For many fans of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (tensei slime manga), one of the most emotional arcs in the series was the story of Shizu, also known as Shizue Izawa. She was the masked Japanese woman summoned into the fantasy world decades before Rimuru, and her bond with him shaped much of his journey. When her life came to an end early in the series, it left a powerful impact on both the characters and the audience.
But the big question that lingers in the community is simple: does Shizu ever come back? Let’s walk through her story, what the canon tells us, and why her presence is still so important even after her passing.
Shizu wasn’t just another side character. She represented the bridge between Rimuru’s old world and the new one. Like Rimuru, she came from Japan, but unlike him, she was forcibly summoned and burdened with Ifrit, the fire spirit sealed inside her. This curse shaped her life and left her in constant pain, but it also made her incredibly strong.
When she finally crossed paths with Rimuru, it was more than just chance. She became his first true connection to humanity, and their conversations revealed to him how deep the struggles of this new world could be. Shizu’s death was tragic, but it also marked a turning point: Rimuru absorbed her, inherited her powers, and carried her will forward.
In both the manga and the anime, Shizu’s death is final. She entrusts Rimuru with her legacy, and in her last moments, she asks him to take care of her students at the Freedom Academy. This wasn’t just a narrative device to move the plot forward. It was the foundation of Rimuru’s path as a protector and leader.
Her passing also gave Rimuru the mask, a symbol of her strength and a reminder of the promises he made. Many fans still argue that Shizu’s death is one of the most emotional moments in the series, setting the tone for how serious the stakes could be.
Here’s where things get interesting. While Shizu doesn’t come back to life in the traditional sense, her presence never truly disappears. She continues to influence Rimuru in several ways:
Through Rimuru’s skills and powers: After absorbing her, Rimuru gains Ifrit and other abilities tied to Shizu, ensuring a part of her always lives on within him.
Through the mask: Shizu’s mask becomes an iconic item that Rimuru uses and later passes to others. It is both a literal and symbolic reminder of her.
Through her students: By taking care of Shizu’s pupils, Rimuru fulfills her final wish. Every time he guides or protects them, it feels like Shizu’s will is alive.
Through memories and flashbacks: Both the anime and manga revisit Shizu in Rimuru’s thoughts, showing how much she continues to inspire him.
So while she doesn’t resurrect as a character walking around, she still “returns” through influence, legacy, and memory.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the series is Chloe Aubert, one of Shizu’s students. Without diving into heavy spoilers, Chloe’s time-loop storyline creates a unique link back to Shizu and her legacy. Rimuru’s interactions with Chloe often echo the promises he made to Shizu, reinforcing her importance in the grander narrative.
For fans wondering if Shizu comes back, Chloe is perhaps the closest thing to seeing her influence reborn in another character. It’s almost like Shizu’s torch was passed down, not just to Rimuru, but to the next generation.
The fanbase has never stopped speculating about whether Shizu might one day return in a bigger way. Some theories include:
Rimuru potentially using his evolving powers to recreate or resurrect her.
Shizu reappearing in spirit form or dreams to guide Rimuru during key battles.
Alternate timelines or dimensions giving us glimpses of Shizu alive.
While these ideas are fun, there’s no canon evidence so far that Shizu will be revived. Most likely, her role is meant to remain as Rimuru’s emotional anchor rather than a returning fighter.
It’s easy to understand why fans keep asking this question. Shizu was more than just a tragic character—she embodied resilience, kindness, and sacrifice. Her bond with Rimuru was special because it happened so early, when he was still learning who he was in this world.
Her absence leaves a gap that fans can’t help but want to fill. Seeing her again, even in a minor form, would bring back that emotional weight. In fact, some argue that even if she never fully returns, her memory is enough to keep the emotional core of the story alive.
Even though Shizu is gone, her presence is everywhere in That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime. From the mask to Rimuru’s protective role over the children, her influence guides the narrative in subtle but powerful ways. She’s one of those rare characters who, despite a short appearance, becomes unforgettable.
For fans who want to explore her arc in detail or revisit how important she was to Rimuru’s growth, communities like That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime often dive deep into discussions about her role.
So, does Shizu come back? The honest answer is no she doesn’t return to life as an active character. But her legacy never fades. She lives on in Rimuru’s abilities, in the mask he carries, in the children she left behind, and in the lessons she taught.
Sometimes, the most powerful characters in a story aren’t the ones who fight the longest, but the ones whose presence changes everything. Shizu was exactly that for Rimuru. And even though she’s gone, she continues to be one of the most beloved figures in That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime.