HuneterX097: Alright, this is the new chapter of Shinobi and Assassin as I promise. Looks like many people ship our blond hero and the deadly raven princess eh lol. Man, I'm not a romantic person, so I'm not good at writing romantic scenes but I will try my best to make them as good as possible. As for Chelsea, it's a good idea that she should be with Tatsumi. Maybe I just make her like a sister to Naruto.
What do you think about Kurome and Shikamaru? Let me know your ideas in reviews or inbox.
Anyways, thank you for supporting my story. Have fun with reading the new chapter.
Disclaimer: I own nothing. All rights go to Masashi Kishimoto and Takahiro.
Skies to the Southeast of the Capital
Naruto and the assassins of Night Raid were mounted on the Air Manta, a species of manta ray-like Danger Beasts. The blond jounin and Tatsumi were having fun as this was their first time riding on a danger beast.
"WHOA! This is so cool! The wind against my face feels so awesome!" Tatsumi yelled with an exciting voice.
"This is really fun!" Naruto exclaimed as he was enjoying the wind blowing across his whiskered face.
"Hahaha. For an assassin, you two are ridiculously innocent, Naruto, Tatsumi." Chelsea said with amusement while looking at two boys, 'Although only Tatsumi looks more like what Najenda told me about. Naruto, on the other side, is uncertain I think.' She thought as she observed the blond young man, 'I've never seen anybody having such powers as his. Interesting.' She thought with a mild smirk
"This is better than I thought." Leone commented.
"It is nice." Akame said while looking at Naruto with a gentle smile.
Unfortunately, not everyone enjoyed the trip. Mine and Lubbock paled and were nauseous. Both assassins were trembling slightly and they looked like they could vomit at any time.
"There is nothing nice about this!" Mine screamed as she clung to Lubbock who also attached himself to the girl.
One hour later, Marg Highlands.
"Alright everyone we're getting off here!" Najenda called out, hopping off the Air Manta as it landed in a large clearing. The rest of the Night Raid assassins quickly gathered their belongings and followed her.
"This place is packed with dozens of sheer plateaus and has a very unique ecosystem. All the danger beasts in this area are at a fairly high level, which makes them extremely dangerous. This whole territory is virtually unexplored...not fit for human habitation. But because it's unexplored territory...it's the perfect place to build a temporary hideout. A more fitting place for us to stay near the capital is currently being scouted by the Revolutionary Army's reconnaissance team. Until they're finished, we'll train here."
Everyone was slightly surprised when the Air Manta suddenly lifted off the ground and started to fly off.
"Huh? Is it really okay for that thing to fly off boss? He's carrying all the Teigu we confiscated too." Mine asked as she watched the danger beast disappearing in the distance.
"He's way too precious a transport vehicle for us to hoard all to ourselves." Najenda explained simply
"I'm gonna miss that big guy." Tatsumi said as he pretended to wipe a tear from his eye, and Naruto rubbed his hair brotherly with a foxy grin.
"He probably went back to HQ where his nest is." Chelsea said, briefly taking her lollipop out of her mouth. "It's actually a very efficient way to get things delivered." A hidden smirk spread across Chelsea's face, as she began to snicker. "Heh, I can't believe you didn't know that Mine."
'She's really starting to piss me off!' Mine thought while clenching her fists. As if that was not enough, she caught Naruto turning away, and he was holding his laugh back, 'That blond dumbass!' She growled in anger.
"I think it's about time that I formally introduce the newest members to our team. The first is..." Najenda said, gesturing towards where Chelsea was just standing. But she was surprised when the auburn-haired girl suddenly wasn't there. "What the?"
"Your hair is so pretty, Akame-chan." Chelsea said as she ran her fingers through Akame's long jet-black hair, "You're actually really cute up close."
"What're you doing?" Akame said, feeling slightly uncomfortable.
"My name is Chelsea. As fellow assassins, let's all get along." Chelsea introduced with a friendly expression as she gave a lollipop to Akame.
Akame's eyes immediately lit up as she received the lollipop from Chelsea, "Welcome to the team."
"Aah! Akame just got fed something artificial!" Tatsumi exclaimed in surprise.
"We can't blame her for being hungry, that was a really long flight." Naruto said as he was slightly chuckling at her somewhat cute gesture. The black-haired assassin saw it and blushed a little for embarrassment.
"Here you go." Chelsea took out another lollipop and gave it to Mine, "Consider that an apology for earlier."
