Night Raid was currently enjoying their morning as Tor, Tatsumi and Bulat continued to train each other. A little later, Akame told Tatsumi to help her make breakfast.
"Seems like Tatsumi's getting a lot better at this." Tor said.
"Tatsumi still has some improving to work on but I know he'll be an unstoppable force. Same goes with you and Alan." Bulat said.
"You think so?" He asked.
"Of course, I know great potential when I see it." Bulat smiled.
"Thanks Bro. Care for another sparring match?" Tor asked.
"Now we're talking! Show me what you're made of." He encouraged.
The two took their stance and began to train each other.
Akame and Tatsumi cooked croquettes and rice for breakfast which Tatsumi was disturbed by that. After they finished cooking, Tatsumi, Leone, Akame, Akira just finished their meals except for Julie who was still eating.
"That was good." Leone said happily.
"Agreed but I don't think this would be suitable for breakfast." Akira said.
"Oh, my stomach." Tatsumi groaned.
"Wait, whose are those three bowls for?" Akira asked, noticing them.
"Are Mine, Sheele and Alan still sleeping?" Tatsumi asked.
"Mine and Sheele, yes. But Alan never sleeps this late." Akame answered.
"He's up, he just left to get some sort of package. He said he'll show it next time we're in a meeting." Akira explained.
"I wonder what it is?" Leone asked curiously.
Akame took the three bowls and quickly ate all of them. Tatsumi, Leone and Akira were surprised.
"I just saw the speed of a real assassin." Tatsumi spoke.
"No kidding. Akame is a pro." Akira agreed.
"Ja, Akame is the fastest of the whole team." Julie said as she continued eating. Akame stood up.
"Tatsumi when Alan gets back, we're making tuna and rice for lunch." She stated. Sheele entered the room still tired and noticed her bowl empty.
"Hmm? Where's my breakfast?" Sheele asked.
Alan returned to Haris to pick up a small package he requested. When he returned, Crystal was waiting for him as she stood a few feet away from the portal. She was holding a small case.
"Thanks for making these for me." Alan said.
"I created more than enough of these for your team as well as the Night Raid group." Crystal stated as she handed it to him.
He took it and opened it to examine it.
"However, these will not work if you use it across other worlds and you can't use it to contact me either. Its range is at least 15 kilometers. I'm still working on improving these devices but until then you'll have to make due with these." She explained.
"Got it. Either way, they should make our assignments a little easier." Alan said as he closed the case.
"Has there been any progress with the Empire?" Crystal asked.
"Nothing yet. So far we're just assassinating high ranking officers and nobles. We're also trying to improve ourselves on the way." He answered. She nodded.
"Continue getting stronger, I feel that you may soon encounter a dangerous opponent soon." Crystal said.
"I'll give you an update if something new pops up." Alan said. He began to head back to the corrupted world with the case.
Later that night, all members were called to the meeting room with Najenda giving the briefing of tonight's mission.
"The target for this mission is the serial killer that we've been hearing about in the Capital. He appears at night and chops the victim's head off. Currently, we don't know how many victims were beheaded but it's dozens." Najenda explained.
"A third of those people were guards, right?" Tatsumi mentioned.
"He's sounds very strong. I feel like we might be dealing with some psycho killer." Tor said, disturbed by the information.
"It must be Zank the Executioner. This is his kind of work." Lubbock said.
"Zank the Executioner? Who's he?" Alan asked.
"You mean you don't know? Wow, you guys really are from another world." Mine said.
"What do you mean by that? And besides I don't know who he is either." Tatsumi said.
"Country bumpkin." She blurted. He was starting to get irritated.
"Um, I don't know who he is either." Sheele said as she raised her hand.
"You must have forgot, Sheele." Mine said.
"So tell us about this guy. What kind of monster is he?" Alan asked.
"Zank the Executioner once worked at the greatest prison in the empire as an executioner. The prime minister ordered a lot of deaths. Day after day again. He took people's heads as they beg for their lives. After many years, it was becoming an addiction. And now he's taking his killings to the streets." Mine explained.
