Okay, let's be real. Episode 2 of The Rising of the Shield Hero? It's a *lot*. Like, a whole rollercoaster of emotions packed into twenty-something minutes.
Poor Naofumi, am I right?
Our boy gets totally betrayed. Like, worse than that time your friend ate the last slice of pizza when you *specifically* called dibs. Seriously rough.
He goes from hero to zero faster than you can say "false accusation." Can we all agree that the justice system in that kingdom needs a serious overhaul? #JusticeForNaofumi.
Then Comes Raphtalia...
Here's where things get... interesting. He basically buys a demi-human slave. Yeah, I know, not the best look in 2024. It's definitely a controversial plot point.
She starts out as a sickly, scared little thing. You can't help but feel bad for her! Who wouldn't want to protect her from the harsh world?
But watching her grow stronger? That's the good stuff. She slowly becomes his sword (or shield partner, technically). It's a tough beginning, though.
The Leveling Up Montage... Hmmm
This is where I might have an unpopular opinion. The leveling up montage? A little slow, maybe? I get it, gotta show Naofumi grinding. But still...
We're talking fighting balloon monsters and doing fetch quests. It feels like playing a really basic RPG for a bit. Not exactly the epic fantasy I signed up for!
Maybe I'm just impatient! Give me cool skills and awesome battles NOW! Anyone else feel me on this?
Naofumi's Personality Shift
The betrayal HARDENS him. And who can blame him? He's been wronged, repeatedly! It's understandable.
He becomes cynical and distrustful. But also, strangely... pragmatic? He does what he needs to survive. Gotta respect the hustle, even if it's a bit morally gray.
Honestly, I find this shift more compelling than if he'd stayed Mr. Nice Guy. He is forced to adapt and change. It adds depth to his character.
Is Naofumi a Good Guy, Though?
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room. The slave thing is, well, problematic. No way around it.
He's definitely not a perfect hero. He's flawed, he's got baggage, and he makes questionable decisions. Makes him relatable in a weird way, right?
But is he *evil*? I don't think so. I think he's trying to do the best he can in a messed-up situation. He gradually shows a caring side, especially toward Raphtalia.
Final Thoughts on Episode 2
It's a tough episode. It's uncomfortable, it's morally ambiguous, and it sets the stage for the rest of the series.
It showcases the unfairness and how Naofumi overcomes (or tries to) the challenges. It's a wild ride, that's for sure.
But it's also the episode that really sucked me in. I wanted to see what happened next. I wanted to see Naofumi get his revenge! And I needed to know how Raphtalia's story would unfold. So I'm here for the long haul.
