Chapter 12...
"HAGh!" Tatsumi grunted after dringing his sword down on Akame. They were in the yard training, after Tatsumi requested a duel with Akame. She accepted it, and decided it would be good to also get a good feel for his fighting style. They were using wooden swords for their sparring session.
".." Akame just blinked after easily blocking with one hand. She swiped upwards and Tatsumi blocked it, but he slid back from the force of her blow. He maintained a ready stance, holding his weapon back handed. "Are you done yet?" She asked simply.
"Not yet!" Tatsumi charged forward and was about to engage before he caught a glimpse of something coming at him from his left. He leaned back as much as he could, and a wooden staff had lounged right next to his cheek. It happened in slow motion, and then he spun around to block an attack from the staff. He pressed his hand against the broadside of his sword to hold off the attacker.
It was Bulat.
"Nice reaction Tatsumi." He praised with a grim smile.
"Watch where you point that thing bozo! You would have nailed my head if I didn't lean back in time!" Tatsumi scorned him.
"But you did now, didn't you?" Bulat said after spinning the staff with one hand. "You want to spar?"
"Ohhh, I'll fucking kill you after that one!" Tatsumi said enraged and completely ignored Akame.
"Atta' boy! I warn you though, my staff takes no prisoners!" He swiped his weapon from side to side at Bulat, but Bulat was blocking it all. Tatsumi pressed the attack and lounged at Bulat's head and missed. but he followed up with a spin kick and his foot met Bulat's staff. He kicked himself off and back flipped away from him, dodging another long swipe of Bulat's staff. He maintained his stance, and was now focused on him entirely.
"You've got skills, no denying that. Who taught you how to fight?" Bulat asked and rushed towards Tatsumi.
"Does it matter?" Tatsumi asked after jumping back defensively.
"But of course! You know how to not lose focus and be aware!" Bulat smiled while him and Tatsumi exchanged blows.
"I learned that on my own!" Tatsumi jumped forward and slashed upward, making Bulat lean back to dodge. Tatsumi realized the position they were in and his eyes widened. He set up.
"Really!?" Bulat shouted while slamming down on Tatsumi. Some dust kicked up from the sudden blow and Tatsum was holding off Bulat's staff with his wooden sword and metal arm. Tatsumi gritted his teeth from the strength Bulat had put into that strike. "You must be a genius then." He chuckled. "But there is more to it than that isn't there!?" He then kicked Tatsumi in the stomach and sent him flying upward. Tatsumi spit up saliva. Bulat smirked and lounged his staff upward toward Tatsumi. The staff connected to Tatsumi, but Tatsumi barely blocked it with the broadside of his sword. He pushed himself off and landed away from Bulat. He panted a little and then recomposed himself.
Akame was watching with interest, but her face barely showed it.
"Young men like you should be chasing girls, or trying to be farmers. Or even mooch off a relative. But I can feel, through fighting you, that you are nothing like that. So what kind of a person are you?" He asked while planting his staff in the ground.
"...I'm a meatbag.." Tatsumi uttered.
"Hm?" Bulat couldn't hear him and raised an eyebrow.
"I said.." Tatsumi then ran towards Bulat and was about to attack him again. Bulat was waiting to see what he was going to do. Tatsumi then jumped to land a strike on his head, but he ducked under Bulat's guard, and took a swing at his neck. Bulat blocked, turning his staff and protecting his neck. Tatsumi then loosened his grip on his sword handle and slid his hand up the weapon, and then gripped it. Bulat widened his eyes and Tatsumi nearly lounged his eye out, before Tatsumi quickly re-positioned his hands and made Bulat back off. After Bulat regained sight of Tatsumi, he side stepped a slash downward that missed him. Bulat was about to counter but suddenly Tatsumi had a green glint in his eye.
"Crap! He baited me!?" Bulat's thoughts were like a split second. Tatsumi swiped his sword and landed a hit to the side of his head, and then swung downward to his shoulder pad, and then twirled around with his sword back handed, landing a finishing blow to his kidney.
"Gagh!" Bulat yelped from the pain, and slid back. He looked back up at Tatsumi who had an emotionless look.
