(Dairoku's POV)

Mira: "HYYAAAHHH!!!"

Mira yelled her battle cry as she rushed me in her Alkonost Armor while I was using Barbatos; I'll admit, she's definitely quick on her feet. I don't know it she's faster than Kuraime, who's the quickest of us all, but what I do know is that she's the most maneuverable of us. Her goal this training session was to get me on the ground and keep me there. When she got up close to me, the threw a left hook which was undeniably quick but unfortunately for her, I saw this attack coming. So I sidestepped out of the way and grabbed her arm before slamming her to the ground and pinning her against it.

Dairoku: "I win again."

Mira: "Ugh... "  she groaned before her armor disengaged. I disengaged mine as well before offering her a hand, which she took.

Dairoku: "Hey, you're doing much better. I'd say you definitely have the speed advantage. Who knows, you may be faster than Kuraime, which will be a first." 

When she got up, I handed her back her glasses; after using her Trump Card twice on the boat, her vision was affected quite a bit. Not enough to hinder her from fighting in her TS though.

Akame: "You're doing well, Mira. Don't give up."  She encouraged her while sitting on the ground on the sidelines

Mira: "R-Right. Thank you, Akame-Chan, Senpai!"  She bowed respectively, but I waved my hand to dismiss her.

Dairoku: "You don't have to do that, Mira. You're only like two years younger than me."

Mira: "I-I know. It's just, you taught me everything I know. It's hard for me, not to show you my utter most respect."

Dairoku: "Well, let me be the first to tell you, that you don't have to treat me like your superior. You're like a sister to me Mira, so let's address each other in a more casual way. Okay?"

Mira: "O-Okay, Senpai! O-Oh, I mean...-"  I laughed at her accidentally calling me that.

Dairoku: "It's okay. It'll take getting used to."

Just then, the door to the Hideout slammed open and a fully healed Mine walked through. 

Mine: "Alright! Someone train with me!"  She was met by heaving panting coming from Tatsumi and Lubbock, who were doing pushups with Kuraime and Leone on their back respectively.

Tatsumi: "Heya, Mine."  he greeted her, looking up to meet her eyes

Kuraime: "Glad to see you doing better!"

Akame: "You can train with me."  she said, getting up from her spot and walking over to the pink haired sniper, who looked at the guys doing the pushups.

Mine: "What are you guys doing?"  she asked, a little confused

Leone: "Just helping these guys out with their training."  she answered, as she rose from Lubbock performing another pushup.

Tatsumi: "After equipping it, I understand that Incursio consumed an amazing amount of spiritual and physical energy to use."  he started off with, causing Mine to look at him in shock.  "In order for me to be able to use it as well as Aniki, I need to train my body even more...! As it is now, I can barely use it's invisibility for a few seconds before it releases!"

Even though his wounds from the battle haven't fully healed, Tatsumi's been training his balls off just to impress Bulat... That was some amazing determination... and I think Mine noticed too as I saw that she was blushing lightly. After shaking away her blush, she looked at Lubbock.

Mine: "It's rare to see you getting sweaty, Lubbock."

Lubbock: "There're just three of us guys left in the group now. So, you know, I got to thinking maybe I should start taking things seriously."  He explained, causing Leone to smirk.

Leone: "It's cute when you talk all big, even though you didn't do half the pushups Tatsumi did, nor did you do a quarter of the ones Dairoku did earlier."  She taunted

Lubbock: "Pfft..."

Akane: "But it's not his fault... There's a considerable weight difference between Leone and Kuraime, or me."

. . .

"GEH!?"

. . .

*BONK!*

Akame: "Huh...?????"  She groaned as she rubbed her head with tears in her eyes, where a massive bump was located from Leone punching her... Oh boy... Mira walked over to her and, in a cartoonish manor, pushed the bump back into her skull.  "Ouch!"  she yelped

Mira: "Sorry!"

Akame: "It's alright." She smiled. Then, everyone stopped what they were doing when Najenda walked up to us, a large sack over her shoulders.

Najenda: "Oh! You're all here."

Tatsumi: "Boss. What's with the getup...? Heading out to the Revolutionary Army HQ?"  he asked, getting up with Kuraime getting off his back.

Najenda: "Yeah. I need to go deliver these three Teigu we confiscated from the three Beasts you killed."

Tatsumi: "Oh, and be careful Boss... That axe is crazy heavy..."

