A/N: I want to start by saying thank you everyone for all of your support. FNR broke the 200 review mark last chapter and I really don't know what to say. With 561 followers, 460 favorites, and now 215 reviews this story has come a long way, and it is because of all of you. I never thought I would get this much support when I started out, but I'm happy to have such great readers to work with. So again, thank you!

P.S. Finally found out how line breaks worked xD

'Ah... that's the spot...'

Slowly, I took a sip of my warm, rustic tomato-basil soup. Masticating the flavor, I let the savory taste fill my taste buds, before swallowing it down my throat. The warmth spreading throughout my core, as if massaging and caressing my tired insides.

My face must have held a really stupid look, since both Yoru and Spear were looking at me like I was a circus attraction. At the very least, the elderly former minister was on my side, understanding that a nice bowl of hot soup, after fighting with a sadistic psychopath with unparalleled ability in manipulating ice, was a normal craving.

"Er... Aniki, it's just soup, right? The chef is incredible, we know, but are you sure there's no weird drug in there? You're fawning over it like it's your last meal, or something."

I put my spoon down, and the atmosphere around me turned just a tad bit colder as I focussed on Yoru. It seems to me that my naive little brother needs to understand something.

"Yoru."

"Yes, Aniki?"

"Would you like to spend a couple hours in the freezer room?" I sent him a bone-chilling smile. "I feel like it would be a great way to improve your endurance and maybe... just maybe, you'll learn to have an appreciation for the small things in life. Like some delicious hot soup, for example."

Yoru visibly stiffened.

"Um... a-actually, I think I should just let you enjoy that soup! Hehehe..." he nervously laughed.

"Good decision. Spear, do you have anything to say as well?" I turned my attention to the blonde teen.

"No-not at all, Shirou. I think you should enjoy whatever you're having to the fullest!" Spear said nervously. The girl obviously thought better than to comment on my not so overreaction.

I smiled at her, the atmosphere of the room turning back to normal. "Then, allow me."

I brought the spoon up to my mouth, preparing myself for the next satisfying taste to fill my mouth once more.

"Oh? Is that tomato basil? That smells great! Let me try some!"

Before the spoon could reach my mouth, it was taken from my grasp and found it's home in the mouth of an auburn-haired vixen. Chelsea made a contemplating face, looking like those judges on cooking shows on TV, before giving a couple nods in approval.

"Hey, Shirou, this is some pretty good stuff!" She beamed a smile. "I give it... a solid nine out of ten. Send my compliments to the chef."

Chelsea then leaned over me, tracing my chin with a lone finger. "But you, mister... are a nine-and-a-half out of ten. If you only could learn how to properly treat a lady, you'd be perfect!" Chelsea finished, grabbing the rest of my soup before starting to walk off, going to find her own seat at the table.

Since she had her back facing us, she failed to notice Spear's and Yoru's look of horror at my expression.

Chelsea didn't get any farther than three steps away, before a Black Key pierced her shadow. I walked in front of her, dragging my own chair along, and took my soup and spoon back from her thieving hands. Setting down my chair in front of her, I calmly sat down and started eating, deliberately slurping with a lot more flair than necessary to home in my point.

Finally, she let out a look of painful betrayal.

"If you wanted me to stop and give you your soup back, you could have just asked nicely, darling. This is exactly why you're not a perfect ten! Now, how about you let me move around? I'm starviiiiiiing...!" Chelsea wined.

I paid the girl no attention. My eyes focued solely on my meal before anything else can try and stop me. I've waited too long for this after all, and I will not be denied.

There was no better example for the phrase 'carrot and stick'.

As I was finishing my soup, I noticed that Yoru was messing with Chelsea's immobile form. It was mostly harmless, some constant poking and the occasional harder jab. It was clearly getting on the girls nerves, her small glare and twitch of the eyebrow that followed the boy as he continued to mess with her made it obvious.

'This could be fun.' I released the hold the Black Key had on Chelsea.

The next moment, Yoru found himself on the ground after being elegantly flipped by Chelsea, a foot firmly planted on his chest.

"Sorry, kid, but I really don't appreciate you touching me so much. You're not my type." She said smugly, before pulling up a chair next to me. Yoru got up, slightly annoyed, but he probably knew he deserved that.

