Finishing up TenSura S2 Pt 2, Right now and honestly, this part was basically a setup for what is to come. After all how does Rimuru becoming a Demon Lord change things. Well the biggest thing is announcing that he is a Demon Lord and see who his fellow associates are. I will say that I would rank it so far as S2 Pt 1 > S1 and S2 Pt 2. S2 part two was mostly for setup. While there is a lot of interesting pieces, it's a lot to wrap your head around.
While the goal of this part has been Rimuru's revenge on Clayman. And quite honestly the result shouldn't be disappointing. It has been constantly mentioned how weak Clayman's workforce has been, and after all one's underlings will tell about their boss. Like Clayman, they were overconfident, weak and would use any underhand tactics to get their way. Not to mention learning that Tear, Footman and Laplace were fellow associates of Clayman. And the 4 of them worked under Demon Lord Kazalim, who was killed by Demon Lord Leon. Clayman as a villain was decent. When the cards were in his favor hr was cunning. But when the reverse happened, and he refused to fold, and that overconfidence led to his death.
Milim acting along and Frey betrayal of Clayman was obviously giving the intentions that there was a bigger threat looming large that made Clayman rather small. We do get a piece of flashback from Clayman talking with Yuuki where he mentions world dominance. As another person who was isekaied into this world alongside Rimuru, Yuuki can be an interesting contrast to Rimuru in terms of their goals, as Rimuru's #1 goal is to protect Tempest.
As mentioned before Kazlim doesn't hold the power he once had which we know was around the strength of Leon. Yuuki and Kazlim seem to be Rimuru's longtime foes in this series. At the very least he suspects Yuuki, which puts he in a decent position going forward. Though the concern is Rimuru's students. Clayman basically gave us a taste of what Kazalim's style is like. Though he is much, much stronger than Clayman.
Beyond all the Clayman stuff, Rimuru finally meets Leon. And while Rimuru does initially become hostile of him, it is very clear to him Leon doesn't seem like either a good or bad guy. His mention of allowing Shizue to choose her life makes it clear him summoning her wasn't the worst fate she could have, but at the same time being housed with Ifrit's power at exactly ideal. Which was more like a curse for her.
His intrigue of Rimuru makes it clear he doesn't' intend to be hostile. Curious how Leon and Rimuru's relations continue past this point.
We also get this subtle, but interesting mention by Guy. He mentions Noir, which we know from the bonus episode of S1 that he is the same as Diablo. Diablo has his own plans to serve under Rimuru. But it's clear that he is someone Guy knows quite well and respects. It gives more curiosity of what Diablo is seeking serving Rimuru.
Also, a brief mention but the dragon family tree is growing. We know from Velzard's conversation with Guy that Veldora is her younger brother. But now we get that Veldora is basically Milim's uncle. I get the feeling this dragon family tree is just going to grow more at this point.
On the note of Milim, one thing Rimuru's fight with Clayman made very clear is how strong he is. Frey who holds strength closer to Clayman would be washed as well. While for Carrion the whole situation put him in an awkward spot. His kingdom was destroyed in the whole ordeal. Unlike with Frey he had potential as Guy mentioned, but in time being like Rimuru his goals are to look after his kingdom. But Rimuru taking care of his subject puts him in his debt. Their alliance is a big boost as we have seen how strong the animal kingdom.
We get both Carrion and Frey serving Milim now. Frey it makes sense she supported Milim through the whole situation. For Carrion choosing to serve Milim rather than Rimuru is surprising. But honestly he was looking away to step down at the moment and unlike Frey he isn't weak. SO the excuse of Milim beat him works in his favor. He does seem like one who would make a comeback to being a Demon Lord some day.
The last bit of information surrounds the real Demon Lord Valentine. She is easily the biggest wildcard. Her subordinate has ties to the Western Church, which gives hints to her affiliation, perhaps. As given in Visions of Coleus, she has some ties with the former Hero that saved Shizue. And we have that obvious connection between the Hero, Shizue and Chloe. As well as the plot line of Hinata, as she is one of Shizue's students, and that is still a promise of Rimuru's to be there to help her students.
This whole plot line as it carries over in S3 with Rimuru & Tempest with regard to Hinata & the Western Church is interesting. Will Luminous be against Rimuru? Although we do get the bit at the end where Laplace kills Roy Valentine. Honestly Luminous intentions going forward a big wildcard.
Solo Leveling - Episode 12 - Arise
