Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qiwu Zongxuan leaves after his meeting with Noah, Kisara, and Rentaro.
• Kisara and Rentaro discuss their dislike for Qiwu Zongxuan and his ambitions.
• Noah suspects Qiwu Zongxuan's involvement with a certain group and asks Kisara to have someone keep an eye on him.
• Kisara arranges for an old acquaintance to surveil Qiwu Zongxuan.
• Various national representatives visit Noah, Kisara, and Rentaro, trying to gain information, but leave unsatisfied.

Character Developments

• Rentaro and Kisara express their dislike for Qiwu Zongxuan, revealing their past encounters with him.
• Noah shows suspicion towards Qiwu Zongxuan's ambitions and possible connections to a certain group.
• Kisara demonstrates her resourcefulness and connections by arranging surveillance on Qiwu Zongxuan.
• Noah displays his shrewdness in dealing with the visiting national representatives.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and its consequences (through Qiwu Zongxuan's character)
• The exposure of Fairy Village and its impact on global relationships
• The growing clarity of allies and enemies in the world's structure

Character Interactions

• Kisara and Rentaro bond over their shared dislike for Qiwu Zongxuan.
• Noah, Kisara, and Rentaro discuss their suspicions about Qiwu Zongxuan.
• Kisara and an old acquaintance discuss the surveillance of Qiwu Zongxuan.
• Noah, Kisara, and Rentaro deal with various national representatives, showcasing their united front.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The conference room, previously a museum, is now repurposed for an international conference.
• Representatives from various countries, each considered an independent region, attend the conference, totaling nearly a hundred.
• Noah, Saint Tenzi, Kisara, and Rentaro arrive at the conference room, with Noah and Saint Tenzi taking their seats, and Kisara standing behind Noah.

Character Developments

• Saint Tenzi shows growth in her leadership role, declaring the conference's opening with confidence.
• Noah remains calm and composed, indicating his experience and wisdom in handling international affairs.
• Kisara's presence as the acting Guild Master of Fairy Tail is acknowledged, showing her importance and influence.

Significant Themes

• Unity vs Division: The conference aims to unite countries against Gastrea, but regional divisions are evident.
• Power Dynamics: The presence of multiple representatives per region highlights the shift in power dynamics post-Gastrea.
• Trust and Courage: Saint Tenzi's trust in Noah and her own courage are emphasized as they face the international representatives.

Character Interactions

• Noah and Saint Tenzi: Noah's calm demeanor reassures Saint Tenzi, who finds courage in his presence.
• National Representatives: They observe Noah, Saint Tenzi, and Kisara with various thoughts and intentions, ranging from dissatisfaction to respect.
• Kisara and Noah: Kisara's role as Noah's spokesperson is acknowledged, and her presence is seen as a sign of Fairy Village's importance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Noah interrupts the international conference to announce a major operation by Fairy Village.
• An LCD screen is brought in, displaying a live feed from an artificial satellite of the Demon Realm Forest.
• Military helicopters carrying Cursed Children from Fairy Village land near the forest.

Character Developments

• Noah demonstrates his confidence and strategic planning by initiating the operation during the conference.
• Saint Tenzi shows loyalty and obedience to Noah's commands, despite her surprise.
• Qiwu Zongxuan exhibits caution and unease about Noah's actions, hinting at his respect for Noah's capabilities.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between humans and Gastrea, with the Demon Realm Forest serving as a symbol of Gastrea's strength.
• The value of Cursed Children as strategic assets in the fight against Gastrea.
• The technological advancements of Fairy Village, challenging the status quo of major countries.

Character Interactions

• Noah and Saint Tenzi: Noah gives orders, and Saint Tenzi follows without question.
• Noah and Qiwu Zongxuan: Noah's actions cause unease in Qiwu Zongxuan, hinting at their mutual respect and understanding of each other's capabilities.
• Noah and Kisara: Noah instructs Kisara to prepare for the operation, showing trust in her abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fairy Tail Initiators, led by Hina, gather before the Demon Realm Forest, aiming to annihilate it.
• Noah announces Fairy Village's self-initiated annihilation campaign against the Demon Realm Forest.
• Fairy Tail Initiators, numbering over five hundred, invade the Demon Realm Forest, facing Stage IV Gastrea.
• Enju demonstrates her power by kicking a Stage IV Gastrea into pieces, rejoining her team afterward.

