Art done by applekriss on DevianArt. I don't own it.

---

Later that night, Esdeath's Room...

Running water could be heard as Esdeath was in the shower, in the nude. The water droplets coming from the shower head ran down her body, the steam rising into the air due to the hot water.

Outside the bathroom, Tatsumi could be seen kneeling on Esdeath's bed. Sweat was pooling down his face as he was extremely nervous. He was even visibly shaking.

Tatsumi: (thoughts) 'E-Even though we got back home so late... I can't believe things suddenly took this turn...! Ah! I can't be nervous! I have to convince her to join our side. I'll be firm and fierce. I won't lose the mental battle!'

The knob to the shower could then be heard turning, the running water soon stopping. Tatsumi turns his head over to the bathroom's door, preparing for himself for what was to come. But he wasn't prepared for what was to come.

Now coming out of the bathroom was Esdeath. However, she was only wearing a white dress shirt and nothing else. Not even wearing anything under it. And to add on to Tatsumi's blush, Esdeath's cleavage was showing, a teasing and seductive grin on her face as she slowly walked up to him.

Esdeath: "Sorry for making you wait."

Tatsumi: (profusely shaking head) "N-Not at all!"

Esdeath: (sits down on bed) "You want something to drink?"

Tatsumi: "Ah! No...! I'm fine, yep!"

Esdeath: "You seem awfully nervous, Tatsumi."

Tatsumi: "N-No, I'm not."

Esdeath: (slight blush) "Heh... You are so cute. Well, I don't know the proper etiquette for this kind of thing either... But if we just follow our hearts, everything should work out, don't you think...?"

Tatsumi: "...Uh... There's something I'd like to ask...um... Miss Esdeath... You... Like me, don't you?"

Esdeath smirked as she did a shocking action towards the brown-haired teen. She lunged forward, planting her lips on his, catching him off guard. He was even more surprised when Esdeath overpowered him and forced him onto his back, the icy general now hovering over him.

Esdeath: "If I didn't... I wouldn't be doing this."

Tatsumi: (thoughts) 'G-Get a grip on yourself...!' (blushes profusely) "Th-Then hear me out!"

Esdeath: "Hmm? All right, go on ahead. Nice and loud so I can hear you."

Tatsumi: "...I hate the current Empire!"

Esdeath: "So do most people. So what?"

Tatsumi: "If I'm going to fight, it won't be here. I'd willingly join the Revolutionary Army instead!" (thoughts) 'I can't tell her who I really am... On the other hand, she wouldn't believe a flimsy lie... So this is the only way to put it...!' "Why don't you fight in the Revolutionary Army with me? If you did, it would reduce their losses so much!"

Esdeath: "...Tatsumi... You're talking to a general of the Imperial army, don't forget."

She then slapped him, making him surprised. He then held his cheek, looking up at her as Esdeath had her hands on her hips.

Tatsumi: "I-I know it sounds crazy, but if you don't change, we might end up as enemies someday."

The icy general simply smiled and leaned forward, enveloping Tatsumi in a hug as her chest pushed up against him. He blushed at the contact, his face close to hers.

Esdeath: "You don't have to worry about that. You can just stay here with me forever. I know you've lived an unsatisfying life so far, but from now on, you won't lack any comfort... And I don't have a lover. You're the only one I regard as a man. You won't ever be lonely."

Tatsumi: "...I'm really happy you feel that way, but... I can't. It's not right that only I should get to be happy."

Esdeath: (worried gaze) "Do you have family? They'll be heavily guarded, of course."

Tatsumi: "It's not that..." (grips bed sheets) "I want a country where everybody can live in freedom. That's why we can't keep this corrupted Empire..."

Esdeath: "Tatsumi..."

Tatsumi: "If you care for me, imagine this. There's a girl in some village who loves somebody the way you do right now, but... In this unstable world of poverty and hunger... She might never get to act on her feelings. D-Do you get what I'm saying!?"

Esdeath: "I don't! Because those are feelings of the weak! The law of this world is survival of the fittest. The weak are weeded out. Those who die only do so because they are weak. Tatsumi, you may have been underprivileged, but you still trained yourself, didn't you? It's because you became stronger that you caught my eye. But those who remain weak are doomed to perish."

Tatsumi: "I... I can't like someone who thinks that way...! If you care about me... Then, please! Think about what's really important!"