"So he started to become crazy after killing so many people." Tor concluded, disgusted.
"To have an addiction like that is just sick." Akira said, horrified.
"Zank disappeared after a detainment force was sent to catch him. I didn't think he would be in the Capital." Bulat added.
"In that case, let's take this bastard down!" Tatsumi said eagerly.
"Agreed but how dangerous is he?" Alan asked.
"Zank also possesses a teigu. He stole it from the warden. So we better stick together or we'll be in for a rough ride." Bulat said as he patted their heads. Alan and Tatsumi were both creeped out by this.
"Say, do we know what kind of teigu he uses?" Mine asked.
"We're still looking into it." Najenda answered.
"So his weapon's unknown. That's annoying." Leone said.
"So what are teigu anyway?" Tatsumi asked. He got startled after Akame pulled out her sword and showed him.
"It looks something like this." She answered.
"That doesn't really explain it." He replied.
"Let's get Tatsumi up to speed then. One thousand years ago, the first emperor was troubled and was afraid that his empire would fall. He wanted to defend his kingdom so he sought out S-class danger beasts and rare metals called Orichalcum. The best smiths around the world were summoned to help him. His power and wealth allowed him to create 48 weapons, a feat that could not be possible today. He called them teigu. Each one has its own abilities. Some can even destroy entire armies. The retainers that used these were quite successful on the battlefield. However a great civil war, five hundred years ago happened and nearly half of the weapons were scattered across the land." Najenda explained.
"So Akame's sword is one of those weapons?" Tatsumi asked.
"The one-cut killer, Murasame. When someone is cut by this sword, a deadly poison enters your body and kills you in seconds. There is no antidote." Najenda stated. She looked at Leone next.
"King of Beasts Transformation, Lionelle. A belt that gives the person strength and swiftness of wild animal. It also gives them a sense of smell which is perfect to track enemies." She said.
"The Spirit Artillery, Pumpkin. A gun that fires mental energy in the form of a shockwave. The more danger its wielder's in, the more powerful it becomes." Najenda stated about Mine's teigu.
"The Demon Armor, Incursio. A suit of armor with impregnable defense. Wearing it causes great stress that any normal person that uses it will die." She stated about Bulat's teigu.
"The Infinite Uses, Cross Tail. A string type teigu that can be used to set traps and detect enemies as well as binding and cutting them." She said, introducing Lubbock's teigu.
"The Cutter of Creation, Extase. A teigu shaped like a giant pair of scissors. It can cut anything in half. It can also be used defensively." Najenda stated about Sheele's teigu.
"Some teigu can use trump cards. Incursio for example allows the beast's powers to maximize its abilities. Letting it's user to become invisible. Another thing that has remained true throughout the ages. The weapons are so powerful that when two teigu users battle each other, one of them will die." Najenda explained.
Alan and his team were once told about this sometime after they joined. It was still scary on how powerful these weapons can be and the abilities they possessed.
"We know that Zank has one of them. Death could be a possibility but mutual survival isn't." She concluded.
"Wow, that's amazing. But wait, what about these guys? Don't they have a teigu?" Tatsumi asked as he glanced at Alan, Akira, Tor and Julie.
"Right, I was just going to get to that next." Najenda answered as she was about to explain.
"I can explain this part." Alan said as he stepped up. He looked at Tatsumi.
"Our weapons and abilities aren't exactly teigu. Actually, we're from different worlds from yours." He said.
"Wait, you mean Mine was actually serious about that?" Tatsumi asked.
"Yes, there's other worlds other than this one. I created a small team to help worlds that were in danger. We came here because of the corruption that's been happening here." Alan said.
"Wow, I had no idea. There are really other worlds out there." He said in awe.
"We were quite surprised about it ourselves when we encountered them." Najenda added.
"Wait, you two fought each other once?!" Tatsumi exclaimed.
"Yeah, a miracle no one got killed." Akira said.
"Still stupid that they mistake us as the enemy." Mine said annoyed.
"You're still on with that? We said we were sorry." Tor said.
