A top the ship known as the Ryuusen, a battle raged between three key factions who's actions will decide the fate of the Empire: The private covert ops squad known as Clockwork, the Revolutionary Army's cover assassination group Night Raid, and Esdeath's private army known as the Three Beasts.

So far, one of the Beast have been brutally slain while another temporarily knocked out of commission. Now, Bulat of Night Raid, Raryu of Clockwork, and Liver of the Three Beast stare one another down.

The ominous calm before the storm. Who will survive this epic showdown?


Aboard the Ryuusen.

"So one of the barbarians Master Esdeath let free has come to enact his revenge." Liver said as he started to approached his opponents. He stopped a few feet from both Raryu and Bulat. Liver's gaze turned toward the latter.

"And what a surprise to see you like this Bulat. I see that you still have Incursio after all these years."

Bulat's eyes widened as he finally recognized who was standing before him.

"It's you. General Liver."

"It's former general actually. Ever since I pledged my undying loyalty to Master Esdeath, I have become her devoted servant."

The three stood in silence for a few moments.

"If things were different, I would be drinking a toast to our reunion. Since they're not, I'm going to have to kill you." Balat said as he whirled his spear around. "The mission comes first!"

"I couldn't say it any better myself." Liver replied as he ripped the glove off his right hand. He extended it out, revealing a dragon shaped ring. "General Esdeath's wishes shall be realized, and to insure that I am successful, she has given me this Imperial Arms!"

As the formal general spoke, large bodies of water sprung out and danced as if they were alive.

Unphased by the clearly unnatural act, Raryu took a step forward.

"Imperial Arms or not, nothing will save you from my vengeance." He said bluntly before whirling his spear around. "Prepare yourself."

The three powerful fighters held their ground, waiting for the other to make the first move.


Elsewhere, in the Imperial Capital.

General Esdeath sat on a bench outside a simple dessert shop. She licked on an ice cream cone she ordered a shot time ago in mix disappointment.

Originally, she only revealed herself in such a vulnerable state to bait a gang of assassins she recently been tasted with erasing: The group known as Night Raid.

Up until a few minutes ago, Esdeath though that one of the members would've taken the bait, as she sensed a hostile aura following her for sometime. That aura, or rather the person it belonged to was long gone now.

Clearly, these assassins were smarter than she thought, but it would only be boring if they didn't present any sort of challenge.

"Stopping to enjoy the pleasantries are we?" A familiar voice called out to her. She looked at the source and smiled. It was her 'brother' Fuyu.

"What's wrong with enjoying the simple things in life?"

That got a chuckle out of the Chairmen. "Nothing at all." He gestured his hand to an empty spot on the bench. "May I?"

Esdeath smirked in response. "You would even if I said no."

"That maybe true," Fuyu said as he approached the bench. He whirled around and sat with a smile. "But it's only polite to ask first."

Esdeath let out a snort. "My brother, always one to give me a good laugh."

"What can I say? I would've made quite the comedian."

"Perhaps."

The two fell silent for a few moments.

"Would you like one of these ice creams?" Esdeath said casually. "They're actually quite good." She smiled. "My treat of course."

"Heh, how can I pass up such a generous offer?"

Esdeath called for the owner or some worker from the shop, soon after he gave Fuyu an ice cream cone.

He took a lick, and savored the wondrous flavor.

"So what brings you out here?" Esdeath finally asked the question that was on her mind. "Its rare for you to leave the palace anymore."

Fuyu took a breath before answering. "Just out for a stroll. Seeing the sights." He looked at his 'sister'. "Nice change of pace from the stuffy halls and overwhelming idiocy of the bureaucrats."

Esdeath smirked. "Look who's enjoying the pleasantries now." She crossed one of her legs. "If you're truly feel that way, why don't you return to the military? I'd be more than willing to talk to the Prime Minister if you wish."

Fuyu let out a single laugh. "You're still bringing that up? Thanks but I have to decline." He took another lick of his ice cream. "Besides, who else could keep the Minister's political enemies in line as effectively as I?"

"That's too bad." Esdeath said with a shrug. "I here I was hoping we could strike fear into the hearts of our enemies like the old days."

"The two of us decimated entire armies by ourselves. No one could touch us." Fuyu closed his eyes. "Those were grand times."

The two fell silent once more. After a few moments, Fuyu broke the lasting silence.

"Your Three Beast are out hunting this...Night Raid I've heard so much about?"

Esdeath replied with a casual nod. "I've given them the task of drawing them out and executing as many as possible."

"It would be a shame if anything were to happen to them."

