Assassin - Number 47 Chapter 2, a Hitman + Akame ga Kiru/アカメが斬る Crossover fanfic

6:00 AM

"You bastard!"

"I'm so sorry!"

"Please don't do this!"

"Why?!"

"I'm innocent!"

"You're fucking dead!"

"I'll kill your whole family!"

"Please spare me!"

"I didn't mean it, I swear!"

"Kill me fucker, do it!"

"How could I die like this?!"

"The pain, please spare me!"

"God, forgive me!"

Tatsumi's green eyes opened from his dreamless night. He lied flat on his single sized bed, staring at the stone ceiling that laid before him.

"Damn you, you'll burn in hell for this!"

"Oh my god, OH MY GOD!"

He blinked, washing off whatever dust was on his eyes, and sat up from his bed.

He briefly looked at the room he now resided in, filled with only the essentials. A closet, drawer, desk, chair, lantern, hamper, bathroom, and a bed. He did not desire anything more than this.

"Monster! You're a monster!"

"You sick bastard, you'll get what's coming to you!"

Sliding off the bed, Tatsumi felt the stone-cold ground from his feet.

He felt the cool breeze from his open window rub against his white tee-shirt and boxer-briefs. There was no shiver or a flinch.

He got up and stood up straight, maintaining his superb posture.

"Your eyes, why won't they move?!"

"What the hell is wrong with you?!"

He was not able to shower when he arrived at the Night Raid base, so he would need a wash.

Tatsumi took of his clothes and placed them inside his hamper.

Wrapping a towel around his waist, he entered the small bathroom, which also only contained the essentials. A toilet, shower, sink, trash bin, and a medicine cabinet which also served as a mirror.

Starting the water, Tatsumi immediately entered the cold shower, allowing the frozen temperature to tighten his muscles and force the blood to move throughout his body.

He took the soap and lathered it across his body.

"You freak, stop looking at me like that!"

"What, you like to watch? You're sick!"

"No! Don't kill her, please!"

"He's innocent, it's me you want!"

"You killed her! Why?!"

"Oh my god, why me?!"

"I'm begging you; I didn't do anything wrong!"

He rinsed until the suds washed off his body and turned off the water.

Tatsumi stepped out onto the freezing stone ground, drying himself amply before wrapping the towel around his waist again.

He walked to the sink, opened his medicine cabinet, and took out his floss, toothbrush, and toothpaste.

He first flosses.

"The bandits, whatever they paid you, I'll give you double!"

"Please, I have a family!"

"Do you have any idea what happens when I die?! Do you have any idea who the fuck I am?!"

He threw away the floss and began brushing his teeth.

"Please, I had no choice!"

"Fuck you! Fuck you!"

"You freak, why are you just standing there?!"

Tatsumi spit out the toothpaste and wiped his mouth.

He briefly looked into the mirror, analyzing his own face.

"Why are you looking at me like that!?"

"You think you're scary?! You think I'm scared?!"

"God damn it, are you even human?!"

"Move god damn it! Why won't you move?!"

Tatsumi hung his wet towel and left the bathroom, completely freshened up.

"You fucking freak!"

He retrieved a new pair of boxer briefs and carefully put them on.

"Why are you so quiet?!"

He retrieved a pair of black socks and sock garters and put them on as well.

"Stop looking at me!"

He opened his closet to put on his white dress shirt.

"Why won't you say anything?!"

He put on his black trousers.

"Please, say something!"

He pulled up his white collar and put on his red tie.

"SAY SOMETHING GOD DAMN IT!"

"I know you're outside," Tatsumi spoke, "The door is open."

…

His door opened.

Walking in was a young woman who looked roughly around his age. She closed the door courteously, probably desiring privacy.

Tatsumi looked at her.

Jet black hair reaching to her knees. Black tank top with a white collar and red tie. Red pleated skirt with a red belt. Red eyes and a blank face. She is carrying a sword, a long katana based on the scabbard. She is not an intruder, for she would likely have attacked by now, yet the sword by her side likely signifies that she is often at the ready. She is likely a member of Night Raid, which was a breath of fresh air considering the time he spent with Leone.

Her face did not move, perhaps she is analyzing him as well. Impressive. Her body also did not move, and from her stance, despite the situation, she does not relent nor give in to pressure easily. Very impressive. If Tatsumi would deduce, she must have been given extensive training since childhood, it would be the only explanation of such behavior and discipline.

"You noticed me by the door?" she finally spoke.

"It's hard not to notice," Tatsumi responded.

Her eyes mildly widened but rested just as quickly. Interesting response. She looked at him again, further proving her active analysis of him.

"You look dead," she said.

Tatsumi did not comment.

"Are you the new recruit?"

"Yes, I am."

"Why are you wearing a suit?"

"It's my choice of clothing."

She stared at him some more, conducting another analysis of him with her moving red eyes.

"You're not what I expected," she said.

Tatsumi did not comment.

She scanned him some more, allowing the silence to linger for a little too long.

"How did you do it?"

"The test?"

"Yes."

"Stealth and espionage."

"By yourself?"

"Yes."

She allowed her eyes to widen. Strange, it was a stronger response from last time. That signified emotion. Perhaps she was not as stoic as he first interpreted.

"That's impossible," she said.

Tatsumi did not respond.

"We're you trained by the Empire?"

"No, not that I can recall."

It was an interesting, and very specific question to ask. Perhaps that is where she received her training.

"Are you lying to me?"

"No, I'm not."

She stared him down. Perhaps she does not trust him. It would make sense; he has that effect on certain individuals at times. It is no surprise that someone of her competence would feel such a way. A further display of his correct assumptions about her. But unfortunately, he spoke the truth.

He had no memory of where he obtains his training. But it is likely she would not accept that with the utmost certainty.

Nevertheless, they will be working together, so it would prove inconvenient for him if this interrogation brought bad blood. Perhaps he shall break the ice.

"My name is Tatsumi."

She blinked in response. Scrunching her lips, it appeared she was deciding whether to reveal her name to him. But the decision seemed to have been made as she stood tall once again.

"Akame," she responded.