"Hmph."
"Anyway, I carry a bracelet called ARMS which lets me store weapons maybe even a teigu if I could use one." Alan explained.
"Sounds like the perfect weapon for an assassin." Tatsumi said, impressed.
"Our weapons are called Blazes which allows the person's soul to manifest into a weapon. Mine is shaped liked a double-bladed staff. Julie's is dual swords and Tor's is formed into a shield. Of course our weapons can't do physical harm unless we have a deadly intention to kill. But our high powers of leveling make up for it." Akira explained.
"Sounds pretty cool." Tatsumi commented.
"That's not good. We let out too much information which means you're stuck with us if you want to live." Lubbock threatened playfully as he had his string in front of Tatsumi's neck.
"Right." He replied slightly nervous.
"That's good because that means the boss trusts you and considers you one of us." Leone said.
"While we may not have the numbers, our talent and abilities make up for it and Alan's team, called the Protectors are a bonus for us. I believe we're the heart of the Revolution." Najenda said.
"Will I get one of those teigu?" Tatsumi asked.
"You think we could just give you one?" Mine asked.
"Huh?"
"If we ever get the opportunity, I'm sure you'll get your own one day same goes for you four if possible." Najenda said as she glanced at the Protectors.
"Would be nice to use one of those." Alan agreed while Tatsumi was disappointed.
"I hope there's one suitable for me." Akira said.
"Now that that's all out of the way, let's go hunt down this scumbag." Najenda said as she stood up.
"Hold on, boss. Before that I have something that could help us in our missions." Alan said as he got the case out.
"What is it?" She asked. He opened the case and it revealed small devices in it.
"Since we'll often be going out on missions in teams, I asked my advisor, Crystal to make these. They're communication devices that'll allow us to talk to each other from great distance. It's a good way to send messages or warn about incoming enemies." Alan explained.
"Interesting, you continue to amaze us, Alan." Najenda commented.
"All you have to do is to put these on your left ear and turn it on, then it'll start working. However since they're prototypes, they can only reach to 15 kilometers to each other. Anymore then there's no signal which means it won't contact to whoever's too far away." He continued.
"Don't worry about it, it's certainly better than nothing." Tor said as he walked over and took one of the ear pieces.
"Definitely, now we can check up on each other on missions." Leone agreed as she pulled him in a side hug. Alan couldn't help but smile in response.
"All right, team. Move out!" Najenda ordered. They nodded.
All of Night Raid went to the Capital looking for Zank. Alan was teamed up with Tatsumi and Akame as they traveled through the city. There was currently no civilians or guards around.
"This is where we're supposed to check out." Akame stated.
"Everyone is so scared that they stay inside at night." Tatsumi said. Alan and Akame noticed guards at the end of the street about to pass by.
"Don't they know that he can-" Akame covered his mouth and pulled him back in an ally as Alan quickly hid.
"Be careful of guards." She told him.
"Mhm." Tatsumi replied as his mouth was covered.
As soon as they were gone, the three got out of their hiding spot and continued their patrol.
"Seems like everyone's been after this Zank guy lately." Alan commented.
"Hey Akame, mind if I ask you something?" Tatsumi asked.
"Don't worry I brought enough snacks for us." Akame replied.
"Let me guess, you brought 30 packs of snacks with you, didn't you." Alan joked knowing how much Akame enjoys food.
"40 actually. 20 of them are for you and Tatsumi." She answered in a matter of fact tone. This caused him to be shocked then decided to stop talking at the moment.
"Actually, I wanted to ask you something else. Can your sword can really kill someone with one cut?" Tatsumi asked.
"Yes." Akame replied.
"Guess it's a miracle that I'm still breathing." He commented nervously.
"That makes two of us." Alan said.
"I've been using Murasame for a long time. For many years, it's been known as the one cut kill sword." Akame explained.
"Seems like you have the deadliest sword I've ever seen. Guess that makes you unstoppable." Alan complimented.
"Not exactly. It has some weaknesses." She stated.
"Like what?" Tatsumi asked.