"Shut the hell up." He finished saying after propping his sword over his shoulder.
"Whoooo~! Aren't you energetic?" Bulat laughed off the pain. "Nice hits! A rarely get taken off guard. What was that move?" He asked curiously. "That looks like Akame's finisher!"
"I tend to lose my chance to back off after going for the neck. So I decided to copy what Akame did in her fight with Zank." He explained.
"You learned from watching Akame?" Bulat looked up at Akame who had the expression of a bystander. "Good job! You taught the kid something!" He gave her a thumbs up with a sparkle in his teeth. Akame acknowledged with her own thumbs up.
"Tch." Tatsumi rolled his eyes. "Ready to go another round?" He asked Akame.
"...Mm." She nodded.
Later...
"Glad you all are doing okay after recent events." Najenda nodded after assembling them all together.
"It's been pretty crazy." Leone said in a laid back tone. "Didn't think we'd have to use the back up site so soon~." She pointed out.
"Well, we'll be ready this time in case that happens again. Although it was quite strange how they tracked us down so quick." Najenda puffed a cloud while debating on the subject.
"They had to have followed one of us back." Mine said.
"But, weren't we all careful? We all know the routine. Never go directly to the hide out. Circle around to spot a tail." Sheele said while gripping her arm.
"No, I'm pretty sure we didn't get followed directly. They must have been tracking us." Bulat said with a serious look.
"But none of my traps were triggered. They're not your average hunter, or tracker if they were able to get around them." Lubbock pointed out.
"Is it really shocking that someone could outsmart you?" Tatsumi said in a bored tone.
"What is that supposed to mean!?" Lubbock retorted.
"..." Akame didn't have anything to present than what they already said.
"What do you think Tatsumi?" Najenda asked. Tatsumi was silent for a second before answering.
"What I think?" He repeated "Well, like you guys said. Not your average tracker. Maybe Akame left a crumb trail." He joked...partly.
"Sarcasm? Didn't think you were capable of it." Mine teased.
"I can be sarcastic. Just haven't been in the mood." Tatsumi shrugged.
"Well, we should try to be more car-"
"There is...one way they could have followed us." He said suddenly.
"How so?" Akame asked.
"Was the first location known to the rebel army?" He asked.
"Only a few. In case of capture, we don't tell that many people where we are."
"Who were the few?" Tatsumi asked.
"A couple commanders. You think they flipped on us?" Najenda asked.
"..." Tatsumi put an inquisitive hand to his chin. "Sayo probably found us through them."
"What? How?" Sheele asked.
"There are three ways she could have tracked us down." He said while clearing his throat. "One, she infiltrated the rebel army and eavesdropped on you, when you had that conversation. Two, she had followed one of us back. And three, she probably narrowed down the search grid to that particular area." He said.
"Even if you narrowed it down, there's no way she could have loca-" Lubbock was about to say.
"I found you guys though, didn't I?" He said with a hint of humor. They all were quiet for a moment. "Look, Sayo is even better than I am at tracking. Heck, your first base was in an area she would sometimes go hunting in. It wouldn't surprise me if she found out about you guys before I joined." He said.
"I thought you said she died before?" Mine said.
"So did I." He said as he faced her. "But apparently I was nearly DEAD wrong." He held up his metallic arm.
"Well, either way, we'll be ready to leave at the drop of a hat in case some one does show up." Najenda put out her cigarette. "But now to some most recent news." She threw down a poster of Night Raid's emblem for them all to see. "I just received some news that Generel Esdeath is now in the capitol." She said sternly."So, Leone? I need you to do some intel gathering on what she's doing here."
"Just leave it to me!" Leone fist pumped, but in her head she was thinking of how easily it would be to get to the minister as soon as they took her down, if the opportunity presented itself.
"Now as for the matter at hand, there have been numerous assassinations that have been happening, 24 imperial officials and 61 guards were slaughtered. And they've been leaving these posters at the scene of the crimes."
"What? Who'd want to be dumb enough to frame us?" Leone asked with a raised eye brow.
"Someone with incredible skills. Probably Esdeath's servants. They've been attacking people up and down the valley that leads from east to the north." She said.
