Mato Seihei no Slave

Chained Soldier

Characters

Yuuki Wakura

MAIN

Kyouka Uzen

MAIN

Himari Azuma

MAIN

Nei Ookawamura

MAIN

Shushu Suruga

MAIN

Aoba Wakura

SUPPORTING

Koko Zenibako

SUPPORTING

Naon Yuno

SUPPORTING

Ginna Bizen

SUPPORTING

Hattori

SUPPORTING

Rairen

SUPPORTING

Suwa

SUPPORTING

Kidoumaru

SUPPORTING

Jouryuu

SUPPORTING

Tenka Izumo

SUPPORTING

Nihon no Josei Souri

SUPPORTING

Shikoku

SUPPORTING

Yachiho Azuma

SUPPORTING

Sahara Wakasa

SUPPORTING

Guidance Onsei

BACKGROUND

Mabou Taiin A

BACKGROUND

Shounen

BACKGROUND

Mabou Taiin C

BACKGROUND

Shoujo

BACKGROUND

Kunren-sei

BACKGROUND

Chained Soldier Season 1: A Bold Blend of Action, Ecchi, and Fantasy

Chained Soldier (Mato Seihei no Slave), a 2024 anime adaptation of the manga by Takahiro and Yohei Takemura, burst onto the scene with a mix of high-octane action, ecchi elements, and a unique fantasy premise. Premiering on January 4, 2024, and running for 12 episodes, the series, animated by Seven Arcs, has sparked both praise and criticism for its bold approach to storytelling, gender dynamics, and fan service. Streamed uncensored on HIDIVE and later dubbed in English, Chained Soldier offers a thrilling, if polarizing, dive into a matriarchal world of demon-slaying and supernatural servitude. This article explores the narrative, characters, animation, and reception of Chained Soldier Season 1, delving into what makes it a standout in the winter 2024 anime lineup.

A World of Demons and Peaches

Set in an alternate Japan, Chained Soldier introduces a world where mysterious portals to a demonic dimension called Mato unleash monstrous Shuuki that threaten humanity. The discovery of Mato Peaches, mystical fruits that grant superpowers exclusively to women, has shifted societal power dynamics, creating a matriarchal society where women dominate as members of the Anti-Demon Corps. Men, relegated to second-class status, struggle to find their place in this new order. This backdrop sets the stage for the story of Yuuki Wakura, a high school graduate haunted by his sister Aoba’s disappearance during a Mato disaster five years prior.

The series kicks off with Yuuki stumbling through a Mato gate, where he’s rescued by Kyouka Uzen, the fierce and ambitious leader of the Anti-Demon Corps’ 7th Squad. Kyouka’s unique ability allows her to “enslave” Shuuki or humans, transforming them into powerful fighters under her command. When Yuuki becomes her “slave,” he gains Shuuki-like strength and abilities, but there’s a catch: he must receive a “reward” from Kyouka, often of an intimate nature, to complete the contract. This dynamic sets the tone for the series’ blend of action, ecchi, and harem comedy, as Yuuki joins the 7th Squad as their dormitory caretaker and Kyouka’s chained soldier.

Yuuki Wakura and the 7th Squad

Yuuki is a compelling protagonist, balancing domestic skills with a desire to become a hero and find his missing sister. His transformation into a powerful beast when enslaved by Kyouka or other squad members, like Himari Azuma, adds a unique twist to his character. Unlike typical harem leads, Yuuki’s submissive role and genuine care for his teammates make him endearing, though some viewers find him overshadowed by the female cast. His interactions with Kyouka, who is both stoic and vulnerable, drive much of the emotional weight, while his relationships with other squad members add humor and tension.

The 7th Squad is a colorful ensemble. Kyouka, voiced by Akari Kitō, is a standout with her commanding presence and katana-wielding prowess, though her “rewards” to Yuuki stir debate among fans for their provocative nature. Shushu Suruga (Mari Hino), with her size-shifting abilities, brings playful energy, while Himari Azuma (Yume Miyamoto) evolves from prudish hostility to a warmer dynamic with Yuuki. Nei Okawamura (Hina Tachibana), the youngest member, adds a respectful and innocent charm. The squad’s diversity in powers—ranging from animal mimicry to Buddha-themed abilities—creates dynamic battles, though some critics note the characters fall into familiar anime tropes.

