Story sequence
On the way home, Rimuru is isolated by Hinata Sakaguchi, Shizu's former student and the Western Church's strongest knight. She has been told that Rimuru killed Shizu and views the rapidly growing monster nation as a direct threat to humanity.
Hinata activates Holy Field, suppressing ambient magicules and making many monster abilities difficult to use. Her analytical Unique Skill Mathematician and rapid sword strikes prevent Rimuru from controlling the pace. He tries to explain, but she treats conversation as a stalling tactic because her intelligence source has framed the case as settled.
Rimuru survives by sacrificing a replicated body while transferring his core through a prepared escape. Great Sage acquires useful information from the encounter, but he returns late because the duel has severed communication and consumed critical time.
The person who directed Hinata had detailed knowledge of Rimuru's route and Shizu's relationship with both of them. The setup is part of a broader effort to make human religion, Falmuth's economic anxiety, and Tempest's expansion collide.
Motivations
- Hinata believes decisive action will protect humanity and honor Shizu.
- The hidden instigator wants Rimuru absent and the two powerful otherworlders unable to compare information.
Outcome
Rimuru escapes, but Hinata believes she completed her mission and Tempest remains cut off from its ruler.
Consequences
- The ambush becomes the model for Rimuru's later preparation against Holy Field.
- The timing allows Falmuth and Church forces to attack Tempest under suppressive barriers.
The tragedy that follows is not caused by one villain alone; it emerges from coordinated misinformation, political fear, and Rimuru's lack of defensive institutions.