Esdeath: "I can't. Don't get the wrong idea! I'm not going to be influenced by you, Tatsumi. You're going to be influenced by me! There will be no other way!"

Tatsumi: "Well, if you expect me to change, that's not going to happen! Even if you torture me!"

Esdeath: (grin) "Heh... You're so stubborn. But... I guess that's why... You can smile like that..." (thoughts) 'I want to see that smile again... That spirit... I want to support all that Tatsumi is... In that case...!' "Well, you must be tired from all that excitement today. We'll talk again later. For now, let's get some rest."

Tatsumi: "Uh... Okay... I'll be on that sofa over there!"

Esdeath: (grabs Tatsumi's hand) "I won't try anything tonight, so just sleep in the bed!"

Tatsumi: "Oh, right! I'm going to take a bath!"

Esdeath: "...Just so you know, if you cause a commotion in the palace and try to run away, it'll be your death. This place was build specifically to be safe for only those who excel in self-defense. Budo's guards are all over the palace. So forget any funny ideas you might have."

Tatsumi: "...Okay."

---

Next Morning...

It was now the early morning, the sun gracing it's morning atmosphere upon the Capital. In the Jaegers lounge room, Akira, Kurome, and Wave were the only ones awake. Wave and Kurome were by the table, the black-haired girl currently munching on her snacks and Wave drinking a cup of coffee.

Akira was over by the window, gazing out into the vast landscape of the Capital. They heard the doors to the lounge room being opened, Wave the first to turn his head there.

Wave: "Yo. Last night, did you sleep well--er, at all?"

Tatsumi had just walked in, him visibly shaking as his eyes were red. It seemed he was terrified about what happened last night.

Tatsumi: "I was so nervous, I didn't get any sleep. She said she wouldn't try anything, but when I woke up, she was using me as a body pillow..."

The brown-haired teen then looked to Kurome, who continued to munch on her snacks.

Wave: "Kurome, it's first thing in the morning, and you're already having snacks."

Kurome: "Mind your own business."

Wave: "You should eat more seafood. It's good for you."

Kurome: "If I did, I'd start to smell like you, Wave."

Wave: "Huh!? Really!? I smell!?"

Tatsumi: "Nah... I don't think so."

Tatsumi then perked up. He began to get a real good look at Kurome, now realizing the features she had.

Tatsumi: (thoughts) 'What the...? Her looks... And that name... "Kurome"... I'm feeling some mega deja vu..."

Now realizing the stare she was getting, Kurome grunted as she pulled her bag closer to her. Tatsumi was then surprised.

Kurome: "I'm not giving you any of my snacks!"

Tatsumi: (thoughts) 'That greed! No mistake about it, it's Akame! She's got to be related to her!'

Kurome: "What?"

Tatsumi: "Nothing... Not to be rude, but... You look a lot like that Akame girl I've seen on the wanted sign..."

Wave: "Ah, I thought so too."

Now, all eyes were on her. This piqued Akira's interest. He did hear from Leone that Akame had a sister in the Empire, working as an assassin. And from his memories, he's met the girl before.

Kurome's eyes seemed to have darken, a grin coming to her face.

Kurome: "...Yeah. She's a valuable asset. Even though she turned her back on the Empire. I hope I get to see her again soon. I'll see her... And execute her with my own two hands. After all, she's my beloved older sister."

This left Tatsumi and Wave freaked out, the two backing up. Perhaps even in slight fear. However, the tense atmosphere from Kurome's response soon dissolved, a cold chill filling the air. The three began to shiver, the three of them looking to Akira as a cold mist began to leave his hands, which were placed on the window. Ice began to form onto the window, a hardened glare on his face as he gaze out into the distance.

Kurome: (confused) "A-Akira...? Wh-What are you doing?"

The icy blue-eyed teen then blinked a few times, him letting out a sigh. The cold mist began to dissipate as the room's temperature began to return to normal, Akira turning around, facing them as he leaned up against the wall.

Akira: "Sorry about that. Don't know what came over me."

Kurome: "I-It's all right. Y-You were close with my sister, right?"

Akira: "...Yeah."

Kurome: "Then you know what we have to do...right?"

Akira: "...Yeah."

Though he didn't show it too much, hints of uncertainty was in his voice. It's like he told himself, as soon as he saw her that night, something within him told him to never hurt her.

