Assassin - Number 47 Chapter 4, a Hitman + Akame ga Kiru/アカメが斬る Crossover fanfic

AN: This story is getting bigger and bigger the more I write. I'm concerned about the grammar and pacing, but if the dialogue is weird, or anything else, don't hesitate to let me know.

I truly hope this chapter was worth the 2 year wait...

The Royal Palace – The Capital

2:30 PM

*MUNCH*

The meat in his mouth has been enhancing the show before him. His tongue savored the flavors as they exploded in his mouth. It reminded him of the meal he will soon be having.

And once this show ends, Prime Minister Honest will have this next meal.

He wiped the scrapes off his long, grey beard and returned his attention to the show. He would never squander such things.

They always say "delay, don't deny", and Honest loved the delay. It made the meal far more worth the bite.

He adjusted his horned crown and held his large stomach towards the corner of the Emperor's throne. Sitting in it was the young Emperor himself.

The boy's headdress stood tall above his small head. His eyes laid firm with false resolve. And his hands held the golden scepter tightly with blind certainty.

Honest smiled. The right words given to the young boy resulted in this grand performance and led to the presence of the soul who was under his gaze.

Beneath Honest, at the cusp of the throne stairs by the royal hands, knelt Domestic Administrator Shoi.

His duties mattered little to Honest, he never bothered to learn such things.

However, he always loved to know what people could offer him. For poor Shoi, he happens to have his next great meal.

Prime Minister Honest raised his large finger to the young boy.

The Emperor saw this, prompting him to proceed.

"Domestic Administrator Shoi," his high voice boomed with confidence, "For speaking out publicly against our policies, and interfering with matters of the state..."

Honest grinned when the boy stood taller.

"We decree that you shall be drawn and quartered by bull."

He heard the murmurs of the royal hands, and the sharp gasp from Shoi. His jaw began to quiver, and his knees looked ready to buckle.

Yes. What a fantastic show!

This was exactly what Honest had hoped to see. If only he could make this moment last forever. To see how far he could take this anguish until he breaks the man.

"Isn't that the right way to handle it, Minister?"

He was brought back to the young boy, reminding himself of his own position.

All the boy needed a little validation, and a little push to make the right choices.

*MUNCH*

Honest took another bite of his snack as he moved closer to the boy.

He couldn't stop the humorous smile from growing on his face.

"Oh yes, Your Royal Highness. That was wonderful," he said with complete praise, "You truly are the wisest ruler the Empire could ever dream of!"

*MUNCH*

He took another bite, wanting the flavors to coat his teeth.

"Meat again?" the Emperor pointed out, "You really eat that a lot."

Honest's smile turned into a chuckle.

"Oh Your Highness," he said, "I must enjoy these treats while I'm still bursting with life!"

He burst into a full, cheerful laughter. The irony in his statement bleed out like a slit throat. Honest couldn't image a time when he'll not be filled with life.

He was wise, cunning, healthy, handsome, and above all, invincible. It was he that earned such treats, he that took over the Empire, and he that will rule above all!

He clapped his hands with gleeful power.

"Buono!" he cried, "Buono!"

"YOUR MAJESTY! PLEASE HEAD MY WORDS!"

His glee got caught in his throat.

"The Minister does not care for the Empire!" Shoi pleaded, "He is a wolf in sheep's clothing!"

Tears began to leave the administrator's eyes. He had no reason to resume formalities; he had nothing to lose.

"Please, lend your ears to the voices of the people!" he continued, "The Minister only cares for power! Please, you have to see it!"

…

"...Well, Minister, did you hear what he said?"

Shoi's eyes threatened to leave his sockets.

His mouth gapped open.

The shaking continued once more.

All of this served to amuse Honest.

What exactly was Shoi hoping to achieve with that display? There was nothing he could say that could change this outcome. For any attempt at disrupting Honest's plans were feeble.

"Well, it's a rather interesting claim, Your Majesty," he relaxed, "But I wouldn't put any weight onto his words."

Honest's smile grew wide when he saw Shoi's eyes dilate in horror.

"It would seem that the stress has caused the poor fellow to be a little touched in the head," he implied, "Perhaps it's time to bring things to its end before he continues to ramble on."

After all, his meal should be here real soon.

"Oh, of course," said the young boy, "You're absolutely right! You haven't led me astray before, this man must be insane."

Shoi began to panic.

"N-NO!"

He tried to stand up.

*WHAM*

But the swift strike from the royal guard's spear forced him back to the ground.

Honest chuckled. That smack by the royal guard brought him great pleasure.

Everything was finally coming to an end.

His next meal will soon arrive.

But Honest didn't allow himself to leave the show. He never squandered such things. Delay, don't deny. And he loved delaying.

Honest began to approach the downed man.

"Oh Shoi," he spoke with faux disappointment, "How unfortunate it is that we must part ways."

Shoi looked into his eyes.

The fear was fueled further.

Honest wanted to milk whatever was left of the poor man's mind. But it seemed Shoi had other plans.

He quickly refocused his efforts back towards the Emperor.

"Your Majesty!" he begged, "Please, listen to me! The Empire's thousand-year history is doomed to end if this persists!"

Honest smiled remained. The Emperor would not listen to the words of an insane man.

"PLEASE! I'M BEGGING YOU! DON'T DO THIS!"

"Oh hush now, Shoi."

The Administrator looked up at the kneeling Prime Minister.

Honest smiled at the grand finale. His meal is almost here.

"There's no need to worry."

He drew closer to the downed administrator.

"The kingdom is in capable hands. I promise that I, as Prime Minister, will do everything in my power to prevent anything and everything from dooming this great Empire."

He drew even closer. His voice grew more silent.

"And don't worry about your beautiful wife…"

He saw Shoi's eyes widen.

"Her care will now be in my hands…"

Shoi looked into Honest's hungry eyes.

"I promise to take great care of her…"

His mouth began to drool.

"Every single piece of her."

…

*SNAP*

Honest snapped his fingers. The guards lifted Shoi up.

"NO!" he screamed, "YOU DEMON!"

He was dragged away from Honest, who smiled blissfully at the display.

"YOUR HIGHNESS, YOU CAN'T ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN!"

The royal hands present trembled in fear of the Prime Minister.

"PLEASE, HE'LL DESTROY THIS EMPIRE!"

"This" Empire? No, this was his Empire!

"CAN'T YOU SEE THIS! CAN ANYONE SEE THIS EVIL!?"

Honest waved at the doomed man. A crazed grin threatened to break into his face for what was to come.

"PLEASE YOU CANNOT IGNORE THIS EVIL!"

There was so much more he wanted to do. So many things he wanted to take. So many meals he wanted to eat.

"HE IS A DEMON! THAT MAN IS A DEMON!"

He will milk this Empire dry. He will take everything it has to offer him. And he will watch the denizens of this fine Empire crumble and cry beneath his feet.

"PLEASE! HE MUST BE STOPPED! HE CANNOT BE ALLOWED TO LIVE! PLEASE!

"PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASE!"

And the large royal hall doors slammed shut.

Night Raid Base

4:09 PM

"No matter how you see yourself, we're still murderers.

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

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

Those words kept repeating in Mine's head.

It only further fueled her frustration.