"If they die, then they are weak. Only the strong survive in this world."

Fuyu smiled. "Thus the famous view of life of our late chieftain."

The two fell silent after that, not cause of the awkward note on Esdeath's father but because there was nothing more to say on the matter.

At that point, the Chairmen of the Senate sat up. "I best be going. I wish you good day sister."

He took a few steps away from the bench before turning back around. "Oh, and thanks for the ice cream."


Bulat and Raryu held their fighting stance, awaiting for the former General Liver's attack. No doubt the latter was debating on which opponent to strike at first.

Underneath that armor, Bulat kept an eye on Raryu.

The tribesmen had clearly stated he was here to enact revenge on everyone responsible for the destruction of his tribe, but that only made him an ally of circumstance at best.

After all, for this man to be aboard this ship and even knowing that the Three Beasts were targeting bureaucrats meant that he wasn't alone.

Just how many other people with this guy? Sure, over the years Esdeath made quite the number of enemies but very few would have the audacity to strike back at her in such an organized way.

Well not really organized in this case more like countering her movements but still. It didn't change the fact that there were too many unknowns about this guy and who he was working with.

For now, Bulat decided to take a gamble.

"Mind if I get the first crack at him?" He said without moving his gaze from his former superior. "I have a score to settle with this old friend of mine."

Raryu eyed Bulat for the briefest of moments. "I know of your history with this man, Bulat." He said bluntly. "Known as the Hundred Man Slayer, you and Former General Liver worked side by side during the war with the Southern Tribes."

"So you know about me? Well isn't that flattering." Bulat tightened his grip around his spear. 'So he knows what we did. I don't know the relationship between the South and West Tribes but that might make him an enemy.'

"Before you draw any conclusions, I'll have you know that the Ban Tribe had no relationships what-so-ever with the Southern Tribes." Raryu said, as if reading Bulat's mind. "That along with the fact that you worked with my prey before he was conscripted by Esdeath means that I harbor no ill will towards you."

A half smile formed on the giant's face. "In fact, it make me rather curious of your strength."

The tribesmen twirled his spear and slammed the butt of it on the ground.

"As such I will allow this request, but know that if I believe you are having difficulty with him I will step it."

"Heh, how very generous." Bulat focused on his old friend. 'I have to end this fast.' He thought.

The tribesmen looked at the armored Bulat beside him. "Be sure not to disappoint."

"Oh yeah? Watch this." Bulat stepped forward. Liver focused his eyes on his old friend while keeping the tribesmen within his view.

"So you mean to fight me one at a time?" Liver crossed his arms. "Unwise and foolish, but honorable."

"What can I say?" Bulat settled in a fighting stance. "I like to settle the score between us."

Liver chuckled. "Since I know all about Incursio, it is only fair I enlighten you about my own Imperial Arms."

He extended the ring on his finger once more. "The Black Marlin: This ring was crafted from the organs from Water type Danger Beasts. As such, its user can freely control water."

Liver smiled wickedly. "As you should have pieced together by now, it is rather fortunate that we should be fighting in a place such as this."

Unphased by the simple scare tactic, Bulat decided to tease his former ally.

"So you fight with water now?" He replied. "Rather convenient that your boss is an ice user."

Liver frowned. "Master Esdeath can manipulate ice from thin air while I have to rely on liquids around my surroundings to control. Do not compare me to her."

He clenched his fist before throwing his arms to his sides.

"She is a god!"

"A god of death perhaps." Raryu muttered.

A moment later, several streams of water rushed towards Bulat.

"Water Cannon Missile!" Liver shouted.

"Heh, touchy."

Bulat said as he quickly moved his spear in front of him and began spinning it around at an alarming speed. The streams of water collided with the spear and were brushed off easily by Bulat's twirling spear.


The third member of Esdeath's three beasts; a twisted shota named Nyau, finally started to move after being smashed into a pile of crates.

"Damn it." He muttered, grasping his still aching head. He looked at Bulat, that latter still deflecting Liver's Water Cannon Missile attack. "That guy's the second strongest person I know but since we're surrounded by water I'm sure Liver can beat him."

He sat up and held up his own Imperial Arms: a flute like weapon known as Scream. "But I should back him up just in case-"

"Like hell you will!"

Nyau looked up and saw a flying Tatsumi falling straight towards him. Quickly, Nyau raised his Imperial Arms overhead and caught Tatsumi's opening attack.

"You guys are freakin crazy if you think I'm just gonna sit back and let you gang up on my friend!"

"You in the way!" Nyau pushed Tatsumi back, causing the latter to land a few feet away.

