No one's POV

Ryu: Najasho! Poney! Where are you?!

After getting his teammates out of the Gravekeepers tomb, Ryu immediately rushed his way back inside to find their missing friends despite the calls of his friends. His entire body hurts. The aftermath of the building collapsing on top of them, and him carrying both Akame and Kurome outside of the tomb sapped his strength. But he powered through all of it and went back inside to find the last two member of the Elite Seven.

Poney: H-Help!

Ryu: Poney?!

Ryu heard the call of Poney's voice, and heading towards the direction of her voice, Ryu found Poney stuck under some rubble, bandages all over her body and head.

Poney: Ryu...?

Poney finally noticed Ryu's presence and look up. She saw Ryu rushing towards her and move the rubble off her. He carried Poney bridal style and immediately started moving towards the exits.

Ryu: Don't worry. I got you.

Poney: R-Ryu... C-Chief is...

Ryu:...

Ryu didn't need Poney to finish her sentence to understand what she meant. And seeing her tears Ryu could only grit his teeth.

Ryu: What happened?

Poney: He sacrificed himself so I could escape.

Ryu:...

Ryu didn't ask anymore questions. Poney tighten her hold onto Ryu by wrapping both her arms around his neck while burying her head on his neck. Ryu could felt tears streaming down his neck.

Ryu: Gai's gone as well.

Poney: ?!

Ryu: Without him, we wouldn't be able to win against their leader.

Poney tightened her grip on Ryu's neck before realizing something. She reached onto something on her back and to Ryu's surprise, it was his Shingu gun Prometheus.

Poney: Chief said he'd hate it if he was the one to hand Prometheus back to you.

Ryu: Yup. I definitely would.

Poney: He also said he's sorry. For not keeping his Promise to you.

Ryu:...

Ryu is the only person in the Elite Seven whom has the closest bonding relationship with their leader. Though they often fought against each others over petty things, the two of them genuinely care for one another as if they were real brothers.

Ryu(mind): You damned jerk.

Gozuki: Ryu!

Just as Ryu finally reaches the exits, he was met by his foster father Gozuki. He had a worried look on his face the moment he saw who Ryu was carrying. Ryu didn't know if Akame or the others had told him about Gai's death, but Ryu hope the did. Then he too presented the not so good news about Najasho.

Ryu: Father. Najasho fall into a giant a chasm. His fate is still uncertain...

Gozuki:...

The silent was enough for Ryu to tell the shock in Gozuki's emotions. Even he would never expect the leader of the team to be death as well.

Gozuki: For now. You did well for making it out alive against such overwhelming enemies. Get some rest.

Poney: Yes, Daddy.

Ryu: Understood.

(Timeskip)

With the Gravekeepers' tomb now eliminated, the Elite Seven were currently in their tent, resting. The one who received the most injuries was Poney. For right now, it was silent for the most part. Green sat quietly at the table, Akame sitting on the bed Poney was on. Ryu was nowhere to be seen, knowing that Najasho and Gai weren't with them.

Green:..So Gai...and chief, too.

Akame: We don't know for sure yet. He wasn't badly injured. He only fell into a chasm. I can't believe it'd be enough to kill a guy like chief.

Poney: Akame...

Poney call with teary eyes.

Green: Heh. Yeah, you're right. I bet he'll suddenly turn up on our doorstep.

Poney: You're right.he's our indestructible chief.

Then suddenly, Gozuki entered the tent where Akame, Green, and Poney were currently tending their wounds.

Gozuki: Have you guys all settled down yet? Come outside. We have to talk.

The three of them step outside, seeing Gin and Natala outside. There Akame saw Ryu who were still looking at the remnants of the destroyed Tombs. She couldn't see his expression, but she could tell what face his making. An expression full of agony and grief. The three of them then return their attention to Gozuki, who was gesturing to a corpse that laid on a tarp. The corpse of one of their fallen allies.

