Mushi-Shi (Original Japanese Version) Season 1 Episode 3 Tender Horns

Mushi-Shi (Original Japanese Version) season 1 episode 3, titled "Tender Horns," follows Ginko, a wandering mushi-shi, as he arrives in a village where a young girl has been cursed. The girl has grown a pair of horns on her head, which have caused her physical and emotional pain.

Ginko learns that the village has a legend about the "Kirakudow," a creature with horns that was said to curse those who angered it. However, Ginko knows that the "Kirakudow" is actually a type of mushi, and that the girl's horns are a result of her coming into contact with it.

Ginko begins to investigate and learns that the girl's father, who is also the village mayor, had been hunting the "Kirakudow" in an attempt to prove his worth to the villagers and gain their respect. He had unknowingly caused the mushi to lose its home and lash out, resulting in the girl's curse.

Ginko tries to reason with the mayor and convince him to stop hunting the mushi, but the mayor is too consumed with his own ego and refuses to listen. As Ginko continues his investigation, he discovers that the "Kirakudow" is actually a vital part of the village's ecosystem, and that its absence could cause catastrophic consequences.

With the help of a young boy who is also suffering from a curse caused by the "Kirakudow," Ginko comes up with a plan to save the village and the mushi. He confronts the mayor and reveals the truth about the "Kirakudow," and the mayor finally sees the error of his ways. Together, Ginko and the mayor work to restore the "Kirakudow's" habitat and save the village from disaster.

"Tender Horns" is a thought-provoking episode about the consequences of our actions and the importance of respecting nature. It explores themes of greed, ego, and the delicate balance of our world. The episode's beautiful animation and haunting soundtrack create an atmosphere that is both eerie and captivating, and the storyline is sure to keep viewers engaged until the very end.