I sent Chelsea a look, relaying a clear message: 'Don't touch my soup'. I only received a teasing smile in response, before she called someone to bring her an omelette.

To be fair, I was glad she was accepted into my ranks without much of a fuss. It's always a problem for newcomers, especially said newcomer was just trying to kill your own boss the day before. Of course, the glares and some shoulder-bumping happened, but nothing much more than that. Everyone's at least treating her cordially, if not too friendly. However, there was some exceptions, of course. Such as the more... personal members...

"You shouldn't be sitting so close to Shirou." Spear growled from her seat.

Chelsea gave the blonde girl a pondering look.

"Why not? The seat was open, so I took it. I don't see why you're making it such a big deal, late-comer. Unless… are you jealous?" She sneered at her mockingly. "My apologies if that's the case, princess."

Spear visibly blushed, and it took her a couple seconds of incoherent blabbering before she could answer, amusing Chelsea to no end. The girl was a major tease, perhaps on the same level as Leone, or even worse.

"I. Am. Not. Jealous! W-Why would I be jealous that you're sitting close to Shirou? That's just ridiculous!" Spear answered with a shrill voice, talking so fast I could barely make out her words.

I made a blank face at Spear's weak argument.

'Spear... you are being way too obvious about your true reasons.'

"You're also still on our radar. We don't fully trust you yet! How do we know you aren't going to try anything?!" Spear shot out.

"Now, now... Spear, Chelsea is one of us now. Let's try and make her feel a bit more welcome." Chouri told his daughter patiently.

"It's fine, Chouri-san. I'm a girl, so I understand the anxiety of having my own boyfriend being approached by another, better woman, so it's normal for her," Chelsea replied, sending a wink my way.

In the background, Spear's blabbering occurred again.

Chelsea put a finger to her chin, seeming to think about Spear's words. Knowing her, she's just putting up the pretense of actually contemplating her words.

"Well, I guess being cautious of me sounds a lot better than your blatant jealousy, but I don't really think you have anything to worry about." Chelsea leaned back in her chair, hands behind her head. "We all know I can't really harm him after yesterday's display."

"Hell, yeah, you can't!" Yoru exclaimed from his seat.

At that moment Chelsea's omelette arrived, and the auburn haired girl decided to focus her attention on her food, effectively ignoring Yoru. He looked slightly annoyed at being ignored, but thankfully didn't make another fuss.

I cleared my throat, gaining everyone's attention. "Yoru, Spear, I need you two to stop antagonizing Chelsea. Until proven otherwise, she's one of us now. It's good to be wary, but we don't need any open provocation."

I gave my empty bowl to the server, before saying, "We're all on the same side. We can't expect to gain her full cooperation if we make her feel like an enemy. You know the rules of the house, I expect you both to follow them."

They looked like they wanted to say something, but kept quiet.

Chelsea waved her fork in the air. "I appreciate you looking out for me, but it really isn't needed. I can take care of myself. If I'm to be honest, their opinions of me don't really matter. Only your opinion and the former Prime Minister's opinion is what I care about." Chelsea proceeded to take another bite of her omelet. "Chouri's opinion matters because he's just a genuine and sweet guy. I've heard plenty of good things about him and what he tried to do for the citizens of the Empire when he held power. Also, he seems to be the only one not to hold any hard feelings over yesterday's events."

Chouri just smiled at Chelsea, sipping a cup of tea. "I understand you were just following orders. Besides, like Shirou said, we fight for the same cause, and if he deemed it to be a good decision to bring you into our forces, then I accept his judgement on the matter." Putting down his cup with a small clink, he said, "He's our trusted leader, after all."

"You accept his decisions so easily... Is there a reason for that?" Chelsea asked, now with genuine curiosity.

"Shirou just has this... aura around him. My daughter and I feel safe around him, and he has provided us the means of continuing to make a difference in this cruel reality. He also saved my daughter and I from the Three Beasts when I was sure we were going to die. It was a truly hopeless situation, but only Shirou made the impossible possible. He changed our fate and extended his hand out towards us. That's when I knew he was a man I could follow." Chouri said earnestly.

