Episode 16 of To Be Hero X, titled “The Cure,” marked a significant point in the series, bringing the Ghostblade arc to a momentary conclusion and revealing critical truths to his daughter, Nuonuo. Released on Sunday, July 20, 2025, this episode delved into the complexities of family, trust, and the intricate world of heroes powered by public faith.
Ghostblade’s Dual Mission: Protection and Paternity
In “The Cure,” Ghostblade, one of the top-ranked heroes, found himself at the alien shipwreck site, joining Professor Luo’s investigation team. His primary motivation was the safety of his daughter, Nuonuo. The episode masterfully blended the series’ signature humor with poignant emotional depth, showcasing Ghostblade’s struggle with his socially awkward nature and his inability to verbally express his true feelings, particularly concerning his relationship with Nuonuo.
A recurring comedic element arose from misunderstandings, with his comrades mistakenly believing him to be Nuonuo’s lover, leading to awkward and humorous interactions. Despite these lighthearted moments, the underlying tension revolved around Ghostblade’s secret identity and his desire to connect with his estranged daughter.
The Unveiling of Truth
A pivotal moment in Episode 16 saw Nuonuo discover a diary in Ghostblade’s jacket. This diary contained detailed journal entries about her life, meticulously kept by Ghostblade. Through these entries, Nuonuo gradually pieced together the truth: her father, whom she believed to be dead, was alive and was, in fact, Ghostblade—the person she had initially perceived as a stalker. This revelation served as the emotional climax of the episode, highlighting Ghostblade’s efforts to understand and connect with his daughter from afar, documenting her favorite things and experiences.
The episode emphasized that effective communication doesn’t always need to be verbal, showcasing Ghostblade’s observant nature and his deep, albeit unspoken, love for Nuonuo. His arc explored the theme of becoming a hero not just in the public eye, but in the eyes of those who truly matter.
Expanding the Narrative: Fear Particles and Upcoming Arcs
Beyond the personal revelations, “The Cure” added further layers to the ongoing “Fear Particle” narrative. The death of DJ Shindig left Fear particles suspended, one of which was absorbed by Ghostblade. The episode also hinted at a deeper connection between the Fear cult and the Hero Commission, suggesting they might even be one and the same.
The conclusion of the Ghostblade arc in Episode 16 also set the stage for future developments. The episode ended with the realization that Little Johnney was missing, signaling the imminent “Johnnies Arc”. The emotional state of The Johnnies, now compromised, and the “vacation” of Queen and Cyan to a UFO crash site, hinted at forthcoming confrontations and revelations within the To Be Hero X universe. The series, known for its non-chronological storytelling, continues to weave an intricate narrative, with each character’s arc intentionally ordered to gradually reveal their backstories and connections.
To Be Hero X premiered on April 6, 2025, on Fuji Television and other channels, with new episodes releasing on Saturdays. The series is a co-production between BeDream, Bilibili, and Aniplex, animated by BeDream in collaboration with Pb Animation Co. Ltd., Studio LAN, and Paper Plane Animation Studio. Crunchyroll also streams the series outside of Asia. The first season is expected to have 24 episodes, with the finale scheduled for September 6, 2025.
