A group of assassins were detected close to Night Raid's HQ. Najenda sent her members to take them out. They split into teams and searched for them. Tatsumi went with Bulat.

"You're still not used to going against groups. Concentrate on getting the feel of the battlefield." Bulat told him.

"Right" Tatsumi nodded.

"And call me Handsome or Bro." He added.

"Got it, bro!"

"All right! That's what I'm talking about! Now watch this." Bulat said then put his hand on the ground.

"Incursio!" Bulat's armor began to form around him and soon revealed to be in his suit of armor and had his spear out.

"That is so cool!" Tatsumi complimented.

"This is the teigu called Incursio." Bulat announced.

"I don't know what that is but that is awesome!" He said.

The wind was blowing as the assassins were approaching.

"They're here." Tatsumi said.

"Now you can see what a teigu can do." Bulat said.

Tor and Julie encountered two assassins. Both of them had their weapons drawn out and ready.

"Those two must be from Night Raid. That means we're close to their base." The assassin said.

"The girl looks really cute. Let's have some fun with her after we kill them." The second assassin said.

Julie's swords began to glow.

"Let's do this, Julie." Tor said.

"Ja." She nodded.

Julie swiftly slashed through them. The assassins hardly had enough time to block her attacks and only resulted getting injuries that are non-fatal.

"Damn bitch, you'll pay for that!" one of the assassin's exclaimed. Soon after, Tor was already up close to one of them and had his fist glowing.

"Mjolnir!" He shouted as the assassin was directly hit by the punch and launched to a tree, being killed by the attack.

"Why you!" The other assassin growled as he attempted to strike him with his sword. Tor blocked it with his shield.

Julie struck him from above and cut through his body with both of her swords. The assassin fell dead on the ground.

"You were amazing, Julie." Tor complimented.

"Thank you." She said. He turned and glanced at the dead assassin.

"Normally, a Blaze would require deadly intent to do physical damage but your Blaze is an exception when you use its potential." Tor said.

"Kamisori is capable of cutting through anything. That includes physical damage to someone." Julie stated then looked down. "But either way, I would use it if it meant protecting you."

"As long I protect you too." He replied. She smiled in response.

"We should find the rest of them. Hopefully, the others have already got them." Tor said.

"Ja."

The two left the area and continued to search for the assassins.

Alan witnessed Akame killing the three assassins in front of her.

"It only takes one strike." She stated to the dead assassins. Alan approached her.

"Akame, has anyone ever told you can be pretty scary when it comes to fighting?" Alan asked nervously.

She turned and saw four more assassins approaching them.

"We're not done yet. Get ready, Alan." Akame replied ignoring his question.

"Right." He nodded and quickly aimed his pistols at them.

Alan fired at the first one with two shots then aimed at the second one and fired more rounds. Both of them were hit and fell to the ground. Alan aimed and fired at the next assassin but he dodged it and got in close in an attempt to strike him. Alan dodged out of the way as he immediately switched to his sword. He struck down the assassin with a couple slashes.

Akame swiftly cut through the last assassin. She didn't bother continue the fight since the sword's poison did the rest.

"We should get moving." Akame stated.

Alan nodded. The two left as they still hunted the assassins

As Leone and Akira finished off the assassins they were fighting, a loud shot was heard in the area.

"Was that Mine's gun?" Akira asked.

"Sure was. Hard to believe she goes through the trouble of using that thing. When I'm all beast like, I can beat my enemies to death." Leone said. "And of course finish off the guys you took care of."

"Sorry, I can only damage the person's soul. I can't kill people with my weapon unless I used deadly intent and that's not so easy for me to do." She explained.

"Don't worry about it. I've got your back and who knows, maybe we'll find a teigu for you to use." Leone said.

"Thanks, Leone. But do you think I can use one?" Akira asked. She learned that each teigu can only be used by certain people.

"You never know until you try, right?" She answered.

"You're right. Let's search for one when we get a chance." Akira agreed.

"That's what I want to hear!" Leone said happily.

Tatsumi was finishing off the assassins he was fighting. He turned and saw Bulat surrounded by them. They were circling around him until they all jumped at him to attack.

"Watch out!" Tatsumi exclaimed.

Bulat swung his spear around the area fast, killing all of the assassins and blood raining around him.

