The Rising Of The Shield Hero “Reason To Fight” Review
The Rising Of The Shield Hero “Reason To Fight” is the twelfth episode from the second season of the Shield Hero anime. Not continuing on immediately from the end of episode 11, we’re taken to modern day Japan. It is revealed that Kyo was a shut-in gamer before committing suicide and reincarnating in the other world, where he decided to indulge in his desires. With the Waves in progress, Ethnobolt and Yomogi arrive to pick up Naofumi and his party to take them to Kyo’s laboratory, while Kizuna’s party deal with the Wave. Inside the group is attacked by Kazuki’s subordinates, who have been transformed into half-animal chimeras, but are swiftly disposed of by Raphtalia, while the exploding sword is blocked by Naofumi. Kyo then reveals that he has “resurrected” Kazuki’s body using the soul of the Mirror Vassal Weapon wielder, sending him to attack the party. Naofumi and Rishia go ahead to face Kyo while the rest stay back to deal with “Kazuki”. Kyo laughs and taunts at Naofumi, further and further enraging him to the point that he allows the Shield of Wrath to completely consume him. Rishia attempts to calm him down but the possessed Naofumi nearly kills her, berating her for her uselessness. Rishia manages to get through to him reminding him of his true feelings for Raphtalia and Filo, and fights Kyo. Thanks to the soul of Ost, followed by a returned Raphtalia and Filo, Naofumi regains his composure, annoying Kyo. Using the Spirit Tortoise Shield, combined with the Mirror Vassal Weapon, Naofumi shoots a beam of energy that overpowers Kyo’s, finally defeating him in an explosion. In the aftermath, Naofumi and his party are teleported back to the world, saying their quick goodbyes to Kizuna and everyone. Back in Melromarc, Naofumi is awarded for defeating the Spirit Tortoise, learning the other Cardinal Heroes managed to handle the Wave in his absence.
A Swift Conclusion
This was a fun episode but really for all the build up the show made of Kyo, he was shockingly easy to defeat. I realise the show had to get rid of him because they want to move on but I can’t help but wonder if the original fight in the manga was just a little more tense. Kyo easily became one of my favourite villains and to see him done in so damn easily stung a little.
Still, now that Naofumi is back and knows all about the other world plus has made friends for life, I’m feeling hopeful for the future of the World he was transported to.
