Fena: Pirate Princess

Fena: Pirate Princess
Promotional poster featuring Fena Houtman, the Samurai Seven, and Brule the dog
海賊王女 (Kaizoku Ōjo)
Genre	Action, adventure, fantasy
Created by	Kazuto Nakazawa Production I.G
Anime television series
Directed by	ToyGerPROJECT Kazuto Nakazawa Tetsuya Takahashi Junichi Fujisaku
Produced by	Rui Kuroki
Written by	Asako Kuboyama
Music by	Yuki Kajiura
Studio	Production I.G
Licensed by	Crunchyroll Warner Bros. TV Studios
Original network	MBS, Tokyo MX, BS Asahi, AT-X
English network	US: Adult Swim (Toonami)
Original run	August 15, 2021 – present
Episodes	12

Fena: Pirate Princess (Japanese: 海賊王女, Hepburn: Kaizoku Ōjo) is a Japanese anime television series produced by Production I.G and directed by Kazuto Nakazawa. The series is a co-production between Crunchyroll and Adult Swim. The series premiered in August 2021 on both platforms before its broadcast in Japan in October 2021.

Plot

The synopsis of the series was published by Crunchyroll:

Fena: Pirate Princess tells the tale of a young orphan girl, Fena Houtman, living in a fantastic alternate history version of the 18th century. Fena has been raised on an island where there is no hope of escaping the dark destiny forced upon her by her captors, to be used and discarded by the soldiers of the British Empire. But Fena is more than just another powerless orphan. When her mysterious past comes knocking, Fena will break the chains of her oppressors. Her goal: escape her captors, forge a new identity, and search for a place where she can truly belong and find out the true mystery behind the keyword: "Eden." It's the story of the adventure of a lifetime she and her crew of misfits and unlikely allies will have, in pursuit of her goals!

Characters

Protagonists

Fena Houtman (フェナ・ハウトマン, Fena Hautoman)

Voiced by: Asami Seto (Japanese); Brittany Cox, Courtney Chu^{Ep. 1 credits} (young) (English)

A pale-skinned princess with white hair who was set adrift by a younger Yukimaru the day her father's ship was attacked by pirates and her father was killed ten years ago. Upon arriving on the island of Shangri-La, she is taken in by some people. It is because of her white skin and white hair that she was nicknamed the "White Marginal". She is a positive, cheerful orphan despite her traumatic past. Years later, Fena was to be sold into marriage to an ill-tempered, abusive British soldier named Maxiver Jr. until she is rescued by Salman and Otto. After being brought to Goblin Island, Fena later cuts her hair and plans to go on a quest while remembering her father's last words, which are Eden. She is aided in her quest by the Samurai Seven.

Brule (ブルール, Burūru)

Voiced by: Michael Sinterniklaas^{Ep. 8 credits}

A platinum white dog that lived on Shangri-La. When Fena was rescued from Maxiver Jr.'s men on Shangri-La, Brule followed Fena and has since become a companion to her and the Samurai Seven.

Samurai Seven

The Samurai Seven (サムライセブン, Samuraisebun) are a group of elite samurai that resides on Goblin Island, and Fena as her loyal pirate crew. They are the descendants of the Goblin Knights that decimated 3,000 Spanish soldiers at the Battle of Dunkirk and were "feared as the incarnation of Lucifer himself".

Yukimaru Sanada (真田雪丸, Sanada Yukimaru)

Voiced by: Ryōta Suzuki (Japanese); Robb Moreira, Jackson Greenspan^{Ep. 1 credits} (young) (English)

An introverted masked samurai and the leader of the Samurai Seven, who helps to rescue Fena and works to keep her safe. Ten years ago when Yukimaru was a young boy, he helped to evacuate Fena during an attack by pirates. He was later rescued by Kei who trained him to be a samurai.

Shitan (紫檀)

Voiced by: Takahiro Sakurai (Japanese); Nicholas Corda (English)

A samurai who wields a bow and arrow, he is an elite warrior who can kill with his bow and arrow or his looks. While on the surface he may seem aloof, Shitan greatly values his friends.