"Oh...thanks..." Mine said, staring down at the lollipop in her hand. 'Maybe she's not so bad after all.' A small smile spread across Mine's face as she unwrapped the candy and popped it into her mouth. However, Mine's smile quickly disappeared when her lips began to pucker.
"GAH! That's really sour!"
"Well, it's super sour apple." Chelsea said with a smirk, "I apologized for earlier, but that doesn't mean I'm gonna stop messing with you."
"Chelsea, please don't tease Mine like that." Tatsumi spoke with a sigh as he stepped closer to Mine.
"Oh, the gallant prince is protecting his adorable princess." The auburn-haired girl taunted with a smirk, which made Tatsumi and Mine both blush bright red.
"WH-WHAT'RE YOU SAYING!? I'M NOT HIS PRINCESS OR ANYTHING!" Mine yelled, her face redding quickly.
"Aw, a classic Tsundere I can see." Chelsea grinned playfully.
Mine growled in anger and clenched her fists. Tatsumi who was next to her was trying to calm the girl down though his face was red as a tomato.
"Hey Najenda, about Chelsea..." Naruto said quietly, walking up next to the silver-haired woman, "I feel that she doesn't really look like she's a better assassin than Mine or the others."
"Don't let her looks deceive you. She has the same number of successful assassinations under her belt as Akame." Najenda replied with a serious expression.
"I see. So she's not the type of fighter." Naruto remarked, rubbing his chin.
"And this is right here is the new Teigu I was given by the Revolutionary Army's HQ." Najenda explained as she walked up next to Susanoo. "Flash of Lightning: Susanoo." With a grin, Najenda patted Susanoo on the shoulder, "He's a biological type Teigu who can move around on his own, so he won't be a heavy burden." She said in a pride tone.
"Susanoo eh? I like his name." Naruto stated with a small smile. Man, he really missed his brother in all but blood now as they had not seen each other in years.
"Nice to meet you again." Tatsumi greeted, extending his hand towards Susanoo whose eyes suddenly widened. He shot towards the young man and tuck in a portion of his shirt that had been sticking out.
"Alright!" Susanoo exclaimed.
"He's unexpectedly a neat freak." Najenda stated with a sigh.
"Even though he's a Teigu... Come to think of it, he did fix my hair too." Mine said as she remembers that Susanoo had adjusted her hair.
"So what's his skill?" Sheele asked as she took a look at the biological Teigu.
"Hehehe, I'm glad you ask that." Najenda smirked as she turned around at Susanoo, "Do it, Susanoo." She ordered.
Susanoo nodded his head, "Understood." He said before dashing off in a blue blur.
The rest of Night Raid's members watched in a mixture of awe and utter confusion while Naruto looked amusing as Susanoo raced around performing a series of chores, from washing clothes and cooking to beginning the construction of a large cottage. The Teigu's movements were incredibly fast and precise, as he continued to do his work.
"Uh...this all really cool and all..." Lubbock commented in a confused tone. "...but what exactly is this?"
"Yeah boss, it just looks like he's doing housework." Tatsumi said blankly.
"Exactly!" Najenda exclaimed, startling the others with her heightened voice, "Susanoo was originally created to be the bodyguard of a V.I.P.! While he may be constantly on guard to battle any possible threats, he's also equipped with the household skills to take care of his master's every possible need! Cleaning, cooking, laundry...he does it all!"
'She is way too excited.' Naruto thought, a big drop of sweat dropping behind his head, "Can he cook ramen?" He asked with a cute expression which made Akame get a pinkish tinge on her face as she spotted it.
"Of course!" Najenda answered certainly.
"Then I welcome you!" Naruto cheered as he extended his hand to Susanoo.
"What the hell!? He was bought easily!" Lubbock got out in disbelief.
'So these two are our newest members?' Tatsumi thought as he stared at Chelsea and Susanoo, 'They look pretty reliable.' A small smile spread across his face.
"Hey, you flat-chested shrimp! Tiny! Tiny!" Chelsea teased Mine.
"THAT'S IT! I WILL KILL YOU!" Mine roared in outrage and was about to charge into Chelsea, but she was quickly held back by the blond man.
"Calm down, pinkie-chan. We don't need to build any unnecessary tension." Naruto spoke while he was holding the sniper.
