Assassin - Number 47 Chapter 3, a Hitman + Akame ga Kiru/アカメが斬る Crossover fanfic

How many intruders? And where are they?

Judging by the reaction of my barrier, I'd say about eight. They're getting a little too close to the hideout if you ask me!

If they were clever enough to sniff us out, then they must be tribal assassins. Move quickly, and don't let them leave here alive.

Sheele ran along with the others, her Imperial Arm securely gripped within her grasp. "Cutter of Creation: Extase", an Imperial Arms shaped like a large pair of scissors, but its impractical design completely overshadows the complementary relationship she has with it. By her hands, she has yet to use its full potential, but that was the least of her concern at the moment.

She couldn't even begin to figure out how these tribal assassins discovered their hideout, but what mattered now was the preservation of the secrecy of their base. If there is one thing she can figure out, it's the consequences of their location being compromised. She looked around, making extra sure that she was grouped up with everyone else. Eventually, she will move with Mine to cover her back as she kills any assassins escaping, but before she moved on, she wanted to take one last look at the new recruit.

He seemed to be able to keep up pace with them. In fact, as she watched the young man run alongside them, she noticed the intricacy of his form. Everyone was very fast, there was no doubt about that, but Tatsum's form was so...elegant. He looked as if he could run much faster, as his face only moved to allow his moving nostrils to catch his breath. His head was completely upright, in line with his hips. His shoulders were straight and close to his body. And his knees were brought high enough for him to take long strides. It looked like he was running slower, but the power he pushes from his knees and feet allowed him to keep up. It was impressive, and it made Sheele feel slightly jealous. However, looking past his sprinting form, she couldn't help but notice that his sword was not alongside him.

That's odd, was that not his weapon of choice? Sheele took him for a sword user, did he have another weapon? Probably, he doesn't seem to be the type to go on a mission unprepared. Well, she'll have to ask him later, she's been meaning to find some time to get to know him.

"Sheele."

Mine was by her side, calling her name to her that it was time for everyone to split up.

"I got your back!" Sheele told her, prompting a cocky smile from her best friend.

It was time to go to work.

Akame stared down at the three targets in front of her.

"Wow, that's the girl from the wanted poster!" one said, "That means Night Raid must be around here somewhere."

"She's a pretty little thing, isn't she?" the other said.

"Let's not bang her up too badly," the last requested, "I wanna have some fun with her first."

They had completely used up the courtesy Akame gave to them to speak.

**SHUUURRRIIIIIING**

…

"Ah…"

"You're far too relaxed in enemy territory," Aklame said, as the blood from the target's throats spurred out like water fountains.

Except for one.

"Y-You...bitch!"

Grasping his neck, he reached for his sword.

"I'm gonna make you pay for that-ARGH"

Akame didn't bother turning around, for she knew the fate of the last target.

"W-What's...going on?!" the target cried.

Akame sheathed her sword, knowing that she was no longer in danger.

"N-no...it's...poison…"

Her last target dropped dead.

His smile could shine in the dark as he tightened his sword. There, right in front of them, was a young girl with a sniper rifle. Without a doubt, this is a member of Night Raid, and she was right in his line of sight. With this kill, his tribe will be closer to the riches that they desire. He stepped closer to her.

"Well, he's made it pretty far," she said.

She must have spotted one of his comrades escaping, no doubt with the information about the location of Night Raid. If she makes her shot, then it's over.

"Bummer," she said, "I really don't like revealing my location."

The irony is too good for him to fathom.

He launched himself in the air, sword above for an overhead strike.

"YOU'RE MINE!" he yelled, hoping to scare the girl.

**SHUUUUURK**

He blinked because, for some reason, he couldn't feel his legs anymore.

"I'm sorry."

He fell to the floor, feeling the strength and excitement he had leave him.

"Thank you, Sheele."

He looked to see, to his horror, that he had been sliced completely from the waist down.

"Nice timing too, that was just enough danger to power up."

He could feel his life fade before him, as the sniper rifle from the pink assassin began to build up power.

The last thing he would see, as his life finally left him, was the young girl taking her shot.

"Ooooooh, so it was a lady tugging my strings this whole time, huh?"

Lubbock watched the young tribal lady try to move, only causing his strings to slice her more.

"P-Please, I beg you, spare my life," she plead, "I-I'll do whatever you want."

God damn it, that was so tempting. She was a gorgeous woman and everything. Such a fricken shame.

"No way," he answered, beginning to tighten his strings with his wrist and fingers, "I've seen too many men wind up dead after a girl says that."

If only she was the exception. Oh well.

**SHIINK**

The girl stopped moving, allowing the blood to flow down her lifeless body.

Forcing the strings back to his Imperial Arm, the girl's body drops to the floor.

Lubbock began to walk away….but he couldn't help but get one last look at the woman.

…

Yep, she was still gorgeous.

"God damn, what a waste," he says to himself, "Why do I have to always kill the beautiful women? This job always pulls at my heartstrings."

Bulat prepared his spear, as the tribal assassins circle around him.

But with his Imperial Arms, Incursio, covering his entire body, he has no doubt this will end in blood.

Their blood.

He waited, watching them look for an opening on his person. There should be plenty of them, allowing them to attack all at once.

They took the bait and did just that.

With swords at hand, they launched at him overhead.

With war-cries encompassing the grounds, they swung for blood.

But Bulat ensured it would not be his, for he took out his spear and began swinging it around him with extreme force.

He could feel the tearing of flesh and slicing of meat, yet he continued swinging.

The speed of his swings made the tearing and slicing less and less pronounced the longer he continued.

Yet he kept swinging. It was nearly over.

With one more impressive swing, he allowed the mist of red to pour around him, including his armor.

Perfect execution, as per usual. He would have to continue his rigorous training to maintain his peak performance. Perhaps he could figure out how to prevent the blood from getting on his armor in the future, it would save him a lot more time on cleaning. However, now that his targets were dealt with, he grew curious about the performance of the newbie...Tatsumi he believed his name was.

He could use some help, if his skills were solely stealth, then perhaps he might have some trouble.

"Might as well check him out," he said to himself, "Wonder if he got things covered?"

"They've been out there for some time now," he said, "You think something happened?"

"Oh please," another said, holding binoculars, "Our skills far surpass those of Night Raid."

"Well, that's what everyone else says at least."

"Only because it's true…...Although I admit they are taking far too long than we planned."

"Should I tell the others to regroup?"

"Not yet...But tell them to start gathering their things just in case."

"What about you Chief?"

"I'll stay here and see if anyone comes back," the Chief said, "Come back to me once you do."

"I'm on it."

The messenger left the Chief of the tribe, rushing to the camp that's a little run in the forest to mask their presence from the base.

They had been planning this attack for some time, taking into consideration any and all possibilities of obstacles in their way. They had never planned so much in most of their lives, but the money for bringing in the location of Night Raid was very much worth the effort. If their tribe manages to take down the infamous assassin group, then the Empire would give them a fortune for them to live off of for generations to come. Their tribe would be the most powerful in all of the world. It would be perfect.

Eventually, the sounds of chatting and the sight of pitched cloth covered his sight. He had arrived at the camp.

"Hey, who's there?!" the guard yelled.

"It's just me," the messenger responded, "I got orders from the Chief."

The guard lowered his weapon, seeing as he was one of their own.

"He wants us to start gathering our things, this mission might have gone awry."

"Really?" one tribal woman said, "M-My daughter's part of that group!"

"Is Night Raid responsible for this?" a tribal man said.

"Nonsense," another tribal man said, "The Chief is underestimating their skills."

"Regardless, it's the Chief's orders," the messenger said, "Start gathering everything, I'll let him know we'll be ready for a retreat."

"*tsk* disgraceful," a tribal woman said, as she began to prepare her things.

Everyone else followed suit, prompting everyone to do the same.

The messenger took this as a sign to return to the Chief.

Entering the woods once again, he thought about the mission. Surely this is a mistake, Night Raid was nothing more than a clan of assassins, surely they are no match for them. They were a tribe where, from birth, they are bred to be mighty warriors. Both men and women were required to train rigorously to become mighty warriors, while the weak are cast away. He was lucky enough to be a capable scout, where his skills could truly shine as a warrior. But his skills were no match for the Chief, who was chosen out of all the mightiest of warriors from the tribe. His fighting prowess had no match, and his tactical mind was a breath of fresh air for him, despite the others not seeming so keen at first. Surely, he will make the right choice.