Najenda: "Oh, I can handle this much."  She boasted before lifting up Belvaac with her right arm, easily.  "See? I wouldn't be able to use it as a weapon, but if it's just carrying it, there's no problem."

Tatsumi: "Was the boss always this amazing???"  he whispered to Lubbock as Najenda continued to boast with the axe.

Lubbock: "Of course! You do know she's a former general, right?"

Dairoku: "Since you'll be gone, I assume you'll be leaving one of us in charge, correct?" I asked

Najenda: "Two of you. You and Akame are in charge. Standing orders are "Everyone train!"  Both me and Akame were shocked to say the least, but she quickly regained her stoic personality.

Akame: "Understood."  She said, causing Tatsumi to start having a spazz out

Tatsumi: "Hey! Having Dairoku in charge is awesome, but is it really okay to leave the whimsical one also in charge!?"

Lubbock: "Heh, she takes her orders very seriously at least, so there won't be any problems." 

I looked at Najenda, still unsure about this decision to have me be in charge... but...

Najenda: "I know you're worthy of this Dairoku. Bulat and Sheele would agree with me."  I looked at her slightly shocked. I glanced at Akame, who was giving me a small smile... I sighed and nodded my head at her.

Dairoku: "Right."

Najenda: "Besides, you got your girlfriend by your side."  She said, taking out a cigarette. Akame and I began to blush, while looking away.

Akame: "W-We're not..."

Najenda: "Anyways, the main reason I'm heading to HQ, will be to recruit some new members. I'm hoping they can spare some people to replenish our fighting strength, but I'm not holding my breath."  When she said that she was looking for new members, I got a bit sad...

Tatsumi: "I'm sorry..."  We looked at Tatsumi, only to see him looking dejected...  "I was just too weak..."  Najenda just sighed and closed her eyes...

Najenda: "The ones you were fighting, the Four Beasts, had the strongest offensive capabilities in the entire Empire. They were key figures in Esdeath's army. Three of them were eliminated, one of them was converted to our cause and their Teigu and Zodiac were recovered."  She looked at Mira, who nervously rubbed her arm. Then she looked back at Tatsumi.  "Esdeath's strength may have no equal, but her army has certainly been weakened as a whole due to this. This will do much to allay the concerns over when the Revolution will take place. You not only saved the lives of the people on the ship, but also the lives of thousands of revolutionary army soldiers. You're strong and you did well, Tatsumi."

Tatsumi: "Boss..."

Leone: "I wasn't going to tell you since I didn't want to inflate your ego, but... Bulat said something to me a while back."  She started off with before quoting Bulat's words...

"Tatsumi may still be green and wet behind the ears, but I know that kid will become seriously strong in time. With strict training, I think he may become so strong, he just might leave me in the dust. I look forward to seeing it."

Tatsumi: "Aniki...!"

Najenda: "Be proud of yourself, Tatsumi, and live on. Show Bulat that you can become the kind of man he expected you to be."  she told him, further boosting his determination... Maybe he could see him grow if I just saved him... "Don't beat yourself up about it Dairoku... It's not your fault he died."  I looked at her, but still didn't feel very convinced.

Dairoku: "I could have saved him though... No... I could have saved Sheele too if I was fast enough... But..."  I just stopped myself as Akame rested her hand on my shoulder. Najenda sighed.

Najenda: "You know, Bulat said something about you too."  That caught my attention

Dairoku: "Huh? He did?"

Najenda: "That's right..."

"Heh, when I think of Determination and Promise, Dairoku's the first person that comes to my mind. Everything he fights for is for a better world, even if he'll destroy himself to achieve it in the process. The first time we sparred, that look of focus and determination on his face, just fired me up even further. I could comfortably say that he's my equal, if he had not surpassed me already. That badass bloodsucker's like a little brother to me and I'm willing to witness the day, he becomes the strongest of us all; the moment he becomes the strongest King of them all."

Najenda: "He spoke highly of you Dairoku and he has no doubt that you'll achieve that transcendent state of power he so wishes to see. So instead of blaming yourself for not being able to save him, be determined to get stronger so that his wishes will be met."

I was shocked... I had no idea Bulat thought so highly of me... I felt tears beginning to fall down my face... I looked around to see everyone smiling at me, even Mine was smiling... I sniffled before managing to smile as well. The first Genuine smile I did since Sheele's death...

Dairoku: "Right. I'll do my best."  Akame smiled at me and brought be into a hug... To her surprise, I returned it.