"Even if you can cook and you're a looker, you're a Teigu." Lubbock stated, pointing at Susanoo who was looking at him in curiosity, "I won't lose you!" He declared
Tatsumi sighed at the scene, 'Looks like our teamwork is gonna need a little work.'
Same Time, The Jaegers Headquarters
"That idiot..." Esdeath muttered underneath her breath, tapping her finger on the table. The capital's most feared general was currently waiting for Run and Bols to finish searching through Dr. Stylish's room.
"We've finished searching the doctor's household. But..." Run said as he walked into the meeting room with Bols tailing behind him, "...we couldn't find any definite evidence as to where he's disappeared to." The blond-haired man released a heavy sigh, "Several valuable experiment materials and tools were left in the laboratory. So he obviously didn't run away, the most likely conclusion is that...he was killed."
"Since all of his enhanced soldiers were missing, so we think he went into battle and was annihilated." Bols explained sadly.
"I see." Esdeath sighed as she adjusted her cap, "Looks like Seryu's lost another savior of hers..."
Bols and Run said nothing but only looked down. They were feeling a pang of sadness for their female teammate who lost many precious people in her life. Outside the room, a certain pineapple boy was standing against the wall and heard it all. Letting out a sigh, he left the building and headed to Palace's Inner Courtyard where he saw an orange-haired girl was polishing Taizan's Cannon of Justice, one of the weapons Stylish had already done for her.
'I guess he really is gone...' Seryu thought as her eyes downcast, 'Why do I keep losing people that are precious to me?'
"Well, look like it is not a wise decision to take a nap here." Shikamaru got out lazily. However, instead of losing her temper and scolding him like every time, Seryu just turned to eye him in seconds, before she looked back at the weapon on her thighs.
Shikamaru stepped towards and sat down next to her, "That cannon...it was from that doctor right?"
Seryu still said nothing but only nodded slightly with a sorrowful expression.
"Is your maintenance all right without him?"
"It's all right. There were materials leaving in the lab." The former imperial police answered in a faux cheery tone, "Additions and upgrades are impossible, but I'm able to manage to maintain them." She patted the large weapon.
Shikamaru gazed at the girl in front of him. She was smiling at him now. It was something that had never happened before as she always reprimanded or scowled at him. It, however, was just a fake smile. It was not difficult to realize she was trying to hide her depression. Seryu always kept a strong face and cheery front despite the pain inside her.
"You know, it's useless if you just sit here and moody as a child, then faking a smile whenever someone asks you."
Seryu instantly lost her smile as her bangs covered her eyes, she then looked up at him with an angry expression
"So? What am I supposed to do now!? Night Raid and evildoers took my loving people again and again. First is my father...then my master...now the man I owe so much to and I can't do anything!" She cried out, tears streaming down her face as she hugged herself, "It's my fault that I let Night Raid escape in the Park! It's my fault everyone that is important to me keeps dying! I'm pathetic and utterly worthless that I can't protect or even revenge for them!" She roared in anger.
Shikamaru, however, still remained his unflappable expression, "And? You should know better than blaming yourself won't bring anyone back when they fell six feet under." He retorted sternly, looking into her eyes, "You should have spent the time on something more useful such as training or finding the way to search criminals instead of staying moody here. Aren't you a former Imperial police? Are you going to only sit here and mount the death of your loved people by being a crybaby?"
"...You don't know anything." Seryu retorted weakly.
"Yeah, I don't know, and I don't want to know because they're very troublesome, especially about that doctor." The pineapple head replied without hesitation, which caused Seryu to scowl a little at the tone he got when he talked about Stylish"...I'll be frank with you, I don't like Dr. Stylish and surely despised his experiments. Although he ran them on the prisoners, it was still too inhuman and made me feel sick. They could be criminals but they were still humans." The girl was going to argue but Shikamaru immediately interrupted her, "However, look like he did something good...at least for you..." Shikamaru mentally slapped himself as he could tell something, "It was enough for you considering him as your benefactor and making you happy, renewing your vigor after a failed mission that injured you badly, so maybe he's not really very bad, and..." He scratched the side of his head before he continued, "It's a good thing that he is able to treat you, or you wouldn't be here with this squad."
"...Shikamaru." Seryu mumbled, looking up at him with slight surprise. This was the first time she called him by his name.
The said boy then stood up, putting his hands into his pocket, "Then...don't be so glum." He turned his back on her, "You can cry freely now, but then you have to get yourself over it, Seryu. Stylish saved and gave you his own achievements. To show him and others what you can do, even without him here. Don't sit here and crying like a child." With that, the pineapple supporter walked away.
