On March 15, 2025, the anime 'Chi. -About the Movement of the Earth-' aired its highly anticipated final episode, leaving viewers stunned and contemplative. The episode centered around young Alberetto Buzeffski, voiced by Yumi Tanezaki, who returned home only to find his father covered in blood and his tutor Rafael, voiced by Maaya Sakamoto, holding the murder weapon—a knife.
This shocking scene unfolded issues of trust and morality, driving many viewers to express their disbelief on social media. Comments like "What does this mean?" and "Why did this happen?" flooded platforms as audiences grappled with Rafael's enigmatic actions.
The intense atmosphere was expected as the anime reached its concluding chapter after concluding its narrative woven around the heliocentric theory, drawn from Uoto's award-winning manga, which previously won the 26th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize Manga Grand Prize.
Throughout the series' 25 episodes, it depicted the struggles and sacrifices of those who fought to prove the heliocentric theory during times of persecution. Alberetto's character, introduced during the tumultuous narrative, showcases the clash between belief and evidence, trust and betrayal.
Episode 25 continued the storyline focusing on Alberetto's childhood, where he expressed enthusiasm for pursuing knowledge about the universe. Curiosity fueled his character, yet the violent turn of events shifted the tone significantly, challenging the beliefs he and the audience held about Rafael's character.
Prior episodes foreshadowed Rafael's complex personality, hinting at the possibility of darker inclinations beneath his calm demeanor. Critics have noted this juxtaposition of knowledge and moral ambiguity as one of the show's most gripping themes.
"Rafael's demeanor is troubling; viewers see him as supportive yet harboring darker intentions," stated one fan, encapsulating the complex narrative framework the anime navigated.
Rafael’s cold statement,