He was arriving at his initial location.

"Chief," the messenger called, "I've relayed the orders, everyone is gathering their…..."

He was no longer there.

He was gone.

"Chief?" he called.

No answer.

"Chief?!" he called louder.

No response.

"Where are-"

**CRACK**

The sensation of brittle glass snapped underneath his leather boots. Quickly lifting it up, he could see the Chief's binoculars, broken on the ground.

No...This can't be.

"CHIEF?!" he called, "CHIEF?! WHERE ARE-…"

He could see something.

On the leaves by a bush.

Blood.

A small amount of blood.

The messenger began to sweat.

"Chief?" he said gently.

There was no way.

How could this be.

Surely, this is a Night Raid assassin.

It's just not possible that someone like the Chief could be done so...fast.

It was such a short journey from here to camp.

Surely...surely this is a mistake.

He was right in front of the bush...surely this is a mistake.

But when he pushed the rough leaves past his view, he could see the reality of the situation.

The messenger could not speak, for lying on the ground was what he thought was the mightiest warrior the tribe could produce. A man among men. A warrior among warriors. The one to represent the tribe as a whole.

Dead.

He could see the wide eyes open in surprise. Was this a sneak attack? No, that can't be?! Who could possibly get past the Chief unnoticed. Not even a Danger Beast could sneak an attack on him, yet somehow, someone got the best of him. How?!

He inspected his face, and immediately found the result of such a disgraceful death.

…

That's impossible.

Surely, this is a mistake.

From the hole in his forehead, a bullet did this.

But there was no gunfire heard.

They would have heard such a weapon from the campfire.

This can't be!

The mightiest Chief of the tribe died from a bullet wound?!

No, this is...this is beyond disgraceful.

A mighty warrior such as him to die in such a way is an insult.

The tribe will go on a rampage, damning the Chief for dying in such an embarrassing way and hunting down whoever killed him.

He has to tell the others.

Whoever did this, they better count the days they live, for they will show them no mercy.

The messenger made his way back to camp, the mind of the body still fresh in his mind. Including the hole in his forehead.

He cannot comprehend a weapon in existence that could create such a clean hole as the Chief's unless it was a bullet.

It made no sense, was their firearms that exist that could be silent.

No, surely this is a mistake. The gunpowder inside a bullet always elicits a sound, this can't be a contemporary gun.

Perhaps a spear? No...the hole was far too clean for that.

A pole? Definitely not, there would have to be an extreme force to create such a thing. And even then, a sound would be heard.

A bullet was the only thing that could create such a thing. And to think someone managed to get close enough...The tribe needs to know what happened.

He arrived at camp.

"The Chief is dead!" he yelled as he entered the campsite, "We need to…."

…

No.

…

No no no no no no…

This can't be….

Is this real?

What is this?

Right in front of him.

The most unbelievable sight fell.

All of his comrades.

The warriors.

The assassins.

His training partners.

His neighbors.

His friends.

His family.

His blood brothers and blood sisters.

Dead.

There was a battle.

A short one.

But that's impossible.

Did he not just see them moments ago, complaining about retreating.

There were so many of us.

How?

His shaking leg stepped closer to the massacre.

Blood splashed from the bottom of his leather boots like rain puddles.

Some died at the hands of their own swords.

Others died by their own comrades.

And the rest.

Riddled with holes.

What the hell is this?!

He...he…

HE HAS TO GET OUT OF HERE!

He rushed away from the scene, no longer caring about his own belongings.

He had to get out.

He had to tell the others.

HE HAD TO LIVE!

He ran as fast as his legs to take him.

His time as a scout allowed him to run with such stamina that no one could keep up.

He has to get out of here!

HE HAS TO GET OUT OF HERE!

HE HAS TO GET OUT OF HERE!

**THUD**

…

The messenger watched as the ground suddenly drew closer to his face.

The feeling of a sudden obstruction from his leg suddenly disappearing.

His face slammed on the ground.

He was tripped by something.

Someone.

He had to get up!

He had to-

**pst** **pst**

"EEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!"

He dropped back to the ground.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!"

He painfully flipped himself over, looking at his legs.

"HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH…..HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

His knees...oh god his knees.

"HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!"

He can't stand up.

He can't move his legs.

"GAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRG!"

He could barely contain his wails of pain.

How did this happen?!

"HAH...HAAAH..-"

**SNAP**

He turned his head.

A twig just snapped.

He tried to drag himself away.

But he couldn't move fast enough.

Yet he tried.

He tried to keep moving.

But he could hear the footsteps of someone approaching him.

Getting closer and closer to him.

He kept moving

And moving

And moving.

But it was all in vain.

Because the figure was right in front of him.

Blocking his path.

The messenger could see the fancy black shoes. The slim, tapered trousers. The properly fitted blazer. The red tie. And finally, the face of a young man, staring at him with uncaring eyes.

It scared him, those eyes. They looked at him as if his fate was sealed. Like Death himself was here to take him away.

Those eyes. Those distant, empty eyes. Even when the silver barrel of his gun pointed at the messenger's face, he still stared at those eyes.

It told him many things about him. Only a killer like this young man could achieve such feats. Not even the tribal assassins could obtain such a state. As he could see life before him slow down, as the young man began to squeeze the trigger of his silver pistol, his eyes told him one last thing.

His life was now forfeit.

**pst**

The last thing the messenger could comprehend before his life would disappear in a flash was the quietest gunfire he had ever heard in his short life.

The tribal assassin outpost has been dealt with. Tatsumi figured that there would be one somewhere on the outskirts of the base. It was usually the case during his time in the country, and the Revolutionary Army. Some bandits weren't so dumb as to allow only one group to take on such a mission alone, with the possibility of failure looming over them. Especially in a tribe such as this, there was no doubt that there would be a post in the event that something were to go wrong.

He was very fortunate to find one, he was not one to conduct himself in frontal combat. Despite his ability to hold his own, his skills only excelled in such an environment where stealth and espionage were viable. On frontal assaults, he would often get injured, which would ruin his suit. Although he could get another, he would be beside himself to at least attempt to maintain the one he wears.

Well, never mind that, the targets have been killed. He better report this to Najenda to-

…

-Tatsumi quickly turned to his left.

**pst** **pst**

He fired two shots from his twin pistols.

**PWAAANG** **PNAIGN**

And the bullets ricocheted away from the direction he aimed.

"Woah woah woah-Hang on hang on!" an armored man revealed himself from thin air, removing his mask immediately, "It's just me, Bulat, I'm friendly!"

…

"You can turn yourself invisible?"

…

"Uh...yeah," he twirled his spear around for show, "Demon Armor: Incursio, it can mask my presence and heighten my strength."

He disengaged his armor, returning to his normal green chest plate and attire.

"I'm surprised you were able to spot me, but then again I didn't really put in any effort to hide my presence."

…

...

"Um," Bulat said uncomfortably, "I was going to give you a hand but...it seems as though you've already taken care of things here."

Bulat looked at the downed tribal assassin who moments before was crawling for his life. He then looked at the twin pistols that ended his life. Tatsumi noticed how curious he seemed about them.

"I've...never seen pistols like that. You shot me with those?"

"I did."

"Yeah...I forgive you, by the way," Bulat said, "I just...barely heard the gunfire."

Tatsumi blinked, remembering the many reactions people have given him because of his weapons. They aren't typical pistols you'd find on the market. In fact, Tatsumi is convinced that they're one of a kind. Especially the attachment at the end of the barrels.

"Are you referring to this?"

He pointed to the attachment, which was the result of the silent gunfire.

"Oh? I've never seen that before," Bulat said, "Did you make it?"

"No, I didn't," Tatsumi answered, "I've always had them."

"Is...that so?"

"Yes."

…

...

"...You know, I sorta took you for a marksman," Bulat continued to talk, "You kinda have the same style as Mine so I figured you would be aligned towards that style. The sword you had confused me a bit."

…

...

"Soooo…uh...anything alse you wanna...tell me?"

"There was an outpost full of tribal assassins and warriors," Tatsumi pointed to the direction of the camp, "They normally do that in case something goes wrong."

"Uh, yeah...I hear they've been doing that lately…... Wait, you took care of them?"

"Yes."

"...Really?!"

"Yes."

…

Tatsumi began to walk away from Bulat.

"W-Wait a minute!"

Bulat caught up to Tatsumi.

"You killed them all?"

"Is there a reason you're repeating the question?"

