Tatsumi sat awkwardly, or more so was forced to sit awkwardly, his arms by his side as a heavy chain was wrapped around his torso securing his arms to his sides. A weighty black collar currently clung tightly around his neck, the chain that was attached to the collar now also connected to the one wrapped around his torso, seemingly to keep him even more secure. This was how he had awoken after the tournament where Esdeath, a high ranking General in the Empire, had knocked him out after saying that he was now hers upon their first meeting.

Tatsumi had to wonder how he got into these situations, first he was literally abducted by Night Raid, and now he was being abducted again by Esdeath and her team of Jaegers, with the reports that Leone had given, Esdeath had recently formed a team specially for hunting members of Night Raid, so they were hunting him and didn't even know it. He was either really lucky that they hadn't discovered he was one of the assassins that they were after, or he was super unlucky by being brought into the lion's den.

Maybe it was simply his destiny to keep being abducted by deadly weirdo's?

"And so…" Esdeath began, Tatsumi cast a glance at the General from the corner of his eye, she was incredibly beautiful with striking light blue hair that flowed down her back, her eyes a darker shade of shimmering blue. Tatsumi could make out her slender figure beneath her uniform, simply amplified by her generous bust which held an intricate marking upon her skin. Her skin itself looked silky smooth and almost as white as snow, he wondered if she had any scars on that nigh flawless skin, she would have to have a few to have earned the rank of General, right?

To think she had taken an interest in him, it definitely shot his ego up a few grades that was for sure. Perhaps if things had worked out differently he might have been interested in her back. But they were enemies, killers of both sides, what she wanted from him simply was impossible and he could never see him feeling about her that way.

She was the enemy.

"This is the newest addition to the Jaegers." Esdeath continued as she stood beside Tatsumi's seated from, her presence alone demanded respect from everyone in the room, eerily similar to how Najenda's presence was among those of Night Raid.

"Tatsumi." She introduced him to the group standing before him, some had awkward smiles on their faces unsure of the sudden abduction of a civilian, into their ranks.

"You dragged in one of the populace, just like that?" A muffled voice questioned causing Tatsumi to take an interest in who had spoken, the only one with a mask was the largest one among them.

Tatsumi didn't know what the mask was for, but it was definitely intimidating and he had seen others in the Empire wear them, Lubbock had told him that they were members of the incineration squad, merciless killers that wiped out entire villages with flames.

"He'll no longer have to live in poverty." Esdeath explained, having figured if he was fighting in a tournament for money he must have been in need of it for some particular reason, now he would have no wants for anything. "And he isn't just an extra man for our group either… I felt it, Tatsumi is the one who will become my partner in love." There it was, the reason Tatsumi had been taken away and abducted by this bombshell of a General. While mentally he was cheering that a beautiful woman was liking him, he also realized the situation he was in. The enemy all around and not a single opening, not to mention Incursio had been confiscated, he could see it resting on the table off to the side of the meeting room. Even if he did get it, what were the odds of him making it out of here alive?

"So, why does he have a collar around his neck, then?" Another questioned, Tatsumi's green eyes turning to the one that spoke this time, obviously a fan of the sea by the anchor printed on his red scarf, he seemed like a man of the sea but Tatsumi had no proof that he was, he just needed to take note of everything and report his findings back to Night Raid no matter the miniscule detail, that's if he ever could get out of this seemingly impossible situation.

"Because he's my lover of course, and I want him to stand out." Esdeath replied giving a nonchalant shrug, raising her hands as if what she had said made perfect sense, maybe to her it did but to everyone else, not so much.

"I'd have to agree with Wave, General, if you want him to be your official lover, and not your pet, shouldn't you remove the collar in order for there to be a difference?" Tatsumi could have literally hugged the blonde man who had offered his suggestion, if he wasn't currently chained to the chair he was seated in. The man seemed rather calm and casual about the entire situation, almost to the point it was slightly off putting for the assassin. Esdeath took the man's words into careful consideration before looking down at Tatsumi, a gentle blush coming to her face as she did so, Tatsumi had to quickly glance away, there was no way he was being seduced by such cuteness! How could a merciless killer that frightened the entire Revolution be so damn adorable!?

"Hmm, that's certainly true. I'll remove it." Esdeath stated moving to do so, if Tatsumi ever got out of this alive and saw the blonde man on the street, he was giving him a hug! The collar was pulled from his neck and placed off to the side before Esdeath continued and removed the chains from his body as well allowing Tatsumi to stretch his arms, it having been a while since he had used his muscles, Esdeath watching his every movement as if witnessing something amazing for the first time.

As the chains dropped to the floor Esdeath turned to the others with a curious look. "By the way, are any of you married, or have any lovers?" She queried, truly interested. Just as Tatsumi was shocked, so were the other members of the newest assassin hunting group as the masked man rose his hand up shyly.

