Mato - a dimension existing outside our own - has opened its gates to the human world. On the other side, demons threaten to invade and wipe out humanity. However, with this threat came an opportunity for humanity to fight back. Within Mato, there exists a unique type of tree that grows peaches. These peaches are not ordinary as, when eaten, they endow special abilities enabling the user to fight against the demons of Mato. Our protagonist, Yuuki Wakara, is a member of the Anti-Demon corps that fights within Mato.
At first glance, Mato Seihei no Slave seems like a pretty run-of-the-mill story, but there is a significant plot element I deigned not to mention. That is, the peaches only grant powers to women. In the society of Mato Seihei no Slave, men have fallen into second-class citizenship not dissimilar to the apartheid. Modern society is led exclusively by women.
Mato Seihei no Slave is a VERY ecchi story. Once Yuuki activates his ability, he is granted a "reward" from our female lead. As the title and synopsis imply, most of this is based around a fetish of S&M. So expect all sorts of things that would more than likely get you ostracized from your peers if they ever became aware of it.
Story: 7/10 The initial premise is a welcome twist on a classic setup offering the story many opportunities to create intrigue with questions surrounding the origins of Mato and the mysterious figures seemingly controlling it. As of writing, there hasn't been much in the way of progression in this regard. The majority of the story has focused more on the personal issues of Yuuki and the other members of the Anti-Demon Corps 7th Unit that have been interesting and resolved in satisfying ways. Frankly, most of the story so far has been excuses to get Yuuki into various situations of the ecchi variety. Personally, though, I don't have an issue with that.
"Story" 9/10 The spicier parts of Mato Seihei no Slave are undoubtedly one of the primary reasons to read this manga. The various situations happen often enough to be considered a major element but aren't intrusive during times where the tone feels wrong for it. Each scene has a different scenario presented, though they almost always focus on an S&M fetish so if that isn't for you, maybe don't read this manga. Also, bonus points for not lewding the 11-year-old.
Characters: 8/10 The characters of Mato Seihei no Slave are the primary draw for the manga. We have our protagonist, Yuuki Wakara, a rather typical manga protagonist, who is surprisingly adept at housework. He wishes to become a hero and fights as a slave to achieve this goal. Next, we have our female MC, Kyouka Uzen. She is the chief of the 7th Unit and saved Yuuki when he was caught up in Mato, becoming his master using her peach's ability. Kyouka wants to become the next Commander of the Anti-Demon Corps and is protective of her Unit's members and a good leader. Though, she has another goal next to this that is far more personal. I'm not going to touch on all the characters in the manga. They're all appealing in personality and likable.
Art: 9/10 The art in Mato Seihei no Slave is fantastic. The characters are all attractive and unique to one another. Fight scenes are way better than expected from the premise, having stellar choreography and being visually appealing in a way that makes the various peach abilities pop. The spicier scenes are also very well drawn and appealing.
Conclusion: Mato Seihei no Slave is a manga I enjoyed way more than I thought, the plot kept me engaged as did the "plot" and the fight scenes are very enjoyable. I am looking forward to seeing where the story will progress and to the anime adaptation. If any of this sounds like it would interest you I urge you to give this manga a read, you won't be dissapointed.