Nyau crouched down and got on all four. He pounced forward like an animal attacking its prey.

"You Night Raid guys are so annoying!"

Nyau quickly closed the gap between them and began to pound his Imperial Arms against Tatsumi's sword.

Tatsumi managed to withstand each of the blows and once he seen an opening, went for a counter strike.

The newest member of Night Raid swung his sword, aiming it at Nyau's chest. The shota saw the attack coming and somersaulted over Tatsumi. Upside down, Nyau smiled as he prepared to attack his opponents open flank.

"Too eas-"

"Tempest Swirl!"

At that moment, a green whirlwind hit the demented shota, sending him tumbling end over end on the ship's deck.

Tatsumi spun around, looking first at the collapsed Nyau, then in the direction the whirlwind originated from.

Standing there was a boy almost as old as Tatsumi wielding a set of twin blades. The boy had short grayish blond hair and wore a green hoody, black puffy pants, black slip on shoes and had white bandages wrapped around his lower arms and legs.

His outfit simply screamed foreigner and yet he looked like he was from this area.

The most alarming feature of all was his yellow snake like eyes.

The young teenager walked towards him, stopping besides the large tribesmen.

Neither one looked at the other as they spoke.

"I was bored so I decided to come out and play." The forward said sarcastically. "I'll handle the devil child over there if you don't mind."

"Fine." Raryu replied as he crossed his arms. "As long as he dies, that's all that matters."

"Understood." The teenager continued his march towards Tatsumi. He stopped when he was directly in front of Tatsumi. He looked at the latter and gave a half-smile.

"I'll be cutting in now, but you can still fight him if you want. Just don't blame me if you get killed."

Tatsumi paused for a moment before smirking in response. "Like I'd get myself killed when Bro is watching."

The teen closed his eyes and laughed. "I like your attitude." He leaned one of his twin swords on his shoulder. "The name's Serpentine."

"Tatsumi-"

Nyau rushed at the two, focusing more on his newest opponent than his first. He raised his Scream up in the air and brought it down hard. Without even acknowledging the latter's presence, Serpentine raised one of his swords and blocked the attack.

"Tatsumi eh?" He said, still ignoring Nyau's attack. "Not a bad name for a kid."

"Who you calling a kid!" Tatsumi pointed his finger at Serpentine. "You're younger than me!"

Serpentine closed his eyes and grinned his teeth in a smile. "Oh please, I'm hundreds of years older than yo-"

"-HEY! Did you forget about me?!"

Serpentine frowned as he reopened his eyes. He looked at Nyau. "That was rude. We were in the middle of a conversation."

"We're in the middle of a fight bastard!" Nyau shouted. "If you wanted to talk you shouldn't have butted in like that!"

Serpentine shook his head in disappointment. "Clearly you know nothing about edict."

A gust of wind blew Nyau back. Surprised, he was nearly caught off guard by Serpentine's next attack.

"I'll just have to teach you!"

He sliced at open air as Nyau barely dodged, he moved around to the side and lauched a volley of attacks. Serpentine deflected them all with his swords.

"Tatsumi~" He half sung in between blows. "Anytime you're ready~"

Tatsumi let out a battle cry as he rushed Nyau. The latter clenched his teeth as he spun around. The two clashed, matching blow for blow.

'This guy might be fast.' Tatsumi gave his next blow all he had. "But Akame's faster!" He shouted as he pushed Nyau back several feet.

"Don't you compare me to some assassin!"

Serpentine appeared behind Nyau, blades ready to strike.

"You're right, cause an assassin wouldn't let their guard down." He said with a tone so calm it sent a wave of fear straight through his opponent.

SLIIICEEE!

Nyau flipped away as pieces of his jacket came flying off.

Serpentine let out a breath and relaxed his stance. He smiled at Nyau. "Impressive, I didn't think you could dodge that."

The latter wiped a drop of sweat off his face before replying. "Don't underestimate my speed, I'm way faster than I look."

"Oh?" Serpentine released his grip on his twin swords, but instead of falling to the floor they simply hovered there.

"You might be fast," He said as the twin swords began to spin round and round, slowly at first but gradually faster and faster.

"But are you faster than the wind?"


Liver looked down at Bulat, the latter held his ground. Before him was a giant serpent made of water and Liver rode on top of it.

"The water pressure from this next attack will destroy you." Liver said before throwing his right hand forward. "Say goodbye Bulat!"

He jumped off the water snake, a moment after it rushed towards Bulat. "Snake of the Abyss!"

