Fans of the popular donghua series To Be Hero X have been eagerly anticipating the latest installment, Episode 21, which promised to deepen the narrative and reveal crucial plot points. Titled “Nurturing God,” this episode marks a significant turning point in the series, officially kicking off the pivotal Dragon Boy Arc and delivering shocking revelations about the true intentions of key characters and the nature of hero society itself.
Release Details and Where to Watch Episode 21
To Be Hero X Episode 21, “Nurturing God,” was released on August 23 or 24, 2025, depending on the time zone. Viewers in North America, Central America, South America, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Oceania, and the Indian subcontinent can stream the episode on Crunchyroll. In Japan, it aired on Fuji Television and other local networks, with simultaneous streaming available on platforms like Bilibili Global. New episodes of To Be Hero X typically release on Saturdays at 5:30 p.m. PT / 8:30 p.m. ET on Crunchyroll, with both Japanese dubs and English subtitles.
Major Plot Developments in “Nurturing God”
Episode 21 delves deep into the motivations and hidden agendas driving the hero world, pushing the storyline into new, intense directions. The episode is crucial for understanding the overarching plot of To Be Hero X, a series lauded for its unique premise where hero powers are directly tied to public trust.
The Dragon Boy Arc Begins and Mr. Rock’s Intentions
“Nurturing God” officially inaugurates the Dragon Boy Arc, shifting focus to the enigmatic Dragon Boy and the true purpose behind his existence. The episode reveals Mr. Rock’s actual intentions concerning Dragon Boy, shedding light on the complex web of manipulation and power dynamics at play within the hero society.
Nice’s True Purpose and Mr. Shand’s Revenge
A significant revelation in Episode 21 concerns the hero Nice. It is disclosed that Nice is merely a “puppet” of Mr. Shand, whose true aim is to use Nice to exact revenge against E-Soul and Rock. These figures are implicated in the death of Shand’s son, Shang Chao. Mr. Shand’s plan involves propelling Nice into the top 10 hero rankings and subsequently having him “demolish the relic,” which is identified as Hero Smile. This places Nice in a horrific predicament, torn between his duties and the devastating consequences of his actions against someone who gave him a reason to be a hero.
The Connection Between Hero Smile and X
The episode also highlights a close and surprising connection between Hero Smile and the titular character, X. It’s revealed that they are close friends who share each other’s secrets, engaging in conversations about the hardships of their lives. X expresses a desire to break free from the hero business, but circumstances continually tie him to the “X” title. A subtle hint suggests that X possesses an alternate personality that manifests when he snaps his fingers.
Continuing the Season’s Momentum
Episode 20 had already escalated the stakes by assembling previously introduced heroes and setting the stage for major revelations, including the tragic conclusion of Loli’s character arc with the death of her father, Professor Luo, and Nuonuo’s severe injuries. Episode 21 continues this momentum, building upon the twists and turns to bring the series closer to its grand finale. Prior episodes are now considered a prologue to the actual main story that is gaining full traction.
The World of To Be Hero X
To Be Hero X is a Chinese original donghua series, the third installment in the To Be Hero anthology franchise. It premiered on April 6, 2025, and 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. The series is set in a world where public “faith” directly translates into superpowers. Heroes gain abilities if people believe they can, but lose them if that trust fades. This trust is quantified, and heroes are ranked accordingly, with the number one hero holding the title of “X.” The series explores the complex and often sinister implications of such a system.
The first season of To Be Hero X is structured into narrative arcs, each focusing on different top 10 heroes and exploring their origins and struggles. The entire season is expected to have 24 episodes, with Episode 21 being a crucial step towards the season’s conclusion.