Seryu widened her eyes. She was staring at the pineapple guy until his figure lost sight of her. Seryu should have got mad as he got out some distasteful things about Stylish and insulted her a little. But after all, he was trying to comfort her. His words were a little harsh but they were true she knew well. He wanted her to overcome her own grief for continuing to execute justice or she would waste what Dr. Stylish put in her.
The orange head closed her eyes and let out a mild smile, 'Thank you...Shikamaru...' She thought as she wiped her tears away.
Unknown to her and Shikamaru, there were three people witnessing the conversation between both of them. One of those people was Esdeath who was leaning up against the column, having a pleasant smile on her face. The general was going to console Seryu, but it looked like the young man dealt with it very well.
Two others were the sailor and the cookies addict, Wave and Kurome. The same as Esdeath, the young man was about to go and cheer Seryu up and Kurome just followed behind him with a boring expression on her. She doubted Wave was able to do something to that. Once they saw Seryu with Shikamaru and heard what they talked to each other, Wave couldn't help to sweatdrop at the way Shikamaru was comforting her but also insulting her at once. For the black-haired assassin, she was happy the lazy man showed his care for his comrades, even that was someone who usually harassed him. However, Kurome also simultaneously felt a bit of uneasiness deep inside. For some reason, she didn't like the new development of their relationship.
At night; Night Raid's New Hideout.
"I wonder if things are going alright in the capital..." Tatsumi stared down into his drink, "We won't be able to leave for a little while..." Releasing a light sigh, the boy took a sip of his drink.
"Jaegers have really been doing a great job curbing criminal activity." Mine said, sitting down in the seat next to Tatsumi, "Those villains probably won't be making any moves until they get more accustomed to it."
'It's natural. With how powerful they are, there's no way some petty criminals could stand against them.' Naruto, who was reading his book, mentally remarked as he remembered all the destruction Jaegers had caused when they had raided the bandit camp. Next to him, Akame was reading some reports and sometimes glanced at the blond boy.
"Exactly, so we'll use this extra time to train." At the door of a room, Najenda spoke out, "We're unable to ask for any more reinforcements. This of Chelsea and Susanoo as Night Raid's final backup. Let's all accomplish our mission and survive to greet the day of revolution!" Her declaration earned a resounding cheer from the rest of Night Raid's members, except for Susanoo who merely nodded his head in agreement.
The boss of Night Raid then walked over to Naruto, "I have something to tell you. Follow me."
Needless to ask, Naruto knew exactly what the boss of Night Raid wanted to discuss with him. He closed the book and putting it into his pouch before standing up and following Najenda towards the back of the cottage.
"Huh? Where are they going?" Lubbock asked, watching Najenda leave the room with Naruto going closely behind her, and a sudden thought jumped into his mind. "He's not gonna make a move on Najenda, is he?! Or else, I'll kill him!"
"Come on Lubbock." Tatsumi said with a sigh, "He doesn't feel special for her more than a superior."
"Or rather, he might or might not have someone in his mind." Leone smirked as she playfully glanced at a certain raven-haired assassin who caught the blond woman's tease turned away with a faint flush on her cheeks.
Mine let out a huff, "Seriously, I still can't believe that idiot is able to manage to cause Akame to flip over him."
"And you're the one talking about it. Don't you like Tatsumi?" Chelsea mocked.
"Shut up, you damn hag!" Mine screamed, a red flush creeping across her face while Tatsumi looked away with embarrassment.
"Well, I wonder what they will discuss and why just two of them?" Sheele asked as she adjusted her glass.
"I think it has something to do with the scroll Naruto gave her." Chelsea spoke as she took a momentary break from teasing Mine, "It's just my idea but he's a mysterious guy with interesting abilities. Najenda told me about all of you, but everything about Naruto really gets me confused."
"He's just a dull, annoying troublemaker." Mine stated in an irritated tone, crossing her arms over her chest.
After a few moments of silence, Susanoo now spoke out, "But he's powerful. Very powerful. I don't feel he carries any Teigu with him." He said truthfully.
"Seriously!?" Chelsea exclaimed surprisingly. When she had seen Naruto call out the...green toad, she assumed he carried a Teigu that allowed him to rule and control danger beasts, and the teleportation...she only simply thought it was a trick or something...
