Season 3 of "The Rising of the Shield Hero" is finally set to air. In Season 1, the protagonist Naofumi's false accusation was cleared, and in Season 2, the battle with Kyo, the hero from another world and the mastermind behind the Spirit Turtle's rampage, was resolved, and he safely returned to his original world. I'm sure there are memorable scenes and memorable lines from Seasons 1 and 2 that everyone remembers. This time, I'd like to rank the best quotes from those series. I hope those who have watched the anime will recall their memories, and those who have not yet seen "The Rising of the Shield Hero" will take an interest and tune in to Season 3.
4th Place: "Naofumi's Words as He Leaves the Castle" in Season 1, Episode 21
Naofumi and his companions somehow managed to win the battle against the Pope of the Church of the Three Heroes. Thanks to the help of Queen Mirellia Q. Melromarc, Naofumi survived. Afterward, Queen Melromarc begins the impeachment trial of King Orthocray and Princess Malty. The trial is open to the people of Melromarc, and the Shield Hero is exonerated. Then, King Orthocray and Princess Malty are publicly executed. However, just before the execution, Naofumi stopped it. He said, "Execution is too lenient. From now on, the king will be called 'scum'. The first princess will be called 'bitch.' I told Princess Mirellia to use the 'bitch' adventurer name 'whore' for the rest of her life." For the sake of the princess and Melty, Naofumi prevented the two from being executed.
The Shield Hero's Departure, Restored
When the waves arise, I'll go anywhere with these companions. That's the mission of the Four Holy Heroes, the Shield Hero.
The trial With the public execution over, Naofumi and his companions prepare to leave the castle. The people and the Knights come to see them off. When Naofumi was falsely accused and trapped by Bitch and kicked out of the castle, he had lost everything: trust, money, honor, and his dignity as a hero. However, now that he has become the Shield Hero, Naofumi has come to believe that he has gained something even more important. And so he says, "Because it is the Shield Hero's duty."
Have you been able to release your pent-up frustration?!
This scene, from the trial to the Shield Hero's departure from the castle, must have been a relief to everyone. I'm sure many of you felt a little relieved when you saw the "scum" and "bitch" who falsely accused Naofumi, harassed him in every way possible, and framed him for their own gain or grudge. With that in mind, I've ranked these words, spoken by Naofumi as the Shield Hero, in fourth place.
3rd Place: "The Voice of Ost-Hourai" in Season 2, Episode 12
Kyo used the power of the stolen Spirit Turtle to generate waves. Kizuna and the others focused on dealing with the waves, leaving Kyo in Naofumi's care. Naofumi and his companions headed to Kyo's hideout, where they found a homunculus created by Kyo waiting for them. Leaving them to Raphtalia and the others, Naofumi and Rishia pursued Kyo and challenged him to a duel. However, Kyo's provocation caused Naofumi's anger to become uncontrollable, and he was nearly swallowed up by the shield. While fighting Kyo, Rishia desperately calls out to Naofumi, trying to bring him back to his senses, but Naofumi is finally about to be swallowed up. At that moment, Ost reaches out to Naofumi.
Ost's Thoughts
Burn? Are you planning to burn my precious companions too? You can decide your own role. Come on, stand up! ...Everyone is waiting for you.
When Naofumi was about to succumb to the negative emotions of the Curse series, Ost took Naofumi's hand and said, "I told you, Shield Hero. You don't need this flame." This line ranked third. With these words, Naofumi regained his senses and confronted Kyo alongside Raphtalia, Filo, and Rishia. Naofumi's words at that time were also cool. "Thank you, Raphtalia, Filo, and Rishia. Thanks to you, I wasn't consumed by the rage of the Wrath Shield. But I must accept this anger, pain, and sadness and move forward," Naofumi said. It's so sweet to hear Naofumi express his gratitude so honestly. After these words, the Mirror Vessel lent Naofumi its power, and he confronted Kyo.
2nd Place: "Words as the Shield Hero" in Season 2, Episode 12
This is a continuation of the third place line, but it's a line I really wanted to include. With help from Ost's words and the Mirror Vessel on his side, Naofumi challenges Kyo to a final showdown. His words really hit me. I believe this is the moment when Naofumi accepts his role as the Shield Hero and fights for himself as the true Shield Hero for the first time.
Shield Hero!!
Ost is right. You decide your own role. Sorry, Kyo-Esnina. I got in your way pretending to be a hero of justice. I'm sure you had your own sense of justice too. That's why I'm going to defeat you, not for my role or justice, but for myself and of my own will!
After being summoned as the Shield Hero, Naofumi was falsely accused and had everything taken away from him, losing his dignity as a human being. He was in despair after being chosen as the Shield Hero. I believe this scene marks the moment Naofumi, who had always wanted to remove the shield that could never be removed, truly became the Shield Hero. This is probably Naofumi's coolest scene and line from Season 1 to Season 2.
No. 1: "What Raphtalia Says to Naofumi After His Duel with Motoyasu" in Season 1, Episode 4
After the first wave, during a banquet at the royal palace, Motoyasu again accuses Naofumi of keeping Raphtalia as a slave. He demands that Naofumi duel and release her if he loses. Naofumi ignores him, so the king forces him to duel. During the duel, Naofumi was gaining the upper hand and was about to win when Myne used magic to interfere, resulting in Motoyasu's victory. Naofumi protested, but no one paid him any attention. He despaired at having Raphtalia taken from him and becoming the Shield Hero. The words Raphtalia said at that moment made it my top pick.
The words Naofumi wanted to hear
I am your sword, and I will follow you, no matter what hardships we face.
Despairing under the harassment of King Aultcray and the First Princess Malty, who wanted to completely undermine the Shield Hero, Naofumi began to flee from reality. But it was Raphtalia's words that saved him. Those words melted Naofumi's heart, pulled him back from the depths of despair, and helped him face reality.
Not Just a Famous Quote, But a Famous Scene
This time, I chose the famous quote, "I am your sword," but there were other memorable lines in this scene between Naofumi and Raphtalia. These include, "I know you, Naofumi-sama, better than anyone else in this world. I know your kindness. Even if the whole world speaks ill of you, I will say no, I will always tell you that you are a good person." and "Even if you can no longer trust anyone, I will still believe in you. In you, the great Shield Hero, who saved me." I think this scene is number one not only for its famous quotes but also for its memorable scenes.
A Summary of the Best Quotes
Season 1 depicted Naofumi, who escaped reality after being falsely accused, and his struggle to restore his honor. The most memorable words were those of Raphtalia, who saved Naofumi from the depths of despair. Then, after his false accusation was cleared, Naofumi's appearance and words as he left the castle as the Shield Hero felt like all his pent-up frustration had been released. In Season 2, I chose the words of Ost, the Spirit Turtle's familiar, who treated Naofumi as a friend and helped him, and the words of Naofumi as he resolved to fight as the Shield Hero of his own volition. There are other lines I like, but the four I chose this time made a particularly strong impression on me. I'm already looking forward to seeing what other great quotes will emerge in Season 3. Thank you for reading to the end.