Tatsumi raised his hand for a handshake.

"I look forward to working with you, Akame."

She stared at the hand, and slowly grabbed it for a shake.

Staring into his eyes, she increased the grip strength. Tatsumi did not react.

It would seem that she is still apprehensive of him, and she's likely attempting to showcase her power to tell him she is not someone to mess with. He hopes this behavior did not reflect their future alliance on the job, it would be very inconvenient for him otherwise.

Perhaps the next arriving person would break this unnecessary tension.

"**YAAAAWN** You up lil' bro?" said another female voice, opening the door to enter the room.

She rubbed her eyes and stretched her arms as he walked closer to the young man.

"Alright, I gotta…Oh Akame, you beat me to it!" she said, "Hey, it looks like you guys are already getting along!"

Leone smiled brightly, causing Akame to release her strong grip on Tatsumi.

"Well, I'm sure you guys already introduced yourselves, but just because, Akame, this is Tatsumi!"

Leone pointed to Tatsumi.

"Tatsumi, Aka…me?"

Akame was already out the door.

"Um…Did you say something to her, lil' bro?"

"Nothing damning, I assure you."

She raised her eyebrow.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"She asked me a lot of questions, and we shook hands."

"Oh wow! That's a great sign! She must be very interested in you!" Leone smiled again, "You may already be on Akame's good side! Way to go kiddo~"

She slammed a strong slap onto Tatsumi's back.

Once again, he didn't react, which seemed to have taken Leone's attention.

"Wow, you're pretty tough, you know that?"

"I didn't take you for the type to get up so early."

"Hey, don't change the subject again….Wait, what's that supposed to mean?"

…

"Don't go silent on me!"

Leone grabbed Tatsumi in a headlock.

"Don't insult your big sis! Say what you meant!" she said smirking mischievously.

Tatsumi grasped the woman's arms.

"And what do you think you're-ow ow OW OW OW OW OW!"

Leone released Tatsumi and grasped her arm. It was a bright red due to the nasty Indian burn.

"I was only kidding lil' bro, not cool!"

She was joking around. Tatsumi thought so, considering their relationship thus far he didn't use any methods that could injure the woman to release himself.

"I couldn't breathe," he responded to the woman.

"PFFT c'mon, I wasn't that strong," Leone dismissed, rubbing her tender arm, "Well, anyway, where was I?"

Her demeanor changed once again as if nothing had happened prior.

"I thought it would be cool to introduce you to everyone. After all, you don't seem to be the type to do so yourself."

Tatsumi did not respond to the statement.

"See, you're far too uptight. Even Akame knows how to relax!"

She grabbed his shoulder.

"Let's go lil' bro!"

"Is anyone else up?"

"Nope!" Leone smiled, "However…"

Tatsumi stared at the grinning woman.

"I want you to make me breakfast!"

"No."

"Ho-ho! I figured that'd be your response!"

She wrapped her whole arm around him.

"So, I'm forced to remind you that, despite your skills, I am still your superior," she said proudly, "So, as your superior, I order you to make me breakfast! Aaaaaaand-!"

She got closer to Tatsumi's face.

"-I refuse to be identified by anything but 'Big Sis'! Got it, lil' bro?"

…

"I'll make you breakfast-"

"Nuh-uh!"

She stopped him from talking, releasing him to get straight into his unmoving face.

"'I'll make you breakfast, 'Big Sis'!" she emphasized.

…

"What do you want for breakfast?"

Leone frowned, annoyed that she could get through to him.

"*Tch*, fine, you win this round," she backed off and made her way out of Tatsumi's room, "But you better make a pretty damn good breakfast, or else I'll beat the words 'Big Sis' into you, you got that."

Tatsumi's only response was to follow the blonde woman out the door.

He could still feel the eyes of Akame aimed at his back, likely still analyzing him from a distance. It was smart to be skeptical of newcomers, as opposed to being open and inviting like the blonde woman beside him, who is still explaining the kind of breakfast she wants.

Tatsumi predicts that Akame will last the longest in the long term of this war.

He has yet to know how long Leone will last, her lack of discipline could be the end of her. However, he had yet to see her on a job, so he cannot give a firm prediction for her.

He will just have to see what happens.

Akame's goal was simple. She would meet the young man, ask him questions, built up a basis of who this Tatsumi is, and understand his strengths and weaknesses.

Akame expected someone more…arrogant, perhaps full of himself. After all, from her experience, only someone like that could claim to be able to take on a mission of this scale on their own.

She was half expecting to ground this person to reality, making sure that this achievement did not go over his head, and perhaps learn the truth if he had indeed completed this mission on his own.

However, he was nothing like she had envisioned him to be.

Their interaction together was a far cry from what she expected.

It told her so little about him, and the answers he gave to her questions revealed even less.

They were all straight to the point, likely indicating he's anti-social. His stiff body language told her he's reserved, and his eyes…well they were as dead as a corpse's, likely revealing a cold, calculating personality. That was all she could muster from him, which itself was horribly unnatural.

Yet there was one thing that severely bothered her. Something that she couldn't help but notice as she entered the room.

Her instincts did not sense anything from him.

It was almost hard to believe he completed such a mission because if she didn't know any better, Akame would have concluded that Tatsumi posed no danger to her, let alone anyone in Night Raid.

In fact, it was rather surprising that Leone was so close to him. As predictable as that outcome was, Akame expected her heightened senses to have at least picked up on something by now. Maybe a hint of insanity or perhaps a bit of strength underneath that well-kempt suit. It was very odd.

As she continued to tail the two, one of which enduring the wrath of Leone's chattiness without so much as a word in, she couldn't help but become more and more uncomfortable about the complete lack of response Tatsumi gave to her instincts. She stuck to the shadows, provided by the still-rising sun on this early morning day, and hoped she would eventually find something within him from his interaction with Leone, especially something that could allude to his abilities during his mission.

Tatsumi said he used stealth and espionage, skills she shares thanks to her…time at the Empire. But to accomplish something of this scale, he would have to be highly competent in such areas.