"Bols, is that true!?" Tatsumi grit his teeth at the sudden excitement of the auburn haired girl, that voice, that face, he'd never forget them. Upon first look, she seemed like an innocent well mannered young woman and she had been that same picture of innocence when she had helped him through the city when he had been separated from Leone. But she was a monster beneath that innocent surface, just like that dog she held in her arms, she took Sheele away from Night Raid.

"Yes… I've been married for six years now." Bols said, embarrassed as he held his hands to his face. "I really don't deserve someone as wonderful as that though."

"Then maybe you can offer me some assistance." Esdeath began. "What can I do to encourage Tatsumi to…" She glanced down at the teen sitting awkwardly, his cheeks slightly red at how he was currently center of attention. "… to return my affections."

"Oh the trick is to never give up." Bols encouraged as Esdeath pulled a notebook from her uniform and opened it, a pen sitting within the pages that she picked up as she began to write. "I'll tell you a secret, my dear wife turned me down twice before I found the perfect moment and swept her off her feet, so bare in mind it may take some time, but it will be worth it." Bols assured her.

"Thank you Bols, I'll be sure to take that advice." Esdeath told him to which the large man nodded. "Umm… excuse me." Tatsumi began, awkwardly raising his hand up gaining Esdeath's attention immediately. "I'm really happy that you've taken a liking to me and all…" God he could feel the bullshit just spilling out at this moment. "But, I'm not really all that interested in working for the Imperial court… so…"

"Fufu, it will likely take a bit of training to get you to be obedient, hmm?" Esdeath chuckled causing Tatsumi to react instinctively. "I'm look forward to it."

"Listen to what's being said to you!" Tatsumi shouted at her only causing her to chuckle more finding his argument amusing, even some of the others were amused at the sudden outburst.

"Now, now everyone." Tatsumi grit his teeth, his hands on his knees clenching the fabric of his pants. He didn't want her near him, let alone defending him! "He's just confused, it's a lot to take in all at once." Seryu smiled as she walked towards the seated assassin, each step that she got closer Tatsumi could feel the hatred burning deep inside of him. Lowering his head, staring down at the boots that she wore only for his anger to flare to the point he bit the inside of his cheek to hold his mouth shut, a gentle trickle of blood spilling into his mouth as Seryu rested her cold metal hand atop his head gently tousling his hair.

"There's nothing to be afraid of, we're all allies of justice here, so please don't worry." Seryu smiled happily, gently caressing his brown hair with her metal hand. He understood what she was trying to do, comfort him, but he'd never take it. She had taken Sheele away, the sole member of Night Raid that had comforted him through the loss of his friends. But he had to stay strong, if he did anything, reacted in any way, he'd be dead.

"We met before, do you remember me?" Seryu questioned, pointing to herself as Tatsumi looked up at her through the bangs of his hair, how could she smile so innocently like that when beneath it all was a barbaric monster? How could the innocent woman who had helped find his way be so cruel and merciless? Why was the Empire so corrupt!?

"All right, thank you for that Seryu." Esdeath stated with a little ice to her tone, the former guards hand being removed from Tatsumi's head rather quickly. "While now that the Jaegers have seven official members including Tatsumi. I wish to explain how we're going to proceed from here." Esdeath explained walking towards the table where Incursio sat. Tatsumi followed her across the room with his gaze, he didn't know all that much about the Teigu or how much the Empire knew about them, but was it possible that Esdeath recognized the weapon?

Esdeath herself looked down at the sheathed blade atop the desk before crouching down, reaching beneath the table to where a large bag sat and returned to the main table where the Jaegers had gathered. Placing the bag down she opened it and started pulling out an assortment of items, the only one to seemingly recognize the items was the dark haired girl that reminded Tatsumi of Akame, similarly dressed as well.

"General." The dark haired girl began. "These are."

"Ah, yes." Esdeath smiled. "Kurome, you have prior experience with these don't you?" She questioned getting a nod from the dark haired girl. Esdeath looked over the others, to see that they were both curious and confused about what she had brought before them. Tatsumi himself couldn't see what was going on from where he was seated on his chair, and in truth didn't want to be apart of the group and continued to remain seated. "Several years ago, the Empire formed a group of assassins for the benefit of the nation." She began.

"The Elite Seven." Kurome added getting a nod from Esdeath.

"Several generations ago around four hundred years, a former Emperor tried to recreate the Teigu that we now possess, however failed in doing so." Esdeath explained, gaining Tatsumi's attention slightly, just like how the Teigu had been complete mysteries to him, so were these weapons. "These weapons that were created were known as Shingu, while not as powerful as Teigu, they were given to these Elite Seven who were the finest assassins that the Empire had ever created."