Najenda nodded in satisfaction before taking up the sac of Teigu and walking away but she stopped and looked back at Mira.

Najenda: "I never got to properly say this, but Welcome to Night Raid, Mira."

Mira: "A-Ah! I am honored, Najenda-San!"  Mira replied, saluting respectively at Najenda who nodded before finally walking away.

CHAPTER 11: KILL THE HARDSHIP.

(Wave's POV)

My name is Wave. I've fought for the Imperial Navy as a True Man of the Sea! Presently, I'm on my way to join a Special Police Force being put together by the Empire. It's a kind of promotion. For my first time in the city, I wanted to make a flashy entrance. I even decided on these clothes because they make me look so cool!

I was greatly admired in my hometown. The assortment of seafood I'm carrying... is a memento forced on me by my mom... But, for some reason, I get the feeling everyone is giving my furtive glances... Maybe I'm doing something improper or something? Heh... Whatever... I'm a man who has fought pirates and sea monsters! I can't let these little unimportant things bother me!!!

Wave: "Here we are!"  I announced as I arrived in front of the Imperial Palace. I need to arrive at the meeting place smoothly because the people in here are gonna be my teammates from now on. The first impression is crucial... So in order to not be taken lightly, let's do this! I slammed the door to the meeting room open.

Wave: *enthusiastic* "Good afternoon! I've come from the Imperial Navy! I'm Wa-"  There was this... buffed topless guy with a mask sitting at the table...

Wave: "Pardon my intrusion!"  I shouted as I slammed the door shut. I leaned against the door, sweating bullets.

Wave: *slightly panicked* "Umm... This room belongs to the office of torture then? Haha... Guess I mixed up the rooms."  I took out the invitation, checking the room number again.  "But, the meeting place is supposed to be in... The Special Police Conference Room. And this is it..."  Oh... Fuck...

That means that's one of my new co-workers!?!? What a place the Capital is! Nowadays, pirates look more normal than the people here!!! I reluctantly went back into the room... Welp, for the time being, I need to keep positive and conduct myself well...

Wave: "G-Good afternoon."  I took a seat at the table with the weird guy staring at me...

Creepy Buffed dude: "Stare..."

Okay, what the hell's with this guy...!? This guy has just been staring at me this whole time!!! This sucks, Mom. I already want to go home! This city already has me at my wits end!!! I felt my heart drop as the door opened, but when I looked, I was heavily relieved to see two normal girls! One with short black hair, black eyes and a Katana on her hip; she was wearing a black and red sailor girl-like suit.

The other girl had long (back-length) black hair, bright green eyes and a scythe holstered on her back; she was wearing a black outfit with green lining.

(The second picture is her outfit)

Oh I was praising god internally, for me being saved! The two girls walked over to their seats and sat next to each other, before sharing a bag of cookies. I decided to walk over to them.

Wave: "H-Hey. Are you both Teigu users that were summoned here as well? Nice to meet you, I'm Wave..."  Suddenly, the girl with the black eyes protectively covered her cookies as the girl with the green eyes got up and pointed her SCYTHE BLADE TO MY FUCKING HEAD!

Black Eyed Cutie: "Stay away from our cookies!"

Green Eyed Cutie: "And for your information, I'm a Zodiac user. Now back off, if you value your life!" 

They're BOTH weird too!

Wave: *discouraged* "Sorry to bother you two..."  I solemnly dragged myself back to my seat... Shit... What's with this situation!? Two just sit there, eating cookie after cookie; you're both gonna get cavities damn it! And this one just sits there, staring at me. What's his deal??

Suddenly, the doors slammed open again... I am scared... But when I turned around, I saw a... semi-normal girl with ginger hair and brown eyes, but her arms were metal and she had a small dog with her.

Seryu: "Pardon me! I've been reassigned from the capital defense forces. I am Seryu Ubiquitous! And this is Koro!"  Both her and the dog saluted... At least she looks normal enough... Then suddenly, she threw a bouquet of roses to the ground before her and the dog kneeled and got into poses... I take that back...  "Dr. Stylish, the preparations are finished!"

Dr. Stylish: "First impressions are important and would of course be important to a stylish man like myself."  DAMN IT! THIS TIME IT'S A CRAZY HOMO!?!?  "Oh dear. On first look, you're clearly a country-boy but you're actually kind of good looking... I can make you even better looking. Let's get along well, okay~?"  AND HE SEEMS TO HAVE TAKEN A LIKING TO ME! WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON!?!?