Akame is very aware of what she can and cannot do. She can take on a group of bandits, soldiers, or anything that gets in her way. But if she were in the position Tatsumi was placed in, the entirety of Night Raid would have been working alongside her. There were too many guards all over, and Night Raid would have dispatched them with ease due to the stealth, skills, and adequate numbers they possess. However, stealth and espionage can only do so much in such a situation. In his position, is exceptional how he didn't buckle under the pressure, at least that's what Akame assumed.

She was trained to act similarly under pressure, for she hasn't completely lost her composure so far, even during the most dangerous of situations. Her instincts are to thank for this. Without her exceptional instincts, she, as well as the rest of Night Raid whom she cared deeply for, would not be safe and alive today. It has never let her down, and she prayed it will continue to be of service to her by the end of this revolutionary war.

Yet it was useless to understand the young man in front of them, who had finally arrived at the kitchen to begin food preparations for Leone.

She watched him meticulously search through their pantry and cupboards, as Leone jokingly commands the boy like a drill sergeant to make a large serving for everyone to wake up to.

Tatsumi did not respond, but from the giant bowl that he took out of the cupboard, he had acknowledged Leone's request.

In fact, he appeared to not have any visible problem with the position he's in. She heard only the most minimal pushback possible, in regards to calling Leone by her…desired nickname. However, with that as the exception, he didn't argue or step out of line thus far.

Nothing about his behavior makes any sense.

He's acting like he didn't accomplish something that she thought was impossible. She would have deduced this as humility, be he hasn't revealed anything about his current feelings thus far. It unnerved her that she can only analyze him at face value, for he didn't compromise anything that can reveal weakness.

Tatsumi, who are you?

"Are you going to come out?"

Akame blinked, still focused on the very boy she's unnerved about. He was still whipping the eggs that he cracked into the bowl he was carrying.

"It's almost seven o'clock, are you hungry?"

Akame released a shaken breath, taken off guard by the follow-up question.

"Huh? You talking to me Lil' bro?" the lioness asked.

Tatsumi didn't answer her, still dedicated to whipping the large bowl of eggs.

Was she discovered? That can't be, even Lubbock has difficulty tracking her with his weapons. She looked around, discovering no one present in the hall. But her searching was interrupted when Tatsumi placed the giant bowl down on the kitchen counter.

"Yes, I'm talking to you-"

He faced her.

"-Akame."

…

She began to sweat lightly.

"Akame? Really?"

She stood frozen as Leone walked to where Tatsumi was looking at.

"Oh, Akame!" Leone smiled, "Welcome back! Why're you hiding over there?"

Akame had to think quickly, or else she might look suspicious. She didn't want Tatsumi to catch on to what she was doing.

"I was…testing his…spatial awareness."

…

"…Okay?" Leone said humorously, "You sure you're not just shy?"

Akame blinked at that claim.

"I mean, he is kinda cute," Leone looked at a still staring Tatsumi, "…I mean…not personality wise, but looks on the other hand~"

She walked up to him, and put him in another headlock, softer than before.

"He's adorable, look at him."

She began poking his right cheek.

"I'm making breakfast, Leone."

"Awwww, don't you wanna give your big sis-ow OW OW OK OK!"

Another Indian burn.

Leone released him in order to rub her red arm, leaving Akame to deadpan at the Lioness' consistent behavior that she never can learn from.

"Why'd you do that?" asked Leone with crocodile tears.

Tatsumi didn't answer her, still placing his focus on Akame, who threatened to scrunch her eyebrows with discomfort.

She watched Leone lightly kick Tatsumi in the shin, an attack he didn't react to, and promptly return to her seat.

"Well, he's a bit uptight, but I'm sure he'll warm up to everyone!" Leone said, still smiling after the harmless retaliation from Tatsumi.

Akame's eyes never left Tatsumi's, who was still staring at her.

"…Akame?" Leone called, "…Are you telling me you're not hungry?"

Finally, she broke eye contact and place it on Leone. She was indeed hungry…But letting him cook? Akame was still uncomfortable about him, but then again she had only just met the young man. Perhaps she was overthinking, it's unfair to assume he means harm. Maybe his behavior is just a reflection of his past, or rather a result of his lost memories if that fact is indeed true.

She'll have to wait and see. She'll pay extra attention to him in the interim, at least until she feels more comfortable around him.

Akame gave Tatsumi one last glance and saw that he was already back to preparing breakfast.

At least he wasn't staring at her anymore.

She took a deep breath and entered the dining room.

"Yay! Welcome back to the light, Akame~" Leone teasingly said, "Tatsumi! I hope you make enough food! Akame's our wild child, so you better make plenty of meat!"

Akame unconsciously began to drool. Despite the better of her, her love of meat seems to have overtaken her.

Perhaps after a good meal, she'll have a better understanding of Tatsumi.

Until then, she eagerly awaited breakfast.

"**YAAAAAAAAWN**"

Rubbing her eyes from underneath her glasses, Sheele made her way to the dining room, hoping that there was something ready to eat. Normally, only Akame was up this early, who just like her was not allowed in the kitchen.

Honestly, if she weren't so clumsy, she wouldn't have to worry about her eating situation all the time. With her face plastered all over the Empire she can't eat out at nice restaurants, and every time she cooks for herself, she always ends up making more trouble than what it's worth. Like the time she tried to make herself a simple batch of pancakes; it took her an hour to help clean up the eggs and flour that were caked into her clothes and hair…and the floor…and the walls…and the ceiling.

But she wouldn't allow herself to be put down by her inherent clumsiness, for she has striven to overcome this trait. The current self-help book that Lubbock gave her was titled "One Hundred Ways to Cure Being an Airhead", and she intended on reading it as she waited for breakfast, seeing as Akame wasn't much of a conversationalist. So far, the book provided a great amount of advice regarding her predicament, which gives her hope that one day she could overcome this-

**thud**

"EEP!"

**SLAM**

Sheele collapsed face-first onto the stone floor.

The book slammed on the ground, and her glasses fell to the side.

"OOooooooow," she lightly cried, rubbing her forehead after realizing she tripped over…nothing, "Oh no, my glasses."

This was so typical of her.

