Ao no Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati-hen - Episode 5

In the fifth episode of "Ao no Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati," the True Cross Academy is reeling from the aftermath of the Illuminati Seraphim attacks, while the Exwires grapple with the emotional fallout of Shima's betrayal and Izumo's abduction. The episode opens ominously with a disturbing dream of Izumo, set in a clinical and impersonal environment, hinting at the horrific circumstances and foreshadowing her precarious situation.

The plot continues as the Exwires, determined to rescue Izumo, utilize Takara's ingenuity—they employ a doll to track her location—and embark on a journey to Inari in Shimane Prefecture, her hometown. In contrast to Izumo's dire predicament, this section introduces a lighter tone, showcasing Rin and Shiemi's first flight and Shiemi's unconventional grass sandwiches.

Midway through the expedition, a poignant moment arises when Rin confronts Bon's despair over Shima's betrayal, highlighting the bonds of friendship and loyalty within the group. This scene underscores their collective resolve to face Shima's actions as a united front, despite the personal and shared challenges they endure.

However, the narrative takes a grim turn with the introduction of a macabre scene featuring Izumo's mother undergoing cruel experiments and the grotesque scientist Gedouiin, foreshadowing further horrors for the Izumo family. The episode grows even more emotionally complex as Izumo, faced with the bleak reality of her family's fate, confronts Shima.