A/N- Despite the fact that I already have way too many stories to begin with. I have decided to start another.
This story is inspired by Overwhelming Superiority by I-indestructible.
This is the incomplete first chapter. I, as always, want to gauge reaction to the story before I continue.
Be sure to leave a review.
Disclaimer- I OWN NOTHING!
(-)
As Obito Uchiha felt the last of the life leave his body, he was satisfied. He had done many terrible things over the course of his life and he could just hope that what he had done in the end would be enough to make up for it. At least in someones eyes. He knew he didn't deserve to be reunited with Rin. Hell, he wouldn't be surprised if he didn't. So now he simply waited for the last of his consciousness to leave him as he died. It was a strange feeling, coming face to face with death yet again. The first time had been on that mission with Rin and Kakashi, and now here he was again. Embracing the reaper and his cold, steel, blade. He closed his eyes... and then... nothing.
He felt absolutely nothing. A complete lack of feeling. No stimulation whatsoever. It seemed like an eternity before he finally opened his eyes to see what had happened. However when he opened his eyes he was not greeted by either fields over flower or a pit of flames, but rather a mirrored image of himself. Or at least that's what he thought it was. The image showed he was no longer injured in any way whatsoever. What's more, he was wearing his Akatsuki uniform minus the mask.
"What is going on?" he asked as he looked down at his hands as he clenched his fists. "Is this what awaited me? An eternity in nothingness with only my reflection? I understand the symbolism. Reflecting back on ones life. I get it. I fucked up. If I had another chance to do it over I would. Anything to make up for my crimes."
"And that is precisely why I brought you here." came a distorted voice.
Obito spun around to search for the source of the voice but found nothing.
"Over here." the voice called again.
Obito slowly turned around and was greeted by the sight of his own reflection waving at him. "What...?"
"Good to see that I have your attention now." his reflection said.
"Who are you?" Obito asked as he lowered himself into a combat stance.
"Now, now, no need to be hostile. I only came here to talk." spoke the reflection.
"Well then. What did you want to talk about?" asked Obito who didn't lower his guard at all.
The reflection sighed. "You ninjas are always so paranoid. This is why I don't really deal with your kind very often." the reflection shook his head as he said this.
"Part of the job description." replied Obito.
"Of course it is. Anyway, you can relax. I mean you no harm. I really just want to talk."
Obito was still wary of this strange phenomenon, but it did seem like it only wanted to talk with him so he relaxed his stance. "Very well. What do you want to talk about?"
The reflection grinned. "Oh, nothing in particular. Just wondering if you would like the chance to see Rin again." it asked as it put it hands in its pockets.
Obito's eyes widened. "What do you mean?"
"I mean that I can reunite you with your lost love. All that you have to do is perform a task for me." explained the reflection.
"How? How can you reunite me with Rin?"
"Well you see, I am a being of incredible power. However my power is only limited to the afterlife. Sending you to where she is would be as simple as snapping my fingers. All I need is for you to do a job for me."
"Oh yeah? And what exactly would this job be?"
"Well, one of my good friends who happens to be the soul of a powerful ruler that died long ago, has asked me for a favor. His Empire has fallen into corruption. It has become a place where the strong rule and the weak suffer. Innocents are un-rightfully killed and the culprits walk free. It is a despicable place that even I cannot permit to continue existing as is."
"So, what does this have to do with me?" asked Obito, already having a vague idea of where this was going.
"There is a revolution brewing. One that could overthrow the current government and put an end to the corruption. However many obstacles stand in its way. And I fear it may not last long enough to see its goals fulfilled." explained the reflection. "I want to send you to their aid. You will be the trump card that they need to put and end to the corruption. See to it that they succeed and I will reunite you with Rin. This will be the redemption that you seek."
Obito remained silent for a few moments in thought. "I do this and you will reunite me with Rin? That's it?"
"Yep. I'll be honest, it may take some time, but with your jutsu's and other abilities you should have little trouble."
"Hmm... very well. I shall take you up on your offer."
"Excellent. I will be giving you some basic knowledge of this world along with the understanding of their language."
"Wait, what do you mean by 'this world'?"
"Oh, did I not mention that it is another world? Silly me. My mistake." the reflection said as it disappeared.
"Damn it!" Obito shouted as he suddenly felt a strong pull.
