Sadeena

No Peace As Long as Jerks are In Charge

Aside Roderick J "Jay" Friz Anime, Anime Reviews, Crunchyroll , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Rising of the Shield Hero S4 Ep 10 Review

You know who we hate? Witch, AKA Bitch, W***, and formerly known as Malty S. Melromarc. She might be one of the most loathsome, contemptible, and disgusting excuses for a sentient being in all of anime. And as this season has revealed, Q’ten Lo has its own version of Witch in the form of Makina, AKA the one running Raphtalia’s ancestral homeland into the ground. Bitch #2 is such a waste of life that even when it’s obvious she’s going to lose, she’d rather drag everyone else down with her, even if they’re just kids like Sadeena’s little sister.

You Can’t Negotiate with Jerks

At the end of the last episode, Naofumi, Raphtalia, and the other rebels had made it to the gates of the Old Capital of Q’ten Lo. Right when it looked there would be a huge fight, Sadeena’s little sister, Shildina, AKA Zodia, asks to talk things out. Despite her future subjects calling it a trap, Raphtalia agrees to go, and alone at that. It’s rather sweet to see that Naofumi and Sadeena trust Raphtalia to take care of herself, even when their followers act paranoid.

As it turns out, it’s not a trap. Shildina does want to end the civil war peacefully, asking the rebels to lay down their arms so their lives will be spared. She even offers Raphtalia a job in the government. As we’ve seen about her character, she’s completely sincere about her offer. She hates seeing people suffering as much as Raphtalia and wants to end things without any further bloodshed. With how hard it can be in real life to get people to talk things out, I can’t help but respect the young priestess’ willingness to know when it’s time to compromise.

Unfortunately for Shildina, her efforts to end the war without any more fighting were doomed from the start. I didn’t need to be Naofumi to see that fact plain as day.

Is this Woman Witch’s long-lost relative?

First of all, it’s implied, and later confirmed, that Shildina is acting of her own accord. Her master, the horrid Makina, is like Cersei Lannister from Game of Thrones: if you’re not with her and doing what she wants, then you’re an enemy to be crushed. Needless to say, she is neither understanding nor willing to even entertain the thought of peace. Not that it would matter for her. After allowing Raphtalia to become an orphan, be enslaved, and then have assassins sent after her, any peace deal Naofumi would want would involve her facing justice.

Second of all, this episode pretty much confirms that the child Emperor is a figurehead with no real power. Even when he tries to speak up for Shildina’s, likely his only real friend, Makina shuts them both down. Any attempts to act in good faith are never going to work with her in charge. Case in point, when Shildina comes back having given up the Old Capital to Naofumi’s forces, she proceeds to verbally abuse the girl, playing on her feelings of inferiority towards the sister she’s never met. In other words, she’s a horrible woman and the world will be better off when she’s dead.

All Hail Empress Raphtalia!

The good news, though, is that thanks to the government abandoning the Old Capital, the group’s able to perform the ritual to make Raphtalia the new Heavenly Emperor of Q’ten Lo. Or Empress, in this case; the story doesn’t make it clear if “Emperor” is gender-neutral here. Regardless, the important thing is Raphtalia is now able to perform the blessings of the Heavenly Emperor. Even better, the Cardinal Heroes manage to learn a new way to power up that basically amounts to the use of Ki. With the Phoenix’s arrival on the horizon, they will need all the power-ups they can get.

The bad news? The road to the new capital is now blocked by Shildina. And judging by the amount of sake she’s drunk, she’s not here to negotiate.

We are nearing the end of this season of Shield Hero, and knowing what the story is like, we can expect at least one climatic fight before the dust settles. In the meantime, here’s hoping that the next episode won’t see Sadeena or anyone else forced to fight Shildina.

Also, we saw a glimpse of Motoyasu, and it looks like he’s raised some Filolials into potential queens like Filo

I Give “Prayers” a 3/5

Now there are two Sadeena’s

Aside Roderick J "Jay" Friz Anime, Anime Reviews, Crunchyroll , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Rising of the Shield Hero S4 Ep 9 Review

What can be said about Sadeena? She has a dark and troubled past as the former water miko of Qโ€™ten Lo. Sheโ€™s Raphtaliaโ€™s big sister figure. Sheโ€™s another one of Naofumiโ€™s unwanted suitors after he beat her in a drinking contest. Sheโ€™s a fun person to be around, all things considered.

So, who wants to see a mini-Sadeena? Because thatโ€™s basically what we get with this episode. 

Now They’re Gonna Worship Filo, too!

The liberation of Qโ€™ten Lo continues apace as the rebels march towards the old capital. Thanks to Naofumi showing off Raphtalia in her miko outfit and helping everyone, their ranks continue to swell. In an extra stroke of good fortune, Filo is a dead ringer for the countryโ€™s national bird, so they have her happily walking around and befriending everyone like the floofy angel she is. Once they get to the old capital, they can perform the succession ceremony that will give Raphtalia the formal, and mystical, powers of the Emperor.

Thereโ€™s just one problem: the puppet regime has decided to make its stand at the Old Capital. And theyโ€™re being led by the Water Dragon Miko.

