Chapter 52

Trying to get up, Akame finally saw the end of Kurome's sword right in front of his face.

" Don't move! Answer my question ! It's an order ! "

" To do what ? " Akame asked. " You know very well the reason for my departure! The evil of the empire! I discovered it for a very long time! I even warned you! However, you never wanted to listen to me! I wanted to take you with me, but it was you who did what you wanted! "

" Lied. " Retorted his little sister, sobbing. " I know the real reason! You left without me because you found me weak and useless! Everyone always said it! All the doctors and my teachers kept telling me that I was embarrassing for you and that it was for this reason that you left me behind! "

" And did you believe them? " Akame asked him.

Suddenly, without being afraid of her sister's sword, she stood up, to stand in front of Kurome. Wanting to be convincing at first, Kurome, for some reason she didn't know, suddenly started to back off a bit, while Akame looked upset.

" Why did you prefer to believe these people, instead of your sister? I wanted to take you, I call you back! It was you who didn't want to follow me! "

" I … " Said Kurome.

" You were afraid of ending up with the Empire on your back! You were afraid of losing everything! "

" And was it not normal? " Roared Kurome. " Our parents abandoned us by finding us useless! I didn't want to relive that again! I wanted ... I just wanted ... I just wanted someone to be proud of me! I just wanted to be surrounded by people who love me! I wanted to be with you and a new real family! "

Slightly softening her gaze, Akame seemed pensive, then finally she said.

" In this case, it is not too late! "

" Hein? "

Turning to see his comrades fighting Budo and Wild Hunt, Akame noticed.

" Now whatever happens, you and your friends will be considered traitors! Stay in the capital will be impossible! In this case, Kurome…! "

Turning to her sister, she cried out.

" Join Night Raid! "

" Don't care about me. " Retorted Kurome, aiming his weapon back at Akame. " You already tried to kill me once! Admit that you want me to lower my guard to kill me more easily then! I know very well that you never loved me and that you never considered me your sister! "

Among the sounds of fighting, a slap could be heard. Head turned slightly to the side, Kurome looked dazed to have been slapped like this, while Akame roared.

" How does that '' I never loved you ''? Stop saying anything? What do you believe ? That you are the only one who has suffered for years? Do you have any idea what I have wanted to do for years that kept me from being happy? "

" What? " Kurome got angry, his hand on his cheek. " What is that ? "

Akame interrupted him again. However, she didn't have to slap her again. No, instead, Akame wrapped his arms around her, before hugging her.

" I wanted to hug you so much and tell you how much I love you! "

Then finding himself trapped, Kurome began to struggle. However, as it goes, it eventually stops.

" Kurome, I never hated you! And even if it were true that I was better than you, you would never have been an embarrassment in my eyes! No, you would have been and you will always be my little sister! "

For once, Kurome ends up dropping his sword. Then, the instant the latter fell to the ground, she ended up sobbing, while mumbling.

" Sister! "

Feeling Kurome's arms embrace him in turn, Akame said.

" Kurome, I may be as faulty as you in history! Yes, I should have persuaded you more! Allow you to know true freedom! So if you want, let's start all over, both of you! We will then be new real sisters! "

" Y… Yes! "

Getting to see them, Budo looked unhappy.

" Here then ! As I see it, some links are being created between you! "

Suddenly swinging his fist back, he crashed into Leone, who tried to attack him back. Hearing the latter then crash against a wall, Budo focused his lightning towards the two sisters.

" I don't care about your past! However, I will be generous! I will send you together to the other world! THUNDER TRIDENT'S ZEUS! "

Then forming a real point with the help of his lightning, he directed it straight towards Akame and Kurome.

" Die! "

Suddenly hitting him from below, a kick managed to touch the general's arm, redirecting his attack far too high. Dashing then, the lightning lance passed over the heads of the two sisters before hitting a roof which exploded.

" You? " Roared Budo, looking down.

Stepping back immediately, Tatsumi had her hand on the spot where Budo had hit him, and began to vomit blood. Still, standing, he dared to smile while holding his sword in his hand.

" Night Raid has only one motto: never lose in the face of injustice! Sorry, but your little flick from earlier had no effect on me! "

" Here then ? "

Suddenly raising one leg in the air, Budo managed to hit the top of Tatsumi's skull and made him sink into the asphalt.

" And kicks, it works better, perhaps? Okay, where was I? "

Preparing to turn to Akame, he was surprised to see a hand of Tatsumi start to move again.

