The closer Hinata gets to Tempest the easier it is to see the impact Rimuru has had on the surrounding area. It’s clean and pleasant, people seem to be getting along, and there’s a ramen chain… hang on, ramen!
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (Episode 55) – Saint and Demon Clash
What happened?
Hinata’s team caught up with her on the road where they revealed that they drew straws to decide who would stay behind since they all couldn’t come and none of them wanted to sit back and let Hinata face Rimuru along. He is a Demon Lord after all and she did try to kill him. As they continued on their journey they soon saw the roads that Rimuru had put in place between the nearby trade partners. Not only that, but the shops were full of the nicest wares. Even the people seemed happy and content with monsters and humans interacting as if were the most normal thing ever.
Then, Hinata stopped suddenly. She almost had to pinch herself to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. There was a ramen shop. It couldn’t be like home! Could it? She marched in with her team and ordered five bowls of ramen. No one had seen them before or experienced chopsticks, but Hinata was completely at home. She tasted the ramen and was left stunned. It was just like home. Then, the others followed her lead and were equally shocked by how good it tasted. Then, the gyoza was delivered to their table which Hinata practically jumped at. There was no doubt in any of their minds that Rimuru was a better ruler than most of the human rulers.
Meanwhile, the Seven Luminaries had got to the remaining members of Hinata’s team and warned them that Hinata would betray Luminous. Of course, it was just a way for them to get him to travel to Tempest with an army to kill Rimuru and prove that Hinata was innocent, or at worst being manipulated. Rimuru was aware of the team and had Shion’s group face them. By the time he showed up with Benimaru and the others, Shion had almost ensured victory… which wasn’t exactly the plan, although they hadn’t killed anyone. Then, Hinata arrived and found herself face-to-face with Rimuru.
What did you think?
While I’ve not been reincarnated or summoned to another world, I can understand what Hinata was thinking as she ate the ramen. I’ve lived in several countries around the world and despite places claiming to have food available from other countries, it’s never the same as back home. So, seeing her devour that ramen and then fight over the gyoza felt completely natural. As well as that, it was nice to see that they were acknowledging the work that Rimuru had put into Tempest and the surrounding areas as he expanded his trade network. Given what they’ve seen, it’s going to be hard for Luminous to maintain the position that monsters are bad without falling on its face.
Of course, the Seven Luminaries seem to be keen to ensure that things stay the way they like it. Then, sending another team to attack Tempest was something that Rimuru had mentioned a couple of episodes ago although we had no idea why there was another force heading their way. Now we do, and it makes sense. The Seven Luminaries are a devious and power-hungry group who will stop at nothing to ensure that they stay relevant which they obviously have a problem with since Hinata defeated them. The next episode is called Misunderstandings and the most obvious context for that is for Hinata and Rimuru to see that they are being played. I can’t help but think there will be something else, but I hope that Hinata and Rimuru get a chance to clear the air, but not before they have an epic battle. We need that!