"W-Well yeah, we may have dispatched them, but they were still tough customers. And you...Did you really kill the entire outpost?!"

"You can see for yourself," Tatsumi pointed back to the direction of the campsite, "There's also the leader I killed along the hidden path. He had a pair of binoculars. I'll leave them there so you can find the body."

He continued walking down the hidden path, knowing that Bulat has ceased following him. Tatsumi's sure he'll be back once he sees the bodies. For now, he's certain that everyone, including Bulat, must have completed their missions successfully. Despite him not being capable of seeing them in action, the success of this mission should be proof enough that they are at least competent in their jobs. As expected from a clan of Assassins. He must now return to report his success to Najenda.

There may be another mission for him to do. Perhaps one more stealth-oriented. He was never fond of frontal assaults such as this.

Night Raid

1:47 PM

Perhaps she should have been quicker finding a handler for him. He doesn't seem to do much without one.

Najenda, who was alone in the common room, could not help but think about the new recruit that has joined their group. Never mind his performance during the breach, which according to Bulat was something you'd read from a horror book, her mind could not hope to comprehend the report Akame gave to her after the mission to kill Captain Ogre and Gamal.

She could still see Akame's face, full of discomfort and uncertainty about the new recruit. What he did was something that no one had ever done before. It was too...perfectly done. Not only was the mission successful, but it was also done in such a way that Night Raid could not possibly be pinned for such an assassination. Was it even an assassination? It was far too complex, far too off the cuff, and far too reckless for someone to do. Yet...it worked. He someone made someone else do the dirty work for him.

He may not be physically ready for battle, but Najenda thinks that his skills in silent assassinations very much make up for it. She wanted to smile, she wanted to brag, she even, for an ounce of time, regretted the needed to threaten his life. But she stifled these thoughts, for she now knows the truth. It betrayed everything she believed it, but she had to come to grips with the truth.

Tatsumi, despite his physical inadequacy in battle, was a horribly dangerous young man.

And there is still no sign of his elegance with the Revolutionary Army.

That isn't to say that he isn't obedient. In fact, Najenda argues that Tatsumi is the most obedient member of this group by far, surpassing even Akame. He doesn't argue, he doesn't get out of line, and he doesn't voice his thoughts. The only thing he asks is about the next target.

Which leads her back to her current predicament.

Someone like Tatsumi, so dangerous and unpredictable, she could finally see the severe importance of him having a handler by his side. Someone to watch over him, to control him, to make sure that he doesn't get out of line if he somehow becomes such a way. Someone to guide him down a path that will benefit the Revolutionary Army.

But who?

Diana Burnwood, his previous handler, was a great candidate for the job at the time. Composed, mature, and poised, she was perfect for handling Tatsumi throughout his first year in the army. But she would not be of use to Night Raid. Everyone here has to play their part, and there is little she could be of use here that she could better be of use in the Revolutionary Army. Thankfully, she was well aware of that fact.

She would have to choose someone here to take that role. It can't be here, unfortunately. As the leader of Night Raid, and as much as she would love to play babysitter, she had more important things to worry about. Especially since they are almost knee-deep in the Revolutionary War. She would have to rethink who will be in charge of him.

Akame, perhaps. No...Afraid no. A highly trained assassin looking over another highly trained assassin is like putting out fire with more fire. Plus Akame's social awkwardness might not be able to assist him in the future. Despite Tatsumi's anti-social personality, he does seem very keen on the art of conversation. Also, Akame vocally refused to do so, which she understands. Even Najenda is creeped out by him sometimes.

Maybe Bulat? Maybe not, Najenda feels as though he might push his...feelings onto the boy. Although she is fairly confident it will have no effect on Tatsumi, his performance during the breach spoke volumes to Bulat. Najenda doesn't think Bulat will cooperate with Tatsumi's method of combat, he's far too honorable to go down his route. Especially in terms of Tatsumi's absolute disinterest in frontal combat.

Lubbock? No. He does have similar tactics to Tatsumi, his personality will likely conflict with his. While Lubbock is more easygoing, Tatsumi is more straightforward and uptight. Lubbock might not be able to control him because of this. Also, god forbid Lubbock learns from Tatsumi and uses his tactics for his perverted escapades, Najenda doesn't think any form of beating could stop him.

Leone?...Definitely not. She won't even go further with that thought.

The only options she has are Sheele and Mine. Sheele, from what she could remember, held an interest in the boy, while Mine has already expressed her distaste for him, which is normal. Sheele is more kind and caring, while Mine is no-nonsense and very assertive. But, then again, Sheele was very composed, despite her...flaws. Yet Mine would seem to be the type to make sure that Tatsumi doesn't go out of line. Almost like she'll put him on a leash, which would definitely make everyone else in Night Raid feel more comfortable.

Perhaps Najenda will give this a test run. Mine stated she was going to go shopping tomorrow, perhaps it would be best to allow Tatsumi to tag along. His personality would make it so Mine could bounce off of him, leaving Tatsumi completely unaffected. It could work.

"Boss?"

"Hm?"

Najenda was brought out of her head.

"Oh, I'm sorry," Sheele bowed, "I thought you were wrapping things up."

Najenda smiled.

"It's alright Sheele, it isn't the holidays yet."

…

"Because...you said 'wrapping', and that's also…"

"Uh, yeah...I get it..."

Najenda frowned. Even Sheele doesn't appreciate her humor.

"Is there something you need Sheele?"

"Oh, right," she fixed her glasses, "I was wondering if you knew where Tatsumi is?"

Najenda raised her eyebrow.

"You still want to talk to him?"

"I never got the chance to."

"He's been here for several days now."

"...I know," Sheele began to blush, "I just...forget."

Najenda couldn't help but smile in amusement.

"Well, I recommend you go see him now, he's in his room."

"Hm?" Sheele exclaimed, "Was he always there?"

"Yes...He's always in his room as a matter of fact."

…

Sheele seemed to be astonished by this revelation.

"I...assumed he would be with everyone else," Sheele said.

"Well, I wouldn't expect much from him in that regard," Najenda said, "He's the anti-social type."

"...Really?"

"Yep, I'd argue it's worse than Akame."

"..."

…

She seemed troubled by this.

"Is something the matter?" Najenda asked.

"Oh! Um," Sheele stumbled a bit, "Sorry, it's just...I took him for the timid type."

"Really?" Najenda said, "Well, I supposed his behavior could be misinterpreted as such. He does act strange though."

"How so?"

"Well, I don't know if you noticed, but he's very distant from everyone else. And despite his anti-social personality, he's quite the conversationalist."

"...Doesn't that contradict his personality?"

"I know," Najenda said, "But then again, people often learn how to converse with others so it's not completely far-fetched."

"I guess."

Sheele looked outside the room, towards the dorms where Tatsumi is located.

"Has anyone tried to talk to him?" she asked.

"Well...Bulat tried, but it didn't really go far," Najenda reached for a cigarette, "Leone was fine with him but...as of late she's been warier about him."

Sheele turned back around.

"Leone?"

"Yeah, it's very hard to believe right?" Najenda lit the cigarette in her mouth, "But I'd argue that it's warranted, considering what she saw."

"What she saw?"

"The mission they took while you guys were gone."

"Oh right, I forgot about it."

"I know," Najenda inhaled through her cigarette, "I don't think it's my place to say what happened, the mission was a success after all."

She inhaled it again but allowing the smoke to leave her nose.

"But still, his skills are absurd," Najenda said, "I've never seen anything like it."

She allowed the silence to linger for a bit, wondering if Sheele was going to say anything more.

"I'm going to try to talk to Tatsumi about it."

Najenda was already inhaling through her cigarette.

"Go ahead, and good luck."

She made her way out of the common room and back to the dorms, leaving Najenda alone with her thoughts. Was it really a good idea that she send Sheele to him. Despite her previously being a possible candidate for Tatsumi's handler, she still has her doubts about it. But then again, little is known of Tatsumi, he doesn't reveal much about his personality or his memories. Perhaps this is a result of his lost memories, but you'd think he'd be the slightest bit concerned about it. She honestly cannot come to a firm conclusion about him.

He is a very strange young man.

She wondered what he will be like. At first glance, his silent, tall, and poised personality spoke volumes of confidence and poise, but his personality made him sound through and business-like. She assumed this was a result of a timid personality, causing him to close himself off from everyone else. But now knowing he has an anti-social personality, Sheele wondered what he would be like.