(-)
In a flash of light Obito opened his eyes and looked up to see buildings overhead. "Damn reflection thing." grumbled Obito as he sat up. He grasped his head in pain as he was assaulted by a headache. Various pieces of information were flowing into his brain. Danger beasts, teigu, names of people and places, all kinds of info was rapidly being dumped into his head and it was somewhat overwhelming.
Obito stood up from the ground and scanned his surroundings for movement, hostile or otherwise. He found none.
"Well, at least I wasn't dropped in the middle of a battlefield." Obito said as he dusted himself off. He was in an alleyway of some sort. Or maybe a backstreet. Either way there was no one in sight. Deciding to get a lay of the land, he body flickered to the roof of a nearby building. From his vantage point he could see just how massive the city he was in was. He was on top of a building on the outer rim. His sharingan allowed him to see far across the city, however the building he was on was not very high so he could not see past the taller buildings. Still, he must have been sent to the capital of the Empire seeing as how he could see a massive palace towering above the distant skyline.
"Well, I suppose I should get to know the town." Obito said as he dropped back down to the alleyway. Ditching his Akatsuki cloak so he didn't stand out, he followed the alley to its exit where he found a busy street. Numerous people were walking down the street, going about their daily business. However they all had a somber look about themselves. A testament to their suffering at the hands of the government and nobles. No one batted him an eye as he joined the rest of the civilians in the street. He looked just like a vagrant, wearing black pants, form fitting short-sleeve white shirt, and purple vest. Several pouches were tied to his belt, holding either kunai, scrolls, or other supplies.
Obito had spent the majority of the day wandering the capital, memorizing paths, gauging the guards, locating points of interest. He took mental notes of everything he saw. The strange weapons that the soldiers held, guns the new information in his mind told him. They fired pieces of metal out rapidly but were limited to a straight line of fire. Nothing he couldn't avoid.
Losing track of time, Obito soon found that nightfall was upon him and he had nowhere to go. He was not unused to roughing it outdoors for the night. However the threat of criminals attempting to steal from him while he slept meant he would keep himself on guard. Finding a nice place open place to rest for the night, Obito sat down on a bench. He reached into one of his pouches and pulled out an energy bar. It wasn't much, but it would have to satisfy his hunger for now. It was also his only rations so he would need to figure something out for tomorrow.
As Obito lay on the cold hard bench, trying to make himself as comfortable as possible, he heard the steady clip-clop of a horses hooves clacking against the stone road. And it was getting closer.
"Stop the carriage!" cried a female voice.
Obito cracked an eye open when he heard the horses stop in front of his bench. What he saw was an elegant looking horse-drawn carriage that was being escorted by several soldiers. A young girl was stepping down from the inside of the carriage and approached Obito without any due caution. Seriously, he could be a serial killer for all she knew and she was coming up to him like he was a lost cat.
"Must we do this again my Lady?" asked the man driving the carriage.
"I can't help it." she responded. The girl smiled when she saw Obito look at her. "Hello~!" she said cheerfully.
"What do you want?" he asked brusquely.
"Oh nothing. Just wondering why you're out here on the street." the girl replied.
"Ain't got anywhere to go. Just arrived in the capital and I'm out of coin." Obito answered as he turned himself over so he wasn't facing the girl.
"Oh, well in that case why don't you join me and stay at my house tonight?"
Obito flipped back over and raised a brow at the girl. Who invites a complete stranger to stay the night at their home?
"You might as well just accept her offer." said one of the guards by the carriage.
"Lady Aria has a habit of helping out the less fortunate." said another guard.
Obito was a little apprehensive of the offer, but seeing as how he would have a place to spend the night he decided to take Aria up on it anyway. Besides, should anything go wrong he would be more than capable of handling himself.
"Hahh, I suppose I'll have to accept then." relented Obito. He got up from the 'comfy' bench he was on and followed Aria back to her carriage. Once he got to the door he noticed that he was not the only one who she had picked up this evening. A teenage boy was already sitting inside the carriage. He had no remarkable or notable features about him.
As soon as they were all seated the carriage started off again.
"So, what's your name?" asked Aria.
Obito briefly pondered how he should answer and after a moment he responded. "Tobi."
"Well, nice to meet you Tobi. My name is Aria, but I suppose you were able to figure that out."
"And I'm Tatsumi!" spoke the teen sitting across from Obito. He had a certain confidence about him that Obito couldn't help but respect. "Make sure to remember the name, cause one day everyone in the capital will know of my greatness!" even if it was misguided. Clearly the kid was unaware of the corruption that ran rampant in the capital.
"We should arrive at my home shortly, so until then you may rest." said Aria.