The liquid serpent was mere inches away when Bulat made his move. He jumped up, aiming his spear towards the center of the snake. With some effort, he cut the serpent in two.

He looked up at his opponent, the two only a feet or so away from the other.

Liver chuckled to himself. "It seems I was correct in assuming you would attack the serpent head on instead of dodging it." He paused for a moment before continuing. "You knew that that if I destroyed this ship all the people on board would perish, including the politician you're here to protect."

"Now that you're hovering in midair, your chances of dodging this next attack are slim at best!"

Pillars of water formed out of the ocean and rushed towards Bulat. Unable to dodge, or much else for that matter, each pillar of water hit Bulat square in his backside.

"Dark Dragon Spears!"

The force of the blow sent Bulat flying past Liver as well as shatter most of his armored face mask.

The water dissipated, allowing Bulat to fall to the down. He half turned towards the deck, staring at his opponent.

"It takes more than a splash of water, to extinguish the fire burning in my soul!"

By the time Bulat started to fall, Liver had already landed on the deck. He looked up as the forward yelled to him.

"But of course, I know better than to think such a simple strike would finish you off." Liver said. "We fought side by side so many times after all. You and I know each others strengths and weaknesses better than anyone else."

He extended his right hand outward, slowly pointing it towards Bulat. The Black Marlin began to glow a dark blue as it moved towards its intended target.

"Which is exactly why I want to finish you off with my ultimate attack. You deserve nothing less, my old friend."

"Water Dragon Heav-"

Raryu's spear grazed Liver's cheek, diverting his attention.

With the latter's focus now on the tribesmen, Bulat landed safely on the deck. He panted, looking at Raryu whom had probably just saved his life.

"Take a breather Bulat," The Ban survivor said without as much as a glance. "It's my turn."

"Very well then." Liver raised his hand up to his check. Wiping the blood flowing from his newly gained cut. "While I recognize your strength, you are rather foolish if you think you can defeat me without an Imperial Arm."

"He's right." Bulat said between breaths. "Without an Imperial Arm, you can't defeat him."

"His fellow companion had an Imperial Arm, and I dispensed with him easily."

"Only cause you caught him off guard."

"Even so." Raryu began to walk towards Liver. "I must."

Bulat started to get up, determined to help this man who was walking into a meat grinder.

"Listen! You can't win withou-"

"You're wrong." Raryu stopped, turning his head back to Bulat. "Besides, you almost at your limit."

As the tribesman said that, the Incursio armor vanished into thin air. That last attack must have done a greater deal to him than he thought.

Raryu turned his head back around. "You have done well, Bulat. Now watch how a warrior from the Ban tribe fights."

He clenched his fists, staring at his opponent with such intensity that its was almost palpable. The two locked eyes with each other, waiting for the other to make the first move.

Suddenly, Liver threw his right hand forward. "Water Cannon Missile!"

Streams of water flew towards Raryu, the latter threw his arms forward and blocked the attack.

When they made contact, the force of the blow pushed Raryu a few inches back.

Liver laughed at his struggle. "What can a barbarian without an Imperial Arm do against me?"

Raryu held his ground. He roared a battle cry. "I'll show you!"

He took one step forward, then another and another. Slow, he regained his lost ground and pressed forward.

Liver's eyes widened, as did Bulat's.

"How is this possible?!" Liver shouted. "No human being can withstand this kind of pressure!"

Raryu continued to press forward, forcing Liver's hand.

"Find then." His clenched his right hand. Even larger pillars of water emerged from the surrounding ocean.

"Dark Dragon Spears!"

This attack his Raryu on his sides, stopping his advance.

The latter ginned his teeth. Struggling to hold his footing.

"Such stubbornness." Liver said bluntly. "But you can only hold out for so long."

Slowly, Raryu was pushed back once more. Veins popped out all around his body as gathered his strength.

"This is not the end!" He yelled before doing the impossible.

With a roar, Raryu lowered his arms and charged forward as if there wasn't any water pressure there in the first place. Now exposed, his body suffered the full might of Liver's attacks, but the tribesmen somehow ignored it. Shutting out all pain as he ran threw the water pillars.

"What?!" Liver yelled, he couldn't believe it. How was this possible!? No mere mortal should be capable of what he was witnessing!

He commanded more of the surrounding waters to assault the tribesmen, but this proved fruitless as he just kept coming.

Finally, Raryu broke through the pillars of water. His was bruised, blackened and bleeding, there was no way he could have survived all that and still be standing!

Yet here he came running, raising his fist at a petrified Liver who just couldn't comprehend how such a person existed. And this man was of the Ban Tribe! The very tribe he, his fellow Three Beasts and Master Esdeath destroyed a few years back!