Gozuki: Take a look at this corpse. At first glance, he looks unscathed, right?

Then they notice the small cut on his body.

Gozuki: But upon closer inspection, check this out. Even though he'd been cut by the enemy, it was only a graze, so he probably didn't think it was worth reporting. But in the end, it was a poison that got him. Make sure you don't let this happen to any of you guys.

Some of them had grim looks, Akame having a sad one. Despite it being a small wound, and them having a high resistance to poison, they could still die from it. The evidence was there on the corpse of their ally. Gin gritted her teeth in anger as she looks at Gozuki with a glare.

Gin(mind): I'm sure it wasn't that he didn't think it was serious enough to report...if you get injured and don't recover well enough, you'll be scrapped. He was just too scared to say anything about it!

Gozuki could sense Gin's glare and he looked at her.

Gozuki: What's with you? You look like you've got something on your mind.

Gin: Urk...!

Natala: You know Gin. She's on edge because she was captured and attacked!

Gin looked at the blonde boy with slight shock. After being freed, he offered her his jacket so she could cover herself up after what Jamo did to her. And now, here he was, trying to cover for her. Despite all the things she's said to him, she was grateful. Unknown to Natala, it had sparked a small grin to appear on Gin's face.

Ryu:...

Ryu didn't say anything and continue to look at the destroyed Tomb. His poker face into not revealing what kind of expression he has was as unwavering as always. Something that Gozuki took note of. He could tell Ryu wanted to go there again.

(Timeskip)

Gozuki: Ryu, where are you going?

It was the middle of the night, everyone was still in their tent resting. Gozuki had intercepted Ryu who was trying to sneak out at night.

Ryu: I'm looking for Najasho.

Gozuki: And you'd think I'll let you?

Ryu: The Father whom love their children would definitely agreed to my decision right away.

Gozuki: I can't let you go out, it's too risky in case someone from Oarburgh finds you.

Ryu: When is anything we do not going to be risky? Cornelia makes a friend, later that week she dies at the hands of the one she trusted. Gai goes in to save the ones who were captured, he dies because of the force of his own attacks. What's this risk compared to the rest?

Ryu glare to his Father. His eyes and the aura he was giving was so deadly, it's hard to believe he was the same person whom always shows so much kindness to his team. Gozuki could only narrow his eyes.

Gozuki(mind): Is his Lacanthrope power manifesting itself?

Then Gozuki sigh.

Gozuki: Akame, go with him and make sure he doesn't get himself killed. If both of you aren't back here in three hours, you know what happens.

Ryu was surprised at the mention of Akame's name as she stepped out to reveal himself. It turns out, Akame just happened to stumble across the scene as she was trying to find Ryu, whom probably is despairing the most compare to the others. When Ryu finally noticed Akame's presence, he looked away. He couldn't look Akame in the eyes right now.

Gozuki: Is that an acceptable compromise?

Ryu: Of course, father. I'm sorry to take your time like this. Thank you.

Akame: Ryu... I...

Ryu: Hurry up and get ready. We don't have any time to waste.

Akame:...

Akame didn't say anything and walked away preparing herself to go with her partner. Then after 5 minute of preparation, she met up with Ryu at the front of the cliff where he was standing looking at the moon.

Ryu: Ready?

Akame: I am.

With a nod from each other, the two of them entered the destroyed Tomb once again. First they entered the place where Najasho had fell. Then they retraced their steps and entered the place where they had defeated Weneg. The place had crumbled into chaos. There's nothing they could find about Najasho's whereabout.

Ryu: Akame, we'll split up here.

Akame: But...

Akame clearly wanted to object and be with the boy. But seeing his expression she stop herself. She could see Ryu's eyes burned with convictions. He clearly has another goal in mind than just trying to find Najasho. And it was clear that this was something he doesn't want to share with her nor anyone else. Akame just nod.

Ryu: Let's meet back at the entrance in one hour.

