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 180 cm 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 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 concern.

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.

Trivia

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