How could a man -a barbarian- improve this much in such a short amount of time?! Or was he like this since back then?! If so why in god's name couldn't he remember this man?!

The gap closed between them, the tribesmen now towering over the former general.

As Raryu swung his fist down Liver could only stare at the man and wonder how could General Esdeath allow such a monster to exist.


Nyau panted as he struggled to stay on two feet. His black jacket in complete shreds thanks to Serpentine's unrelenting attacks. Somehow, this teenage boy had such a mastery over manipulating the wind that he had to be an Imperial Arms user.

He thought that his opponent's twin swords where his Imperial Arms, but that came into question as they now flew at him from every angle.

If they were this boy's Imperial Arms than that meant he didn't need to physically hold them to utilize it's powers, if they weren't than that meant his Imperial Arm was hidden somewhere on his body.

Either possibility was bad news for him.

He was lucky he only got away with scratches and torn up cloths.

The twin blades spun back into the hands of Serpentine. Nyau noted that this happened ever 5 minutes or so. Meaning that there was a time limit to his attack. He could've and would have taken advantage of it were it not for the other annoyance.

"Tatsumi, get ready!" Serpentine called out to the assassin.

The eager teenager gripped onto his sword. "Do it!"

Serpentine extended his swords out toward his opponent. He crossed the blades, a moment later they glowed with a light green.

"Tempest Slash!"

He swung both sword forward, unleashing an X shaped wave of green energy. It rushed towards Nyau at a breathtaking speed.

The latter jumped out the way, saving all but his left leg to the attack. Nyau rolled on the deck, stopping after a few moments. He tired to get up, but his leg didn't respond.

The shota looked down to see his leg horribly cut up to the point that he seen white bits of bone.

"Now Tatsumi!"

Nyau's eyes widened as he looked at the charging figure of Tatsumi. The latter held his sword above his head, poised to swing it down and cut the young killer in two.

Moments from his end, Nyau tried to bring his Imperial Arms up to block the attack. It was only a futile effort as he wouldn't make it in time.

Pwesh!

A pillar of water hit Tatsumi square in his back. He fell, screaming in pain. The young assassin caught himself before his face hit the deck, he coughed spitting up blood.

Nyau smiled, looking at his comrade who just saved his life.

His eyes widen once more as he seen what it cost in return.

"LIVER!"


Moments earlier...

Former General Liver stood paralyzed in fear. Out of all the opponents he fought, this one was truly a devil. Not matter what he thrown at him, no matter what he'd do to him now, this barbarian would just take it and keep coming for more.

Liver had seen many horrors through war, many things that made men lose their minds and more. Yet, none of that affected him as much as he witnessed in others. Maybe it was due to Bulat being at his side back then, but still.

This was different.

This man-no this monster was the only opponent who scared him. Now he knew how his men truly felt when they were faced with an enemy about to take their life and there wasn't a damn thing they could do to stop it.

Raryu's fist started to come at him, and yet it was moving quite slowly. As if time had slowed to allow Liver a few moments to admire and reflect upon his life before it came to an end.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw something. Liver turned his head and saw his younger companion about to be cut down by that young teenage boy Bulat brought with him.

His mind raced, both of them where about to be taken out. They would fail Master Esdeath.

The very thought send a wave of reality back to the fearful man. It only took a moment for him to realize what he had to do.

As quick as he could, Liver held his right hand out towards Tatsumi sending a pillar of water rushing towards the young man.

The loyal servant closed his eyes. 'I leave the rest to you Nyau.'

Finally, the long awaited blow from Raryu's fist made contact and then everything went black.


Liver flew into the wall at an alarming speed. His body impacted off the surface before he bounced onto the ground.

"LIVER!" Nyau yelled.

Raryu walked toward the collapsed form of Liver.

"I commend you for rescuing you comrade, but that move just cost you the battle." He stopped a few feet from the man. "Though I doubt you could have done anything to defeat me."

He looked toward the only surviving member of the Three Beasts. The later eyes shook in a mix of fear and hate.

Raryu took a step towards the shota. "Only one left."

Then, he felt something grab at his feet. Raryu looked down at a still alive Liver. The man coughed up blood as he reached for something in his pocket.

"I'm...still alive."

Raryu stared at his prey unemotionally. "So you are." He turn back around. "That will soon change."

Liver let out a weak laugh. "That...it will." He stabbed himself with an injection of some sort. Then, much to everyone's surprise, Liver managed to stand up with little difficulty.

"A little enhancement I had saved just in case." He said as blood trailed out of his mouth.