What she said was true as about five minutes later they arrived at an extravagant looking mansion. Tatsumi gaped in awe at the massive structure while Obito remained impassive. He was not one to be easily impressed or even show it.
Aria led them into the house, the guards pushing open the main doors to reveal the inside. It was just as extravagant inside as it was out. Clearly the family stopped at no expense when decorating their house as elegant pictures lined the walls, fancy furniture dotted the rooms, and other ornate nick-nacks hung from the walls as well as stood on the tables.
Tatsumi was unable to keep his mouth closed as they made their way through the halls to what was presumably the living room. Inside were a couple of guards along with a man with graying hair who sat by the fireplace along with a younger looking woman. They had to be Aria's parents.
The man stood up from his seat and turned to face them. "Ah, it seems my daughter has found some more unfortunate souls in need of aid. Welcome to our house, my name is Arthur." said the man as he gave a slight bow.
"And I am Margaret." spoke the woman who had gotten up to join her husband.
"Thank you for taking us in! I'm Tatsumi!" said Tatsumi rather excitedly.
"And I am Tobi."
"Well, nice to meet you, Tatsumi, Tobi." Arthur said as he acknowledged the both of them. "Why don't you come and have a seat?"
Tatsumi and Obito were ushered over to one of the couches that flanked a long table. Arthur, Margaret, and Aria sat across from them.
"Oh dear Aria, how many does this make?" asked Margaret. "You just can't seem to stop bringing in those in need. The more you help others the more happiness you will gain isn't it?"
"Mooommm." whined Aria. "That's not why I'm doing it." she said as she pouted.
"Of course, of course." Margaret replied as she waved away her daughters words.
"Ah ha ha ha!" chuckled Arthur. "That's just like you two isn't it?"
Obito watched the interaction with curiosity. Something about it felt off. Like it was rehearsed or something. Sure the family acted all happy and kind, but their words were hollow. Something was up and Obito would get to the bottom of it.
"Excuse me..." started Tatsumi, which gathered all attention on himself. "If I could trouble you for a moment of your time..."
Tatsumi then went on to regale the family on how he had left his village in order to make it big in the capital.
"I see." spoke Arthur as he scratched his chin in thought. "You want to become successful in the army in order to save your village, is that correct?"
"Yes sir. My entire village is counting on me."
"What a wonderful dream~." said Aria.
"But you know, it may be peaceful inside the Imperial capital, but this country is surrounded on three sides by different races. You could be brought over to the borders to fight against them." explained Arthur.
"I'm... prepared for that." said Tatsumi resolutely.
"I see. That's a very commendable spirit!" spoke Arthur.
"Did you come from that village all by yourself Tatsumi?" asked Aria.
"No, with two other people actually..." Tatsumi said as he spoke of his friends Sayo and Ieyasu who had left with him and gotten separated.
"Oh dear. You poor thing." said Margaret.
"Those guys are strong so I'm not really worried. Just that Ieyasu is tremendously bad with directions, so I don't know if he can get to the capital where we're supposed to meet." said Tatsumi.
"I see!" Arthur said as he smacked his hand against the table. "I'll recommend you to an acquaintance in the military, and investigate hose two as well."
"Really?! Thank you so much!"
"And what of you Tobi?" Arthur asked as he turned his attention to Obito. "You've been quiet this entire time."
"What of it?" asked Obito.
"Now, now, no need to be hostile. Just trying to get to know you." spoke Arthur defensively.
"Well then, what exactly do you want to know?"
"What brings you to the capital for instance?" asked Arthur.
Obito paused to think for a moment to decide how he should answer. "I've traveled a far distance from my homeland in order to get here. Back where I'm from I... did some bad things. Things I can't take back. I was led astray by someone I trusted and committed horrible crimes. It wasn't until recently that someone opened my eyes and I realized the error of my ways. But it was too late. The damage was done. And as such I am under self-imposed exile. I have come here in the hopes that I might work for the betterment of the Empire."
"That sounds like some pretty heavy stuff." said Tatsumi.
"I feel bad for the unfortunate position you have ended up in." said Arthur. "But, as long as you are trying to atone for your crimes, that makes you a good person in my book."
"That's right!" added Aria. "I can just tell that you are a truly good person."
"Thanks for the kind words. But words can't make up for the things I've done. Only actions can." replied Obito.
"Well then, I shall pray for your success." said Arthur who then stifled a yawn. "Why don't we turn in for the night? It is getting late after all."