She tossed and turned on her bed.

Who does that guy think he is? Acting like she didn't know what it meant to be an assassin. Mine wasn't stupid!

It means she's a killer, a murderer, and everything else in between. Everyone knows that!

She laid down and covered herself under her comforter. Her tears had long since dried, but she was still far from calm.

No matter what she did, her thoughts kept returning to that damn newbie.

"Heartless...JERK!"

She slammed her fist against the mattress.

Who tries to kill a little refuge girl?

And who murders random thugs?! She wanted them beaten, not killed!

Not even Akame would do that, and she was trained by the Capital.

Mine just wanted retribution. To punish those jerks. But not like that!

What kind of sicko goes to those extremes?!

She huffed underneath her covers.

It was so despicable. So fucking horrible! She wasn't going to tell anybody! She's a refuge child; no one would listen to her anyway!

…

No one would listen to her anyway…

Mine's mind went to the cold nights she spent in her childhood hometown. The lack of any sympathy and care, shown by the disregard she was given for her existence. All because of her blood.

She remembered those hungry days of walking, not knowing where or what her next "bed" will be. Her shaking arms begging for food. The fear of thieves and violent killers out for her head. And the horror of believing she would die alone.

It was something Mine could never forget.

And that bastard...That dumb bastard! To kill a refuge child like she was worth nothing!

"Being an assassin…Give me a break!"

That's such a load of shit!

Nobody ever meant that!

We just say that so everyone takes this job seriously!

Nobody has ever had to kill a child! Not even Leone!

"GrrrrRRRRR!"

Mine slammed her fists onto her mattress once more. The tears threatened to return.

It was all that newbie's fault!

She hates him! She hates everything about him!

*knock* *knock* *knock*

Mine's anger was cut short.

She uncovered her head to view the door.

She was far too upset to even think about seeing anyone. There was no way that door was gonna open.

In a quick huff, she covered her head again.

*knock* *knock* *knock* *knock* *knock*

…

*knock* *knock* *knock*

Mine scrunched her closed eyes.

Her frustration was building up.

*knock* *knock* *knock* *knock* *knock*

"God damn it."

She uncovered her head.

"Leave me alone!"

"Mine, please let me in."

Mine was caught off guard by the authoritative voice.

"I've already heard what happened."

She forcefully quelled her mind. She may be upset, but there was no way she was going to let anyone know.

"Look, I'm sorry about the screaming, alright?" Mine frustratingly released, "I'm fine now, I just want to be alone."

Mine hoped she got the hint.

"Please Mine," a second voice said, "Open the door…"

The voice was very gentle and far more calming. It could only belong to one person.

"We just want to make sure you're alright, I'm worried about you."

Mine stared at the door for a couple of seconds.

She huffed, forcefully removing her comforter and pushing herself off the bed.

She made an annoyed trot to the door and opened it.

Sheele raised her hand awkwardly in greeting.

But she was overshadowed by the woman behind her.

Mine's boss, and the leader of Night Raid.

Najenda.

Her face was stilted, and her posture was as stiff as usual. Her metal arm certainly didn't help with that.

"Is it alright if...uh..." Najenda chose her words carefully, "...If we could talk inside your room, Mine?"

Mine closed her eyes in slight annoyance.

"...Fine," she moved out of the way, waving her arm quickly in her room, "Come in."

They slowly entered her room.

Their footsteps were soft, annoyingly so.

Najenda's face was still, very annoyingly so.

But Sheele's was still filled with worry for her. Mine couldn't help but feel a little bad. She didn't like making people worry, especially her best friend.

She took a deep breath and returned her focus to Najenda, who was looking around her room.

It's weird, Mine can't remember the last time the boss was ever in her room.

"Boss," Mine caught her attention, "If you wanna sit down, you can take the one by my desk."

She pointed at her pink desk, coupled with a pink chair.

Najenda nodded, silently lifting the chair to sit in reverse. She leaned forward with her arms rested on the backrest. Her face had yet to move.

But Sheele's face still held concern. Mine must have really scared her. She couldn't help but wonder what she was thinking of saying.

Sheele didn't know what else to say.

It was always difficult for Mine to open up. She knew how hardheaded she was. At times, not even her own words could breach her ears.

But still, Sheele had never seen Mine freak out like that. Her fear for her well-being was super high.

She had to say something.

"H-How...How are you feeling, Mine?" Sheele asked, "Y-You really scared me back there."

Mine looked like she was picking her words carefully as well.

"I'm fine," She was lying, "What do you guys want?"

Sheele motioned to Najenda, who was struggling to hide her own discomfort.

She often asked Sheele for help when situations like this occur. Her presence made Najenda feel a little more confident in these situations. She may be a great leader, but Najenda struggled as a counselor.

She cleared her throat.

"…So" Najenda began, "First of all, I…uh…I believe I should take some...responsibility for, uh...for what happened."

She readjusted her seat.

"I was...I was the one who decided to put you two...together," Najenda scratched the back of her head with her metal arm, "So...I would like to apologize for that, Mine."

Sheele silently sighed at Najenda's struggle. But so far, it seemed Mine was responding well.

"…Well," Mine spoke, "It's not you that I'm angry at, boss."

"Right, of course," Najenda awkwardly replied, "That's actually another cusp of why I...well, why I apologized to you just now."

She quickly darted her eyes to Sheele, who silently gave her a nod. She was still here to help her if need be.

Najenda refocused back to Mine.

"I...I wouldn't have put you two together had I...Had I known that he'd upset you like that, Mine."

Mine huffed.

"Well forget about that for a minute, is there anything going to be done about this?"

…

"...There is," Najenda said, "He's going to be punished appropriately, I assure you."

"Punished?" Mine asked, "I hope it has something to do with him getting kicked out of here!"

"…"

Both Najenda and Sheele grew uncomfortable.

Mine didn't like the silence.

"Well?!"

"…" Najenda remained silent, lightly tapping at Sheele's hip to get her attention.

Najenda gave her an uncomfortable look.

Sheele took control.

"Um...Mine."

Mine gave Sheele her attention.

"Actually...from what we've been told...you were-"

"Wait a minute," Mine interrupted, "Who told you what?"

"…"

"...Sheele," Mine repeated, "Who told you what?"

"Tatsumi told us his side of the story, Mine."

Najenda took over, knowing Mine wouldn't listen to Sheele in this state.

"From what he's said...I can understand why you got upset," Najenda rubbed her forehead with stress, "And I'm relieved you both were able to escape unnoticed, regardless of that refugee girl."

Mine stiffened up.

"What did he tell you?" she asked.

Sheele opted to answer.

"He, uh," she hesitated, "He...told us you ordered him to...take down two thugs. Apparently he thought you meant...take out."

Mine huffed again.

"At least the bastard's honest!" Mine retorted, "If you all know the story then you should know why he should be kicked out!"

"I'm afraid I'm won't be doing such a thing, Mine," Najenda interjected.

Mine's eyes widened.

"W-Wha..?"

"Mine, I understand your stance on him," Najenda clarified, "But I can assure you that this was a mistake, and I'm going to take care-"

"A mistake?!" Mine yelled.

They recoiled back.

"M-Mine, please calm down," Sheele begged.