"Naruto is the only one of us who doesn't own a Teigu until now, not including Boss." Tatsumi confirmed while staring down at his lap, "But it's not important. Even without Teigu, he is still very strong and totally on par with experienced Teigu users." He added in a serious tone.
"He is surely the strongest in Night Raid now." Lubbock remarked before he realized what he just said, "It's not like I underestimate your capabilities, Akame."
Akame only shook her head, "No, you're right, Lubbock." She admitted with the agreement, "I've worked with him many times and saw his capabilities with my own eyes. To be honest, I don't think I have any chance to defeat him even if he just uses about 40% power. His fighting abilities, skills are amazing and nearly impervious." She then glanced over her shoulder, 'He even healed my scars, but why doesn't he heal his? And his behavior at that time...'
Yep. Akame had seen Naruto's expression when he was looking at her back. Because Naruto himself had scars on his body, he shouldn't have been astonished by her ones, so the red-eyed assassin was clearly curious.
'Maybe it's for my birthmark.' Akame touched her neck softly. The birthmark which, for some reason, was on the nape of the neck since the time Akame didn't even remember and more surprisingly, Kurome had one on her nape too. Once again, remembering about her younger sister made Akame feel baffled so she shook her head to get it away from her head.
"What is it, Akame? Miss your Mr. Sunshine again~" Leone said in a playful tone.
A blush suffused her cheeks, "Leone!" Akame cried out.
"Oh come on, anybody can say there is something very good between you two!" Leone said as she wrapped her arms around the girl's shoulder, "I bet you have a great night date with him, right? You two came back to the hideout together yesterday." She stated with a crafty smirk.
"It's not a date!" Akame protested, blushing much more with embarrassment.
"Don't be shy, we're close friends. Share me some of your love story with him!" The blond woman hugged Akame from behind while the raven-haired girl tried to struggle to get away from her.
"Tch first is Tatsumi and Mine, now is Naruto and Akame... WHY IS ONLY ME SINGLE NOW!? HOW UNFAIR!" Lubbock yelled furiously as he grabbed his head. Next to him, Susanoo tilted his head in confusion while Sheele just slightly chuckled behind her book.
"Hey! Stop including me in your ridiculous stuff!" Mine yelled in protest, and Tatsumi just let out a nervous smile.
Meanwhile, Chelsea had listened to the entire exchange with piqued interest. The auburn-haired assassin rested her head on her palm as she stared at the door Naruto and Najenda had exited through.
'Well, it's unexpected. That Naruto didn't look all special, but everything they tell about him...I don't really get it. Does it really exist someone without Teigu but possibly fight back Teigu users, including the infamous Akame? Even the Empire strongest woman, Esdeath and the most notorious General, Budou also have their own Teigu...and his background...too many mysteries in here...' Rolling her tongue around the sucker in her mouth, a grin spread across Chelsea's face, 'Well I guess I'll just have to keep my eyes on him so that I can see it first hand.'
Same Time; With Naruto and Najenda.
"Alright..." Najenda said with a light sigh, slumping down into a chair. She took the scroll that Naruto gave her and put it on the table, "I have to say that I had a true surprise. While we're still preparing and plan this whole thing, you took care of everything." Taking out and lighting a cigarette, the silver hair took a quick puff, "But when, how, and why do you do that?"
"It's been a while and I have my way, Najenda. In fact, it might be a little bit difficult but luckily, everything is working out." Naruto replied as he leaned back in their chair, "At first, I didn't think Esdeath would capture me but it was also a good thing as I was able to clearly witness Jaegers for myself, and I'm glad I had the chance to watch them closely." He said, which caused Najenda to quirk an eyebrow in intrigue.
"Do you see something in them besides the fact that they're our main problem and enemies?" Najenda asked, taking another puff of her cigarette.
The young jounin mildly shook his head, "Not exactly. While I'm in the palace, I can see some of Jaegers are nice people. They just don't perceive how much the Empire is corrupted and what rulers are doing to innocent civilians, or they simply have their own reasons. It's not really difficult to persuade them to switch sides, but I don't deny it will take a while for that." Naruto admitted sincerely.
"I see." Najenda said, leaning forward in her seat, "So...who is people that you see they can change sides."
"Wave, Bols, maybe Run and...Kurome." Naruto replied, having a little nervous about the last name.