Soon, the doors to the lounge room opened, walking in was Esdeath in her uniform.

Esdeath: "Tatsumi! We're going hunting today. We're heading to Fake Mountain."

Tatsumi: (thoughts) 'We'll be leaving the city! This'll be our chance to escape!"

Esdeath: "You're coming too, Kurome, Wave, Akira. Fake Mountain's the ideal place for an ambush. We'll search for bandits while hunting Danger Beasts!"

Wave/Kurome: "Roger!"

Akira only nodded, Esdeath now grinning.

Esdeath: "We'll split into two teams until nightfall. When we get there, Kurome and I will go East. Wave, Tatsumi, and Akira will go search the West side." (puts on cap) "I don't know what Kurome is capable yet. This is a good opportunity for me, as her general, to get a complete picture of her skills."

Wave: "Huh? So you've already made up your mind about me?"

Esdeath: (smiles) "You had a good teacher. You're already as strong as you can be. Be proud of yourself."

Akira: "And as for me?"

Esdeath: "While it has been a while since we've last seen each other, I can assume that you've been keeping up with your training. I will evaluate you tomorrow, if we don't have any missions."

Akira: "...Understood."

Esdeath: "At night, we'll switch. Tatsumi and me together." (thoughts) 'The Danger Beasts that come out at night are more powerful. It will be my chance to show him my abilities!'

While Tatsumi was glad he would be with Akira and Wave, considering that Wave wouldn't be like Esdeath, who would be keeping tabs on him at all time when it was nighttime, but Akira was there. Then, they could escape together. But still, the thought of going hunting with Esdeath at night made him shiver, especially because of what happened last night.

Internally, Akira let out a sigh. He could feel another presence just outside the room, thanks to his Teigu. The one outside was none other than Dr. Stylish, a stern look on his face. While he tried evaluating Akira, there wasn't much he could get off of him. His first view of him was nothing but an emotionless assassin, ready to kill at a moments notice. That, and he was very good at concealing such emotions and any motives that it was hard for him to keep an eye on the black-haired teen. Should Stylish continue to monitor him like he is now, Akira would grow wary and suspicious of him. But little did he know, Akira already was.

When looking at Tatsumi, Dr. Stylish couldn't help but feel suspicious about him. He wasn't sure why he felt very suspicious about him, but he couldn't help but admit. Something about Tatsumi rubbed him the wrong way.

Hours later, on the west side of Fake Mountain, the three boys could be seen walking up the mountain. Tatsumi was leading the front, Akira in the middle, and Wave in the back.

Wave: "I know my water Danger Beasts, but I'm at a complete loss in the mountains."

Tatsumi: "They often launch surprise attacks using mimicry. You have to be wary of even the stones by the road."

Akira hummed in agreement. Tatsumi looked down, thinking of Bulat as he was walking up the mountain. The bonds they made through rigorous training here, Tatsumi couldn't help but appreciate it. If it weren't for Bulat's support, he wouldn't have gotten this far today.

Wave: "Y'know, I couldn't say so in the palace, but... You've got it rough. If you ever need someone to listen, I'm there for you."

Tatsumi: "Thanks... But, I'm fine. I'm used to this."

Wave: "Ah... I think I know what you're coming from. We're similar in that regard."

Tatsumi: "Similar...? Similar how?"

Wave: "Huh?" (crosses arms) "How to put it... Like we've gone through the same hardships. And in for more hardships..."

Tatsumi: "Yeah... Okay, I get it. No need to say more."

As they said this, a thought cloud of Stylish, Kurome, and the other members of the Jaegers appear above Wave's head. Likewise, a thought cloud of Akame, Leone, Mine, and Akira appear over Tatsumi's, a gloomy atmosphere surrounding them both. Akira looked at the two confused, a straight poker expression on his face as he tilted his head.

Tatsumi and Akira soon perked up, the two gaining stern gazes as they turned around. Tatsumi began to unsheathe Incursio's Key and Akira began lifting the broadsword that was clipped to his back.

Wave: "Well... Since we're both in the same boat, let's get along. You too, Akira."

Wave soon became alarmed when he saw the two's looks, slowly walking towards him with tensed shoulders. Tatsumi and Akira soon dashed forward, Wave shielding himself, thinking he was going to be attacked by them.

But he felt nothing, opening his eyes as he sees the two of them dash past him and cut down two tree-like monsters heading for them. Soon, more of them began to surround them.