Chelsea's face scrunched up for a second when Chouri mentioned the Three Beasts, so slight I almost didn't catch it. Perhaps she had had a bad run in with them in the past? That's something I'll have to remember later.

I wiped the corners of my mouth, partially to hide my proud smile at Chouri's admiration. "I promised you after all, Chouri-san, that I'd come to your help, correct? It was actually a gamble to give you that thing, as I had no idea if you'd actually call me on time. I'm more than happy you did, or two good people would've perished that day."

"Well, I guess that's an excellent explanation. Thank you for the insight, Chouri-san." She then turned towards me, smiling mischievously. "Wanna take a guess as to why I care about your opinion, Shirou?"

"Because I hold your life in my hands, and it would be best for you to stay on my good side?" I answered her bluntly.

Chelsea feigned being hurt by blunt remark.

"Boo! Oh, well... I guess that's part of it, but not the key reason." Chelsea's tone of voice lost its playful edge, "I care about your opinion... because I liked your sincerity yesterday. It made me actually believe you can make a difference, not just the useless talks those hopefuls I know, or knew."

She closed her eyes, letting her fork drop to her plate. "The Revolutionary Army could do the same, but... my voice will never reach them, or the people I want to save and protect. You're different I think. I know you will give me a chance to let my actions truly mean something, and to actually make an impact on this rotten world." She looked straight at me, no bullshit. "I felt I could do all that with you."

Silence followed her statement, and her answer impressed me.

Yesterday, she astounded me with her resolve, and today she had surprised me with her own personal reasonings. I can relate with her desire to follow the most efficient path, and glancing around the table, I could see that Chouri agreed with what Chelsea said. Even Spear and Yoru had some form of begrudging acceptance for her words. It really made me wonder who she was, underneath all that masks. A tease? A revolutionary? Maybe only a nervous girl who only wanted to know her role in the world? It could very well be a combination of these traits, or something else altogether.

Of course, right after this serious moment, Chelsea had to say something to ruin it.

"It also helps that you are such a handsome specimen, though, Shirou. If I can manage to have you keep a high opinion of me, maybe I could get closer to you...?" Chelsea said seductively, her more playful demeanor taking hold once more. She dragged a finger down my chest, leaning down so the tip of my nose nearly touched her moderate bust, much to Spear's ire.

'One thing is certain... Definitely a tease, possibly part succubus? I have to note this on my to-research list.'

I pushed Chelsea away, careful not to touch anything inappropriate. Closing my eyes, I fought back the impending headache as Spear started yelling at Chelsea while the headphone-wearing assassin just laughed at her.

I coughed in my hand to gather the table's attention.

"It's good to see that we're all finally getting along…" I glanced over at Spear, who was glaring at Chelsea. "...kind of. However, there is something that I would like to inform you all of."

Everyone waited patiently for me to continue.

"Today, I am going to Night Raid's main base to inform them of my bout with Esdeath, just to confirm any rumors, that's all. Second, I'd like to know their success in engaging the remaining Three Beasts. Third," I gesture at Chelsea. "You're going to be coming with me."

Chelsea's mouth hung open at my declaration.

"Huh?! W-Why me? Wouldn't you be better off taking Yoru or someone else if you just need a travel buddy?"

From the look on Yoru's face ,he was thinking the same thing. A split second later, Chelsea realized my goal, but I beat her to the explanation.

"That's my original plan, but it'd be a nice gesture to announce our partnership, no?" I smiled at Chelsea.

"So I'll be a message to the Army, then? A parade?"

"You catch on quick. I hope you don't mind."

"Not really, I expected this to happen."

I snapped my fingers. "Ah, right, one more thing. You know Night Raid better than me, so you can be an intermediary. I assume this won't be a problem?"

She clicked her tongue. "That's true, I guess. I find it a little strange, because I was going to be assigned to them in the near future, actually..." She trailed off for a moment, before shaking her head. "Not all of them know me, though. My only contact is Najenda, the leader. I guess you've met? She's the only one who knew about my mission here, since I was to be reassigned to her unit."

"Really, now?" I couldn't hold down a smile at that particularly interesting information.

"That makes bringing you over to my side all the more sweeter. You're saying she also know about how you were made to spy on me as well, correct?" I asked.