"Isn't the rebel army based out north?" Tatsumi asked.
"Not anymore. Esdeath massacred them all." Najenda sighed. "I don't think even an army can stop her."
"She uses a Teigu, doesn't she?" Tatsumi asked.
"Mm. It's the Ice Teigu. It enables her to create ice out of thin air. Probably the most powerful, when in her hands. " She explained.
"Hmm..." Tatsumi nodded. "No wonder that ice just showed outta nowhere." He recalled his previous encounter.
"We're gonna cross paths with her eventually. She'll be the biggest obstacle to overcome if we have any hope of taking the capitol." Bulat pointed out. "But we'll overcome that together...and as one...right~?" Bulat turned to Tatsumi with a passionate gaze.
"If you say that while looking at me again, I'm going to throw a knife in your eye." Tatsumi forewarned.
"Ooo, claws out today, aren't we?" Bulat acted afraid.
"Oh you think I won't?" Tatsumi said while getting annoyed.
"Enough." Najenda calmed them down. "Tatsumi, Bulat. You two are going to protect a potential target that's going to be on a cruise ship, and try to lure out the attackers. Lubbock and Akame will also be monitoring a similar individual." She ordered.
"Potential target?" Tatsumi raised an eyebrow.
"These particular people disagree with Honest and the wrong doings of the capitols broken system." She pointed out.
"Okay...Why do I have to go with this prick?" Tatsumi asked in disgust.
"Are you unable to work with your teammate Tatsumi?" She asked with a raised eyebrow.
"..." Tatsumi looked at Bulat for a second. He winked and a heart flew out his smile. "NOPE." He answered swiftly.
"Hey Tatsumi, Bulat may not look it, but his strength is about second to Esdeath's. As long as we have him on our side, we can win anything." Leone pointed out.
"...this guy?" Tatsumi pointed his thumb to Bulat.
"More or less." Mine huffed proudly.
"..whatever." Tatsumi decided to let it slide this once. If he really was second to Esdeath...
"Anyway, as I said before, these assassins have been targeting political figures with highly trained body guards. Normally I wouldn't think twice about it, but these particular officials have a disdain toward the corrupt element in the empire. A lot of them share our point of view."
"So they kill the influential figures that would stand against the empire, then make it look like Night Raid had something to do with it. Two birds, one stone." Tatsumi shrugged.
"Exactly. That's why we're going to put an end to this. Be sure to watch each other's backs. They may be the scum of the earth, but they trained under, and have a unyielding loyalty to Esdeath. Don't underestimate them. They could have imperial arms of their own." Najenda forewarned.
"Right." Tatsumi nodded.
"Mm!" Bulat nodded as well. "Lets go Tatsumi! And don't worry, I'll keep you safe, so just follow my lead!" Bulat put a burly arm around Tatsumi.
"Uh huh..." Tatsumi groaned annoyingly. "Try not to get both of us killed." Tatsumi pointed out with look of disdain on his face.
"You'll be safe as long as your with me!"
"Oh, kiss my ass." Tatsumi grumbled.
"Lets head out then." Lubbock said to Akame, who nodded.
"Good luck to you all. Try to come back safe and sound." Najenda told them.
Harbor...
Tatsumi was on a very large ship that was docked in the harbor. It was about as large as a small castle, and was luxurious as one of the best decors in the empire. Hundreds of political figures, rich family members, and pretty much anyone with deep pockets was present in their formal wear that was boasting their magnificence.
Tatsumi was wearing a simple, black, open tux with matching dress pants, and his brown boots. He had managed to make it on the ship past the guards, smuggling his throwing knife belt, and Teigu aboard. He kept a black glove over his hand to not raise any questions about the metal arm. No one thought twice about him, for they were busy with the VIPs, that were the main guests on the cruise ship. Tatsumi leaned over the rail away from everyone, just waiting for something to happen.
"Any luck?" Bulat asked out of thin air. He had cloaked himself in Incursio's armor, to not draw attention.
"They don't even know that we're on here I'm guessing." Tatsumi said quietly while still facing the sea.
"Well, with any luck, they'll reveal themselves so we can take them out." Bulat nodded.
