Ep 9. Death Counter

Death Parade is a Japanese anime that follows the story of the mysterious bartender Decim who resides in a supernatural bar, Quindecim, where two people who have recently died are sent to play a game. The game helps the bartender determine whether the individuals will be reincarnated or sent to the void. In episode 9 titled "Death Counter," a new group of two souls arrives at Quindecim.

The episode begins with a girl named Mayu Arita entering Quindecim, who is followed by Harada, a young man she met at the hospital. They soon experience memory loss and are told by Decim that they have died and must play a game to reveal their true nature.

Decim explains the game to the pair, called "Death Counter," where they must complete various challenges to accrue points. These points determine the quantity and status of their respective memories that can be returned to them. They must retrieve a red button situated on a building's rooftop, which decrements points upon the push of the button.

The first challenge in the game is a quickfire quiz, wherein the individuals are asked questions about themselves and are awarded points for their correct answers. Harada proves his intelligence by answering the questions correctly. Following the quiz, Mayu and Harada are given antlers and instructed to ram each other. Despite a significant size disadvantage, Mayu shows her bravery and competes well.

For the final challenge, Mayu and Harada are bound together with a rope tied to wristbands. They must make their way to the rooftop without breaking the wristbands or being struck by the obstacles found on the path. Harada shows his valor by taking the brunt of the obstacles with no consideration for his safety, allowing Mayu the calm to make it to the rooftop. Once there, Mayu is given the choice to push the button or return it to Decim. Harada urges Mayu to push the button, but for reasons unknown, Mayu chooses not to push the button.

As the pair make their way back to Quindecim, Mayu's demeanor changes as she begins to experience fragments of her recent memories. She becomes disturbed and emotional, seemingly regretting her choice not to push the button. Harada tries to calm her down and encourage her by saying that she did the right thing. Later, they arrive at the bar and are placed on chairs where their fate is determined.

The fate of Mayu and Harada is not revealed in this episode, leaving the audience in suspense for what is to come in the next chapter of their story. The episode concludes with an interaction between Nona, the supervisor of Quindecim, and Oculus, the chief of all the bars in the afterlife. They discuss the imbalance in judgment among the bars and the role of the arbiters who administer judgment.

Overall, Death Parade episode 9, "Death Counter," is a gripping and suspenseful episode that showcases the game's grueling nature while exploring the morality of choice and consequences. The central characters of Mayu and Harada are crafted in a way that draws empathy and intrigue from the audience, leaving them eager to understand the revelation of their ultimate fate.