Chapter 60

**The Banquet Starts** is the sixtieth chapter of the *Mato Seihei no Slave* manga.

## Summary

Shikoku and Jouryuu play a racing video game while Rairen observes, unimpressed. Shikoku explains that she wishes to get a taste of what humans do for entertainment before destroying them, but Rairen demands they finish up quickly. Using Hidden Beauty, Kuusetsu appears and asks if they are going somewhere. Shikoku explains that the eighth Thunder God is about to be born, which excites Kuusetsu. As she gets dressed, Kuusetsu remarks that she is hungry and confirms to Jouryuu that she can absorb more humans, with ability-users being the best since she can absorb their abilities. Jouryuu is impressed by Kuusetsu's ability, but Shikoku observes that absorbing personalities is a downside. Jouryuu asks if they will attack the Anti-Demon Corps again, but Shikoku informs her they will refrain from doing so until all eight of them are assembled. Instead, Shikoku has a better idea.

A short distance from Tamagawa Kunado, Himari Azuma, Yachiho Azuma, Kyouka Uzen, Tenka Izumo, and Yuuki Wakura arrive at the Azuma Estate. Yachiho asks Himari if it brings back memories, but Himari states she has no good memories of the estate. Yachiho offers to hold Himari's hand, but it is suddenly grabbed by Tobera Azuma, who appears behind them. Tobera embraces Yachiho with great affection, calling her the treasure of the Azuma family. Yachiho points out to Tobera that Himari is also present and Tobera turns her attention to her. She supposes that Himari is not planning to quit the Anti-Demon Corps, which Himari confirms. Tobera says she has no complaints as long as Himari demonstrates her growth. She then gives Himari an intense glare and declares that if she doesn't, she will stop Himari from being shame to the family. Tobera then turns to Kyouka and Tenka, observing how protective they are to accompany Himari and Yachiho. Tenka replies that she heard how intense the trial is and wanted to be there for her "important underling". Tobera assures them that nothing underhanded will transpire, which reassures Kyouka as she declares that Himari is strong. Tobera wonders to herself if the Azuma Family should make a connection with Kyouka and observes that the trial will also put Kyouka to the test. After Tenka presents Tobera a box of treats, Yuuki finally asks who she is. Kyouka informs Yuuki that Tobera is Himari and Yachiho's grandmother.

As Tobera walks the 6th and 7th Unit members through the compound, she remarks that she expected Fubuki Azuma to win the banquet, but with Yachiho competing, she's not so sure. She then informs them there are eight Azuma Family members participating; four from the Main Family and four from the Branch Family. They join the other competing Azuma Family members who have gathered in the garden. Yuuki asks if they are all from the Anti-Demon Corps, but Tenka informs him that three of them are not. Tobera explains that the Azuma Family is present in many fields and that two members of the Branch Family (Sorako Azuma and Takemi Azuma) are from the Police's Special Forces who deal with Ability-related crimes.

Tobera then announces that the Azuma Banquet, which will determine the next head of the Azuma Family, has begun. She informs the contestants that they will be transported to another location to fight and that the last one standing will become the next head of the Azuma Family. Tobera stands before a portal and explains that they will go in one-by-one and each of their starting points will be random. Himari informs Yuuki that the portal was created using an ability, which Yachiho confirms that the Azuma Family is familiar with.

Homare Azuma walks up to Himari and tells her she will beat up some weaklings first. She taunts Himari by reminding her of the times she beat her up and made her cry when they were younger and calls her a masochist for wanting to return, which amuses most of the Azuma Family members. Angered, Yachiho prepares to intervene, but Himari swats Homare away, stating she is not at all like Yachiho. Himari calls Homare a rotten woman and loudly declares that she will crush her, greatly angering Homare.

## Characters by Appearance

* Shikoku
* Jouryuu
* Rairen
* Kuusetsu
* Yachiho Azuma
* Himari Azuma
* Tenka Izumo
* Kyouka Uzen
* Yuuki Wakura
* Tobera Azuma
* Fubuki Azuma
* Maia Azuma
* Takemi Azuma
* Sorako Azuma
* Homare Azuma
* Yumina Azuma