Karin (花梨)

Voiced by: Aoi Yūki (Japanese); Anjali Kunapaneni (English)

A samurai who is the only female member of the group, she has a tendency to geek over different technologies and is shown to wield pistols and musket rifles where she possesses good marksmanship.

Enju (槐)

Voiced by: Gen Satō (Japanese); Brandon Winckler (English)

A samurai and Kaede's older twin brother who wields a spear and wakizashi. While they're both friendly and mischievous, Enju feels he's more dependable than his younger brother.

Kaede (楓)

Voiced by: Ryōta Ōsaka (Japanese); Darrel J. Delfin (English)

A samurai and Enju's younger twin brother who wields a spear and wakizashi. While they're both friendly and mischievous, Kaede feels he's more manly than his elder brother.

Tsubaki (椿)

Voiced by: Jun Oosuka (Japanese); Alan Lee (English)

A samurai who wields a short ninja sword, he is the oldest and most mature of the group, manages everyone's wild energy. Tsubaki is also an expert cook and once taught Fena how to make kobiru.

Makaba (真樺)

Voiced by: Shintarō Tanaka (Japanese); Thomas E. Wynn (English)

A samurai who fights with brass knuckles, he is the largest and strongest of the group. When he's not fighting, Makaba is kind-hearted and mild-mannered.

Antagonists

Rumble Rose

The Rumble Rose (を率いる女船長, Ranbururōzu) is a band of pirates led by O'Malley who are partially responsible for the attack on the ship ten years ago that led to the death of Fena's father. They also allied with Abel to partly obtain Fena for him and partly to get the coordinates to El Dorado. Each of its high-ranking female members have names similar to the famous female pirates in history. By episode 7, much of the crew and their ship were decimated by a super cannon called the Wellington Cannon. It's currently unknown if O'Malley or any other members survived the explosion.

Grace O'Malley (グレース・オマリー, Gurēsu Omarī)

Voiced by: Rika Fukami^{Ep. 3 credits} (Japanese); Dawn M. Bennett^{Ep. 3 credits} (English)

The female captain of the Rumble Rose who despite her beautiful appearance, she has a strong and arrogant personality that hates to lose. At request of a certain person, she is aiming a party for Fena. She had feelings for her ally Abel, having sexual relations with him, but did not return those feelings due to him being in love with Helena and is obsessed with her daughter Fena, much to her dismay and jealousy for the later.

Ching Shih (チン・シー, Chin Shī)

Voiced by: Ai Kineta^{Ep. 5 credits} (Japanese); Marin Miller^{Ep. 5 credits} (English)

A high-ranking female member of the Rumble Rose, she is a staff member who is always calm and is also called O'Malley's right arm. She is good at physical attacks and has large sword wound on her left eye.

Charlotte Barry (シャーロット・バリー, Shārotto Barī)

Voiced by: Marina Yabūchi^{Ep. 3 credits} (Japanese); Courtney Shaw^{Ep. 3 credits} (English)

A high-ranking female member of the Rumble Rose, with a rapier and being crescent sword user, she has a dark personality, contrary to her cute appearance. She is most adored by O'Malley among the sailors.

Mary Read (メアリ・リード, Meari Rīdo)

Voiced by: Ayaka Nanase^{Ep. 3 credits} (Japanese); Stephanie Sheh^{Ep. 3 credits} (English)

A high-ranking female member of the Rumble Rose, she is a mood maker and troublemaker for the crew, has a good physique, and has a bright and optimistic personality, but her temper becomes rough during battle.

Hannah Snell (ハンナ・スネル, Han'na Suneru)

Voiced by: Hiyori Kono^{Ep. 3 credits} (Japanese); Sarah Anne Williams^{Ep. 3 credits} (English)

A high-ranking female member of the Rumble Rose, although she is quite short, she has a high ability as a sniper, looks up to O'Malley, and wears an eyepatch. Her marksmanship is demonstrated when she wielded her four-barrel rifle that she used to stop Yukimura in mid-jump.

