Having heard the rumored sightings of Akame and Mine on the Romari highway, Esdeath and Jaegers soon come riding out of the Capital's front gates, riding as fast as they could on their horses. Nearby in some bushes were two Revolutionary Army spies.

Spy: "It's Esdeath and her Jaegers. All six of them are heading east on horseback! The operation is playing out just as Najenda expected!"

The other spy quickly took out a notepad and a pencil, beginning to write down the direction of where Esdeath is headed, along with the predicted time of when they'd arrive. Afterwards, he ripped the note from the pad and put it in an envelope, handing it to the other spy.

The spy then attached the note to the leg of a Marg Falcon.

Spy: "I'm counting on you, Marg Falcon. Get this information to Night Raid!" (thoughts) 'Assassinating the leaders of the religious organization and confronting the Jaegers... These missions will push them to their very limits... Please survive, Night Raid! If we're going to demolish this corrupt world, we need your strength.'

The Marg Falcon then let out a screech as the spy let it go, the bird soaring high up into the air. Minutes later, the Marg Falcon found Najenda and perched itself onto it's arm, the former Imperial general taking the message off it's leg.

Najenda: "So there's six of them. That means they've deployed the entire Jaegers unit." (thoughts) 'Considering Esdeath's speedy progress and assuming they've accurately traced our route... They should be here by tomorrow afternoon.'

Najenda then let the bird go and stood up from her chair. Three people, plus a wolf, were standing behind her.

Mine and Akame could be seen wearing two piece swimsuits, Mine in pink and Akame in red. Next to them was Akira, who was in his usual clothing, balancing a knife on the tip of his finger, and Fenrir was sitting next to him, panting and wagging it's tail happily.

Najenda: "All right, then! We've received word from the Revolutionary Army's spies. You two. Stick to the plan--draw as much attention to yourselves as you can today. Akira, you and Fenrir maintain a safe distance and watch over them."

Akame/Akira/Mine: "Roger."

Fenrir let out a bark to comply.

---

Below the four, the remaining Night Raid members were there. Currently, Lubbock's perverted gaze was set towards the lake, two certain girls were currently playing in it, splashing water onto each other.

Lubbock: "Oh, man. Seeing the girls in their swimsuits in a place like this... I couldn't be happier..."

Tatsumi: (sigh) "Don't get all slack-jawed over it. We're still on a mission, don't forget."

Lubbock: "Huh!? Are you crazy!? Or gay!?"

Tatsumi: "It's not that!"

Leone: "Tatsumi.~"

Both boys stopped arguing as they looked to Leone's purring voice. Standing in front of the two, Tatsumi specifically, was Leone and Chelsea, the former doing a seductive pose as she displayed her cleavage in front of him. Grins were on both the girls' faces.

Leone: "Whose swimsuit do you like better? Mine or Chelsea's?"

Chelsea: "Ooh~, I want to hear what he thinks."

Leone: "So?~"

Chelsea: "Which is it?~"

A massive blush graces Tatsumi's face as he begins to stutter. He wasn't sure how to answer or react to this. In fact, he wasn't even sure why they came to him and asked him such a question. The master of pervertedness was right next to them.

Tatsumi then made a quick side glance towards Susanoo.

Tatsumi: "Wow, Su-san! You're just as ripped as I imagined!"

Susanoo: "Hmm?"

Leone: "Aww, he dodged the question."

Lubbock: "If you'd asked me, I'd have shouted the praises of both while throwing myself into your bosoms and singing the national anthem! Why'd you ask Tatsumi...!?"

Leone: (sweat drops) "Because of exactly of what you would do."

Laughing could be heard from below, Mine peering over the edge as she gazed down below. She growled in annoyance.

Mine: "Team 'the enemy doesn't know our faces' is really noisy." (mutters) "Aw, man, I was hoping to get to play a little too!"

The pink-haired girl received no input from the black-haired girl behind her, Akame having been very quiet up until now. Normally, she was the usual quiet and stoic assassin most of the time, but Mine knew that the girl would strike up some conversation time to time.

She turned her head back, seeing Akame's hair was covering her red eyes.

Mine: "Is something the matter, Akame?"

Akame: "Oh... It's nothing..."

The pink-haired assassin noticed Akame had squeezed her arm tightly. No doubt, she was in very deep thought. A topic that she could easily pin down considering their current mission.

Mine: "...Are you thinking about your little sister?"

Akame: (sad eyes) "...Yeah. She's coming after me--I'm her target. So I can't help all these thoughts running through my mind."

Mine turned around and began walking towards her. She sat down next to her friend with a sigh, making Akame turn to look at her.

Mine: "Even if your little sister dies... You can't say you'll be left all alone. You'd be wrong." (smiles) "You have us. Be grateful for that."

Akira: "She's not wrong, you know."

