Are You Going to Play as the Hero, Senpai? Then I’ll Handle the Healing~ I’ve Never Heard That the Highest-Tier Healer Would Be the Saintess~

About a boy named Kiyokawa Natsume, who experienced four heartbreaks in just two years after entering high school. As he was walking home with his childhood friends, Takehara Aoi and Takehara Hidehiko, who were trying to comfort him after yet another rejection— this time due to his looks— the sounds of a bell suddenly echoed around them. Before they knew it, they found themselves standing in a pure white room, greeted by a woman who claimed to be a goddess from another world. Aoi was excited about the sudden summoning to another world, Natsume was terrified, and Hidehiko remained unfazed. The goddess then made a request to the three of them. Her request was a common one found in stories and games: to save a world threatened by a demon king. Assured by the goddess that there would be no danger thanks to her powers, and with Aoi’s encouragement, the three readily agreed to the terms. “Hide, you’ll be the shield-bearing paladin. Senpai, you… oh, you want to be the hero, right? Got it. Then I’ll take on the healer role.” “Hmm, normally I’d advise against this, but since it’s based on your class tree and your own decision, I’ll respect your choice. Very well, Natsume-kun, from now on, you are the ‘Saintess.’ As a bonus, I’ll make your hair grow out to look more saint-like.” “…Eh?” Without reading the fine print, Natsume was transformed into a girl in his current state. Already insecure about his appearance, he was now gender-swapped as he was. Ignoring Natsume’s screams of despair, their adventure began. “Why did it end up like this…?”

Original Publisher

kakuyomu

Original Language

japanese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on Are You Going to Play as the Hero, Senpai? Then I’ll Handle the Healing~ I’ve Never Heard That the Highest-Tier Healer Would Be the Saintess~ ### First Impressions Okay, so the title is a mouthful, but honestly, it's what drew me in! It screams classic hero story with a twist, and I'm a sucker for those. The initial setup – a hero, a healer, and gender-bending shenanigans – promised a fun and lighthearted read, and for the most part, it delivered. The "cute protagonist" tag definitely fits, and I was immediately charmed. ### What Works Well The strongest aspect of this novel is undoubtedly the sheer *cuteness* of the story. The interactions between the main characters are adorable, and the romance, while sometimes making me want to bang my head on the wall from the denseness, is ultimately very sweet. The author does a great job of balancing the lightheartedness with moments of genuine emotion, especially as the story progresses. The action sequences are sprinkled in nicely, keeping things interesting without overshadowing the slice-of-life elements. It's a fun, easy read that's perfect for when you need a pick-me-up. The character growth is also a definite plus; seeing the protagonist evolve and come into her own is really satisfying. ### Areas of Concern While I thoroughly enjoyed the novel, it's not without its flaws. The "dense protagonist" trope, while played for laughs, can get a little frustrating at times. I found myself wishing they would just *get together* already! Also, while the action is good, it's not the main focus. If you're looking for a purely action-packed fantasy, this might not be for you. It's more of a laidback adventure with romantic undertones. ### Final Verdict Overall, "Are You Going to Play as the Hero, Senpai? Then I’ll Handle the Healing~ I’ve Never Heard That the Highest-Tier Healer Would Be the Saintess~" is a delightful read. It's a charming blend of fantasy, romance, and comedy that's sure to leave you with a smile. If you're looking for a lighthearted and heartwarming story with a healthy dose of cuteness, I highly recommend giving this one a try. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing where the story goes next.