Artemisia (ヨモギ, Yomogi)

Voiced by: Kaoru Marimura^{Ep. 5 credits} (Japanese); Erika Ishii^{Ep. 5 credits} (English)

A high-ranking female member of the Rumble Rose, she has a dignified and neat appearance, but her pride is high and she is vicious, and fights mightily with a dagger.

Anne Bonnie (アン・ボニー, An Bonī)

Voiced by: Saiko Moriya^{Ep. 3 credits} (Japanese); Laura Post^{Ep. 3 credits} (English)

A high-ranking female member of the Rumble Rose, she has a muscular body and great strength. Her fighting style is warlike, but she is reliable in the crew. She wields a war hammer.

Alvida (アルビダ, Arubida)

Voiced by: Mari Hino^{Ep. 5 credits} (Japanese); Rachel Slotky^{Ep. 5 credits} (English)

A high-ranking female member of the Rumble Rose, she is very slender and has a mysterious atmosphere. She is also good at outsmarting cowardly opponents.

Royal Navy

A branch of the British Empire's military and is one of the factions after Fena ever since they were partially responsible for the attack on the ship ten years ago that led to the death of Fena's father. Among its known personnel are:

Abel Bluefield (アベル・ブルーフィールド, Aberu Burūfīrudo)

Voiced by: Toshiyuki Morikawa (Japanese); Ryan Nicolls^{Ep. 3 credits} (English)

A mysterious colonel who is after Fena for his own reasons and searches for her on his ship called the Blue Giant. One of them is that he fell in love with Fena's late mother Helena and knows what her family can do. He allies with the Rumble Rose to find Fena which lasts until O'Malley retaliates upon not getting the reward she was promised. Before the Rumble Rose can attack, Abel orders his men to use the Blue Giant's Wellington Cannon on their ship which was meant to be used to deal with a siege. Abel is shown to be a good marksman as seen when he shot Yukimaru with his tri-barrel gun.

Cody (コーディ, Kōdi)

Voiced by: Yukine Yaehata (Japanese); Casey Mongillo^{Ep. 3 credits} (English)

Abel's subordinate, he was originally a slave on Shangri-La before being rescued by Abel. Since then, Cody has been loyal to Abel.

Captain (キャプテン, Kyaputen)

Voiced by: Michael Sorich^{Ep. 7 credits}

The unnamed captain of the Blue Giant that is loyal to Abel.

Supporting characters

Salman (サルマン, Saruman)

Voiced by: Manabu Muraji (Japanese); Frank Todaro (English)

An older knight who helps to rescue Fena from her fate. He was once nicknamed "Salman the Onslaught" for having killed his enemies with a spear and knew Fena when she was a little girl.

Otto (オットー, Ottō)

Voiced by: Hiroaki Hirata (Japanese); Doug Stone (English)

An older knight who helps to rescue Fena from her fate. He was once nicknamed "Otto the Blitz" for his quick swordplay and knew Fena when she was a little girl.

Yukihisa Sanada (真田雪橋, Sanada Yuki-bashi)

Voiced by: Hōchū Ōtsuka^{Ep. 2 credits} (Japanese); Scottie Ray^{Ep. 2 credits} (English)

The leader of a Japanese community on Goblin Island and Shitan's uncle, he is the one that provides the Samurai Seven to Fena in her quest and even gave Fena a stone that her father wanted her to have. Though he later sent a message to the Samurai Seven to leave Fena once she has served her purpose.

Kei (ケイ)

Voiced by: Kōji Yusa^{Ep. 5 credits} (Japanese); Keith Silverstein^{Ep. 5 credits} (English)

Shitan's older brother who was responsible for rescuing Yukimaru and training him. Kei has become like a brother figure to him.

Other characters

Franz Houtman (フランツ・ハウトマン, Furantsu Hautoman)

Voiced by: Kazuhiro Nakaya (Japanese); Michael Sinterniklaas^{Ep. 1 credits} (English)

A Dutchman who was Fena's father and the king of an unknown kingdom. Franz was originally the butler to an unnamed king that was Helena's father where he helped to father Fena which angered the king. He was killed during a raid by the Rumble Rose and British Army. Before dying and helping a younger Yukimaru set her adrift in a lifeboat, Franz quoted to Fena to find "Eden".