He surely must be lonely, the poor guy. Everyone seems to be treating him like he's not normal. Like he's dangerous. She's sure this is a result of his skills if his test didn't speak volumes about it, but surely there has to be a reason for this. It didn't feel right for her to just go with the flow in regards to this discomfort around him, so she wanted to be the judge of this. There's always an explanation as to why someone is the way they are, and to Sheele, it's unfair to judge someone based on certain character flaws.

She knew what that felt like more than anyone.

She hoped she could get to know him, maybe go past this anti-social behavior and perhaps gain a better understanding of who he is. Maybe he just needs to feel more comfortable around everyone. Sheele won't know unless she attempts to talk to him about himself. She doesn't want to make him feel uncomfortable, especially in regards to his lost memories.

She really hoped this worked, she would hate to see Tatsumi separated from everyone because of who he is. Sheele hoped he isn't trying to isolate himself from everyone.

She saw the door to his room. She was fairly certain it was locked. Tatsumi seemed to be the type to not allow others in. Sheele hoped she would be the exception.

She began to knock-

"The door is open."

"Eh?"

She stopped herself. The voice came from the other side of the door.

"Are you going to enter?"

There was the voice again. A monotone voice. How did he know she was outside. His instincts must be as high as Akame's. It was incredible.

But her thoughts were interrupted when the door opened for her.

In front of her was the very boy she was hoping to see. Still wearing his fine tailored suit, Sheele couldn't help but stare into his green, empty eyes staring at hers. They were very lifeless.

"Can I help you?"

"Huh?" she snapped out of her daze, "O-Oh, I'm sorry."

She bowed.

"Um, hi."

…

"Hi," he answered.

…

This definitely was a case of an anti-social personality.

"Um…" Sheele tried to speak, "I wanted to see...if you were doing alright."

"I'm fine."

"Oh, um, good. Great, hehe."

…

"Sheele, was it?" he asked.

"Oh, uh yeah, that's my name."

She bowed.

"It's nice to meet-Oh!"

As she bowed, her glasses slipped from her ears.

"O-Oh no," she said, "I'm sorry, give me a second."

Oh dear, this always happens. She has to be more careful. She knelt down to the floor and tried to find her glasses. Yet, for some reason, she couldn't find them.

"Oh dear."

Shuffling across the ground, she could only feel the stone floor as she rubs her hands across it to find her plastic eye wear. It's so weird, she could have sworn she dropped it right in front of her. Oh no, this could take ages. She really needs better-fitted glasses. Maybe contacts. She hopes-

**bonk**

…

...

She held her head.

"Ooooooooooow…"

She accidentally hit her head on a stone wall. What was a stone wall even doing in front of her? Wasn't she in front of an open doorway? Oh man, this is so embarrassing. Leone would be laughing her guts out right now if she saw her like this. So much for first impressions. Oh well, once she finds her glasses, she'll hopefully get back on track.

But her search was put on hold when she heard approaching footsteps from her side.

She shifted her head to the left and saw someone in black kneeling beside her, holding something in front of her.

Her glasses.

"O-oh," she gently grabbed them, "Thank you."

She put them on and saw the stone wall on the opposite side of Tatsumi's open door. The very wall she hit her head-on.

How did she get there?

Well, never mind. Tatsumi helped her with her glasses, maybe he isn't so bad.

"I appreciate your help, Tatsumi."

She bowed slowly.

Sheele could see his face, which had stayed the same since she lost her glasses. It was sort of like Akame, how strange.

"Is there anything else you need?"

"Uh, yeah, actually I was hoping we could talk, you know? Get to know each other."

"I'm positive you can learn about me from everyone else."

"Well, yeah, but I feel I should talk to you though."

…

"There isn't much for me to say, unfortunately."

"Oh no, don't say that," Sheele said, "Is this about your...amnesia?"

She tried to ask this as delicately as possible.

"I suppose," he answered, unfazed by the question.

Strange.

"Well, maybe I could help," she said, "We could talk about it."

"I don't see the point in that."

"Well...talking about things always makes me feel better," Sheele said, persistent in her desire to know the young man, "And everyone must want something off their chest, right?"

"I never felt the need to."

…

Sheele frowned.

"Are you sure?"

"I am."

Sheele's frowned deepened. It would seem that perhaps he's uncomfortable about opening up. She supposed it made sense, he is still new after all. However, Sheele doesn't wish for this behavior to persist, it doesn't seem fair to someone as young as him to isolate himself from everyone she knows are genuinely good people, despite their assassin statuses.

"Well, alright then," she allowed herself to smile again, "I won't make you say anything more then."

She bowed politely.

"But...If there's anything at all you want to talk about, just know that my door is open for you Tatsumi."

She grew warm seeing that the young man was still staring at her.

"You can tell me anything, I promise not to judge."

She turned around.

"I'm here for you."

And she made her leave.

As Sheele walked down the barren halls of the dorms, she could still feel Tatsumi's eyes behind her back. However, it no longer bothered her. She felt the warm sensation in her heart grow, knowing that she was able to at least let the boy know she was there for him. That was really all she wanted. She doesn't want to leave him alone like that, because she knows what that feels like. She knows what loneliness feels like.

And she knows the warmth of what it feels like to have a friend by her side.

1:34 AM

He ran through the lonely roads with his life breathing through his heart. He kept looking both around him, desperate for any signs of life, for the animal that was chasing him down was going to take him.

"S-Somebody!" he screamed, "H-Help me!"

But just like the many times he screamed and cried, there was no response. Such is the nature of the Empire. Uncaring and unforgiving. It was a horrible nightmare, and a cruel irony. The same home he used for his gain will be the place where he will die alone.

Unless this animal doesn't find him.

**CRASH**

He looked behind him.

That freak!

That psychotic freak!

"Somebody! Please!"

He ran into the alley way, hoping to cut his pursuer off.

But it only lead to a dead end.

"Shit...SHIT!"

He turned around.

He had to leave.

But the freak.

The psychotic freak!

She was right at the end of the entrance.

He began to back away.

"W-Wait a minute, please!"

His whole back pressed against the brick wall behind him.

"What...What do you want?!"

She was getting closer.

"Please, I beg of you!"

She stopped in front of him.

"WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME!"

**SLAM**

A hard, steel tonfa slammed the top of his head.

It forced him to the ground.

His arms barely protected his head from further damage.

He felt the pain grow.

And something warm trickled to his forehead.

He couldn't help the coughing, even as the girl grabbed the back of his collar.

He was hoisted up and slammed against the wall.

She kept him there, watching him as she tried to take something out of her pocket.

He couldn't scream, the grip on his through barely allowed him to breath.

She took out a book, a small book that could be used for writing notes or journaling.

She flipped through the page until she reached the bookmarked page with her one hand.

She briefly read it, all while continuing the occasional glance at him.

What the hell was she doing?!

"Is your name Slick?" she said as calmly as she could mask the tension on his throat.

That was his name, but how could she have known? It's far too dark to see her face, so he has no idea who-

**SLAM**

"ACK"

He was slammed against the wall again.

"IS YOUR FUCKING NAME SLICK!"

She gripped tighter.

"ANSWER MEEEEEEEE!"

For some reason, tears began flowing down her eyes.

**SLAM**

"URG"

He was thrown back to the ground.

"OH MY GOD!" She cried, "OH MY GOD! I'M SO SORRY"

Slick backed away to the wall again.

"OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD!"

She slammed her head on the stone ground.

Again.

And again.

"MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP!"

W-What the hell was she talking about?!

He had to get out of-

**SLAM**

He was pinned to the wall again.

"SAY YOUR FUCKING NAME!" She cried.

**CRASH**

The slammed the tip of her tonfa right through the brick wall.

"SAY IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT!"

**CRASH**

She slammed her tonfa on the wall again.

"SAY IT!"

**CRASH**

"SAY IT!"

**CRASH**

"SAY IT!"

**CRASH**

"SAY IT!"

**CRASH**

"SAY IT!"

**CRASH**

"SAY IT!"

**CRASH**

"SAY IT!"

"I'M SLIIIICK!" Slick finally cried, "WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM MEE!"

…

Foam escaped the ends of her lips.

Oh my god.

She tightened her grip on her tonfa.

Oh my god!

She raised it up high.

OH MY GOD!

And she dropped it on the ground.

…

She began walking away from the man. The foam dripping from her mouth could still be seen leaving a trail behind her.

What the hell was that? Who the hell did she think she was?! That stupid bitch! He'll erase her from this Earth!

