Tournament Finals Part 7

The twelfth match...... Hakurou vs Shion

Its the last match of the third day

At the center of the Colosseum, Hakurou stands opposite to Shion.

Inside the tense atmosphere is Milim who act like usual, undisturbed,

Begin!(Milim)

She shouted.

Having become more experienced, she gives the announcement fluently.

By the way, Souka doesnt take the referee role, she just does the victory proclamation.

Because there is the risk that Souka will interrupt the more serious sword fights, she only gives live reports.

Milim, imitating her, doesnt do anything that would disturb the match.

She is just happy that she could do something, my worry of her behaving wildly hasnt come true, Im really thankful it hasnt.

Lets pay more attention to the match.

The two brandished their swords against each other with a quiet atmosphere.

It is not a relentless sword clash like the fight between Benimaru and Souei, they just straightforwardly test each others offence and defense.

Its like a calm, flowing river.

However, a sudden downpour made the river surge.

Hakuro yelled out with fighting spirit as he slashed in Shions direction.

But, Shion isnt impatient, with a wonderful example of using just enough power to not injure the opponent, she wards off Hakurous slash.

Hakurou is still in contrast to Shion who is always in motion.

They give such impression, however this battle completely turned that image around.

Just like in the yesterdays battle, Shion obviously had grown. Her fighting method was not the one where she just attacks with all of her strength like she had done until recently, but she has changed into a skilled battling method that stresses the importance of rational tactics.

That is combining strength with technique.This means that her power had increased by one level.

If going by skill level alone, it didnt match Hakurouyet, but with both her higher physical strength and skill level supplemented by her instinct, she could fight on par with Hakurou.

No, theyre not equal.

Shion who has a flowing sword art, incorporated her irrational herculean strength. Her technique is still immature if compared to Hakurous.

In reality, the one who is seriously fighting and was pushed out in this battle was Hakurou.

It seems that Hakurous swordsmanship was unable to ward off Shions sword attack.

You have grown, Shion..... Never did I expect that with your swords skill you could get this far.(Hakurou)

Fufufu. I wont act violently for forever you know.

My wish is to reach that high place for sure.

With my previous self, I could never be useful for Rimuru-sama.(Shion)

The swords intersect and repel each other. Once more they face each other by taking a distance.

Its more than I thought, they began to display the aspect of an advanced swordsmans match.

Hakurou nods in satisfaction after seeing Shions growth.

Souei was the first disciple he took under his wing.

He knows his own ability and duties, while abstaining himself from overconfidence. An ideal disciple.

Compared to Souei, Benimaru and Shion were very different.

No matter how he teaches, they are more about combat rather than theory, and thus, more about strength rather than skill! That was the personality that they carried into their battles.

However, Benimaru as the young warrior of the Ogres[1] was a boy who had a strong sense of responsibility from the beginning.

Therefore, it was good that he was aware that self-conceit could make the people he holds dear hurt.

Like that, Benimaru mastered his awareness and responsibility as a general, he has grown more remarkably than what Hakurou had previously expected.

For Hakurou too, it was truly a joyous thing.

But, more than anything for the problem child Shion to become more mature, Hakurou although very surprised, was also delighted.

For a period of time, Shions outrage after being resurrected from the maws of death was an intolerable thing.

Is her mind unstable? Has her heart gone dark[2]?

It was as if her heart had been completely dyed by the violent hatred towards people except her friends.

He had also inspected the situation of Yomigaeri special training, but they did not give out the feeling of special training but of venting their anger.

Had Shions mind gone mad because she died? So he worried.

If by some chance Shion turned into someone who causes great harm, he had the resolution to personally deal with her using his sword.

However, Shion showed growth.

Shion changed again after being admonished by Rimuru-sama following the fight with the Holy Knights.

In the end, Shion may just be afraid.

Afraid of being killed.

It wasnt because death is scary, but because she was afraid she would disappear without being any use.

It seemed that finding herself not useful and being forgotten by Rimuru-sama is what she is afraid of, more than anything else, by Hakurous analysis.

For that reason, even for a little, she tries to stand out more than others.

The cause was also because she was obsessed with foolish things like ranking order.

She envied the others, she was afraid that if she was not hogging Rimuru-samas interest and affection for herself, she would end up forgotten and left behind.

The jealousy in her heart is the cause of her recklessness.

However, Rimuru-sama will never forget about us, once she realizes that, the jealousy in her heart will surely disappear.

In the end, the sense of being securely watched over by a parent was something that protected Shions mind.

Now, there is no doubt in Shions swordsmanship, such a thing told more than any words.

If she keeps growing at the same rate as now, the day when her ability surpasses Hakurou doesnt seem far.