She was puzzled with my question, before pointing her fork at me. "Hey, Shirou, do you have sort of rivalry with Najenda? Sounds like you do."

I pondered her question for a little while. To be honest, I didn't view Najenda herself as a rival, as she didn't pose enough a threat, nor did she give me the motivation of personal growth. The closest thing to why I was reacting the way I was would be…

"No, I just think I like annoying her." I replied cheekily.

I received looks from around the table for my answer.

I could only shrug and lift up my arms. "Even I'm guilty of enjoying small things, at times."

"When do you plan on leaving, Shirou?" Spear asked.

"Preferably, as soon as possible." I replied.

Chelsea stood up from her seat. "Let me grab something from my room real quick and I'll be ready to go."

I nod in approval.

Chelsea returned in just a matter of minutes, a small bag in hand and a lollipop in her mouth. Looking at me, she leaned forward and gave me a mock salute, a smile on her face.

"Alright! I'm all ready to go, boss!"

The trek to Night Raid's hidden base had been uneventful, so far.

Chelsea and I had been on the move for about 2 hours, and were approaching the general area that Leone said that their base was located. I found no reason to rush, and I was certain once we got closer, someone would be kind enough to greet us.

"Hey, Shirou? Quick question."

"Yes?"

Chelsea moved in front of me and walked backwards as she spoke, balancing her body beautifully to avoid tripping on the rocky and uneven terrain.

"When do you think I can have my Teigu back? Other than it being my main tool in assassinations, I keep... some important stuff in it, kind of..."

"What kind of 'important stuff' are we talking about? Your Teigu can store extra items in it?" I asked her, genuinely curious.

"Well, yeah, it's designed like a makeup kit so it has some compartments in it. Also…" Chelsea stopped, causing me to stop as well. "Don't you know better than asking a girl about her personal items?"

I raised up a finger.

"It's that kind of secret. Don't worry Chelsea, I understand. The location of all your interesting literature is safe with me. I won't tell a soul, and I'll try my best not to judge. Where I'm from usually homosexual relationships are looked down upon as well as writings of homoerotic literature. Despite being a believer in the lord I do think people have the right to chose who they love, and a right to enjoy the literature that suites their tastes. I won't say a word." I consoled her, my voice betraying nothing.

For a few seconds, Chelsea was rooted on her spot, her lowered bangs hiding her eyes from me. The next thing I knew, she launched herself at me, hands spread wide like an eagle trying to snatch its prey.

"Give it back! Give it back now!" She frantically shouted at me with a red face, her hands grasping nothing but air as I dodged every single one of her attempts.

After a few more minutes of playing cat and mouse, she eventually conceded our difference in physical abilities, and leaned on the bedrock while panting.

"Ah... uh..." She tried to talk, but her breathlessness cancelled that effort. Gulping a fresh breath of air, she glared at me.

"I had no idea you're such a tease."

"Well, I indulge myself every now and then. I had no idea you actually read such interesting writings. It was a total guess on my part, but how you reacted basically confirmed it." I told her, cheekily.

She 'humph'ed away, exaggerating her displeasure. With her head still pointing the other way, she thrusted her hands towards me, palm up.

Feeling sorry for her, I handed back her Teigu.

Her neck snapped back into my direction, a surprised look on her face at me easily handing over her weapon. Understandable, of course, since I wasn't the type of person who actively sought out trouble by being honorable and prideful.

She held the Teigu in both hands. "Just like that? Not afraid I'll use it to try and run off to the Revolutionary Army or anything?"

I simply gave her a calculated smile. "Not at all. You are my own now, and I would rather have you well-prepared for anything unexpected that may happen." My smile turned into a smirk. "Besides, do you think you could actually run from me, even if you tried?"

"Good point." Chelsea replied, rummaging through her Teigu.

"So, will you tell me wha-" I was cut off by Chelsea shoving a lollipop in my face.

"Here!" She said, sporting a happy grin on her face.

I took the piece of candy from her. This is what she kept in her Teigu? Lollipops? Didn't she already have a bag filled with them in her room?

"The lollipops in the bag I brought are my emergency rations. The one's in my Teigu are the good ones." She said with pride. "You should feel special! I don't share these with just anybody. But because you decided to trust me, I think I can spare one." Chelsea said as if she read my thoughts, before plopping a lollipop in her mouth, giving me wink.