"It's nearly impossible to clean it. If I cut myself, I die." Akame said. Tatsumi sweat dropped.
"I suppose no one would want a sword that smells like dirt and blood all of the time." Alan thought.
"Another weakness is that I have to cut the person's flesh or the curse won't be in effect. In this world, one cut usually kills. That's why I can't just rely on my teigu." Akame stated.
"Akame's probably around the same age as me. How much has she gone through?" Tatsumi thought.
"I can't imagine how rough her past must have been." Alan thought as Leone once told him the story about Akame. It was nowhere nearly compared to Tor's or Julie's past he heard about.
On top of a tall building, a tall blond man with a green mechanical eye on his forehead, grinned as he saw Night Raid members searching for him throughout town.
"Now we got professional assassins and a serial killer running around. The city sure is dangerous. How exciting!" Zank said as he examined each group. "Hello, Night Raid. Which one should I go for first?"
He zoomed closer to Alan and Tatsumi.
"Look at those eyes there. They're both filled with passion and purpose. And what's this? Oh, now that's interesting. I've decided, I'll go for one of the most delicious ones first." Zank grinned.
Alan, Akame and Tatsumi were currently having a small snack break on a bench.
"When do you think he'll come out? It's not like he'll show himself." Tatsumi said.
"I guess we got no choice but to wait." Alan said.
"Sorry, I've got some business to take care of." Tatsumi said as he stood up.
"Nature calling?" Akame guessed. Tatsumi walked towards an alley.
"Maybe some advice can help." Alan thought as he was about to call one of the Night Raid members.
"Lubbock, its Alan. Is there any way we could learn about Zank?" He asked though the comm.
"Like the boss said, we don't know anything about his teigu." Lubbock responded.
"It's not that. I mean do you know how he gets victims. How would he approach them?" Alan asked.
"He may be a maniac but he's not dumb. He often avoids groups of guards or skilled fighters such as us. My best guess is that he would go after someone alone when he gets the opportunity." Lubbock answered.
"Oh no." Alan gasped, realization in horror. He stood up.
"What's wrong? What happened?" He asked.
"I'll have to call you back." Alan told him. He turned towards Akame. "Tatsumi's in trouble. He needs help."
She nodded. The two head towards the alley.
"I must be really nervous. Tatsumi said to himself as he finished up in the ally. He turned around and saw his close friend Sayo standing there.
"Sayo." He gasped, shocked in seeing her alive. She started to run off.
"Wait! Where are you going?" Tatsumi called. He started to chase after her.
Alan and Akame later showed up and saw that Tatsumi was gone.
"Damn it! We were too late." Alan said.
"We need to hurry." Akame said as they need to find him quickly.
Tatsumi eventually caught up with Sayo. She led him to a wide opened area and waited for him.
"Sayo, I can't believe it. You're alive." Tatsumi said as walked towards and embraced her.
"I thought you died. Thank god." He said relieved and closed his eyes.
"What a touching moment. You must have seen something very sweet." A male voice said.
Tatsumi opened his eyes and saw Zank up close.
"Hello my friend." Zank grinned. Tatsumi backed away from him.
"What the hell? Where's Sayo?!" He asked as he was confused.
"I'd rather that you call me Zank the Executioner and say it with love." He introduced as he got two blades out.
"So you're the one we're trying to kill." Tatsumi said as he got his sword out.
"Uh oh, I got separated from the others. Maybe I can try calling them with my new communication device. Is that what you're thinking?" Zank asked as he knew what he was planning. Tatsumi widened his eyes.
"Did he just read my mind?" He thought. Tatsumi noticed a mechanical eye on his forehead.
"That has to be his teigu." Tatsumi thought.
"BINGO! Yes, it's called Spectator. One of its abilities is called Insight. It allows me to read your thoughts by seeing your facial expressions. It's given me great powers of observation. Should I give you a prize for guessing right?" Zank said.
"No thanks! We're done talking!" He exclaimed as he readied his sword.
"Oh no. talking is one of my hobbies. I was able to find you by using my Farsight. Even in the dark or fog it can see clearly for miles." Zank explained as Tatsumi charged at him.