Wave: "You guys saved me! I'll return the favor!"

Tatsumi: "What favor!?"

Wave: "There's so many of them. And unlike the ocean beasts, I think these aren't edible."

Tatsumi: "They're not that tough, but they do have us outnumbered."

Akira: (nonchalantly) "Don't die."

Tatsumi: "Way to add some words of encouragement!"

Wave: "Here goes! Let's put them down for good!"

Tatsumi: "We'll make firewood out of them!"

And so the three of them dashed off to face the surrounding Danger Beasts. It took them a while, but they finally took them all out. Wave let out a sigh of relief as he leaned his Teigu over his shoulder.

Wave: "Phew... That ought to do it. Looks like we're done here, Tatsu--"

When he turned his head around, Tatsumi was no longer there. Wave was now dumbfounded.

Wave: "Eh? Eh? Whuh? Akira, do you--"

And when he turned his head to where Akira was, no one was there as well.

Wave: "That's weird, Tatsumi, Akira... Where'd you guys go?" (thoughts) 'Don't tell me... They ran away!?'

Wave's face then went pale as he imagined Esdeath in a demonic-like mask standing over him. He was freaking out, internally and on the outside. Not only did he lose Esdeath's former student and their "teammate," he also lost Esdeath's lover... Even if Tatsumi didn't want to be the person Esdeath fell in love with.

Wave: "Oh, no! I get why you guys did it, but I can't let you! I'm too young to die!"

He then grunted, looking down at his Teigu in his hands. He didn't have a choice, lifting the blue sword into the air before he yelled out the Teigu's name.

Wave: "Grand Chariot!"

Stabbing the blue blade into the ground, a large figure emerged from the ground. It looked similar to Incursio, although it was different in design, it's colors being a dark blue and black. In Wave's left eye was a black cross-section, the color of his left blue eye had darkened as the Teigu came over him and began to envelop him.

---

Elsewhere

Tatsumi and Akira had successfully escaped from Wave's vision. However, the two decided to travel separately. This way, if Wave were following either of them, one of them could sense it and lead them away from their base with the other heading back safely. And in a few days time, when the heat of searching for them died down, the other would head back.

Tatsumi, in Incursio, jumps down by a creak. He looked around, making sure no one was following him.

Tatsumi: "I should be safe this far out, right? There's no way he could've followed me..."

Finally, the brown-haired teen thought he found himself safe, thinking he had some breathing room to take a breather. Until it all ended when an impact was heard above, an armored figure crashing through the cliff side and plunging into the ground a few feet away from him.

From the dust and dirt rising, a figure arose from it. The armored figure stood in front of Tatsumi, his dark blue and black colors displayed in front of him. It was Wave.

Tatsumi: "Wha...? Who is this guy...?" (thoughts) 'It's the same type...? An armor Teigu!?'

Wave: "Whoa, whoa... I just came across a whopper. I recognize that armor... Incursio... It's the prototype of my Grand Chariot... And what's more... The fact that you have it on means you're with Night Raid, right? I see. Shifty people... Hide in shifty mountains!"

Wave began to assess Tatsumi, whom he didn't know was within the armor. He was a veteran, having served in the Imperial Navy and have taken on water Danger Beasts and pirates. But deep down, Wave knew he couldn't go easy on him.

Just as he was about to attack, he halted himself, becoming alarmed as Tatsumi leaped away. Right now, Tatsumi couldn't head back to base. He couldn't have Wave, or possibly Esdeath, trail him back to the hideout so he had to make a quick getaway. But Wave was quick to respond, quickly stepping off a stone and landing in front of Tatsumi.

Wave: "You're not going anywhere. Fight me like a man!"

The man of the ocean rushes off, kicking off the rock he was on as it shattered into smaller pieces. He reeled his fist back and thrusts it forward, attempting to punch Tatsumi. But the brown-haired teen kept dodging Wave's barrages of punches, Tatsumi making no effort to strike back. He felt no need to.

Tatsumi: "Stop! I have no reason to fight you!"

Wave: "You may not, but... I do. Night Raid!"

Pushing off the ground, Wave thrusts himself forward, extending both his arms out as he pushes Tatsumi up against the wall behind him. A crater appears behind the Incursio user due to the amount of force Wave used. Wave quickly jumps back, Tatsumi letting out a grunt of pain as he falls onto his rear, hunching over slightly as he held his chest.