Maybe now's a good time to pay her back for her antics this morning?

"Thank you," I said.

However, instead of unwrapping the lollipop she gave me, I handed it back. Amidst her confusion, I popped out the lollipop already in her mouth and put it inside mine.

"Cherry, not bad. Let's go."

Behind me, a slightly red-faced Chelsea picked up her pace to catch up with me.

Another fifteen minutes passed.

I raised my hand, stopping Chelsea from going forward.

"No need for us to go any farther, they know we're here." I told her. I decided to lean against a tree as I waited for our chauffeur. Might as well rest.

"How do you reckon that?"

"One of the Night Raid's members, Lubbock, has this whole area rigged with his Teigu. He probably detected us a couple of minutes ago. They'll find us eventually, no need to keep moving forward."

"If you say so." Chelsea sat down beside me. "What should I expect when they come get us? Hostility, neutrality, friendship? From the reports I've read in the Revolutionary Army, it seems things are tense between the two of you."

"Well, you're not wrong." I raised my hand, counting off my fingers. "Two of their members are on friendly terms with me. One despises and fears me. The rest of them are wary of me. Lastly, Najenda is always trying to get a read on me."

The auburn haired girl let out a low whistle in response. "This is going to go soooo well. I can tell already."

"We'll be fine. Also, our guide has arrived."

A blur of yellow drop down from the treeline, as Leone made herself known to us.

"Glad to see you're okay, Shirou, but now might not be the best time to visit." Her tense face delivered all the messages I needed to know. "Things are little uneasy at the base right now." A sad smile appeared on her face, before she noticed Chelsea.

"Who's the girl?"

"Ah, I'd rather not repeat my explanation later. Can we see Najenda now? There are important matters both of us need to inform each other, and some to discuss, as well."

Leone frowned, but she recognized I wasn't going to budge on the subject.

"Fine. I'll take you to the boss, but don't expect a warm welcome or anything. Everyone is on edge." Leone turned around and started dashing off, gesturing us to follow.

"Like I expected a warm welcome from your group in the first place." I replied coldly, chasing after her, Chelsea keeping up right beside me.

"I never knew you had a girlfriend within Night Raid," she teased me again. "Is the blonde bimbo more your type, or do you have a catgirl fetish? Poor Spear is going to be so distraught..." Chelsea said with a fake sympathy in her voice.

I scoffed lightly. "Leone is a friend. Well, we had a couple drinks, and she drained my wallet dry. Her trust is expensive, but worth it. At least she's friendlier than her comrades, that's for sure."

"Oh, so you treat her nicely and buy her drinks when you first met, but with me, you place me under a curse and humiliate me in front of all of your followers? What's up with that?" Mock hurt present on her face.

"Our first meeting was me shoving my elbow in her gut, and rendering her unconscious in front of her friend if you want to be fair." I looked at her, a sadistic glint in my eyes. "If you want to have a taste, be my guest."

"So, to recap," she said, "You're the type of guy who beat up all women you met for the first time? You scum!" She exclaimed the last words with a mock sincerity. "So our next plan together is drinks, right?"

I stared at the auburn haired girl, a smirk on my own face. "Don't flatter yourself."

I started moving faster, leaving Chelsea behind.

"You still need to learn how to properly treat a woman!"

Regarding Night Raid's supposed main base... I was half-disappointed.

Its facilities were incredible. Large multiple training grounds, natural springs for relaxation, great natural landscape being contoured to their own traps, plus a system of self-sustenance in the events of a siege. It's a much grander base than I expected.

However, it's also the reason for my disappointment. For a base for assassins, it sure as hell was incredibly conspicuous. Come on, did they really think a base this big, about the same size as those modern military facilities in my previous world, could be hidden by the foilage and the cliff? Or did the people in this world has no sense of preservation and discretion whatsoever? In all honesty their base in the Capital was much better.

"Come on. She's waiting for you."

Leone led us through the hallways of Night Raid's 'secret' base, and opened a large set of double doors.

"They're here, Boss."

