So You’re Raising a Warrior [Episode 09]

Okay, let’s be real—who didn’t see this coming? When you have a super strong dragon who just wants to retire and die peacefully, the universe will definitely throw a tiny human kid into his lap to turn him into the most overprotective dad ever. And Episode 9 of So You’re Raising a Warrior? It’s exactly that vibe, and fans are eating it up like their favorite after-school snack.

First off, let’s get you up to speed if you’re new here: Ell (or Al, depending on the sub you’re watching) is the baddest dragon in the Demon Realm—like, he’s killed kings, leveled mountains with a sneeze, and has a combat score that makes even the scariest demons run for the hills. But all he wants is to kick back, relax, and finally pass away (relatable, tbh—who hasn’t felt that way after a long week?). Then he meets Le Fei, a tricky human magician, and suddenly finds himself stuck raising Le Fei’s 7-year-old son Dino. Cue the chaos, the cuteness, and the most unexpected dad moments you’ll see all season.

Episode 9 dives deeper into Ell’s chaotic dad life, and let’s just say his “I want to die” energy is clashing hard with his new “protect my kid at all costs” instincts. Fans over on MyAnimeList are losing their minds over how Ell’s tough exterior melts faster than ice cream in summer when Dino asks for a bedtime story. One user wrote, “I came for the dragon who wants to die, but stayed for the dad dragon who makes pancakes shaped like dinosaurs.” Another said, “Ell’s character development is so organic—you don’t even notice he’s stopped talking about dying until half the episode is over.”

Let’s talk about the star moments from this episode. First up: Dino’s school lunch disaster. When Dino forgets his lunchbox on the way to demon kindergarten (yes, that’s a thing here), Ell panics. Imagine this: a 10-foot tall dragon with scales like polished obsidian, wings spanning 20 feet, running through the streets of the Demon Realm yelling, “WAIT DINO YOUR SANDWICH!”—and everyone’s just staring. He even uses his fire breath to warm up the sandwich mid-run (don’t worry, he doesn’t burn it). Fans are calling this scene “iconic” and “the best parent fail turned win in anime history.”

Another fan favorite: the parent-teacher conference. Ell has to attend Dino’s conference, and he shows up wearing a tiny tie that Dino made him out of construction paper. The teacher, a nervous little demon with horns, is obviously scared—but Ell just says, in his deep, rumbling voice, “I want to know if my son is doing okay.” When the teacher mentions Dino is “a bit too curious about dragon scales,” Ell’s face softens. He even offers to come in and talk to the class about dragon biology (though he later complains to Le Fei, “Why do I have to do this? I don’t even remember my own biology”).

What I love most about this episode is how it doesn’t rely on big fights or drama. Instead, it’s the small moments that hit you right in the feels. Like when Dino tries to teach Ell how to play catch, and Ell accidentally launches the ball into outer space (oops). Or when they stargaze, and Ell tells Dino about the constellations in the Demon Realm—constellations of dragons who retired to be farmers, or bakers, or yes, even dads. The animation here is so soft: Ell’s eyes (usually sharp and bored) crinkle at the corners, and Dino snuggles up to his scales like they’re a giant teddy bear. It’s the kind of scene that makes you smile so wide your cheeks hurt.

Let’s not forget the banter between Ell and Le Fei. In Episode 9, Le Fei pops in for a visit, and he teases Ell about being a “softie now.” Ell tries to deny it—“I’m still the strongest dragon alive!”—but his tail is wagging (yes, dragons wag tails here, don’t @ me). Le Fei laughs and says, “You used to kill kings; now you’re folding laundry. Progress, right?” Fans are loving their dynamic—Le Fei is the chaotic uncle who encourages Dino’s mischief, while Ell is the overprotective dad who cleans up the mess.

The art style of this episode is perfect for its tone. Bright, warm colors fill every frame—from the cozy little house Ell and Dino live in to the vibrant Demon Realm streets lined with candy-colored shops. Dino’s design is so cute: chubby cheeks, big round eyes, and messy brown hair that’s always sticking up. Ell’s design is cool but not intimidating—his scales are a deep blue with hints of gold, and his horns are curved in a way that feels friendly instead of sharp. The background music is also a highlight: soft acoustic guitars and gentle piano melodies that make every moment feel like a warm hug.

Who should watch this episode? Let’s break it down:
– If you love slice-of-life anime like Spy x Family (but with a dragon dad instead of a spy dad), this is right up your alley.
– If you’re into fantasy series that don’t take themselves too seriously, you’ll enjoy the mix of magic and everyday life.
– If you just need a break from all the dark and gritty anime out there, this show is a breath of fresh air.

One thing I noticed from the forums is that people are also raving about the English subtitles by SubsPlease. They’re accurate and keep the casual tone of the show—no awkward translations here. For example, when Ell complains about Dino’s homework, the subtitle reads, “Why do I have to help with math? I don’t even know what 2+2 is!” instead of something stiff. It’s the little things that make this show feel relatable.

In conclusion, Episode 9 of So You’re Raising a Warrior is a perfect mix of cute, funny, and heartwarming. It’s the kind of episode that makes you want to hug your own dad (or your pet dragon, if you have one). Whether you’re 15 or 19, this show will hit you right in the feels. So grab your snacks, sit back, and let Ell’s dad adventures brighten your day. You won’t regret it!

P.S. If you haven’t started this series yet, go binge the first 8 episodes. You’ll thank me later. And for those who are already hooked—let’s cross our fingers for more dad dragon moments in the next episode! 🐉👶🏻✨