" That … ? "

This time there was astonishment on the general's face as he saw Tatsumi get up. Feeling that his entire skeleton was destroyed, the boy made strange noises containing nothing but pain. Still, the smile on his face was still there.

" Not really ! It was just a small mosquito bite! "

This time, lightning enveloped Budo's fist, and he smashed the boy in the face, before sending him against a door. Flying apart, she let Tatsumi's body fly to the inside of the house, where it disappeared.

" Tsss! " Said Budo! " I must admit that this kid was resistant! "

" It is not finished ! "

" What? "

Coming out of the house, limping, Tatsumi could still be seen standing, despite his wounded and bloody face.

" Bordel, but are you human, you? "

" I… must… win! " Tatsumi said as he was about to pass out.

Seeing him act, Budo seemed to calm down and even dared to congratulate him.

" Frankly, what a waste! If you had been on our side, you could have been a great captain! "

" We failed me… during the registrations. " Chuckled Tatsumi, thinking back to his first day in the capital! " I had to find work elsewhere! "

" What if I now offered you a place among my elite soldiers? "

" You can still die. " Roared Tatsumi. " Only a coward would change sides to save his skin! "

Smiling then, Budo couldn't help but mumble.

" It's admirable on your part! However … ! "

Resuming his serious air, he ran towards Tatsumi, before throwing him a shower of punches.

" Since you persist in being the enemy of the people, you see me obliged to kill you! "

A punch ends up throwing Tatsumi back. Still, keeping his balance in time, he still faced Budo, while he spat a tooth out of his mouth.

" Why are you standing? "

" If they had been in my place, Schelle, Aniki, Spear and Susanoo… I know they would have fought you to the end! If I ever back away or give up in front of you, I will only humiliate their sacrifice! "

Listening to his words, Budo seemed to stop for a moment. For a very short time, the great relentless warrior that he was, had hesitated to finish this boy. Looking at the latter even brought back a distant memory in him, when he was his age.

"I… my name is Budo. " Affirmed a young soldier, making an awkward military salute. " I signed up as a soldier to bring order and justice to the country! ''

Nevertheless, eventually shaking his head, Budo regained his senses, before resuming to hit Tatsumi. Unfortunately for him, having taken advantage of this short hesitation on his part, Tatsumi had managed to tighten the handle of Incursio and had directed him towards Budo.

Having no time to counter him, the general was forced to jump back to dodge him. However, surprise could be seen on his face as he felt something run down his cheek.

Immediately running his hand over the latter, he could feel a slight tingling, while his fingers passed over the wound that had just been made and where blood was flowing.

Finding that Tatsumi had just injured him, one of the most powerful men in the empire, Budo could not hide his rage, as he turned his gaze to him.

" Small…! "

" Night Raid ... is stronger ... than you! "

" Die! " Roared the man, running towards him, charging his fist with electricity.

Hitting its target, it caused a violent explosion that surprised or frightened everyone.

" Wow, what a power! " Recognized Chelsea, while Gajeel still fought Izou.

" Tatsumi! " Hissed Lubbock, while jumping backwards to avoid Giry's acid jets.

Seeming to be perfectly calm, Najenda had her arms folded as she watched the scene from the start.

"Tatsumi, you needn't be ashamed of this defeat! You fought like a chef! So you can keep raising your head high, and let Natsu finish the job! "

Suddenly, as if chased, the smoke disappeared to make way for Budo, who seemed surprised that his fist shattered in Natsu's hand.

" What ? " The general wondered when he saw the mage in front of him, while the latter had intervened in order to save Tatsumi.

" Good job, Tatsumi. " Assured his friend. " You showed him that nobody could walk on the feet of Night Raid! You can be proud of yourself! "

" Natsu… " Tatsumi muttered, before finally dropping to the ground. " Sorry ... for being so weak! "

In response, Natsu stooped at full speed to grab him. Then he threw it up in the air and let Happy collect it.

" I have. " Assured the latter.

Doing nothing to stop him, Budo just stared at Natsu.

" You know, frankly, of all the people of Night Raid, it's you I wanted to fight at all costs! "

" Why that ? "

" Three months ago, you managed to enter the palace grounds, where you wanted to carry out an attack! For me, that Esdeath was the person who could prevent you from going further was the biggest dishonest! To redeem my honor, I will defeat you here and now! "

" Hum? " Said Natsu. " Your honor? So, is that the only thing bothering you? "

" Hein? "

" Murders are committed! Massacres are engendered! The whole country is sinking! And you ... you think only of your damn honor? "

" I don't see how that concerns you. " Replied Budo, letting the electricity appear around him. " You are nothing but a renegade! "

" And you, what a damn puppet . " Insulted Natsu, doing the same with his flames.