Blonde: "Good Afternoon."  A blonde guy with gold eyes and a feather in the left side of his hair walked in.  "It looks like I'm the last to arrive."

Lauren: "Actually..."  A girl with long blonde hair, red eyes and she had two bladed boomerangs on her back; she also wore a phoenix-like battle dress that looked really cool.  "I'm the last one, Run."

Run: "Ahaha, I guess you're right, Lauren."

Wave: *sheepishly and slightly hopeful* "Hey, nice to meet you both... I'm Wave..."  I sheepishly told them and much to my surprise...

Run: "I'm Run. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Lauren: "And I'm Lauren Kirumi. Nice to meet you too, Wave."  Both her and Run smiled at me... I. Was. SHOCKED! FINALLY! IN THE END, TWO NORMAL PEOPLE HAVE COME!!!

♫HALLELUIAH! HALLELUIAH!♫

After we all settled down, the buffed guy, came up to us holding a tray of tea.

Creepy Buffed Dude: "Uhmm... Everyone... I've made some tea."  After handing them out to the others, he came over to me.  "I must apologize. It is our first meeting and yet I didn't greet you... I have a fear of strangers you see... I was nervous. I most likely have the most seniority here... and yet I act like that!"  Okay... what the fuck is happening...?

Bols: "Let's get along as fellow Teigu using warriors. I'm Bols from the Incineration Squad."

All I managed to let out was a "Haha..." With an appearance like that, he's afraid of people...? What kind of reverse psychology is that???

And AGAIN, the door opened up... This time, a woman with abnormally long blue hair wearing a white sailor/captain suit with a strange mask... I don't know but something  about her was... off... and not in a good way...

Sailor Chick: "I don't recognize any of you! What are you doing in this room!?"  She demanded which shocked me.

Wave: "Hey now. We were call here for a special as-"  she cut me off by sending a strong kick towards me, sending my flying back... DAMN THOSE LEGS HURT!!

Sailor Chick: "You're opponents will be assassins. ALWAYS be on your guard!"  Then she rushed at Run, throwing rapid kicks at him but he dodged them with barely any problem.

Run: "Whoops."  He commented. Before anything else could happen, Lauren stepped in front of Run with golden armor over her arms before she caught the woman's leg and she threw her aside.

Sailor Chick: "Oh? Not bad."  The masked woman commented  before Seryu and Koro attempted to attack her from behind but she grabbed the former's arm and slammed her into the ground before holding the latter in place.  "When attacking from behind, you give off too much killing intent!"

Then out of nowhere, the two cute girls who were eating their cookies rushed up to the woman at blinding speeds. The girl with the green eyes un-holstered her scythe and hooked it around the woman's neck before the girl with the black eyes, unsheathed her katana and sliced the woman's mask, cracking it heavily before it began to fall apart.

Sailor Chick: "Even playing around, I shouldn't give these two any openings."  The woman grinned...  "So that's the Teigu, Yatsufusa huh...? And that Zodiac's Himitsume... Both have splendid cutting edges..."  Then, her mask fell apart, revealing the face of the woman...

. . .

"GENERAL ESDEATH!"

. . .

EVEN THE BOSS IS A WEIRDO TOO!?!?

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

After... that, we were all dressed in black suits, walking through the palace.

Esdeath: "Were you surprised by my little game? Much better than the normally droll welcoming reception, wouldn't you say?"

Wave: "I'm used to being treated rough."  I commented, slightly shook .

Seryu: "Thank you for the lesson ma'am!"  she exclaimed while holding Koro in her arms.

Esdeath: "Okay then!"  she announced, slightly tipping her hat.  "We'll have a party after our audience with his Majesty."

Wave: "Wha... We're suddenly going to meet with the Emperor!?"

Esdeath: "I like to get the annoying things out of the way first."  she answered, looking over her shoulder at me.  "You would rather handle your self-introductions next time, right?

Wave: "Next time?"

Dr. Stylish: "Esdeath-Sama, before that... Should we not decide on a name for our team?"

Esdeath: "We are a unique force within the military. Organized and tasked to mercilessly hunt down and eliminate atrocious groups of enemies... Therefore... We will be the Special Police Force... Known as The Jaegers."

END
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And that's that chapter. Yes I changed the look of Akaruime. I think this one suits her more.