"No, stop it Sheele," Mine denied, turning back to Najenda, "Boss, what do you mean 'a mistake'?! What kind of person mistakes beating someone up with killing them?!"

"The same way you've confused being an assassin with being a vigilante, Mine."

Mine flinched.

The boss was firm.

Her eyes were piercing.

And her words stabbed her right in her chest.

Sheele flinched as well, not expecting the outburst from the boss.

She saw Najenda quickly turn to her, knowing she might have went too far.

She quickly calmed herself down.

"Mine," Najenda continued, "I'm sorry. And I'm sorry for putting you two together, it was my decision to make and now I know it was the wrong one. It was never my intention to cause you this terrible amount of distress."

Najenda stood from her chair.

"But it seems I have to remind you once more about our role here in this war. We are not crime fighters, we are not vigilante's, and we are not heroes. I understand our targets have been the 'undesirables' of the Capital, but that doesn't mean you should confuse our actions with righteousness.

"We are assassins. That's all we are. Wherever you are, whatever you do, and what mission you have, you should be holding yourself as an assassin. We will win this war as assassins, and we will end this war as assassins. That means we do whatever it takes to get the job done. Whatever it takes to protect yourself. And whatever it takes to protect your identity.

"Even if it means killing a refuge child."

…

Mine didn't say a word. Her eyes masked behind her long, pink hair.

Sheele's concern grew. This conversation was intended to lead to this, but she didn't wish for her friend to be put down like this.

She looked to Najenda, who seemed to have relaxed her firm demeanor. Perhaps it also wasn't her intention to condemn the pink assassin as well.

She took a deep breath.

"...Look," Najenda retracted, "I know what your goal is. And your ambition to complete it is beyond admirable."

She began placing her chair back to Mine's desk.

"I have no doubt in my mind that you'll live through this war," Najenda's confidence was unshaken, "But our part in this war can only be done as assassins."

She approached the still Mine.

"And an as far as I've seen, you're still a great assassin, and by far the greatest marksman the Revolutionary Army has ever seen. Maybe even the entire Empire."

Najenda's placed her metal hand on Mine's shoulder.

"Please remember that. You will see you're goal come to be. But for now, you are an assassin."

Mine stood silent. It weighed on Sheele's heart, having never seen her friend in such a way.

Eventually, Mine would solemnly nodded.

She didn't utter a word.

Najenda release her shoulder.

"And just to remind you," she continued, "You're not taking the butt-end of this. I will be reprimanding Tatsumi as well."

She nodded towards Sheele and began walking towards the door.

"I too find it upsetting how anyone could confuse your order to such a degree."

She opened the door.

"And in public, no less."

And promptly left the room.

Sheele stared sorrowfully at her best friend. It was disturbing to see Mine so quiet. She was very emotional, yet Sheele couldn't believe that her feelings would have turned into this. She fully expected a heated argument with the boss, not this scary silence.

But no, no way will Mine let this get to her for long.

Mine is a very strong woman. Her pride won't allow her to stay in this state forever. She'll sort herself out...

Still, it won't hurt to remind her that she was there for her.

"Mine?"

"..."

Mine's head was still down.

Sheele forced a smile on her face regardless.

"Well...You already know that I'm here for you, if you ever want to talk."

"..."

Sheele refused to let her smile leave.

"Don't be a stranger, okay?"

She began walking towards the door, but her eyes were still on Mine.

"I'm going to make sure the boss is alright, let me know if-"

*BONK*

"Ow!"

Her head bumped into the door frame.

She sheepishly laughed as she rubbed the sore spot.

"J-Just let me know if you need anything."

She walked out and slowly closed the door.

Sheele's smile finally faltered.

She waited by the door, her hand still holding the doorknob.

She was still fearful. She only hoped Mine didn't notice. She never liked anyone pitying her.

But listening in through the door, Sheele heard nothing.

She sighed. Her eyes aimed at the ground.

She didn't want to leave her friend, but she knew there was nothing she could do right now.

If Mine needed anything, she knew she'll come to her.

Until then, Sheele reluctantly released the doorknob, and slowly walked away.

The stone hallways were very quiet. It brought Sheele to think of many things.

Mine, Najenda, the tribal assassin attack, the news from the newspaper, and Tatsumi.

His actions really caused an up-stir with the pink assassin. It seemed like her whole world crashed before her.

"Do you think I went to far?"

"Huh?" Sheele looked up.

Leaning against the stone wall in front of her was her boss, Najenda.

"This isn't the first time I've had to tell her this," she spoke, "I just didn't expect for her to shut down like that. What do you think?"

Sheele frowned.

"Well," she began, "I...I wish you'd considered her screaming further."

"...Yeah, you're right." Najenda pinched the bridge of her nose, "I have to work on that."

She dragged her hand down from her face.

"And what about you? I don't suppose you have an opinion on this?"

Sheele blinked in confusion. She already told her-

"I didn't know I caused her that much distress."

"Eh?!"

She whipped her head to the left.

Approaching from down the hall was Tatsumi.

'I didn't even notice him…'

Without the suit, Sheele would have mistaken him for the stone walls around her.

"I hope you weren't eavesdropping on us, Tatsumi," Najenda said.

"I only heard bits and pieces."

He once again turned to Sheele, who began to feel uncomfortable.

What was going through his mind?

What did he think of her?

But these questions were quick-lived as he returned his focus to Najenda.

"It wasn't my intention to cause her emotional distress."

"I know," Najenda pushed herself off the wall, "But from now on, be mindful of what you say to everyone else."

She approached him.

"They're not like you. They kill because they have goals that align with the victory of the Revolutionary Army."

She bent over to stare into him, face to face.

"They may be assassins, but that doesn't mean that's all they're capa-…"

Najenda shifted to Sheele, who's face had steeled from what she was about to say.

Awkwardly, she turned back to Tatsumi.

"It...doesn't mean they're cruel."

Sheele closed her eyes and sighed.

"You're going to be reprimanded for what you did, despite it being a misunderstanding. What that'll be...I'll have to decide."

"I understand," said Tatsumi, his voice not revealing anything to Sheele.

She'll just have to trust that he understands.

"...Okay then," Najenda continued, "Now that we've gotten this out of the way, I want you both to go to the meeting room. We have a new target to take care of."

"Huh?" Sheele was surprised, "I thought we had the day off, boss?"

"You do, Sheele," Najenda placed her hand on Tatsumi's shoulder, "Get over to the meeting room, I'll give you more details."

Tatsumi nodded and promptly began leaving for the meeting hall.

Sheele began making her way as well. But a firm hand on her shoulder stopped her from moving.

"Hang on Sheele."

Najenda looked ahead, making sure that Tatsumi was away from earshot.

Sheele faced her.

"What's wrong, boss?"

Najenda spoke firmly.

"I believe it would be best to make you Tatsumi's handler."

…

"...Eh?" Sheele was shocked, "Me?"

"Yes, you."

She was very confused.

"It's not difficult, Sheele," Najenda insisted, "You'll just be keeping tabs on him, make sure he doesn't do anything...too crazy, that's all."

"…"

Sheele didn't know what to say.

Najenda grasped both her shoulders.

