Episode 9 Analysis: Grief's Struggle and Triumph in Hero X's Journey

Hey there, To Be Hero X fans! Hot off the press, we've got the lowdown on Episode 9, titled "Loss and Gain," released on June 1, 2025, and lemme tell ya, it's an absolute game-changer. Here's the 411 on the pop idol, Lucky Cyan, and the unlucky Calamity, aka Luo. Buckle up 'cause this episode is nothing short of a rollercoaster ride!

Cyan's Soaring: From Exploited Idol to Singing Savior

Oh boy, Episode 9 is all about our girl Cyan. Gone are the days of her being the "sacred idol" at the orphanage, exploited for her unique luck that grew with every person believing in her power. This episode marks her breathtaking liberation! Escaping the oppressive facility leaves Cyan alone and forced to navigate the world on her terms. But, this solitude becomes a catalyst for self-discovery, helping her uncover a sense of hope through her blossoming musical talent.

This newfound passion doesn't go unnoticed by the hero management company DOS. Spying her potential, they set their sights on producing her as "Lucky Cyan." This leap solidifies her new public persona as both a musician and a superhero. Her voice actress, Inori Minase, truly brings her character to life. What's truly heartwarming is that despite her newfound freedom and career, Cyan's first condition for joining DOS was their help in finding Luo. Yep, you heard that right - their unbreakable bond persists, demonstrating how he was a "shining light of hope" in Cyan's life.

We even get a touching scene where Lucky Cyan performs a soulful orchestral cover of "My Colour" for Luo in the streets, a quietly emotional moment that strengthens their connection through music. Approximately two years pass between her signing with DOS and her first major concert, allowing her to release singles, a CD, and build a substantial fanbase.

Even if you're not usually into the pop idol scene, you'll likely find yourself appreciating Lucky Cyan. This episode transcends typical idol tropes, presenting her as a complex individual grappling with themes such as identity, expectation, and her true calling. Her struggles and aspirations are remarkably relatable, making her a character that resonates far beyond the idol genre.

Calamity's Dark Descent: Luo's Troublesome Fate

While Cyan finds her light, Luo plunges into the abyss. Calamity, whose true name is Luo, has the formidable, destructive "strange ability to attract disaster." This ability is eerily fueled by the "constant belief that he creates catastrophe." Despite his cheery and happy nature, episode previews hinted at his ability to activate his bad luck at will, which he uses to threaten the Director.

Subsequent information reveals Luo is "alive afterwards" and is seen sitting alone in an empty room with a radio. This is where it gets real chilling: the Orphanage owner whispers something to him that leaves Luo terrified. The scene, coupled with a tear-jerking teaser showing Luo crying under the sprinklers - a heart-wrenching echo of a sweet moment with Cyan - paints a grim picture for our boy.

The narrative strongly suggests Calamity is on a path to becoming a villain, possibly even Cyan's worthy adversary. This transformation could be accelerated if he's approached by the insidious Spotlight Organisation, known for turning others into "full-on supervillains" by convincing them to "embrace fear." Theories even hint that the Director might be taking Luo to a "fear facility" to actively make him into a "walking disaster."

The Director: Master Manipulator

At first, the Director appeared to be Cyan's exploiter. But in this episode, he reveals his true colors as a true villain, relentlessly trying to stop Cyan's escape using ruthless force. His sinister whisper to Luo, leaving the boy horrified, confirms his manipulative nature. If he survives, he's set to fan the flames and twist the story to make Calamity seem as though his goal was to destroy a place of hope, effectively demonizing Luo in the public eye.

The orphanage serves as a chilling microcosm of the series' unique "Trust" and "Fear" power system. Cyan's "Trust Value soars," while Calamity's misfortune is amplified by the "constant belief that he creates catastrophe"— the manifestation of "Fear." The Director masterfully manipulates both for his nefarious ends.

Trust, Fear, and the Shaping of Destiny

To Be Hero X's world functions on an intriguing power system: heroes gain abilities from people's "trust," quantified as "Trust Value" on their wrists. But "Fear" is an equally powerful, dark force, capable of fortifying individuals without increasing their Trust Value. This system is exemplified by the creation of God Eye, where the Spotlight Organisation convinced Enlighter to "embrace fear."

The episode underscores the powerful impact external perceptions have on extraordinary powers and the shaping of individual destinies. Calamity's power, closely linked to the fear and blame aimed at him, sets the stage for his potential descent into villainy. Fueled by Fear "weakens a person's constitution against negative emotions like anger or anxiety," effectively unleashing them as "monsters." This thematic link is essential for understanding Calamity's potential transformation and the broader antagonist forces in the series.

The Director's systematic manipulation of both Cyan's "Trust Value" and Calamity's "Fear"-driven reputation demonstrates the potent influence of societal narratives, media manipulation, and public perception on individuals' identities and powers.

The Developing Saga

Episode 9 conclusively ends Cyan's exploitation, launching her into a new life as "Lucky Cyan," the singing superhero. Simultaneously, it meticulously sets the stage for Calamity's probable tragic transformation into a formidable antagonist, driven by the manipulative Director and the insidious power of amplified Fear.

The forced separation of Cyan and Calamity, coupled with the strong clues pointing to Calamity's villainous turn, creates a compelling and emotionally charged central conflict for future episodes. Cyan's unwavering quest to find Luo ensures their paths will inevitably collide again— most likely rising as adversaries. This narrative commitment, combined with the strong indications that Luo will become her nemesis, guarantees an almost inevitable, emotionally charged confrontation. It's an almost guaranteed, emotionally charged showdown that could potentially result in Cyan being forced to "put Luo down herself."

This episode deepens the show's exploration of what it means to be a hero or a villain in a world where public opinion shapes power. To Be Hero X continues to deliver complex character arcs, provocative themes, and moral grey areas, promising a richer, more thought-provoking, and emotionally resonant viewing experience.

What were your thoughts on "Loss and Gain"? Do you think Luo is truly destined to become Lucky Cyan's nemesis? Share your theories in the comments below!

Click to share on X (Opens in new window)X
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Facebook

Like this:

Sources:

Anime News Network (n.d.). To Be Hero X Episode 9 Review (Loss and Gain). Retrieved May 30, 2023, from https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=229254
Otaku USA (2023, May 26). To Be Hero X: Episode 9 - Loss and Gain Review. Retrieved May 30, 2023, from https://otakumode.com/news/2023/5/26/363404/to-be-hero-x-episode-9-review#.X1f_IUtKhUk
BleadingGame (2023, May 26). To Be Hero X Ep 9 Review: Emotional Battles Of Dreams, Hopes, And Fears. Retrieved May 30, 2023, from https://bleedingcool.com/anime/to-be-hero-x-ep-9-review-emotional-battles-of-dreams-hopes-and-fears/
Comic Book Resources (2023, May 27). To Be Hero X Season 1 Episode 9 Review: 'Loss and Gain'. Retrieved May 30, 2023, from https://www.cbr.com/to-be-hero-x-season-1-episode-9-review-loss-and-gain/.
The episode "Loss and Gain" of To Be Hero X highlights Cyan's transformation from being an exploited idol to a singing superhero, showcasing the entertainment industry's potential to provide a new lease on life.
The pop idol scene in To Be Hero X transcends typical tropes with Cyan's complex character arc, creating a deeply relatable figure that resonates beyond the genre, demonstrating the intersection of movies-and-tv and entertainment.