Tensura Reaction/Short

Rebirth of the Ultimate Slime(1)

Rimuru sat slumped over his desk, buried under what seemed like an unending mountain of paperwork. As the fifth True Dragon, responsibilities weighed heavily on him, and his current form, magnificent as it was, felt far removed from the free-spirited slime he used to be. His days blurred into a monotonous cycle of decisions, treaties, and judgment calls. He could see why Veldora and Milim seemed so eager to roam free as they pleased.

As he let out a sigh, a familiar, calm voice resonated within his mind.

"Master Rimuru, would you consider taking a break?"

It was Ciel, his loyal partner and constant companion within his mind, who could sense the weariness he tried to hide. Ever attentive, Ciel had been silently tracking Rimuru's gradual exhaustion.

"Easier said than done, Ciel," Rimuru replied with a tired smile. "Taking a break as a True Dragon is like trying to sneak a snack in the middle of a feast. I'd probably end up causing a diplomatic incident."

Ciel paused thoughtfully. She had a solution in mind, but she knew it was a bold one. With gentle resolve, she finally voiced her idea.

"Master, why not consider a true break from this world?"

Rimuru's eyes widened. "A true break? You mean... leaving?"

"Yes. I've calculated a safe way for you to temporarily leave this world, with all your responsibilities intact. You could reincarnate in a new world, rediscover your slime form, and fully enjoy yourself without any King obligations."

Rimuru's mind raced. A vacation? A chance to be free of the pressures of the Octogram, the demands of his allies, and the expectations of an entire realm? The thought was tempting. But he also couldn't deny that there were still duties here, people he cared about, and a host of followers who wouldn't be pleased with his sudden departure.

"Would they even allow it?" he asked, a skeptical brow raised.

"We can convince them," Ciel assured him. "They all care for you deeply and would understand that this is something you need for your well-being. And with me here, you won't have to worry about any disruptions to our realm. I'll ensure everything runs smoothly in your absence."

The plan was almost perfect... almost. But convincing everyone else might prove to be tricky.

It was a rare occasion for Rimuru to gather his closest subordinates for a meeting of this scale, and an anxious buzz filled the hall. Benimaru, Shion, Shuna, and the rest of his most loyal followers stood at attention, each sensing the importance of this unexpected assembly. Diablo, ever watchful, shot Rimuru a look of genuine concern.

Rimuru cleared his throat. "I've called you all here because... well, I've decided to take a break."

His subordinates exchanged puzzled glances. A break? For someone as powerful as Rimuru, who could bend time and space, the concept seemed almost foreign.

"Not just a break," Rimuru continued, "a real break. I'm going to reincarnate into another world for a while. Just to clear my head, you know?"

Shion gasped, looking horrified. "But Lord Rimuru! Who will protect you in this new world? Who will cook for you?"

Diablo's crimson eyes narrowed in worry. "If it's your decision, my Lord, I will respectfully follow. But please allow me to accompany you. You'll need someone to fend off potential dangers."

Rimuru held up his hands, trying to calm them. "No, no, no! This is a solo mission. No one else is coming along. This is a vacation, not a crusade or a war! And besides," he added, chuckling, "I'll be in slime form again. What could be simpler?"

After more assurances, and some desperate convincing, Rimuru managed to soothe their fears. In the end, they reluctantly agreed, though Shion looked like she'd never fully understand why he wanted to leave, and Benimaru just shook his head in bemusement.

Just as Rimuru was preparing for his reincarnation, he received an urgent summons from Guy Crimson. A Walpurgis meeting. The timing couldn't have been worse, but the matter was critical enough to require every single member of the Octogram, and even the True Dragons themselves.

The grand hall of the Demon Lords was as extravagant and imposing as ever, filled with the intimidating yet curious presence of the Octogram and the other True Dragons. Guy Crimson, always intense and observant, wasted no time in revealing the reason behind this gathering.

"Rimuru," Guy began, his red eyes scrutinizing him, "we've all noticed you've been... out of it lately. Not that we're worried or anything," he added gruffly, trying to hide his genuine concern. "But we're here because it's clear you're struggling with your new role. What's going on?"

Rimuru blinked, surprised by their concern, and let out a small laugh. "I didn't realize you guys were so sentimental! But since you brought it up... I've decided to reincarnate in another world for a while. I think it'll do me some good."

Milim's eyes sparkled, and she nearly leaped out of her seat. "Rimuru, that sounds like so much fun! Take me with you!"

Before he could answer, Veldora laughed heartily. "You're not going without me, Rimuru! What if you get lonely?"

Velzard and Velgryng: "F**k off Veldora, if Rimuru go to another world then I should go with him too"

Rimuru gulped, suddenly realizing the potential disaster if everyone decided to tag along.

"Sorry, guys!" he blurted out, thinking on his feet. "But my reincarnation spell only works on one person! It's... um... highly advanced, and, uh, limited. One person only. So, it's just me going."

Guy Crimson raised a brow, clearly skeptical, but he let it go with a smirk. "Fine. Enjoy your vacation, Rimuru. But you'd better come back as the same old Demon Lord Slime we know, or we're going to have a problem."

Rimuru grinned, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. "Deal! I'll be back before you even know it."

Finally, after weeks of preparation, the day arrived. Rimuru stood in the center of a ritual circle with Ciel guiding the spell. His subordinates were gathered nearby, looking somber yet accepting of his decision. He gave them a final nod, and then, with a bright flash of light, he was gone.

In a quiet cave nestled in the mountains of another world, a tiny blue slime stirred to life. The cave was peaceful, filled with the gentle glow of luminescent stones and faint traces of magic. Rimuru felt smaller, lighter, and simpler than he had in years. The familiar, squishy feeling brought a sense of nostalgia.

"Ciel?" he asked within his mind, testing his link.

"I'm here, Master Rimuru. We've arrived successfully, and as you requested, I've limited 99% of your power to prevent any... accidental destruction."

Rimuru let out a sigh of relief. "Feels good to be a slime again. So, where are we?"

"In the forest of a peaceful land, near the start of a young boy's story, a boy named Ryoma. He has an unusual affinity for slimes as well, so you should find his company quite interesting."

Just as Ciel finished, Rimuru sensed a presence approaching. A young boy, barely in his early teens, entered the cave with a careful but confident stride. He held a wooden staff in one hand and wore a simple adventurer's cloak.

The boy paused as he spotted Rimuru, his eyes widening with surprise. "A... blue slime? I've never seen one quite like you before."

Rimuru chuckled internally. "Well, kid, you're in for a treat."

And thus, the journey of the Ultimate Slime, reborn in a world of simpler joys and newfound friendships, began with the humble meeting between two unique slime lovers: Rimuru and Ryoma.