Najenda widened her eyes, "Kurome!? Do you really think she will accept to join us!? Don't forget she is trying to kill Akame!" She exclaimed in protest.
"Yeah, I know it, but it doesn't mean we can't try talking to her. She isn't really a bad person."
"Akame tried to convince her..." Naruto held his hand up, interrupting Najenda.
"I know, but it's because Kurome isn't herself." He stated as he released a tiring sigh, "I believe you know about it because you used to be a general of the Empire, enhancing drugs and brainwashing." He said dryly.
Najenda understood what Naruto was implying and nodded in sadness. That was one of the countless inhuman actions that the Empire were doing, training children into killing machine and poisoned them by disgusting suggestions, they fueled Najenda much discontent. Just looking at what Akame and her sister had gone through and suffered, and now they were on opposite sides.
"So you mean..."
"I mean...if we get rid of the drug's effect and ridiculous ideals that the Empire filled her head, it's not really impossible for us to convince Kurome to join us."
"I see. But it won't be easy as Akame tried helping her to quit drugs but Kurome's body will endure spams without them." Najenda stated grimly.
Surprisingly, the blond boy smiled at that, "Don't worry about it, I will handle that problem. All you and the others have to do now is preparing for the movements of Jaegers and the Empire. Once they get rid of most of the criminals, they will focus on Night Raid and it's time..."
"...to get into a fight between Teigu users." Najenda added in a grim tone.
The air fell into silence and became heavy. Two of them fully knew that in the battle of Teigu users, there was always someone die in the fight and Night Raid had to prepare for anything that could happen to them, including the possibility that not everyone would come back after the battle.
"...Alright, I suppose it's enough today." The silver-haired woman broke the silence, "Thank you for the information, Naruto. Although it's unexpected, I'm grateful you did it as it's a quite tough job after all."
"No problem, Najenda. I'm glad it's useful for us." Naruto replied, a smile spreading across his face.
"And one more thing..." Najenda parroted with a smirk, "You and Akame make a cute couple." She said amusingly.
Naruto's face burned bright red in embarrassment, "No! We're not...I mean.." He stuttered, and Najenda chuckled at that.
"Don't try to deny it, Naruto." The silver-haired woman said, ruffling some of his hair. "I noticed all the signs between you two. Akame looks so happy whenever she's with you, I've never really seen her like that with anyone else before as she rarely shows her emotions, but it is more routine since you joined in Night Raid."
"Well, I'm happy my presence makes her open up a little more. I'll do everything I can to ensure that you, Akame, and everyone survives this war." Naruto said in a determined tone.
"That's good. Akame is strong and skillful but in some cases, she becomes very reckless. Remember to keep your eyes on her at that time." Najenda dropped her cigarette and stomping it out, "I know you're extraordinary and I totally believe in you and your plan, but please tell me or others when you need the help or something. You're a part of our group and it makes us feel guilty if you get restless." She said with a sincere tone.
"I understood. I will ask you guys if necessary." Naruto replied with a smile.
"You're quite the odd kid, you know, Naruto." Najenda smirked, popping another cigarette into her mouth and lighting it, "But I can't shake the feeling that you're hiding something."
"Soon Najenda..." Naruto said quietly. "I'll tell you and everyone all soon."
"Alright." The woman replied, nodding her head and turning to look out a nearby window. "You're free to go, Naruto. I'll pass this scroll on to HQ when I have the chance. Oh, and don't worry, I won't tell anybody in Night Raid until you tell me."
"Thanks, Najenda, and good night." Naruto said as he exited the room. Releasing a heavy sigh, he closed the door behind him.
"Are you sure that you want to do that, kit?" Kurama asked in the mindscape.
'There's no backing out now. By the way, it's only a matter of time until they feel something off in my story, and they all deserve to know.'
"If you believe that, then we'll trust your judgement." Matatabi said and other tailed beasts voiced their agreement.
'Thanks, guys...' Naruto replied, making his way towards his room. 'Now let's get some rest. We have a lot of work to do while we're here.' He started walking back to his room. When he turned a corner in the hallway, he caught someone in front of him approaching slowly.
"Akame." Naruto mouthed as he looked at the girl.
"I suppose the discussion with Boss is done." Naruto nodded at her, "So...do you want to walk with me a little? Of course, if you feel tired, you can..."
"I'm going with you." The blond replied as he walked alongside Akame. Although he was tired a little, Naruto wanted to be with Akame. They walked in the hallway in silence for a few minutes before Akame broke it.