Wave: "I've read all about you guys. You commit assassinations at random... You're the villains eating away at the Capital's security and peace... And I hear you're affiliated with the Rebel Army. I will not permit people like you to exist!"

Tatsumi: (coughs while swaying) "You're wrong... Sure, we kill people... But... I... We're not villains!"

Although Tatsumi was filled with a bit of rage, he blasts off from his spot, trying to head away from Wave. He had to make it back and make his report to them, no matter what.

Wave: "If you refuse to fight... Then this is going to be awfully one-sided."

Wave was once more quick to respond, leaping up into the air as he was now above Tatsumi. He then quickly bolted down, coming in like a spear from the heavens as his legs strike Tatsumi in his back.

Wave: "Grand Fall!"

The blue-haired man had put so much force into his kick that Tatsumi was sent downwards, bolting into the river below. A explosion of water rose up into the air, Wave no hovering above it.

Wave: "I kicked him into the river. No way he'll get away..."

Once the water had slightly calmed down, Wave descended. He sees that Tatsumi hadn't resurfaced, now looking around frantically.

Wave: "He's gone! Where is he!? ...Ah! He must've used the current to swim away! He forgot he's dealing with a man of the sea!"

The Grand Chariot user quickly rushes off into the direction of the ocean, thinking that's where Tatsumi was headed. However, a cloaked Tatsumi soon emerges from the river, once he felt that Wave's presence had disappeared.

He then falls onto his hands and knees, Incursio soon dissipating as he couldn't wear it anymore at the moment, now exhausted.

Tatsumi: (panting heavily) "I... I got away from him without having to fight. I guess he doesn't have the power of invisibility..." (thoughts) 'That last strike was crazy powerful... If I hadn't put my all into blocking it, I'd be dead right now.'

Due to fatigue, Tatsumi falls over. He tries to crawl, trying to head inland more so he could head back to the hideout. But he soon freezes, seeing a Danger Beast coming out. It had the appearance of a tiger, horns sticking out of it's head like a bull. Tatsumi braced himself for the attack, thinking his time was now.

But from the treeline, two figures emerged. Coming down from above, the figure had a scythe out as he came down like a buzzsaw, cutting the Danger Beast's head off as he finally landed. Following up with their attack, the other person cuts the body of the Danger Beast in half to make sure it was dead. Tatsumi glances up, finally seeing who it was.

Tatsumi: "A-Akame...? Akira...?"

Akame: "Tatsumi! You okay!?"

Akira: "He's fine. He hasn't kicked the bucket yet."

Tatsumi: "What're you guys doing here...?"

Akame: "We were all keeping watch over different areas. I was in charge of the Capital's front gate. I was lucky enough to spot Akira signaling to me."

Akira: "I had felt her presence nearby so I decided to signal her. She's been following us ever since she saw us leave for our hunt. But I couldn't exactly tell you with Esdeath and the others around us at the time, so I decided to play it safe."

Tatsumi: "So... So that's it... You went out of your way to save me... I'm sorry. I... Had to be saved again."

Akira: (sigh) "...Dumbass."

The brown-haired teen looked up at Akira confused before he felt something hit the top of his head, him letting out a grunt of slight pain. Akame had chopped his head, him looking at the raven-haired girl annoyed. It wasn't until his gaze softened, seeing a small grin on Akira's face and a kind-hearted smile on Akame's.

Akira: "You really are a dumbass, huh?"

Akame: "I'd rescue you both anytime. That's what comrades do!"

Tatsumi: "...Thanks..."

Akame: (confused) "What's the matter?"

Tatsumi: "It's such a relief to see your face again, Akame."

Akame: "...Welcome back, Tatsumi, Akira."

Akira: "Yeah, yeah."

Tatsumi: "Yeah... It's good to be back."

The red-eyed girl had extended her hand out for Tatsumi to take, who slowly begun to do so. However, the nearby bushes were soon rustling, a familiar green-haired pervert rushing out and grabbing the back of Akame's collar and the hood of Akira's with one hand, and the back of Tatsumi's collar with the other.

Lubbock: "Ba-dum! First thing's first, we gotta get away from here. Come on! This way, this way!"

After about ten minutes of walking, they were finally in the clear. Lubbock was in the front with the other three in the back. Tatsumi was all beaten and battered, being supported by Akira's shoulder to walk, Akame walking next to the icy blue-eyed teen.