As Sadeena explains, the role of Water Dragon Miko has always been in her family, and itโ€™s more than just a religious role. The title-bearer also serves as the Emperorโ€™s enforcer and executioner. Basically, Darth Vader without the cybernetics and angst. And Sadeena is unhappy knowing her decision to leave led to another taking up her burden.

As it turns out, though, Naofumi doesnโ€™t have to wait to meet this potential enemy. While he and Sโ€™yne are going to meet with Motoyasu II and Elhart, they run into a young girl whoโ€™s a dead-ringer for Sadeena.

It’s Mini-Sadeena

The anime doesnโ€™t say that this girl, Zodia, is related to Sadeena. It doesnโ€™t need to; the fact that she looks like a mini-Sadeena is a big enough hint. The fact that she loves drinking alcohol and immediately asks Naofumi to marry her when he shows he canโ€™t get drunk cinches it. This little girl is Sadeenaโ€™s little sister, and we all know it. Naofumi may not say anything, but heโ€™s smart enough to put two and two together for himself. And as Sadeena herself states, any little sister she might have wouldโ€™ve had to take up that role. And Zodia is only a kid.

Let that sink in. The system would have a kid become a religious leader and executioner. Thatโ€™s messed up. When this is all over, Naofumi is going to have to go and have a talk with Sadeenaโ€™s family. Better yet, forget the talking. Make Sadeena the new head and banish the old ones. 

In any event, things stop being so easy once the rebels arrive at the old capital. The regime chooses to stand its ground and asks to parley with the rebels. It would also seem that the puppet masters opted to strike at the villages under their control without Zodiaโ€™s knowledge. As a result, Naofumi has to send Atla, Fohl, Sโ€™yne, and Gaelion away to help. Itโ€™s clear that while Zodia is willing to play fair, her superiors have no such desire to play fair.

Time to Fight Dirty

I canโ€™t remember what exactly is going to happen next from the light novel, but I do know that things are only going to get worse before they get better. It doesnโ€™t help that Sadeena is likely going to have to fight the sister that sheโ€™s never met before, either. Which is incredibly sad, since Zodia is such a sweet girl. Plus, seeing her get lost so easily reminds me of Zoro from One Piece, so bonus points in my book. 

This episode wasnโ€™t that exciting, but to be fair, that seems to be the case for a lot of this season. Itโ€™s mostly drama and talking with action in between, and thatโ€™s fine. Iโ€™m still going to watch it, regardless.

Also, it gets shunted to a smaller scene, but after Raphtalia gives Fohl advice on how he needs to stop spoiling Atla, he starts calling her “big sis.” She has come full circle!

I give Zodia a 3.5/5

The White Tiger Siblings of Fate!

Aside Roderick J "Jay" Friz Anime, Anime Reviews , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Rising of the Shield Hero S3 Ep 3 Review

Are some things fated to happen, or does everything in life happen because of coincidence? The idea of fate crops up a lot in fiction, with many people offering different takes on it. Some believe fate to be immovable. Others think that things happen by chance. In many stories though, things happen with such perfect timing that it can only be described as the work of fate. In this case, Naofumi’s party met a little white tiger and his sister. Not only do they become powerful allies, but have a surprising connection the man formerly known as King Aultcray Melromarc.ย 

Atla and Fohl, the White Tiger Siblings

After the battle with the white tiger boy in the arena, Naofumi and the others finally have enough money to free all the people from Raphtalia’s village. It’s unfortunate that the anime was unable to spend more time focusing on this moment beyond them returning to the village. However, the episode more than makes up for it by formally introducing us to the boy that Naofumi and his party fought. His name is Fohl, and he might be the strongest kid in the world.

As Naofumi discovers for himself, Fohl’s not a normal Demi-Human. He and his sister, Atla, are White Tiger, or Hakuko, Demi-Humans. They can level up faster than even other Demi-Humans can, and despite being a kid, Fohl’s stats are ridiculously high. Naofumi doesn’t hesitate to buy them both.

Those who know Naofumi know that he’s capable of great kindness, despite his demeanor saying otherwise. In this case, he earns the sibling’s eternal loyalty by giving the blind and sickly Atla a rare medicine that cures her debilitating illness. After that’s done, they both vow to help Naofumi no matter what.

It’s not until the end of the episode where the idea of fate comes into play. As the closing moments of the episode reveal, Atla and Fohl have a surprising connection to the ex-King of Melromarc, Trash. Naofumi’s one-time enemy is pratically in hysterics when he sees Fohl, and more importantly, Atla. As the Queen of Melromarc reveals, there’s a good reason.

For the sake of viewer’s suspense, it will not be revealed here. However, what the Queen tells Naofumi starts to put into perspective the reason why he hated Naofumi so much when he hadn’t done anything wrong. It doesn’t excuse his actions, but makes him feel a little more sympathetic.ย 

Lulorona Village is Growing Stronger

The other big highlight of the episode is getting to see how Lulorona Village is now coming together under Naofumi. All the remaining Demi-Human’s from the village are home, with Naofumi and his party keeping them safe. Much to Naofumi (and Raphtalia’s) dismay, though, Sadeena’s decided she’s fallen for Naofumi.

