Welcome to Demon School, Iruma-kun Season 4 ‒ Episode 23
Would season one Sabro have taken his uncle Baal up on his offer to put him forth as a candidate for demon king? It's a question worth considering – Sabro's defining trait for much of the series has been that he's obsessed with demonic royalty. He hasn't been shy or quiet about his desire to become the next demon king. So what changed in him to make him turn down Baal's offer?
The easy answer is “Iruma.” Over the course of four seasons, Sabro has become increasingly fond of the human, coming to view him as his rival, which, prior to this season, was basically the equivalent of “friend.” He respects Iruma, even if he doesn't always understand him, and in his way he likes him as much as Azz and Clara do. Sabro might not put it in these terms, but I think it's safe to say that Iruma inspires him to do better. He had a very fixed idea of what it meant to be demon king before Iruma (and that, based on his favorite legend of Derkila, seems to have been “it's manly to get pierced with two armies' worth of swords”), and while it wasn't wrong, per se, it also wasn't all that deep. Through his rivalry/friendship, though, Sabro has gained a greater understanding of what it means to be part of a group and to lead that group. Season one Sabro would never have been able to pull off his part in Lilith's Carpet. Season four Sabro knocked it out of the park.
And that makes Baal's offer sticky. I think a part of Sabro is disappointed that Iruma is allowing Sullivan's influence to get him into the race for demon king, although that's tempered by the amount of research and reflection Iruma is clearly putting into it. (And them bonding over Derkila books is frankly adorable for just how happy Sabro is to be able to share.) But it also highlights for him how he wants to be different. His ideal path to demon king isn't one where he gets a leg up. It's one where he proves to himself that he's worthy. Baal's endorsement is great and all, but it's not how Sabro wants to make the climb. He's his own demon, and he's going to act like it.
Obviously Sabro has made the right decision, because Baal is in bed with the Six Fingers. It's far from great that they've got an in with the Thirteen Crowns (though not surprising); what's more interesting is that Baal clearly thinks Sabro has made the wrong decision. His snide “the apple doesn't fall far from the tree” comment indicates that he thought Sabro would be more vicious, more keen, and that his nephew's moral objections to Baal's help are undemonly. It's a brief moment, but it outlines how much Iruma stands to change the netherworld, or at least to show people that they're changing it on their own. Sabro's decision is based on his own ideals, and Baal doesn't seem to think he ought to have any. But the Misfit Class has risen to the top by following their hearts and working together. They've proven that going your own way works, even if (especially if) it gets you labeled as a misfit – a word indicating that you don't belong to the greater population. Honestly, with the way things are going, I'd call the Six Fingers more dictionary-definition misfits at this point, because they seem to be the ones trying to change things in a way no one else wants. They're the outliers. Sabro has chosen to stand with his majority.
I don't expect the Six Fingers or the whole demon king debate to feature much in the final episode(s?) of the season. That feels too big for what time we've got left. But I'll be perfectly happy to see Iruma reflect on his year in the netherworld next week – and I can't wait for him to meet Sylvia.
Rating:
Welcome to Demon School, Iruma-kun is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.
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