The following contains spoilers for That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime, Season 3, Episode 5, “Meeting of Both Sides”, available on Crunchyroll.
Episode 5 of That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime season 3 marks a pivotal moment as Hinata Sakaguchi convenes with the Great Saints to address the looming threat of the awakened Demon Lord Rimuru and the evolving dynamics in the Kingdom of Falmuth. Following her consultation with Lady Luminous post-Walpurgis, Sakaguchi surprises many by opting to cease hostilities against Rimuru.
The narrative takes a compelling turn when Reyheim, the former Archbishop of Falmuth, arrives to recount the battlefield events to the Luminaries and Great Saints, ultimately delivering a challenging message to Hinata from Rimuru Tempest.
Unveiling the Ten Great Saints
Strategizing Against Tempest
Hinata Sakaguchi's belated arrival at the gathering of the Ten Great Saints, as teased in the prior episode, sparks immediate contention as Saare, a young man, accuses her of birthing a new Demon Lord. Despite the initial discord, several members rally to support Hinata. Displaying a decisive stance against internal discord, Hinata showcases disagreements and alliances among the group. Each Saint, assigned a distinct role from Rook to Knight, offers insights, with the Water Paladin, Ritus, commending the advancements and safety measures in Tempest, underscoring Rimuru's commitment to harmonious human relations. Notably, concerns loom over the absence of the recently revived Storm Dragon Veldora.
A montage ensues as the Saints report their findings, with a focus on Ritus and Saare's updates concerning Tempest and Falmuth, hinting at Rimuru's potential involvement. Saare reveals King Edward's militaristic preparations and alliances with various factions, setting the stage for internal conflicts and strategic maneuvers. The introduction of new characters injects diverse personalities into the discussions, enriching the narrative with palpable tensions.
Rimuru's Impervious Stance
Mastering the Veldora Crisis
Amid Veldora's subdued impact post-revival, reports emerge of the Storm Dragon's decimation of Falmuth's forces. However, the Paladin of Light, Renard, questions the true extent of Veldora's havoc, hinting at concealed circumstances. Hinata discloses Lady Luminous' revelation of Veldora's subjugation by Rimuru, urging restraint against him. This revelation sparks dissent among the Saints, particularly from Master Rook, Grigori, challenging the notion of conceding human territories to a Demon Lord.
With Falmuth heading towards civil unrest, Hinata prioritizes averting casualties over confronting Rimuru, grappling with regrets over their prior encounter. Reflecting on Rimuru's peaceful overtures and her manipulation by eastern merchants, Hinata contemplates the potential for dialogue with the Demon Lord, given their shared Otherworlder origins.
The Archbishop's Testimony
Luminaries' Watch Over the Conflict
Reyheim's eyewitness account of Rimuru's swift annihilation of a 20,000-strong army rattles the assembly, drawing the attention of the Seven Luminaries. The Luminaries' scrutiny intensifies Reyheim's scrutiny, hinting at undisclosed information. Reyheim's narrative unveils the battlefield horrors and the emergence of the new Demon Lord, casting a shadow of doubt on human actions.
Speculating on Rimuru's formidable magic, Hinata recognizes the modern origins of the Megiddo technique, aligning Veldora and Rimuru with select entities beyond Lady Luminous' control. As tensions escalate, a Luminary, Arze, unveils Rimuru's challenge to Hinata, setting the stage for a climactic showdown.
The Decisive Confrontation
Luminaries' Ominous Gift to Hinata
Acknowledging the Luminaries' hidden motives, Hinata grapples with Rimuru's challenge, accepting the bestowed holy sword, Dragon Buster, capable of combating catastrophic threats. Uncertain of Rimuru's intentions, Hinata navigates treacherous waters, wary of the Luminaries' potential betrayal. As events unfold, Rimuru prepares for Hinata's impending arrival, signaling the onset of a long-awaited confrontation.