It’s not explained in the anime, but in the light novels, Sadeena or Raphtalia reveal that the former would only marry someone who can out-drink her. Since Naofumi shares anotherย shield hero’sย inability to get drunk, she thinks he’s perfect for her. Since Raphtalia already has her own feelings for Naofumi, it’s amusing seeing her get irritated with her big sister figure as she does.ย 

Naofumi is the Master of Karmic Clapbacks!

More importantly, though, the parts in Lulorona village show yet another example of fate in action. While Naofumi and the others are away, the village gets attacked by slavers. Thankfully, due to Fohl’s quick thinking, the heroes return and wipe the floor with all of them. It’s then that Raphtalia reveals that these are the very same soldiers that had abducted her and her friends the first time around. It seems they were foolish enough to try a second time.

Once again showing his ability to exercise the ultimate form of karma, Naofumi decides not to kill them. Instead, he sells them into slavery in Siltvelt, AKA the country that considers the Shield Hero a God. Pure. Karma. Never mess with the Shield Hero.

This episode wasn’t anywhere near as filled with action as the previous one. However, it makes up for it with the introduction of Atla and Fohl and the impact they have on the story. Both of them are going to become powerful allies to Naofumi as time goes on. In addition, knowing that Raphtalia was able to bring the ones who enslaved her to justice is a nice sense of closure. However, the next episode will raise the stakes with the attempts to capture the wayward Spear Hero, Motoyasu. Naofumi’s going to need all the luck he can get.

I Give “The White Tiger Siblings” a 4/5

Sadeena, the Killer Whale Waifu, Joins the Battle

Aside Roderick J "Jay" Friz Anime Reviews, Uncategorized , , , , , , , , , ,

The Rising of the Shield Hero S3 Ep 2 Review

Following a lackluster second outing,ย The Rising of the Shield Heroย managed to regain some of it with last week’s start to its third season. From the getgo, it seemed apparent that the people making the anime listened to the fans complaints and got their act together. The animation’s returned to it’s former glory, and more importantly, the pacing of the story’s improved. Naofumi’s mission to free the rest of Raphtalia’s people has led his party to an underground fighting ring, and let the animation truly shine. More than that, though, it’s led us to another contender for the best waifu list of 2023. Sadeena enters the story in full, and she’s a killer!

Sadeena, the Whale Waifu!

After playing the underground fighting ring’s rules against it to win a ton of money, Naofumi’s party is sitting pretty. Either groups refuse to fight them and forfeit, or they win and increase their reputation. Either way, they’re well on their way to earning enough money to free Raphtalia’s people. That’s when they run into the woman they spoke to at the colosseum.

She goes by the alias of Nadia, but her true name is Sadeena, a killer whale Demi-human. Powerful and playful, she bonds with Naofumi over drinks, and when she sees how well he holds his liquor, throws some signs that she’s into him. Despite this episode marking her second appearance though, she’s got a bit of depth to her. 

It’s soon revealed that Sadeena hails from Lulorona Village like Raphtalia and her friends. Raphtalia even looked up to Sadeena as a cool big sister. However, she had been away from the village when the Wave of Catastrophe destroyed it and its people enslaved. Thus, she feels a great deal of remorse over being unable to stop the destruction that she hides behind her confident exterior. That is, until she learns Naofumiโ€™s true identity in the ring.

The Animation Kicked Up a Notch

The fight between the Shield Hero party and Sadeena is a visually spectacular battle. The animation has not only returned to what it was in the first season, but surpassed it, with all parties showing what they can do. More than that, it’s an emotional fight, with Raphtalia getting to show her beloved big sister how strong sheโ€™s grown. The relief on Sadeenaโ€™s face at Raphtaliaโ€™s, and their villages, survival is made apparent by her decision to forfeit. The Shield Hero looks set to free all the villagers!

That’s when the fates decide to throw another curveball.

Not wanting to lose all that money, the people running the arena demand Naofumiโ€™s group fight a surprise challenger. Despite being young and hidden behind a mask, their power is evident. They battle all four people (Rishia and Raph-Chan don’t fight) to a standstill. That’s in spite of the fact that Naofumiโ€™s a Cardinal Hero and Raphtalia a Vassal Hero. Thankfully, Naofumi still manages to get the money, despite the slavers trying to cheat him out of it.

Fohl is the one of the bottom left

That child they fought, though, isn’t a one-off character. As the end of the episode reveals, his name is Fohl and the reason he’s fighting is to pay for medicine for his sick sister. Much like Sadeena, both of them are going to become important to the story going forward. 

This episode was another banger. From the happy reunion of Raphtalia and Sadeena to the exciting fights, it looks like Shield Hero is back in business. Sadeena might be a contender for one of the top waifu’s for 2023, much like Raphtalia before her in 2020. And, two more important characters have joined the cast. If all goes well, then Shield Hero is on track to regaining its top spot in the Isekai world.

That’s assuming it manages to overcome the pacing problems from last season. Given how the third season will only have twelve episodes, though, it will be a test. Fingers crossed!

I Give “Nadia” a 4/5