Darling In The Franxx (Story Recap)

Partner Shuffle

Sypnosis:
During a battle with a Klaxosaur, Mitsuru gets affected by "child fever", putting Chlorophytum out of commission. Though the fever is temporary, the sync rate of Mitsuru and Ikuno declines to such an extent that battling Klaxosaurs will become difficult. In fear that the combat of the entire unit might be affected by this, Nana presents the parasites the option of swapping their partners.

Plot:

Smiling, Hiro tells a group of children that he's been chosen to represent them. They stare back in admiration. Mitsuru tells his younger self to stop looking at him with admiration. He shouts that he's a traitor, causing him to wake up from the dream. Zorome notes that it's unusual for Mitsuru to sleep in and Futoshiasks if he was having a good dream, as his face is all red. They head off for breakfast as he rubs his forehead. He narrates that he chose to not expect anything from anyone, preventing his hopes from being betrayed. He slips out of bed and leaves the room.

In the briefing room, Ichigo reports that they killed 25 Conrad-class klaxosaurs. Nanathanks her and says that the S-Planning in their area is proceeding smoothly, thanks to their efforts. Hachi tells codes 326 and 196that they need to improve their kill count, and that their parasite score is dropping as well. Mitsuru dismisses his concerns, saying he wasn’t feeling well. Hachi dismisses the group, leaving him and Nana alone. Hachi notes that they've now killed over 90 in their area. Nanasmiles and says that their kills over the past fortnight are 3.7 times greater than in their first. She says that what would normally cause problems in a group are drawing out their full abilities. Hachi says that it would be a total refutation of their previous methods. Nanareplies that it might be what Dr. FRANXX is after.

As the units stand on guard, Zorome asks what "S-Planning" is. Hiro replies that it seems like they're digging for something, and Zero Two says that it's probably nothing good and jokes she is going to choke from the stench of klaxosaurs. Futoshi tells Kokoro that they've grown stronger, as they're on a special mission. Kokoro says that it's thanks to him carrying her through. Futoshi says that she's his responsibility causing Kokoro too giggle and thank him. Blushing and nervous, he tells Kokoro that he is going to work hard to be the best partner she will have and asks her to promise to be his partner forever. She is surprised but then smiles and agrees. Futoshiis happy and promises to always protect her. Miku suddenly interrupts and says he's gross. Zorome agrees and says to cut off his communication. Kokoro giggles, but Futoshireprimands them for listening.

An alarm suddenly sounds and Ichigoannounces that seven Conrad-class klaxosaurs are approaching. Goro wonders if they have a nest nearby. Ichigo tells them to get ready. Chlorophytum suddenly falls to its knees. Ikuno turns to see what's wrong and finds Mitsuru sweating and panting.

As Mitsuru lies in bed, Hachi notes that his child fever came sooner than expected. While Nana gives him an antipyretic, Hachi looks at his profile and realizes he has already had the procedure. Goro notes that Mitsuru had always been frail, and Ichigo adds that he was the only one who received the injection and came back. Miku is confused, so Ikuno says that it was the Elixir Injection, a highly concentrated drug that induced yellow blood cell production and greatly increases parasite aptitude. Miku asks if he had always acted that way. Goro says no, he used to follow Hiroaround. Futoshi says that's shocking and Zorome asks how they ended up always butting heads. Goro says he doesn't know, thinks but it started not long before Mitsurutook the injection. He says that Hiro changed a little back then, too. Kokoro says that the injection has only a survival rate of 15% and didn't know he had such a risky procedure.

While dreaming in the hospital bed, Mitsururemembers telling Hiro that he wanted to be like him, fight in the FRANXX together. He sadly says that he can't because he's too weak, so if he takes the injection and comes back alive, he asks if he would pilot FRANXX together. Before Hiro replies, Mitsuru wakes up, cursing. The next morning, Nana notes that Mitsuru seems to be out of the woods for now. He asks to pilot a FRANXX. She is reluctant and thinks it over. When they test, his capacity is getting lower and Hachi notes that he might become a pruning target. Nanathinks of what they should do.