"Were you one of these Elite Seven assassins, Kurome?" Seryu questioned with wide eyes, thinking that Kurome had been one of the assassins doing justice for the Empire in secret.

"No." Kurome shook her head. "My sister, Akame was." Tatsumi's eyes shot wide open, he knew that Akame had been with the Empire but didn't know her full story. To think she had been trained to be one of the best by the Empire! Not to mention this Kurome was Akame's sister! Even the other members were surprised to see Kurome announce it without hesitation. This simply rose so many questioned in the young assassin.

"During the time of these Elite Seven, the Shingu were destroyed, however unlike the Teigu, these could easily be recreated by the Empire's top scientists." Esdeath told them. "In truth, these Shingu have even been modified further than what the Elite Seven wielded."

"What are we supposed to do with these?" The man in the doctor's coat questioned, while flipping his coat for some reason. "We all have our own Teigu to rely on, I don't see why we should need some half rate second generation failures." He stated, while his crude remark didn't sit well with Esdeath, he made a proper point.

"Well, Dr Stylish, these Shingu may not sit on the same level as Teigu, but it's not possible for everyone to have a Teigu with several already having owners, more being lost through the nation and the others remaining in the hands of the Revolutionary Army." This simply confused the Jaegers even more, each one of them had a Teigu of their own, well apart from Tatsumi, unaware of his possession of Incursio.

"Simple." Esdeath smiled. "Each of you are going to have a subordinate, each one will be given a Shingu that you will train them with to the point that they are of a level above of those among the Elite Seven. The Jaegers are going to become a force suited for protecting the Empire, something just seven of you can't do alone. Over time, you seven, along with the subordinates you train will have teams of your own, before squads, then platoons and so on. You all will be the future, the very foundations that protect the Empire and keep it strong."

"You really believe in us that much General?" Seryu questioned with wide eyes, a blush on her cheeks as she stared at the woman in awe.

"You wouldn't be here if I didn't." Esdeath told them truthfully, she wouldn't bother herself with weaklings. "The subordinate you choose, will be approved of by me. So take your time in making your choice before bringing them to me." The six around the table looked over the Shingu now before them, Tatsumi remaining seated in his chair. What Esdeath had just told them, it was something that Tatsumi once wanted, to become a high up person in the Empire, eventually take control of a force of his own and make his name known all across the nation all for the sake of his village. However, that was a dream held by a naive child, if things had worked out differently, perhaps that was what may have happened, however things were different to back then, very different.

"Tatsumi." Esdeath spoke causing the young man to look up at her. "Are you going to sit there or are you going to choose a Shingu for your future subordinate?" Tatsumi swallowed nervously, he was suppose to choose one now? Wouldn't she prefer to hand them out? Awkwardly standing, he crossed the room his eyes drifting to Incursio before Esdeath blocked his vision of the blade as she spoke with Kurome, who had already chosen one of the Shingu for herself, a katana similar to the one she already had strapped to her waist. It was obvious that she was familiar with it, perhaps it belonged to Akame when she had been in the Elite Seven?

Turning his attention away from the two he looked to the others, Wave held up a large broadsword with an intricate dragon like design for the handle. Bols, the man with the relationship advice, was looking over an assortment of armor on the table. Dr Stylish was looking curiously over a whip like tool, he still didn't look pleased with it and if the glint in his eye was anything to go by, Tatsumi had to shudder, he wanted no part of that whatsoever.

The blonde man that had saved Tatsumi from the chains was looking over a pair of leggings with belt and ankle bands attached to it, sensing Tatsumi's gaze the blonde man rose his head and offered him a smile before going back to inspecting the Shingu in his hands. Seryu spun wide causing Wave and Tatsumi to both duck as what she had spun around and aimed with was large dual pistols. Giggling to herself she offered an apology to them before going to show her own personal Teigu, Koro. Tatsumi and Wave sighed as they rose back up Wave glancing at him before offering him his hand.

"I'm Wave, I saw your fight in the tournament, it was pretty impressive how you took down Kalbi without much effort, he was no joke." Wave told him as Tatsumi took his hand, while the guy didn't seem all that bad Tatsumi had been mistaken about that before, both with Seryu and Aria, he was loyal to the Empire, that was good enough reason not to trust him.

"Thanks." Tatsumi stated as he turned back to the table to see a gauntlet remaining.

"With how you handled Kalbi in the arena, I'm pretty sure you can teach your subordinate to fight well with that." Wave told him, trying to cheer him up it seemed. "Where did you learn to fight, was it the Imperial Fist Temple here in the Empire?" He questioned.

"No, I didn't grow up in the Capital." Tatsumi admitted, although he wasn't sure why he was telling Wave this. "I'm from a small village, to the south near the border of the Empire." Wave nodded in understanding.

