#806 The Gathered Sumo Wrestlers – The Mermen’s POV

I feel like I heard someone’s lament of hardship echo somewhere out there today.

It’s me again.

Hunches are nothing more than hunches, though, so I decided to brush it off and continue on my own path.

The collaborative event at Orkubo’s Castle, the Sumo Wrestling Tournament, is about to kick off.

I’ll watch from a distance as one of the organizers.

It’s not that I’m running from danger. It’s just... A wise man keeps away from peril.

I’m headed to the waiting room in one corner of Orkubo’s Castle’s venue. 

The key players of the upcoming event are already there, ready to go.

“Is everyone ready?”

“Lord Saint! We can go anytime!” “Aaaahem, ahem, ahem!” “SHAAHAHAHAHAHA!” “Thank you always for your hard work.”

Chaos.

Mermen are busily warming up for the sumo event.

There’s Arowana, the current Mermaid King...

The former king, Nagus.

General Shark...

And Hendra.

All of them were stars at last year’s sumo tournament. 

Last year’s tournament was limited to mermen with a few demon-human guests, but this year, it’s a large-scale event involving all three races.

Given that the merfolk initiated it, they’re undoubtedly super pumped.

“This year’s biggest event is upon us! My whole year has been leading up to this day!”

That’s an exaggeration.

Come on, Arowana.

As the reigning Mermaid King, shouldn’t you be spending your days more productively?

Like for the sake of the nation or your family?

“King Arowana is a wise and just ruler.”

“Oh! Hendra?!”

“He eradicated old customs and corruption that persisted during King Nagus’ reign, creating a transparent new system. The relationship with the land-dwellers has improved under his rule, and he’s accomplishing what past generations couldn’t. Many already hail him as one of the greatest.”

Hmm...

I see...

Oh, right, you’re currently working hard as Arowana’s right-hand man, huh, Hendra?

You must be super loyal.

“Well, everything I have is because of your support, Lord Saint! Today’s sumo tournament included! We owe so much to you!”

Please think nothing of it. You’re my wife’s older brother, after all.

Helping out my brother-in-law is only natural. And thanks to the event ideas you and your team brought, our event is thriving.

“With the Demon King and Lord Dalkish participating in the sumo tournament, it’s bound to draw attention.”

“Oh, even Lord Dalkish? All three race representatives together!!!”

Wait, was there some unit formed with the Demon King, Arowana, and Lord Dalkish? 

A demon king, a merking, and a human feudal lord forming a unit...

Dalkish’s rise to leadership seems even more promising now.

“The sumo event is sure to be a huge success! We’ve also thrown our finest from the Mermaid Kingdom into the mix, ensuring they’ll grab all the attention and amp up the excitement even more!”

Are you referring to the sultry-looking challengers in this waiting room?

Following Arowana and the aforementioned Hendra is another skilled merman...

“SHAAAAAAHAHAHA! Even on land, I’m as cool as a shark!!!”

General Shark from the Mermaid Kingdom.

There’s not much specific action from him, but wow, he sure is memorable.

“Behold, as the great Shark, highly acclaimed by the mer-army, makes his grand entrance onto land! If you thought sharks only stay in the water, you’re sorely mistaken! I ride the winds and come ashore with a grandeur you’ve never seen! And watch out because I can even grow extra headsss!!!”

What he says doesn’t make much sense, but that’s precisely why he’s memorable.

I’m sure he’ll put on quite the show this time as well.

In addition to him...

“I, the merwarrior Gurnard, am also here...!!!”

Whoa!

Another merman appeared?!

I didn’t notice him since he was silent at the beginning...

“I’ve had to spend over a decade on land due to various reasons and developed my unique merfolk fighting style. That’s me. I've honed my skills even more after facing defeat at last year’s sumo tournament. The world will witness the terror of my Mermaid Kickboxer this year!”

The Mermaid Kickboxer...

Again, kicking moves are forbidden in sumo wrestling.

The waiting room, where an eclectic and sweaty bunch gathers, feels hotter than anywhere else.

Even with such a formidable crowd, one figure adds an extra layer of intensity. 

“A-Ahem!!!”

That would be the former Mermaid King Nagus.

His muscular frame stands tall, radiating the majesty of an ancient sea god.

Though he has already passed the title to Arowana, he doesn’t seem to have aged or weakened a bit.

Even now, the former Mermaid King Nagus could easily be among the top warriors.

“Ahem!!!”

“Are you participating too, Lord Nagus...?!”

Well, since he abdicated, he probably has more free time than the current king, Arowana...

But really, attending every single event like this at his age?

“My father has spent another year training, hoping to defeat you this year, Lord Saint. Even in retirement, he’s getting stronger.”

Old but still going strong?!

“His desire to defeat you is so strong. After all, he’s never bested you in public.”

“Ahem!!!”

Come to think of it, that’s true.

I’ve fought against Lord Nagus several times.

The root of his relentless pursuit is that my wife is Platy.

Platy, the Mermaid King’s sister, is also Lord Nagus’ daughter.

From his perspective, I’m the jerk who ran off with his beloved daughter. It’s understandable he wants to punch me.

“But how many times do we have to go through this? Haven’t we fought enough, sir?!”

“Ahem!”

There were times like the Martial Swimming Competition and last year’s sumo tournament.

“It seems my father wants to test whether you’re worthy of Platy, time and time again. I dare say, aside from Lord Saint himself, you’d be hard-pressed to find a man across the seven seas who can truly tame my sister.”

If that’s how you feel, please have a heart-to-heart talk with your father, Arowana!

I don’t want an annual near-death experience with my father-in-law!!!

“But you’re safe this year, aren’t you? You’re not participating in the tournament.”

“Aheeeeem?!”

Lord Nagus seems genuinely shocked.

I guess he assumed I’d be competing.

“Ahem! Ahemahemahem!!! Ahhhem! Ahemahem!!!”

Honestly, unless Lady Mahi translates, I rarely get what Lord Nagus is saying. But his frantic tone gives it away. 

He’s probably something like, “Why aren’t you competing?! That’s not fair! Let’s fight!”

“I’m on the organizing committee this time, sir. I’ve got to make sure everything runs smoothly.”

“Ahemmm!!!”

“It’s high time we end this history of conflict.”

I’m getting dangerously close to understanding Lord Nagus...

Regardless, many formidable competitors are scheduled for today’s sumo tournament. They won’t disappoint.

Notably, the Demon King, our alumni Ritheseus.

Heavenly One Mamoru, Prime Minister Lucife Focale, S-class adventurer Silver Wolf.

Lord Dalkish, with the Human Republic’s leadership hanging on his head.

Last but not least, the strong and spirited merfolk here, more than ready to deliver a show.

“Hopefully, this tournament will foster deeper connections between the merfolk and land dwellers. That’s why we collaborated, after all.”

“No, that’s not it.”

Huh?

“This tournament is the merfolk’s time to demonstrate our unmatched strength in sumo to those on land! Watch as we throw the land-dwelling wrestlers around in the main event, dominating them one after the other! Keep your eyes peeled, Lord Saint!”

...  

This was supposed to bridge peace, but it might ignite a war.

But all’s not lost.

There’s still a star wrestler left to introduce.

Who might that be?

Remember what event the sumo tournament is collaborating with?

Right, Orkubo’s Castle.

Would he be absent from an event bearing his name?

Yes, there have been a few times.

But this time’s different.

How will he, having built a happy family with Zoth Syra, make an appearance today?

His grand entrance is imminent.