Motionless and yet terrifying. Here is what the other fighters thought, feeling the aura of the two opposing opponents. Exploding the ground here and there, all around him, using his lightning, Budo could have chased away any monster. However, that did nothing for Natsu, who literally overheated the air around him, so that he could have boiled all the water in a lake.

Then, after long seconds, the two adversaries ended up throwing each other.

" THUNDER TRIDENT'S ZEUS ! "

" FIRE DRAGON'S HORN ! "

Bending down in time to dodge Budo's electric attack, Natsu let himself sink, head first, towards him. Seeing him arrive, Budo positioned an arm in front of his chest in time to block it.

Once done, he raised his fist in the air before charging it with lightning. Feeling the energy of his next attack, Natsu performed a magnificent pirouette and directed his foot towards the fist of Budo.

" FIRE DRAGON'S CLAW ! "

Hitting each other then the two attacks created a new explosion, which was to move back the two adversaries. Looking at each other again, the latter only showed seriousness in their eyes. Even if this little sequence of attacks had lasted only a few seconds, it was obvious to both that the slightest mistake could cost them the victory.

" For a rebel, I must admit that you are not too bad ! "

" I return you the compliment ! For a stupid puppet, you have a lot of resources! However, … ! "

Making his body ignite, Natsu asserted.

" You are nowhere near as powerful as Laxus! "

" Oh, stop with that damn Laxus! If he is as strong as that, he has only to come see me! I'll wait for it! "

" Out of the question. " Retorted Natsu. " The one who will beat you is already in front of you! "

" Baliverne! Even if this Laxus, of which you speak is stronger than me, it is impossible that it was the same for you! "

" Oh yeah ? "

Wanting to prove he was wrong, the mage immediately ran to him.

" Idiot. " Insulted Budo, reforming a revolver with his fingers. " THUNDER GUN ! "

Thus shooting lightning bullets, he managed to touch Natsu in the chest. However, only clenching his teeth, his opponent ends up putting a foot forward before continuing his race.

" Don't make me laugh ! I already told you ! You're nothing compared to Laxus! FIRE DRAGON 'S CLAW ! "

Trying to aim at Budo's head, he unfortunately saw him lower himself, while mumbling.

" Very good ! If you want a real fight, you will have wanted it! "

Plating his two fists in front of Natsu's chest, he concentrated all his lightning there.

" THUNDER SHOCK ! "

At that moment, it was as if Natsu's heart had been crossed by an electric lance. Blasted on the spot, Natsu then had his retinas become completely white, while he remained open mouth.

" Natsu. " Cried his friends, seeing him thus.

Pain lost. Even though the boy was still standing, it was clear that the electric shock had completely knocked him down.

" Grrr! Fool. " Insulted Gajeel.

Then kicking Izou, to make him back off, he ran straight towards Budo, in order to fight against him. Pain lost, hardly he took a step back that Izou followed him before pretending to cut him. Forced to stop to stop his attack, Gajeel roared.

" You're worse than chewing gum! "

" When I have a real opponent within my reach, I won't let him run away under any circumstances! "

" It's time to be done with you! " Budo noted, taking a step towards Natsu.

However, putting his hand at the level of his head, he managed to stop a mechanical fist which had been propelled towards him. Then crushing it between his fingers, the general turned his head to the side, to see Najenda.

" Here then ! The leader of Night Raid, in person! It's been a while ! "

" Without offending you, I didn't come here to see you specially! " Said Najenda, while rewinding the cable, to bring her arm back to her.

Throwing the latter, Budo let her do it, while affirming.

" Honestly, I'm surprised to see you here! It has been just over a week since your fight against Esdeath! Was your defeat not enough to make you understand that you can do nothing, facing us! "

" To be sincere, I intended to give up! Nevertheless, my comrades found this idea ridiculous! We have gone too far to drop everything now! And Natsu is the first to think so! "

" Hum? This child ? " Budo asked, pointing to Natsu. " Sorry, but he's nothing more than a half-dead guy! He can do nothing against us! "

" Don't underestimate him! Fairy Tail is more formidable than Night Raid! "

" Fairy Tail ? "

A groan was suddenly heard, behind his back. Turning around, he was speechless, distinguishing Natsu from taking a step, despite the fact that his body was completely damaged.

" Hum? Can he still walk? "

Still, stopping at this moment, Natsu felt his cheeks swell, before finally vomiting blood.