"He's so strong. This is what Night Raid is capable of." Tatsumi commented.

"You okay Tatsumi?" Bulat asked.

"Uh, yeah." He replied.

"You did great! I know you've got talent same with Tor." Bulat said with a thumbs up.

"Bulat, Tatsumi!" Tor called as he and Julie ran up to them.

"Tor, did you find any more of them?" Bulat asked.

"No, I think we got them all." He answered.

"I don't have anyone else on my wires." Lubbock said as he, Alan and Akame walked up to the group.

"The mission is complete. Let's head back." Akame stated.

The next day, Sheele was walking down the hall and found Tatsumi leaning against the wall by the door.

"Is something the matter?" Sheele asked.

"Oh, hey Sheele. I'm supposed to be training with Mine but she hasn't woken up yet." Tatsumi said.

"Mine has a habit of sleeping in." She said as they entered the meeting room.

"Seriously? She can't wake up for work?" He asked disbelieved.

"I'll go wake her up." Sheele said as she's about to leave.

"No, let Tatsumi wake her." Najenda said as she was in front of them.

"Why me?" He asked.

"Because you're Mine's subordinate. And it's a subordinate's job to fetch his superior." She stated.

"Alright, fine." Tatsumi replied then left.

"Are you sure you should let her wake her up?" Tor asked as he was at the meeting table.

"Why's that?" She asked.

"Don't you remember what happened last time?" He explained.

Flashback

"Mine, are you up yet? We have to…" Tor paused as he entered Mine's room and saw her in her bra and underwear. They were moments of silence.

"Ahhhh!" Mine screamed then fired Pumpkin. There was a loud explosion and a large hole through the wall. Tor dodged out the way, terrified.

"Why did you have to shoot me?! I could have been killed!" Tor exclaimed.

"Well I missed! You pervert! How dare you dodge when you deserve to die!" Mine exclaimed.

"I'm sorry! I just came here to wake you up! I didn't mean to…" He was cut off by Mine powering up Pumpkin.

"Maybe so but have you ever heard of something from your world called knocking?!" Mine yelled then fired her gun again. Tor had to use his shield and run from her until she calmed down and got dressed.

Flashback ends.

"I'm sure the same thing can't happen twice." Najenda said chuckling in amusement.

Suddenly a loud explosion was heard in the base.

"At least I thought. Guess I was wrong. Still amusing though." She smiled.

"Here we go again." Tor sighed.

"Hey! We're having some kind of festival here?!" Leone said excitedly.

"Mine's at it again isn't she?" Alan asked as he entered the room.

"Reminds me of my training with her." Tor said remembering that his training with her involved a large amount of shopping in the Capital.

"Sounds like Tatsumi is going have a long day." Najenda said.

Akira was in her room most of the day after the last battle she was in. She only left for food or work during the day. Alan eventually noticed and entered her room.

"Akira, are you alright? You've been in here for a while." Alan said concerned.

"Oh, hey Alan. It's nothing really, I'm just recovering from yesterday." Akira greeted in a down tone.

"Akira, you can tell me what's wrong. You are my partner and we're supposed to be helping each other." Alan said.

"It's just… I feel like I haven't been very helpful to you all since when we got here. I'm the only one who can't actually take down our enemies. I can't use the deadly killing intent and I get tired easily when I use my Blaze's power. I feel like I'm dragging you down and I feel terrible about it." Akira explained sadly.

"Akira, you've been helpful in more ways than you think." He answered.

"What do you mean?" She asked.

"You've always remembered the places and towns you've explored and the best at supporting the group. Most importantly, I always trust you to have my back when we fight together." Alan said.

"Alan, I…"

"Sure you can't use the killing intent of your Blaze but I'd rather you didn't. It might change you and I don't want that to happen. And I'll keep helping you get stronger." He finished.

Akira was silent for few moments. She couldn't think of any words to respond knowing he was right. The duo always supported each other whether in battle or in stress. Alan was fulfilling that role. Akira walked up to him and hugged him.

"Thank you Alan, I'm glad I can count on you." She said. He returned the hug then released after a few moments.

"Leone did say that I might find a teigu for me to use." Akira said starting to feel better.

"I'll help you find one then." Alan said.

"And maybe we'll find one for you too." She added.