The double doors opened to a sizable hall. In the middle, there's a slightly bigger chair than the surrounding sofas, giving the impression of a makeshift throne. Of course, the leader, Najenda, was sitting in it, with the rest of Night Raid's members sitting on the other chairs.

'Oh? it seems there's someone missing... The tall, armored guy... Bulat, is it?'

"Sorry for the sudden visit, Najenda," I immediately started. "This may sound rude, but can we skip the pleasantries?"

"Ah, I hate it when someone starts a conversation that way." Najenda exhaled a puff of smoke, before saying, "I guess a delay isn't possible? Maybe later, over some meals and drinks?"

"Sadly, no." I shook my head, before letting out an audible breath. "First, my condolences for your loss. I didn't bring any tribute, so I hope this statement is enough. I'm being sincere, believe me."

She closed her eyes, with the rest of her subordinates letting out sad faces and regrets.

"Thank you for that. No need to make much of a fuss... he knew the risk of this line of job." She leaned back, gesturing to the young Tatsumi beside her. "He succumbed after a fight with the remaining Three Beasts, and the job was finished by Tatsumi."

"Then why do you all look so pathetic?"

My words instantly turned the atmosphere to sub-zero.

"Shirou," Leone growled menacingly, her canines showing. "I may consider you a friend, but one more word about him and-"

"And what?" I challenged all their killing intents. All of them had their Teigu in their hands, Najenda even stood up from her seat. They were all ready to attack. Well, all except Tatsumi, who just sat there moping silently.

I turned to one slim, katana-wielding assassin. "Tell me, Akame, was the assignment complete?"

No one questioned how I managed to gather information regarding Akame's mission in this tense atmosphere, though. Akame simply answered softly, "Yes, all targets were consigned."

"So Bulat died doing something he believed in, and was proud of doing. He was a good man. Strong and virtuous, wasn't he?"

The silence confirmed my question. I looked at Tatsumi, who had stayed silent until now.

I crossed the distance between us in one strong step. Some threads tried to block me, but they were too hastily constructed and was torn easily. An energy blast from Pumpkin missed completely due to my sudden dash, and three Black Keys pierced the other three shadows to pin them in place.

I stared down at Tatsumi's pitiful form.

"What gives you the right to act more pathetic than everyone else?"

He didn't reply.

"If you're not going to say anything, then I'll provide the commentary, no?" I asked mockingly.

"There you were, lying down, helpless, probably due to some stupid mistake you made yourself. Bulat protected you, or maybe he was just trying to fight without any useful backup and in return got fatally injured and died." Still no answer.

My gaze intensifies. "So your promise to Sayo and Ieyasu was meaningless, empty?"

A fist slugged me straight in the cheek, but due to the sloppy technique, I barely felt it. However, it's a sign of progress. A response.

"You're right," a dark voice simmered from Tatsumi.

"I... I was pitiful! That mission... during it, I was trash! Nothing more than a pedestrian on the sidelines!" His voice got louder and louder, to let out all the emotions he buried. After a few words, it turned into a yell. "I can't do anything! Aniki... h-he fought magnificently, while I couldn't do a fucking thing! USELESS! I'M USELESS!"

I smiled at his out pour. Human hearts were fragile, and it's actually a positive activity to let them bleed out the building emotions inside. The words 'acceptance' and 'resignation' were the two main points of this exercise, and they would only make this boy stronger.

"What do you have on your back?"

"It's Incursio's key... he said he'd leave it to me... but I can't do shit with it like Aniki did! I managed to kill the other guy, but...!"

"But, nothing!" I exclaimed sternly, snapping the boy out of his self-deprecating rant.

"So what if you can't use it well enough? Do you think Bulat's a stupid man, giving his prized weapon to a wimp in his dying breath?" I grab his shoulder and bring him close to me, our eyes gazing into each other. "He believed in you. In your own potential. Now's a good time for you to start believing it as well."

I released my grip, letting him fall back into the couch.

"Instead of moaning and moping, make him proud by mastering it in return, surpass him. Carry on his legacy. It'd be a nice tribute to his memories, don't you think?"

His eyes had no trace of his previous weakness anymore. There was a fire of determination burning strongly, slightly blurred by the tears. He silently nodded, his grip on Incursio changed from the terrified, white knuckles to a firm, resolute one.

