My Deer Friend Nokotan Episode 11 - The End of Nokotan?

Something about seeing Koshitan relax puts me at ease. To see those beautiful mauve eyes lighten makes me feel that maybe there’s some good in the world. Nokotan, however, doesn’t share my sentiments, and her actions in My Deer Friend Nokotan episode 11 were the most disrespectful yet.

I can’t fault Nokotan for falling asleep in class; I’ve done worse. In my university days, my ethics and sociology professors said attendance wasn’t mandatory, and those classes never saw me again. So even if she sleeps through class, I can’t fault her; at least she’s there. Even when a sleeping Nokotan causes an outbreak of swallows to invade her classroom, I can’t fault her.

My Deer Friend Nokotan Episode 11; The Hunt

For Nokotan, the whole of existence is a battlefield. After all, when eight out of ten guys would eat you, life’s usually filled with problems. So when a hunter shows up to claim the tasty piece of venison that is Nokotan, things start to get serious. Before she sees him, Nokotan knows there’s a guy with a gun heading to her class. And while I nearly popped a blood vessel resisting my urge to joke about that, I realized there’s probably a reference I’m missing in this scene. From the hyped intro to the change of art style when the hunter shows up, something is afoot. Exactly what is beyond me.

Yet, even though the possible epicness of that scene was lost on me, hearing Kana Arima say “gibier, gibier” was a happy moment. For those who don’t know (because I sure didn’t), a gibier festival is a wild game foodie fest. Japanese people dislike game meat, so these festivals are a way to get them to eat things they normally wouldn’t. And I can’t fathom why anyone would dislike game meat, but the 3:00 am thoughts of a foodie aside, Nokotan had the upper hand in her hunt. Even the school’s gyarus gave her a helping hand. I’ve said this before, and I’ll repeat it: gyarus are awesome.

And as this most epic of hunts bleeds into its second day, a battle of epic proportions takes place on the roof. With lightsabers (RIP James Earl Jones), FMJ/USMC quotes, and domain expansions, I expected a battle unlike any other. But the letdown when I realized this was not going to happen permanently killed a bit of my spirit.

Peaceful Days Never Last

And as we went from a battle of epic proportions (allegedly) to tranquil days, it seems all is well in Hino. As peaceful days abound, Koshitan and Nokotan enjoy a pleasant shopping date. But if there’s one thing life has taught me over the past three decades, it’s that peaceful days never last. And as My Deer Friend Nokotan episode 11 heads towards the finish line, something unexpected happens. In a scene straight out of Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai, when the following day arrives, only Koshitan remembers Nokotan.

Adolescent syndrome bugged me for years after I watched AoButa. The thought of waking up and forgetting those you love makes me uncomfortable in a way I can’t even describe. I don’t fear much in life, but dementia, prion disease, Alzheimer’s, and rabies are phobias. Getting that curveball in this show was unsettling, but knowing this is a slice-of-life show, I’m looking forward to the happy ending next week.

Screenshots via Crunchyroll
© Oshioshio, Kodansha / Hino Minami High School Deer Club