Dragging her hands across the floor, she eventually bumped into the piece of firm plastic familiar to her. She put them back on and picked the book and herself up.

Now she really hoped there was someone downstairs making breakfast, some food in her empty stomach would probably cheer her up.

8:30 AM

Making her way to the dining room, she can smell the savory scent of meat and eggs. Her mouth flooded the closer she got to its source.

She was happy someone was up cooking, yet it made her interested as to who else was up at this hour. She rubbed her tired eyes again and entered the dining room.

"Good morning," she greeted Akame.

"Oh Sheele! Good morning!"

Sheele stopped rubbing her eyes, for it was not Akame that replied to her so enthusiastically.

Allowing her eyes to adjust, she noticed Akame, who was too busy chewing the meat from her overstuffed cheeks to reply to her. And right across from her was Leone, who had stopped eating to greet the purple-haired assassin.

"Glad to see you're up! You didn't trip on your way here did you~?"

Sheele blushed, sheepishly laughing at her own predictability. But she composed herself, realizing the oddity that was the blonde woman's presence.

"I'm so surprised you're up so early Leone," Sheele said kindly, "You were out so late last night, and you always wake up so late, did something happen?"

Leone showcased her signature, enthusiastic grin.

"That's because I'm showing the newbie around. He's making breakfast for everyone!"

"You made him cook breakfast," Akame corrected, who was getting a fourth serving of steak with eggs.

"Well yeah, he's gotta pull his own weight, you know?" Leone said, attempting to mask her actual lazy motive.

"Newbie?" Sheele blinked, before widening her eyes in realization, "That's right, that job boss said we weren't doing anymore, I forgot."

Leone and Akame nodded their heads, confirming Sheele's memory was still intact.

"So...where is he?"

Leone looked at Sheele, an amused smirk riddled on her stuffed face.

"I don't know, where is he?" she asked back with food in her mouth.

…

"…Right."

Sheele sighed, remembering Leone just saying he was making breakfast.

The blonde woman laughed at her expense once again.

"Aw, don't worry about it Sheele! Sometimes I forget he's even there myself!"

She leaned her chair back.

"Hey Tatsumi!" she called, "Come over here, I have someone for you to meet!"

The noise coming from the kitchen stopped as sudden as Leone's call. It was sudden enough for Sheele to not immediately notice someone walking right towards her. So when she turned around and saw the young man wearing a black suit right behind her…

"ACK!"

…it startled her, causing her to trip once again on the ground, landing on her bottom.

"Sheesh Lil' bro, you got to announce your presence better," Leone said, "You alright Sheele?"

"Y-Yeah, sorry," Sheele said, picking herself up.

"Well, anyway, Sheele, this is Tatsumi!" Leone pointed to him, "And Tatsumi, this is Sheele!"

Wiping the dust from her bottom, she got a better look at the boy.

He was staring at her. In fact, he hadn't stopped staring even when she was on the ground without so much of a reaction. It made her slightly uncomfortable.

Also, his face hadn't moved at all. It was so weird that she begin recognizing every time he blinked, which was also infrequent.

It was very strange. Maybe he was shy? Perhaps she should try to break the ice, maybe that will make him feel more comfortable.

"Um," she started, "N-Nice…suit."

…

No reply.

Did she do something? Maybe he was mad at her? Sheele hoped she didn't offend him when she tripped and fell.

"Ah, don't mind the silence, he's not much of a talker," said Leone, saving her from the awkwardness, "But ain't he the cutest~"

Sheele looked at Tatsumi again. Looking past his dead stare, he was indeed cute. His light skin was smooth without any blemishes or pimples, his medium-length hair was slightly messy with a single cowlick on top of it, and his green eyes were bright and shining from the sunshine entering the room. In fact, she was surprised she hasn't noticed it before, the suit he was wearing was indeed very nice. Never mind why he was wearing it, but it looked quite perfect. She especially liked his red tie, which was far thinner than Akame's. But most importantly, it perfectly captures a certain poise and confidence within him.

It's something that she deeply envies, yet it's something this boy had in spades.

There was something else about him though…something odd she felt in her gut, and a stir she saw in her mind.

But why though? She had literally just met him, she barely got to know him. Maybe she was being too rash.

Sheele gave him a kind smile.

"It's nice to meet you."

She extended her hand, offering a handshake to the young man.

The action caused him to finally move his eyes, looking at the hand, and then back to her.

She sweat a bit, hoping he would take the hand.

But her nerves were relinquished when the boy grasped it firmly for a shake.

"Likewise."

It was the first thing he said to her, and it was as monotone as she should have expected. But still, she was glad he reciprocated her greeting.

"Aw man, I can smell that all the way from over here!"

"What's cooking guys? And who's cooking?"

Sheele's attention was brought back to the present by the two male voices that entered the dining room.

"Morning Bulat, Lubbock," Leone greeted.

"L-Leone?!" Bulat and Lubbock exclaimed at the same time.

Leone's smile faltered a bit.

"Geez, it is that surprising that I'm up early?"

"Yes, it is," Lubbock immediately replied, a smirk developing on his face, "This is far too responsible for you to do. Are you sure you're actually Leone?"

BAM

"**ACK**"

Lubbock hoped to the left, grasping his shin from the swift kick by Leone.

Sheele giggled a bit, knowing how these two often get on each other's nerves. She watched Bulat, who was looking at the downed assassin with pity.

"Well anyway, good morning Leone, Sheele…Akame," Bulat said, sweating at Akame's lack of response in favor of getting her fifth serving of food, "So, who made the food?"

"He did!" replied Leone, pointing to Tatsumi.

The two men only now noticed the young man, which was odd considering he was right next to them.

"Woah, someone's dressed to impress!" Bulat said, "And indeed, I'm impressed~"

"Bulat, give it a break," Lubbock commented.

"What? I can't help it~"

Lubbock only raised his eyebrow, opting to shift his focus to the new recruit.

"Well…actually from the look of him he doesn't seem fazed," Lubbock commented.

Surprised, Sheele looked at Tatsumi, who despite Bulat's flirtatious advances remained as unfazed as the moment she first met him.

