Although there hasn't yet been any news about a Season 2, fans of Ranking of Kings still have reason to rejoice. It was recently announced that there would be a special episode coming out in 2023, featuring adorable new artwork of best friends Bojji and Kage.The Ranking of Kings' official Twitter announced today that a special episode titled "Treasure Chest of Courage" would be broadcast in Japan sometime in 2023. It's set to air on Fuji TV's Noitamina anime block. The tweet also mentions that the story will be one that hasn't been shown in the anime's first season. A dedicated website for the special was also included in the announcement.
Given that the manga is still ongoing, it's possible that the special episode could be adapting a portion of the story that hadn't been included in the anime's 23-episode first season. If that's the case, this episode could also be setting the stage for a subsequent season. Since it's only a single episode, it might not be possible to tie up any loose ends from Season 1, but that doesn't mean this special can't act as an introduction to whatever new adventures might lie ahead for Bojji and Kage. The episode's title could be alluding to a new journey or obstacle where Bojji's courage will be further tested or even the chance that there's a unique object to be attained where courage will play a key factor in succeeding.
However, with no hints as to the plot so far, it's just as likely that "Treasure Chest of Courage" could be a one-off plot outside the canon that treats fans to a short, new story between Bojji and Kage. Hopefully, there will be more news as 2023 gets closer to just what the episode will be about, but it's still plenty to get fans excited about.
Ranking of Kings quickly won the hearts of anime fans when it debuted in 2021. The series gave fans a lovable underdog in Prince Bojji as the series follows his journey to becoming the world's greatest king. Born deaf and lacking any of the monumental strength his father is known for, nearly the entire kingdom thinks little of Bojji despite him being heir to the throne. With the help of his new friend Kage, Bojji commits to defying the odds so that he can become a great king. On their adventure, both Bojji and Kage grow in unexpected ways and gain a wealth of friendship and support that had long since eluded them.
Ranking of Kings is based on the manga of the same name by Sosuke Toka. It began serialization online on Manga Hack in May 2017 before eventually being collected into tankobon volumes in 2019 by Enterbrain, a publishing division of Kadokawa. There are currently 13 manga volumes available. The anime adaptation, helmed by Wit Studio -- known for animating series like Vinland Saga and Spy x Family -- premiered during the Fall 2021 anime season.
The official announcement may not have revealed any specific details, but the special episode is still something that fans of the beloved series can look forward to. Fans will have to keep their eyes peeled for any further reveals about what Bojji will face, or even just for more delightful promotional art until the episode's release.
Source: Twitter, via Crunchyroll