"A good idea dear." spoke Margaret.
"Umm, is there anything I can do to pay you back for the hospitality?" asked Tatsumi.
"Hmm..." Arthur hummed as he rubbed his chin in thought.
"Oh, I know. You can help me with my shopping tomorrow." offered Aria.
"Excellent idea sweetie." said Arthur as he ruffled his daughters hair. "Gauri-kun, I'll let you handle it."
One of the guards stepped forward and bowed. "As you wish sir."
(-)
Tatsumi and Obito were led to the rooms in which they would be staying for the night. Tatsumi fell asleep rather fast, but Obito was still up, pondering the oddness of the family's interaction.
"They're hiding something, but what?"
Leaving a shadow clone in his place, Obito snuck out the window and scoured the premises for anything out of the ordinary. If something was up then it would either be hidden in the basement of the house or somewhere out back. It wasn't hard for him to avoid the guard patrols. Especially since most were half asleep it seemed.
After a short trek he happened upon a shack of some sort hidden in the backyard. There was a heavy duty lock on the door, but it might as well have been made of paper-mache considering Obito's abilities.
"Either they want to keep someone out, or something in." Obito mused as he reached for the lock. He already had a feeling what he would find inside considering the stench that permeated the air. It was a scent he was intimately familiar with. The smell of blood and bile.
With a chakra infused grip he crushed the lock in his hand before swinging the doors open. The sight that greeted him would have made lesser men vomit on sight.
It was a torture room. Tools of malicious intent lined the walls, covered in dry blood. Mutilated bodies hung from the ceiling by ropes. Tiny boxes with human being shoved inside were along the wall. Operating tables with bodies still strapped to them. Death and decay hung heavy in the air.
Obito closed the doors behind him as he entered the chamber. Everywhere he looked he saw suffering. Pointless suffering.
Obito was a practical man. He understood the need for torture. To gain credible information from ones enemies in order to protect oneself and allies. But this... this was torture for enjoyment. Torture for the sake of torture. One should not prolong anothers suffering if there is no reason to.
"How despicable." Obito ground out through clenched teeth.
Tonight he would ensure was this family's last.
Walking forward Obito examined the body hanging in front of him. It was a teenage girl, probably the same age as Tatsumi. Her long black hair was matted with blood. She was stripped naked, her bare body covered in lacerations and bruises like most of the other bodies that hung alongside her. Her left leg was missing from the kneecap down.
Reaching up, he brushed away the hair that was in her face. Her eyes were closed, yet there was no smile nor frown upon it. It was if she had died in peace knowing that she had fought until the bitter end.
Taking his index and middle fingers, Obito placed them against the girls carotid artery.
...
...
...
It was very faint, but he felt a pulse. However she wouldn't survive the night.
Obito frowned. No one deserves a fate such as this.
He would save this girl.
His mind made up, Obito snapped the chain from which she hung and grabbed her body before it could fall. Blood seeped into Obito's clothes from the girls wounds, but he cared not. Right now he had more important things to worry about.
Obito was just about to leave, when someone caught his attention.
"Wait... please... wait..." came a weak voice from one of the prison cells. Evidently there was still someone left alive in this godforsaken place.
Obito turned to face the boy who called out to him. He had messy black hair that was kept up by a white headband. His body was covered in lesions and bruises. He coughed intermittently, seemingly from an illness.
"They... they tortured her... This family... Why?" the boy asked.
Obito approached the boy with the girl still in his arms. "I know not why they did this to you, but know that tonight is when it ends." responded Obito.
The boy smiled weakly at Obito's declaration.
"Can I see her?" he asked as he pointed at the girl.
Obito nodded and lay the girl down in front of the boys cell. The boy reached through the bars and gently touched the girls cheek, tears flowing from his eyes as he did so.
"Sayo..."
Obito kicked in the door to the boys cell. "She's alive, if only barely." he explained as he helped the boy to his feet.
The boy chuckled weakly, a genuine sign of happiness. "Alive... She's alive."
Obito led the boy out of the cage towards the girl where he collapsed next to her. "Thank god... she's alive..." he whispered with his eyes locked on the girl next to him.
Obito sat seiza beside the two of them. Watching over them in their final moments.
The boy grinned at Obito through bloodstained teeth. "Thank you... Whoever you are... My name is Ieyasu... and this is Sayo..."
Obito recalled that those were the names of Tatsumi's companions that he spoke of earlier. "You're the friends of Tatsumi."
