Plus-Sized Elf Episode 9 Review: Shortcut Fails and Secret Gets Exposed

The ninth episode of Plus-Sized Elf, titled “Kiddie Cure-All”, premiered on Sunday, September 1, 2024 at 12:00 am JST. It was initially streamed on HIDIVE and later aired on channels such as TOKYO MX, BS11, and AT-X. In this installment, Kuroeda’s attempt to create a potion with good intentions proves unsuccessful, leading her to confront the difficulties that arise from this setback.

The anime is an adaptation of a Japanese manga series written by Synecdoche. Originally released on the Comic Gum website of Wani Books, a sequel is currently being published in Akita Shoten’s Dokodemo Young Champion magazine.

Please be aware that this article contains spoilers.

Naoe Seeks Assistance in Plus-Sized Elf Episode 9

Plus-Sized Elf: Episode 9 – A Brief Synopsis

Kuroeda as seen in Plus-Sized Elf episode 9 (Image via Elias)

In episode 9 of Plus-Sized Elf, Kuroeda prepares a potion and places it in a soda bottle before leaving it at Naoe’s residence. Her plan was to administer it to Elfuda, but Naoe discovers it before she can. Thinking it is one of Elfuda’s sweet beverages, which he believes are responsible for her weight gain, Naoe opts to throw it away.

Despite warnings, he is unable to resist the charm of the bottle and drinks its contents. When the others return, they discover that Naoe has been transformed into a child. The Satyr, who had been seeking revenge on Naoe for humiliating her, is immediately blamed and Kuroeda supports this version of events.

As the other fantastical creatures venture out to search for the Satyr, Elfuda and Kuroeda remain behind. Kuroeda is preoccupied with finding a way to dispose of the soda bottle containing her potion, worried that Elfuda might remember their previous conversation about it. Just then, Oga arrives and, upon seeing Naoe in his child form, her maternal instincts take over and she begins to shower him with affection.

Elfuda as seen in Plus-Sized Elf episode 9 (Image via Elias)

Despite Kuroeda’s decision to keep everyone occupied with cooking in order to get rid of the soda bottle, Elfuda insists on her involvement. Unfortunately, Kuroeda, who is preoccupied with cooking, is unable to come up with a plan.

In episode 9 of Plus-Sized Elf, Elfuda offers Kuroeda a soda and she becomes frightened, knowing she has no choice but to either drink it and suffer like Naoe or reveal her secret. In a moment of panic, she accidentally splashes the potion into Elfuda’s eye and is forced to explain herself. This results in a few reprimands, but nothing more severe.

Naoe inquires of Kuroeda the reason behind her creation of a weight-loss potion, given her usual honesty. Kuroeda clarifies that she believed the potion would assist Naoe, who is always aiding them, in his efforts to lose weight. Naoe acknowledges her good intentions but advises against taking shortcuts, as he values the hard work that is necessary. The episode ends with Naoe reverting back to his adult form, although he now has a more plump appearance.

Review of Episode 9 of Plus-Sized Elf

Naoe as seen in Plus-Sized Elf episode 9 (Image via Elias)

In episode 9 of Plus-Sized Elf, the audience continues to join the fantastical creatures on their endless quest to lose weight. This time, we see Kuroeda making a sincere attempt, although it may be slightly misguided. Nevertheless, she ultimately learns from her mistakes, resulting in a positive outcome.

A standout aspect of this episode is the seamless incorporation of educational material. Despite its inclusion, the content does not come across as contrived. This is evident in a cooking scene where everyone, including Kuroeda, is fully engrossed. Naoe seizes the opportunity to impart some valuable knowledge about food, such as recommending lean round steak over ribeye due to its lower calorie count and emphasizing the importance of allowing the stew to simmer to reduce the liquid.

Additionally, the episode cleverly integrates workout routines that can be performed while cooking, such as standing leg lifts. The instructions for these exercises include the duration and proper technique. As the anime focuses on weight loss tactics, these subtle yet educational additions effectively educate the viewers.