Ep 11. Tsubaki, the Camellia Blossom - What Lies Beyond the Grief?

Tsubaki, the Camellia Blossom - What Lies Beyond the Grief? is the 11th episode of the first season of the anime series Soul Eater. The episode focuses on Tsubaki Nakatsukasa, a weapon and partner to Black Star, one of the main characters.

The episode opens with Tsubaki mourning the death of her brother, Masamune, who was also a weapon like her. Black Star tries to console her, but Tsubaki tells him that she needs to deal with her grief on her own. Black Star respects her wishes and leaves her alone.

Meanwhile, Maka, another main character and weapon, is on a mission to collect the souls of fifty evil humans so that Soul, her partner, can become a Death Scythe. She is joined by her own weapon partner, Soul, as well as the witch, Blair. They encounter a group of evil humans, but Maka is hesitant to collect their souls as she senses that they are not truly evil. However, Soul is convinced that they need to collect the souls at all costs.

Back at the academy, Tsubaki is confronted by the demon sword, Masamune, who had possessed her brother's body. Masamune taunts Tsubaki, saying that she is weak for mourning him and that she should have focused on becoming stronger instead. Tsubaki tries to argue back but is overcome by her grief. Masamune takes advantage of her emotional vulnerability and possesses her body, turning her into a weapon of destruction.

Black Star, who has been training with Death the Kid, another main character and son of Death, hears about Tsubaki and rushes back to the academy to help her. He arrives just in time to see her attacking everyone in sight. Black Star tries to reason with her, but she is too far gone. Masamune reveals that he had always seen Tsubaki as weak and that he possessed her to make her stronger.

Black Star is able to break Tsubaki free from Masamune's control by telling her that she is not weak for mourning him and that he is proud to have her as his partner. Tsubaki regains control of her body, and Masamune is destroyed.

Maka and her group return to the academy and meet up with Black Star and Tsubaki. Maka is able to sense Tsubaki's grief and offers her support. Tsubaki thanks Maka and realizes that she doesn't have to deal with her grief alone.

The episode ends with Maka and Soul collecting the souls of the evil humans they encountered earlier but with an air of sadness, indicating that they are still struggling with their decision. Black Star and Tsubaki watch from afar, reflecting on their own experiences. The episode highlights the importance of grieving and seeking support from others during times of hardship.