"I'm from the Imperial Navy along the coast, I've spent more of my life on the sea then the ground I think, or that's what my mother always told me." He chuckled. "I'm looking forward to working with you." Wave smiled at him.

"Ah… yeah…" Tatsumi trailed off awkwardly, as Wave attempted to chuckle however it came out just as awkward.

"Kinda weird huh?" Wave stated.

"You have no idea." Tatsumi muttered hanging his head as Wave placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"So you grabbed, Crushing King." Esdeath's voice sent shivers up Tatsumi's spine, he hadn't even sensed her behind him and now she was leaning mere inches beside him looking at the Shingu upon the table, even Wave was surprised at her sudden appearance.

"Ah, General, Tatsumi doesn't have a Teigu right?" Wave questioned causing Esdeath to stand up straight. "Shouldn't we search for one for him, or is he going to obtain the one that Seryu recovered from Night Raid?" Tatsumi went pale as Esdeath's blue eyes locked with his green as an all knowing smile came to her face, it almost looked cruel.

"I'm sure that will work itself out." Esdeath stated as Tatsumi's eyes were wide, she knew about Incursio, how could she not? Bulat was apart of the Empire, any records about him and the Teigu he wielded at the time would have been used as information given to anyone who went after him, after her three subordinate's had been killed there would be no way she wouldn't look into it. Swallowing nervously Esdeath clapped her hands together to gather everyone's attention, however her eyes narrowed before she could speak, sensing an unwelcome presence.

"I know you're there." Esdeath called out before her eyes roamed the walls of the room, it would appear multiple people were hiding within the walls of the palace, Night Raid? No it wasn't possible for them to entire the Palace unnoticed, even they weren't that well prepared, nor stupid enough to attack while she was present.

"Who's he got, Esdeath-sama?" Wave wanted to know, feeling no presence.

Continuing to look in the direction of the corner of the room, Esdeath was sure she felt a strange power there.

"There is something strange."

Suddenly, a draft was felt, making Kuro growl, as Kurome grabbed her sword. Preferring to step back, Stylish positioned himself behind Wave and Bols, who eventually took hold of their teigus.

Beginning to feel something too, Tatsumi took a step back as he saw a strange double door appear in the room, floating inches off the floor. From its appearance, it appeared to be antique, while a symbol in the shape of a hand could be seen in its center.

"What…? " Seryu wondered.

Starting to grow, the door doubled in size and managed to hit the ceiling, which it destroyed in an instant. immediately, boulders fell towards the Jaegers. Protecting her new team, Esdeath created an ice dome above them.

"What's going on ? " Wave wanted to know, seeing that door keep growing, pulverizing that part of the palate.

Finally, ceasing to grow, the double-door opened and its two doors threw the stone blocks and furniture aside. Finding itself in the path of one of the two doors, the dole of Esdeath was struck. immediately Esdeath was surprised to see cracks appearing on her shield. The strength of the gate was so strong that even Esdeath's power was unable to cope with it.

Immediately causing her shield to disappear, Esdeath then jumped back.

" Go back. "

Wanting to avoid getting run over, the other Jaegers fled and ran to the back of the room, dodging other blocks that fell from the ceiling. Finally, when they reached the back of the hall, the double door had opened fully, having destroyed over four-fifths of the hall, as well as a large part of the palace. Directing their gaze to the grand opening, each of the Jaegers could only see darkness there, which frightened Wave.

" The door to hell. "

A sound of aspiration was felt, as the inside of the door seemed to breathe in the air of the room. The force of aspiration was so great that small rocks and objects were sucked and disappeared inside the double door. Managing to resist, the Jaegers felt the aspiration grow stronger and stronger and their feet slipping forward.

Finally, Stylish and Kurome were the first to be sucked inside the double door.

" KUROME / STYLISH ! " Wave and Seryu shouted, stretching their arms out to them.

Wanting to hold them back, Bols wrapped his arms around their waists. However, the force of the wind ends up causing him to lose his balance and the trio ends up disappearing too. Using his teigu to flap his wings, Run resisted a few more seconds, before being sucked in.

Gripping a piece of furniture, Tatsumi felt his hands slowly slide across the wooden surface. Letting go, he let out a cry of fear, as he was about to suffer the same fate as the Jaeagers. However, a hand gripped his arm.

" Esdeath ? " He wondered.

Displaying a simple confident smile, Esdeath had ice around her feet to keep herself from being sucked in. Yet, hearing cracking noises, while the wind was too strong for her, the general asserted.

" Good news Tatsumi ! From your first day, you have the right to experience an adventure with me. "

" An adventure ? What an adventure ?

At that moment, the ice at Esdeath's feet shattered and the couple disappeared through the opening of the double door. The wind stopped immediately, as the double-door closed, before shrinking in size. Finally, she disappeared, leaving him only a half-destroyed palace.