Naofumi and his companions are finally back as The Rising of the Shield Hero returns for its highly anticipated fourth season, beginning July 9. Studio Kinema Citrus continues its work on the fantasy series, with the opening episode titled “Siltvelt.” Crunchyroll will be streaming the anime globally, and Season 4 is expected to run for 12 episodes.
The new chapter begins with a fresh political twist. Naofumi’s party sets out for Siltvelt, a powerful demi human nation known for its loyalty to the Shield Hero. Their mission is to travel onward to Q’ten Lo, where an assassination plot threatens Raphtalia’s life. However, their path is interrupted when Siltvelt’s leaders give them an unexpectedly grand welcome. This warm reception from the local rulers and citizens leads to a delay in their plans, creating both humorous and emotional moments that signal deeper political complexities ahead.
Siltvelt has always played a mysterious role in the background of the series, but this is the first time viewers get to experience it up close. The visuals from the episode preview highlight lush cityscapes and ceremonial architecture that give fans a taste of the country’s deep culture and reverence for demi humans. For Naofumi, who has long felt out of place among the human elite of Melromarc, this country’s respect is both refreshing and uneasy.
The series continues its tradition of blending heavy themes with fantastical world building. The fourth season is expected to lean even more into the diplomatic challenges and moral ambiguities that have become central to Naofumi’s journey. As he attempts to protect those he cares about, including Raphtalia and Filo, he must also navigate growing tensions between nations and the burden of being the Shield Hero in a divided world.
Episode 1’s preview trailer features a voiceover by Fohl and Atla, two characters whose involvement with Siltvelt is likely to grow. The voice work by Kohei Amasaki and Konomi Kohara adds emotional weight and personality to these characters as the storyline heads into more personal and political waters. With Keigo Koyanagi writing the episode’s script and Takanori Yamamoto handling direction and storyboarding, the premiere is poised to deliver both character depth and visual flair.
The new season also brings back MADKID for the opening theme “Resolution,” a track that echoes the rising tension and inner turmoil of Naofumi’s journey. The ending song “Once in Eternity” by Chiai Fujikawa is already gaining attention for its haunting tone, featured in the latest trailer.
Since its debut, The Rising of the Shield Hero has stood out for its darker approach to the isekai genre, with Naofumi’s struggle against betrayal and systemic bias making him one of the more complex protagonists in recent anime. Season 4 promises to deepen that arc, bringing in new alliances, unresolved secrets, and political drama that spans continents.
As fans count down to the premiere, the return to this richly crafted world offers a chance to reflect on how far these characters have come. From outcasts and wanderers to symbols of power and hope, Naofumi’s team now enters a phase where diplomacy and legacy may weigh more than any battle. Whether you’re a longtime follower or a new viewer, this season is setting up to be one of the most impactful yet.
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