Zank dodged his attack then Tatsumi stopped himself by sliding on the ground.
"Splendid! You thought you could hit me while I was talking? You forget, I'm still reading your mind. It's useless!" He grinned. Tatsumi ran towards him for another strike.
"You'll come right at me with a down swing!" Zank mocked. As he predicted, Tatsumi did just that and he moved back.
"Then you'll try slashing upwards." Zank continued then blocked it with his blades.
"But then you'll try to go for my throat while I'm opened!" He said as he dodged and slashed through Tatsumi.
"You're too predictable." Zank taunted. Tatsumi got on his knees as he was clutching on his bleeding stomach.
"The look on people's expressions when I cut off their heads. It's so exhilarating! What's best is that they look so surprised. I wonder what expression you'll make?" He said.
"You won't get the chance to find out!" Tatsumi shouted as he readied his blade again.
"Tatsumi, can you hear me." Alan tried to call him again but no response. "Damn it, still can't get anything."
"He can't be far. He must be fighting Zank." Akame suspected. Some faint sword clashing can be heard.
"That must be Tatsumi. Come on. He needs our help." He said. They ran towards where the battle is.
Tatsumi was not holding out well as Zank rapidly attacked him with his blades. The tip of Tatsumi's sword touched the ground.
"I must admit, I inflicted a lot of wounds on you. I find it splendid to see you beg with that look on your face. That's why I'll take my time. Now beg. Maybe you'll buy time for your friends to aid you." Zank said. Tatsumi spit out blood.
"Save it. You just take joy in taking people heads. There's no way I would ever beg to you!" Tatsumi shouted at the end.
As he was running out of ways to beat him. He got one more idea. Tatsumi pointed his sword forward.
"Aren't you brave? And you're in such pain too. Not to worry, you've got the executioner around to help." Zank said as he waited for him to attack.
Tatsumi charged towards him fast as Zank was caught off guard. He managed to inflict a wound as he ran past him. Zank's cheek was cut.
"How did you like that?!" Tatsumi taunted though another wound was sustained on his back. He turned around.
"So much for an executioner. He wouldn't have missed my neck." He said as he had his sword back handed.
"Shut up!" Zank exclaimed as he charged toward him. A sword dropped in front him. He stopped and looked up. He saw Akame in the air.
As he watched her land, he was caught off guard as he heard someone run towards him and swung his sword. Zank dodged back but got slightly cut by it. Alan was revealed standing there with his sword pointed at him. Akame landed next to him and pointed her sword at Zank.
"Nice job, looks like you've some psychological tactics." Akame said.
"Akame, Alan." Tatsumi called as he was wounded.
"Are you okay, Tatsumi? Leave this to us. We'll take care of your wounds after this." Alan said.
Zank took off his jacket as he starts to get serious.
"So this is Akame and the demon sword Murasame. A pleasure to meet you." Zank grinned.
"You as well since it's my mission to eliminate you." Akame replied.
"And you as well. I've never thought I would be meeting someone who travels to other worlds. It's quite interesting." Zank said. Alan was surprised by this.
"How did you…"
"Careful you guys, that big eye thing can read minds!" Tatsumi warned.
"So that explains it. Well that's going to be a real pain. That must be what his teigu can do." Alan replied.
"It won't matter, we'll have to see if he can keep up." Akame said.
"Good thing I've gotten faster." Alan said as he charged toward him and Akame followed.
Alan started to swing his sword for the offense as Zank's blades did the same. Akame also tried to land a hit on him as he blocks her attacks.
"He's pretty powerful. For an executioner, he knows how to fight." Alan thought as he continued to attempt slashes.
"Fast and strong. But she's stronger." Zank thought. Alan dodged out the way as Akame used a powerful kick that pushed Zank back.
"So, any ideas on how to beat this guy?" Alan asked her.
"He can read minds so we're at even fight. So we'll have to clear our minds." Akame suggested as she closed her eyes
"That's easier said than done." He said as he waited, trying not to use a thought.
