The Simple-Looking Sword Saint is Nevertheless the Strongest

My Thoughts on The Simple-Looking Sword Saint is Nevertheless the Strongest

Alright, let's dive into "The Simple-Looking Sword Saint is Nevertheless the Strongest." I went in with pretty open expectations, but I've come away with mixed feelings, to say the least. It's a bit of a bumpy ride, and while there are some intriguing elements, they're often overshadowed by some significant shortcomings.

First Impressions

Initially, I was drawn in by the premise. A protagonist granted immense power after 500 years of training by a god who accidentally offed him? Sounds like a fun twist on the isekai formula. And the fact that he had to work for his strength, rather than instantly getting a cheat skill, was a promising start. It felt like the author was trying to subvert some common tropes, which always piques my interest.

What Works Well

I appreciate that the story skips over the 500 years of training. No one wants to read endless chapters of someone just swinging a sword. Jumping straight into the action was a good call, and the initial setup with the somewhat remorseless god was an interesting divergence from the norm. The potential for a unique power dynamic was definitely there.

Areas of Concern

Unfortunately, that's where many of my issues began. The biggest problem, and it's a recurring theme, is the protagonist's personality, or lack thereof. Despite his extensive training, he often comes across as incredibly dense and passive. His reactions to insults and attempts on his life are bafflingly mild, making it hard to believe he's spent half a millennium honing his skills. Some readers even felt his personality was that of a potato. The romance also seems to be a weak point. The lack of development and the seemingly random pairings left me scratching my head. The focus shifting away from the MC to other characters was also a turn-off, especially when those characters felt more compelling than the supposed lead.

Final Verdict

"The Simple-Looking Sword Saint is Nevertheless the Strongest" had the potential to be a fun, trope-subverting isekai. However, the execution falls short due to the protagonist's questionable personality, weak romance, and a narrative that often loses focus. While it might offer some fleeting entertainment, I'd recommend approaching it with caution and tempered expectations. It's a 2.5/5 stars from me.