The two turned around to see the familiar icy blue-eyed teen walking up to them. He then sat down next to Akame, taking his hand with hers, making her look at him. Her grip softened up a bit as she stared into his eyes, a look of warmness in them as he gave his girlfriend a small smile.

Akira: "It's like you told me before. You don't have to keep your feelings welled up within you. I'm here to help share the burden and pain as well. You were never alone."

In response to all of this, Akame only smiled. She squeezed Akira's hand tighter.

Akame: "...Right."

It wasn't until Akira then faced away. This made Akame tilt her head in confusion, making her lean forward towards him.

Akame: "Is something wrong?"

Akira: "N-No, nothing's wrong..."

Of course, something was wrong. In case he hadn't noticed, his beautiful girlfriend is sitting next to him in a red two piece swimsuit, leaving most of her skin exposed. Not only that, they were quite close in contact. Though, he shouldn't be embarrassed as this is the second time he's seen her wear a swimsuit, but even then... He was trying very hard not to lose control of himself.

It was then, Akame got the hint. Since the beginning of their relationship, Akame had begun to experiment with certain things. In fact, there was something she wanted to try.

She leaned forward a bit more and wrapped her arms around his neck and pushed her chest against his back, making him jump a bit. A red tint appeared on his cheeks as he blushed more, the red-eyed girl giggling in amusement.

Akame: "Ara?~ Is my boyfriend of mine thinking of such thoughts?~"

Akira: "N-No..." (thoughts) 'What the hell? When was she like this? ...Someone help me, please.'

Akame: "Are you sure it's not because you're aroused by what I'm wearing?~"

Akira: "O-Of course not... I c-can control myself..."

The ravenette only let out a small hum as she continued to push her chest into his back, only increasing Akira's blush. But all that ended when Mine began to growl in annoyance as the two looked to her.

Mine: "Ugh! Go flirt somewhere else, you disgusting couple! If I hear any more, I'll personally drag your boyfriend off this cliff and throw him down below! You hear me!?"

The icy blue-eyed teen groaned. While thankful that she was able to stop the situation from continuing any further, he just wished she didn't use her screeching voice. As he goes to get up, he was suddenly pulled back down. Akame was hugging him from the side, giving Mine a deadly, but straight-faced glare.

Akame: "No, he's mine!"

Mine: "...I didn't want him anyway!"

---

Next Day

Within the next day, Esdeath and her Jaegers had arrived at the Romari Highway. Right now, they were sitting in the town's central square, taking a breather while also planning their next course of action and eating some snacks, which were in the form of ice cream.

Esdeath: "Najenda's continuing east while Akame's going south. They were seen splitting into two teams upon leaving town."

Seryu: (swatting Koro away while muttering to herself) "Naught, naughty! That's mine! I'll give you some meat later."

Bols: "If you keep going east, you reach Kyoroch, where the Path of Peace is based. If you go south, you reach the cities backing the rebel army. Either way, it seems something is in the works."

Wave: "If we can hurry, we can catch up to them in no time. Let's go!"

Esdeath: "No, let's wait. Night Raid's members are traitors from the Capital... Wanted posters of them have not been widely circulated yet, so we've only been able to track them because they've let themselves be seen. And they were witnessed splitting into two teams. Don't you find that a bit too convenient?"

Run: "Yes. There's a high probability it's a trap."

Bols: "You mean, they intentionally drew attention to themselves?"

Seryu: "Do you think they're trying to lure us out of the Capital to crush us?"

Esdeath: "...Najenda would pull that kind of move. She fights a cool fight with a burning heart."

Wave: "Meaning it'd be dangerous if we'd go after them."

Esdeath: "Not quite. We can't let this opportunity slip by. Night Raid's been very elusive, but until now they've completely exposed themselves. We'll just go in prepared for a trap and strike them down, trap and all! Seryu, Run, and I will go after Najenda. Kurome, Wave, and Bols will pursue after Akame."

Upon hearing the designated person they were going after, Kurome let out a small smile. At long last, she'd finally be able to go after her long sought goal.

Esdeath: "Keep your wits about you at all times. And if you feel too many of the enemy are about to ambush you, I don't care if you have to retreat. We're on the offensive, but let's not make this a suicide mission." (clenches fist) "They're the last rats plaguing the Capital. Chase them down and then shoot them dead!"

---

Splitting up from their group, Bols, Kurome, and Wave could be seen riding atop their horses. With their current objective being to chase down Akame, they quickly departed down the road, Esdeath and the others heading in the opposite direction.

However, Bols couldn't help but voice his uneasy thoughts.

Bols: "So we'll be taking on the Capital's strongest, Night Raid... I wonder if I really stand a chance..."

Wave: "You'll be fine. When I took on one of Night Raid's members, he didn't fight back. But I could sense he was right on par with me in terms of ability." (smiles at Bols) "If we work together, I'm sure we can beat them! Your Teigu is suited for taking on big numbers. It's reassuring to have you here."

Bols: "I hope so..."