Character Developments

• Hina: Leads Fairy Tail's top Initiators, displaying confidence and determination.
• Enju: Shows immense strength and skill, easily defeating a Stage IV Gastrea.
• Noah: Remains composed and confident in Fairy Tail's abilities, despite the mission's magnitude and risks.

Significant Themes

• Power and determination of Fairy Tail Initiators.
• The daunting challenge posed by the Demon Realm Forest and its Gastrea.
• The disbelief and skepticism of national representatives regarding Fairy Tail's mission.

Character Interactions

• Noah, Kisara, and Saint Tenzi: Express surprise and concern about Noah's plan.
• National representatives: Discuss and question Noah's decision, expressing disbelief in Fairy Tail's ability to conquer the Demon Realm Forest.
• Hina and Enju: Lead the Fairy Tail Initiators, demonstrating their strength and skill against the Demon Realm Forest's Gastrea.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Initiator squad from Fairy Village enters the Demon Realm Forest, facing a horde of Stage III and IV Gastrea.
• The Initiators swiftly defeat the Gastrea, displaying exceptional combat abilities and firepower.
• The national representatives watch the operation via satellite feed, shocked by the Initiators' prowess and the Gastrea's lack of regeneration.
• Noah reveals that Fairy Village plans to clear the entire Demon Realm Forest in a single day, despite the 20:1 numerical disadvantage.

Character Developments

• The Initiators show significant growth in their abilities, suggesting they've been hiding their true strength.
• Noah displays confidence and composure, provoking Qiwu Zongxuan and revealing the operation's plan.

Significant Themes

• The theme of hidden strength and deception is reinforced as the Initiators' true abilities are revealed.
• The power dynamics between nations and organizations are explored as the national representatives react to Fairy Village's capabilities.

Character Interactions

• Noah and Qiwu Zongxuan engage in a tense exchange, with Noah taunting Qiwu Zongxuan and revealing the operation's plan.
• The national representatives react with shock and awe to the Initiators' performance, highlighting the power gap between them and Fairy Village.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Noah reveals an Artificial Sacred Gear, a device that increases the power of Cursed Children by boosting their Gastrea Virus activity to the limit, allowing them to reach or surpass their growth limits.
• The Fairy Village Initiators, equipped with these devices, are shown effortlessly defeating Gastrea in the Demon Realm Forest.
• Noah reveals that the Artificial Sacred Gear can replace Varanium metal, offering hope for humanity to completely defeat the Gastrea.
• However, Noah also reveals that the Artificial Sacred Gear increases the erosion rate of the Gastrea Virus, turning Cursed Children into Gastrea within ten minutes unless they have an inhibitor.
• Noah proposes that all countries transfer their Cursed Children to the Fairy Village to use the Artificial Sacred Gear and save humanity.

Character Developments

• Noah is shown to be more cunning and manipulative, using the Artificial Sacred Gear to pressure other countries.
• The national representatives are shown to be vulnerable to hope and fear, easily swayed by Noah's revelations.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for power and control between nations and factions.
• The exploitation of Cursed Children for the greater good.
• The double-edged nature of technology and its consequences.

Character Interactions

• Noah interacts with the national representatives, using their desire for hope and fear of the Gastrea to manipulate them.
• The national representatives react with shock, excitement, and fear to Noah's revelations, revealing their vulnerabilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Noah reveals Fairy Tail's power and an operation to annihilate the Fairy Village, shocking the national representatives.
• He presents artificial Sacred Gears and their side effects, and the need for suppressants only available in Fairy Village.
• Noah proposes that all countries send their remaining Cursed Children to Fairy Village for enhanced powers and survival.
• The national representatives refuse, leading to a tense standoff.
• Noah threatens that countries unwilling to cooperate may face international intervention.
• Noah announces the conclusion of the international conference and orders the preparation for receiving Cursed Children from around the world.

