The Rising of the Shield Hero is a popular work that is scheduled to be adapted into a two-season anime series starting in January 2019. It is a fantasy about reincarnation and features demi-humans, but it is also a work that depicts negative emotions such as hatred and revenge at every turn. In this article, we will introduce Kawasumi Itsuki, the Bow Hero who appears in The Rising of the Shield Hero.
Who is Kawasumi Itsuki, who was summoned as the Bow Hero?
Source: The Rising of the Shield Hero © Aneko Yusagi / KADOKAWA / The Shield Hero Production Committee
Itsuki Kawasumi, summoned as the Bow Hero, is a 17-year-old high school student. He is actually from a Japan with supernatural powers, summoned from a different world than the Japan known to the Shield Hero, Naofumi. When he was summoned to this world, he describes it as similar to the console game, Dimension Wave. His magical aptitude is wind and earth, and he can use the spell "Down," which lowers the enemy's abilities. Although he possesses many abilities, he is still immature and, like the Sword Hero, Amagi, is often unaware of his own ignorance and prone to arrogance.
The Bow Hero, Itsuki Kawasumi, also possesses a pure heart
Source: The Rising of the Shield Hero © Aneko Yusagi / KADOKAWA / The Shield Hero Production Committee
After learning that Naphtalia is a slave, the Spear Hero, Motoyasu, challenges Naofumi to a duel. The battle progresses at the Shield Hero's pace, but Naofumi is defeated due to Myne's intervention. As Naofumi is consumed by hatred, Naphtalia clings to him and asks for proof. Amidst this, Itsuki tells Motoyasu, "You have lost this match." While everyone keeps quiet due to the intervention of the King's daughter, Itsuki speaks up. While the Spear Hero still doesn't suspect brainwashing, Itsuki's famous line, "It's amazing you can still say that after seeing that," is amazing. Like a high school student, Itsuki is still easily influenced by those around him, but he has a pure heart.
The Young Bow Hero: Kawasumi Itsuki
Source: The Rising of the Shield Hero © Aneko Yusagi / KADOKAWA / The Shield Hero Production Committee
Itsuki is still young. Does he think that eradicating evil people will bring peace to the world? He seems to be punishing evil lords. While that's a good thing, it seems he still doesn't fully understand the reality of the country. In fact, he was lectured by the Shield Hero. However, there are some likable aspects to him. He helps people in ways that the Shield Hero believes in, without revealing that he is the Hero. That's why you never hear any rumors about Itsuki. It's not that he hasn't done anything! It's just that boasting about helping people happens to go against his sense of justice.
A cool entrance and a wonderful supporting character feel: The Bow Hero, Itsuki Kawasumi
Source: The Rising of the Shield Hero © Aneko Yusagi / KADOKAWA / The Shield Hero Production Committee
The first time they fought alongside Naofumi was in the battle against the Church of the Three Heroes. It had been reported that Ren and Itsuki had already been killed, but the two of them rushed to the scene. Although Itsuki is cool enough to be the main character, and this is the first time the four heroes have fought together, he is treated as a wonderful supporting character. He simply defeats enemies that don't seem very strong, and when the Pope splits into two, he simply explains the name of the technique. Even though this is their first real battle together, Itsuki gives off a wonderful supporting character vibe. Will the day come when the spotlight will be on him?
Some kind of religion? The Bow Hero: Itsuki Kawasumi and His Companions
Absolute Worship from His Companions
Source: The Rising of the Shield Hero © Aneko Yusagi / KADOKAWA / The Shield Hero Production Committee
Itsuki is treated as a minor character and even a loser, but he's a hero after all. He seems to have earned the absolute trust of his companions. Perhaps it's more like worship than trust. Even Rishia, who eventually becomes a companion to the Shield Hero, seems to truly trust Itsuki. She is also praised for speaking well of Itsuki, which is similar to some new religion or the Rat King. Itsuki is the hero, and it seems he takes that for granted.
There are ranks among the group
Source: The Rising of the Shield Hero © Aneko Yusagi / KADOKAWA / The Rising of the Shield Hero Production Committee
It seems that a member's rank is determined by their loyalty and contributions to Itsuki. This also drastically affects the contents of their lunch. Since Rishia is described as the rookie among the Royal Guard, it seems there are other settings besides the Royal Guard as well. It seems like the other units don't level up together. It might be a surprisingly large group.
Things are getting a little messy, one way or another
Source: The Rising of the Shield Hero © Aneko Yusagi / KADOKAWA / The Rising of the Shield Hero Production Committee
This, too, seems somewhat religious. Whenever classes exist, conflict is bound to arise. It's often said that people who have money desire honor and fame, and those at the top of the hierarchy see those below as a threat and try to eliminate those above them. This is something that no organization in any world can escape. It seems that Itsuki himself was not happy with Rishia, who was considered to have done more for the cause than him, the hero.
The Bow Hero Who Never Apologizes: Itsuki Kawasumi
Source: The Rising of the Shield Hero © Aneko Yusagi / KADOKAWA / The Rising of the Shield Hero Production Committee
Itsuki's defining characteristic is that he never apologizes. While Ren often admits his mistakes, apologizes, and honestly accepts defeat, Itsuki never apologizes. This is true even after the waves, and even during level-up hunts. He never tries to apologize. However, he's by no means a mean person! They simply can't distinguish between right and wrong in what they do, and they believe they are right. It would be the worst to have a boss like this. Of course, it would be the worst for subordinates too... Will the day ever come when they will apologize?
The Bow Hero: Yumi Kawasumi Summary
Source: The Rising of the Shield Hero © Aneko Yusagi/KADOKAWA/The Rising of the Shield Hero Production Committee
The Bow Hero hasn't actually played an active role yet, but since the four of them are bound by a common destiny, it's inevitable that he won't play an active role in the future. If the three of them remained in their current situation, there would be no point in reading this work! I'm sure at some point, they'll express feelings of regret for their actions, gratitude to the Shield Hero, and so on. This is a work that I'm looking forward to seeing more of in the future.