He grabbed her Tonfa.

"Y-you dumb whore!" Slick yelled, "W-Who the hell do you think you are?!"

He gripped the tonfa tighten, only to realize an attachment on the side of it. Allowing his dazed head to recombobulate, he saw a rather unique attachment to it.

A trigger.

One you would find on a firearm.

He looked to the end, and saw a hollow hole, big enough to fit a bullet.

No way.

This dumb bitch.

He looked at her still form at the end of the alley way.

Her back is bare and free from armor.

He couldn't help but smile.

"You stupid bitch," he poined the tonfa gun at her, "You realize what you just did?!"

He put his finger on the trigger.

"I'm going to FUCK YOU UP YOU-!"

**PHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEW**

…

She whistled loudly.

So loud that a horse could hear it for miles.

What the hell was that for?

Did she really think she could call a horse in time-

**CRASH**

Slick covered his eyes, as the ground before him exploded near the woman.

The clouds of dust cleared instantly, revealing…

…

The reason she gave him the gun.

"Berserker mode."

**RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHH**

He screamed as he pulled the trigger.

But he already knew his fate.

And he couldn't accept it.

The Next Day

11:03 PM

Sheele had such a wonderful sleep.

Everyone once in a while, she would allow herself to sleep a little extra. Especially today, since she won't be going on any missions today.

Having gotten herself dressed, she prepared herself to wish everyone else a good morning. Her first stop, her best friend Mine. She enjoyed the fact that, out of everyone, she was the only person that could enter her room and not be shot to oblivion. Or maybe it's because they're both women, Sheele remembered her attacking Bulat for accidentally entering her room, despite his sexuality. Mine certainly never attacked Akame for that. Leone...maybe, but for different reasons.

Lubbock, no doubt.

Regardless, it would be beside herself to not wish her a good morning, she should be still asleep right now. She could be just as bad as Leone, who right after Tatsumi's first day returned right back to her horrible bedtime schedule. Sheele wished Leone would maintain a good schedule, it's horrible for her health.

She approached Mine's room, which was unlocked.

"Mine?" Sheele called, opening her door, "Are you awake?"

She looked around Mine's pink room and didn't see her anywhere.

"Mine?"

She entered her room.

"Are you in the bathroom?"

She approached Mine's bathroom door and knocked.

"Mine? I just wanted to wish you a good morning."

…

She opened the door.

"Mine?"

She's not there.

Interesting, normally she would be still asleep.

Did something happen?

Well, maybe someone else knows. They all should be downstairs.

Sheele walked past Leone's room, Bulat's room, and Tatsumi's room, until she entered the common room, where she saw Leone and Najenda talking amongst themselves.

Weird, Leone is usually asleep until noon.

She approached the conversation.

"Leone," Najenda said, "I promise you I'm handling it right now."

"I know, it's just...Mine is very...Oh, hi Sheele."

"Good morning," Sheele responded.

"I see you got some beauty rest," Najenda said, "Perhaps you're learning too much from Mine."

Sheele sheepishly giggled.

"Um...Sorry I was overhearing the conversation," She said, "Is everything alright Leone?"

Leone's smile faltered a bit.

"I mean, you don't have to tell me, it's just I heard you've been uncomfortable lately and-"

"Nono, it's alright Sheele," Leone tried to smile, "It's just...the last mission caught me off guard is all."

Sheele frowned at that statement, still not having any context as to what happened.

"Sheele," Najenda called, "How was your talk with Tatsumi?"

Oh, that's right.

"He...didn't seem to want to talk," Sheele said, "So I left him alone."

"You talked to him?" Leone asked.

"Yeah, yesterday."

…

Leone looked uncomfortable again.

"And…" Leone tried to find the words, "Did you...I don't know...feel anything...weird?"

"Leone," Najenda interrupted, "I keep telling you, it's alright."

"I-I know, it's just…"

…

"Leone?" Sheele said, now worried about her.

"I-I'm sorry, I…" Leone began to walk away, "I just need to think is all, give me a moment will you?"

Sheele watched Leone walk away. She could see her bring her hand to her chin, likely trying to understand what was going on in her head. What could have happened?

"Did Tatsumi tell you what happened on their mission?" Najenda asked her.

Sheele kept looking at the leaving Leone.

"...No," Sheele responded, "He didn't seem to want to talk."

Najenda sighed.

"Yeah, I assumed as much," she said, "But I suppose it was worth a shot."

Sheele turned to Najenda.

"...Worth a shot?"

Najenda sat down on a nearby chair.

"I wanted to see how you interacted with him," Najenda leaned forward, "I'm trying to pick someone out to be Tatsumi's...handler, as it's appropriately called."

…

Handler?

"Like...a pet?" Sheele asked.

"Hm, Akame asked the same thing," Najenda said, "Come, sit with me."

Sheele obliged and took a seat right across from her.

"What's going on boss?" Sheele asked, "Did Tatsumi do anything wrong?"

"Oh no, quite the contrary actually," Najenda corrected, "I'd argue he's far exceeded my expectations."

Sheele blinked.

"Well...Isn't that a good thing?"

…

"Well...yeah," Najenda said, "It's just...he's...well...I don't know."

Najenda rubbed her face with her metal hand.

"I really don't know what to make of him, that's all."

Don't know what to make of him?

"What do you mean?" Sheele asked delicately.

But Najenda didn't seem keen on answering that question. She appeared to still be ruminating in her thoughts. This topic must be bothering her, perhaps she should change the topic. She didn't want her boss to go into mental loops or anything.

"Well," Sheele began, "Where is Tatsumi?"

"Hm?" Najenda was brought back, "Oh, I sent him along with Mine."

Sheele's eyes slightly widened.

"Really?"

"Yeah, I figured it would be a good test run to see if she could be a capable handler for him."

Sheele scrunched her eyebrows in worry.

"Um...Is Mine really the right person for that?" she asked.

"You don't think so?" Najenda asked.

"Oh no, I mean I think I could work and all...It's just…" Sheele bit her bottom lip, "Mine can be very...aggressive."

"I know, that's one of the reasons why I chose her."

"O-Oh...I see…"

Najenda smiled.

"You seemed troubled, Sheele."

"Oh...well...I'm just thinking...If Leone is uncomfortable around him, I just hope Mine can work through that."

"Hm, I guess. But I like to think she's already put him on a leash."

"...I don't know if that's right," Sheele asked, "And won't whatever happened on Leone's mission affect anything?"

"Oh, don't worry about that," Najenda said, "There's a reason why I didn't tell anyone else about it."

She took out a cigarette.

"But...I will have to tell everyone eventually. I would have been alright if Tatsumi told it to you, but I'm not sure how everyone else would handle it if I told them."

She placed it in her mouth.

"I'm still shocked just thinking about it."

After lighting it up, she grabbed a newspaper, courtesy of Lubbock, from the coffee table in front of her.

"I could tell you about the mission, but you have to promise me not to tell anyone."

"Is...Is it really that bad?"

But Najenda did not answer Sheele, for she was suddenly engrossed in the front cover of the newspaper in front of her.

She grabbed it with her second hand, bringing it closer to her face as her eyes darted left to right faster.

"My god," Najenda said.

"Boss?"

Najenda looked back at Sheele.

And then back to the front cover.

"You still want to know?"

Sheele looked worried, but nodded yes regardless.

"Read this," Najenda tossed the folded newspaper to her.

Sheele caught it in her lap, looking at Najenda who was inhaling her cigarette more than usual.

She unfolded the newspaper and read the front cover.

Imperial Serial Killer Strikes Again

Blood painted alley walls in the Capital as the Imperial Serial Killer took the life of another innocent citizen of the Empire. Residents in the area requested the services of the Imperial Police Force after gunshots from a machine gun rang through the alleyway, but the mess left after the bloodbath made it impossible to identify the victim.

Police suspect that such a brutal death could only be done by the disgraced Imperial Police officer known as Seryu Ubiquitous. Seryu Ubiquitous, who was once hailed as one of the most dedicated members of the Imperial Police Force, abruptly abandoned her oath to the public by brutally shooting down former Captain of the Imperial Police Force, Ogre, as well as mercilessly beating an oil salesman, known as Gamal, to death. Eye witnesses of Gamal's murder claim that the bloodbath in the alleyway matches almost exactly like the bloodbath left from Gamal's murder.

Citizens are warned to stay indoors until the Killer has been brought to justice…

Sheele read the paper again.

Was she reading this right?

