Synopsis: Moriking

Shouta Aikawa is an enthusiastic third-grader with a deep love for insects. He raises a rhinoceros beetle larva, which he names Moriking, with care for two months. However, much to his surprise, Moriking defies its expected transformation into a beetle and evolves into a human instead. As it turns out, Moriking is a rare species, an insect king that emerges only once every hundred million years. It must pass a trial to prove its worthiness as the King of Insects. This trial involves venturing out into the world and surviving on its own. Moriking recognizes Shouta as its savior and owner and wishes to stay with the Aikawa family. Shouta has no issues with the humanoid beetle's unique abilities, but his sister Shouko is hesitant. After some convincing, their parents agree to take Moriking into their family. However, the task ahead for Moriking and its owners is not an easy one. They must help Moriking defeat four other candidate kings to become the Lord of the Forest, ruler of all the insects in the world. Other one-shot stories include Shinrin Shugosha Moriking in Volume 2, and Baito Leader Tetsuzawa: Futou no Nanokakan in Volume 4.