Raryu closed his eyes. "It won't save you."

Liver smiled. "Your right, it won't." He drew out a sword. "But enhancing my strength isn't the only thing this drug does."

Raryu opened his eyes as Liver cut his left arm off. Blood spewed everywhere as the man dropped his sword.

Bulat, Tatsumi and Nyau gasped at the drastic move.

"What are you planing?" Raryu asked bluntly.

Liver smiled, he held out his right arm.

"Secret Move: Blood Blade Decapitation!"

Liver's blood became solid then flew towards Raryu.

At this close a range, the giant tribesmen hand little chance to dodge any of the incoming attacks. They pierced his body, mostly his arms and upper chest, but nothing fatal.

Liver smirked wickedly as he fell to his knees. "That drug also doubles as a deadly poison. No matter how strong you are, you can't survive it once its in your blood."

He looked at the deck floor, it was stained with his own blood. Even though he was dying, he felt nothing but joy at taking such a deadly foe with him. "I'll take you with me."

Raryu stared at the man for a few moments. "No, you die alone."

Liver looked up, his joy turned to fear. 'There was no way, he has to be lying.' Liver thought to himself.

Raryu knelt down and placed his head near the man's ear. He whispered something so low no one but those two could hear.

Liver's eyes widened in disbelieve for a moment, then glittered with realization and a hint of sadness.

"I see...No wonder why...I couldn't..."

Liver's head slumped on Raryu's shoulder, his eyes losing light. With the last of his strength, he looked at his old friend Bulat. The latter stared back with a look that almost seemed like regret.

'It's a shame. That we couldn't settle things between us.'

Liver thought as he closed his eyes for the last time.

Raryu wrapped his right hand around Liver's back, giving his prey a sort of hug before gently placing his body on the deck floor.

The Ban tribesmen stared at his fallen opponent for a few moments before turning towards Bulat. He moved towards the later.

He stopped almost directly in front of the Night Raid member. "Told you I would win."

Bulat had his mouth open in shock. Sure he seen some pretty incredible things in his life but this was pretty up there. Finally, he managed to break out of his shock.

"Man, I never seen someone like you. How can you be that strong without an Imperial Arm?"

Raryu looked away from Bulat, focusing on his comrade Serpentine. The latter was carrying a wounded Tatsumi over to them.

"It's a secret." Raryu said with a half-smile.

Bulat turned his head towards the two approaching. He waited till they were closer before speaking.

"How you holding up Tatsumi?"

Tatsumi gave a half-smile. "Well, my insides ache like hell but I'm alright."

Bulat smirked. "Well that's good. You held up well considering you don't have an Imperial Arms."

"That's nothing compared to what the big guy here did."

Raryu closed his eyes. "That's not true. You have only a fraction of my combat experience and survived a battle against three powerful Imperial Arms users." He opened his eyes once more. "That is quite remarkable for someone so young."

The mood was broken by the sudden arrival of a familiar musical sound. Everyone turned to the last of the Three Beasts. Nyau was still kneeling on his good leg, but the latter knew it wouldn't matter in a moment.

Serpentine was the first to speak. "I was wondering when he'd try something."

Then, Nyau grew twice his size, bulking up to rival Raryu's body. Nyau stood on both legs, and while his left leg was still cut and bleeding his Imperial Arms allowed him to ignore the pain for a time.

"My Imperial Arm can do much more that put people to sleep." He said in a new, deeper sounding voice. "It can do all types of things like transform me into a giant hulk to tear you all to pieces!"

He cracked his neck back and forth a few times. "It's been sometime since I've been in this body. I almost forgot what it felt like."

Bulat grinned his teeth. "Damn it. My body's still recovering."

"And I have taken considerable damage." Raryu said bluntly. "I don't think I can defeat this one in my current condition."

Bulat turned his head to the giant tribesmen. "Oh so you can be defeated."

Raryu crossed his arms and replied. "I never said I couldn't."

Bulat looked to Serpentine, then at Tatsumi. 'Tatsumi's in bad shape, but it could be worse. Maybe we have to rely on this other guy.'

"Bro." Tatsumi grabbed the man's attention. "I can still fight. Just not very well."

Serpentine shrugged. "Go for it if you want. I really don't care."

'Then again maybe not.' Bulat looked into Tatsumi's eyes and smiled. "Well now, haven't you grown into a brave man Tatsumi."

Bulat reach to his left shoulder. "I got a present for you, tough guy."