Because she was certain that, from all the commotion about the mission, it was Tatsumi that ultimately killed Ogre and Gamal.

Yet this paper claimed a Serial Killer did it. Or rather, a former Imperial Police Officer.

Is this right?

"I see you're confused."

Sheele lowered the paper to see Najenda already done with her cigarette.

"All that was Tatsumi's doing," Najenda confirmed.

What?

"Is...the paper spreading lies?" Sheele asked.

"No, the paper is right," Najenda said, "The Imperial Officer killed Ogre and Gamal."

"...But," Sheele questioned, "I thought Tatsumi did?"

"It's the perfect cover, isn't it?"

Sheele confusingly watched Najenda take out another cigarette.

"You can't possibly link Night Raid to that, can you?"

Cover? Link? But...wait a minute.

She read the cover again.

No, this...can't possibly be linked to Night Raid.

Were we even involved?

Did we even need to be involved?

What is this?

What could Tatsumi have possibly done?

**BAM**

Startled, both Sheele and Najenda stood up, staring at the source of the sound.

"The entrance," Najenda pointed.

They rushed to the entrance of the base.

Was it an intruder?

No one other than Mine and Tatsumi were out, so it couldn't possibly be them.

But when they reached the entrance, they saw the very people who were supposed to be out.

Mine must have slammed the door open.

"Mine?" Sheele called.

What was she doing here, it was way too early for her to be back.

Mine kept walking to the dorms.

"What happened?" Najenda called, as Tatsumi entered the base as well.

"Mine, are you alright," Sheele placed her shoulder on the moving pink assassin, but she viciously shoved her shoulder away from Sheele.

She turned around, revealing the tears spewing from her eyes.

Teary eyes that were now focused on Tatsumi.

"YOU!" Mine pointed to him, "DON'T YOU DARE GET ANYWHERE NEAR ME OR I'LL KILL YOU!"

She ran to the dorms and disappeared as quickly as she came back.

All eyes immediately went to the young man.

"Tatsumi," Najenda called, "What happened?"

"There was a misunderstanding," he immediately said.

"A misunder-...Tell me what happened?"

Sheele approached the young man as well. She noticed that the moment she put herself in his life of sight, he immediately began looking at her.

She couldn't tell what he was feeling, if he was feeling anything at all.

"Tatsumi!" Najenda yelled for his attention.

"Tatsumi, please," Sheele said to his still staring form, "You can tell us anything."

Tatsumi kept staring, causing Najenda's annoyance to increase, but causing Sheele to persist.

"Was it an accident?" Sheele asked, causing Najenda to turn to her, "If it was an accident then we could understand."

"Out of context it would seem it could make matters worse," Tatsumi replied.

"S-So it was an accident," Sheele confirmed, "Did you do anything to Mine?"

"No, not directly anyway," Tatsumi said, "I didn't expect her to react this way."

"What do you mean," Najenda pressed, "Tell us what happened."

Tatsumi looked at Najenda, and then back to Sheele who was worried for Mine and him as well. He stared at her for a bit until he finally spoke.

"I woke up Mine early, she didn't respond well. Perhaps that took part in her reaction."

Earlier that Day

10:58 AM

The Empire - Shopping District

The people around here seem to be incredibly stressed out. He could notice this the moment he entered the Empire, and now he is reminded of this very emotion plaguing the people in this city. However, Tatsumi can see the immense advantage of this.

When people are stressed, they no longer focus outward. Instead, all of their energy is focused inward, towards the problems they face and the suffering they're enduring. In this scenario, which is completely out of their own individual control, they are likely facing the latter. This means that little if any attention will not be given to them. Tatsumi recalls the times he took advantage of this stress outside the Empire, where the stress of bandits and danger beasts plagued most of the collateral in the way of his target. They are very easy to slip past.

"Hey! What's the hold-up, country boy?!"

He didn't turn his head, knowing that the voice belonged to the pink assassin Najenda assigned him to tag along with. His assumption on her aggressive personality was very accurate.

Mine had learned from Najenda that Tatsumi was from the country, perhaps as an attempt to make himself seem more open. Diana would do such things like this, to no avail. It seems as though it might have done the opposite in this situation and perhaps ignited an engine that fuels her apparent superiority complex.

"Stop ignoring me damn it! Chop chop!"

Tatsumi could see a small number of people mildly glancing at the yelling pink assassin before going along with their days. This is not professional at all.

He approached her.

"Finally, sheesh," she complained, readjusting her pink purse on her shoulder, "For a supposed assassin, you're too slow."

Tatsumi doesn't understand why that's a problem.

"And stop staring at me like that, you creep!"

Tatsumi still doesn't understand.

"Aren't we supposed to be on a mission?" he asked.

"This is the mission," Mine said, "Today you're my faithful servant!"

...Faithful servant?

"I don't understand," Tatsumi said, "I was under the impression I would be working with you on a mission."

"Correction," Mine claimed, "You will be working 'under' me, not with."

...Under?

"Is this another test?" Tatsumi asked.

"If it was, you'd fail for asking too many questions," Mine said, turning around the other direction, "Now, come on. We don't have a lot of time!"

She began walking away, likely expecting Tatsumi to follow along. He did without hesitation.

He opted to look at the people around him. Even with his suit on, no one paid him any attention. The stress of living here must be severe enough to warrant such a lack of spatial awareness.

And he was beginning to see why.

On their silent walk, Tatsumi could see a homeless man feebly begging for money. The uncaring eyes of those around him helped Tatsumi predict his fate.

From a distance, he could see two imperial police officers tormenting a man groveling beneath their feet as a show of power.

And past an alleyway, Tatsumi saw a bed of dead roses. The dark coloration indicated they did not receive any water for a very long time. The stress of living in the Empire likely made their care less of a priority.

For an Empire that prides itself in power, everything appears to be tearing from the seams.

"It's horrible, isn't it?"

Tatsumi stared back at Mine.

"Everyone lives in constant fear of the government. People are dying left and right, poverty is increasing, and those who aren't in poverty will likely be there very soon."

She turned towards the imperial police, who began walking away from the bruised groveling man.

"One day, when this corruption ends, there will be peace across the Empire," Mine said, "And...especially the west."

"The West?" asked Tatsumi, causing Mine to stir up.

"F-Forget it, I don't want to tell you."

…

Interesting response. And such a specific place in mind. Perhaps she's from there? But Tatsumi supposed it mattered little.

"Regardless I don't think we should be talking about this in public," Tatsumi said, "Our occupation doesn't benefit those in power, after all."

Mine raised her eyebrow.

"Why not?" Mine asked, "Nobody cares to listen, what with the fear going on."

"I supposed," Tatsumi responded.

"Plus. they only have four of us on wanted posters."

…

...

"Four?"

"Yep. Najenda, Akame, Bulat, and Sheele."

Tatsumi blinked, analyzing the name of Night Raid's compromised assassins.

Najenda, Akame, and Bulat's compromised identities made sense to him. They were once part of the Empire, as Tatsumi was able to establish from his assumptions. However, what interested him was Sheele's compromised identity.

Tatsumi didn't see Sheele's performance during the attempted attack on Night Raid's base, but her alliance with someone like Mine leads him to assume that she's well adept at killing. However, to warrant a wanted poster for her life implies either she had mistakenly compromised her identity on a mission, or she must have done something prior to joining Night to warrant this. He would have assumed the former, but he doubts someone like Najenda would allow someone so careless to join Night Raid. She must have done something to warrant this.

"If there's anything at all you want to talk about, just know that my door is open for you Tatsumi."

…

What a strange woman.

"Hehehe, go ahead and cry! Nobody is listening!"

Tatsumi snapped out of his thoughts, seeing that Mine's focus was no longer on him.

He starred in the direction she was looking at.

Deep within an alleyway, there were two thugs. One was holding a little girl against the wall by the thought, while the other watched and laughed in amusement.

Tatsumi looked back at Mine. Her hardened face made it apparent that she was going to do something.

And this prediction proves true when Mine entered the alleyway on her own, prompting Tatsumi to follow.

"Hey!" Mine called, gathering the attention of the two thugs, "Shouldn't you both be picking on someone your own size?"

The two thugs looked at her, and then at Tatsumi.

The second thug raised his eyebrow as the first thug roughly released the girl from his grasp.

"Or what?" said the second thug, "You gonna do something about it?"

"Yeah, besides what's the big deal?" the first thug asked, "She's a refugee from outside the country, she could end up being a traitor for all we know."