"What did you and boss discuss?"
"Nothing much. Just some plans for dealing with Esdeath and Jaegers in case we conflict with them."
Hearing the name of the most feared General of the Empire, Akame grimaced and her mood became a little sour, she heavily despised that woman! Not only her cruelty and savagery, but also she had kidnapped Naruto for turning him into her private toy. The red-eyed assassin gritted her teeth tightly as she recalled it. Just thinking of what Esdeath would do to Naruto if he didn't get out of the Palace made her blood boil. Akame would like nothing better than to slaughter Esdeath now, her hand squeezing Murasame, and she unexpectedly released a little killing intent.
Naruto suddenly felt a cold chill crept up his spine, raising the hair on the back of his neck. Swallowing nervously, the Konoha elite jounin stole a glance at next to him and nearly cowered in front of the evil expression on Akame's face.
'What is Akame thinking? Why does she look like she wants to kill somebody?' Naruto thought to himself, then he suddenly remembered something and turned around completely, "Akame, there is something I want to tell you." He said in a serious tone.
Akame forgot her hatred and anger for Esdeath. Instead, she looked at him with a confused expression, "Yeah?"
"It's been bugging me as I ask you for this, but...well...can you tell me a little about your family...before you came to the Empire?" He suggested as he scratched the back of his head.
The most infamous assassin widened her eyes as she looked at him. She didn't think he would ask her for that. Why did he want to know about her parent? It was not like she wanted not to tell, but her memories with them were not pretty and she didn't feel comfortable recalling them.
As if feeling her awkwardness, Naruto quickly voiced, "If you don't want to tell you don't need..."
"My family is a poor one, we lived in a village in the Outskirt of the Empire before I and Kurome were sold to the Empire by our parents." Akame spoke out, approaching to the window, "At that time, I was very young so I don't remember so much except abuses and insults which I and Kurome received from them for no reasons...at least that was what I thought at first" She talked in a heavy tone.
"What do you mean in the last part?" Naruto asked, locking his eyes with her.
Letting out a heavy sigh, Akame continued, "I don't know it's true or not, but some people in the village said that I and Kurome aren't their own child." She said, a hint of sadness in her tone, "I think it might be the reason we fell to mistreatment from our parents." She hugged herself.
Looking at her painful expression, Naruto felt a pang of guilt as he gently held her hand, "I'm sorry I make you recall bad things in your childhood." Akame slightly shook her head.
"It's okay. It's in the past. I don't think about it so much." She said quietly, before looking at him, "But why do you want to know about my family?"
For that question, Naruto became tense, and Akame didn't miss a little panic in his look. Knowing he would find some excuse to avoid answering, she quickly intercepted, "I won't let you go if you don't tell me." She said in determination as she grabbed his hand, "We're comrades and friends, right? And if it's related to my status, I want to know it, so please, Naruto." She pleaded, squeezing his hand tightly.
With her words and appealing look, Naruto felt awkward and baffled. His mind didn't stop reminding him that he would take a risk if he revealed so much, but his heart didn't want him to hide anything from her.
"...It's just my assumption." Naruto said with a sigh, "Do you have a birthmark on your nape, right?"
Akame nodded at that, "Yeah, but how do you know?" Naruto turned to flush slightly.
"When you...well...showed your scars and I...caught it at that time." The blond replied shyly, looking away in shame. In his mindscape, all tailed beasts were laughing their ass off at that.
A faint blush came across the face of the female assassin, "Oh, I-I see..." She said quietly as she looked down a little
"It's not really a birthmark." Naruto continued, his expression became serious, "It looks pretty much like a Kanji letter more than, and it may be a seal." He stated in a firm tone.
"Seal? You mean something like what you use for storing your things?" She asked.
"...Yeah, but the thing on your nape is more complicated than. From what I saw from that one, it needs an advanced sealing technique for creating it." Naruto explained as he recalled his knowledge about sealings, "And that seal, it looks like a bloodline-blocking one." He said unsurely, glancing at Akame, "Anyway, it's just a theory I don't have anything to assert it but if it is truly a seal so..." Naruto stopped, swallowing nervously, "...so it means you and your sister might indeed not be your parent's own daughters." Akame widened her eyes, "Your biological parent...they even might be from my homeland..."