"Come on now Sheele, you're perfect for this," she gently reassured, "You're a great trainer! And you're a good…...you're a good…um…Well you're...very nice and compassionate, you'll be fine!"

"..."

Disregarding Najenda's attempted words of encouragement, Sheele thought about it for a moment.

Spending time with Tatsumi would help her get to know him. There was something odd about him, something Sheele couldn't place a finger on. Maybe this could be a way for her to find out. She felt bothered by how distant he was. Maybe she could help him open up.

Plus...well, she doesn't really do much anyway. She can't cook. She can't clean. She can't really do much anything outside of assassinations.

She might as well give this a shot.

"A-Alright," Sheele said, "I'll do it."

"Perfect," Najenda slapped Sheele's shoulders, "I want you to tell me everything you can about him, especially about his memories, they're really important to me."

She began walking away.

"I suggest we head on down to the meeting room, we better get this job addressed."

"Yes, boss."

Sheele walked quietly next to Najenda down towards the meeting hall, her mind now running in loops for her new job.

Najenda seemed to have placed great importance on this, so she wondered why she picked her.

Sheele hoped she could deliver, and she hoped Tatsumi would respond well to it.

And most importantly, she hoped she could better understand Tatsumi.

He overestimated the levels of commitment from his fellow assassins.

That's not to say they're inefficient killers. If the tribal assassin attack was anything to go by, then they unquestionably have no qualms with killing.

But perhaps he should have assumed they were actually fighting solely for noble causes after all.

His first impressions by Najenda had given him the wrong interpretation of who Night Raid was, and who was a part of it.

He wondered if there was anyone else like him.

Akame was the closest one. But if her...behavior during breakfast was anything to go by, they're not completely similar.

It was really disappointing.

He felt his chest tighten up again. But scratching it removed the discomfort.

Tatsumi still intended to cooperate with his new team, and due to his time with Mine, he recognized his bias.

He didn't see Mine's emotional personality when he first met her. Yet in hindsight, the pride she showcased to everyone, as well as her heartfelt feelings for the West, should have given him this impression early on.

He will be removing this bias completely to ensure he could work better with the very interesting members of Night Raid.

Speaking of which.

Tatsumi stopped in his tracks, having almost reached the end of the dorm rooms.

Looking behind him, he couldn't help but notice a dorm-room door.

He allowed the quiet to linger as he stared at the wooden entrance, before he approached it.

He grabbed the doorknob, and opened the door.

"WOAH!"

*THUD*

"OW!"

Slamming to the ground was the very first Night Raid assassin Tatsumi met.

The blonde lioness, Leone.

It took a while for Tatsumi to notice her, she must have very good stealth skills.

She rubbed her throbbing forehead, and looked at Tatsumi sheepishly.

"Uh…Hey buddy."

"Leone," Tatsumi greeted, "Were you watching me?"

"What?! No!" Leone tried to look inconspicuous on the floor, "I just heard you outside my room is all."

An obvious lie.

She's been acting really odd since the Ogre and Gamal assassination. Tatsumi would have commented, but considering what Najenda had told him it's probably not advised.

Despite this, Tatsumi couldn't figure out how that mission could have bothered her, considering her sociopathic tendencies. Perhaps Leone's not used to seeing such a different method of assassination before. A proxy kill wasn't something you see everyday, let alone perform.

"Alright," Tatsumi merely replied. He's not one to be bothered by such behavior.

He returned to his walk.

"Hey, uh...Tatsumi?"

He stopped. She didn't use that nickname.

Tatsumi faced her.

"What uh…What're you doing?"

"I'm going to the meeting room."

"Oh really, that's cool."

"…"

Tatsumi was about to continue his walk.

"Why uh…" Tatsumi stopped again, "Why're you going to the meeting room?"

Tatsumi looked at her again.

"The boss has a mission for me to do."

"O-Oh really?" Leone was surprised, "I thought we had the day off today?"

"You do, this is for me."

"...Really?"

"Yes."

"Oh wow, that's...pretty cool."

"..."

Her discomfort had overwritten her personality.

Leone clearly wanted good relations, but Tatumi couldn't figure out what exactly was causing her behavior.

It was clearly something he did, so maybe allowing her to indulge in his affairs will put her at ease. It's for the best, considering they're going to work together. Discomfort usually results in a lack of focus.

"Do you want to come with me?" he offered.

"Huh?" Leone was caught off guard.

She finally stood up from the ground.

"Yeah, sure," she smiled, "Bet you wanted your big sis's company, huh Lil' bro?"

There was the nicknames again...

At least she was more comfortable.

Perhaps Leone would share her thoughts with him in time.

Nothing.

She couldn't sense anything from him.

Out of all of Night Raid, Leone's senses were the best.

Her nose is as powerful as a bloodhound.

Her sight is as sharp as an eagle.

Her speed and strength is as great as a danger beasts.

And her dexterity is as great as a cat.

But her most prided ability is her sixth sense.

Her instinct.

Regardless of target, Leone was capable of perceiving any known or unknown dangers that someone or something might pose.

Akame has this as well, but Leone firmly believes hers to be the best.

And it was all thanks to her Imperial Arm.

"The King of Beasts Transformation: Lionelle", a simple belt that when activated transforms it's user into a powerful beast. What comes from this is the heightening of her senses and an increase of her strength.

But despite her prideful abilities, it all fell to the ground when it was tested on the suited young man.

Tatsumi's presence was very miniscule. Almost nonexistent.

Leone wouldn't have noticed he was walking past her door had it not been for the stone slabs he walked across. Yet, it was very reminiscent of Akame, so this was something she's used to.

But the uncomfortable feeling still bothered her.

It was an odd because she couldn't pinpoint exactly what's making her feel this way.

She often would describe herself as emotionally intuned. She knows what pisses her off, and she knows what doesn't. What makes her happy, and what doesn't. What makes her sad, and so on.

Leone thought that staying around the young man would help her figure this out, but she wasn't getting jack-shit.

All she knew was that it started after their run in at Main Street.

That Imperial Officer's pure, unadulterated insanity still poked at Leone's brain. To know that someone that crazy exists, to point where the corruption of the Capital she "protected and loved" was invisible to her, never ceased to amaze her.

Only the Capital could breed such psychopathy.

But when she killed Ogre, the man who she supposedly worshiped like a symbol of justice, all after an inconspicuous conversation. That was the moment this discomfort arose from. And it made her notice things that she didn't see before.

Tatsumi was a breed of...something else.

There was something about him, the way he talked, or behaved, or something that made her feel..uneasy.

Leone felt bad for feeling this way. If Najenda gave him her endorsement, then surely Tatsumi was trustworthy. He didn't really seem that bad of a guy either, despite his flat personality. If anything, his shaggy hair and cowlick was odd. Seemed too unkempt for someone like him.

"Am I making you uncomfortable?"

Leone abruptly shifting to the young man.

"We're almost at the meeting hall," he said, "You haven't said anything since we left."

"Huh?"

She looked around her.

They were in the main hallway.

Just up ahead was the meeting room.

"O-Oh, sorry lil' bro," she awkwardly laughed, "I guess I got...lost in thought."

He only stared at her in response. The same empty expression he presented to the world chilled Leone's spine.

"You, uh…you like what you see?"