Ieyasu's eyes widened in surprise. "You know him? Is he alright?!" he asked desperately, his excited action causing him to grasp at his chest in pain.
"He is fine." answered Obito. "The two of us were invited here by the daughter of the house when she found us on the street. Right now he is sleeping in one of the rooms of the mansion. Don't worry, I will make sure he gets out alive."
"I... cannot thank you enough... We were far too naive... to have accepted their offer..."
Obito stood up with his eyes closed, already knowing his next move. "Then remember that for the future. For this will not be the end of your story."
When he opened his eyes, the left one had become the Rinnegan. The purple color and telltale ripple that comes with it. His hands went through the necessary hand seals before he slammed his palms into the ground. From in front of him purple and black flames arose from the ground followed by the King of Hell.
Ieyasu gasped in horror at what was happening.
"Fear not." spoke Obito. "This is the method in which your salvation lies." Obito then looked at the King of Hell and pointed at Ieyasu and Sayo. "Fix them."
The King of Hell opened his mouth and his tongue wrapped around Ieyasu and Sayo before pulling them in and devouring them. A minute later the King of Hell opened his mouth again and gently laid the two unconscious bodies on the ground.
Obito dismissed the King of Hell and his Rinnegan. Picking up the two unconscious and naked bodies of Sayo and Ieyasu, Obito then exited the torture shed and body flickered back to the estate.
(-)
Obito shook Tatsumi awake.
"Wh-what? What is it...?" asked Tatsumi sleepily.
Obito placed one hand over Tatsumi's mouth and brought a finger up to his lips, telling Tatsumi to be quiet. Obito gestured over to the side of Tatumi's room where he saw the naked bodies of Sayo and Ieyasu leaned up against the wall.
"What the hell is this?" whispered Tatsumi angrily.
"Stay quiet and remain calm. I need to tell you the truth about this family." started Obito. "No doubt you are wondering why your friends are here. Well, I found them in a torture chamber in a shed out back. Apparently this family isn't as upstanding as they seem." explained Obito to which Tatsumi's mouth opened in silent understanding. He also had a bad feeling as to why Sayo and Ieyasu were here. "Both of your friends were on the brink of death when I found them, however I used a special power of mine to bring them back."
"That's impossible... How?"
"Perhaps I will explain it one day. However right now I have a family to kill. Your friends and us were most certainly not the first ones lured here under false pretenses. But I will ensure that we are the last."
"I... I don't understand. How could anyone be so cruel?"
"I don't know either." answered Obito. "Listen Tatsumi. I am going to deal with this family. When I leave I want you to lock and barricade this door. Under no circumstances are you to open it unless you hear me on the other side. Do you understand? I need you to keep your friends safe."
"Yes." Tatsumi nodded. "I will not let you down. I will protect them."
"Good." Obito said as he exited the room. It was time for him to hunt his prey.
(-)
Obito stalked the halls searching for the family. His bloodlust was rising and he needed someone to vent on. Upon rounding a corner he spotted Margaret. She was holding a book in her hands and was murmuring to herself.
"Tee hee. I just can't seem to stop this habit of mine~."
Her back was to Obito, completely unaware of his presence. Obito then took a loud step forward which gained her attention. She spun around startled, but relaxed when she saw it was just Obito.
"Ah, Tobi. What are you still doing up? Can't sleep? I'm sure we have some special calming tea that can help you to fall asleep." she offered.
"Let me guess, it's special because you use a sleeping drug, right?" groused Obito.
"What?" asked Margaret confused.
"Is that how you captured the others? Drug them and then drag them to that shed out back?"
Margaret's eyes widened in surprise and a scowl formed on her face.
"Guards!"
However her shout was too little too late. Obito rushed forward with kunai drawn and sliced the womans neck, splattering blood on his clothes. She fell to the ground choking on her own blood as it poured out from her neck. A sickly gurgling sound could be heard as the life left her body.
"On to the next one." Obito said as he returned the kunai to his pouch.
Just before he could continue on his way, several guards rounded the corner and spotted a dead Margaret at his feet.
"Kill him!" shouted the lead guard.
Obito's mangekyo sharingan spun to life as the guards aimed their rifles at him and fired. The guards looked on in confusion as the bullets harmlessly passed through Obito's body and out the other side. After a few moments the telltale *click-click* of empty magazines was heard and Obito made his move.
He flawlessly went through the necessary hand seals before taking a deep breath. "Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!" he shouted as a large ball of fire was formed and then shot down the hall at the guards.