"I haven't really thought about but yeah, could be helpful to us." He said.

"Then let's look for a teigu together!" Akira cheered. Alan smiled in response knowing that she's back to herself.

At the Capital in the throne room, the emperor who was young and was being manipulated by the Prime Minister. He was on his throne and was sentencing the man in front of him. The generals were standing beside him.

"For speaking against our policies and interfering with government affairs, you are decreed to be drawn and quartered." The emperor stated.

"Is this the right choice, Minister?" He asked. The Prime Minister stood beside him, eating a steak. He was middle-aged and had grey hair and a beard.

"Of course, your Highness. You're the wisest ruler in the Empire." Honest answered.

"You're having meat again? You sure do eat a lot." The emperor said. The Prime Minister laughed in response.

"Life's pleasures are best enjoyed when they are fresh." He said.

"Your Highness! The Prime Minister is deceiving you! Please! Open your ears to hear the people's cries!" The man shouted. The emperor turned to Honest.

"What does he mean, Prime Minister?" He asked.

"He has clearly gone mad, your Highness." Honest answered.

"Right, you've never been wrong before. This man must be insane." The emperor said. The guards detained the man.

"I regretfully bid you farewell." Honest said to him as they dragged him away.

"Please, your Majesty! He'll lead the Empire into ruin if he's not stopped!" The man shouted. Honest walked down to him.

"Don't worry, I'll be sure to look after your lovely wife you're leaving behind. I'll take good care of her in every way." He assured then began to laugh. The man was stunned by this.

"NO! You can't let him do this! That man is a demon! He has to be stopped! Someone please!" He cried as he was being dragged away from the guards.

Among the generals, there was one man watching the entire event. He had short green hair and wore glasses.

"Seems like Honest continues to enjoy himself in the role of Prime Minister as well as its luxuries. He also has the emperor under his complete control. But the assassination group, Night Raid hasn't exactly gotten his attention quite yet even with the famous captain Ogre killed. I suppose I'll let them have their fun for now, there's no reason to step in just yet." He thought as he smirked mischievously.

Night raid was going after a new target called Iowkaru who is a distant relative to the Prime Minister. He was using the Minister's name to kidnap women and beat them to death. He also had seven guards who participate in the beatings. Like the other targets they taken down, Tatsumi and the Protectors were disgusted by this.

Mine, Tatsumi and Tor were to assassinate Iowkaru while the rest of the members focus on the guards.

"That must be Iowkaru's mansion. It's huge." Tatsumi said as he was looking at it with the telescope.

"Guess it comes with being related to the Prime Minister." Tor said.

"I don't know why I need two people with me on this job. One of you is enough." Mine said annoyed.

"The boss said that you needed someone to defend you from attacks and I'm the best person for it." Tor explained.

"Then she should have just sent you instead of this country hick." She said pointing at Tatsumi.

"Hey!" Tatsumi exclaimed.

"That's because you're still training him for today." Tor answered.

"I thought my training with him was done." Mine said.

"Except that wasn't training, that was shopping!" Tatsumi exclaimed.

"I am your superior, and you will not question my training, servant!" She exclaimed.

"Can we please focus on the mission we're given?" Tor said trying to break up their argument.

"Fine!" Tatsumi/Mine replied.

"Maybe this is why she sent me along with them." He thought.

Mine aimed Pumpkin at the Mansion.

"Should be easy enough at this distance. I'll shoot him right between the eyes as soon he leaves his mansion." She said.

"Right, and as soon as you splatter him, it'll be me and Tor's job to escort you out of here." Tatsumi said.

"Hmph, I'll keep my expectations low." Mine said. She put her finger on the trigger and took a deep breath.

"Here he comes." She said. Tatsumi quickly looked through telescope and was looking for their target until he saw him at the entrance surround by women.

"I see him but there's a lot people around him." Tatsumi said.

"That doesn't matter." Mine replied as she kept her aim steady.

"What do you mean 'that doesn't matter? You won't hit him from here." He argued.

"They're irrelevant." She stated.

"Look. We can't shoot innocent people." Tatsumi argued.

"Relax Tatsumi. You have nothing to worry about." Tor assured.

"What do you mean?! She's about to-" He was cut off by Pumpkin's shot. The bullet went right through Iowkaru's head, leaving the people unharmed.

