English Dub Review: The Rising of the Shield Hero “Leaving Port”

Overview

Naofumi returns, temporarily, to Lurolona Village, and decides who he’s going to take with him.


Our Take

Picking up from the previous episode, Naofumi’s preparations for the journey to Q’ten Lo gather a diverse mix of allies, combining long-standing companions with notable returns like blacksmith Erhard, whose personal mission aligns with their goal. The village sendoff is filled with humor and camaraderie, from Keel’s unexpected gender reveal, which quickly turns into a business opportunity, to a Titanic reference when they enter the boat. Beneath the comedic moments are subtle but meaningful decisions for everyone else who isn’t tagging along.

The voyage blends lighthearted banter with moments of real danger as seasickness, whirlpools, and enemy assassins challenge the crew. While some members struggle under pressure, others keep the mission on track until a massive water tornado separates Naofumi, Raphtalia, Sadeena, and Gaelion from the rest. The phenomenon is revealed to be the work of Q’ten Lo’s Water Dragon, whose mysterious message entrusts them with a vital mission of great importance…

Overall, this episode is a standout transition into the Q’ten Lo arc, blending humor, character growth, and well-timed action with impressive animation and scenic detail. Naval combat sequences are lively and well-choreographed, while the reveal of Q’ten Lo captures a true sense of wonder despite occasional CG inconsistencies. Careful pacing ensures the setup feels engaging rather than filler. And the island itself is a sight to behold with a traditional Japanese aesthetic with Cherry Blossom Trees and Pagoda buildings that’s in contrast to the usual European Medieval scenery we’re used to in the past 3 seasons.