It has been announced that "The Witch and the Mercenary," a popular light novel by Chohoukiteki Kaeru-san published by GCN Bunko (Micro Magazine), will be adapted into a television anime. It will be broadcast nationwide on the Nippon Television Network in 2027. Shinpei Ezaki will direct, and Eight Bit will produce the animation.
The story follows a lonely witch and a solitary mercenary, who were once enemies, as they embark on a journey together into an unknown land in search of a place to live. The series has sold over 1.5 million copies in total. It has also been announced that Taito Ban will voice Zig-Cray, the solitary mercenary, and Saori Hayami, the lonely witch, in the anime adaptation.
Saka commented, "Zig, who has traveled the world as a mercenary and learned the art of survival through rational means, and Saoirse, who has spent many years being persecuted and living in hiding alone. The story of these two begins with a brutal 'battle to the death.' Please look forward to 'The Witch and the Mercenary,' a dark, profound, quiet, and somewhat ephemeral story woven by two outcasts who are not heroes."
Hayami said, "When I first encountered the original work, I was drawn in by its depth, delicacy, and yet lightheartedness. During the recording, I am spending very intense time carefully and meticulously layering the expressions of each character. I intend to concentrate on each one and enjoy the process. I hope you will pay attention to how the relationship between Zig and Saoirse changes. I hope everyone will enjoy the world of 'The Witch and the Mercenary' as depicted in animation."
◇Staff (titles omitted)
Original work: Extraordinary Frog "The Witch and the Mercenary" (GCN Bunko/Micro Magazine) ▽ Original character design: Benchi Kanose ▽ Director: Shinpei Ezaki ▽ Series composition: Daishiro Tanimura ▽ Character design: Keita Matsumoto ▽ Sound director: Akiko Fujita ▽ Music: Rei Ishizuka ▽ Music production: Lantis ▽ Animation production: Eight Bit
◇Cast (titles omitted)
Zig Crane: Taito Ban; Saoirse: Saori Hayami