Then they decided to split up and went their separate ways. The real reason why Ryu wanted to split up was because, what Weneg said to him had piqued his interest. Weneg told Ryu about the Empire's history and its corruptions. It was clear this is something that he could tell his Father or anyone else in fact. Gozuki will definitely be suspicious of him. So in order to confirm his own suspicion, he ventured the place alone. Finally, he arrived at the place where he had found the Teigu gauntlet.

Ryu:...

The place had crumbled as well. But Ryu look around and saw the scattered documents. Ryu picked up the scattered documents and started reading it. It was about the Gauntlet and its ability.

Teigu — Soul Harvester: Gluttony. A Teigu with the ability to steal a person by consuming their soul. But in exchange for this, the user suffers from an uncontrollable hunger and the only way to ease the pain is to have a constant supply of souls to feed it. Once the Teigu knows the taste of Souls, there is no turning back. The more you eat, the stronger you'll get just so you can consume more. And the more you eat, the more you'll want to eat. The user will starve to death and start to become insane the moment the hunger within has reached it's limit. The user's eyes will turn red and an unsettling aura will emit from the body, causing paralyzing fear to everyone who is weaker than the user...

This Teigu has the ability to change its weapons forms which possess different effects/attributes; said changes requires the consumption of a certain percentage of the users own soul to unlock further forms, with an ever increasing requirement exponentially to unlock said forms, and use an ultimate attack of said forms.

Ryu could only gasp at the Gauntlet Teigu that was in his arms. Then he remembered what Weneg had said about this particular Teigu.

Weneg: Those who've worn those gauntlet can never turn back to being humans!

Ryu(mind): I think I finally understand what you meant. This basically turn me into a killing machine. I guess I need to think this through before using it.

Ryu could only gulp at this. Then he started to go through the scattered documents again. And what he reads and saw only confirm about his suspicion about the Empire's history.

Ryu: The Empire has been collecting absurd numbers of taxes?! The resentment towards the petty officials who bullied them?! The local military that did nothing to curb the activities of thieves?!

Ryu couldn't believe what he was reading. There were many villages that were starving including the very village that had sold him to the empire just so they could survive. Turning them into Canibals. People eating people. The more he reads, the more his mind could no longer comprehend what is he fighting for. He gritted his teeth so hard and slammed his fist into a wall.

Ryu: Dammit!

Then his head started to hurt.

Ryu: If she forgets all about me, she should also lose her awareness that she's Kin! Doing this will mean she won't suffer from a thirst for blood. So I have a favor to ask. Can you at least let my little sister go? You're a soldier aren't you.

???: In return, it will be you to be sold to the empire? Is that alright?

Ryu: If it means keeping my little sister safe. I'll gladly do it.

???: Sooner or later those girls will regain their awareness that she's Kin, and there's no guarantee they won't attack humans.

Ryu: If they do. I'll be there to stop her.

Then the pain in his head subsides.

Ryu: What was that...?

???: Ryu...!

Ryu:...?

Ryu was snapped out of his thoughts and look back to see Akame's rushing towards him with worried face.

Ryu: Akame...? What's wrong...?

Akame: Sorry. You didn't return to our meeting point and so I got worried.

It was then he finally realized that it was over an hour since he parted ways with Akame. He was so converse in his own memories and thoughts that he didn't realized the time he had already spent. Then with a sigh he shook his head.

Ryu: No... I'm the one who's sorry. I shouldn't made you worry like that. C'mon. We gotta return back to the others.

Just as Ryu was about to leave, Akame gently grab his hand. Ryu look back and saw that Akame had sad face.

Akame: Ryu if you don't mind me asking. What kind of promise did you made with Najasho?

Ryu:...

Akame: You said you'll tell me someday. Since we probably won't get this chance to be like alone without father watching us, mind sharing with me.

Ryu: It's a long story.

Akame: I don't mind. You can tell me while we're returning.

