WN/Benimaru

"It's a shame it has no gender"

- Benimaru, on Rimuru's transformation

"Flare Lord" Benimaru「, Benimaru, lit. "Scarlet boy"」is one of the third group of subordinates to be named by Rimuru Tempest. Originally an Ogre, he was uncertain of his servitude and asked for it to be temporary, but after being named, he evolved into a Kijin, immediately becoming Rimuru's most powerful subordinate for the time, and decided to serve him permanently.

Soon after, Benimaru was given the position of Commander-in-Chief, giving him more command priority over all of Tempest's war potential than Rimuru himself, unless he is completely against an action.

Later on, he was given the Title of a "Lord" as one of Rimuru's Twelve Patrons and continued to hold his place as one of the three strongest subordinates, alongside Diablo and Zegion.

Ogre
As an Ogre, he had a tall, burly build. He had flame-like lightly wavy crimson hair from which two large jet-black horns protruded. He has a pair of iconic tear-like red markings that flow down from the bottom of his eyes over his cheeks, which persists throughout all his evolutions. His eyes are incredibly sharp and fierce-looking and has orange-red iris.

He wore black clothing with a thick woolen collar, covered by armor (matching his color scheme) that the Ogre tribe had learned to wear from a human warrior who visited them a couple of centuries ago. He also carried a Japanese-style katana.

Kijin
After evolution Benimaru's build shrunk to a height of 180cm and had the appearance of a lean young man in his early twenties or younger. His hair turned less wavy and more straight and pointy. His horns also shrunk slightly and became more narrow, glowing more brilliantly than obsidian. His eyes became more lax, making him look both more confident and laid back at the same time. Furthermore, his skin tone changed to that of a human, meaning, if his horns and drastically increased aura was hidden, one may not be able to distinguish him from humans at all either.

Thanks to Shuna and the team of weavers (Goblinas and the Dwarves), Benimaru and everyone else received new clothing, weapons, and armor, his being a kimono that turned blood red to match his aura and a new katana.

Personality
Benimaru has a carefree personality, that of an excited and confident man. Even so, he is actually really cautious and cunning as well. He has no interest in serving anyone who he doesn't deem worthy, however, he doesn't belittle those weaker than him either.

Benimaru felt hesitant when faced with the responsibility to take over the position of the Ogre Tribe village chief. Thus, he is content with his current position with Rimuru as the Lord he serves. As the military commander, he merely wishes to rampage to his heart's content. Had he become chief, he could not ride off to battle, but now it was different. He can participate without any concerns.

Background
Originally the young master of the Ogre Tribe, Benimaru would have taken up the weight and responsibility of the clan leader soon. One day, a suspicious Magic-born named Gelmud offered to give them names. Thinking nothing of it, since the man seemed untrustworthy, the tribe drove them away. But unbeknownst to him, the situation turned on them as ten thousand armed Orcs, accompanied by a masked Magic-born invaded his town and slaughtered all but six ogres.

Escaping the disaster, he ran into Rimuru who took the survivors in. With the turn of fate, he pledged his loyalty to Rimuru after witnessing his benevolence and a promise of retribution.

Background
Benimaru was introduced in the Forest Disturbance Arc as the Young Master of the Ogre Tribe. They were attacked by a horde of Orcs, who had a Magic-born wearing a mask accompanying them, acting as their leader.

Having his entire tribe eradicated, Benimaru and his 5 remaining tribe members flee with great regret, only to encounter a Slime.

Meeting with Rimuru
This person was actually Rimuru, who had just exited the Sealed Cave after testing out his newly acquired powers from Shizue Izawa and Ifrit.

They returned to the village with all of them.

After some rest, Rimuru learned about his circumstances and asked him if they were willing to become his subordinates, even if it's temporarily. Since they too would need to fight these orcs, it would be better to join forces, was what Rimuru had said. Benimaru readily agreed. As a symbol of Rimuru's rulership, he granted the six of them names: Benimaru, Shuna, Souei, Shion, Hakurou, and Kurobee, and thus they all evolved from Ogres into Kijin.

Against the Orcs
Some days passed and Benimaru, Hakurou, and Souei trained together to get used to their newfound powers.

Souei
Benimaru and Souei are rivals and best friends. They are also of the same age. Together, they loyally serve under Rimuru Tempest, King of Tempest.

Momiji
After Tempest's 1st tournament, Momiji was fascinated with his performance and declares herself as Benimaru's fiancee, which flustered him from the sudden declaration. Later on, before he evolves into a Demon Lord, he must leave an offspring for his species to continue, as becoming a Demon Lord make him immortal and render reproduction unnecessary, as such Rimuru has declared that the engagement between Momiji and Benimaru has become official to which Benimaru doesn't mind at all and now that he has offspring and has completed his evolution in becoming a Demon Lord when means he has married Momiji

Rimuru Tempest
He's loyal to Rimuru and as the Commander-in-Chief of Tempest, a position which Rimuru entrusted to him, he takes the safety of Tempest seriously. As the military Commander-in-Chief, he wishes to execute his duty to the utmost to live up to that trust. He carries out all of Rimuru's domestic political duties.

Shuna
His younger sister whom he adores and at first was overprotective of. He has since come to see as the competent, capable young woman that she is. He is proud of the job that she does in the village and here dependability to Rimuru.

Hakurou
His mentor and adviser when he's still in the ogre tribe. He probably more than most saw the potential in Benimaru. He has diligently stood by Benimaru's side and coaxed him into his success. Since joining Tempest, he has become more of a trainer of the army and Rimuru's personal combat instructor, but he continues to counsel and advise Benimaru.

Shion
Benimaru also looks at Shion as a sister. He is very supportive of her goal to be of use to Rimuru and he encourages her efforts. He also has a running gag of a joke with her cooking. He is very aware of her strength and her standing as a warrior.

Diablo
A Rival, not unlike Souei whom he often clashed with in order to gain the favor of Rimuru. During the Tournament Arc Benimaru was able to win over Diablo, which resulted to even more devotion in training for the latter. In the end, Diablo was finally able to surpass him after their evolution to demon lords, which was, although unwillingly, acknowledged by Benimaru.

Gobuta
Benimaru is often pleased and entertained by Gobuta's efforts. He has come to expect great things from Gobuta's combat abilities and has thus far been pleasantly surprised by them. He finds Gobuto to be funny but understands that inside there is a serious warrior who demands respect for his ability. He is a trusted comrade.

Ranga
Ranga is the envy of the entire village, as he literally resides in Rimuru's shadow. Most of the village recognizes Ranga as one of the beings who has been by Rimuru's side the longest and affords him such respect.

Kurenai
The Kurenai were 100 of the strongest Hobgoblins in service to Benimaru who evolved into Ogres during his Harvest Festival, and he views them as dependable and has assigned them as his personal guard. They have all endured Hakurou's Hell Training as A-ranked warriors.

Trivia

 * Benimaru won the" Tempest Tournament," after defeating Gozurl, Souei, Gobta (with Ranga), and Diablo.