To Be Hero X, the highly anticipated Chinese original donghua series, continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of 2D and 3D animation and a compelling narrative centered on public faith in superheroes. Episode 21, titled “Nurturing God,” delivered significant plot developments, delving deeper into the intricate web of alliances, betrayals, and the true nature of heroism within this universe. Released on August 23, 2025 (or August 24, 2025, depending on the time zone), this episode kickstarted a new arc and offered crucial revelations about several key characters.
The Release and Accessibility of Episode 21
Fans eager to follow the unfolding saga of To Be Hero X had the opportunity to watch Episode 21 shortly after its debut. The episode premiered on August 23, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. PT / 8:30 p.m. ET in the Western regions, with a Japanese release on August 24, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. JST. Viewers in North America, Central America, South America, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Oceania, and the Indian subcontinent can stream “Nurturing God” on Crunchyroll, which offers both Japanese dubs and English subtitles. Additionally, the episode was available on Bilibili Global in select regions and broadcast on Fuji Television and other local networks in Japan.
Diving Deep into “Nurturing God”: Key Plot Points
Episode 21 of To Be Hero X officially launched the “Dragon Boy Arc,” shifting the narrative focus and introducing pivotal insights into the motivations of several characters.
The Enigma of Dragon Boy and Mr. Rock’s Agenda
A central figure in this episode is Dragon Boy, the 3rd highest-ranked hero, whose backstory and purpose began to unravel. Mr. Rock’s true intentions regarding Dragon Boy were revealed, hinting at a plan to groom him into a powerful figure, possibly even the new “Zero,” a legendary hero-turned-villain. Dragon Boy’s combat style, reminiscent of an X-Men villain, involves absorbing kinetic energy from attacks to increase his strength, making direct confrontation a perilous strategy. His disdain for most people, viewing them as “trash,” underscores a potential anti-hero crusade.
Nice’s Predicament and Mr. Shand’s Vengeance
The episode also shed light on the manufactured nature of Nice’s heroism. Revealed to be a puppet of Mr. Shand and his company, Treeman, Nice’s public persona was carefully crafted through PR strategies, complete with staged villains and a fabricated love interest. His only genuine connections appear to be his friendship with Wrek and his admiration for Hero Smile. Mr. Shand’s true aim is to use Nice as a tool for revenge against E-Soul and Rock, whom he holds responsible for his son Shang Chao’s death. Shand’s immediate goal is to propel Nice into the top 10 rankings to dismantle Hero Smile, seen as a “relic” impeding his plans.
The Unlikely Friendship of X and Smile
A significant revelation in “Nurturing God” was the close friendship between Hero Smile and X, the top-ranked hero whose true identity remains a mystery. The episode featured a scene where Smile visited X’s home, confirming their mutual trust and shared secrets. Their conversation touched upon the burdens of heroism, with X expressing a desire to escape the hero business, yet remaining bound by circumstances to his top-rank status. The episode also subtly suggested that X might possess an alternate personality when in his superhero form, similar to a “Hulk-like” transformation triggered by snapping his fingers.
The Road Ahead for To Be Hero X
Episode 21 signifies a turning point for To Be Hero X, setting the stage for increased conflict and deeper character exploration as the season progresses towards its finale. The complexities of public faith, the machinations of hero agencies, and the personal struggles of individuals burdened by their heroic roles are expected to intensify as the Dragon Boy Arc unfolds. The series, which premiered on April 6, 2025, is expected to have 24 episodes in its current season.
