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Does Naofumi Ever Return to His World in The Rising of the Shield Hero?


Does Naofumi Return to His World in The Rising of the Shield Hero?
Credit: Kinema Citrus

The Rising of the Shield Hero, like any other isekai anime, brings forth a hero from the real world into the fantasy world. With that said, questions arise about whether the hero goes back to the real world at the end of the show. In the case of Naofumi, he intends to go home, as seen in the anime. However, does Naofumi ever return to his world in The Rising of the Shield Hero?

In case you missed it, The Rising of the Shield Hero has a manga, a web novel, and a light novel series that are very different from each other. In case you’re an anime-only fan, beware of spoilers ahead.

Either way, The Rising of the Shield Hero is one of the most well-known isekai anime, and it stars the shield hero, Naofumi Iwatani, the beautiful yet fierce demi-human, Raphtalia, and the adorable yet powerful filiolial, Filo.

Related: The Best Adventure Anime to Watch

Does Naofumi Return to His World in The Rising of the Shield Hero Anime?

Does Naofumi Return to His World in The Rising of the Shield Hero Anime?
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Credit: Kinema Citrus

It is too early to confirm whether Naofumi will return to his world in The Rising of the Shield Hero anime adaptation as Season 2 has only recently premiered. However, Naofumi Iwatani intends to return to his world, as seen in both Seasons 1 and 2.

After all, it's understandable that Naofumi has been mocked and shamed by the former King of Melromarc, Myne, and some of the citizens for all the wrong reasons. In fact, he is so eager to return home that he wants to complete his task soon enough after eradicating the mysterious waves while also successfully defending the citizens of Melromarc and its neighboring kingdoms.

Moreover, he wants everything in place as soon as he goes back to the real world. For instance, he has helped in rebuilding Raphtalia’s village as well as seeking the filolial Queen, Fitoria, for Filo’s sake. He even informs the Queen of Melromarc about it and asks the former King about his eventual return.

Does Naofumi Return to His World in The Rising of the Shield Hero Manga?

Does Naofumi Return to His World in The Rising of the Shield Hero Manga?
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Credit: Kinema Citrus

The Rising of the Shield Hero manga is still unfinished at the time of writing. In light of this, Naofumi is still in the fantasy world, fighting alongside his friends Raphtalia, Filo, Rishia, and Melty.

In fact, the dragon hourglass has encountered a shift in the countdown to the arrival of the waves of calamity, so they are still in the middle of defending the world against the waves at the time of writing. Naofumi, like in the anime, wishes to return to his world once everything has calmed down.

Does Naofumi Return to His World in The Rising of the Shield Hero Web Novel?

Does Naofumi Return to His World in The Rising of the Shield Hero Web Novel?
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Credit: Kinema Citrus

The events in the web novel differ from those in the anime and manga adaptations. In case you missed it, The Rising of the Shield Hero web novel is a separate canon from the light novel series. Naofumi Iwatani attained immortal godhood and the ability to create an incarnation of himself that combines the best of both worlds.

In reality, he has a version of himself who has married Raphtalia. Meanwhile, Naofumi has been venerated as the God of Heroes in Raphtalia's realm, alongside his frequent blacksmith, Erhard, who has been worshipped as the God of Blacksmith. Surprisingly, Naofumi practices concubinage that has given birth to a large number of offspring. As a result, his progeny have inherited the title of royals in Naofumi's village, Stone Village.

Naofumi reunites with Raphtalia and the now immortal Filo upon his return to the fantasy realm as an omnipotent God. They all left pieces of themselves behind to embark on a new adventure.

Related: Does The Rising of the Shield Hero Become a Harem?

Does Naofumi Return to His World in The Rising of the Shield Hero Light Novel?

Does Naofumi Return to His World in The Rising of the Shield Hero Light Novel?
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Credit: Kinema Citrus

Naofumi is presented with three options in the light novel The Rising of the Shield Hero.

First, he will have the option to return to his world with three wishes. One of these wishes will allow Naofumi to have someone from the fantasy world accompany him in the real world.

Second, Naofumi will have the chance to go back and forth from his world to Raphtalia’s world. In short, Naofumi can visit Raphtalia and the others anytime he likes.

Lastly, Naofumi will have the opportunity to gain the status of a respected hero and king as long as he stays in the fantasy world.

This is after the cardinal weapons revealed to Naofumi that he had significantly contributed to the world's defense and had risen to become a recognized shield hero. In any event, this demonstrates that the web novel and the light novel are vastly different and that fans will be confused as the plot unveils.

Related: The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 2 Dub Release Date: When Will it be Dubbed in English?

For more articles like this, take a look at our Anime and The Rising of the Shield Hero page.