by The upcoming fantasy anime Ten Years After I Said, “Leave This to Me and Go On Ahead,” I’ve Become a Legend (commonly shortened by fans as Koko Ore) is set to premiere on Monday, July 6, 2026. Ahead of its debut, the production team has released the official synopsis and preview images for Episode 1, “When I Returned, I Had Become a Hero,” giving viewers their first look at the emotional beginning of this highly anticipated fantasy adventure.
Based on the popular light novel by Ezo Gingitsune, the series blends action, magic, friendship, and second chances into a compelling story about a legendary hero who returns to a world that has moved on without him.
What Is Koko Ore About?
Ten Years After I Said, “Leave This to Me and Go On Ahead,” I’ve Become a Legend is adapted from the hit light novel series by Ezo Gingitsune, originally serialized on Shōsetsuka ni Narō in 2018 before being published by SB Creative.
The franchise has grown steadily in popularity, with:
- Over 4.45 million copies in circulation
- A successful light novel series
- An ongoing manga adaptation serialized in Manga UP!
- A dedicated fanbase drawn to its emotional storytelling and fantasy setting
The anime adaptation brings the beloved story to life with dynamic animation and a talented voice cast.
Story Overview
The story follows Luck, an elite S-Rank mage and a trusted member of the Hero’s Party.
Together with the legendary hero Eric and the powerful warrior Goran, Luck enters a dangerous dimensional rift to defeat the Demon King and end the war threatening humanity.
However, the battle takes an unexpected turn.
As endless waves of demons overwhelm the party, Luck makes the ultimate sacrifice.
He orders his companions to escape with the now-famous words:
“Leave this to me and go on ahead!”
Choosing to fight alone, Luck remains trapped inside the dimensional rift, facing impossible odds.
After an unimaginably long and lonely battle, he finally succeeds in defeating the Demon King.
But when he returns home, he discovers an even greater surprise.
A Hero Lost in Time
Although Luck survives the battle, ten years have passed in the outside world.
During his absence, people believed he sacrificed his life to save humanity.
His story has become a legend passed down throughout the kingdom.
Adding to the mystery, the magical effects of the dimensional battle have made Luck physically younger, making him almost unrecognizable—even to those who once knew him.
Rather than reveal his true identity, Luck chooses to start over.
Taking the name Lock, he registers as a humble F-Rank adventurer and begins a quiet new life while secretly watching over the world he once saved.
Episode 1: “When I Returned, I Had Become a Hero”
Episode Synopsis
Episode 1 introduces Luck during the final confrontation against the Demon King.
To ensure the survival of his companions, he voluntarily remains inside the dimensional rift while the others escape.
Following a desperate battle that seems to last an eternity, Luck finally defeats the Demon King and returns to the human world.
Instead of the world he remembers, he finds a society that has changed dramatically over the past decade.
People celebrate him as a legendary hero who gave his life to save the world.
Luck is reunited with his old comrades, Eric and Goran, but chooses to hide his true identity.
Now calling himself Lock, he quietly begins life once again as an unknown F-Rank adventurer, setting the stage for a new journey filled with mystery, friendship, and adventure.
Why This Fantasy Story Stands Out
Unlike many fantasy anime centered on defeating the Demon King, Koko Ore begins after the final battle.
Rather than focusing solely on action, the series explores:
- Life after becoming a hero
- The emotional cost of sacrifice
- Rebuilding one’s identity
- Friendship after years apart
- Starting over in a changed world
- Balancing legendary status with an ordinary life
This unique premise gives the series a refreshing perspective compared to traditional fantasy adventures.
Broadcast Schedule
The anime premieres on Monday, July 6, 2026.
TV Broadcast
- TOKYO MX: Every Monday at 10:30 PM
- KBS Kyoto: Every Monday at 11:00 PM
- Sun TV: Every Monday at 12:00 AM
- TV Aichi: Every Monday at 1:30 AM
- BS11: Every Monday at 1:30 AM
- AT-X: Every Thursday at 8:30 PM
- Repeat broadcasts:
- Mondays at 8:30 AM
- Wednesdays at 2:30 PM
Please note that Episodes 2 and 3 on BS11 are scheduled to air at 2:00 AM.
Broadcast schedules are subject to change.
Streaming Information
Fastest Streaming
Prime Video
- Every Friday from July 3, 2026
- Available three days before terrestrial broadcast
Simultaneous Streaming
Beginning July 6, 2026
- ABEMA
- d Anime Store
Additional streaming platforms will release episodes sequentially after the television broadcast.
Production Staff
The anime is produced by an experienced team led by Studio Gekkou.
Staff
- Original Work: Ezo Gingitsune
- Original Character Design: DeeCHA
- Director: Hiroyuki Kanbe
- Series Composition: Mitsutaka Hirota
- Character Design & Chief Animation Director: Majiro
- Color Design: Akira Nagasaka
- Art Director: Miho
- Director of Photography: Taiki Okutani
- Offline Editing: Yumika Okazaki
- Online Editing: Ryotaro Tate
- Sound Director: Ryo Tanaka
- Music: Tomohiro Osumi
- Animation Studio: Gekkou
Main Voice Cast
The anime features a strong lineup of well-known voice actors:
- Gakuto Kajiwara as Luck / Lock Franzen
- Yui Ishikawa as Celris Morton
- Mayu Sagara as Shea Urcott
- M・A・O as Luccira
- Yurie Kozakai as Milka
- Tomoyuki Morikawa as Eric
- Tsuyoshi Koyama as Goran
- Wakana Maruoka as Arone
- Yuki Terui as Ario
- Akari Miyasaki as Ginny
Their performances are expected to bring both emotional depth and humor to the fantasy adventure.
Theme Songs
Opening Theme
“Sore demo Donten wo Koete Yuku”
Performed by Sajou no Hana
Ending Theme
“Arikitarina Nichijou to Kouun na Hibi e”
(Artist to be announced.)
Both songs are expected to reflect the anime’s themes of hope, sacrifice, and new beginnings.
Why Fantasy Fans Should Watch
Koko Ore offers much more than another overpowered protagonist story.
The anime combines:
- Magic battles
- Emotional reunions
- Heroic sacrifice
- Time-skip storytelling
- Character-driven drama
- Adventure
- Fantasy world-building
- Mystery surrounding the passing decade
Fans of heartfelt fantasy series that focus on life after victory will likely find this series especially rewarding.
Final Thoughts
With its emotional premise, unique post-war setting, and compelling protagonist, Ten Years After I Said, “Leave This to Me and Go On Ahead,” I’ve Become a Legend is shaping up to be one of Summer 2026’s most intriguing fantasy anime.
Episode 1 introduces viewers to Luck’s incredible sacrifice, his unexpected return ten years later, and the beginning of his new life as the seemingly ordinary adventurer Lock.
Backed by strong source material, an accomplished production team, and a talented voice cast, Koko Ore promises a heartfelt fantasy adventure filled with action, mystery, friendship, and second chances.