Tatsumi gazed for a couple of seconds longer.

Finally, he spoke.

"I was going to keep this to myself, but…"

Tatsumi looked like he was debating continuing, but made up his mind quickly.

"It seems like the way the last mission went is bothering you."

Leone grew wide eyed.

"I..uh…"

"If that's correct, then I would like to apologize."

…

"Huh?" Leone uttered, "W-Why are you apologizing, lil' bro?"

"I may have...came off to strongly."

He seemed to be quietly choosing his words.

"I didn't realize this until recently. It wasn't my intention to make you uncomfortable."

"...PFF-HAH!"

Leone's starting laughing.

"O-Oh no, dude!" Leone began to calm down, "Don't apologize, it's alright!"

She ruffled his hair.

"I guess I just never seen anyone do something like that before. It was really insane."

She released him.

"Plus you really scared me with that Imperial Office too."

He quickly fixed his hair, something Leone found very amusing.

Maybe she was overthinking this. Everything is always simple, especially emotionally. Tatsumi probably was only trying to impress them, that's all.

"Still," Leone continued, "That was the best con I've ever seen lil' bro! You gotta teach me how to do that!"

"…"

Leone began laughing.

"Actually, I don't think I'm patient enough to attempt something like that."

"There's also a bit of a skill issue there, Leone."

She stopped laughing. The voice did not come from Tatsumi.

Turning around, she saw the source.

A green haired assassin walking into the meeting room.

"Oh hey, perv," she smirked, "What's wrong, couldn't catch peak of me in my room?"

Lubbock smirked back.

"You were too busy with the newbie to do anything interesting in your room."

…

*WHOOSH*

Leone morphed into her Lionel form.

"Kidding! KIDDING! I'M KIDDING!" Lubbock raised his hands, "I saw you and him walking together so I followed. Heard something about a new mission, I was curious!"

Lubbock smiled fearfully at Leone's fierce face.

*WHIISH*

She reverted the form.

"I would have really pounded you, dude," Leone sighed, "And not the way you're thinking of."

"Yeah I know," Lubbock laughed, "You've made that clear many times."

"And you don't learn."

"Well what can I say, I'm a sucker for beauty."

Leone raised a brow.

"Is that your new line, Romeo?"

"You think it'll work?"

Leone laughed.

"Not even in your dreams."

"...Damn," Lubbock scratched the back of his head, "Well I'll figure out something, she's gotta already know how I feel for her anyway, right?"

"If you stop your pervy shit then maybe you'll have a chance."

"...I'm sure there's another way."

"Pfft, yeah good luck then." Leone released, "And if you try to catch a peak of me during my bath again, I'll make sure to punch harder than before."

"I'll make sure you won't notice a thing then."

Leone rolled her eyes at Lubbock's cheeky smile.

"Anyway," Lubbock looked to the suited young man, "You're really silent. It's hard get a read on you."

"…"

Lubbock raised his eyebrow.

"I hope you know how unusual your position is. Najenda never allows anyone to do a mission by themselves."

"Is that so?" Tatsumi spoke.

"Well yeah," Leone chimmed in, "We've always done missions as a team. It's the only way to get the job done. Well, at least it was."

She shifted to Lubbock.

"But I'm telling you dude," Leone placed her hands on Tatsumi's shoulders, "If anyone could get it done-"

She slammed his shoulders twice.

"-it's this boy right here."

"So I've heard," Lubbock replied, "Do we know what the mission is?"

"I was going to be told at the meeting hall," Tatsumi rubbed his aching left shoulder, "And it seems it's going to start soon."

Lubbock raised his eyebrow, but the sounds of two sets of footsteps interrupted his confusion.

Entering the room was Najenda and Sheele.

Najenda saw Lubbock and Leone, and instinctively pinched the bridge of her nose.

Sheele smiled with slight pity, knowing the trouble the two sometimes bring.

"Woah, hi boss!" Leone greeted, "Hey Sheele~"

"Hi Leone," Sheele giggled, "Nice to see you."

Leone's smile grew a bit more.

"Hey boss, Sheele," Lubbock greeted, "I heard about this mission you were gonna give to Tatsumi, thought I take a listen."

"Yeah me too," Leone pointed at Tatsumi, "He told be by the way, I didn't eavesdrop like Lubbock."

Najenda's eyebrow shifted. She looked at Lubbock.

"W-wha? Oh give me a break Leone!"

Leone laughed.

Najenda took a deep breath.

"...Well, I wish this could have been done in private, I should have made that more clear."

Najenda walked towards the meeting room.

"If you both wish to join, then by all means."

Sheele approached Tatsumi, and the four members of Night Raid walked to the meeting room with Najenda.

But Leone couldn't help but take another glance at Tatsumi.

The discomfort slowly returned. But she shook her head before it could develop further. She wasn't going to let this get in the way of being around him.

He was pretty funny to mess with. Plus he seems okay with being told what to do. Maybe she'll get him to do stuff for her. That'll be cool.

Leone seems to be doing well again. Her discomfort from before appears to have practically vanished, which would've been normal had it not been for the inciting incident.

Perhaps Tatsumi spoke to her to put her at ease. Najenda won't bother to ask what he said, but if her hunch is correct, it wasn't out of sympathy.

He likely wanted her to be at ease to ensure she'll be an efficient ally. It seems like something Tatsumi's personality would lean on.

But that's assuming that her hunch about him is correct.

Prior to Mine's incident, Najenda had time to think.

The shock of how Tatsumi handled the Ogre and Gamal mission still ran through her mind.

In all of her life as a soldier, general, assassin, and tactician, she had never seen that level of manupulation before. It occupied her mind for quite some time, but once she was able to force it out, she began to see some pieces come together.

Pieces regarding Tatsumi's identity.

His personality matched something she heard about, long ago. But Najenda was not one to make immediate connections. Akame matched this personality type it as well, but her past is already known and proven.

The only thing that's known about Tatsumi was two things.

He hails from Romania, an isolated area found in the Southern Country.

And Tatsumi, his name, wasn't his birth name. It was given to him by Diana.

His real name, if you'd even call it a name, is what initially got Najenda interested in him.

She might have a possible theory to his past. And if she's right, her threat to his life would be justified.

"Um...boss?"

"Hm?" Najenda was brought back from her thinking.

In front of her was the four members of Night Raid, waiting for her to speak.

She was sitting in her meeting room chair, and felt the quizzical quiet in the room.

"She's just thinking again, Leone," Lubbock said, "Everything alright, Boss?"

"...Yes, I'm...alright," Najenda spoke, tapping her head with her metal finger, "I wanted to make sure I've thought of everything I needed for this."

Everyone seemed to understand.

She leaned forward, taking another glance at Tatsumi and Sheele.

"I was going to save this mission for tomorrow," she refocused back to the entire room, "But the new information I've received has made this the perfect opportunity to give Tatsumi one final test. A test that will confirm, without a shadow of a doubt, the fullest extent of his abilities.

"You will be killing multiple targets, one of them being an extended member of the government. Death will be a mercy if you fail, Tatsumi."

The boy's empty eyes grew strong and sharp, piercing the air around them. He seems to have taken this well.

But the others in the room grew nervous.