He was staring at the two, like how he was staring at her not moments ago.

He didn't move either, adding to the discomfort of this interaction.

Sheele could see Bulat and Lubbock looking uncomfortably at him, probably wondering why he wasn't reciprocating their advances.

"He's not the social type," Leone said again.

"Apparently," Lubbock said uncomfortably, "It's…uh…Nice to meet you, man."

"Yeah…uh…Tatsumi, was it? Thanks for making breakfast…"

"Ugh, you guys talk so loud!"

Everyone reacted instantly to the short, pink assassin walking into the dining room.

"How many times do I have to tell you people to be quiet, it's the morning!"

"Oops, sorry Mine~" Leone reacted playfully.

Mine's tired eyes woke up, surprised to hear that distinct voice in the morning.

"Leone?" Mine said shocked, "What are you-"

"-doing up so early?" Leone interrupted, deadpanning for knowing exactly what she was going to say, "I'm giving the new guy a tour!"

"New guy?" Mine asked, trying to remember when this was established.

"The boss told us a couple of days ago," Sheele said, "Remember that mission we're supposed to do, with the family of humanitarians?"

Mine's eyes widen.

"Wait a minute, she went through with that?!"

"That's right!" Leone said enthusiastically, causing Mine to become further irritated.

"You cannot be serious!" Mine said, "Why does no one ask for my opinion about anything?!"

"Now Mine," Bulat interfered, "You know the boss, when she has something in mind it's very hard to steer her into a different direction."

"But to allow some…arrogant loser to take this mission on his own, just because he said he could?!"

"Well, he did complete it, otherwise he wouldn't be here," Leone said.

Mine sighed.

"Where even is this guy?"

"See for yourself," Bulat said, moving out of the way to reveal the young man in question.

Mine's eyes widen, looking at the person she did not know was right next to her, oddly.

Her eyebrow rose.

"This is the guy?"

"Yep~," Leone said.

"A bit of a cutie pie, don't you think," Bulat said.

"*tch*, he doesn't look like much."

Mine got closer to him until she was right in front of his face. Surprisingly, Tatsumi still refused to budge. She stared at him for quite some time, likely trying to get a read of him.

Yet, just like with everyone else, Tatsumi opted to stare back at her, which made Sheele slightly uncomfortable knowing how aggressive the pink assassin is.

Mine moved to the side, seeing that his eyes followed her.

She moved to the other side, and his eyes followed again.

She then looked at him from his feet to his face.

"I don't like him," Mine declared, "It's obvious he probably cheated during that mission,"

She then proceeded to emphasize his person, "I mean look at him, he looks like a corpse. And I bet you think you're all high and mighty just because you're wearing that suit, huh?"

Sheele flinched, surely this would get a reaction from Tatsumi.

But once again, there wasn't any, he still opted to stare at her.

Akame does that sometimes to people she's never met, meaning she was analyzing them. Was that what Tatsumi was doing? She didn't know, he didn't reveal anything thus far.

"Aw don't be mean to him Mine, you should have been there to see him go," Leone said, slamming a hard pat to Tatsumi's back, "Tatsumi, that's just Mine's way of saying hello!"

"*HUMPF*" Mine said, choosing her seat to eat breakfast, "Well whatever, I'm hungry, get to it newbie!"

"Oh yeah, I'm starving," Bulat said, "Keep it going Tatsumi!"

"Oh yeah definitely," Lubbock added.

"I'm still hungry lil' bro," Leone declared.

"Hm," Akame grunted with food still in her mouth.

Sheele felt kind of bad for putting Tatsumi in such a position, but it would seem he didn't really mind. It was odd, but Sheele cannot argue that she was indeed hungry as well. Perhaps she can apologize after breakfast.

"I'll have some breakfast, if you don't mind," she said kindly.

Tatsumi merely returned to the kitchen, continuing to make another serving of food.

"And don't forget to eat too, bro," Bulat said, "You need your strength if you're going to be a member of Night Raid!"

And the morning ran as usual. Mine made some comments about her night. Bulat began discussing his training regimen for the day. Lubbock and Leone bickered as usual. And Akame continued to do what she does best, eating most of the food left over.

But Sheele couldn't help but make the occasional glance at Tatsumi. He was composed and silent. Poised and likely reserved.

Maybe he doesn't really have anyone to talk to? She wouldn't mind lending an ear for him. Perhaps he'd like someone to listen to his thoughts.

However, for now, she better eat. She has a mission to do today, and she'll need her strength to work efficiently.

Despite her clumsiness and airheaded personality, she could find comfort in her exceptional skill she had long since honed ever since she discovered it.

Her aptitude for murder.

1:37 PM

They were not what he expected.

Tatsumi was so caught up with the members of Night Raid, he practically cleaned most of the dirty dishes left for him to take care of on autopilot.

These people did not really strike him as murderers, personality-wise.

Perhaps his experience with Akame gave him the impression that the rest of the assassins of Night Raid would be similar to her.

But…then again.

"You're eating the leftovers again."

Akame stopped indulging in her apparent habit.

"I'm still hungry," she said.

"You had a ten-course meal for breakfast."

"I'm still hungry," she made her way out of the kitchen, "I think I'll just go hunting."

…

Leone wasn't exaggerating her comment on Akame's appetite. He supposed he should have expected these quirks if people like said blonde were part of this assassin group. Najenda didn't seem to be the type of person to recruit such people, for Tatsumi had the impression that she was the serious type. Surely she saw some merit in keeping these people around, otherwise she wouldn't be wasting her time with them. Although, through their short introduction, much of their personality was noted, and Tatsumi could see some merits within them.

Not including Akame, Bulat seemed to be the most disciplined of the bunch, yet his advances were also as loose and friendly as Leone's. Perhaps he has an army background, they tend to establish such a personality while not compromising their heightened discipline and their strict training regimens. If he does have army experience, then that would make him both a formidable warrior and a valuable asset to Night Raid due to his potential knowledge about the inner workings of the Imperial Army. However, it does seem odd that a man such as himself would conduct himself in assassination. He seems to be the honorable type, yet assassination is a highly dirty job. Bulat's fighting style is likely similar to that of a soldier, and in the context of assassination, that type of fighting style often gets the user killed. They boast about honorable deaths, as opposed to dying a dirty fighter. Tatsumi never understood the difference, nor why they desired a specific way to die when they're much useful alive. It would be more useful for him to be within the revolutionary army, not an assassination group. It was strange, but he did not know the man personally, so he cannot give a firm explanation of his reasonings yet.

