Katainaka no Ossan, Kensei ni Naru [Season 1 Episode 1]

From Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman: A Promising Start

Title: Katainaka no Ossan, Kensei ni Naru (From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman)
Episode: Season 1, Episode 1
Studio: TBA (To Be Announced)
Release Date: TBA

A Humble Beginning with a Twist

The first episode of Katainaka no Ossan, Kensei ni Naru introduces us to Beryl Gardinant, a self-proclaimed “humble old man” who runs a small dojo in a rural village. Once a dreamer with aspirations of becoming a legendary swordsman, Beryl has long settled into a quiet life—until a former pupil, Allucia Citrus, arrives with life-changing news. He’s been chosen as a special instructor for the kingdom’s knights, thrusting him back into a world he thought he’d left behind.

Fans have been quick to draw comparisons to other fantasy anime like Mushoku Tensei, with one commenter joking, “Welcome back, Paul Greyrat!” The premise of an older protagonist getting a second chance at glory isn’t new, but the execution here feels fresh. Beryl’s humility and the sudden shift in his life make for an engaging hook.

The Characters: A Mix of Charm and Potential

Beryl himself is a likable lead—modest, skilled, and oblivious to his own strength. As one fan put it, “He’s like Paul Greyrat if he knew how to hold back his sexual urges.” His dynamic with Allucia is already a highlight, with her blatant crush on him adding a layer of humor. Nao Touyama’s voice acting for Allucia has been praised, with fans noting how she tones down her usual energetic roles for a more mature performance.

The supporting cast, including Surena (who’s already gained a fanbase for her abs, according to one enthusiastic viewer), hints at a potential harem setup. However, the show doesn’t lean too heavily into tropes just yet. Instead, it focuses on Beryl’s relationships with his students, treating them more like family than romantic interests—at least for now.

Animation: A Surprising Blend of 2D and 3D

One of the biggest talking points among fans is the animation quality, particularly the seamless integration of 3D models during action scenes. While 3D in anime often divides audiences, Katainaka no Ossan manages to pull it off well. As one viewer noted, “The duel between Beryl and the blond kid had a touch of 3D, but it was so smooth I barely noticed.”

The fight choreography is another standout, with realistic swordplay that avoids over-the-top theatrics. It’s a refreshing take in a genre often dominated by flashy, unrealistic battles.

The Verdict: A Strong Start

The general consensus among fans is that Katainaka no Ossan, Kensei ni Naru is off to a promising start. While some criticize its familiar premise (“Another ‘MC is OP but doesn’t realize it’ story”), others appreciate the execution. The blend of humor, character dynamics, and well-animated action has won over many skeptics.

As one fan summed it up: “I had low expectations, but this was a solid first episode. If they keep up this quality, it could be one of the season’s hidden gems.”

For now, the show has earned its spot on the watchlist of fantasy anime fans. Whether it can maintain this momentum remains to be seen, but Episode 1 has certainly laid a strong foundation.

Final Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) – A must-watch for fantasy lovers, with room to grow.

What did you think of the first episode? Let us know in the comments!