Akame smile at him and Ryu return the smile. Then the two of them left the Tomb with Akame still holding her hand towards Ryu while Ryu told the story.

(Flashback)

Another restless night, it's becoming a common occurrence it seems even when the Elite Seven in somewhere that should be relatively safe. Reckless training that left Ryu in a pool of his own sweat that would leave him exhausted physically, but not mentally. Ryu need to be better so it never happens again, if he could surpass the one person in front of him then...

Najasho: Do you understand the difference between us now?

Standing in front of him was the leader of the Elite Seven Najasho. Ryu always hated how Najasho liked calling his teammate "shrimp". To say it was a childish anger wouldn't be wrong. Ryu thought he could beat Najasho in a sparring match and get him off his high horse. Of course, there's a reason he was the Elite Seven's number 1.

Ryu: Shut up... You don't need to be patronizing.

Najashi extended his hand out regardless, a glare from Ryu's own eyes aimed towards him.

Ryu(mind): This bastard...

Najasho: You would've won against anyone else, I can respect that. Just don't get in over your head, Ryu.

Ryu scoffed, taking Najasho's hand with his display of some respect at the very least.

Ryu: Whatever you say, Najasho.

Najasho: Not Chief?

Najasho was smirking, it annoyed Ryu a little but he would never back down on this.

Ryu: I'll start calling you that, if you start giving some respect for us and stop calling as shrimps.

Najasho smiles for a moment before his normal expression returns. Even back then, he was stone faced.

Najasho: I'll only do that when one of you surpasses me.

Ryu: Then I will, one day I swear I will.

Najasho: I'll hold you to it then, Ryu.

(Present)

Ryu:...Thinking back on it he actually wanted to push onward. Now he's... damn it. Damn it!

Akame: Don't worry.

Akame tighten her hands around his when she saw Ryu's pained expression. Ryu then look at her who was smiling at him.

Akame: I already promised you before we entered this Tomb. I will not die.

Ryu smile hearing this. He only gave her an assuring nod and the two left the Tomb completely.

(Timeskip)

And so the fight against the Gravekeepers came to an end. Akame's and Kurome's team headed to the capital together. The pain of possibly losing two additional teammates cut deep, but...in a matter of weeks, everybody had managed to shift back into a normal pattern. One Month Later, Imperial Palace Gozuki was called to Bill's office, the leader of the Elite Seven entering inside.

Gozuki: Regarding Potulu...did some new intel come in?

Bill: We discovered one of the buried treasures during the excavation of the tomb's ruins. At this rate, all of the tomb's treasures will be ours. The Capital will be able to avoid a financial crisis. Many sacrifices were made, but... the mission was a success.

Gozuki: Any signs of the missing members of the assassin units among the ruins.?

Bill:..None.

Gozuki(sigh):...I see...

Bill: On the other hand, we have more data on the enemy... there was one Gravekeeper who was away on a mission. Upon learning of his comrades' deaths, he vowed his revenge against the Empire and then disappeared.

Gozuki: If he's by himself, I don't think he'll be much of a threat...but... it'd be a pain if he started putting dangerous ideas into people's heads. After she got home, Akame had asked me...

Akame: The Gravekeepers said the Empire started interfering with them without provocation....

Gozuki: Those were her exact words.

Bill: We can always convince them otherwise.

Gozuki: For now, sure. But as the children learn more and more about the outside world we'll have a problem on our hands.

Bill: My team will be fine in that regard. They've been thoroughly brainwashed through osmosis since an early age...to know that 'betraying the Empire is wrong'.

Gozuki: Just as I'd expect from you.

Bill: In any case, it's my fault your team took some heavy losses this past mission. Allow me to make it up to you.

Bill then hands an envelop.

Bill: I'll give you the name of the three select replacements. I've made some 'adjustments' to my team this past month so they'll be able to fight only so long as they regularly take their medicine.

Gozuki: I appreciate the offer. The circumstances are unfortunate, but these three could prove powerful assets to the team. Of course, those sisters would be strongest if kept together.