Tatsumi: "Lubbo... You're here too... Thanks."

Lubbock: (scratches cheek) "Yeah, well. I'm the one who suggested that crazy tournament in the first place." (cheeky grin) "Without you two, I'd be the only guy left. Though I did like the idea of having a harem all to myself."

Tatsumi: "You're awful."

Akira: (scoffs) "What an idiot."

Akame: (whispers to two) "He says that, but he actually was worried about you two."

Tatsumi: "Yeah... I know." (thoughts) 'Night Raid... Is where I really belong.'

Next Day, Capital...

Wave: "Um... I don't know how else to say this, but... I really am truly sorry. I deeply repent for what I did."

Kneeling in front of the icy general, with Run and Kurome, tied to a wooden post was Wave. And on his knees were cinder blocks, the blue-haired man sweating profusely as he was met with Esdeath's signature icy glare.

Esdeath: "Your lack of vigilance resulted in not only my student's escape, but also Tatsumi's... And what's worse... You let Night Raid escape. Kurome. Stone!"

With a nod and a straight face, Kurome grabs another stone block. Walking over to Wave's position, she drops it onto the stack, Wave letting out a cry of pain as he could feel the pressure and weight on his legs.

Esdeath: "If it was Incursio you saw, that must've been Hundred-Killer Bulat. The member of Night Raid we have to look out for the most. That's why it is so terrible you let him get away. Now they'll probably relocate their hideout. Kurome. Fire!"

With another nod, Kurome adds on to the torture of Wave. She begins to drip hot wax down his back, the blue-haired man letting out cries of pain as he jolted from the immense pain he initially felt, now howling even more as the wax continues to go down his back.

Esdeath: (sigh) "Wave... I was a fool to think you had reached your full potential."

Wave: (tears running down face) "I regret my error..."

Esdeath: "But this time I'll let you off the hook with a little game of water torture and whipping."

Wave: "You call that a game!?"

Esdeath: "Fail again and I will personally punish you... And don't you forget it."

Wave: "...Y-Yes, ma'am."

Seryu then bursts through the door with Koro in her arms. She then salutes at attention.

Seryu: "Captain! I'm sorry. I searched Fake Mountain but found no sign of Tatsumi or the bandits. Not even Koro could track him!"

Esdeath: "Hekatonkheires specializes in combat. Don't worry about it. How about Stylish? He's also looking, right?"

Seryu: "Yes. He seems to be acting on his own... So I haven't gotten any word from him yet."

Esdeath: "Well, I'm not holding my breath."

Run: "Captain, about Tatsumi. From what you said, it's possible he intends to join the Rebel Army... You mentioned so yourself."

Esdeath: "Yeah... He even invited me to join him."

Run: "If... He should stand before us as an enemy... How should we deal with him?"

Esdeath: "...To be honest... I still like Tatsumi. When I can't have something, it makes me want it even more. But the lives of my underlings come first. I wish for him to be taken alive, but... If it's impossible to do otherwise, you can bring him back dead."

Run: "Roger."

Seryu: "When you turn to the dark side, you can only expect punishment!"

Esdeath: (thoughts) 'If you are killed, it just means that's all you amounted to. But you're not as weak as that... You have the strength to overcome and survive. It's so odd... I feel like... I'll be able to see Tatsumi again. Or rather... I'll make sure I see him again.'

---

Tatsumi: "And that's is the combative force of the Jaegers that I witnessed."

After being patched up and given a bit time to heal, Akira and Tatsumi had reported what they had seen. Needless to say, Night Raid was pleased with the information they received, but they weren't pleased with who they had to face.

Leone: "They really are all Teigu wielders... This is gonna be tough!"

Akame: "I can't believe Kurome's a member..."

Tatsumi: "Why didn't you guys flee the Empire together?"

Akame: "When I broke away... I invited her, naturally, but... My sister chose to stay... As far as she's concerned... I'm the traitor. Tatsumi, Akira. Was Kurome eating the same thing every time you saw her?"

Akira: "Yeah. She always carried around a bag that was labeled as her snacks. She would eat those any chance she had."

Akame: (saddened eyes) "I see..." (thoughts) 'Kurome... You really are already...'

Mine: "Akame! I've said this before, but... Even if she is your little sister, if she attacks us, I'm going to fire a shot right through her."