"Splendid, Akame. You've cleared your mind. But that doesn't matter. My Spectator can see the future as well." Zank said. Alan resumed to attack as he blocked it.
Zank used both his blades to counter attack Alan was slightly cut but was able to avoid it. Alan tried to land another powerful strike but he blocked with his blades. Alan jumped back for distance.
"Impressive but not enough. I know you're trying to distract me for your partner to strike but I'll see it coming." Zank said. Alan did not respond as he let him continue.
"You hate killing but you do it anyway. Tell me, how do you deal with the voices?" He asked.
"Voices?" Alan asked.
"Yes, the sound of voices when it's quiet. The voices of people I've killed are screaming from the depths of Hell. They're angry at me and they tell me to hurry and join them. I've heard them every day since I started cutting off heads as an executioner. It gets worse each day. I keep talking to quiet them down. So someone like you must be feeling guilt over the lives you ended so how do you…" Zank explained.
"I don't hear any voices. It's true that I don't like killing. It's enough to make me sick but I've never heard any voices before." Alan said.
"Interesting, I thought after taking your first life you didn't want to take. I was certain you would understand." Zank said his mechanical eye opened.
"BUT YOU'RE JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE!" He yelled. His green eye sends Alan into an illusion.
Alan lowered his blade as he was stunned. He saw a girl with short black hair at the age of eleven in front of him.
"Alan, what's wrong?! Snap out of it!" Tatsumi shouted. Akame watched the scene and felt it was time to strike.
"It's no use. Illusion Sight shows the person he cares for the most appear in front of him. Right now, he's reuniting with someone so important to him. He can't bring himself to do it." Zank explained.
"That's why I saw Sayo. Alan! Don't be fooled! It's only a trick!" Tatsumi shouted.
"Useless. It only works on one person but he's trapped in my illusion. Even the most experienced can't kill the ones they love the most!" Zank said as he charged towards him.
"This girl, who is she? I can barely hold on to my sword. I know I'm just seeing things but why can't I fight back? Is it because she's a child? No that's not it. Something about her feels familiar. Come on! Move, Damn it! It's not real!" Alan thought as he was unable to raise his sword. The little girl in his eyes ran towards him.
"You'll die as you see the one you love the most, this is the end for you!" Zank exclaimed as he was about to strike.
Akame quickly ran towards Zank and delivered a powerful slash. He barely had time to block her attack as it pushed him back.
"So you finally decided to join back in the fight, Akame. I knew you would take the opportunity to kill me when you had the chance." Zank said. Alan started to see clearly again.
"Are you alright, Alan?" Akame asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine." He replied as he started to raise his sword again. She turned her attention back to Zank.
"As for you, this fight is about to end." Akame stated. Zank noticed his blades cracked.
"What?! No! It's breaking!" He panicked.
"I'll destroy your weapon." She said as she charged at him.
"I WON"T DIE!" Zank shouted as he did the same.
Their blades collided as they rapidly fight. Eventually Zank's blades broke and Akame was about to deliver the final blow.
"Eliminate." She said then sliced through his neck and collapsed to the ground.
"You did it!" Tatsumi cheered.
"Nice work, Akame!" Alan said. He started to approach Zank.
"Can you still hear the voices, Zank?" Alan asked.
"They've… they've stopped." He gasped as he's dying.
"Simply… splendid. Thank you… Akame, Alan." Zank spoke then passed away.
Akame walked away and headed towards Tatsumi. Alan sighed in relief then followed her to help Tatsumi.
The next day, Alan was outside of Night Raid headquarters. He was currently thinking about last night's events. An apron suddenly fell on his head.
"Alan, it's time to prepare for dinner. You missed yesterday's so you're making up for it today." Akame told him. He turned and saw Tatsumi and Akira.
"I do want to have your cooking. You've gotten a lot better at it." Akira said happily.
"Oh, sure. I forgot." Alan replied as he stood up.
He was about to walk with them but stopped for the moment.
"Listen, sorry I froze at that last fight. I wasn't able to fight through that illusion." Alan apologized.