"If only that were as simple as that." Tatsumi sighed and leaned back against the railing. "So how'd you get stuck with this band of assassins? You don't look like a spy or some guy who just had a talent for killing naturally. You strike me more as a soldier." Tatsumi asked out of boredom.
"Well, you could say that..." Bulat smiled sadly. He then began telling Tatsumi about his life as a former solder...
On the docks...
"Come one at a time everyone! If you're on the list, we'll properly guide you." A serviceman said while trying to get the last few dozen people on the ship. Despite the fact that so many were complaining, they all maintained a single file line to the ramp. One young woman, dressed in a black dress wearing an overcoat, and an unusual umbrella had showed up. She came up to the serviceman to board.
"Alright young lady, what's your name and your family's name?" He asked.
"Oh, I'm here for security reasons. I hope that will be enough." She responded.
"(Sigh), look young lady, if you're not on the list-"
"It's okay. After all.." She then held up a badge of some sort with a sparrow on it. "..I would hate to cause an inconvenience for you." She said with a smile.
"T-th-the kings seal?! I-I-I'm truly sorry young madam! I've just been through this routine so many tim-" He was frantically trying to explain. If word got out that someone denied a person that received the king's badge of honor, it would be like refusing the king himself. And usually cost the death penalty, or a life in prison.
"It's alright. I'm just here for the fun is all." She was let through immediately.
"Uh, fun?" He asked.
"It's gonna be one hell of a show." She said with a chuckle, and proceeded to get on.
"Man, this place totally blows. Why don't they have any fights going on here?" Tatsumi thought in boredom while hanging around the punch bowl. He was keeping an eye on the target, but he was surrounded by his men well. No assassin was getting through without a fight. He scanned around the area for anyone suspicious. Nothing seemed to be raising any flags for the most part. Right as soon as he was about to take another drink...
(Flute playing..)
Tatsumi was suddenly feeling a little drowsy. He wasn't sure why, but the more he listened, he felt like he was about fall to the floor. He stopped himself, and covered his ears.
"What the hell?...that music.." He gazed around him and everyone on the ship seemed to be following asleep. "I gotta get outside...this must be the imperial arms that boss warned us about."
"Damn, that music is making my body want to sleep." He said to himself.
"Well, lookee' here. If you just stayed down I might have let you live." A large foreshadowed man said in a arrogant tone. He revealed himself to be sporting dark pants and a dark trench coat, over the imperial's officer's uniform that he doned. His facial features were similar to that of a lion. And his eyes were pure white, devoid of anything.
"And who the hell are you?" Tatsumi asked while staring at him intently.
"Heh, it don't matter, seeing as how I'm gunna kill you in a second here, but first..." He tossed a sheathe sword over to Tatsumi, which he caught.
"Huh?" Tatsumi was confused.
"I like to get experience every time I fight. With this, I can get stronger with every battle, so come at me little man!" He then held up a long, double-bladed ax.
"Oh? Is that so?" Tatsumi's eyes were foreshadowed, and his eyes were devoid of any mercy. "Then I'll show you something good, just don't die too quick!" Tatsumi shot towards him and the warrior smirked and slammed his ax down in anticipation. He shattered the deck, and Tatsumi was right behind him.
"Hya!" He swung the ax at Tatsumi again, just grazing his hair, and then Tatsumi swung his sword with all his might and slashed his opponents side. He back flipped away from him to create some distance.
"Agh!...Errrrgh...not bad kid, that was solid strike." He shrugged off the large cut Tatsumi inflicted on his side.
"You're lucky you're wearing some armor in that spot pal, or I would have gut you like a fish." Tatsumi whipped the blood off his sword.
"Heheheh! I think I'll get some XP from you my friend! Let's see how you handle THIS!" He then unlocked his axes, and it split into to two. He then threw one at Tatsumi, spinning like a propeller, heading straight for his head. Tatsumi ducked and it missed him. But it was coming back around while picking up speed. Tatsumi then held up his sword and blocked a blow that was heading for his stomach. He blocked it, but it broke the sword. The ax returned to the mans hand and he had confident smirk.