Character Developments

• Noah: Shows strategic brilliance, manipulation, and determination to protect the Cursed Children and humanity.
• National Representatives: Realize their underestimation of Noah and Fairy Village, and face the consequences of their actions.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: Noah turns the tables on the national representatives, using their own tactics against them.
• Humanity's Survival: The threat of Gastrea unites humanity, but also exposes the selfishness and darkness in human hearts.
• Manipulation vs. Sincerity: Noah manipulates the national representatives, while also appealing to the genuine desire to save humanity.

Character Interactions

• Noah vs. National Representatives: Noah outmaneuvers the national representatives, exposing their selfishness and forcing them to comply with his demands.
• Noah, Kisara, and Saint Tenzi: They work together, with Noah leading, Kisara supporting, and Saint Tenzi communicating their plans to the world.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Noah reveals that the Artificial Sacred Gears were developed by Athena, not him, with assistance from Est, Ophis, and Lilith.
• The Artificial Sacred Gears were created to enhance Fairy Tail's strength and protect the Cursed Children.
• Noah plans to gather all Cursed Children worldwide in Fairy Village, aiming to create a peaceful future where they are accepted.

Character Developments

• Noah: Shows his strategic planning and dedication to protecting the Cursed Children.
• Athena: Revealed to be incredibly intelligent and capable, even surpassing the Four Sages.
• Est, Ophis, and Lilith: Their roles in creating the Artificial Sacred Gears are highlighted, showcasing their immense power and abilities.
• Saint Tenzi, Kisara, and Rentaro: They gain a new perspective on Noah's capabilities and dedication, leading them to support him more firmly.

Significant Themes

• Protection and acceptance of the Cursed Children.
• The distorted state of humanity and the potential for change.
• The power of unity and cooperation, as seen in the creation of the Artificial Sacred Gears.

Character Interactions

• Noah interacts with Saint Tenzi, Kisara, and Rentaro, sharing his plans and thoughts about the future of the Cursed Children.
• Noah's conversation with Rentaro reveals the true origins of the Artificial Sacred Gears and Athena's role in their creation.
• Saint Tenzi, Kisara, and Rentaro express their support and admiration for Noah's dedication to the Cursed Children.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Five Wings Society's leaders receive news about Noah's Artificial Sacred Gear and the global Cursed Children joining Fairy Village.
• The Black Robed Figure, Hiruko Kagetane, and Howaki Takuto are shocked and enraged by this development.
• The Black Robed Figure decides to abandon their current plan due to the disadvantage it poses against Fairy Tail.
• The Black Robed Figure sees a golden opportunity for a covert assassination and plans to use mechanical soldiers on standby.

Character Developments

• The Black Robed Figure demonstrates strategic thinking and willingness to adapt plans based on new information.
• Howaki Takuto shows impulsiveness, hatred, and jealousy towards Noah, leading to his dismissal from the current plan.
• Hiruko Kagetane displays understanding and acceptance of the Black Robed Figure's new strategy.

Significant Themes

• Adaptability and strategic planning in the face of changing circumstances.
• The consequences of underestimating opponents (Noah and Fairy Village).
• The struggle for power and dominance (Five Wings Society vs. Fairy Village).

Character Interactions

• The Black Robed Figure asserts dominance over Howaki Takuto and Hiruko Kagetane, making decisions and giving orders.
• Howaki Takuto and Hiruko Kagetane show deference to the Black Robed Figure's authority, despite their personal feelings.
• Tension and disagreement between Howaki Takuto and the Black Robed Figure regarding the plan's abandonment.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Noah achieves a complete victory in the international conference, with Saint Tenzi announcing the process and outcome, including Fairy Tail's conquest of a Magic Region.
• The news spreads globally, causing widespread joy and hope among humans for the first time in years.
• Noah's policies, including the Artificial Sacred Gear and Fairy Village, gain worldwide support, with people advocating for Cursed Children's rights and governments sending them to Fairy Village.
• Noah issues a warning to countries that fail to enact protective laws for Cursed Children, threatening to refuse their requests.
• Athena provides Fairy Village with the method to create Artificial Sacred Gears for Cursed Children.