Unknown to the two of them, Ryu was outside leaning up against the walls. He had heard everything, the details about the mission. Ever since reading those documents that were scattered by the Gravekeepers, Ryu started to noticed the situation at the Capital, he saw how most of the citizens had frowns and sad looks on their faces. Just like the ones in the villages they visited outside the Empire. It was exactly like those documents had said.

Ryu:...

Now, he was beginning to question his allegiance. He thought that by joining sides with the Empire, his villages and his little sister could live in peace. Now he knew that it was all a lie. But what would happened if he left the team now? The thought of abandoning the Elite Seven and his team comes across him.

There's no way he could leave without getting noticed by Gozuki. And if he did, he would be branded as a traitor and would probably be silent. What would his teammates think if she shares this information?

Ryu(mind): They wouldn't believe me.

He knew just what kind of reaction they would have. Natala, Gin, and Kurome would most likely not believe him. Green possibly could and so could Akame, but Akame would never leave unless Kurome came with her. And another problem for him was that Poney was completely devoted to Gozuki. Ryu could only sigh, making his way back to the others.

Later on, Akame and the others were told the news of their new teammates.

Kurome: We'll get to fight side-by-side from now on, sis!

Akame: You said it, Kurome...!

Natala: Ahem. I'm Natala. I look forward to working with you here after.

Gin: And I'm Gin. Same.

Ryu: Take it easy, just don't fall behind and we won't have any problems.

Gin: You better watch it, or we'll surpass the lot of you!

Ryu: Good, then I have less people to babysit.

Green: Our current mission is to rest up. I hope you can get used to the way we do things by the time our next order comes in.

Natala: Right, I look forward to learning from you.

Poney looked annoyed, she's been doing nothing but resting with the rest of us taking care of her bandages, food, and so on. With her personality, she just wants to move about and do something right now which both me and Akame weren't going to let happen.

Poney: Even though I was told I'd make a full recovery, I'm so impatient... maybe I'll do some one-hit training—

Akame: Oh no you don't, Poney! You need to take it easy! Leader's orders!

Poney: Ulp!

Kurome: Sis, are you the leader? That's so cool!

Akame: Just temporarily until the Chief comes back.

Ryu(mind): -_-...Does she even understand why she was the leader instead of me?

Ryu had refused to be the next leader. He told Gozuki that he doesn't deserve to be leader since he let Gai died. And not only that, he couldn't do anything but watch as Akame was the one who had defeated Weneg. At first Gozuki also protest and pointed that it was thanks to Ryu's effort that Weneg's abilities was exposed. But in the end, Ryu still refuses. With no other choice, Gozuki let Akame be the next leader. Then Gozuki started asking about Ryu and his Teigu.

Gozuki: Ryu. That Teigu in your possession?

Ryu: I'm keeping it. I'm the one that finds it. I may be able to draw out its full power. Maybe by doing this, I won't lose anymore person.

Gozuki just sigh.

Gozuki:...'ll think about it, but for now just stay put. You need some rest. I'll tell everyone else about Akame being the new leader soon. Don't get too comfortable with these requests I'm going through for you. Keep up your good work.

Ryu: Thank you so much, Father. I'll keep improving.

Gozuki: I'm sure you will, you aren't one to sit idly by.

Akame: Ryu!

Ryu snapped out of his slight daze when he felt Akame's hand touching his face. Then he saw Akame staring at him worried. Ryu smiled back as she nods before forcing him onto his feet and pushing him in the direction of the kitchen.

Akame: We need to make some food to celebrate our new members, don't you think?

Ryu: Good grief. Fine... But you stay out this time... You deserve to have more time with your sister after all, leader.

Akame: You sure?

Ryu: Of course. Think it as repayment for what you did before our last mission, alright?

Akame: Thank you. Just know that I'm still here if you just need someone to help you feel better.

Ryu:...I know, thanks Akame.