Sheele looked at Tatsumi with worry, leaving Leone and Lubbock to lock eyes with Najenda in disbelief.

They wanted to know the mission, and Najenda obliged them.

Your target is the distant relative of Prime Minister honest, Iokal.

Despite the minuscule blood-relation between the two, that relation allows him to reap the pleasures of corrupted power. These pleasures include the amnesty to kidnap and beat innocent women to death. These women often don't survive the beatings, and the ones that do are taken out by his body guards.

These five bodyguards will also be your targets. They're all hired by Iokal and have been selectively picked out from the Imperial Fist Temple to protect–

"Woah-woah-woah-WOAH! Wait a minute!"

Najenda abruptly stopped her debrief.

"Five Imperial Fist bodyguards? By himself?!" Lubbock exclaimed, "A-Are you trying to get him killed?!"

Najenda glared at him.

"Lubbock, I don't appreciate being interrupted."

"I-I have to agree too, boss," Najenda looked at Sheele, "I mean...the other missions were different; this might be too much for him."

"Yeah boss, I mean look at him," Leone lifted and began shaking Tatsumi's arms, "He's strong, but not that strong. He can't take down five bodyguards from the Imperial Fist."

"I believe this shouldn't be a problem."

Tatsumi released himself from Leone.

"Is there something I should know about these Imperial Fist bodyguards?"

Everyone but Najenda looked at him in surprise.

"You don't know about them?" Sheele questioned.

"I've heard about them from others, but nothing to get a big picture. At least, nothing I can remember prior."

Sheele was reminded of his missing memories.

"Well," Najenda interjected, "They're going to be some pretty tough targets, Tatsumi."

The bodyguards are all practitioners of the Imperial Fist style, one of the most common and dangerous forms of martial arts in the Capital. The Imperial Fist temple, due to the corruption of the Empire, has trickled down to them. Many dangerous people have managed to learn and master this style because of this. Even grunts could pose a threat to the average Imperial soldier.

Four of the bodyguards are grunts, but one of them isn't.

Shihandai is his name. He was a former instructor at the Imperial Temple He was kicked out of the temple for killing three students during a class session. He's has vicious and sadistic as the man he works for.

He's going to be your main problem, but don't expect the other bodyguards to be easy targets. You're going to have to give it your all for this mission Tatsumi.

However, despite this being solo, I will not be allowing you to leave without backup.

"Backup?" Tatsumi asked.

"Yes, backup," Najenda smiled, "If you are going to be a Night Raid assassin, you'll need to learn to work with others, even if its minimal."

She stood up.

"With your skills, you won't be needing a large group, so I'm having Sheele monitor you."

Leone and Lubbock blinked with confusion.

They looked to Sheele, who nodded to Najenda in understanding.

"She'll be your backup. She's a highly skilled killer and a dependable assassin, she'll be able to help you however she can. I only ask that you do request her assistance if need be."

"Can I go too?"

Najenda blinked, turning to Leone.

"Excuse me?"

"Can I go too, boss?"

No.

No way.

Not after that initiation mission.

She went to voice her rejection.

"I'm afraid that's-"

"I'd like to go as well."

Najenda stumbled over her words, now looking a Lubbock.

"You too?"

"Well yeah," he confirmed, "I've heard stories of his 'initiation', so I wanted to see him in action myself."

He relaxed the back of his head against his hands.

"And...well, now that I know about this, I guess it wouldn't feel right to let the newbie go on his own. Skilled or not."

Najenda's apprehension relaxed with Lubbock's smile.

But Leone began to snicker.

"I bet it's because you don't want Tatsumi to get all the attention."

Lubbock's smile quickly shifted.

"It's not."

"It is!"

Leone walked over the Tatsumi.

"It's not!" Lubbock insisted.

"You sure?"

She generously hugged Tatsumi from behind, his head smothered between her large chest.

"W-Wha?!" Lubbock blushed in shock.

"HAH!" Leone laughed, "It totally is!"

"K-Knock it off!"

Lubbock moved closer to Leone.

"Knock off what?" she rested her head on Tatsumi's.

"That!"

"That what?"

"That!"

"Does it bother you?"

"N-No...It doesn't!"

"Okay!"

"But stop anyway!"

"Nope~ he's kinda cute."

"He's a cardboard box!"

"Why do you care?!"

"U-Uh, guys."

They both looked at Sheele.

"You're, um...smothering him."

They paused a bit before looking at each other, finally noticing how closed they moved to one another.

Then they looked down, seeing that they both were sandwiching the suited newbie assassin.

They released him, leaving Lubbock to awkwardly laugh.

Leone casually freed Tatsumi from her grasp, causing the boy to quickly move away from her to fix his suit.

Sheele found it slightly amusing.

"I'm going to stop letting you grab me, Leone." Tatsumi said.

Leone laughed some more. She definitely didn't take what he said seriously.

Najenda pinched the bridge of her nose again. She felt like nobody was taking this meeting seriously anymore.

However, returning back to Leone, perhaps she was too quick to decide.

She did seem keen to obverse the boy before, regardless if her discomfort was present or not. Tagging along could help her sort that out, and Najenda didn't think it right to deprive her of that goal.

Plus, if Lubbock were to go, he'll keep tabs on her. There's no denying the young man's loyalty.

"Alright then," Najenda said, "I'll allow you two to go if you wish, but only as backup. This mission is still on Tatsumi to complete."

"Hell yeah! Let's do this!" Leone cheered.

She high-fived Lubbock.

He smiled at her enthusiasm, before shifting the smile to Najenda.

Najenda couldn't help but return it back in resignation. It seems the behavior of her assassins were outside of her control. Especially if they're as eccentric as them.

She dug into her pocket for a cigarette.

"The mission takes place tonight," she placed it in her mouth and lit it with her metal arm, "You'll find Iokal at his mansion in the East Side Forest of the Capital. Be mindful of the Imperial guards too, they'll be plenty of them."

She inhaled slowly and exhaled the smoke.

"Get your affairs in order and do your best. I'm counting on you guys."

"I'll get it done," Tatsumi replied.

"I got his back, boss," Sheele assured.

"We're expecting some awesome stuff, Tatsumi!" Leone encouraged.

"Yeah we are," Lubbock agreed, "After Leone's stories, I hope you won't disappoint."

"Oh dude, you have no idea!"

Leone kept on the story of the initiation as she and Lubbock, along with Tatsumi and Sheele, left the room.

Blowing out the smoke, Najenda was left with her thoughts once more.

Perhaps it really was a good decision to have Leone and Lubbock tag along, considering Sheele's...unusual tendencies.

But then again, she did make a fine trainer, so long as she didn't actually do or touch anything.

This mission will bring her great insight on Sheele's effectiveness with handling Tatsumi. He listens well, but without an anchor he might go off the rails.

Speaking of which, Najenda certainly hopes his memories return.

She sometimes forgets about the boy's amnesia. It certainly doesn't seem to affect him much. He's taking this far too well.

If she didn't know any better, she'd assume he was faking it. The thought did cross her mind at first, yet this hunch of hers...depending on the debrief from Sheele, Najenda will make a conclusion.

Not "the" conclusion, but "a" conclusion.

