The Rising of the Shield Hero is a highly popular light novel series originally serialized on "Let's Become a Novelist." Its anime adaptation began airing in 2019. After a delay, Season 2 is scheduled to begin airing in April 2022. This time, we'll introduce the protagonist, the Shield Hero, Naofumi Iwatani, and summarize his exploits in Season 1!
How does an ordinary college student, Naofumi Iwatani, become the Shield Hero?
The protagonist, Naofumi Iwatani, is an ordinary otaku college student living in modern Japan. However, the moment he finds a book about the Four Holy Heroes in the library, he is transported to another world. There, Naofumi and three other modern people are summoned, each as a sword, bow, spear, and shield hero. The world is modeled after an MMORPG, and the other three heroes point out similarities to the game they played before being transported. The four heroes prepare for an event called a "Wave," which will occur after a certain period of time.
The Shield Hero, Naofumi Iwatani, is a kind and playful otaku college student at heart!
The Shield Hero, Naofumi Iwatani, grew up in a particularly ordinary family environment and was an ordinary otaku college student without any particular twists or distortions. He's a fairly good-natured, trusting person, and kind at heart. He's a genuinely good person and a bit of a joker, just like any other person in modern Japan. He's not good at being suspicious of others, and he's somewhat interested in women...but...
The Shield Hero is Stigmatized in a False Accusation!!
The Shield Hero was unpopular among the heroes due to his lack of offensive abilities, and had no true companions who would follow him. In fact, for some reason, the Shield Hero was shunned. The reason for this is revealed later, but one servant, Myne-Sphere, still accompanied Naofumi. However, it is Myne who becomes the most hateful character in the story and his sworn enemy. Myne's goal is the Shield Hero's dowry, and after gaining his trust, she steals it and then falsely claims that Naofumi was assaulted, framing him. Naofumi protests his innocence, but the king, Myne, and everyone else are in on it, and no one believes the Shield Hero's testimony, not even the other heroes. The only person who believes Naofumi and builds a relationship of trust with him, the weapons shop owner, initially calls him a scumbag.
The Shield Hero, Iwatani Naofumi, is a jaded hero who distrusts people and will retaliate if wronged!
After this darkening event, Naofumi was treated cruelly by almost every resident of Melromarc, leading him to completely distrust humanity. He became suspicious of everything, and his tone and personality became completely degraded. His once playful and kindhearted personality completely changed, and he became resistant to retaliation and his interactions with others became more businesslike. Because of his distrust of humans, he was unable to form a party with anyone, so he purchased the beast slave Raphtalia. He is resistant to retaliation and never forgets past mistreatment. He's especially angry when falsely accused or treated unfairly, and not just to himself.
He tends to be well-liked by women, but...
Although he's become quite down-and-out, his core is not rotten, and his inherent kindness remains unchanged. His critical nature, which leads him to question everything, also allows him to calmly assess the situation and make the right decisions even in adversity, making him an extremely reliable person. This is why he's well-liked by Raphtalia, Filo, Melty, and others. However, Naofumi's treatment of Myne has left him with a deep distrust of women. In Season 1, he doesn't develop a romantic relationship with Raphtalia or Filo, and he even imagines what they'll do when he's gone.
Naofumi Iwatani's Shield Ability! No Offense, But the Strongest Defense!
Naofumi's Shield Hero ability essentially lacks offensive power, making it difficult for him to even earn experience points on his own. However, his defense is among the strongest, allowing him to block any powerful attack. While his primary role is to absorb enemy attacks and support his allies, some skills allow him to attack by activating counters. Additionally, while he can heal and support with the magic he has learned, he lacks any offensive capabilities.
Skills can assist him in crafting potions and accessories!
By absorbing materials, Naofumi can transform his shield into a different form, allowing him to use unique skills. Some shields even provide bonuses for potion creation and accessory crafting. After acquiring the merchant license and know-how, he earns money by selling and buying the accessories he crafts himself. However, Naofumi's own talent for crafting seems to play a large role.
Manifestation of the Curse Series Flow
After the first wave, Motoyasu, persuaded by Myne to enslave Raphtalia and forcefully enslave her, challenges Naofumi to a duel. It was a rigged contest orchestrated by Myne and the King, and Naofumi, with no means of attack, was at a great disadvantage. Despite this, Naofumi put up a good fight, but was defeated by Myne's interference. As a result, he was forcibly released from Raphtalia's slave contract, which led to an intense hatred. This triggered the manifestation of the Curse Series. At that time, Raphtalia returned to Naofumi of her own volition, somewhat alleviating her distrust of humans and improving her taste disorder.
The Shield of Wrath: A Powerful, But Costly Shield
The manifested Shield of Wrath is an extremely powerful shield and one of Naofumi's few offensive tools. It served as a trump card during the second wave and in the battle against the Pope of the Church of the Three Heroes, who attempted to assassinate the heroes. However, it comes at a high cost. Using it carries significant risks, such as being consumed by rage and losing one's sense of self, or suffering significant curse damage as a price for its power. Therefore, Fitoria, the Queen of the Filolials, advises against using it.
[The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 2] Iwatani Naofumi Summary
I've put together a summary of Iwatani Naofumi, the protagonist of The Rising of the Shield Hero. He's betrayed early on and develops a harsh personality, but I think that's what makes him such a compelling character. I'm excited to see how he performs in Season 2! The Rising of the Shield Hero is scheduled to air in April 2022!