Angie (アンジー, Anjī)

Voiced by: Saori Takamiya^{Ep. 1 credits} (Japanese); Zoey Martin^{Ep. 1 credits} (English)

A prostitute residing on Shangri-La, and a co-worker and friend of Fena who tried to help her get away from an arranged marriage.

Helena (ヘレナ, Herena)

Voiced by: Maaya Sakamoto^{Ep. 9 credits} (Japanese); Xanthe Huynh^{Ep. 9 credits} (English)

The daughter of an unnamed king and old friend of Abel with ankle-length hair. When she had an affair with Franz who fathered Fena, the king had her locked up as Abel found her in a prison dress and her hair had been cut. Before she was condemned to be burned at the stake the next day, Helena states to Abel that they'll meet again at "Eden". Since that day, Abel has kept a portrait of Helena where it is incomplete due to lacking some colors.

Production and release

The series is directed by ToyGerPROJECT, Kazuto Nakazawa, Tetsuya Takahashi, and Junichi Fujisaku (credited as Saki Fujii). Asako Kuboyama is penning the series' scripts, while Yuki Kajiura is composing the music. The opening theme is "Umi to Shinju" (海と真珠, "The Sea and Pearls") performed by JUNNA, while the ending theme is "Saihate" (サイハテ, "The Farthest Shore") performed by Minori Suzuki.

The English dub premiered on Adult Swim's Toonami programming block, and was streamed in Japanese with subtitles on Crunchyroll, on August 15, 2021; with the first two episodes premiering. In Japan, the series began broadcasting on October 3, 2021 on MBS, Tokyo MX, BS Asahi, and AT-X.