"So can I."

…

...

The thugs stepped back from the threatening statement from Mine.

"Tatsumi," Mine called.

He stared at her.

"Yes?"

"Take them down."

…

...

"Is that wise?"

"...Huh?"

Mine quickly looked at the staring eyes of Tatsumi.

"What are you..I ordered you to take them down!"

Tatsumi contemplated those words. He faced the thugs that were waiting for him to initiate something.

"Tatsumi!" Mine said, agitated.

"Mine," he said, "Did you think this through."

Mine blinked.

"W-What?!"

"I don't see how this is our problem."

…

...

Mine stared in shock.

"This might compromise our identities," Tatsumi continued, "I don't understand why we had to intervene."

"What are you...Are you stupid?!" Mine exclaimed, "What the hell is wrong with you?!"

"A-At least someone here has some sense," the second thug.

"Yeah, hehe," the first thug spoke, "Seems your black knight doesn't seem to care, now what Pinky?"

The little girl silently began to cry, causing Mine's to grow in rage.

She grabbed Tatsumi's collar.

"Listen here you piece of trash," she said in a threatening tone, "There's a little girl who can't defend herself, and you think this has nothing to do with what we do?"

She pointed at the thugs again, who only had amused smiles on their faces.

"As your higher up, I order you to take them down NOW!"

"Yeah black knight, take us down," The first thug laughed.

"We'll go easy on you, promise," the second thug said with a smirk.

The little girl curled into a ball against the wall.

Tatsumi stared at the thugs, who continued to laugh at him.

"Are you sure?" Tatsumi asked for the last time.

"YES, GOD DAMN IT, DO IT!"

…

It seemed he didn't have a choice. He had to follow orders.

First, he had to address his main concern.

He turned his head around, seeing that no one listened or caught interest in what was going on down the alleyway. In order to maintain this, this had to be quick.

He then turned to the little girl, still huddled up in despair.

Next, he turned back to the thugs, who were brandishing their fists.

And finally, Tatsumi approached them.

"Hahaha, oh no, he's coming at us," the second thug mocked.

"Yeah, hahaha, let's teach him-"

**POW**

Tatsumi punched the first thug on his chin, causing him to collapse to the ground.

"Woah wha-"

**CRACK**

"ACK"

He then elbowed the second thug's neck, causing him to also collapse to the ground.

He approached the first thug, still dazed from his punch, and wrapped his right arm around his neck.

He began to choke him.

Tatsumi squeezed, knowing that he will have to keep the thug stabilized to bevent him from escaping.

"Alright, that's enough."

He squeezed tighter, knowing that in a couple of seconds, he would have completely taken down the thug.

"Tatsumi, that's enough."

Tatsumi could see the thug's face begin to turn blue, desperately trying to pry off his arm from his neck.

"W-what are you doing?!"

From his current position, he could probably break his neck. It would probably be the fastest way to end-

"TATSUMI!"

Tatsumi suddenly released the thug to instinctually dodge Mine's harshly swung purse.

He hastily stepped back.

"What are you doing?" Tatsumi asked.

"W-What am I doing?!" she dropped the rock and pointed at the downed man, "You could have killed him!"

Tatsumi blinked.

"That was the point."

Mine stared at him dumbfoundedly.

"Wha...You were…"

"I would have used my guns, but I think it would have caused the child to scream."

Mine seemed to be lost for words.

Odd.

"Am I missing something?" Tatsumi interrupted, "You told me to take them down."

Mine shook her head.

"You son of a bitch!" she yelled, "I mean to rough them up, not kill them!"

…

"...That wouldn't have worked out," Tatsumi said, "They would have compromised our identities if they were left alive."

Mine's eyes grew wide.

"You...that has never happened!"

"And you're assuming it wouldn't happen this time?" Tatsumi questioned.

Tatsumi stared at the first thug, who was trying to catch his breath.

"I thought you wanted me to murder them."

…

Mine stepped away.

"You...stupid bastard," Mine said, horrified, "We...we have to get out of here!"

"He's still alive."

"I don't care if he's still alive."

"He's going to compromise our identities."

"No...no he…"

…

...

Tatsumi began to see Mine's eyes locked at a particular area in the alleyway. Her eyes widened and her hands covered her slowing gaping mouth. The little girl was also fixed at that location, completely frozen.

"N...No," Tatsumi heard the first thug say, "No...please...I'm sorry…"

The first thug was also looking at the same area.

"Please...I'm sorry...I'm so sorry."

He tried to get up, but his throbbing head prevented him from standing up.

Tatsumi finally looked at the area of interest and understood everyone's shock.

"Please...don't do this!"

The first thug began dragging himself away.

Tatsumi approached the area.

Mine stepped back from him.

"I'm sorry...I'm so sorry."

The first thug began to cry as Tatsumi approached the area and knelt down.

"Please, I won't tell anyone!"

The elbow strike worked as intended.

"Please! Don't kill me!"

The second thug was lying stiffly against the alleyway wall. His face was completely purple, and his eyes were bulged out in horror. His neck had claw marks on it, and his fingertips and nails were coated in flesh and blood.

It appears he has died of asphyxiation.

"H-HELP!"

Tatsumi looked at the first thug.

"SOMEBODY!" he called, "HELP M-"

**BAM**

A swift kick to his head silenced him.

Tatsumi quickly looked at the end of the alleyway.

No one had heard his calls for help.

Good.

He has to make this quick.

He wrapped his arm around the unconscious thug's neck.

"NO!"

**SHOVE**

Tatsumi collapsed back from Mine's harsh shove.

"Don't kill him!"

He didn't like how slow this was becoming.

"Why?"

"Why?!" Mine yelled, "Because he didn't do anything wrong!"

"I would say-"

"I KNOW WHAT HE DID!" Mine's eyes grew red, as she darted back to the end of the alleyway to see that no one heard her yell.

"You son of a bitch!" she turned to Tatsumi again, "You would kill him for something like this?!"

"He going to compromise-"

"THAT'S NOT WHAT I MEANT!"

She turned around.

No one heard her.

"How could you think I ordered you to kill them?!"

"...Mine," Tatsumi said, "Are you aware of our occupation?"

…

"What," Mine said, "What does that-"

"When you asked me to take down these thugs, I responded appropriately to our occupation."

Mine's eyes widened.

"We are not vigilante's, Mine," Tatsumi said, "No matter how you see yourself, we're still murderers."

Mine stepped back.

"There is no 'Justice' to be found in what we do."

Tatsumi approached the unconscious thug again.

"All of us could be made to pay for our actions at any time."

He stopped over him.

"I thought you understood this,'' Tatsumi said, "I didn't take you for the naive type."

He wrapped his arm around the unconscious thug's neck while staring at the little girl.

We're running out of time. Tatsumi held the thug tightly and-

**SNAP**

"NO!" yelled Mine.

"Hah...HAH!"

Mine turned to the little girl, who was about to scream.

She tried to make a run for it.

"Mine!"

Almost immediately, Mine rushed and grabbed the girl.

"N-NO!" she she screamed, "H-HELP-HMMMMP"

Mine covered her mouth.

"Oh...oh my god," Mine said, sweating profusely at what she was doing.

"I'll take care of the bodies," Tatsumi said, grabbing the second thug from the wall, "Bring the girl, she's a witness."

Mine watched him in horror.

"HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMP!"

The little girl thrashed and cried in Mine's arms.

"You...You son of bitch!" Mine said to Tatsumi as she restrained the little girl.

"Did you kill her?" Najenda asked, "Did you kill that girl?!"

Sheele looked on in horror, wondering what Tatsumi's answer will be.

But before he could, he looked at Sheele again, observing her.

Sheele could only watch back with tense eyes.

"Did you?" Najenda asked again, regaining his attention.

As calmly as he was explaining that whole story, Tatsumi answered that question.

"No," he said, "I didn't."

Tatsumi gently closed the dumpster, no longer desiring to test their outstanding luck of not being noticed by any other civilians.

Well, besides the little girl in Mine's hold.

She will have to be addressed.

"Mine," Tatsumi called her still form, still grasping the little girl's wrist while covering her mouth.

She hadn't spoken since he began dragging the bodies. The little girl in her arms, crying tears of horror into her pink sleeve did little to move her. He could not see what she was feeling as her head looked to the floor.

"Mine," Tatsumi called again, "The girl."

The girl's muffled screams grew louder, as did her tears that refused to accept her fate.