Lubbock's lax attitude and interaction with Leone reveals his laidback personality, something Tatsumi oddly sees in some of the people he's interacted with in the Revolutionary Army. He seems rather simple and easygoing, yet something must have motivated him to involve himself within assassination. Based on his personality and physique, he doesn't appear to be interested in frontal engagements in fights. Whether or not he possesses such skills in frontal assault is unknown to him, it would be important to have in such a work environment. His mischievous personality towards Leone might reveal he perhaps likes to catch his enemies by surprise, and his slightly reserved personality might signify that his style of combat is most likely entrapment, which would coincide his supposed lack of interest in frontal assault. If this were the case, then his arsenal would be composed of traps. What they might be, or whether or not these assumptions are true are unknown to Tatsumi.

Mine was a rather…aggressive young woman. Their very short interaction was enough to know she's not comfortable with people she doesn't know, especially those she will be working with. She also doesn't seem to be the type to engage in head-on combat for the same reasons as Lubbock, and she seems far too impatient to engage in entrapment. She dresses in a fine pink dress, which would likely get dirty during a scuffle, and her apparent prideful personality signifies that she likes to show off her skills, so using deductive reasoning, perhaps her choice of weapons would be a firearm of sort. A sniper rifle to be exact. It the only thing that makes sense to Tatsumi; It is a feat to marvel at to see someone shoot a target at such a long-range, which Tatsumi understands and relates to. Again, how that translates to frontal combat is unknown to him.

Thus far, Tatsumi could see the merits and flaws of these people, yet one person whose presence and enrollment in Night Raid confuses him thus far is Sheele.

She was by far a far cry for what one might think of when referring to an assassin. She was very kind, far too kind for someone of this occupation. She also seemed…airheaded, having tripped over herself when she noticed his presence behind her and stumbling over her words. It could be a ruse, but her endearing personality completely tarnishes that assumption. Najenda must have saw something in her, otherwise she would not be a member of Night Raid, so she must have some combat skills. He would have to see for himself, she sticks out like a sore thumb within the group of assassins…well as much as a group of already odd individuals can allow for anyone to stick out.

"It seems you've already made an impression on everyone here as well, Tatsumi."

Tatsumi stopped what he was doing, adhering to the mature voice approaching him.

"Leone told me the story, and I have to say your methods are quite…unorthodox. You still cannot remember how you learned this?"

Tatsumi faced the boss of Night Raid, the very person that first met him at the Revolutionary Army and saw fit to give Tatsumi this task to complete.

"Afraid not Najenda, nothing."

"Well…that's too bad then," said Najenda, "Well, anyway, seeing as you've already met everyone, I guess all that's left is to make your recruitment official."

She raised her mechanical hand to Tatsumi.

"Welcome to Night Raid."

Tatsumi shook her hand, ignoring the cold feeling of her iron platting.

Najenda walked towards the dining room, prompting Tatsumi to follow her.

"Will I be working soon?" he asked.

"Straight to business, huh?" Najenda commented, "Unfortunately no, we already have Bulat, Lubbock, Sheele, and Mine assigned to a job, which they've left for about half an hour ago. Leone's story of you also made quite the impression on them."

She sat down, taking out a cigarette from her coat pocket.

"How so?"

"Well, along with Mine accusing you of cheating, which is normal mind you, they're understandably skeptical. Afterall the idea of a lone person taking on a mission of such scale is unheard of…Or maybe I should have chosen someone of more credibility than Leone to proctor you."

"Perhaps."

She lit her cigarette and breathed in the nicotine from it.

"Actually, I do have a question for you about the mission," Tatsumi added.

Najenda exhaled the smoke from her lungs.

"What is it?"

"I understand the idea of having me assassinate three targets at once, seeing as my claims were profound under your assassination standards."

"I'm glad you're able to see that as well," Najenda commented.

"But I'm confused in regards to the…previous guests you requested to be rescued. I don't see how that relates to our line of work."

"Oh that? I just thought 'why not?'."

…

Najenda chuckled at his silence.

"What can I say, your claims were so crazy that I just had to see if you could do it. I figured they'd be dead, but in the event they weren't I wanted to know how you would have handled the situation."

"It wouldn't have made any difference."

"So you say, but until I see it for myself I choose to remain skeptical."

She took another breath from her cigarette, leaving Tatsumi to watch her hold the smoke in for a few seconds before releasing it from her lungs yet again.

"Well, were there any alive?"

"The guests?"

"Who else?"

"I'd figured Leone would tell you."

"She didn't, why? Did she leave something out?"

"She was on the premise to see for herself, but perhaps that's not my place to say."

Najenda blinked, and promptly pinched the bridge of her nose with annoyance.

"Honestly, that woman doesn't know how to follow orders," she said.

"She didn't interfere, mind you, you have my word on that."

Najenda contemplated his words for a moment, having known Leone for quite some time. Slowly, she eventually relaxed herself again.

"I suppose I'll take your word for it then," Najenda said, "Leone is…undisciplined, I know, but I suppose she means well…hopefully."

She smoked her cigarette again.

"Anyway, back to my previous question," Najenda continued, "Any survivors?"

"One was alive, barely. The family left him with the Lubora disease, spread throughout his entire body. I was surprised he was able to talk. I killed him out of mercy."

Najenda looking at him pensively for quite some time.

…

"Well, that's a damn shame." She finally said.

She sucked in the flavors of her cigarette for the fifth time, but now allowing the smoke to leave through her nostrils.

"Well, I'm sure this doesn't need to be said, but I think you'll be a valuable asset to our group if you able to conduct yourself like this consistently."

She smushed the end of her cigarette in the ashtray beside her, extinguishing the embers that lit it up.