(If thats true, then I can give my undivided attention to the troublesome youths, such as Gobuta and Gabil.)

So he thinks, while a delightful smile begins to shape.

Now, If youre able to stop this sword, I will confer to you the full mastery of my arts!(Hakurou)

He told Shion, and the training sword once more enters it sheath.

The match will be decided by the next strike.

To see Shions growth was a godsend.

After this, it is only to enjoy this battle.

Hakurou intended to use Battoujutsu [3].

Shion also noticed it.

However, Shion doesnt become unnerved. Of course, she wont use battoujutsu, since her dachi wont get additional speed when it was drawn.

Its not like she wasnt able to do it, but now is not the right time to use it.

For Shion and the others, Hakurou was the closest person to a parent for them.

He was the only person who had raised them since they were young.

Thats why, one of Shions objectives was to be acknowledged by him.

And then, after surpassing him, shell grow. Thats what Shion thought.

Until recently, the heavy insecurity that had occupied her heart had been completely vanished.

She wasnt afraid of death.

But, what she feared more than death was to be forgotten.

However, its alright now.

Conviction that Rimuru-sama will never forget about her had swept away Shions insecurity.

At the same time as the insecurity was swept away, she realized that it was meaningless to envy others.

So, instead of envy, she had surpassed it.

Shion had reached the part where she noticed the meaning of surpassing herself, that Shes not another person. In that case, she will always keep on growing.

At the end of that progress, thanks to their longer lifespan she could arrive at a perspective that couldnt be attained by short-lived people.

When thinking about this, Shion didnt feel any need to be impatient anymore.

Shions growth was accelerated when her insecurity and doubt disappeared. However, it could be called ironic.

That is, something than even Shion wasnt unable to notice....

The Envys Sprout that budded inside Shions heart once again showed some change.

At the same time as her insecurity and doubt disappeared, the envious feeling towards others was also dispelled.

The outcome of this was that the budding sprout in a surge, turned back into a seed and fell asleep in her innermost heart.

And thus, the budding of Shions feelings of envy ceased.

The seed did not vanish when it assimilated with the soul, it blended together with the wavelength of her soul, and engraved the beat.

Did the envy not bud because her anxiety and doubt disappeared? Or did her anxiety and doubt disappear because she no longer goes mad with jealousy? It was uncertain.

Anyway, Shion changed and arrived at the present state.

Next, what Hakurou had released was without doubt a Sword Saints Sword Draw Arts.

If someone was able to stop the attack then there was a good chance of winning, it was the weak point of Sword Draw.

The winner and loser would be decided by this one strike.

Shion devoted her entire body and soul and made a posture to prepare against Hakurous attack.

Dim Stream Slash[4]!(Hakurou)

Hakurous figure become indistinct, thin like air, despite the fact that Shions perception was not inferior in speed, it was obstructed for a moment and before she realized it, he had already appeared before her eyes like an optical illusion.

The shining blade was flowing as if it would cut through the neck,Hakurous victory seems to be confirmed.

Not yet! War Goddess Release[5]!!(Shion)

Shion transforms by utilizing the Unique SkillWar Goddess Transformation [6].

When the doubt inside Shion disappeared, the skillDemonificationchanged intoWar Goddess Transformation.

Its not a skill where someone loses their awareness and rage like a berserker. Its an ability that purely raised physical power.

Just like BenimarusDemon Flame Transformation[7], it was an ability where theyre able to use the properties of their soul body.

Shion is in a state where her bodys strength was transferred into her soul body without any change. However, it consumes an extreme amount of energy, so it cant be used for a long time.

This moment is when the decision concluding this offence and defense is made.

With her current self, she cant match Hakurou. Thats why, she use all of her ability.

Under the effect of Unique SkillWar Goddess Transformation a fierce and powerful Touki overflows from Shions entire body.

All her senses are sharpened at the same time and the power overflowing from Shion can be felt.

The current Shion is able to clearly see Hakurous Dim Current Slash that could even confuse ones speed perception.

Evasion is unnecessary.

She will not receive damage from that katana. Shion understood that in an instant.

However, Shion chose to respond to it with her greatest technique without hesitation.

ChaoticThe Apocalypse and Genesis of FateLife and Death of the Universe[8]!!(Shion)

Putting her whole will in it, it could even alter the outcome.

She twists her body while sending her dachi from below and intercept Hakurous blade.

Hakurous blade that was aimed to slash at Shions neck was intercepted by Shions dachi.

Despite that there wasnt even a chance for it to make it in time, Shions accelerating sword speed broke common sense and overwrote the result.

Light flickers, and a broken edge flew in the air.

Shions dachi beat and cut Hakurous training katana.