"Giving me a piece of junk like that? Don't insult me." Tatsumi scowled at the broken sword.
"Say hello to Great Battle Ax: Belvaac. This was one of the Teigu that was bestowed upon me by lady Esdeath." He explained.
"Okay, so it's just a glorified boomerang." Tatsumi shrugged it off.
"Heh! Talk while you can little guy! The name's Deidra by the way, servant of Esdeath. I'm one of the three beasts on the battlefield." He introduced himself.
"Tatsumi. The REAL Night Raid." He said while sizing him up.
"So you think you're the real deal, huh?" Deidra pointed his ax at him."Wait, Tatsumi?...Ahhh, so you're the one Esdeath talked about. To think you'd be in Night Raid though." He recalled.
"Really? The ice queen talks about little ol' me?" Tatsumi scoffed with a smirk.
"She was very descriptive of you. She said that you're quite skilled with it. BUuut, I think she was just being nice. Perhaps if I take you with me, she'll shower me with rewards. You don't look remotely threatening anyway." He told him while readying another throw.
"Oh yeah?" He then reached over his shoulder and pulled out his Teigu slowly, from under his coat. "We'll just see now, won't we?" He made a dark glare
"You think I'll let you even try it!?" He threw his ax at Tatsumi and Tatsumi narrowed his eye. He then jumped to the side to dodge, and then whipped his blade upward.
"Phantom." Tatsumi said and suddenly it looked as if he shot towards Deidra. Naturally, Deidra slashed him, but it suddenly vanished. "Storm Edge." Tatsumi uttered, and a blade of wind jetted right at Deidra, right before his phantom disappeared.
"WHAT TH-GAhh..!?" He seemed baffled by the sudden attack. And it ran through him like swift blade, cutting him in half. Blood and entrails sprayed all around his lifeless corpse, plopping on the ground with a disgusting plop.
"What a chump." Tatsumi said while knocking away the battle ax that was still in motion, heading towards him. It hit the ground and slid toward Deidra's split corpse. Two more figures emerged from behind Tatsumi and he was about to use another technique he learned, but suddenly Bulat appeared in between them, and knocked both of them away with a powerful double kick. They crashed into both sides of the ship, and were stunned momentarily.
"Not bad Tatsumi. You finished him in one blow." Bulat said while wearing his Incursio armor.
"As if. The guy clearly underestimated me, and overestimated himself. I won't struggle with a meat bag like that." Tatsumi scoffed. "That thing packs a punch. Surprised me when you swatted those two guys outta the air." Tatsumi had to praise Bulat's surprise attack.
"Why Tatsumi, that's probably the kindest thing you've said to me thus far, don't fall for me now~." He said teasingly.
"Eat shit n' die." Tatsumi immediately regretted trying to be nice.
"Hahahaha! That's the Tatsumi I know!" He laughed.
"It would appear that lady Esdeath was correct in saying that you are not to be underestimated." One of the two guys that Bulat sent flying said, as he casually approached them in a calm manner. "And I know that strength and armor from anywhere. It is you, Bulat." He had long grey hair and a mustache. He also was wearing the same outfit as Deidra.
"...?! General Liver?" Bulat seemed surprised at the man that he recognized as his former commanding officer.
"It has been sometime old friend." Liver said while stopping and stood away from them.
"But..you were discharged and sent to prison!" Bulat couldn't understand.
"But I was freed, and recruited into lady Esdeath's army. Now I no longer have to succumb to the scum that wrongfully accused us as cowards and incompetents! I stand above them now!" He said in an angered tone. "Join me Bulat! Esdeath's army is the salvation that we had sought after all those years! Yes! We could stand and make those political fools kneel before US!" He offered his hand toward Bulat.
"...while I admit, it's great to see you again general, but I am part of Night Raid now. We stand against that corruption and will take them down! If you stand before me on that side, and as much as it is a shame to see, you're my enemy, and as an assassin, and a soldier of Night Raid, I will take you down!" Bulat declared in a serious tone.
"Hmph. you always were stubborn like that. It would appear that it is my job, as your former teacher and commanding officer, to put you in your place!" He said as they all were at a stand off with one another.
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