“To Be Hero X” episode 6, titled “The Two Souls,” premiered on May 11, 2025, and dives deep into the complexities of heroism, identity, and public perception. The episode showcases Yang Cheng’s burgeoning popularity as the new E-Soul and the original E-Soul’s reaction to this shift in public trust. However, the episode takes a dark turn with a shocking and tragic event that changes the course of Yang Cheng’s journey.
The Meteoric Rise of the New E-Soul
Following his heroic rescue of Pomelo, footage of Yang Cheng’s bravery goes viral, garnering millions of likes and widespread public support. People begin to see him as the “real” E-Soul, impressed by his “contagious energy” and his willingness to connect with the public without the mask. Yang Cheng, with the help of Xia Qing and Shang Zhao, embraces his role and actively works to be a true hero, further solidifying his image in the public eye.
This newfound fame and adoration significantly boost Yang Cheng’s Trust Value, a crucial element in the “To Be Hero X” universe that translates to power and influence. Unlike Lin Ling, who had to deceive the public to gain recognition, Yang Cheng’s rise is more organic, building upon the existing legend of E-Soul. He isn’t trying to replace the original but rather presents himself as a new hero inspired by him. In many ways, Yang Cheng is the Miles Morales to the original E-Soul’s Peter Parker.
The Original E-Soul’s Disquiet
Yang Cheng’s ascendance doesn’t go unnoticed by the original E-Soul. While the veteran hero outwardly maintains that everyone can discern the “real” E-Soul, there are subtle hints of jealousy and unease as he witnesses his Trust Value slightly decline. His manager informs him that Yang Cheng has already taken one percent of his followers. The original E-Soul’s situation is markedly different from Yang Cheng’s, highlighting the contrast between a seasoned hero and a newcomer navigating the complexities of fame and responsibility.
The episode offers a glimpse behind the mask of the original E-Soul, revealing a figure burdened by years of fighting, battle scars, and the loss of an arm. He seems more like a soldier than a starry-eyed hero, and his role has evolved into being a figurehead for his legacy. This portrayal suggests a possible desire for retirement, and the anniversary event may have been an attempt to find a successor to carry on the mantle of E-Soul.
Accusations and Unraveling Trust
Despite his growing popularity, Yang Cheng faces a major setback when he’s accused of hiring the kidnappers who targeted Pomelo. The two men involved claim that Yang Cheng orchestrated the kidnapping to then “save” Pomelo and become a hero. This accusation threatens to destroy the public’s trust in him and derail his journey as the new E-Soul.
Shang Zhao steps in to defend Yang Cheng, gathering evidence to prove his innocence. Shang Chao presents evidence that the kidnappers were hired through a call, and they had no personal contact with Yang Cheng. With the evidence and investigations, Yang Cheng is cleared of the accusation, but the incident casts a shadow of doubt and highlights the challenges of maintaining public trust in a world where appearances can be deceiving.
A Tragic Turning Point
In a shocking turn of events, Shang Chao is murdered. The episode concludes with an unknown assailant shooting Shang Chao in front of Yang Cheng and Xia Qing. Yang Cheng is unable to intervene in time, leaving him and Xia Qing devastated. The identity of the shooter remains a mystery, but some clues suggest a connection to the earlier kidnapping. The killer wears a mask similar to Yang Cheng’s E-Soul mask, suggesting that Yang Cheng was the intended target.
Shang Chao’s death serves as a catalyst for Yang Cheng’s character development, potentially pushing him down a darker path fueled by rage and revenge. Some viewers speculate that Shang Chao’s death was a planned event, orchestrated to manipulate Yang Cheng into becoming a more committed hero, similar to Uncle Ben’s death in Spider-Man. Others even theorize that Shang Chao may have ordered the abduction himself to boost Yang Cheng’s image.
Themes and Analysis
Episode 6 of “To Be Hero X” explores several key themes:
- The Nature of Heroism: The episode questions what truly makes a hero – is it innate ability, public perception, or a commitment to justice? Yang Cheng’s rise challenges the established image of the original E-Soul, forcing viewers to consider different facets of heroism.
- The Price of Fame: Yang Cheng’s sudden fame comes with its own set of challenges, including the pressure to maintain a perfect image and the risk of being targeted by enemies. The episode highlights the sacrifices and dangers that come with being a public figure.
- Trust and Betrayal: The accusations against Yang Cheng and the murder of Shang Chao underscore the fragility of trust and the potential for betrayal. The episode explores how easily public opinion can be swayed and the devastating consequences of false accusations.
- The Burden of Responsibility: Yang Cheng grapples with the weight of his newfound powers and the responsibility to protect those around him. He must learn to navigate the complexities of being a hero while dealing with his own insecurities and self-doubt.
- Legacy and Succession: The episode hints at the original E-Soul’s desire to pass on his legacy, raising questions about who is worthy to carry the mantle and how a hero’s image can be maintained over time.
Reception and Impact
“To Be Hero X” episode 6 has garnered mixed reactions from viewers. Some have praised the episode’s exploration of complex themes and its shocking plot twist. Others have criticized the use of death as a plot device, arguing that it feels repetitive and unnecessary. Despite the differing opinions, the episode has sparked considerable discussion and speculation about the future direction of the series. The cliffhanger ending has left viewers eager to see how Yang Cheng will respond to Shang Chao’s death and whether he will succumb to the darker impulses that now threaten to consume him.
The episode’s exploration of heroism and identity has also resonated with viewers, prompting comparisons to other superhero stories such as Spider-Man and Miles Morales. The dynamic between Yang Cheng and the original E-Soul offers a fresh perspective on the mentor-mentee relationship, challenging traditional notions of what it means to be a hero.
Overall, “To Be Hero X” episode 6 is a pivotal installment in the series, raising the stakes and setting the stage for a dramatic and unpredictable future. The episode’s exploration of complex themes and its shocking plot twist have left a lasting impact on viewers, solidifying “To Be Hero X” as a thought-provoking and engaging anime series.