Especially about Romania. She's heard some stories about that area, many of which leave much to the imagination. But one has always been kept at the back of her mind.

But Najenda stopped herself from further ruminating. This mission takes precedence, and the success of it will do more than push them forward through this war.

It will effectively change the way Night Raid approaches high-profile targets all together.

If Sheele successfully anchors Tatsumi, Night Raid's victory would almost be assured.

And maybe, given time...he may be able to take out...her…

She's been away from the Capital for quite some time, and Najenda's spies are telling her that she's due to return very soon.

Najenda will see in time, but for now, Tatsumi has his work cut out for him.

A sadistic relative of Prime Minister Honest.

Five warriors of the Imperial Fist.

And a whole mansion of staff and Imperial Guards.

To be caught by anyone will brand him for the rest of his life by the Empire.

This mission is nothing but impossible to complete alone.

But I think he knows this.

And from what I've seen, he certainly loves the challenge.

I cannot wait to see how he'll deliver.

East Side Forest

11:43 PM

Since his arrival, Lubbock couldn't help but notice the special attention Tatsumi was receiving from Najenda.

He'd be lying if he didn't admit he was jealousy.

His feelings for the boss were well known to Leone, but for the life of him he just couldn't move past a smile from the beautiful woman.

He sighed. Lubbock was hopelessly in love with a woman that has no such feelings for him. Oh well…

Still, to have Najenda's complete confidence to do a mission on his own was commendable. She's never made such a huge risk unless she was one-hundred and fifty percent certain it would be to Night Raid's favor.

And Lubbock will do anything for her but doubt her.

However, placing his feelings aside, he thought about the mission, as well as the young man that will be completing it.

He looked at the suited young man, walking past the trees and climbing over roots alongside Sheele, who was attempting to converse with him to no avail.

Lubbock couldn't help but focus on the suit.

It was such an odd thing to wear for an assassination. Sure there wasn't a dress code for such a thing, but a suit? It's not exactly unassuming. In fact, without the suit, Tatsumi would look one-hundred percent unassuming. He's very strange.

But he supposed he wasn't one to judge. Lubbock often wore his casual clothing to missions. And Sheele wore that revealing cheongsam most of the time. And there was a blonde woman right next to him that wore the most scantily clad outfit out of all of Night Raid.

Speaking of which, Leone's been unnaturally quiet.

Looking at the young woman, he saw her discomforted face.

"Leone?" his called snapped her out of her state, "You okay?"

"O-Oh yeah, I'm cool," she scratched the back of her head, "Just...thinking."

Lubbock would have made a joke here in any other context. But from who she was looking at, it was obvious what was bothered her.

"Something about him?"

"Huh?"

That got her complete attention.

"Oh, well…" she scratched her cheek, "Do you...fell anything around him?"

Lubbock raised an eyebrow.

"...Not particularly," he answered, "Now that you mention it, he does give the same vibes as Akame."

"Yeah, I know…" Leone shook her head, "It's fine, I'm fine. It's kinda stupid anyway."

"Okay?" Lubbock pondered, "You uncomfortable around him?"

"What? Oh no-no-no, not at all," Leone said, "He's a cool guy...He's kinda bland though."

Lubbock smiled.

"Yeah," he said, "I think he'd give Akame a run for her money."

"Pfft," Leone held in her laughter, "Yeah, no doubt about that!"

He was relieved to see her perk up again.

"Hey guys!"

They both turned to Sheele.

"I can see the mansion up ahead!"

Everyone gazed at the bright lights shining up in the night sky.

The mansion was enormous, laying within thick trees and vines, free from dirt and grime. Only someone related to Prime Minster Honest could feasibly live in such luxury.

Without even knowing prior, he knew this mansion was bigger than that "initiation mission" Tatsumi did before. Lubbock hopped the young man would showcase exactly what made Najenda so fascinated by him. And he hoped the stories Leone told him held up.

Turning to the lioness, her excitement for what was to come having completely clouded whatever happened moments before.

"We're here," Lubbock heard Tatsumi announce.

Stopping a generous distance away from the property, he could see the large walls that surrounded the properly. Whatever was past those walls would definitely pose some trouble for the young man, never mind inside the mansion.

Could Tatsumi really do something like this alone? How could anyone be this confident and stealthy to perform a missions like this?

"This seems like a good vantage point, right Lubbock?"

Lubbock turned to Leone, who smiled in anticipation.

Looking around, he could confirm the spot was good enough. He could see a couple of windows showcasing some of the floors above, but the lower floors past the main floor were a mystery.

"Yeah, should be fine," he confirmed, "Wish we could see behind those walls though."

"Yeah," Sheele agreed, turning to them once more, "If you guys don't mind, I'd like to walk with Tatsumi for the rest of the way, alone."

"Oh?" Lubbock raised his eyebrow.

"Just until we've reached the edge of the property," Sheele clarified, "I'll be back once he starts."

Lubbock and Leone looked at each other before shrugging. It's very hard to say no to Sheele.

"Well alright, if you need it," Lubbock said, seeing Sheele smile.

He looked to Tatsumi.

"Good luck man, make sure you don't get yourself killed."

"Yeah!" Leone cheered, "And drown one of those bodyguards in a toilet for me!"

"I-I don't think we need to push him that far," Sheele insisted, causing Leone to slightly falter.

"Alright, fine," she relented, "But still, this is going to be good!"

Leone gave Tatsumi a thumbs up.

"Go get 'em, tiger~!"

Tatsumi nodded.

With a silent turn, Sheele and Tatsumi began moving closer to the mansion, until they disappeared deep in the forest.

Lubbock would be lying if he said he wasn't as excited as Leone. She has a way of making outlandish stories, so he could only hope they were true.

"Let's see what you got, killer."

They waited patiently for Sheele to come back.

She didn't know how to start the conversation, nor how to make the silence less awkward.

Her prior attempts didn't work so well, and when Sheele did get him to speak, he only gave small, short answers.

Tatsumi was a very unapproachable...if she were to disregard Leone's complete obliviousness to it.

But still, she did care for him. He seemed very isolated from everyone and she never liked seeing anyone act like this.

As a member of Night Raid, she will do her best to help him however she can.

She looked down to Tatsumi's side, spotting a pistol hidden almost out of sight in his waist.

From what Bulat said, the gunfire was abnormally silent. She wanted to ask further, but he seemed too uncomfortable to continue.

It seems a lot of people were beginning to feel this way about Tatsumi. It's hard for her not to see why, but it didn't feel right to chalk it all up on first impressions alone.

Still, Sheele would be lying if she said she wasn't uncomfortable around the young man as well. What happened to Mine heightened this feeling.

She wanted to talk to him about this, and hopefully help him understand. She doesn't want him to get into the bad light of anyone else, not like Mine.

She took a deep breath and called for Tatsumi's attention.

"Uh-"

*THUD*

She felt something snag her ankle.

"Wha-OOOF!"

She slammed onto the ground.

"...Ouch."

The second pair of footsteps ceased.

Sheele looked behind her, removing the root that caught her ankle.

She motioned to get up, but stopped when a hand opened for her.

Looking up revealed Tatsumi still face.

Sheele smiled, grabbing the hand.

"Thank you," she was lifted up, "I hope I'm not being too much trouble."