The Jaegers's Base
Yawning nonchalantly, Shikamaru walked into the hallway. After comforting a certain orange head girl, he had to deal with paperwork, training with members of Jaegers though he usually played hooky,... and some reports for the Prime Minister and Saikyuu. Yeah, his mission was not only supporting the Jaegers but also watching the group and their actions. Esdeath was never the problem about the loyal for the Empire, but the Prime Minister had no trust in some subordinates and Saikyuu was not the biggest fan of Jaegers.
'Or rather, he's envious of the Jaegers' prerogative from the Emperor and the Prime Minister. He wants to use me to find mistakes and bring them down.' Shikamaru thought in boring.
"It's rare for a sleepyhead like you to wander around here at this time."
Speaking of the devil, Shikamaru sighed before turning around, "How troublesome. I can tell you the same thing...Kurome." He said lazily.
Approaching him closely, Kurome crossed her arms, "I'm used to it. Lots of mission where I was even sleepless I went through so it's not the problem."
"You mean missions you received when you were in the Dark Squad and Group of Terror ." Kurome raised her eyebrow.
"How do you know I was in the Dark Squad and Group of Terror?"
"I read files of all Jaegers members. I need to know my colleagues a little if I want to work with them effectively." Shikamaru explained.
"You read our information, but none of us is studied about you. How unfair." She said with a pout.
Shikamaru couldn't help but sweatdrop, "Why are you curious about me? After all, I'm just an unofficial member of the Jaegers. I can leave at any time."
"Eh? Really?" Kurome asked in surprise...with a bit of trepidation as she thought of the day Shikamaru didn't stay in Jaegers anymore.
"I think so." The lazy boy answered with a shrug.
Kurome let out a huff, "You're impossible."But inside, she felt a bit of relief flooding over her.
"And you're so troublesome." Kurome twitched a little
"You're asking for a fight?" She questioned as she put her hand on the hilt of her katana.
"I don't wish my troublesome death so...no thanks." He replied merely.
"Tch, it's not like I will allow you to die easily."
Shikamaru raised his eyebrow, "You have a little dark in your thoughts you know?"
"It's not the problem as long as I'm still able to fight for the Empire." Kurome then looked down, "And I can't help myself." She said quietly.
"...You know you should be off your 'cookies' and 'candies' unless you want to destroy your own health. By the way, it's not like you need them now as I can say your abilities are currently more than enough to deal with criminals or even the Revolution Army." Shikamaru stated in a serious tone.
Kurome sighed in tiredness, "I know, but I have a substance abuse problem now. If I don't get them, it will badly affect my power and sanity."
"It's not really difficult if you get it in your mind." The young man pointed out.
"It's too late for me, Shikamaru." Kurome replied with sadness, unnoticing that she called his name for the first time, "All I can do now is doing my job and managing to keep myself alive...until I can solve everything with my sister." She mumbled darkly, which sent a chill up his spine.
"Your sister?"
"The strongest killer in the capital, the Ace of Night Raid, the infamous Akame."
"No wonder you look pretty much like her." Shikamaru observed, looking thoughtful, "Are you really serious? About facing against her?" Getting a firm nod from the girl, he then frowned, "I don't know what happened between you two, but she's still your sister you know." He stated seriously.
Kurome only chuckled maliciously, "Because she's my sister, I want to kill her myself." She explained with an evil grin, "I will turn her into my puppet, and then we can be together again."
"I don't think it's something you should do." The pineapple head boy remarked, "You should think about it carefully or you will regret it then."
"It's my decision and there's nothing to be able to stop me from making us a family once again." Kurome replied, glaring dagger at him, "By the way, it's none of your business about the problem of me and my sister! You don't know anything, so don't be such a smart guy in front of me!" She spat out in bitterness and anger.
Shikamaru blinked a little before letting out a sigh, "Alright, if you say so..." He replied lamely, "...I have something to do so I'm leaving now." With that, he turned around and walked away without even looking back.
Kurome, meanwhile, was stunned. She still widened her eyes when she was looking at him until he disappeared behind the door. She wanted to go after him but she was unable to move. Unconsciously, the girl clenched her fists, closed her eyes, and she gritted her teeth in furiousness and...regret. Kurome was mostly angry at herself. She shouldn't have done that. She didn't mean any harshness to him. Shikamaru was just trying to help her. That indifferent reply and his uncaring expression...she felt hurt in her chest when she saw it in him.
"Damn it!" Kurome punched into the wall in anger.