The ball exploded violently upon making contact with the guards. Its force shattering windows and reducing glass to a molten state near instantly and setting fire to the hallway. The guards screamed in agony as the flames engulfed them.
"I suppose this means subtlety is no longer an option. Oh well." shrugged Obito. "Now, time to find Arthur and Aria."
(-)
The explosion from Obito's jutsu had the guards scrambling. It was utter chaos as Arthur's private forces hurried to the source of the explosion, foolishly leaving the man himself short on guards.
Arthur had barricaded himself along with a small contingent of soldiers in his study. The plan was to hold out long enough for backup to arrive. His daughter would have to find a way to survive on her own with her guards.
"What the hell is going on here?!" demanded Arthur. "Has Night Raid come for our heads?!"
Another explosion rang out and shook the building, making the guards all the more nervous along with Arthur. They could hear the muffled sounds of fighting coming from down the hall, the guards on the outside obviously dealing with the enemy. Screams of pain could be heard as the sound of combat grew ever closer until it finally became silent. Just outside the door.
The guards took cover behind the furniture that hadn't been used to barricade the door and locked their gun sights on the door. A few moments of silence passed and the guards began to hope that the enemy had passed them by. This hope was shattered seconds later when the door exploded inwards, sending wooden shrapnel everywhere. Some of the more unfortunate guards were struck by the splintered door and received various wounds from the shards impacting them.
"Open fire!" shouted one of the guards.
The rest of the soldiers quickly recovered and started firing into the smoke covered doorway. After emptying their clips the guards took a moment to listen for the intruder.
"Pathetic."
Unfortunately they heard him.
In walked Obito, a scowl on his face as he approached the soon to be dead men.
"I hope you understand what comes next. It is only a fitting punishment given your crimes." he said emotionlessly.
"For what?! What have we done wrong?!" barked Arthur.
"If you truly don't understand then you are far more corrupt than I originally suspected."
"Grr! What the hell are you lot standing around for?! Reload and shoot him!" Arthur shouted at the guards who scrambled for fresh clips.
The guards aimed at Obito again who simply raised his hand in defense as his Rinnegan activated. As the guns fired, the bullets flew through the air towards Obito. But just before they hit him they were suddenly stopped.
"Shinra Tensei." Obito spoke and with a flick of the wrist the bullets were sent back at the guards, killing them all.
Arthur was the only survivor of the attack and had fallen on his ass in shock. He pointed an accusing, albeit trembling, finger at Obito. "What the hell...? What the hell are you...?"
"Your executioner." answered Obito. "For the horrible crimes you have committed you shall now receive your punishment."
"Who are you to decide what our punishment should be?!" roared Arthur. "You are but a lowly criminal from another land! You said so yourself!"
Obito lowered his head slightly. "That's right." he spoke somberly. "I'm nothing but a criminal." he then raised his head and glared at Arthur. "But at least I'm trying to make up for it. That makes me a hell of a better person then you are."
Arthur clicked his tongue as he tried to back away from Obito, but Obito raised his hand again.
"Bansho Ten'in."
Suddenly, Arthur found himself being lifted off the ground and pulled towards Obito's outstretched hand. His neck landed in Obito's grasp who tightened his grip. Obito squeezed and squeezed and squeezed some more until he felt the mans neck snap. Once he was sure Arthur was dead he let go and let his body fall to the ground.
"Two down, one to go."
(-)
Meanwhile outside, high above the estate, standing on a platform of wires Night Raid stood ready.
Tonight they were to assassinate a well known family that was responsible for the capture and torture of many country folk for their own sick enjoyment. They were just the type of despicable corruption that Night Raid handled on a regular basis and the 6 assassins were eager to hunt them down.
There was no uniformity among the assassins. Each ones look varied from the others.
The first was a tall individual in a suit of armor and cape who held a large spear of some sort.
The second was a rather well endowed blonde haired woman with cat ears, tail, and claws.
Third and standing out the most was a girl who wore sooo much pink. Not really a color you would expect an assassin to wear. In her hands was a large gun that was half her size at the very least.
Fourth was a green haired boy wearing a green jacket, red goggles, and black gloves. If one looked closely then they would see that the wires that the group stood on were attached to his gloves.
Fifth was a purple haired woman wearing a purple cheongsam and glasses. Her weapon of choice happened to be a large pair of scissors.
