At last, things are getting serious. And while it might be tempting to say “by Iruma-kun standards”, this series actually can go quite dark when it wants to. Not this week, though I won’t make assumptions for the rest of the arc. But for sure, after a run of light-hearted episodes focused on character development, we’ve transitioned into really meaningful events. As I said about last week’s final act, “It definitely vibes as if that last scene marks the transition to the next significant development in the series.”

That development is the selection of the next Demon King. That’s the development the entire series has been teasing up to this point, really. And the reason why Sullivan got Iruma-kun invited to the “Thirteen Crowns Dinner“. Also invited was Barbatos Bachiko, an old friend we haven’t seen since last season (and one who figures to be an Iruma ally when that becomes important). There are some familiar faces among the Crowns – like Ameri’s dad and Azz’ mom – and unfamiliar ones as well. Of Sullivan – and Iruma – there’s no sign at first. But their time is coming.

Again, the gist of all this is that the Three Greats have decided it’s finally time to choose the next Demon King. One of those is Sullivan of course, but there are two more Greats and I’m pretty sure this is the first time we’ve seen them. One is Lord Bellal, the other Lady Levi. But none of the three intend to put themselves forward as candidates. No, Sullivan says, rather than have the Thirteen Crowns rip each other to shreds or choose an old-timer, the “unstable” underworld needs to think of the future. And each of the Three Greats has a grandson…

Levi’s is Leviathan (Uchida Yuuma), a stuck-up bochan who goes to an undersea school and bosses people around. Bellal’s is Belial-Berry Razberry (Matsuoka Yoshitsugu), a slovenly lounge rat who has 1200 students under him in a kiddie yakuza gang. These two instantly clash, and when Iruma timidly knocks on the door, Razberry invites him in to decide which of the two of them is more demon king-like. But as is usual with Iruma-kun, they’re getting a lot more than they bargained for.

Iruma politely lets the two blowhards make their case. But when it comes his turn, he says unreservedly “Me”. Which, you know, feels kind of like a big moment for the character and the story. His reasons may be a little dodgy at first glance (winning the Babyls eating contest six times in a row is a bit thin as resume padding) but we know Iruma has plenty of real achievements to his name already. It’s important that he realize his destiny and acknowledge his own specialness, even when he’s not in his evil cycle.

There’s one other complicating factor here. Sullivan is asking the Crowns to accept some punk kid coming in and ruling over them, and they’re not all going to be cool with that. Specifically Baal (who we have met a few times) complains. Upon hearing the “future” argument he suggests that the Crowns be allowed to nominate additional candidates, and Sullivan agrees. Asmodeus-mama considers Alice, but then realizes he’d only stan for Iruma to get the job. Henri understandably thinks of Ameri, who’d seemingly be a natural – but hesitates over whether to force that burden on her. And there are other names out there, to be sure. None of this is going to be settled for a good while, surely – but this is definitely the start of a new phase in the story.

Su…ki.ma… (x 2)