No.	Title	Directed by	English air date	Japanese air date
1	"Memories" Transliteration: "Kioku" (Japanese: 記憶)	Tetsuya Takahashi	August 15, 2021 (2021-08-15)	October 3, 2021
Ten years ago, Fena Hautman washed ashore on the colonized island of Shangri-La after her family's ship was attacked in the dead of night and was saved by a boy named Yukimaru. In the present day, Fena is about to have her virginity and eventual arranged marriage sold to an ill-tempered British soldier named Maxiver Jr. as she plans her escape. That evening, after her plans hit a snag, she is saved by Otto and Salman, two senior German soldiers who used to serve her family. Despite being hunted down by British soldiers and town guards, Fena is saved by a small group of hidden warriors, including a samurai with eyes she recognizes as that of Yukimaru's, before he knocks her out cold with his sheath.
2	"An Inherited Journey" Transliteration: "Uketsugu Tabi" (Japanese: 受け継ぐ旅)	Tomomi Takeuchi	August 15, 2021 (2021-08-15)	October 10, 2021
Fena, Otto, and Salman escape Shangri-La on a small raft with a dog that followed Fena named Brule. They soon dock at Goblin Island, home to a small Japanese community led by Sanada Yukihisa, who swore to protect the Houtman family after they rescued his shipwrecked great-grandfather from near death ages ago and gave his crew the knowledge on how to survive on the island. Sanada gives Fena a small, clear stone, and is told that her father wanted her to have it before he risked his life on his final voyage. After taking a tour around the island, meeting the warriors who aided in her escape, and relaxing in one of their baths, Fena cuts her hair and remembers the last word her father told her "Eden". The following day, Sanada provides Fena with a ship and his elite group of warriors to protect her as they voyage away to unlock the mystery of the clear stone and the meaning behind "Eden".
3	"Bar-Baral" Transliteration: "Baru Bararu" (Japanese: バルバラル)	Kazuki Yokoyama	August 22, 2021 (2021-08-22)	October 17, 2021
A high-ranking Royal Navy offficer named Abel who is searching for Fena to bring her back enlists the help from a group of pirates known as the "Rumble Rose" captained by Grace O'Malley to look for her. Meanwhile, Fena and her crew's submersible ship (Bonito II) docks at the free island of Bar-Baral so that they can get food and supplies for their journey. Fena and the warrior twins Kaede and Enju get some new clothes and find a lead on another separate clear stone that was discovered to have come from Idar-Oberstein in Germany. Suddenly, the three are ambushed by Maxiver Jr. who is now leading a crew of hired pirates and mercenaries lent to him by the British soldier Abel to capture her. The twins and Yukimaru manage to fend off their attackers, although Yukimaru gets hit by a musket ball while escaping with Fena. Being back out on the water, Tsubaka scolds Fena and the twins for their irresponsible actions. Later that night, a chained Maxiver Jr. is about to be thrown overboard to his doom as Cody states that his services are no longer required by Abel.
4	"The Mystery of the Stone" Transliteration: "Ishi no Nazo" (Japanese: 石の謎)	Kazuto Nakazawa, Saki Fujii	August 29, 2021 (2021-08-29)	TBA
As the Bonito II sails to the German village of Idar-Oberstein, Fena tries to get her protectors to teach her how to fight, but with little success. Upon arriving in the village, they meet a woman named Arya, who takes them to see her grandfather, the Burgomaster. In exchange for Yukimaru sharpening his knife, the Burgomaster offers to help them find the origin of the stone. He tells them that the stone actually came to the village from somewhere in France, but the buyer was listed as La Pucelle d'Orléans, the nickname given to Joan of Arc. However, the listed date of purchase was in 1436, five years after she was burned at the stake, adding to the mystery of the stone. As Fena's crew leave the village, Fena recalls someone mentioning the name "La Pucelle" to her as young child. Meanwhile, Abel grimaces over a painting he calls "La Pucelle" as he continues pursuing Fena.
5	"Coordinates" Transliteration: "Zahyō" (Japanese: 座標)	Kenichi Matsuzawa	September 5, 2021 (2021-09-05)	TBA
Sanada speaks to Kei about the day he rescued Yukimura. Meanwhile, Shitan receives a message via carrier pigeon as the Bonito II sails to Orléans. Fena and her crew reach a hollowed out dig site and enter a buried and abandoned temple. Fena starts getting mysterious visions as she leads her crew through winding catacombs below the temple, unaware that the Rumble Rose is following from behind. Fena's group soon reach a glowing altar with a space that fits the clear stone, and try to find the next clue. Fena wanders off to what appears to be the grave of Joan of Arc. She is then is grabbed by Ching of the Rumble Rose. Just as the samurai uncover some Roman numerals etched onto the stone, O'Malley and her crew appear with Fena at sword point, forcing them to give up what O'Malley calls the "coordinates to El Dorado." Karin reluctantly gives them her paper with the numbers, but O'Malley kicks Karin and drags Fena away with her own crew, before blowing up the entrance to the catacombs with the Goblin Knights inside. Tsubaki is awoken by the explosion while waiting on the Bonito II.
6	"Mutiny on the Blue Giant" Transliteration: "Konran no Aoi Fune" (Japanese: 混乱の蒼い船)	Tetsuya Takahashi	September 12, 2021 (2021-09-12)	TBA