Shion quickly retracted her blade and swung down with her overhead raised dachi

A clear voice with high pitched tone could be heard as Shions dachi was stopped by the Magic Sword Tenma [9] in Milims hand.

Stop! Any more than this is prohibited. This match shall be Shions victory!(Milim)

Milim proclaimed Shions victory with an expression as if nothing had happened.

Shout of joy wrapped the Colosseum.

Milim interrupted the match and stopping Shions sword, few people noticed the real situation.

But, Hakurou and Shion simultaneously understood. If she continued her slash, Hakurou might receive a fatal damage that couldnt be reversed even with regeneration.

Im sorry......Hakurou. I want you to see my growth, unconsciously I..... (Shion)

What~ I dont really mind. I also wanted to see your seriousness. No, Ive already seen enough.(Hakurou)

Hakurou forgives Shion when she apologizes.

Towards those two,

Oi, you who is called Shion. I will personally teach you next time.

You should be pleased! That strike just now was a strike that could even slay Demon Lord you know!(Milim)

So Milim says.

However,

Eh, no, I need to decline. After all, Im not that really interested in becoming strong.(Shion)

As one would expect, Shion decline if her opponent is the Tyrant Milim, and chose to escape.

What did you say!? You should take the responsibility for chipping my Magic Sword Tenma!(Milim)

Milim made a fuss, but if she minds it then shes already lost.

Shion made the right choice, resolute on making a speedy escape from the arena.

No, its not chipped, its only degraded by rust. There is no problem.

For becoming an important JudgeReferee for today, thank you very much.(Shion)

After she said that, Shion started to flee and quickly left that place.

Milim had face that say Hum!? she began to laugh as if she gave up on it.

Milims laugh reverberates in the Colosseum. This matchs victory goes to Shion.

The winner of final match on the third tournament day is Shion.

With this, the best 4 people are all present.

I was surprised.

Shion was able to confront Hakurou directly, but I was more surprised by her victory.

However, what surprised me the most is Milim who read the situation and intervened.

I think that If Milims intervention didnt come, Hakurou would be dead. Its good that she intervened.

MIlim, You really helped me by stopping Shion there, thank you!(Rimuru)

When I say my thanks,

Wahahahaha! What~ It was a good thing.

However, your subordinate called Shion, that one is growing up.

You dont need to be worried about that Guy fellow!(Milim)

So she answered with laugh,

The thing is, will I also make a live report tomorrow?(Milim)

So she demands from me while inclining her head, a smile on her face.

She will not accept a refusal.

*Glimpse* I glance at Souka,

Understood. Then Milim-sama, lets us both make a live report together!(Souka)

It seems Souka will not yield in this.

Well, whatever. Perhaps something will happen tomorrow.

Milim and Souka, I acknowledge that those two would perform the live report for tomorrows matches.

The schedule for the fourth day,

The thirteenth match....... Benimaru vs Gobuta (+Ranga)

The fourteenth match...... Shion vs Diablo

Also, the match to decide the 3rd place.

Well, what will happen?

We left to go home while thinking about tomorrows outcome.

In the night.

The meal with the Hero Masayuki that been delayed was achieved.

Oh well, it was not such grandiose thing.

Wa, its nice to meet you, is it fine? Im the Hero (LOL) Masayuki....... (Masayuki)

While blushing, Masayuki introduces himself as a Hero.

Yeah. If he still had the original worlds sense, theres no one who would not be embarrassed when calling oneself a Hero.

Its just like the feeling of when youre called and made fun as a muscle-brained Hero inside a game.

And, he called me out when we meet before.

At that time, he was still under Yuukis brainwashing, but he remembered that the response cant be taken back. Therefore it seems to have become an unpleasant feeling.[10]

After all, Im a Demon Lord.

As the opponent, I can be considered a boss that needed to be defeated

I think his mental state can be called very complex now.

However, such a sick feeling should be cleared if I prepared a meal to eat together.

Oh well, although this is not our first meeting, nice to meet you[11], should do.

Im Demon Lord Rimuru. My real name is Mikami Satoru. Im a former salary man.(Rimuru)

So, I first spoke frankly to ease the mood.

Its been a long time since Ive spoken that abandoned name, but it flowed more nicely than I thought.

Eh? By any chance... are you a Japanese person? (Masayuki)

Oh well, my looks is a pretty girl.[12] Its natural if he doesnt believe it.

Well, yes. Shall we talk about it while we eat?(Rimuru)

I said so and invited him to a meal.

Masayuki is deeply moved because of the sushi and udon displayed in front of his eyes, well be able to have a decent conversation after the meal.

I understand. Its okay if I become Mikami-sans subordinate!(Masayuki)

Although I still not said anything yet, he said such words as soon as we finished eating.