Character Developments

• Noah: Consolidates his power and influence, becoming a symbol of hope for humanity. He demonstrates strategic thinking in dealing with world governments.
• Saint Tenzi: Plays a crucial role in spreading Noah's message globally, showing her commitment to peace.
• Rentaro: Continues to support Noah's cause, demonstrating his belief in justice.
• Athena: Provides essential technology to boost Fairy Village's capabilities, showing her trust in Noah.

Significant Themes

• Hope vs. Despair: The announcement of Noah's victories brings hope to humanity after years of despair and persecution by the Gastrea.
• Power Dynamics: The shift in power between Fairy Village and world governments, with Fairy Village becoming increasingly influential.
• Human Rights: The struggle for Cursed Children's rights, with Noah and the people pushing for their recognition and protection.

Character Interactions

• Noah and Saint Tenzi: Their collaboration in spreading Noah's message and achieving his goals.
• Noah and Athena: Athena's trust in Noah is evident as she provides him with crucial technology.
• Noah and Kisara: They work together to plan and counter world governments' actions.
• World governments and Noah: Tensions rise as governments grapple with Noah's demands and the potential loss of power.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Artificial Sacred Gears for Cursed Children have side effects that could make them sacrifices if misused.
• Athena has ensured these gears remain under Fairy Village's control.
• Noah's utopia plan for Cursed Children is nearing completion.
• Qiwu Zongxuan, the Chinese president, has been secretly staying in the Tokyo Area after the international conference.
• Athena suspects Qiwu Zongxuan is no longer in his hotel.
• Kisara receives important information about Qiwu Zongxuan from her spy.

Character Developments

• Noah is satisfied with the progress of his utopia plan and is determined to protect it.
• Athena demonstrates her wisdom and insight by suspecting Qiwu Zongxuan's whereabouts.
• Kisara shows her competence by arranging a spy on Qiwu Zongxuan and promptly reporting back.

Significant Themes

• Control and manipulation of power (Artificial Sacred Gears, Qiwu Zongxuan's actions).
• Trust and loyalty (Noah's trust in Kisara, Athena's loyalty to Noah).
• Deception and hidden agendas (Qiwu Zongxuan's actions, Athena's insight).

Character Interactions

• Noah interacts affectionately with Est, Athena, Ophis, and Lilith, causing envy among other characters.
• Noah, Athena, and Saint Tenzi discuss Qiwu Zongxuan's suspicious behavior.
• Noah and Kisara discuss meeting up to discuss important information about Qiwu Zongxuan.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Noah and Rentaro meet with Zishi Hengxianyi, Rentaro's and Kisara's guardian, at a café.
• Zishi greets them warmly and expresses his admiration for Noah's achievements.
• A waiter recognizes Noah and expresses his gratitude and excitement, asking for a handshake.
• Zishi reveals he has information about Qiwu Zongxuan and shows a photograph of him in a dark corner with another person.

Character Developments

• Rentaro is shown to have a close relationship with Zishi, who has been like a guardian to him and Kisara.
• Noah is surprised by the level of admiration and fandom they have gained due to releasing the Artificial Sacred Gear.
• Zishi is portrayed as a resourceful and well-connected individual who can provide valuable information.

Significant Themes

• The fickleness of human opinion and the power of perception.
• The impact of Noah's actions on public opinion and their potential deification.
• The importance of connections and resources in gathering information.

Character Interactions

• Rentaro and Zishi share a warm, familiar greeting, highlighting their long-standing relationship.
• Noah is taken aback by the waiter's excitement and fanaticism, showing their humility and lack of expectation for such adoration.
• Zishi shows respect and admiration for Noah, while also teasing them about their newfound fame.
• Noah, Rentaro, and Zishi engage in a professional discussion about Qiwu Zongxuan, demonstrating their trust and cooperation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zi Heng provides Noah and Rentaro a photo of Qiwu Zongxuan secretly meeting an unknown person in Tokyo.
• Noah decides to find Saint Tenzi to identify the unknown person using surveillance cameras.
• Zi Heng reveals his intention to run in the next election for the ruler of the Tokyo Area, challenging the hereditary system.

Character Developments

• Noah and Rentaro are determined to uncover Qiwu Zongxuan's secret plans.
• Zi Heng shows his political ambition and desire to expand his influence beyond his current business dealings.