" Natsu. " Happy horrified, seeing his friend being the victim of an internal hemorrhage.

" Impossible. " Cried Leone. " Didn't Budo's attack move the iron shine he had in the heart? "

Injured or not, Natsu's state did not pity Budo, who started walking towards him again.

" You really start to entrust me! I'm going to finish with you right away! "

Swinging his fist in the direction of the mage's head, he saw the latter's face move aside, while one of his fists caught fire. As a result, after a perfect dodge, Natsu then finally struck Budo in the head.

" AHHHHHH! " Roared Budo, placing his hands on his face. " Dirty brat! "

" I am ... I am ... I am the son of Ignir, the proud fiery dragon! "

Straightening his gaze, Natsu then roared.

" You can never defeat me! "

In response, Budo crushed his fist against Natsu's face.

" It's you who is weak! "

Imitating him, Natsu hit him again. Then Budo started again. In a few seconds, hitting each other with great punches, the two men fought like real warriors.

However, after this exchange, Budo eventually takes a step back, before creating propellants with his lightning. Floating, thus in the air, it gained altitude.

" Where… where do you think you are going? " Asked Natsu, taking a step forward.

Deprived of his strength, he was dizzy, and put his knee on the ground.

" Impossible ! I have no more energy! "

" Natsu. " Suddenly someone called him.

Looking up, the mage could see Bols in front of him, armed with Rubicante.

" Small gift from me! "

Activating his flame thrower, Bols surprised his comrades, while the flames quickly engulfed Natsu.

" Bols? " Wave wondered.

" Ha ha. " Then sneered Syura. " I don't know why he did this, but this fool just took a nice thorn from our feet ! "

However, his smile disappeared, the instant he saw the other members of Night Raid start to smile. They were not afraid at all. They even seemed relieved.

" That … ? "

Then comes the strange noise of a hickey. Sucking in the flames like a spaghetti platter, Natsu quickly got to his feet.

" How is it possible ? " Frightened Champ.

" Oh, decidedly, Night Raid has not finished surprising me! " Run said, with a small smile.

Watching the scene too, Budo eventually stopped his ascent, before charging his lightning in a next overpowered attack. Now he was sure. To destroy Natsu, he was going to have to use all of his power.

" You wish, Salamander! I will disintegrate you on the spot! "

Finishing to eat, Natsu felt part of his strength return. True, his wounds were far from healed. However, now he had the strength to attack again.

" It's you who will disappear from my sight! " FIRE DRAGON'S… "

" ADVENT OF THUNDER…! "

" … ROAR ! " Roared Natsu, throwing a gigantic pillar of fire.

" ... EMPEROR ! " Imitated Budo, while concentrating each flash of this lightning rain, in an enormous sphere, which he then threw on Natsu.

Quickly traversing the distance between them, the two attacks ended up hitting each other in a noise of total chaos. Creating a shock wave, they literally made the other fighters back off, while the heat of the place only increased, as did static electricity. Making a flash game, the two attacks continued to repel the other, before returning to their original location.

Howling to destroy their lungs, Budo and Natsu did their best to gain the advantage over the other.

Then, finally, eventually crossing Natsu's flames, Budo's attack took over and rushed straight at him. Seeing her arriving, Natsu tried to increase the intensity of his attack, but it was then that he stopped attacking, before placing his hand at the location of his heart. As Najenda had thought, Budo's attack had pushed the shard of metal deeper into his heart, endangering the life of the mage.

" Natsu! "

" It's finish ! I'm the one who's going to win! "

" No way. " Roared two voices.

Positioning themselves before Natsu, Gajeel and Mine quickly made a counterattack. Thus, a powerful laser beam, as well as an '' IRON DRAGON'S ROAR '' combined between them, before striking the attack of Budo. Stopping the latter, they even eventually disintegrate, creating a violent explosion.

So, whether it was Night Raid Jaegers Wild Hunt and even Budo, everyone was thrown back, for lack of being powerful enough to resist this power.

And when the explosion was over, Syura quickly noticed that he was surrounded by his comrades, while Night Raid and Jaegers found themselves in front of them.

" What… what a power. " Wave noticed, feeling his hands start to tremble.

"And that I could have a chance to compete with these people ?"

Suddenly landing gracefully, Budo stared at his enemies, while declaring.

" Sign up, right away! Anyway, I still don't see why you are trying so hard to stand up to us! "

" Shut up. " Suddenly roared Natsu.

Spitting blood again, he looked at Budo as he said.