And last was a black haired red eyed girl in a black uniform with a red tie. She held a long katana in her right hand. Oddly enough, her red eyes seemed to glow in the darkness of the night.
This was Night Raid and, minus their boss, all members were accounted for and ready to enact their mission.
However their plan to assassinate the family that resided in the estate below them hit a snag when the alarm went off and guards started pouring out from every nook and cranny.
"Uhh, we didn't trip the alarm, did we?" asked the green haired boy as he scratched his chin in thought.
His companions answer was a collective shrug. Their original belief that they had tripped the alarm was cast away when they noticed all of the guards running inside the estate, instead of outside to combat them. Something was happening inside that mansion and it wasn't being subtle judging from the distant sound of explosions that escaped the building.
The guards were in such a frenzy that not a single one noticed the Night Raid assassins in the air above them.
The blonde of the group peered down at the growing commotion with her golden eyes. "Geez, what's got them in such a tizzy? They aren't even paying attention to us. Kinda feel snubbed."
The armored individual of the group nodded in agreement with the blonde. "Indeed. Something sure has their full attention. There has to be at least 20 guards with more on the way. What kind of threat would call for such a serious response?"
The red eyed girl pointed at the new group that was approaching. "Imperial police." she said in monotone. What she said was true. The military was now responding to the alarm and rushing in to aid the estates guards.
The pink girl growled as she played with her guns safety. "Shit. This is looking like a bust. Should we call it quits?"
Before anyone could answer they saw one of their targets run out of the building flanked by guards. Seconds later the entrance exploded in a ball of fire, sending the guards who were near it flying.
Then, stepping out of the inferno like the devil himself, was a man. With the flames billowing at his back and illuminating the night it made for quite a sight. His shadow stretching out towards the guards, seeming like an ominous warning of what was to come.
"Is that all?" the man asked.
(-)
"Is that all?" Obito asked rhetorically as he gazed at the remaining guards. There were roughly 17 of the original guards left along with another 20 Imperial police forces. Nowhere near enough to stop him.
The remaining guards stood on shaky legs. Their fear of the man before them only slightly less than the fear of punishment for desertion.
One Imperial guard decided to take charge and try to turn the situation around and muster the forces. "Form up men! He's only a single man! We are more than enough to take him on! Those with guns support the sword troops! We will overwhelm him with numbers!"
A battle cry erupted from the guards whose morale was restored.
"Protect Lady Aria!" one of the guards cried out.
Obito looked towards the back of the group where he saw Aria cowering behind her guards.
"Kill him!" shouted the commander.
Obito blurred into motion as gunfire erupted on his previous location. It took but a moment for him to close the distance between him and his enemies. He drew a kunai from his pouch and jammed it into the eye of the first guard he reached. One of the other guards came to the aid of his friend but it was a fools errand. Obito produced a chakra receiver from his palm and slabbed it into the mans chest. He then produced another receiver in his other hand and descended upon the rest of the guards.
It was like leading the sheep to slaughter. Obito moved too fast for the guards to keep track of and used his chakra receivers as arm blades and slashed apart each guard who got in his way.
Blood was spilled, organs pierced, and innards became outtards. A man was pierced straight through the heart. Another had his head cleanly sliced off. One guard had both of his arms cut off before Obito slashed across his chest and let the mans guts spill out.
Obito was like a reaper of death. Unmerciful, unrelenting, he would not stop until they were all dead. The blood of his enemies was coating him, staining his clothes red. The scent of copper hung heavy in the air and grew in strength with each kill.
He was death incarnate. A monster who had judged these people for their crimes and this was their punishment.
It took all of three minutes for Obito to kill the last of the guards. All that was left was Aria who was on the ground whimpering like a frightened child.
"M-monster!" she shouted as she tried to scoot away from Obito as he slowly approached her. Her hand fell on a gun that one of the guards dropped. She grabbed the weapon, aimed it at Obito, and fired. But the bullet passed through him without injury.
"That's right. I'm a monster." responded Obito who grew more and more menacing. "I have done a lot of horrible things in my life. Things that I cannot redeem myself for. Things that will haunt me forever. But if being a monster means having to kill people like you, then I will happily be one."
Aria trembled in fear as Obito reached down and grabbed her by the neck. With a single strong grip he snapped her neck and she was dead.
Sensing the gaze of the 6 individuals above him, Obito dropped the girls corpse and looked up. His black eyes met with the crimson eyed girl. He watched with curiosity as she seemed to study him as he did the same to her and her comrades.
The girl jumped down from her perch and approached Obito.
