Episode 7 (CaW CB)

"Caffeine, Temptation, and Jealousy" (カフェイン、誘惑、嫉妬) is the 7th episode of the Cells at Work! CODE BLACK! anime adaption.

Plot
AC1677 like the other red blood cells, delivers oxygen to the entire body. However, there's something wrong. It turns out the oxygen delivered transforms into reactive oxygen species (ROS), causing the ordinary cell to age. Thus putting the blame on the rookie red blood cell. But in actuality, the oxygen turned to ROS because of the body's internal environment.

Even though it was an accident, AC1677 is overcome by guilt. Despite the incident, the cells hold an awards ceremony to honor the best among them. AA2153 wins the Rookie of the Year award. Even though AC1677 and AA2153 started on the job at the same time, the former is pained by a sense of inferiority towards his colleague, causing AC1677 to become jealous.

Two of the senior red blood cells approach AC1677 and say that they understand how he must feel. The senior red blood cells offer AC1677 to help him get a boost. The rookie walks away and continues with his task. AA2153 joins AC1677 on delivery, but the former is a bit disgruntled. Nevertheless, the two rookies must continue with their duties. They arrive at the hair follicles and find that the hair has not regrown and deliver oxygen to a dying Sebaceous Gland Cell. The ROS from AC1677's delivery causes terrible body odor. Disappointed with his lack of success, AC1677 grows extremely resentful towards AA2153.

AC1677 once again runs into the senior red blood cells. The veterans drag the rookie to hang out with them in the small intestine and get AC1677 hooked on caffeine and arginine. Thus, boosting AC1677 energy and allowing him to match AA2153's pace.

AC1677 runs into AA2153, who tells him about the drugs. But AA2153 rejects it, pointing out the dangers of a temporary power boost. Suddenly, there's an alert. The body suffers a nosebleed. As the red blood cells try to resist being sucked outside, AC1677 crashes and runs out of strength.

The young red blood cell admits to AA2153 that he was right and resigns himself to die. But at the last second, AA2153 saves him and says having him for a friend was what motivated him to do his best.

Later, the senior red blood cells invite AC1677 to partake once again in the caffeine boost. But AC1677 rejects them, having beaten the addiction.

New Characters

 * Sebaceous Gland Cell

Returning Characters

 * AC1677
 * AA2153
 * Hair Matrix Cells
 * Platelet Division