Fans of The Rising of the Shield Hero have eagerly followed Naofumi Iwatani’s journey, and the latest installment, Season 4 Episode 10, titled “Prayers,” delivered a pivotal chapter filled with political maneuvering and significant character development for Raphtalia. Released on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, this episode saw key players navigating treacherous diplomatic waters and solidified Raphtalia’s burgeoning leadership role within the evolving narrative.
Episode 10 Release Details and Where to Watch
The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 4 Episode 10, “Prayers,” premiered on September 10, 2025, at 9:00 PM JST in Japan. For international viewers, the episode became available on streaming platforms like Crunchyroll simultaneously with its Japanese release. New episodes typically arrive on Crunchyroll on Wednesdays at 5:30 AM PDT / 8:30 AM EDT.
Season 4 officially kicked off on July 9, 2025, and is slated to run for 12 episodes, continuing the anime’s adaptation of Aneko Yusagi’s light novel series.
A Deeper Look into “Prayers”: Plot Overview
Episode 10 plunged viewers deeper into the complex political landscape, primarily focusing on Raphtalia’s efforts to broker peace and the manipulative forces at play.
Raphtalia’s Diplomatic Mission and a Test of Resolve
A central theme of “Prayers” revolved around Raphtalia’s meeting with Shildina, the shrine maiden of the water dragon. Raphtalia sought a truce and aimed to initiate peace talks with the emperor. This meeting was designed to be a significant step towards resolving the ongoing conflicts. However, Shildina presented a condition that severely tested Raphtalia’s resolve, adding a layer of tension and complexity to the negotiations.
Makina’s Machinations and Imperial Manipulation
The episode revealed the true extent of the manipulation within the imperial court. Makina, the chief advisor, emerged as a cunning antagonist, expertly influencing the young Heavenly Emperor. Despite the emperor’s apparent desire for peace, Makina pressured him to rescind Shildina’s peace offer and instead command an attack on the rebel army. This twist underscored Makina’s ambition and her ruthless determination to eliminate any opposition, including Raphtalia.
Raphtalia’s Coronation and New Leadership
A monumental moment in “Prayers” was Raphtalia’s coronation as the new Emperor of Q’Ten Lo. This significant development solidifies her transition from Naofumi’s loyal companion to a powerful leader in her own right, capable of bestowing blessings upon those she meets. Her ascension marks a critical turning point in the season, hinting at her increasing agency and influence in the unfolding conflict.
Naofumi’s Discoveries and Zodia’s Intrigue
While Raphtalia was embroiled in political struggles, Naofumi made his own advancements, discovering ancient stones imbued with hero writings that promise to grant him and the other heroes speed boosts. Furthermore, following the introduction of the mysterious lost girl Zodia in Episode 9, Episode 10 was anticipated to further explore her role and the intrigue she brings to the story, potentially impacting Naofumi’s journey.
The Road Ahead for Season 4
The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 4 continues to delve into the conflict with Q’ten Lo, a nation that sent assassins after Raphtalia due to her royal heritage. The season’s tagline, “Revered yet w(e)ary,” and “The return of the exiled,” strongly suggests a narrative focus on Raphtalia’s complex relationship with her birth nation and her ultimate destiny. With Raphtalia now formally stepping into a leadership position, the remaining episodes of Season 4 are poised to explore the consequences of these political maneuverings and the escalating battles ahead.