Significant Themes

• The hereditary system of the Tokyo Area's rulers is challenged.
• The potential impact of Zi Heng's political ambitions on the Tokyo Area and the world.
• The ongoing investigation into Qiwu Zongxuan's activities.

Character Interactions

• Noah and Rentaro work together to analyze the photo and decide their next move.
• Zi Heng shares his political aspirations with Noah and Rentaro, hinting at potential future collaborations.
• Noah and Rentaro are surprised and somewhat taken aback by Zi Heng's revelation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Noah and Rentaro leave the coffee shop and are driven to a limousine by Rentaro's driver.
• Inside the limousine, Rentaro apologizes to Noah for Zi Heng's ambition to become the ruler of the Tokyo Area.
• Noah reassures Rentaro that as long as Zi Heng doesn't threaten Tenzi, he has no objection to his ambitions.
• Noah and Rentaro are driven to the Central Control Development Organization, where they meet Koina Atsuro, who offers to help them investigate the surveillance footage.
• Noah, Rentaro, and Koina Atsuro enter the skyscraper's control room.

Character Developments

• Rentaro shows concern for Tenzi's position and her offspring's future as the ruler of the Tokyo Area.
• Noah reveals his support for Tenzi and his lack of concern for her succession, hinting at his future plans with her.
• Koina Atsuro maintains a friendly demeanor despite Rentaro's unpleasant attitude towards him.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and power struggle (Zi Heng's desire to become the ruler of the Tokyo Area)
• Loyalty and support (Noah's support for Tenzi)
• Unresolved feelings and tension (Rentaro's attitude towards Koina Atsuro)

Character Interactions

• Noah and Rentaro discuss Zi Heng's ambitions and Noah's lack of concern for Tenzi's succession.
• Rentaro shows hostility towards Koina Atsuro, hinting at his feelings for Kisara.
• Noah, Rentaro, and Koina Atsuro enter the control room together, with Koina Atsuro offering his assistance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Noah and Rentaro are led by Koina Atsuro to a secret control room managing electricity and monitors in the Tokyo Area.
• They discover that Qiwu Zongxuan had secretly left the hotel the previous day.
• Surveillance footage reveals Qiwu Zongxuan meeting with Soma Munekazu, the Self-Defense Force commander, in a dimly lit alley.

Character Developments

• Noah demonstrates sharp intuition and leadership, taking charge and giving orders to the staff.
• Rentaro shows sarcasm and disdain towards Soma Munekazu, suggesting he might be easily manipulated.

Significant Themes

• The theme of surveillance and monitoring is emphasized, highlighting the extensive use of technology to track activities.
• The idea of hidden agendas and secrets is reinforced, as Qiwu Zongxuan's clandestine meeting with Soma Munekazu is revealed.

Character Interactions

• Noah and Rentaro work together, using their combined observations and deductions to uncover Qiwu Zongxuan's secret meeting.
• Koina Atsuro assists them, using the control room's capabilities but seems slightly annoyed when Noah gives orders to the staff without his permission.
• Soma Munekazu is revealed to have a connection with Qiwu Zongxuan, potentially as an ally or pawn.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Noah and Rentaro arrive at the outermost district of the Tokyo Area, home to the towering Monolith Number 1.
• They approach the Self-Defense Force's military camp, but find it eerily silent and deserted.
• Upon investigation, they discover the camp bathed in blood, with all the soldiers dead.
• They find Soma Munekazu, the Self-Defense Force commander, dead in his office.

Character Developments

• Rentaro expresses unease about the Monolith's dark appearance, reflecting his growing introspection and humanity.
• Noah remains pragmatic and hopeful, believing that survival ensures a future full of hope.
• Both characters display determination and urgency in their investigation.

Significant Themes

• The Monolith's ominous presence symbolizes the looming threat and uncertainty of humanity's future.
• The hostility between the Civilian Police and the Self-Defense Force is hinted at, reflecting the political tensions in the Tokyo Area.