"What he means is that I'm a sniper genius." Mine said proudly.

"Uh yeah. That's her way of putting it" Tor said. While he knew it was risky to shoot near civilians, he also once witnessed Mine's incredible sniper skills that she's been able to hit what seem to be impossible shots.

The three began to leave the area.

Six of the seven bodyguards ran through the forest to search for the assassin.

"We must find lord Iowkaru's killer. If they get away, the prime minister will have our heads!" One of them stated.

"They can't be too far!" Another guard said until they stopped and encountered eight figures.

"Look at what we have here. Let's go wild!" Leone said excited as she put her fists together while the rest of them got ready to fight.

Tatsumi, Tor and Mine continue walk towards their destination.

"Ugh… this route is not easy to travel through." Mine complained as she pushed a branch out the way.

"It's not too bad. It's better than running through any trouble." Tor said.

"You think they got rid of the guards yet?" Tatsumi asked.

"Those guards trained at Koukenji. It may take a while." Mine said.

"Koukenji… that's the best martial arts temple in the Empire. Guess they don't skimp on the security for the prime minister's relatives." Tatsumi said.

"Didn't you learn martial arts too?" Mine asked Tor.

"Yeah, I spent my childhood learning in a dojo. I continued improving my skills when I was later in an academy." He explained.

"Did you learn all that somewhere in the Empire?" Tatsumi asked.

"No, I actually came from a place called Japan." He answered.

"Japan?"

"Tor, Alan and his other two friends come from some weird place along with their gear." Mine said Tatsumi was confused by this then looked at Tor.

"It's a long story. We'll explain it when we get a chance." He said.

"Since we're talking about the past. I'll tell you two a little story about me." Mine said. They both listened.

"I was born in one of the tribes in the western border of the empire. It means half of my blood is foreign and I was treated terribly by the villagers. Nobody would accept me. My childhood was a nightmare. However, the Revolutionary Army made an alliance with the western tribe. Once the capital has a new ruler, nationality will no longer matter. Then kids will never go through the hell that I experienced. I won't let anyone suffer by discrimination." She explained as she was determined at the end.

"Mine." Tatsumi spoke quietly.

"I had no idea…" Tor said feeling bad for her.

"And also when this is done, I'll get a lot of money and live a life of luxury!" Mine finished then started to laugh.

Tatsumi was irritated while Tor sweat dropped.

Leone punched the last guard to death.

"Oh, that felt so incredible!" Leone said happily.

"You know I'm getting a little worried about you. But they were quite challenging." Alan said.

"Agreed." Sheele said.

"Something's wrong. I thought they were supposed to be seven." Akame stated.

"I didn't even get a chance to kill one of them." Lubbock pouted as he turned his head.

"That means you only get half of the reward." Leone said.

"WHAT!" He shouted.

"If it makes you feel any better, I didn't get one either." Akira mentioned.

"That's okay, you still get the full reward for helping." Leone said, patting her head.

"OH, COME ON! THAT'S NOT FAIR! I WAS HELPING TOO!" Lubbock exclaimed.

Akame thought for a moment until she realized where the guard is and was worried about the other group.

"We need to hurry to the rendezvous point. The last bodyguard may be there." Akame stated.

"Tor." Julie said worried.

Tatsumi, Tor and Mine reached the pink tree.

"This is rendezvous point. Guess the mission's done." Mine stated.

"Aren't we suppose to report in before we complete it?" Tatsumi asked.

"Ha, you're starting to sound like Akame." She said. Someone behind her was about to attack.

"Mine, look out!" Tor shouted as he pushed her out of the way and took the hit. It sent him flying back a little.

"Tor!" She exclaimed.

"Who are you?" Tatsumi demanded.

"Not bad, If I do say so myself." The bodyguard spoke. He had long blonde hair tied behind him and no weapons.

"You must be a martial artist from Koukenji." Mine said.

"I am. The assistant instructor, in fact. Though that was ten years ago." The guard answered.

"And now you're on guard duty for some nobody. Oh how the mighty have fallen." Mine said as she shoots rapidly at him.

He dodges as he gets closer to her. The guard was about to land a punch on her until Tatsumi rushed in to strike him. He caught the sword. Tatsumi was about to let go of the sword until the guard dropped it as he noticed Tor trying to punch him.