"Quite frankly," Najenda spoke, "I'm honestly surprised you survived."

Tatsumi blinked.

"You had doubts?"

"Of course, I only know one other person, a woman, that could be capable of doing missions like this single handedly, but…"

Tatsumi noticed Najenda slightly struggle with her words.

"…She has the power to do so…and her personality…well, that's another story all together."

The mood in the room grew heavy.

Tatsumi watched Najenda sit there, staring at him sharply. The sudden friendliness died by the time she finished her statement, and Tatsumi know there was something going on.

"I assume this conversation wasn't solely a 'welcome'." he commented.

"You'd be right," she said, "I'm concerned, Tatsumi."

He didn't speak back.

"I met a lot of warriors in my life. And a lot of those warriors made the same claim you made to me that night, months ago. Claims that they can take on a mission of this scale on their own. Yet the only thing that differentiates you from them is that they've either failed or backed out at the last minute. I was under the impression you would do either of the two, yet here you are with blood in your hands. Against all odds, and at such a young age.

"I can tell you're not that strong Tatsumi, but as far as your skills and records show I'm concerned about what your motives are. Don't you dare take me, or any one of us, for fools. I've interviewed most, if not all that know you, and all of them cannot come to a common consensus of you. You conduct yourself differently, you talk differently, you kill danger beasts differently, and you kill people differently. Even your handler couldn't understand you, but from this mission, and from the papers about your missions within the army, it's very clear you are adept at killing. The Revolutionary Army gave you this warning, and now I'm going to give you my version of that warning."

She stood up.

"If you harm any one of the members of Night Raid, for whatever reason, I will kill you."

She walked to him, looking down at his sitting form.

"Are we clear?"

…

"Yes," Tatsumi simply answered, intending to remedy Najenda's admitted skepticism regarding him. It's no different than his overall treatment at the Revolutionary Army. People were often wary of him, knowing how he conducted himself and behaved. He never felt the need to converse with them, so he would often keep to himself. The same thing goes with Night Raid. He doesn't intend to make any friends, not that he was ever capable of maintaining such a relationship.

His relationship with Leone, on the other hand, was very one sided, and surely the blonde woman will catch on to this.

Tatsumi stared into Najenda's eyes, waiting for her to react. Her light purple eye's finally closed.

"Alright," she dragged her hand across his shoulder as she made her way to the window on the other side of the table, "Regardless, your handler said good things about you, so what I just said was only meant for security. You've done enough in the kitchen, enjoy your free time Tatsumi."

Tatsumi stared at her for a minute, wondering what was going through her mind. He doesn't expect any trust from her, and that would be wise. So, without hesitation, he turned around and made his way back to his dorm.

Najenda took out another cigarette as she saw the wind blowing against the leaves from the window she chose to look out from. She placed it in her mouth and lit it up.

As she stared at the outside, her focus never reached the intricate and peaceful scene of mother nature. It was towards the boy that had just left the dining room, who had alluded her to this very moment. He revealed nothing, a completely blank slate.

It made her nervous, she had never met anyone like him before. Not even Akame was this cold. And speaking of which…

"What do you think?" Najenda asked to the room she resided in.

"I don't know," replied Akame, who had come back from hunting her next meal, "He could be a threat."

"Well, you sure were fine with him when he cooked breakfast."

"That's different," Akame said, hiding her double standard.

Najenda chuckled at the assassin's weakness for food but remained mindful of her concern. She took a deep breath, intending on getting back on topic.

"He's an odd boy, definitely a sociopath but…I don't know."

She smoked her cigarette briefly, allowing Akame to take a seat closer to her.

"Do you recognize him?"

Akame blinked, not expecting such a question.

"You know what I'm talking about," Najenda clarified, not wanting to be forced to specify such a sensitive topic that was Akame's past.

She allowed Akame to think about it before the realization on her face revealed the hidden pain from her time in the Empire.

"No, he wasn't a part of…that."

"Are you sure?"

"There were only seven of us," Akame reminded, "I would have remembered someone like him in a heartbeat."

"Right, of course," Najenda said, "Sorry, I had to ask."

"I don't blame you," Akame said, "He does seem like the product of the Empire."

"Right? But here he is, in our hands."

Nothing about him made sense, it's been cursed at her since the moment they met. The feats he accomplished at the Revolutionary Army, his claim to her about completing this test, and his behavior were something she had never seen before. Akame was similar, but there was something so different about this young man.

"He's going to need a new handler," Najenda commented.

"Handler?" Akame asked, confused.

"Yeah, he had a handler, someone to watch over him."

"Like a pet?"

Najenda chucked at Akame's jab.

"No, she took it upon herself to watch him. Diana, her name was. She's the one that filled him in on missions and sent out a team, along with him, to take them on."

She smoked her cigarette briefly once more.

"She took a liking to him, saw something in him. But despite that, she saw it best to bring him to us."

Akame only hummed in understanding.

"Are you going to be his handler?"

"What?" Najenda asked, "Oh, no, no. I'm far to busy for something like that. But I'll find someone to watch him."

She looked away, feeling the deadpanned glare of Akame drilling into the back of her head.

"Welp," Najenda said "I suggest we stop this conversation; we have company."

"Hey boss, what's up?!"

A voice came from outside the hall, a voice so enthusiastic it could only belong to one young woman.

"I didn't know you were in here," said Leone, entering the dining room.

"Yo," Najenda greeted her, "What did you find out about….?"

She stopped when she Tatsumi entering the room again, confused as to why he followed the blonde lioness.

"Oh Tatsumi, your back, long time no see!"

…

"Get it?" Najenda said, "Because, it hasn't been that long at all."

"Oh…uh…Yeah, we get it boss," Leone said, probably not finding the joke funny.

"Honestly," Najenda sighed, "You guys have no sense of humor."

She watched Leone give off a fake laugh, probably patronizing her joke.

"Well, anyway," Leone guided herself and Tatsumi on the other side of the table by Najenda, "I figured Tatsumi might wanna hear this as well."

"Hm, is that so," Najenda commented.

