8 Gaining new subordinate and preparing for war.

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people/monster thinking '------------'

Raphael speaking< ------- >

Voice of the world speaking<< -------- >>

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(Rimuru's pov)

After acquiring my new sword, I began practicing swordsmanship with it. While I was training, I received a telepathic message from Ranga.

Ranga: "Master, there are Ogres attacking us!"

I recalled that the village of Ogres had been attacked by Orcs led by the Orc Lord around this time. I decided to head to where Ranga and the Ogres were fighting. On my way there, I asked Raphael to create a mask similar to Shizu's.

Rimuru: "Hey, Raphael-san, can you create a mask identical to Shizu's?"

Raphael: <Yes, master.>

(Rimuru's pov)

Upon reaching the battlefield, I saw Ranga and Goblin Riders holding their ground against the Ogres. They joined me, with the Ogres standing ready to fight. I attempted to initiate a conversation, but before I could, a red-haired Ogre spoke with an angry tone.

Red-Haired Ogre: "Quit playing tricks, Majin. Enslaving monsters isn't something a weak human could do."

Rimuru: "Enslaving? I believe you've got the wrong impression. I haven't enslaved anyone. These individuals willingly chose to serve under me."

Red-Haired Ogre: "You can't fool me. That mask may hide your aura, but it doesn't change the facts."

White-Haired Old Ogre: "No need to hide; we know who you are."

Blue-Haired Ogre: "Looks like the mastermind came to us, making our job easier."

Rimuru thought: 'They must be furious about the destruction of their village caused by the Orcs.'

Raphael: <Yes, master, they seem quite upset about the village's destruction by Orcs.>

Rimuru: 'I'm aware of that, Raphael-san.'

Raphael: <Humph. >

Rimuru: 'Did you just "humph" me, Raphael-san?'

Raphael: <It's just your imagination, master.>

Rimuru: 'Alright, I'll take your word for it, Raphael-san.'

As I was teasing Raphael, the red-haired Ogre attacked me with his sword. I allowed the sword to connect with me, and it shattered upon impact. This left all the Ogres in shock. However, I then did something that left them speechless.

Rimuru: "By now, you should realize that if I wanted to harm you, I could have done it earlier."

After sensing my "Destruction Haki," the Ogres knelt in front of me, unable to resist it. Having subdued them, I asked if they had come to confirm my identity as the Majin. They agreed and, after confirming that I wasn't responsible for the attack on their village, they asked for forgiveness. I forgave them and invited them to my village, to which they agreed.

Rimuru: "Ranga, please ask everyone to prepare a feast for tonight."

Ranga: "Yes, master."

[Time-skip to the night]

We returned to our village without any issues. Rigurd was waiting for me. That night, we held a festival that everyone enjoyed. The red Ogre stood somewhat apart from the main party, looking perplexed. I noticed this and approached him.

Rimuru: "Don't you like our food?"

Red-Haired Ogre: "It's delicious. I'm just uncertain about my future."

Rimuru: "I have an idea. Why not follow me as my subordinate?"

Red-Haired Ogre: "What? Why, especially after we attacked you?"

Rimuru: "Yes, but that was a misunderstanding, and it all worked out well. Join me, and I'll help you defeat the Orc Lord."

Surprised by my offer, the red-haired Ogre asked again.

Red-Haired Ogre: "But why would you involve your village in this?"

Rimuru: "Those Orcs are dangerous, and I'm certain they'll come here sooner or later."

Red-Haired Ogre: "Please give me some time to think about it."

Rimuru: "Alright, take your time, and let me know when you've made a decision."

The festival concluded with everyone in high spirits.

[Time-skip to the next morning]

The red-haired Ogre entered Rimuru's home.

Rimuru: "So, have you made a decision?"

Red-Haired Ogre: "Yes, we will follow you from now on."

Rimuru: "Alright, then I will give all of you names."

Red-Haired Ogre: "Isn't that too risky?"

Rimuru: "No, please gather everyone." Rimuru said, and Rigurd brought all the Ogres.

I named them all, and they evolved into Kijin before retiring for some rest.

A little while later, the red Ogre, now named Benimaru, woke up and approached Rimuru. Behind him stood Shuna, Shion, Hakurou, and Souei. Kurobe was away, conversing with Kaijin.

Benimaru: "Thanks for the names you've given us."

Rimuru: "Where's Kurobe?"

Benimaru: "He's speaking with Kaijin."

Rimuru: "Your name is Hakurou, correct?"

Hakurou: "Yes, Rimuru-sama."

Rimuru: "You seem to be skilled in swordsmanship, right?"

Rimuru: "I'd like you to train the goblins."

Hakurou: "As you wish, Rimuru-sama. I'll train them with all my might."

Rimuru: "Perfect. We will defeat the Orc Lord and the demon lord behind this mess. Souei, I want you to scout and report everything to me."

Souei: "As you wish, Rimuru-sama," Souei said and used his shadow abilities to disappear.

