Ep 9. What I Want to Protect

In Strike Witches season 1 episode 9, titled "What I Want to Protect," our favorite witch squad is tasked with taking out a Neuroi hive that's causing a major disturbance in the skies above a nearby town. However, things quickly take a personal turn for some of the witches as they realize that the town is also home to people they care about.

As the witches fly towards the hive, they encounter numerous smaller Neuroi along the way, showcasing their impressive flying skills and teamwork as they take them down one by one. However, upon reaching the hive they realize that it's much larger and more heavily guarded than they anticipated, leading to a tense battle that puts their skills and strength to the test.

Meanwhile, a group of civilians from the town have been evacuated to a nearby shelter due to the ongoing battle, and among them is a young girl named Yoshika's father had saved during a previous Neuroi attack. As Yoshika worries about the safety of her father and the people she's come to care for in the town, she makes a difficult decision about what she wants to protect most.

The episode also delves deeper into the relationships between the various members of the witch squad, with several touching moments between teammates and friends. We learn more about their pasts, their motivations, and what they hold dear, making the battle against the Neuroi hive all the more poignant.

In the end, the witches emerge victorious, but not without a few casualties and emotional scars. The episode ends with a bittersweet moment as they fly back to their base, pondering the cost of war and the worth of their sacrifices in the face of a seemingly endless enemy.

Overall, "What I Want to Protect" is a thrilling and emotionally charged episode that showcases the strengths of the Strike Witches franchise. With dynamic action, heartfelt character moments, and a thought-provoking storyline, it's sure to please fans and newcomers alike.