What did you understand? I completely dont understand.

No well......., although I can understand that hes starved for Japanese food.

Subordinate, you are.....(Rimuru)

No, its okay. Because, I dont has any attachments for something like Hero.

To be frank, its embarrassing to be calledMasayuki[13].

No, actually, I was troubled how should I resign you know.(Masayuki)

So he starts talking freely.

He told me that he attended college prep-schools[14] back in the former world and was also a bright honor student.

His secret and hidden hobby was that he liked to read Manga and Light Novels, but thanks to that he had the desire to become a hero, so he complained about this.

After that, we talked about various things and explained about each others circumstances.

Well, I only talked a bit, I almost became an expert at listening.

It seems he really wanted to talk, he explained lengthily and in great detail.

It seems Masayuki was unable to speak what was inside his mind, because his companions worshipped him as if he was a God.

With such circumstances, he seemed to have piled up a lot of stress.

I also heard about Yuuki in detail.

Oh well, as I expected. I seemed to have received theThought Guidancethat was the first stage of brainwashing, I attained some proof.

Thought I had doubts if there was complete mind domination, but this was also inside my prediction.

Its difficult to perform complete mind domination on several people at the same time, this was what I had reasoned.

About Will Domination, is preferable for useful people that had Unique Skill, as it is difficult to dominate them since people with ability usually had a strong Will.

Thats why its necessary to affect them when their ability hasnt reached a mature stage.

Still,Thought Guidance, isnt it?

I had memories when I receive it, but it was also the truth that he had helped me.

Instead of shameful memories, it could have ended worse.

However, thanks to that, I could faint if I try to remember it......

As expected, I cant forgive that guy(Masayuki)

If he is recognized as hero, then he had mastered the ability as it was.

Thats also okay, but it seems that the memory is embarrassing.

Well, there is nothing that can be done except to forget it. Although, he will faint in agony for awhile.

In the end, Masayuki promised to cooperate with me.

Since, its also profitable to get information from him.

When he could remember he would contact me, so for the moment he would continue to stay in my city.

Above all, I still had business with his MangaMemory.

Hell become my conversation partner for awhile.

Thus, the friendship between me and Masayuki was created and I obtained a new companion.

[1] To refresh our mind, the kanji for ogre is Dai Oni Zoku Great/Large Demon Race while the furigana is Ouga . From Ogre they evolved into Oni the kanji is Oni Hito Zoku.

[2] Kokoro () can mean more than one. It can also mean Mind or spirit/soul. Gone dark = clouded by something.

[3] Battoujutsu: The art of drawing sword, the other name for it is Iaijutsu. This is a serious sword art where the practitioner draw their sword and return it so fast skillfully without waste a move. A skillful master can use his sword so fast that eyes couldnt see it. Just watch some Rurouni Kenshin or some Youtube video (its cool)

[4] = Oboro ryuusui zan Oboro = Dim, Hazy, Vague. Ryuusui = Flowing Water/Current. Zan =Slash/Cut. If you guys have an idea for any good name for Technique or Skill, please comment!

[5] = Toushin (can also be read as tatakau kami) kaihou War (can also mean Combat) God (Goddess as Shion a girl) Release. War God is already Renyas.

[6] = Toushinka War Goddess Transformation. Trivia mean apotheosis like the one Kumoko-chan, no Shiraori-sama undergo.

[7] = Ma en ka Demon/Magic Flame Transformation

[8] () Tenchi Kassatsu Hou Tan (Kaotikku Feito). (Tenchi) = Can mean Heaven and Earth but can also mean Universe. (Kassatsiu) =Life and Death. (Houtan) = Hou or Kuzure () can mean Crumble/Collapse/Break down/Destroy, while Tan () can mean Born, so I translate it as The Apocalypse and Genesis of life and death of universe. Too mouthful

[9] "" = Maken Tenma Demon/Magic/Demonic/Cursed/Magical Sword Heavenly Demon, but Tenma sound cooler.

[10] An unpleasant memories, just like Dark History for people cured from Chuunibyou.

[11] Masayuki use Hajimemashite which was only used if its the first time you meet with someone and introduces yourself to that person. Like a scene in Anime when a transfer student come to your class s/he will introduces her/himself starting with hajimemashite and then s/he name.

[12] Rimuru admit that he is a pretty little girl.

[13] Masayuki name is Honjou Masayuki / Masayuki Honjou (In english format), Honjou is his family name while Masayuki is his First/Given name. For Japanese people it is not really polite to call someone first name if you are not someone close to her/him. This is called as Yobisute in Japanese (Yobisute mean addressing someone without honorific) For a couple this is normal.

[14] Shingakukou a School centered on preparing the students to get into college/university