like that Naofumi isn’t reacting with outrage over the keel modification attempt as the others are.

I think it really shows how unique an mc is, most of the time in events like these you get a pure “you can’t avoid pain and hardship” speech, but Naofumi actually consenting that it’s Keel’s choice shows both a respect for Keel and a respect for the belief that if someone can take a treatment or body enhancement to make their life better, even with risks attached, it’s a valid form of life to pursue, even if he really doesn’t want Keel to do it. From my point of view, naofumi is the only one in this situation respecting Keel’s autonomy. (Excluding Holn)

Naofumi and co. Don’t have to like it for it to be fair enough desire At least, that’s the message I’m getting.

Also.. Sorry for pulling “that” card but I think this makes sense to bring up. Please be normal about it even if you disagree with my post lol. as a trans woman I can honestly really relate to Keel’s mindset here, of wanting “enhancements” done to your body. Even as someone who personally doesn’t want any “modification” beyond pills and GRS, I’m very glad the series isn’t demonizing that, even if the actual situation is nothing like anything me and my sisters would go through, the message hits all the same to me.

I repeat. I’m not saying this is about trans people. So don’t go crying about that.‘I’m just saying this type of situation is inherently relatable to my community.

I feel like a lot of shield hero subverts your expectations with what you’d normally see coming, and deconstructs a lot of tropes that seem heroic but are flawed one the surface.

For example, the concept that you can just beat up the bad guy and be fine, or the idea that you must always have an undying trust for your companions, the three heroes have one of or both of these two traits and it does irreparable damage to all of them, especially Motoyasu. Because that’s not how things actually fucking work. I think this conflict can go right in with them.

(Also I don’t think Keel backing out changes my point since naofumi still reaffirms that all the villagers will make this choice for themselves, forcing Raphtalia to concede.)

Before I begin, please let me begin with a disclaimer: I love all of shield hero. Not just “season 1”. Not just “the revenge parts” (cringe), I love all of it. All four seasons (yes, that one too! Season 2 is even my fav), and I love all 22 books.

I only say this to clarify. I’m not one of those people that thinks a lot of the series is bad. I don’t like being negative about this series.

But god, Volume 21 - Chapter 3, wave trauma is just a nightmare. I’d love to hear other readers opinions on what I have to say. Maybe a fresh perspective will make me dislike it less.

I’m not talking about the entire chapter, of course. Ironically the part actually about the wave trauma is perfect! Naofumi’s plan to help the villagers process their trauma is sweet, and his little slip about feeling like he’s useless is interesting to chew on.

.. then we get to the head pat.

Now on paper, this is some precious raphumi content after a long time without one, I think their last super big milestone was honestly when Atla forcibly revealed her crush on him… like 5 or 6 books ago.

But the way they handle it.. you know, the backing up, her even equipping a combat stance, assuming Naofumi wanted sex.. it causes numerous problems for me. I know you may say “it’s a joke scene”, but just because it’s intended to be funny doesn’t excuse it. Please hear me out.

1. Raphtalia is too level headed for assumptions like that. In fact, prior to this, she’s even scolding people who make assumptions about Naofumi acting in such a promiscuous manner.
2. The other characters, most of whom had been egging them on, suddenly voice shock and mild disgust. This makes no sense, as they’re the ones that have been asking for a hypothetical scenario like this. At most they’d just say “get a room!”. I recognize Naofumi himself comments on this, but lamp shading the issue doesn’t excuse it.

(Note for those unaware. LAMPSHADING - “a writing technique where a creator deliberately calls attention to an implausible, clichéd, or contrived plot element within the work itself.”)

But now for the big 3rd point. The reason I genuinely hate this scene so much.

It is genuinely so disrespectful to Naofumi and Raphtalia’s entire journey.

Naofumi was falsely accused of rape. We all know this. It’s what fucked the poor guy up so bad. And hell, even if you haven’t seen the show or read the books you’d probably know, because half the time people bring the series up now it’s to slander it based on slavery or malty content.

That is to say- it’s maybe the most important moment in Naofumi’s life. From spin offs where we get to see how his old personality was in more detail, we can see that this caused irreparable damage to his psyche and morality, even this late in the story when he’s healed.

Raphtalia, was a big part of it, single handedly restoring his faith in a world that deemed him one of the worst kinds of monsters.

I think you see where I’m getting at here. Because in volume 21.. she basically accuses him of rape!

Like I said before, she’s freaked out at Naofumi’s approach and adapts a combat stance. Naofumi kinda panics and doesn’t explain himself well after, but even after Imiya explains the situation, raphtalia still has doubts and makes Naofumi confirm he didn’t want to just fuck her in the middle of the field.

1. HOW THE FUCK DID YOU REACH THAT CONCLUSION RAPHTALIA?!
2. She also briefly assumed Naofumi did something terrible to imiya prior to imiya explaining. While I don’t think she genuinely believes Naofumi raped imiya, the implications are there.

And the worst part: after all that, Naofumi just casually corrects her and we have that cute moment. Which would be cute if not for all this bullshit that happened before it!

He doesn’t have any negative reaction to this. Raphtalia genuinely just pulled a (much lighter than malty, admittedly) accusation on him, the guy who had his life and trust shattered by accusations - and he doesn’t care.

To me, it single handedly sets raphtalia and Naofumi’s relationship development back a good chunk, especially since this is one of the last books before the hiatus. We only really get one good raphumi scene after this.

To summarize. I think the scene, in just a few short pages

1. Mischaracterizes just about every side character present
2. Is a wild conclusion to jump to. Makes Raphtalia look fucking stupid.
3. Makes raphtalia also look like a gigantic jerk.
4. Perhaps unintentionally, disrespects naofumi’s most traumatic event and parallels it for comedy.

All while the narrative refuses to aknowledge what just happened.

How I’d alter it: I’d just remove it, honestly. But given he had an insecure line before this convo started, feeling useless to everyone, it may make sense to have him react with an appropriately heartbroken response seeing Raphtalia do this. I’d say that from her perspective it was more crazy village hijinks, and from his he just had the foundation for his slowly regained trust in people shattered. I think this scene could only work if it led to a naofumi relapse. It could tie into him maybe feeling a little jealous that mamoru is actually capable of attacking.

That is a story I’d honestly maybe like a little more than the time travel arc, which is honestly my least favorite arc by a mile. Raphtalia and Naofumi never have any real conflict outside of raphtalia’s jabs when he’s being too mean, or raph Chan hijinks. I think they’d be a stronger couple if they faced problems and overcame them.

So yeah. That’s my piece. Thoughts?