" You can not understand ! In my world, I too must represent the law! And it's because I'm part of Fairy Tail! My friends and I accept small jobs devoted to improving the lives of citizens for money! But we will never do anything that could lead to the ascent of someone with ill will! So I don't see why I will allow this damn minister to take full power here! And you, the lightning guy, is that really what you want? "

" I don't care about your opinion! " Said Budo, starting to aim at him for another attack.

" Do not care about me! It is to let a guy like him become the new emperor that you decided to join the army! Are you really satisfied with this situation? Is this really the empire you want to found? Is this really the world you want to live in? "

Suddenly appearing to stop, Budo continued to target the mage, however.

" Sh ... Shut up! "

Then suddenly the Prime Minister's thoughts filled his head, making him angry. Yes, it was because of him that the empire changed, badly. Budo had known the parents of the emperor, and knew perfectly well what good was. He had even respected these two people to the point that he had hoped that Makoto could become like them.

However, today he knew it was impossible. Whether he hid it or not, he knew perfectly well that the emperor could never become a man as good as his father.

" We, Night Raid and Fairy Tail, we fight for justice. "Natsu told him. " The truth ! And you, what cause are you fighting for? The cause of good or the cause of evil? "

"What cause ...?"

" But are you going to close it ? " Syura ordered him. " Do you realize that you are talking about my father? The more you speak badly of him, the longer will be your hours of torture, as well as the public execution that I…! "

Suddenly silent, he was surprised to see Budo suddenly lower his arms. Then, turning around, the general mumbled.

" Ten seconds! "

" Hein? "

" I will give you ten seconds to clear! Do it before I change my mind! "

" What ? " Wondered the members of Wild Hunt.

" He… He lets us go? " Lubbock wondered.

Knowing Budo's character very well, and knowing that he was far from being a man attacking in the back, Najenda immediately ordered.

" Everyone, withdraw! Quickly ! We must leave quickly! "

Looking at each other, each of his comrades seemed undecided. But, finally, seizing Tatsumi, Leone followed her, imitated by Chelsea and Lubbock. Seeing them go, Run said.

" Wave, we must leave too! We hardly make the weight in front of him! "

" But … ? And the city? "

" We will come back later. " Swore his friend. " When we are stronger! "

Finally nodding at his face, Wave then rushed to run towards his injured friends before taking Seryu between his arms. Then, trying to find a way to take Wendy too, he was surprised to see Gajeel take it.

" Hey, but what are you doing? "

" There firm ! Wendy is our comrade ! "

" Co ... Comrade? "

" Kije! Log! Come ! " Bols ordered them, while taking them in his arms.

" But, Bols ...? " Said his wife.

" You are no longer safe here! " Roared the man, glaring at Wild Hunt.

Seeing as for her, Akame pretend to leave, Kurome remained on the spot, while stretching his arm somewhat in front of her.

" Sis… Sister? "

Then turning around, Akame quickly grabbed his hand to force her to follow.

" You come too, Kurome! This time, I will stay by your side! "

Hearing them leave one by one, Budo ends up getting angry, however, when he sees Natsu staying in place. Looking at him, too, the mage ends up smiling, while affirming.

" In fact, you're not that mean! "

Annoyed, Budo flashed a flash, which fell a few inches from Natsu, which frightened the latter.

" Don't imagine anything! The next time I see you, I will kill you all, until the last one! Get out of my sight! "

Not being repeated, Natsu quickly left before jumping to let Happy take him flying.

" Hey, what does that mean? " Roared Giry. "Are you friends with Night Raid ? "

" It is unacceptable. " Affirmed Syura. " Know that my father will quickly know about the traitor that you ...! "

Grabbing him again around the neck, Budo squeezed his grip so tight that he almost strangled the man.

" You have nothing to say to me ! If I remember correctly, you are the cause of the Jaegers' resignation! If you hadn't been an idiot, this mess would never have happened! But you know exactly what that means, right? Esdeath will necessarily be aware of what has happened! You are the person who tried to kill his men and you openly declared war on him! "

Having forgotten the latter, the boy then stopped struggling, while he could not help showing real fear in his eyes.

Seeing the latter, Budo suddenly let go, while affirming.

" I can make sure to hide the truth about your actions! In exchange, just forget what you just saw! "

" What? " Wondered Giry and Champ.

" And above all, never forget one thing…! "

Spurting lightning from his hand, he said.

" Except Esdeath, no person of this kingdom is able to kill me, including you! So I hope that our "agreement" can be maintained! "