"No need to apologize. I would be in the same state if I were you." Tatsumi said.
"Yes, there's not many people who would be able to kill the one they love. Except for me." Akame said.
"Wait, what do you mean?" Alan asked.
"I'll tell you when the time comes." She replied.
"If you don't mind me asking, who did you see when you saw his illusion?" Tatsumi asked.
"Truth be told, I don't know." Alan answered.
"You don't know?" Akame asked confused.
"All I saw was a little girl I've never met before. But for some reason I just couldn't raise my sword against her." He explained.
"But why would that be the illusion you saw? You must have seen her before, right?" Tatsumi asked.
"Alan, I think this person might be from one of your lost memories." Akira concluded.
'You think so?" He asked curiously.
"You mean you lost your memories." Tatsumi asked.
"Yes, it happened since the time I started traveling to other worlds. I would like to regain them but I didn't know where to start or which world I was originally from. Maybe this girl I saw was someone I once knew." Alan explained.
"That would explain it then. Because even if you don't remember this person, your bond with her would still be there." Akame said.
"Maybe one day, we can find this girl and meet her." Akira assured. He smiled in response.
"Alan, there's something I must tell you. Everyone in Night Raid is important to me that means you as well." Akame said.
Alan was surprised by how much Night Raid meant to her. It starts making him think the same about his Protectors.
"Let's go." Akame stated as she started to walk back to their base. They all followed.
"So what are we having?" Alan asked.
"We're making meat tonight." She answered.
"Sweet!" He replied.
"Didn't we have meat yesterday?!" Tatsumi complained.
"I'm fine with it." Alan said.
"Oh no you don't! You're having a healthy dish for your dinner." Akira scolded.
"Come on, Akame has meat all the time and you let her." He argued.
"That doesn't mean you can too." She retorted.
The two argue as they enjoy themselves for the rest of the day.
Omake
The Cardboard Box part 2
Tatsumi heard of Najenda approving the cardboard box to use on missions and had Akame to use it. He wasn't quite convinced by it and went to confirm it.
"Tatsumi, what brings you here?" Najenda asked.
"Hey, boss. I heard that you're having Akame using a cardboard box. Is this true?" He asked.
"Are you doubting me? Of course it's true. Don't you know how reliable a box is?" She answered. Tatsumi can hardly believe what he was hearing.
"Wouldn't boxes break easily?" Tatsumi asked.
"Relax, I told her not to be rough with it. I told her to treat it with care and love." Najenda answered. He was starting to get creeped out.
"I'm gonna regret asking this but why are you interested in cardboard boxes?" Tatsumi asked. She started to smile in nostalgia.
"I'm glad you asked. It was back when I was still a general in the empire. I was sent to wipe out a resistance force west of the Capital. However, their forces were stronger than I anticipated. My army was in terrible condition and we had to retreat. I got separated from my forces at the time and I was trying to escape my pursuers. As I thought I would be finished I stumbled across this cardboard box on the way. For some reason I got this irresistible urge to go inside it. I was able to hide and escape from my enemy thanks to it. But it seemed more like when I was in it. It was more like my destiny to be in that box." She explained.
"Destiny?" Tatsumi asked skeptically.
"Yes, when I was in it. I felt at peace. Safe. Like I found true happiness." Najenda continued as she smiled.
Tatsumi did not know how to respond to this as she's not making much sense.
"So, do you get what I'm talking about?" Najenda asked.
"Not one bit of it." He answered.
"Maybe if you can go inside of a box, then you'll know what I mean." She said.
"I don't want to know what you mean!" Tatsumi exclaimed.
Soon after Akame entered the room to report her mission.
"The mission is a success, boss." Akame stated.
"And how did the box worked?" Najenda asked as she sounded more interested in that than the mission.
"It was useful just as you said boss. I was able to infiltrate and eliminate my target with its support." She answered.
"See, Tatsumi. The cardboard box never fails!" Najenda said proudly.
"Besides Alan and Tor, am I the only normal person here?!" Tatsumi exclaimed.