Yet, despite this, Mine still did not move.

"Mine," Tatsumi called one again, "You know we have to do this."

"Do we?" Mine finally spoke, "Do we have to do this?"

Mine finally faced Tatsumi, allowing him to see Mine's red eyes, inflamed by the severe rage she had grown thus far, yet betrayed the strong stream of tears that poured from them as well.

"Who the hell do you think I am?" Mine said with what little composure she had left, "You think I'm just some sick serial killer?"

"I've already told you this Mine," Tatsumi said, "Now, give me the girl."

"Do you really think you can honestly compare me to them?"

"Mine, give me the girl."

"Those sick fucks we kill every day!?"

"The girl, Mine."

"You think I do this because I enjoy it?!"

"Mine!"

"YOU THINK I'M JUST GOING TO LET YOU KILL THIS KID!?"

She's freaking out.

"Mine, don't-"

"YOU PSYCHOPATH!" Mine interrupted, "I DO THIS TO BRING HARMONY TO THE WEST! WE'RE GOING TO MAKE THIS WORLD A BETTER PLACE! A PLACE WHERE CHILDREN WON'T HAVE TO SUFFER AS I DID! WE ARE NOT MINDLESS KILLERS! THEY HAVE WHAT'S COMING TO THEM! WE ARE NOT SICK LIKE YOU!"

She released the girl.

"AND I'M NOT GOING TO LET YOU KILL THIS KID!"

Mine suddenly charged him.

**SHOVE**

And tackled him to the ground.

"GO! RUN!"

"Mine!" Tatsumi yelled.

The girl did not need anything more to go. The moment she heard those words of mercy, she ran for the hills.

Tatsumi could only watch her leave.

"Mine!"

"YOU SON OF A BITCH!"

**POW**

Mine punched Tatsumi in his face.

But the punch did little to deter Tatsumi.

He grabbed the next punch.

"YOU'RE DEA-**HMMMP**"

Covering her face, Tatsumi managed to force her to her side.

And because of that, Tatsumi found his way on top of Mine, restraining her on the ground.

He quickly looked up, seeing where the girl was.

But she was gone.

The girl had got away.

…

"**tsk**" Tatsumi click, releasing the smallest glimpse of frustration he had ever felt.

God damn it, this could bite them in a place most would not want to be bitten. As far as he could remember, he had never let a witness get away from him. As much as he would rather avoid collateral, he did what he had to do. He couldn't allow his identity to be compromised.

But he could never expect this turn of events.

He looked at Mine, thrashing and growling like a feral animal. It seems close-quarters combat is a major weakness for her. But that matters little.

Tatsumi released her, allowing her to quickly get up.

Mine threw one more punch, which Tatsumi dodged.

She breathed heavily, her hair was in disarray and her outfit was coated with dirt and dust.

She turned around, seeing that the girl had gotten away, and then began briskly walking out of the alleyway.

"She's gone."

"Don't talk to me."

"Mine."

"DON'T YOU SAY ANOTHER WORD!" said Mine, tears still flowing from her eyes.

The air was palpable as the story reached its end. From looks alone, not even Akame would be able to tell what Najenda was thinking. Sheele could see how pensive her face was as she stared at the standing form of Tatsumi, who talked about his attempt at killing a child as if she were a target that killed innocents for fun. But then again, the situation in general was very gray.

And it's likely that Najenda was thinking the exact same thing.

"...I'm glad you didn't harm Mine, Tatsumi," Najenda commented, "But perhaps you went a little too far with this child."

"I don't like leaving witnesses Najenda," Tatsumi said as coldly as he told his story.

"Be that as it may, you're very lucky you weren't exposed through that whole debacle."

"That child is still out there."

"Of course," Najenda took out a cigarette, "But I highly doubt anyone would believe the words of a child."

She lit up a cigarette.

"Especially one that's a refugee…"

Sheele looked down in solemn, knowing the cold hard truth of what Najenda said. Especially knowing how it revolved around the motivation of Mine.

"Still though," Najenda said, "You did the right thing."

Sheele looked immediately back at Najenda, eye's slightly open.

"I wasn't aware that Mine was doing things like this behind our back," she said, "That alone could have compromised us, so I apologize for putting you in a position like that."

Tatsumi didn't respond, shifting his gaze at Sheele once again.

Sheele couldn't help but sweat a bit. His eyes were as still as the tone of his voice. It unnerved her slightly.

He turned back to Najenda.

"Will I be reprimanded?" he asked.

"...No, I don't think you will," Najenda said, "However…"

She got dangerously closer to Tatsumi.

"Remember what I told you Tatsumi."

"That wasn't my intention, I assure you."

…

"I'll give you the benefit of the doubt."

Najenda backed off.

"However," She breathed in her cigarette, "Let this be a reminder that the members of Night Raid do not think the same way as you do."

The smoke left her lungs as she finished the sentence.

"Mine's goal was always to encourage diplomatic relations between the Capital and the West. I'd imagine it goes against your...own definition of assassination, but understand that the members of Night Raid have at least some basic understanding of what it means to be an assassin."

"With all due respect, I disagree," he said, "I'm concerned that no one completely grasps the weight of what we do."

"They do, Tatsumi."

Najenda and Tatsumi turned to Sheele, who broke her own silence.

"I know it doesn't seem like it, and...what you said about what it means to be an assassin is...something that I agree with," she noticed Tatsumi blink at that statement, "But...you have to understand that we are still people."

She adjusted her glasses.

"It just so happened that this situation was a bit too sensitive for Mine," Sheele said, "She's still a competent assassin, and so is everyone else, I can assure you."

For some reason, she could feel Najenda's gaze upon her. It wasn't one of scrutiny, but one of observation. But Sheele was more focused on Tatsumi who blinked once again at Sheele's words.

"I suppose you have a point," Tatsumi said, "I just hope that emotions don't get in the way of another 'mission' again."

"You don't have to worry about that," Najenda spoke, "I won't be putting you on a mission like that again."

She pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration.

"It would seem this is my fault for initiating this in the first place."

Najenda began to leave the area.

"Boss?" called Sheele.

"Don't mind me, you're both dismissed," said Najenda, "I'm going to check up on Mine, this whole thing must have been too much for her to handle."

And with that, the room was left to Tatsumi and Sheele alone.

…

Sheele didn't feel too comfortable because she knew Tatsumi was looking at the back of her head.

"Sheele."

"Huh?"

She quickly turned around, startled as she wasn't expecting Tatsumi to call for her.

"I'm surprised you agreed with what I told Mine," he said, "I was under the impression you would defend her more prominently."

Sheele blinked at that claim.

"Well...I still don't like how you talked to her Tatsumi," Sheele clarified, "But yes...I do agree with what you said."

She readjusted her glasses again.

"There is no justice in what we do, I guess we're just lucky we're killing the bad guys."

It was true. Despite what everyone else in Night Raid might believe, Sheele never wished to have killed anyone. It's such a weight on one's shoulders that no one should have to carry. It was such a permanent solution for temporary problems. But unfortunately, they were left with little choice.

"If I'm being honest," he said, "I didn't take you for the type to kill."

Sheele looked at him, and smiled. Even she could tell that the smile was that of solemn resignation. She couldn't help it, knowing the truth of herself. It was sad, but regardless it was the truth behind her character.

"I know," she said, looking down at the floor, "You're not the first to say something like that, but I have killed many people Tatsumi."

She looked at Tatsumi in sad acceptance of herself.

"It's...the only thing that I'm good at."

She took a deep breath, reminding herself that she has learned to live with this truth for quite some time, but it still never gets easy. It reminded her of her past, before coming to Night Raid. It wasn't something she really enjoyed remembering, but it would always come up every now and then. She better go to her room to calm herself.

"...Well," Sheele said, "I supposed I'll just go to my room then. I may be unavailable for a bit, but...my door will still be open to you Tatsumi, I hope you remember that."

She bowed towards Tatsumi and then made her leave, still feeling Tatsumi staring at the back of her head. The reminder of her past made his intense focus much bearable, but in all honestly, the gaze was far more bearable than her past.

She wished things worked out differently.

Najenda watched Sheele leave Tatsumi's presence.

She had never truly left the room, wondering how the two would interact with one another.

It would seem that Tatsumi was slightly more responsive to Sheele's unadulterated kindness.

Maybe Najenda was too hasty in picking Mine to be Tatsumi's handler.

She will have to test this with tonight's surprise assassination mission.