Kurome: "Hmph. You talk big, but... You'll probably be biggest drag on our team, Wave."

Wave: "What!?!? Don't you have any faith in my ability!?"

Kurome: "Nope. When things come to a head, you always strike me as weak."

Wave: "Just wait until I equip Grand Chariot!"

Kurome: (teasing grin) "Fine, show me what you've got."

Wave: "Fine! I will!"

Bols: "Guys, no fighting!"

Before anything else could be retorted, Wave perked up. Up ahead was a scarecrow, but he found it strange to find one out here. Especially when it's just sitting out in the middle of the road.

Nonetheless, they were on their guard, slowing down their horses as they went to investigate.

Wave: "Hey, there's something up ahead. A scarecrow...?"

Bols: "You're right. That's about as it gets!"

Wave: "I hope it's not a trap. Let's investigate it carefully."

From a distance, Mine could be seen posted atop a cliff side. With Pumpkin in hand, she aimed down sights, her gaze focused on the three Jaegers.

Mine: (thoughts) 'Targets in sighted! Judging by their numbers, Esdeath split her forces and went after the boss herself. Just as we anticipated.'

As soon as Mine moved her scope over to Kurome, she could instantly see the resemblance to Akame, making her surprised.

Mine: (thoughts) '...She looks just like her...they really are sisters... All the more reason to not make Akame have to do it. I'll finish her off...! I'll at least put her down with one shot.'

Putting her finger on Pumpkin's trigger, she prepared to fire. Mine emptied the air out of her lungs in order to help focus on her target.

Once she had done so, she then pulled the trigger. A blast of spiritual energy was let loose from Mine's Teigu, the shot soaring across the land as it made it's way towards Kurome. The black-haired girl had sensed it and dodged, the spiritual bullet flying past her as it makes contact with the ground next to her.

Kurome's eyes began to warily scan the area, making Mine look at the situation with shock. Thanks to her training as an assassin, and to her doping of drugs, Kurome's reactions and reflexes were faster than a normal human beings. The three Jaegers were then alarmed when the scarecrow then moved, it exploding into a puff of smoke. Bursting out of it was Susanoo, his Wolf Fang Mace readied in hand as he dashes towards the black-haired assassin.

Wave: "Kurome! Look out!"

Thrusting the mace forward, he aimed it towards Kurome. But the man of the sea had gotten in front of her in just in time, taking the blow for her. But the force of Susanoo's strength was too much for Wave to handle, the poor man being blown away.

Bols: "Wave!"

Najenda: "So we weren't able to take her out with our sniper. But our teamwork paid off. Even if the one we blew away wasn't a target."

The masked man began to grow nervous as sweat pooled down his body, turning into the direction of the voice. Standing in front of the two was Najenda, along with all the members of Night Raid. However, Bols and Kurome were surprised to see Akira standing with them, Kurome having a disappointed gaze in her eyes.

Bols: "Night Raid...? And it's all of them!? So the movement in the east was a complete bluff."

Najenda: "Kurome and Bols. You are our targets from among the Jaegers. Say your prayers."

Bols: (thoughts) 'Targets...' "I've burned so many victims, I've lost count... So it's no surprise that I'm being targeted by assassins... But... I will not die!"

Everyone had a reason as to why they were fighting. Bols's very reason to fight was to live and come back alive to his family. So naturally, it what he was going to do.

In the mean time, Akame was faced against her younger sister. While Akame kept a stern and serious expression, Kurome wore a smile.

Kurome: "Sister."

Akame: "Kurome..."

Kurome: "I've missed you so much. This is wonderful. If I kill you myself... I can add you to Yatsufusa's collection."

Akame readied herself by unsheathing Murasame, Akira summoning Harvester as he stood behind her. His wolf companion also stood by his side, clenched down on the ice dagger he had previous conjured.

Kurome then raised her arm up into the air, Yatsufusa clenched tightly in her hand. Black lightning soon appeared at the top of her blade, raining down all around her.

It was then hands began to arise from the ground, crawling upwards as bodies of the dead had arisen to the land of the living. However, the group was startled when a large bone arm had erupted from the ground before slamming it down behind Kurome, the ground shaking even more.

Tatsumi: "Wha...? What the--!? An earthquake!?"

Kurome: "Unlike the old me... I can make any and all my corpses my puppets...sister. Even if it's a super-class Danger Beast... Like a Destaghoul."

Once the black lightning bolts had subsided, 8 puppets could be seen in front of them. However, the one that caught Night Raid's eye the most was the towering bone dragon-like monster. The Destaghoul had picked Kurome up by one of it's hands and put her on top of it's shoulder, the girl now safe from the battlefield.

Najenda: (thoughts) 'It was a gamble as to whether or not Esdeath would split her forces. Now I see. If Yatsufusa can do this, then some little trap is nothing for her to worry about.'

Kurome: "Now then. The Teigu battle is about to begin. I wonder how many will die?"