Akame: "I'm sure Kurome's aware of that."

Lubbock: (writing on paper) "Hmm. I wish I had more information on these Teigus. Seryu's had some enhancements made to her personage, is that right? Rubicante's famous, but it'll be difficult to devise a countermeasure for it."

Mine: "That flying Mastema is written about in the records...but I don't know what other secrets it may hold..."

Tatsumi: "Ah, that reminds me. What's Kurome's Teigu?"

Akame: "...March of the Dead: Yatsufusa. Those it cuts come back as her personal zombies. The curse works on up to eight people at a time. It can also make use of the skills her puppets had when they alive. When the control over them is released, they revert back to corpses."

Tatsumi: "Whoa, whoa! So if she cut me, I'd go over to the enemy's side!?"

Leone: "And since you're dead, there'd be so saving you..."

Mine: "Murasame's harsh too, but... Yatsufusa's even more so..."

Akira: "Using the dead as her puppets, huh? She won't even let the dead rest." (thoughts) 'Well, I suppose the same thing can be said for me.'

Lubbock: "That's the last way I'd want to die. That leaves the Grand Chariot, the armor type... And Perfector."

Mine: "If they've got a doctor, he's the first person I want to take down. I'd love to have Perfector on our side. That Teigu sounds super useful..."

The blonde lioness then got up from her seat on the couch, patting Tatsumi's head. She then grabs his head and shoves it between her breasts, much to Mine's ire and annoyance and Lubbock's jealousy.

Leone: "Your efforts really paid off. Just knowing what kind of people we'll be taking on is a big help! Well done, Tatsumi!"

Tatsumi: (blushes) "I... I'm just glad the information was useful too."

Mine: "So... Just how strong would you say the guys are after seeing them up close?"

Tatsumi: "...As far as Esdeath goes... She was exceptional... To be honest... I don't think I can win against her as I am now... But on another note, Akira, you trained with her!?"

Akira: "...It was quite a while back. I was only her student for a short while. My powers were the closest thing to hers, so I needed someone to train me. In order to achieve my desires then, I needed more power."

Mine: "We also don't know the limits of her Teigu, right?"

Lubbock: "Nope. Nothing about how far or how completely it can freeze things."

Akame: "It's true that Esdeath is strong, but... She has a weakness..."

Leone: "And that is?"

Akame: (stands up) "She's alive... She has a heart. And so... I will cut it out. Even if she's the Empire's Strongest!

Everyone quieted down before it erupted into cheers, Akira smirking a bit.

Lubbock: "You really are our trump card. I wouldn't have it any other way!"

Mine: "Don't brag, honors student. You'd better be true to your word."

Leone: "All you need to do is give her one solid blow with Murasame. Well. We ought to work something out once we've got a strategy."

Tatsumi: "Back to the topic at hand, I think each member of the Jaegers is equal to each of us. So in terms of numbers, we're about the same. But if we run into them now, we'd be in trouble. I don't think sheer fighting spirit and idealism will be enough to cover our asses."

Everyone now had stern gazes as they nodded. The conflict between them was just about to ensue.

---

In celebration of Akira's and Tatsumi's return, Night Raid decided to hold a party. Having cooking up a large amount of food, Leone ended up breaking into Najenda's secret stash of alcohol. So now, Tatsumi, Leone, Lubbock, and Mine were drinking without a care in the world.

Akira stood off to the side, leaning up against it as he looked out the window. However, his attention was drawn to Akame, who was walking up to him.

Akira: "Need me for something?"

Akame: "Nothing in particular."

Akira: "I see. But I can tell there's something you want to ask me."

The red-eyed girl made no answer as she stepped up towards him, hugging the black-haired teen as he was caught a bit off guard.

Akira: "What's the action for?"

Akame: "Thank you... For coming back safe."

Akira: "...Had to come back somehow. Besides, I'm not that easy to kill."

He stopped talking when he notices Akame's eyes. There was a need, a certain fire in her eyes. Almost as if she couldn't bear to wait for something.

And there was she something she couldn't hold back. The emotions of joy that Akame held couldn't be contained any longer. Akira looked at her confused and was about to ask a question, but couldn't do so as he wasn't able to speak any words.

His eyes had widened slightly due to Akame's actions. She kissed him. She couldn't hold it back any longer.