The Shy Hero and the Assassin Princesses has quickly become one of the most talked about entries of the Summer 2025 anime season. Officially adapted by Studio Connect, the series is based on the manga written by Norishiro chan and illustrated by Yukiji Setsuda. With its pilot episode premiering through an advanced screening on July 5, 2025, the anime is now set to run for a total of 12 episodes in its first season, continuing to air every Saturday for premium streamers on Crunchyroll and ABEMA Premium.
The anime’s release strategy has generated buzz among global fans. Viewers on Crunchyroll and ABEMA Premium receive early access to each episode a week before it airs on Japanese television networks. The official streaming time remains consistent every week, with new episodes releasing at 8:30 am Pacific Time, 4:30 pm British Time, and 8:30 pm Indian Standard Time. The final early access episode is scheduled to drop on September 20, 2025. Regular TV broadcasts and other streaming services will air the episodes one week later, concluding with the season finale on September 27, 2025.
The story follows Toto, a towering and powerful adventurer who, despite his appearance, is painfully shy. His journey becomes chaotic when three assassin princesses join his party under the pretense of working together while secretly planning his assassination. The twist, however, is that every plan they hatch backfires. Toto, unintentionally or not, always ends up rescuing them from danger, often without even realizing their true motives. The characters include the cunning Ciel, the impulsive Anemone, and the silent but deadly Gore. Their failed attempts and ongoing misunderstandings create a series that is equal parts hilarious, charming, and filled with unexpected emotional moments.
From a narrative perspective, the series leans heavily into comedy but mixes it with high fantasy elements and lighthearted action sequences. It is a parody of conventional adventure tropes, poking fun at overpowered protagonists and secretive side characters while offering genuine character development and endearing interactions. Toto’s obliviousness becomes the heart of the show, and the assassin princesses' gradual emotional conflict between their mission and their growing admiration for him keeps the story unpredictable and engaging.
Crunchyroll’s inclusion of the anime in its Summer 2025 lineup has helped extend its reach across international territories, making it accessible for viewers outside Japan in real time. Non premium users will still be able to enjoy the episodes through Japanese broadcast partners like Tokyo MX, BS11, AT X, and streaming platforms including Prime Video, Hulu, and d Anime Store, although a week later than premium viewers.
As the season progresses, fans can expect more elaborate assassination plots, increasingly absurd scenarios, and touching character backstories that elevate the comedy. While the surface presents a silly and slapstick fantasy adventure, underneath is a story about identity, expectations, and finding connections in the most unexpected places.
The Shy Hero and the Assassin Princesses is a fresh take on the fantasy comedy genre, delivering humor without undermining character depth. With strong animation from Studio Connect and a unique cast of characters, the show offers a delightful experience each week that stands out in a crowded seasonal lineup.
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