Episode 153

The Chosen Ones (選ばれし者たち) is the 153rd Page of Yūki Tabata's Black Clover.

Summary
Marx Francois reports to Julius Novachrono that even the parts of the Forsaken Realm that were hit hardest by the elves' attack have begun to recover. Marx tells Julius that he has a meeting with the captains followed by a War Merits Conferment Ceremony. At the captains meeting, Marx informs everyone that the meeting is to determine who will participate in the training in the Heart Kingdom. Julius informs them that the five Spirit Guardians are ready to begin the training regiment. Julius asks each of the captains which subordinates they will be nominating to go, but reminds them that each Spirit Guardian can only take a limited number of students.

Yami Sukehiro nominates Asta and Secre Swallowtail from the Black Bull squad. Julius agrees that those two will be a tremendous asset in the upcoming war, due to both of them being Arcane Stage. Yami also nominates Luck Voltia, Finral Roulacase, and Noelle Silva. Nozel Silva seems worried about Noelle being a candidate, about which Dorothy Unsworth teases him. Julius agrees with Yami, since one of the Spirit Guardians uses Lightning Magic, Lolopechka uses Water Magic, and support mages should not be underestimated.

William Vangeance nominates Mimosa Vermillion from the Golden Dawn squad, believing that her Healing Magic will be invaluable. Julius asks if Yuno will also be nominated to train with the wind Spirit Guardian, but William says that Yuno already declined. Fuegoleon Vermillion nominates Leopold Vermillion for his great ambition that no one else in the Crimson Lion squad can match. Fuegoleon hopes that training in the Heart Kingdom will help Leopold to overcome his hesitation.

Charlotte Roselei asks if it is alright for the captains to nominate themselves. She remembers how it felt to be possessed by an elf and wants to feel that great power again. Julius asks if any of the other captains would like to go. Most refuse, but Rill Boismortier desperately begs to go, believing that he might be able to get close to the mysterious woman who saved him.

Nozel, Kaiser Granvorka, and Jack the Ripper confirm that they will not be nominating anyone. Julius and the captains agree on the nominees who have been proposed and the meeting is adjourned. Yami tries to leave, but Kaiser reminds him that they still have the decoration ceremony. Yami questions why he has to be there and Marx answers that King Augustus Kira Clover XIII will be there.

At the decoration ceremony, Augustus is feeling prideful that all of the captains are present for him. Owen is worried that Augustus will figure out that he is not the real Julius. Sekke Bronzazza signals to Jack the Ripper, asking if he can return to the Green Mantis squad, but Jack does not understand him.

Marx announces that this ceremony is to honor those who distinguished themselves in the battle. He claims that Julius is still unable to speak, so he will conduct the ceremony himself.

Sol Marron of the Blue Rose squad with twenty-one stars is promoted to the rank of Fifth Class Senior Magic Knight. Marx commends her for her wise judgment that allowed her to get the injured Magic Emperor to safety. Sol believes that she was not calm at all and is upset that Charlotte was saved by a man. Sol starts glaring at Yami, and Charlotte is worried that Sol might be in love with him like she is.

Mimosa with twenty-three stars is promoted to the rank of Second Class Intermediate Magic Knight. Marx commends her for her compassion, and Dorothy states that Mimosa is the reason why so many people understand the importance of healing mages. Leopold with eighteen stars is promoted to the rank of Fourth Class Senior Magic Knight. Marx commends him for his strength of character that allowed him to rally his squad mates in a crisis. Leopold tries to reject the promotion because he believes he is unworthy, but he changes his mind after some words of encouragement from Fuegoleon.

Yuno with an impressive seventy-seven stars is promoted to the rank of First Class Senior Magic Knight. Rill realizes that Yuno alone earned more stars than the entire Aqua Deer squad had the previous year. Marx commends Yuno for his great strength, having dealt fatal damage to the devil Zagred. Upset that such a high rank is being bestowed on a peasant, Augustus announces that another mage will be honored at the ceremony: Sekke, who accidentally saved the King's life. Augustus uses his authority to grant Sekke the rank of First Class Senior Magic Knight. Sekke feels hated by everyone in the room and promises to uphold the rank he has been given and protect the Clover Kingdom.

The King leaves with Sekke, and Marx announces that all other Magic Knights who fought to defend the kingdom will each be promoted by one rank, which is the real reason why all the captains were required to attend. Marx also notes that if not for the Magic Parliament trial causing chaos, there might have been many more promotions. Yami is given a medal for his actions. Marx announces the end of the ceremony and reads a message from Julius.

Yami and Finral teleport back to the Black Bulls base. Luck and Magna Swing are having one of their usual fights while Asta is working out. Yami announces who will be going to the Heart Kingdom. Magna begs to be allowed to go as well and Yami says he will see what he can do.

At the Golden Dawns base, Yuno is being watched by Vice-Captain Langris Vaude.