The guard was currently on the defense against Tor's rapid punches.

"So you're a martial artist too. Not bad." The guard said as he was blocking.

"Then let's see how you handle this!" Tor said as he powers up his fist.

"What's this?"

The powered fist landed on him which sent him flying back and landed to the ground. As the guard quickly got back up, Tatsumi grabbed him and was holding him.

"Now, Mine! Shoot him!" Tatsumi shouted.

"What are you doing?! You'll be killed too!" Tor exclaimed.

"Tatsumi, I can't believe you're giving your life for me." Mine said in fake tears.

"I'm not throwing my life away! You said that you're a genius sniper, right? You can do it!" Tatsumi said.

"Yeah but this is too risky!" Tor protested.

Mine stood for a moment as the guard tries to free himself from Tatsumi.

"Hurry!" He shouted.

"You newbie. All right, I'll do it!" Mine said as she aimed her gun at the guard. Pumpkin began to power up.

"Oh no!" The guard panicked.

The gun fired and shot a hole through the guard's chest.

"You bastards, you'll pay for killing the prime minister's relatives." He said until he coughed blood and dropped to the ground dead.

Tatsumi was on the ground panting.

"I admit, he's got some guts." Mine complimented.

"Are you okay, Tatsumi?" Tor asked.

"Yeah." He turned to Mine. "What the hell Mine! That bullet nearly went through my head!" pointing to his damaged hair.

"Hey! I was just complimenting you and that's how you repay me?!" She argued.

"Oh shut up! Genius sniper my ass!" Tatsumi argued.

"Those two are never going to get along." Tor thought as he sighed.

The rest of the Night Raid was watching from a distance.

"Guess they didn't need our help after all." Leone said.

"Glad they were able to handle it." Alan said.

Akame smiled in seeing the group okay as Julie did the same for her partner.

Omake

The Cardboard Box

In the meeting room, Najenda was finishing discussing the next mission to Alan, Akame, Mine and Sheele.

"Be prepared. You'll go after the targets tonight." Najenda stated.

"Got it./Yes boss." They replied. Soon after, Akira stepped in the meeting room with a large cardboard box in her hands.

"Hey Akira, what's that you have?" Alan asked curious.

"I thought I could help with this new idea I just had." She answered happily.

"Really? What is it?" Najenda asked.

Akira opened the box. The five looked in it but then realized nothing was in there.

"Umm, there's nothing in there." Alan said.

"Did you forget to bring it?" Sheele asked.

"No, that's not it. This cardboard box is the new idea. I thought we could use it to hide inside it from any enemies we're sneak by. Or maybe hide something else in it." Akira explained.

"Wait. Akira, you actually came up with this." Najenda asked in disbelief.

"That's your idea?! There's no way that would work. Only an idiot would fall for that. I can't believe you thought of something this dumb." Mine said disappointed. Akira was starting to feel bad about herself.

"Don't go too hard on her. She's just trying to help the group with new ideas. I'm sure she'll try harder next time." Alan defended.

"Yes, besides I think it looks cute." Sheele said.

"Still, there's no way the boss will…" Mine said.

"IT'S GENIUS!" Najenda exclaimed in excitement.

"Wait, what?!" Alan/Mine said in disbelief.

"The perfect stealth weapon to use in the Capital as well as assassinate targets. The great use of to escape from the enemy. Seriously, I can't believe you really created something this brilliant." She continued. Alan, Mine and Sheele looked at her weirdly.

"You actually serious, aren't you?" Alan said shockingly.

"Boss, would you look at it?! It's…" Mine protested.

"It's the best stealth weapon compared to the teigu. Don't you agree, Mine?" Najenda said.

"No, I think it's…" She cut off by her.

"Akame, I want you to use this on the next mission." Najenda told her.

"Understood, boss." She replied.

"I'm a genius!" Akira whispered to herself cheerfully.

"Well if the boss is happy with it, then I'm happy for Akira." Sheele said sweetly.

"Nice work, Akira?" Alan said still trying to believe Najenda's approval.

"Great job, Akira. I knew I made the right choice in having you four join Night Raid." Najenda said.

"Am I going crazy or something?" Mine asked herself.

A/N: Hope you enjoy that reference at that the end. Lol. Please read my other stories while I make my next chapter.