To Be Hero X Episode 13, titled “Tough Girl,” premiered on Sunday, June 29, 2025, marking the highly anticipated commencement of the “Loli Arc.” This pivotal episode delves into the profound societal prejudices faced by its new protagonist, Loli, a genius youth inventor whose “cute” appearance constantly undermines her aspirations of becoming a hero.
The Premise of Trust Value in To Be Hero X
The world of To Be Hero X operates on a unique system where heroism is quantified by “Trust Value.” This metric, reflecting public belief and perception, directly influences a hero’s powers and even their physical appearance. Individuals with high Trust Value can manifest superpowers, while a decline in public trust can lead to a loss of abilities and even physical changes. This central tenet sets the stage for Loli’s struggles, as her perceived “cuteness” clashes with the public’s expectations of a powerful hero. The series, a Chinese original donghua, is the third installment in the To Be Hero anthology franchise and premiered on Fuji Television and other Japanese channels on April 6, 2025. It is a co-production between BeDream, Bilibili, and Aniplex.
Loli’s Heroic Ambition Versus Societal Stereotypes
Episode 13 immediately establishes Loli’s core conflict. Despite her inherent strength and a strong desire to become a hero, inspired by figures like Queen, she is met with dismissive attitudes due to her appearance. Flashbacks reveal a young Loli, energized by Queen’s speeches, aspiring to heroism, only to be patronized by her mother and others who focus solely on her “cuteness” rather than her heroic dreams.
As Loli matures, this prejudice intensifies. Even after rigorous training that develops her physique and garners admiration, the moment her “cute” face and long pink hair are revealed, the admiration dissipates, and her Trust Value drops. Her muscles seemingly “shrink” into a more “adorable” form, a visual manifestation of how societal perception directly impacts individuals in this world. This profound internal struggle forms the emotional core of “Tough Girl,” as Loli grapples with the idea of altering her appearance to fit societal norms. She contemplates cutting her hair or abandoning traditionally feminine attire to be taken seriously. However, Loli ultimately rejects the notion of compromising her identity, choosing instead to embrace who she is while finding a way to fulfill her heroic ambitions.
The Genesis of the Battle Suit
Loli’s solution to this conundrum is ingenious and central to her character arc: she decides to design and build a battle suit. This mechanical suit allows her to conceal her face and thus, her “cute” appearance, enabling her to act as a hero without immediate judgment based on her looks. Her inspiration for this technological approach partly stems from observing DJ Shindig, another hero known for a unique appearance.
Episode 13 showcases Loli’s initial foray into heroics with her prototype suit. While demonstrating her intellect and gadgetry, she encounters a mysterious stalker, engaging in a fierce, albeit inexperienced, battle. This confrontation highlights her raw talent and determination but also her lack of combat experience, a nuanced portrayal that avoids making her an instantly overpowered character. The fight takes a critical turn when her mask is dislodged, revealing her face. Upon seeing her “cute” appearance, the stalker awkwardly flees, underscoring the very prejudice Loli is fighting against.
Introducing Wang Nuonuo and the Ghostblade Connection
During her heroic efforts, Loli saves a girl named Wang Nuonuo from the aforementioned stalker. Their interaction leads to a discussion about the prejudices they have both faced, forming a connection between the two characters. The episode subtly hints at a deeper significance for Nuonuo, suggesting a potential familial link to Ghostblade, the protagonist of a future arc in To Be Hero X. Theories among fans, supported by official content, propose that Nuonuo might be Ghostblade’s daughter and that the mysterious stalker could even be Ghostblade himself, attempting to protect her in a concealed manner due to his own complex past. Ghostblade is a highly skilled assassin, raised to be a killer, which left him traumatized and unable to smile. His arc, spanning episodes 15-16, is anticipated to explore his desire for something that feels distant to him, potentially his daughter.
Reception and Themes Explored
“Tough Girl” has been well-received for its compelling narrative and its exploration of complex themes. Directed by Li Haoling, the episode is praised for its visually stunning presentation and its nuanced tackling of prejudice, societal norms, and personal identity. The episode effectively brings to light the sexism and superficial judgments women often face, particularly in the context of Loli’s struggle to be seen as capable and strong rather than merely “cute.” The absence of a tragic backstory for Loli, instead focusing on the daily struggles of perception, adds a unique and empowering dimension to the hero narrative.
The episode also further develops the series’ world-building by continuously illustrating how belief and perception directly affect physical attributes and powers within the To Be Hero X universe. “To Be Hero X” is available for streaming on platforms such as Crunchyroll (outside Asia), Bilibili, U-NEXT, and d Anime Store. The series is planned for 24 episodes, with the Loli Arc encompassing episodes 13 and 14.