Kurobe eventually returned. As I remembered, he was the same as ever. After some discussion, I decided to spend some time with Shizue, but Shion and Shuna wanted to be with me too. Shizue simply laughed as the two Kijin argued, finding it rather amusing.

To settle the matter, I allowed both Shion and Shuna to join us. That's how I spent the entire day with three beautiful women. Towards the end of the day, Souei reported that a group of Lizardmen was on their way to our village and would arrive the next day. Shizue prepared the food this time, sparing me from Shion's culinary experiments.

[The following day]

Upon waking up, I found Shizue and Shuna engaged in a conversation. I greeted them and decided to take a leisurely walk around the village while waiting for the Lizardmen to arrive. After lunch, prepared by Shizue, Gabiru, the Lizardman leader, and his group reached our village. I was in my human form by then.

"What do you want?" Shizue inquired, showing impatience.

There was a brief moment of silence, followed by their collective chant.

"Gabiru, Gabiru, Gabiru..."

"My name is Gabiru," he began. "And all of you will serve under me!"

Shizue approached me and whispered that he was annoying, to which I agreed.

Rimuru: "Yes, but he does have great potential."

"You better remember his name," one of the Lizardmen warned.

"That's right, I'm here to protect you weaklings," Gabiru boasted. But when he looked at us, he fell silent.

Gabiru: "I've heard there is a powerful leader who defeated the Direwolves. Bring him here."

I sensed Shion's intense anger. Benimaru approached me and asked, "Can I kill him?" wearing a playful expression.

"Sure," I responded, but Benimaru began to move in Gabiru's direction.

Rimuru: "WAIT! NO, NO, NO!"

Benimaru returned to my side.

Rimuru: "I'm the one who made the Direwolves our allies."

"You must be joking. A little girl like you could never achieve that," Gabiru stated.

"Ranga," I said.

"Yes, Master," Ranga replied, emerging from my shadow.

Rimuru: "He wants to talk with you. Please listen to what he has to say."

"As you wish," Ranga replied, employing his skill, 'Fear,' but Gabiru remained unimpressed.

Rimuru: "This is his true size. It's more effective at intimidating people."

Gabiru commented, "Your size is majestic, but serving a little girl like her is disappointing."

"Huh!" Now I was angry as well.

Gabiru: "I don't know what she did to you, but it's unacceptable. It seems you were deceived, so I will defeat her for you."

Raphael: <Ranga's anger is escalating.>

Rimuru: "I'm aware."

"Let's cheer!" one Lizardman said, and they began chanting, "Gabiru! Gabiru!"

Ranga: "A lowly Lizardman dares to insult my Master!"

"Yep, he's a dead man," I said to Shizue.

"Agreed," Shizue concurred.

Gobta arrived.

"Gobta," I greeted him.

"Perfect," Ranga grabbed Gobta and declared, "Defeat him, and we'll accept your offer."

Gobta: "HEY! Why do I have to fight?"

Rimuru: "If you defeat him, I'll ask Kurobe to craft you a perfect weapon."

Gobta: "OH! I'm a little more motivated now."

"And if you lose, I'll ask Hakurou to punish you severely," I warned, with Hakurou nodding in agreement.

"That's never going to happen!" Gobta was now under immense pressure.

"Then, let the battle begin," Ranga declared.

Gobta easily defeated Gabiru by using his Shadow Move skill to get behind him and knock him out.

"Looks like you truly have great potential," Hakurou praised. "Be prepared for the future."

Shizue: "I never expected this, but he's really grown in power."

"Indeed," I acknowledged. "As promised, I will ask Kurobe to create a perfect weapon for you."

The Lizardmen were still in shock about what had transpired.

Rimuru: "Take him and leave. We can discuss the possibility of us fighting alongside you against the Orcs, but we won't serve you."

"We'll remember that," one of them said.

They left the village, and we returned to our main building to discuss our future plans. Souei reported on what he had observed.

"I've spotted a significant Orc army here," he pointed at the map. "If my scouts are correct, they're headed for the swamp."

"So, they plan to attack the Lizardmen first," Shizue remarked. "We need to do something."

Rimuru: "I agree, but we can't rush into a battle without a plan."

Souei: "Rimuru-sama."

Rimuru: "Yes?"

Souei: "A Dryad wishes to speak with you."

"A Dryad?" Everyone was surprised.

Rigurd: "It's been a long time since the last Dryad was seen."

Rimuru: "Bring her here."

The Dryad slowly materialized. In her usual beautiful form, she presented me with a surprise.

Rimuru: "Welcome. I am Rimuru Tempest."

Treyni: "My name is Treyni. I'm one of the Great Jura Forest's Dryads. We Dryads have a significant request for you, Ruler of the Monsters."

Rimuru: "I will defeat the Orc Lord. That has been the plan ever since Benimaru told us that their home was destroyed by that creature."

Treyni: "Then, the Blessing of the Dryads is granted to you. Please save us."

To Be continued

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