He pressed a hidden button. A second after, a slot on the back of his armor opened up, smoke rushed out as something flew out from under it. It spun around to his right, Bulat caught it mid spin: It was a grey sword with a red jewel in the center and a broken chain dangling on the bottom.

Bulat held the sword out to Tatsumi. "Tatsumi. I entrust this to you from now on."

Tatsumi started to move his hand towards the sword. "Thanks, but...what is it?"

"It's a key to Incursio."

"Huh?!" Tatsumi held his hand back a little. "You're giving me your Imperial Arms!?"

"That's right!" Bulat winked at his student. "Consider it a gift for all the hard work you've done so far."

"But, are you sur-"

"I wouldn't be doing this if I wasn't." Bulat grabbed Tatsumi's hand and guided it to Incursio's Key. "You can tell if an Imperial Arms is a match from the first impression of it. I promise you can do this. I know you can."

Nyau let out a laugh. "I wouldn't do that if I were you. Not anyone can use that armor you know! It could kill you!"

Tatsumi hesitated for a moment. "If you say I can..." He grabbed the key. "Then I know I can!"

"That a boy Tatsumi!" Bulat slapped the side of Tatsumi's shoulder. "Now go on and show this guy what a man can do."

Tatsumi nodded before spinning around toward Nyau. "There's no one in the world I respect more than you." He held the sword with both hands. "I won't let you down Bro!"

"Oh well, if you wanna die so be it." Nyau pulled his fist back. "Then I better hurry if I'm gonna kill you. Time to DIE!" He lunged forward.

"Now scream Tatsumi!" Bulat yelled. "With all the fire burning within your soul!"

Tatsumi roared, yelling with all his might.

"INCURSIO!"

A red circle formed around the young teen. Then a giant phantom of the Incursio armor appeared behind him. Chunks of its armored face blew off, revealing a six eyed Danger Beast. It leaned forward, holding an armored hand at each side of his new user.

Nyau halted his charge, alarmed at the sudden appearance of this Beast.

"Where the hell did that thing come from?!" He took a half step back when he realized the answer to his own question. "Don't tell me, the materials are still alive!"

"Hehe, that's right." Bulat replied. "This Imperial Arms was made from the flesh of a dragon type Danger Beast known as Tyrant. It vitality is extremely high and can adapt to survive any type of environment. Even though its part of an Imperial Arms, the flesh is still alive to this day."

A red aura surrounded Tatsumi, then gradually the Incursio armor began to form on his body, molding to his physic.

"Its adapting to his form." Raryu added. "An Imperial Arms that evolves, quite a terrifying weapon indeed."

In mere moments, the transformation was complete. Tatsumi, now armed Incursio armor, stared down Nyau.

"Esdeath's army used Night Raid's name to commit the murders of many innocent people. In its time for you to pay!"

"Oh yeah?" Nyau said, trying to hide the fear in his voice. "You think you can beat me just cause you adapted to that armor?!"

Tatsumi looked at his arms, feeling his newfound strength. He pointed a finger at Nyau. "I don't think, I know. I'm about to end this!"

Nyau bit his lib, he couldn't accept this. Defeated by a kid who just acquired an Imperial Arms? What the hell did he take him for!? He was one of the elite soldiers of Esdeath's arm!

He wouldn't be beaten by some green horn kid who knew absolutely nothing!

Nyau yelled in frustration, charging at Tatsumi with all the speed he could muster. His left leg scattered blood across the deck, but he couldn't feel the pain thanks to his own Imperial Arms.

Tatsumi rush his opponent head on, letting out a battle cry. The two clashed, their fists colliding with the others. For a few seconds, nothing happened.

Then Nyau felt pain, not from his leg but rather his fist.

He looked and saw his fingers cracking, bones breaking off and blood squirting outward. He gasped, the last action he took before being sent flying backward.

Nyau smashed through the wooden railing of the ship like it was a stack of paper before violently crashing in the ocean.

The force of the impact sent enough ocean water upward that it seemed to rain for the next few moments.

"What do yeah know." Bulat said with a smile. "If you're this strong now, you'll have no problem surpassing me one day."

Though he knew the last comment was more to the latter's self, Raryu couldn't help but nodded in agreement.

"He seems to have great potential." The Ban tribesmen said. "You have a fine student Bulat."

Tatsumi spun around before his armor vanished. "I did it Bro..." His voice trailed off as he fell to the deck.

"Tatsumi!" Bulat rushed to his student's side, holding his head in his arms. "Come on, hang in there!"

Tatsumi opened his eyes, he looked at his role model and smiled. "Sorry, lost my strength there for a moment."