Patting the dirt off her dress, she continued walking forward.

She drew closer to the mansion, but stopped when she didn't hear the second pair of footsteps begin again.

"Tatsumi?" Sheele called, "Is everything alright?"

Tatsumi looked at her with a slightly opened mouth.

"You're...clumsy for an assassin, aren't you?"

Sheele's eyes widened, but a sad smile creeped in shortly after.

"Y-Yeah...I am, sorry."

"Don't be," Tatsumi said, "It's just...something I didn't think I would see in an assassin. But I'd imagine you wouldn't be here if you couldn't pull your weight."

"Yeah, I suppose," Sheele sighed, but forced a smile soon after, "I guess I'm lucky to be a good killer then, otherwise I'd be pretty useless, huh?"

She tried to laughed at her own expense, but Tatsumi predictably did not engage.

She stopped her laughing.

"W-Well," Sheele retracted, "I...uh...I-I can't imagine how much pressure you probably in right now."

"What do you mean?"

Sheele's composure came back to her.

"Um...I mean the mission," she clarified, "It's a lot for one person to handle, even if your initiation was similar. I can't imagine the stress."

"You don't need to worry about me," Tatsumi declared, "This is very natural to me."

…

Natural to him?

"Really?" Sheele asked.

"Yes, I'll be fine."

Tatsumi began walking ahead. His shoulders were straight and his head was tall.

"I don't understand you, Tatsumi."

He stopped walking.

"I-I mean I don't want to hurt your feelings or anything, but...I want to get to know you, but…"

He fully turned around to face Sheele.

"...You've been so...closed from...well, everything really."

Sheele looked at him straight in the eyes.

"You didn't react to Mine's insults, Bulat's advance, Lubbock's attempt at friendliness, and Leone's...clinginess. Even Akame would have reacted in some way. And...It seems like you've haven't really...reciprocated it in any way.

"N-Not to say that you should get back at them or anything but...I was surprised that you didn't really...react. Like, in a way that I could better get a gauge of who you are. Maybe it's those missing memories of yours, but even with that...well, you don't seem to be bothered by their absense. If I didn't know any better, I'd say you've...well, please don't get the wrong idea...but I feel like you could be making that up completely.

"You're a...very cold person, Tatsumi. I know we're killers, but...perhaps there is some place for a little bit of empathy. Don't you think? I mean...I've never seen Mine freak out like that...and I've never seen Leone so uncomfortable, and Akame so cautious. It bothers me, and I want to help you...but…"

Sheele clasped her hands together, took a deep breath, and revealed her final worry.

"I don't know why you're here, Tatsumi," she said, "I don't see what could have possible led you to want to join Night Raid."

"…"

Tatsumi stared at her with those same empty eyes. Eyes that don't reveal any intention, truth, or lie.

"I was recommended," he defaulted, "By Dian-"

"N-No, no, I'm sorry," Sheele interrupted, "I-I know you were recommended, but that's not what I'm asking."

"…"

Tatsumi spoke again.

"My skills are good for this kind of work, and I thought it would be of use-"

"That's not what I'm asking either, Tatsumi."

"..."

Sheele softly grasped both of his shoulders, looking into his empty eyes.

"I want to you why YOU joined Night Raid. I want to know why YOU wanted to be here with us."

Her face grew softer.

"Why did you join us, Tatsumi? Why did you want to fight in this war with us?"

"…"

…

For the first time since she's known him, within the small span of time they've had the chance to interact, Tatsumi's looked to be filled with a feeling Sheele felt was foreign to him.

Discomfort.

He looked down to the ground with his forehead creased and mouth slightly gaped.

He must be thinking, but furthering this began to make his eyebrows scrunch, and his eyes blinked in chains of three.

He began to sweat, causing Sheele distress.

"T-Tatsumi?!" she squeezed shoulders slightly harder, "A-Are you alright?!"

"…"

Sheele grew anxious. She didn't expect him to react this way. She probably should have waited until after the mission...WAIT!

She forgot about the mission!

He's going in alone!

She released her grasp on Tatsumi, covering her mouth in horror.

"N-No, I'm...I'm so sorry!"

Damn it! What was she thinking!

"Oh no! I-I didn't mean to make you feel this way!"

She crouched onto the ground

"Oh no-no-no!"

She was so stupid! This was totally going to psyche him out! God! What was she thinking!?

Why didn't she tell him this after the mission!? Damn it! What a stupid airheaded idiot she was! When will she learn!

"It's alright, Sheele."

…

Sheele looked up once again.

"I can handle myself, you don't need to worry."

"…" She wasn't convinced, "A-Are you sure?"

Tatsumi did not response, his now sharp eyes and straight posture was the answer she needed.

Sheele took a deep breath.

"Well...Alright then."

She stood up but hung her head. She felt like a real airhead. She needed to really think more before opening her mouth. This was so typical of her. If Tatsumi get's hurt, it was going to be her fault.

Why couldn't she do anything right?

"I think we should move on now," Tatsumi said "We've been delaying this mission for too long."

...He was right. Sheele silenced the negative voices in her head.

"...Okay," she agreed, "If you believe you're ready, then I won't stop you."

Tatusmi nodded, taking the lead for Sheele.

The rest of their short trek was silent. They skipped past the pathways to the mansion to stay hidden within the trees, making it to the side of the mansion wall.

Still hidden, Sheele gave Tatsumi her finals words.

"Tatsumi," she began, "If...If it's possible for you..."

She saw him slight turn her head to her.

"If it's possible for you, I think everyone, including Leone, would rather you not involve anyone that doesn't deserve it. Especially the women."

"…"

Sheele saw Tatsumi turn to her fully. She continued.

"I-I mean, after what happened with Mine, I think it would help with...you know...making everyone a little more...sociably around you...you know?"

She wished she could have worded that better.

"...I'll try."

Sheele's eyes widened.

"Really?"

"...Yeah...It'll limit what I can do...but I could try."

Sheele's smile couldn't be bigger.

"Thank you Tatsumi, that means a lot to me."

He merely looked down, and turned back to the mansion.

"Alright," Sheele said, "And please remember that we're here as backup. Just give us a sign, and we'll be there."

"…Alright."

He began walking down.

"Tatsumi!"

He looked back to Sheele.

"Good luck, and be careful!"

Tatsumi nodded and continued on.

She watched Tatsumi carefully maneuver through the roots and trunks of the forest, mindful of not stepping on any leaves and twigs. Eventually he disappearing into the "hot zone".

There was no going back for him now.

Sheele began trekking back to Leone and Lubbock, hoping to get a better view of Tatsumi's progress.

She features grew sharper, and her focus was increased.

The mission has officially started.

Iokals Mansion – Outside the Walls

Tatsumi hid in the bushes.

He was at the edge of the property, facing the large entrance to the mansion.

As expected, Imperial Guards had taken post.

There were only three of them, two by each respective side of the entrance, and one in the middle of the staircase. Their distance from one another made it impossible to attack them all silently. And despite having two pistols, his aim was best when using one, and he required a medium distance for his aim to be true.

The entrance wasn't possible for him to use, he'd have to find another way inside.

He moved through the foliage of trees and tall grass to reach the right side of the mansion.