The Fruit of Evolution – Season 1 (2021)

From Outcast to Overpowered

The first season of The Fruit of Evolution: Before I Knew It, My Life Had It Made delivers a classic isekai power fantasy with a comedic twist. What begins as a cruel story of bullying quickly transforms into an outrageous adventure of sudden evolution, unexpected romance, and absurd strength in a fantasy world where survival favors the strong.

Season 1 sets the foundation for Seiichi Hiiragi’s unbelievable transformation — both physically and mentally — as he rises from complete isolation to unstoppable dominance.

Season 1 Overview

Title: The Fruit of Evolution: Before I Knew It, My Life Had It Made – Season 1
Japanese Title: 進化の実～知らないうちに勝ち組人生～
Episodes: 12
Air Date: October 5, 2021 – December 21, 2021
Studio: Hotline
Original Light Novel: Written by Miku, illustrated by U35
Genres: Isekai, Fantasy, Comedy, Adventure, Romance
Streaming Platforms:  Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video, Kindle
Opening Theme: “Evolution” by Nanaka Suwa
Ending Theme: “Moonlight Walk” by Nano

Story Summary

Seiichi Hiiragi is a high school student constantly bullied for his appearance, personality, and lack of confidence. One day, his entire class is suddenly summoned to another world filled with magic and monsters. While his classmates receive powerful abilities and form elite parties, Seiichi is rejected and abandoned — left alone in a deadly forest.

Struggling to survive, Seiichi stumbles upon a mysterious item known as the Fruit of Evolution. After consuming it, his body undergoes a shocking transformation, granting him overwhelming physical strength, magical power, and rapid growth. With every new challenge, Seiichi continues to evolve at an absurd pace.

During his journey, he meets Saria, a female gorilla who also evolves after consuming the fruit, becoming his loyal and surprisingly romantic companion. Together, they travel through the fantasy world, encountering monsters, kingdoms, adventurers, and hidden conspiracies — all while Seiichi unknowingly becomes one of the strongest beings alive.

Season 1 balances comedic exaggeration with emotional healing, turning Seiichi’s trauma into growth and confidence.

Major Arcs Covered

• Summoning & Abandonment Arc — Seiichi is summoned to another world and immediately rejected by his classmates, forcing him to survive alone.

• Fruit of Evolution Arc — Seiichi consumes the legendary fruit, beginning his rapid transformation and rise in power.

• Saria Evolution Arc — Seiichi meets Saria, whose evolution leads to an unusual but heartfelt bond.

• Adventurer Guild Arc — Seiichi enters human society, joins an adventurer guild, and shocks everyone with his abilities.

• Academy Arc (Introduction) — The season ends with the setup for magical academy conflicts and stronger opponents.

Main Characters

• Seiichi Hiiragi — A formerly bullied student whose overwhelming evolution turns him into a confident and powerful adventurer.

• Saria — An evolved gorilla who becomes Seiichi’s loyal partner and love interest, combining strength with innocence.

• Artoria Gremm — A powerful spirit mage who senses Seiichi’s abnormal potential.

• Erika Aoi — A former classmate whose fate contrasts sharply with Seiichi’s success.

Themes and Style

• Redemption Through Growth — Turning weakness and trauma into strength.

• Overpowered Fantasy — Exaggerated power scaling played for comedy.

• Acceptance & Self-Worth — Healing emotional scars through companionship.

• Absurd Humor — Comedy driven by evolution mechanics and unexpected romance.

Animation & Visuals

Studio Hotline delivers colorful fantasy visuals with exaggerated action scenes and comedic timing. While not aiming for realism, the animation emphasizes magical effects, transformation sequences, and expressive character reactions. Saria’s evolution scenes and Seiichi’s power demonstrations are intentionally over-the-top, matching the show’s comedic tone.

The soundtrack supports both humor and emotional moments, reinforcing the contrast between Seiichi’s painful past and victorious present.

Where to Watch

You can stream The Fruit of Evolution – Season 1 on:

• Crunchyroll

• Amazon Prime Video

• Kindle

Popularity and Reception

Season 1 received mixed-to-positive reception. Fans praised its unapologetic power fantasy, humor, and unique romantic dynamic, while critics noted its reliance on familiar isekai tropes. Despite this, the anime gained strong popularity among isekai fans, leading to a second season announcement.

Final Thoughts

The Fruit of Evolution – Season 1 is a bold, ridiculous, and oddly heartfelt isekai that embraces excess without apology. It transforms a bullied protagonist into an unstoppable force while never forgetting the emotional roots of his journey.

For fans of overpowered protagonists, comedic evolution systems, and unconventional fantasy romance, Season 1 is an entertaining and memorable start to the series.