Bulat sighed. "You had me worried for a second there." He laughed. "Guess all you needed was a strong man to hold you in his arms."

"Come on Bro, why did you need to make it weird?"

The two laughed for a while before slipping back into silence.

"You really impressed me today." Bulat said, breaking the silence. "You won your first battle using an Imperial Arms."

"It was all thanks to you."

Bulat smirked. "Is that so? Well I am an ideal role model for a strapping young man like you." He inched his head closer. "And maybe later, you can repay me for all my hard work."

Tatsumi replied with a nervous laugh.

Before the mood got any weirder, they heard a splash of water. The two members of Night Raid turned towards the noise and saw Serpentine dripping wet. In one hand he held the Imperial Arm Scream.

He held it out to Raryu.

"Wasn't easy getting this." Serpentine said as he dropped the flute into his partner's hand. "Almost sank to the very bottom."

Raryu nodded his thanks before pacing over to the corpses of Daidara and Liver. He paused at each body, kneeling down as he scooped up their individual Imperial Arms. The tribesmen turned to Tatsumi and Bulat, moving in their direction while holding the three Imperial Arms with one hand.

He stop a few inches from the two. He took a knee, then held out the three items to the members of Night Raid.

"A gift for your assistance." He said bluntly.

Bulat hesitated a moment before grabbing the Imperial Arms. "You sure about giving them to us?"

Raryu nodded. "I have no uses for such weapons." He sat up and took a few steps back.

Bulat pulled Tatsumi to his feet, keeping an arm on his shoulder to help keep balance.

"Uh thanks." Tatsumi added.

Bulat realized something he should have asked earlier. "I never did catch your name."

"Of course, my name is Raryu." Raryu gave a half smile. "Apologies for not introducing myself sooner."

"Its cool man," Bulat said with a smile. "We were in the middle of a battle and all. No time for the whole meet and greet."

Raryu stared at the latter for a few moments before turning a full 180. "I look forward to the day we will cross spears."

Bulat blinked a few times before let out a chuckle. "Uh yeah, that would be fun."

Raryu turned his head slightly to his left.

"Tatsumi was it?"

The latter snapped to attention. Raryu looked over his shoulder and gave the young man a smile. "You'll grow up to be a fine warrior someday."

And with that, he began to walk towards Serpentine.

The latter looked at the members of Night Raid. He smiled and gave them a nod.

Once the large tribesmen stood right next to his fellow member of Clockwork. The latter held out his twin swords.

"Its been fun Night Raid. Till next time!" He said before the two of them vanished into a green whirlwind.


A few days later...

General Esdeath looked at the graves of her Three Beasts. They were buried in a cemetery specifically for soldiers. Each of the three graves had a bouquet of white lilies. Placed there by her own hands.

"Liver, Nyau, Daidara. All three of you died trying to carry out my will. I suppose that means you were simply weak. Victims of the laws of natural selection."

"You really do take those words to heart don't you sis?"

Esdeath turned her head and saw Fuyu approaching her.

She smirked. "It is the only truth in this life after all."

"Oh I agree." Fuyu stopped a few steps from his dear sister. "But that doesn't mean there aren't ways to get around it."

Esdeath tilted her head. "Are you growing sentimental?"

Fuyu shrugged. "Just seeing things in a different light."

Esdeath stared at her brother for a few moments before turning back to the graves of her subordinates. She placed her hand of the grave before her: Liver's. She rubbed her hand back and forth along the white marble cross.

"I cannot change the past, but I promise will avenge your deaths."

She retracted her hand, then turned to Fuyu. The latter smiled as he placed a hand on his hip.

"I heard you're forming a new unit."

"Yes, they should be arriving today." Esdeath smiled. "Each one is an Imperial Arms user specifically chosen by the Prime Minister."

"I see, and this group's goal shall be the same as your current task?"

Esdeath nodded. "The complete eradication of Night Raid, along with any other criminals within the Capital." She began to walk off. "Now if you excuse me, I need to inspect my new subordinates." She said as she past her brother.

Fuyu half turned. He smiled as he watched his sister leave.

'Ready for Round Two? I expect no less, my dear sister.'


Hey guys and girls! Hope you enjoyed this latest entry of Clockwork.

So, for now Bulat's alive. Who know's how long that will last? :)

Also we see some of the abilities of Serpentine, or rather Steven's, Imperial Arms as well as the capabilities of Raryu. Of course, the source of his inhuman strength and seemingly immunity to any pain comes from a secret only he and most of his fellow Clockwork members know.

Oh and Liver before he died. What exactly is that secret? You'll find out, eventually.

Till next time!