Fans of the acclaimed Isekai anime, The Rising of the Shield Hero, have been eagerly following the unfolding narrative of Season 4, which premiered on July 9, 2025. Episode 10, titled “Prayers”, which aired on September 10, 2025, marked a pivotal moment, delving deeper into political intrigue and character development, particularly for Raphtalia. This season continues to expand the world, introducing new challenges and further solidifying Naofumi Iwatani’s journey as the Shield Hero.
Release Date and Streaming Information
The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 4 Episode 10, “Prayers,” was officially released on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. Viewers in Japan could watch it at 9:00 PM JST, with simultaneous streaming available on Crunchyroll and other licensed platforms shortly after its Japanese premiere, ensuring fans worldwide could experience the story without significant delays. New episodes of Season 4 are typically released on Wednesdays. The season is expected to comprise 12 episodes in total.
Episode 10 Recap: Unraveling “Prayers”
“Prayers” brought significant developments, particularly focusing on Raphtalia’s burgeoning leadership and the treacherous political landscape. The episode saw Raphtalia visiting Shildina, the shrine maiden of the water dragon. What began as a hopeful endeavor for peace talks with the emperor quickly became a test of character, as the manipulative Makina intervened with her ruthless schemes.
A major revelation was the true nature of the emperor, who was not a frail old figure as widely assumed, but rather a puppet under Makina’s complete manipulation. This twist drastically raised the stakes, transforming the narrative into one of high-stakes drama and political maneuvering. Amidst this, Raphtalia stepped into a prominent role, officially accepting her position as the new Emperor of Q’Ten Lo. This demonstrated her evolution beyond merely Naofumi’s combat partner, highlighting her capabilities as a formidable leader in her own right. The episode also introduced a new, mysterious character named Zodia, who appears poised to play a crucial role in the unfolding events.
The overarching plot of Season 4 continues to revolve around Naofumi’s efforts to protect Raphtalia from assassins of Q’Ten Lo, especially after her lineage as a descendant of the royal family of Q’Ten Lo was revealed in the previous season. Naofumi’s journey in Season 4 involves confronting the empire of Q’Ten Lo and navigating new lands, specifically the nation of Siltvelt.
The Broader Narrative of The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 4
Season 4 picks up after Naofumi successfully gathered the other three Cardinal Heroes in Season 3. The overarching premise of The Rising of the Shield Hero centers on Naofumi Iwatani, a young man summoned to a parallel world as the Shield Hero, one of four legendary heroes tasked with fighting inter-dimensional monster hordes known as Waves. Despite being branded as the weakest and facing betrayal early in his journey, Naofumi, alongside his companions like Raphtalia and Filo, has steadily risen to become a revered, yet weary, figure.
Kinema Citrus continues to produce the anime, with Hitoshi Haga reprising his role as series director. The season features opening theme song “Resolution” by Madkid and ending theme “Eien ni Ikkai no” by Chiai Fujikawa. The animation continues to adapt Aneko Yusagi’s light novel series, maintaining the dark fantasy drama elements that have captivated its audience.
Looking Ahead to Future Episodes
With Episode 10 having left fans with a multitude of questions, the stage is set for an intense conclusion to Season 4. Episode 11, scheduled to premiere on September 17, 2025, is expected to delve into the direct fallout of Raphtalia’s significant decisions and Makina’s relentless plotting. Viewers can anticipate a collision between these forces, as Raphtalia grapples with her role as emperor and her ties to Naofumi and the larger fight against the Waves. The season is designed to be a turning point, promising more surprises and high-stakes drama as it approaches its finale with Episode 12 on September 24, 2025.
