The Rising of the Shield Herocame out just as isekai anime are flooding the market. Despite the tough competition, it managed to rise above the others — at least enough to last until the present. Whether it lives up to that reputation is up to you to decide.
What we do know for certain is that the anime’s fourth season iscoming out in July this year. Given that it’s been more than a year sinceThe Rising of the Shield Hero Season 3came to an end, it’s reasonable that the story isn’t as stark as day in your memory. But fret not, here’s everything you need to remember before the fourth season drops.
Return to Melromarc
Before jumping to the third season, it can be remembered that Naofumi and the gang were transported to another world. There, they joined forces with its heroes to fight against the Spirit Tortoise. After saving that world, the gang returned to Melromarc to prepare for the fight against the next Guardian Beast — the Phoenix.
Upon their return, however, Naofumi and Co. are greeted with grim news. At the time they were at Glass’ world, the other three Cardinal Heroes had gone missing, and they weren’t the only ones. Bitch’s (Princess Malty) whereabouts were also unknown, so Queen Mirellia reminded Naofumi to keep safe.
Recruiting allies like collectibles
The bulk of the last season was focused on Naofumi recruiting allies. His first course of action was to buy all of the remaining demi-human slaves in Melromarc. After that, he started rebuilding Lurolona Village. Afterward, he — accompanied by Raphtalia and Filo — went to Zeltoble to free more demi-humans. Unfortunately, he didn’t have enough money to purchase more, forcing him to join an underground fighting arena.
It was there that he met Nadia, who turned out to be Raphtalia’s friend Sadeena. Nadia then colluded with Naofumi to take the prize money. However, their ruse was discovered and they were forced to battle the mysterious Syne, who also eventually joined the gang.
After getting the prize money, Naofumi managed to buy the other former residents of Lurolona Village. During that process, he also met and purchased the siblings Atla and Fohl. They were demi-humans who would eventually become crucial members of Naofumi’s party.
Given the gravity of the Phoenix’s threat, Naofumi alone wouldn’t be able to stop it. He had to somehow unite the Four Cardinal Heroes to fend off the Guardian Beast. Even though it seemed impossible, Naofumi somehow pulled it off.
After being rejected by Bitch, Motoyasu spiraled into oblivion. That was until he met Filo and was enthralled by her dancing, which became a key factor in his decision to join Naofumi. Ren was also in a slump after losing all of his party members. To make matters worse, he became Bitch’s next target. Instead of self-reflecting, he blamed his party members’ death on their supposed weakness. He then went on a rampage against Naofumi, but he ultimately lost despite utilizing his weapon’s Curse series. And so, he joined the team in pursuit of true power.
After Ren, Bitch moved on to the Bow Hero Itsuki. Bitch and his former party members manipulated and turned him into a cash cow. Ironically, Rishia — the member he abandoned — was the one to knock sense into him through her unwavering loyalty.
How did The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 3 end?
Despite all the preparation to face off against the Phoenix, Season 3 surprisingly ends by setting up another adversary — Q’ten Lo. Raphtalia turned out to be of royal descent and was a rightful competitor for the throne. Her dawning the priestess garb Naofumi gifted her was misunderstood as her declaration of contesting for the throne. And so, the assassins targeted and would continue to relentlessly attack her.
This turn of events rightfully angered Naofumi. With Q’ten Lo targeting Raphtalia, he decided to confront the nation and fight them if needed.