I looked at each of the remaining members of Night Raid, before stopping at Najenda's eyes.

"You knew Bulat far longer than Tatsumi ever did. You should have known what he would have wanted. You're the leader, don't make me do your job for you," I said coldly.

I did't bother with waiting for any sort of reply before stepping back into my original position beside Chelsea. I didn't see it clearly, but my peripheral vision caught her approving look.

I clapped my hands, saying, "Now, can we all put down our weapons? There's no reason for any hostilities."

The Night Raid members flinched at the verbal jab, but proceeded to lower their weapons. The tension in the room slowly dying down.

Najenda was about to say something, but shut her mouth once she saw Chelsea standing slightly behind me. A flash of recognition passed through her face, fast enough to avoid her subordinates from noticing, but not from me. I was honestly surprised it took her this long to notice who exactly I brought with me. I'll attribute that with Najenda not being at her optimal level currently.

I waved at Chelsea to step forward, bringing the attention to her.

"She's the reason I'm here. So, to start the introductions... if you would."

She curtseyed playfully in front of them. "Greetings, everyone! I'm Chelsea, formerly from the Revolutionary Army, and I was going to be your new teammate! However, I've recently found a new employer. We thought it would be nice if I came over and say hi!"

At the sudden bombshell, the Night Raid members turned to their leader for an explanation.

Najenda put out her smoke, before explaining, "Everyone, meet Chelsea. She's just what she said, and is... was to be reassigned to our unit, though that plan's blown to pieces now," she glared at me, "isn't it, Shirou-san?"

"Isn't that a little harsh?" My mocking smirk brushed off Najenda's barbed comments. "We're only here because I thought it'd be very much appreciated by the Revolutionary Army if I officially announce our partnership in the open. No need for expensive information, no backstabbing, just honesty. And by 'our', I mean Chelsea and I."

Najenda managed to stifle her shock, perhaps already figuring out the reason Chelsea was here. However, it didn't prevent the surprise leaking out from her own voice. "What does he mean by that, Chelsea?"

"Oh, nothing much more than what he said," she whimsically spoke, taking another candy from her Teigu. "It'd be nice for you to tell the Army about our new... agreement, that's all."

The boss of Night Raid narrowed her eyes. "Are you defecting? Why? You've always been loyal to the cause, that's part of the reason why you were going to be reassigned to Night Raid."

Chelsea simply laughed. "Ahahaha! You're being too harsh, Najenda. It's just... let's take it as a simple department transfer, okay? Both you, Shirou, and I are still pursuing the same goal, so why the fuss?" She innocently put both her hands behind her head.

Najenda looked worried.

"You're compromised," she stated matter-of-factly. The one-eyed lady walked over to Chelsea, grabbing her shoulders. "Chelsea, if he's threatening you, we can do something about it! There's no need for you to do this... we can find something together!"

The assassin calmly removed Najenda's hands, both the normal and metallic one.

"You don't understand, do you?" She smiled pitifully at the white-haired woman. "I admit, I was compromised, but I joined his side on my own free will. Do not mistake that. I'm still loyal to the cause. I would never betray my beliefs. However, this is the path I think I should take."

"How did he-"

"It doesn't matter," Chelsea cut her off. "All I care about is how Shirou can help me achieve my dreams faster and better than what the Army can offer me, and in return, I give him my services and loyalty. Simple!"

She backed away from Najenda, sort of putting me in between the both of them.

"Sorry, Najenda, but I won't be joining Night Raid. Consider this my official resignation from the Revolutionary Army. Besides, we're not enemies, as we're fighting for the same thing after all. Who knows, in the future there might be some situations where we have to work together."

I place a hand on Chelsea's shoulder. "Well said, Chelsea."

The auburn haired girl relaxed under my tough.

As I turned back to leave, I left a parting message.

"Najenda... all this time I've never placed anyone in Night Raid or the Army. I'm a patient and benevolent man, and I shall overlook this transgression. However, regarding the first statement, I expect the same respect from all of you from this time onward. If you pass over the limit, well... just ask Esdeath."

I looked over my shoulder.

"Ah, don't bother looking for her. She'll be in intensive care for the next few months."

Without another second wasted, we left immediately. I had other arrangements after this.