"Akame wait!" shouted the blonde.
The girl payed the blonde no attention as she stood in front of Obito. The rest of her comrades jumped down to join her and soon had Obito surrounded.
Obito and the girl locked eyes and for the longest time no one said a thing.
"Obito."
The girl cocked her head to the side in confusion.
"My name's Obito." responded Obito. "And you must be Akame, member of Night Raid. I saw your wanted poster earlier." he explained.
"... You stole our targets." spoke Akame.
"That was not my intention. I simply wanted to do away with the trash of the capital. After all, I was next on their list."
"Hmm, so it would seem."
"So, how does one go about joining your organization?" asked Obito.
The Night Raid assassins widened their eyes in surprise. This powerhouse of a man wanted to join them?
Akame simply held out her hand which Obito took and shook.
"Welcome to the team." she said.
"Well then, before we go I have to help the other survivors." Obito said as he made his way back towards the mansion. "Just wait here and I'll be back soon."
(-)
"Hey Tatsumi, it's me." spoke Obito as he knocked on Tatsumi's door. After a few moments of hearing furniture being shuffled around Obito opened the door. Once inside he closed the door behind him. He noticed that Sayo and Ieyasu were awake and had procured some clothes for themselves from the closet.
"Are they dead?" asked Tatsumi.
Obito nodded. "Yes. They will no longer harm anyone ever again."
"Oh thank god." spoke Ieyasu.
"Thank you for saving us mister..." Sayo trailed off.
"Obito."
"Wait, I thought you said your name was Tobi?" said Tatsumi.
"Just an alias. I wasn't going to reveal my true name to such suspicious people."
"Okay. Well, now that the family is dead, what do we do next?" asked Ieyasu.
"That is up for you to decide. My path is already chosen for me. I plan to join the assassin group Night Raid and rid this city of corruption. As for you three, you have two choices." Obito said as he raised a two fingers. "You either leave this city, forget about everything that transpired here, and go back to your village. I strongly recommend you take that course of action. Or, you can fight. Join me on the path of carnage in ridding this world of evils. I will warn you though. This is not the choice for the faint of heart. You will have to kill, do horrible things in the eyes of others all for the betterment of society. You may never be able to return to your village again."
The three teens looked apprehensive at the thought.
"I offer you a question. Do you have what it takes to walk with darkness? Can you truly say you are comfortable walking this path? Even if you must become a monster? Even if you are hated and shunned by those you help? The path you walk holds no reward at its end. Only a painful death and an unmarked grave." Obito held out his hand palm down. "Choose."
The trio looked at Obito's hand in contemplation for a few moments. Then Tatsumi slowly reached his hand out and put it over Obito's.
Obito raised a brow at this. The boy looked unsure for a moment but then his eyes hardened with resolve.
"I cannot allow the evils of the capital to continue. It is because of this corruption that our village suffers. I will follow you down the path of carnage until I breathe my last." spoke Tatsumi.
Then Ieyasu added his hand.
"I owe you my life. Now that I know what the capital is truly like, I cannot just go running back home with my tail between my legs."
And finally Sayo added her hand.
"I trust these two with my life. If they believe that following you is the proper decision then I will follow as well."
"I don't want you following me out of some sense of owing me. Are you sure that this is what you want?" asked Obito.
The three nodded.
"Very well then. Let us go." Obito spoke as he exited the room with the teens in tow.
(-)
"You think he's coming back?" asked pinky. "Cause I think he ditched us."
"No. He will return." spoke Akame.
"How can you be so sure?"
"Gut feeling."
The pink girl sighed. "Of course."
"So, what kind of teigu do you think he has?" asked the blonde.
"Hard to tell. He was able to produce blades from his hands and he was unharmed when he was shot by Aria. Perhaps some type of armor teigu like Bulat's?" mused the green haired teen.
"Possibly." nodded the large armored figure. "Either way he will make a powerful addition to the team."
"He's here." spoke Akame.
Just as she spoke, Obito and company exited the mansion. The Night Raid assassins were surprised to see three more people with him. Did he not realize that by seeing their faces they had sealed their fate?
"I have returned." spoke Obito. "And with three more additions to the cause."
The assassins widened their eyes at this. Now they had four new members joining them. The skills of the three teens would have to be determined later, but if this Obito fellow believed them to be useful to their cause then they must have potential.
"Now, why don't we get out of here?" offered Obito.
"Right. Mission complete, return to base!" shouted Akame.