Character Interactions

• Noah and Rentaro work together, with Noah taking the lead in the investigation and Rentaro providing support.
• Their relationship remains close and cooperative, with Rentaro showing deference to Noah's experience and intuition.
• The discovery of the massacre at the military camp strengthens their resolve to uncover the truth and protect their city.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter begins with the discovery of Soma Munekazu's corpse in the Self-Defense Force barracks, killed by an unknown assailant.
• Noah and Rentaro find a Varanium key on Soma's body, leading them to search the barracks for clues.
• They discover a hidden underground space containing cages filled with dormant Gastrea monsters.

Character Developments

• Rentaro: Becomes increasingly grim and determined upon discovering the massacre and the hidden Gastrea.
• Noah: Shows keen observational skills and deductive reasoning, concluding that Hiruko Kagetane is likely the culprit.

Significant Themes

• The hidden truth behind the Self-Defense Force's actions and their involvement with the Gastrea.
• The deadly and deceptive nature of Hiruko Kagetane and his daughter, Hiruko Kohina.

Character Interactions

• Noah and Rentaro work together to search the barracks and uncover the secret underground space.
• They share a moment of disbelief and horror upon discovering the captive Gastrea monsters.
• Noah's calm and analytical demeanor contrasts with Rentaro's emotional and reactive responses.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Noah and Rentaro discover a basement in the Self-Defense Force camp filled with thousands of Gastrea, secretly transported by the Five Wings Society.
• They deduce that Soma Munekazu, the commander of the Self-Defense Force, was used by the Five Wings Society to transport the Gastrea.
• The Gastrea in the basement wake up and attack Noah and Rentaro, with Noah estimating there are 33 Stage IVs, 75 Stage IIIs, 180 Stage IIs, and 324 Stage Is.

Character Developments

• Noah shows calm composure and analytical skills in deducing the situation.
• Rentaro demonstrates confidence in his abilities and commitment to protecting Noah.

Significant Themes

• Trust and camaraderie between Noah and Rentaro, as they fight back-to-back.
• The manipulative nature of the Five Wings Society and their use of pawns.

Character Interactions

• Noah and Rentaro's banter and mutual understanding before the battle, highlighting their bond.
• Noah's faith in Rentaro's abilities, expecting him to last longer than he believes himself.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Rentaro activates his Type 21 Black Luminary Stone Prosthetic Eye, slowing down time and enhancing his thought processes.
• He uses the cartridges in his prosthetic limbs to boost his speed and strength, blasting through and eliminating several Stage IV Gastrea.
• Rentaro realizes he can only last three minutes in this state, as his cartridges are limited.
• He falls into a passive position, dodging and weaving through the Gastrea while conserving his cartridges.
• Rentaro uses his Tendo-Style Combat Arts to take out more Stage IV Gastrea, but the Gastrea continue to charge at him.
• After five minutes, Rentaro has three shots left in his right arm and two in his right leg.
• He fires his automatic pistol, but the Varanium bullets prove ineffective against the Stage I Gastrea, which continue to charge.

Character Developments

• Rentaro demonstrates his enhanced abilities and combat skills, but also shows awareness of his limitations and the need to conserve resources.
• Rentaro's determination and resilience are highlighted as he continues to fight despite the overwhelming odds.

Significant Themes

• The struggle against insurmountable odds and the importance of resource management.
• The enhancement of human abilities through technology, with both benefits and drawbacks.

Character Interactions

• Rentaro's internal monologue reveals his thought processes and strategic planning during the fight.
• Although not present in this chapter, Rentaro's actions are influenced by Noah's earlier assessment of his capabilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Rentaro faces a Stage III Gastrea and is overwhelmed, but Noah intervenes and defeats the Gastrea.
• Noah asks Rentaro if he underestimated or overestimated him.
• Noah uses his unique Crush Magic Power to turn Varanium Bullets into powerful weapons that destroy Gastrea.
• Noah kills all the remaining Gastrea with ease.

Character Developments

• Rentaro shows his strength but is still no match for Noah.
• Noah demonstrates his immense power and control over his abilities.

Significant Themes

• The vast disparity in power between Rentaro and Noah.
• The theme of underestimation and overestimation, reflecting Noah's uncertainty about Rentaro's growth.

Character Interactions

• Rentaro and Noah's interaction highlights the power gap between them, with Noah saving Rentaro and later questioning his estimation of Rentaro's abilities.
• Rentaro's internal monologue reveals his respect and awe for Noah's strength.