Action, Ecchi, and Themes

Chained Soldier excels in its action sequences, with strategic and visually engaging battles against Shuuki and rival squad members. The series’ fights, such as Shushu’s clash with Sahara Wakasa in episode 6, blend violence with clever tactics, earning praise for their intensity and creativity. The animation, while not groundbreaking, is consistently decent, with vibrant character designs and fluid combat scenes. The opening theme, “Yume no Ito” by Akari Kitō, and ending theme, “Chain” by Maaya Uchida, complement the series’ energetic tone.

The ecchi elements, a major draw for some fans, are both a strength and a point of contention. The “slave-reward” mechanic, where Yuuki’s servitude is repaid with intimate moments, leans heavily into fan service, with HIDIVE’s uncensored stream emphasizing these scenes. While some viewers appreciate the lighthearted sleaze—comparing it to High School DxD or To Love Ru—others find it detracts from the plot and reinforces outdated gender tropes. The series attempts to explore gender inequality and consent through its matriarchal setting, but reviews suggest it prioritizes fan service over deep thematic exploration, leaving these ideas underexplored.

Reception and Criticisms

Chained Soldier Season 1 has a mixed reception. Fans of ecchi and action genres praise its fun cast, engaging fights, and faithful adaptation of the manga’s spirit, with IMDb reviews highlighting its surprising plot depth beyond the fan service. The series earned a 6.0/10 on IMDb and a 6.446 weighted mean on MyAnimeList, reflecting a “decent” but not exceptional rating. Many viewers, especially manga fans, appreciate the unique power system and Yuuki’s growth, but note the anime condenses the source material, omitting character backstories and lore details.

Critics, however, point to flaws. The worldbuilding, particularly around Mato, feels underdeveloped, with the setting described as a “bleak wasteland” that doesn’t fully flesh out its stakes. Some reviews, like those on Anime Feminist, criticize the series for its simplistic take on gender roles, portraying femininity as a liability and masculinity as superior in early episodes. The harem elements, while entertaining for ecchi fans, are seen as formulaic and overshadowing the mystery of Yuuki’s sister and the Shuuki threat. Animation quality also drew complaints, with some noting it pales compared to the manga’s detailed artwork.

Impact and Future Prospects

Despite its shortcomings, Chained Soldier Season 1 succeeded in carving a niche among ecchi and action fans. Its 12-episode run, covering initial story arcs, sets up a broader narrative involving Yuuki’s sister and the Anti-Demon Corps’ larger conflicts. The announcement of a second season, set to premiere in 2026 with animation by Passione and Hayabusa Film, has fueled excitement, with hopes for deeper lore exploration and improved animation. The manga, serialized on Shonen Jump+ with over 2 million copies in circulation by January 2024, continues to drive interest, with Yen Press releasing English volumes.

Social media buzz, particularly on X, highlighted the series’ appeal, with posts praising Kyouka’s design and the premiere’s energy, though some fans expressed disappointment compared to other ecchi hits like Gushing Over Magical Girls. The English dub, released on July 29, 2024, broadened its accessibility, and streaming options on HIDIVE, Prime Video, and JioHotstar made it widely available.

Conclusion

Chained Soldier Season 1 is a wild ride that blends thrilling action, provocative ecchi, and a matriarchal fantasy world. While it doesn’t fully capitalize on its thematic potential, its engaging cast, strategic battles, and unapologetic fan service make it a fun watch for fans of the genre. Yuuki’s journey as Kyouka’s chained soldier offers enough intrigue to keep viewers hooked, especially with the promise of a second season. For those seeking a mix of High School DxD’s harem antics and Akame ga Kill’s intense action, Chained Soldier delivers, albeit with room for growth. Catch it on HIDIVE or Prime Video for an uncensored dive into Mato’s chaotic world.

Where to Watch: Stream Chained Soldier Season 1 on HIDIVE, Prime Video, Apple TV, or JioHotstar. Check out the 12-episode run and stay tuned for Season 2 in 2026!