Episode 7 of To Be Hero X, titled “Three Seats,” is a rollercoaster of emotions, shocking revelations, and breathtaking animation that solidifies the series as a standout title of Spring 2025. This episode concludes the E-Soul Arc, leaving viewers speechless and morally conflicted, questioning the very nature of heroism and the insidious corruption lurking beneath the surface of the Hero Association.
A Bitter Victory and a Tragic Fall
Following the devastating events of Episode 6, where Shang Chao tragically loses his life, Yang Cheng is consumed by grief and a thirst for revenge. He channels his pain into rigorous training, preparing for a decisive showdown with the original E-Soul at the 34th E-Soul Anniversary event. Driven by guilt and regret, Yang Cheng sees this battle as his chance to bring justice to Shang Chao’s killer and atone for his own perceived failings.
The duel between the two E-Souls is a visual masterpiece, showcasing the series’ signature blend of 2D and 3D animation. The fight choreography is fluid and impactful, with every punch and movement resonating with the weight of Yang Cheng’s emotional turmoil. Just as Yang Cheng seems on the verge of defeat, Uncle Rock steps in to offer unexpected assistance, guiding Yang Cheng to exploit a weakness in the original E-Soul’s fighting style.
With Rock’s guidance, Yang Cheng manages to defeat the original E-Soul, inheriting the title and becoming one of the top 10 heroes. However, this victory is far from sweet. A rift forms between Cheng and Xia Qing, who grows increasingly concerned about his obsessive quest for vengeance. Yang Cheng’s transformation into E-Soul concludes, but the story is far from over.
The Puppet Master Revealed
The most shocking moment of the episode comes with the revelation of Uncle Rock’s true identity and motives. Initially introduced as a kind and supportive figure, Rock is exposed as a cold, calculating manipulator, the mastermind behind everything that has gone wrong. He is the CEO of Mighty Glory, the top hero company in the business, and has been orchestrating events to turn Yang Cheng into his puppet.
Rock’s manipulation is insidious and far-reaching. He orchestrated Yang Cheng’s participation in the E-Soul auditions, purposely cutting him out in the final round to break his spirit. He then hired a henchman to kidnap Pomelo, allowing Yang Cheng to “save the day” and propel himself into the spotlight as the “New E-Soul.” Even Shang Chao’s death was a carefully calculated move, designed to fuel Yang Cheng’s rage and drive him down a path of revenge.
Uncle Rock’s reveal highlights the corruption and greed that permeate the Hero Association. He embodies the cynical view that heroes are not born, but made, their images and abilities carefully crafted and manipulated for profit. Trust Value, the very source of a hero’s power, is shown to be less about genuine heroism and more about marketability and controlled narratives.
A Morally Grey World
To Be Hero X excels at creating morally complex characters and situations. Yang Cheng is not a flawless hero, but a broken individual driven by grief and a desire for recognition. His jealousy and hesitation ultimately contribute to Shang Chao’s death, a burden that fuels his quest for revenge.
The series challenges the traditional black-and-white view of good and evil, presenting a world where heroes can be manipulated and villains can be sympathetic. As one review puts it, “A hero isn’t the perfect person we dream of them to be. They are broken to the point of no return, and no matter how happy we wish for them to be, a darker side always exists.” Yang Cheng’s journey is a tragic one, as he sacrifices his relationships and his own moral compass in pursuit of a twisted ideal of justice.
Animation and Sound Design
To Be Hero X continues to impress with its exceptional animation and sound design. Episode 7 features some of the finest animation seen in the series so far, with fluid fight sequences and expressive character animations. The blend of 2D and 3D animation is seamless, enhancing the visual storytelling and adding depth to the emotional impact of the episode.
The music is evocative and intense, perfectly complementing the dramatic plot shifts and heightening the tension throughout the episode. The sound design is equally impressive, with every punch, explosion, and emotional beat resonating deeply with the viewer.
Themes and Analysis
Episode 7 delves into several key themes, including:
- The Nature of Heroism: The episode challenges the traditional notion of heroism, suggesting that it is often a manufactured image, carefully crafted and manipulated for public consumption.
- The Corrupting Influence of Power: Uncle Rock’s actions demonstrate how power can corrupt, leading individuals to exploit and manipulate others for their own gain.
- The Price of Revenge: Yang Cheng’s quest for revenge comes at a great cost, as he sacrifices his relationships and his own moral compass in pursuit of justice.
- The Loss of Innocence: Yang Cheng’s journey is a tragic one, as he loses his innocence and becomes a pawn in a larger game of power and manipulation.
- The Gray Areas of Morality: The series excels at portraying morally complex characters and situations, challenging the traditional black-and-white view of good and evil.
A Cliffhanger Ending
Episode 7 ends on a cliffhanger, leaving viewers with many unanswered questions. What is Uncle Rock’s ultimate goal? Will Yang Cheng realize the extent of Rock’s manipulation? And what role will Xia Qing play in the events to come?
The episode sets the stage for the next arc of the series, promising further twists, betrayals, and moral dilemmas. With its compelling characters, stunning animation, and thought-provoking themes, To Be Hero X continues to be one of the most exciting and innovative anime of 2025.
Reception and Impact
Episode 7 of To Be Hero X has been met with widespread critical acclaim, with many reviewers praising its shocking plot twists, stunning animation, and emotional depth. The episode has been described as a “masterclass in animation and manipulation” and “the best episode of the year.”
Fans have also taken to social media to express their shock and excitement, with many praising the series’ willingness to take risks and challenge traditional superhero tropes. The hashtag #ToBeHeroX has been trending worldwide, with fans sharing their theories and predictions for the future of the series.
Where to Watch
To Be Hero X is available to stream on Crunchyroll, Aniplex, and bilibili Global.
Final Thoughts
“Three Seats” is a pivotal episode in To Be Hero X, marking the end of the E-Soul Arc and setting the stage for a new chapter in Yang Cheng’s journey. With its shocking revelations, stunning animation, and thought-provoking themes, the episode solidifies the series as a must-watch for fans of superhero anime and animation in general. As the story moves forward, viewers can expect even more twists, betrayals, and moral dilemmas as Yang Cheng navigates the treacherous world of heroes and villains. The series is expected to have a total of 24 episodes, running until September 14, 2025, so there is still much to uncover in this captivating and innovative anime.