The Goblin Knights find some unexploded gunpowder and use it to blast their way out. Meanwhile, O'Malley delivers Fena to Abel on his ship, the Blue Giant, but Abel refuses to pay her after noticing the cut on Fena's neck. After O'Malley leaves, Abel tells Fena that he knew her mother and that the Goblin Knights were just using her. On the Bonito II, Shitan tells the others that the only reason Sanada has been serving the Houtman family was to find the location of Eden where the Kusanagi sword, one of the legendary Three Sacred Treasures of Japan, is supposedly kept. Furthermore, Shitan tells the crew that Kei is coming personally to recover Fena, and they must return to Goblin Island or risk being branded as traitors. Despite this warning, Yukimaru decides to rescue Fena on his own. Back on the Blue Giant, after Fena and Cody have a conversation, a furious O'Malley confronts Fena. Abel stops O'Malley before she can take Fena off the ship. O'Malley reluctantly returns to her own ship, but decides to attack in revenge. Abel reveals to Fena the portrait of a woman named Helena that turns out the be Fena's mother.
7	"The Burning Sea" Transliteration: "Moeru Umi" (Japanese: 燃える海)	Itsuro Kawasaki	September 19, 2021 (2021-09-19)	TBA
Abel describes to Fena that the portrait of Helena was made by him and is lacking some colors to make it complete. As the Bonito II surfaces, the crew all decide to chase after Yukimaru and rescue Fena with him. Meanwhile, the Rumble Rose begins its attack run on the Blue Giant. Abel decides to test the "Wellington Cannon" that was supposed to be used during a siege on them, blowing up the entire pirate ship and its crew in one shot. Fena suffers from shellshock, the burning wreckage and the British sailors reminding her of the attack on her father's ship ten years ago which the British Royal Army was also involved in. As the Captain of the Blue Giant demands she be thrown in the brig, Fena cries out for Yukimaru who arrives in time to start attacking the sailors, but he is shot twice by Abel's tri-barrel gun. Yukimaru recognizes Abel from the attack on Franz's ship as he collapses from his wounds. Suddenly, the rest of the Goblin Knights arrive and manage to escape the Blue Giant with Fena and Yukimaru, but both are unconscious as the group retreats to the Bonito II.
8	"A Knight's Vow" Transliteration: "Kishi no Chikai" (Japanese: 騎士の誓い)	Tomomi Takeuchi	September 26, 2021 (2021-09-26)	TBA
The Bonito II rushes to port at Chaouen, making it just in time to get Yukimaru to a doctor they know. While Yukimaru recovers, Shitan calls Fena a witch for her role in nearly getting Yukimaru killed twice in a span of ten years. Shitan reminisces over his past about him watching over Yukimaru when he was just saved, Kei making negative comments about his sword fighting, and how he picked up the bow. With Brule by her side, Fena later manages to reconcile with him. Eventually, Yukimaru wakes up. Afterwards, he and Fena have a conversation on the roof and she confides in him that she is confused of who she is and is afraid of moving forward. Yukimaru tries to assure Fena and he swears that he will protect her and keep her safe. He then kisses her hand, much to her surprise. Elsewhere, Abel is painting a portrait of a still life of a bowl of fruit with Helena's portrait behind him and promises her that they will meet again soon.
9	"Vice Versa" Transliteration: "Vaisu Vāsa" (Japanese: ヴァイスヴァーサ)	Tetsuya Takahashi	October 3, 2021 (2021-10-03)	TBA
Abel breaks down sobbing as he remembers his past with Helena, how she had gotten pregnant with the king's daughter, then ran away and eloped with the king's butler Franz while carrying the king's daughter, and how she was sentenced to death for the act. Helena told Abel about her wish to return to Eden, offering Abel a chance to reunite with her if he somehow came across her daughter. The next day, Helena was burned at the stake. Meanwhile in the present, Fena begins humming an old tune and Yukimaru remembers the lyrics of her "secret song". Fena realizes the lyrics have matched closely with her travels thus far, but in reverse. Realizing the song title "Vice Versa" is another clue itself, Fena and Yukimaru combine the song with the Roman numerals found etched into the stone and uncover the coordinates to what might be Eden.
10	"The Curtain Rises on the Climax" Transliteration: "Kakyoku no Makuake" (Japanese: 佳局の幕開け)	Itsuro Kawasaki	October 10, 2021 (2021-10-10)	TBA
Fena and her crew sail out to the coordinates, where they come across an uncharted island rising out of the ocean. Meanwhile, an operative of the Royal Nave informs Cody the news of Fena's travels. Abel instructs the captain of the Blue Giant to head to the coordinates in question. The twins uncover a cave behind a waterfall and follow the path to a giant room full of treasure from across the world. However, Fena questions if this treasure was the Eden her father died for. Shitan walks into another room where he uncovers the name Yasuke on a doorway. Fena wanders off with Yukimaru to a different room where they find a "lattice stage" with "Initium" written in the center. After removing her boots, Fena begins dancing on the stage and triggers a mechanism revealing the true entrance to Eden. The Blue Giant arrives at the island as Abel and several Royal Navy troops descend on the island.
11	"At Mission's End"	Unknown	October 17, 2021 (2021-10-17)	TBA

External links

• Official website (in Japanese)
• Official Adult Swim website
• Fena: Pirate Princess (anime) at Anime News Network's encyclopedia