Chapter 59

**What an Azuma Is** is fifty-ninth chapter of the *Mato Seihei no Slave* manga.

## Summary

After walking in on Himari Azuma and Yuuki Wakura, Fubuki Azuma brushes Himari aside takes over massaging Yuuki. Masterfully, she uses the "Great Azuma's Massage" to great effect, making Yuuki instantly feel better. As Fubuki continues to massage him, Kyouka Uzen remarks on the skill in which she uses her hands and Fubuki explains it is a technique used to heal fatigue for those who have little time to rest. Fubuki then tells Himari that the "Azuma Banquet", which will decide the next head of the Azuma Family, will begin soon, much to Himari's shock. Fubuki further explains that it was prompted after  her mother saw the changing of heads for the 1st Unit. Although Fubuki would normally have become the next head, the Azuma Banquet will make it a decision of strength as to who should lead. She informs Himari that the banquet will be held in five days at the Azuma Estate. However, Himari interrupts and proclaims that she does not want to participate in the banquet or even see the Azuma house, claiming that who the next head will be has nothing to do with her.

Fubuki ceases massaging Yuuki and approaches Himari, gazing intensely at her. Abruptly, Fubuki asks if Himari will take a bath with her and Himari indignantly refuses. Fubuki then begins to feel up Himari's legs, observing that she has developed her muscles well, but still has suffered severe injuries. She argues that Himari's weaknesses will become lethal as other people will get hurt trying to protect her. Emitting an intense aura, Fubuki declares that she will put Himari down if she sullies the Azuma name. Realizing she is essentially being forced to participate in the banquet, Himari agrees, declaring that she has planned on bringing down the Azuma Family anyway.

Later, as the 7th Unit meets with Tenka Izumo, Shushu Suruga remarks that she hasn't talked much with members of the 9th Unit, but Himari says she doesn't have to if it's not work. Tenka comments that the Azuma's are a powerful family who are tied to the history of the Anti-Demon Corps, including Tobera Azuma who was formerly a commander, though Tenka wonders if she is a human or demon. Kyouka observes that Tenka gets along with the Azuma's, which is evidenced by the fact they left Yachiho Azuma under her watch. Tenka also notices that Yuuki is doing better and he explains that the form he took under Ren Yamashiro made his mind go blank and exhausted him. Tenka observes that lending Yuuki will be problematic if the form he takes could be dangerous, which Kyouka vehemently agrees with, stating she will not lend him out easily and instead focus on improving his form with her. Yuuki also agrees and says he will be ready once he's fully healed. Also, he wistfully recalls and praises Fubuki's massage, prompting the girls to try to massage him as well as they pile on top of him. Himari, however, sits alone, distracted. She thinks to herself that the Azuma Family would indeed kill her if they wished.

At the Azuma Estate, Tobera is met by Fubuki, Maia Azuma, and Homare Azuma who inform her that Himari will participate in the banquet. Maia comments that Himari has gotten an ego boost from defeating Yachiho and Homare adds that she only won because Yachiho has soft spot for her. As Tobera causes a flower to rapidly grow, she wonders if Himari will flourish or be pruned before she can grow. Regardless, Tobera declares that the Azuma Family must weed out the weak members and be in perfect shape for the fight against the Hachiraishin and the Commander Election. Homare says she will give Himari a beating as she did in their youth, but Maia says she does not have the right to decide who will do it. Angered, Homare activates her Peach blessing and instantly swaps out Maia's uniform for a frilly dress. Homare taunts Maia and threatens to chop off her head, but finds she cannot move as Maia has immobilized her. Fubuki and Tobera remark on how much energy Maia and Homare have despite having already fought many Shuuki. Tobera then causes the flower to wither, declaring the Azuma Family has no room for the weak-willed.

## Characters by Appearance

* Kyouka Uzen
* Fubuki Azuma
* Himari Azuma
* Yuuki Wakura
* Nei Ookawamura
* Shushu Suruga
* Maia Azuma
* Homare Azuma
* Tobera Azuma