emotional beats, the episode didn’t skimp on action or comedy. Akira and Kurai’s sibling brawl had fans laughing, especially when “Akira slammed Kurai on the ground—bro used these hands 💀.” Meanwhile, Takahashi-sensei’s over-the-top antics (like sticking his hand through a youkai’s chest) kept the energy high.

And let’s not forget the absurd humor. One fan highlighted a particularly hilarious moment: “That line about her seeing her dad in women’s underwear was so unanticipated that I couldn’t help but giggle my head off.”

Fan Reactions: A Mix of Tears and Hype

The episode left fans emotionally wrecked—in the best way. One commenter lamented: “I have to wait till next week to see a continuation of the unexpected deep lore between characters in the class 😭😭😭.” Another fan, clearly invested in the romance subplot, gushed: “Love this development—I’m a sucker for happy-end love stories like this.”

With the finale looming, fans are already speculating about Season 2. “I hope there will be info on Season 2 soon,” one viewer wrote, “I want to see the Kyoto Trip School Arc animated!”

Final Thoughts

Episode 23 proves that Youkai Gakkou no Sensei Hajimemashita! is more than just a comedy. It’s a show with surprising depth, capable of making you laugh one moment and tugging at your heartstrings the next. The character development, especially for Kuniko and Akira, adds layers to what could have been a straightforward gag anime.

As one fan perfectly summarized: “Incredible how the best episodes of this show are the ones without Abe-sensei having much screen time.”

If you haven’t caught up yet, now’s the time—because the finale is bound to be explosive. And if you’re already a fan? Well, get ready to cry (or laugh, or both) when Episode 24 drops.

Rating: 9/10 – A near-perfect blend of emotion, action, and humor that sets the stage for an unforgettable finale.

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