She looked at Tatsumi, who not moments before had his life threatened by her. He seems to have taken it well, which would coincide with her overall uncomfortableness about him. Still, this could be a good way for him to understand the types of assassinations that they do, so it would be best for him to stay.

"Then by all means," said Najenda, giving Leone the okay to continue.

"Another target?" asked Akame.

"Yep," Leone pulled out two drawing and placed them both on the table.

One drawing was of a tall man wearing armor, expected from an imperial guard, but without a helmet. He had no left eye, and his other eye was oddly darkened. The other was of a shorter man who looked rather unsightly with his bald head and skin blemishes.

"These are the guys," Leone said.

The targets are Ogre, an Imperial Police Captain, and Gamal, an oil merchant.

According to the client, Ogre is known to take bribes from criminals in exchange for sparing them from their criminal charges and framing innocent citizens of those crimes instead. Gamal happens to be one of those criminals that took advantage of this.

The client's fiancé was executed because he was framed by Ogre of a crime Gamal committed. She begged me to take these guys down, groveled and everything. My senses have not steered me wrong boss, she was telling the complete truth, one hundred percent.

A big sack of money slammed onto the wooden table.

"All the money is here…and from the smell of her she must have sold her body to get it all…"

Najenda could see Leone tighten her hands around her own shoulders, it was no doubt that she felt insulted by such crimes.

Her acceptance should have been obvious.

"Then Night Raid accepts this assignment. In the new nation we wish to create, there's no room for their trash. It requires divine punishment."

Leone and Akame were pleased with this declaration, while Tatsumi has yet to react at all, opting to stare into the pictures further.

"We shouldn't have a problem with the oil merchant," Leone claimed, "But I bet Ogre is going to be a pain in the ass."

"How so?" Tatsumi finally asked, his voice grasping everyone's attention.

Leone stayed just as serious as she was during her explanation.

Ogre's an absolute demon with a sword. Even the hitman are scared of him. And he's always surrounded by a huge group of subordinates.

He's never seen alone, he's so careful that he always has all payments to him happen within his own private chambers.

But on his days off he's always drinking in main street, right by the palace.

"Doesn't seem that hard," Tatsumi said.

"Are you so sure about that?" Najenda said, "Main street is heavily guarded, and the Empire already has Akame's face on a wanted poster, so we can't send her."

"Helloooo!" Leone yelled, "They don't have wanted posters of me yet! Plus-"

She put both hands on Tatsumi's shoulders.

"We got ourselves a grade-A silent assassin right here!"

"Don't get ahead of yourself."

Leone's smile faltered and turned her head to Akame who had just spoken.

"Don't get me wrong, it's very impressive that he managed to take on a large mission by himself, but this isn't just run of the mill people we're tasked to kill, nor is it-"

"Hold your thoughts Akame," Najenda interrupted, "Tatsumi, are you aware that this target holds much more weight than your test, you'd be in a huge crowd area where people all over will see you."

"It won't be a problem for me."

"Don't bite more than you can chew," Akame said coldly, "I've seen people die from your attitude."

"I assure you, this won't be a problem for me."

Akame continued her stare, seeing how unaffected Tatsumi was by it.

"Boss, you have my word that they will be dead."

Najenda looked at him, seeing how serious he is, despite him being such a way since the very beginning. His entire person didn't relent, and from the uncomfortable looks of Leone during their engagement it appears she would not have any say in this. She supposed it would be a waste of talent to keep him hold up here along with everyone else.

"Alright then, I will give you permission to do this mission."

"Boss?" Akame said, shocked by her decision.

"However," Najenda added, knodding at Akame to acknowledge her concerns, "I want Leone to accompany you."

Leone perked up at that demand.

"Is that necessary?" Tatsumi asked, hearing Leone annoyingly question him.

"Only for reconnaissance, I'm assuming you don't know your way around Main Street so it would be wise for her to tag along."

Tatsumi looked at Leone briefly, who was looking at him triumphantly, and back to Najenda.

"Alright."

"Yes!" Leone hugged Tatsumi from behind, "This is going to be fun lil' bro~!"

"You're chaffing my suit." said Tatsumi.

Najenda did find some enjoyment from the boys predicament, despite his apparent lack of reaction.

"The mission starts tomorrow, but I highly implore you guys to do some reconnaissance today. That goes for you as well Leone."

"Sure thing, I'll give Tatsumi the grand tour!"

"Will you be holding me the entire time?"

"Maybe, unless of course-ow ow ow OW OW OW!"

Indian burn.

"…Jerk."

They left the room together, leaving Najenda and Akame blank faced from Tatsumi's oddly harmless, yet effective attack.

But the tension in regards to the young man quickly resurfaced, especially within Akame.

"Is this wise, boss?" she asked.

"Not at all, but you have to admit you're curious about whether or not he can do it."

"…the thought did cross my mind," Akame said, "But that doesn't mean I would have allowed this to happen."

"Hm…Perhaps you're more rational than I am," Najenda joked, leaning back in her chair.

But she couldn't help but wonder if the young man can indeed do such a task, for if he could…well, she doesn't know. She honestly doesn't know.

4:21 PM

"Okay! Here we are!" Leone said, presenting Tatsumi to the gigantic arcade that contained all that is within Main Street.

From first glance, Tatsumi could see the bustle of finely dressed men and women entering and leaving the arcade, minding their own business as best as they can. Their demeanors were marginally more relaxed than those outside, for Main Street was a popular place for those with money and a hint of power on their sleeves.

The streets, clean enough to reflect the light from the lamp posts that lit up the stores with a golden orange tint, did not catch dirt from the feet of those residing there. Tatsumi could smell the fresh air from where he stands, a remarkable feat for an enclosed area. The walls themselves showed no signs of wear, and the windows looked as if they did not exist.

Everything was very clean; it was a welcomed change.

"So, did you study the map I gave you?" Leone asked.

"Yes, I did," Tatsumi responded.

"Awesome, then let's go!"

They both entered the large arcade.

"So, I guess now it's all about planning for tomorrow," Leone said, "Did you have anything in mind?"

"Not particularly, I never planned before."

…

"Eh?" Leone looked at Tatsumi with widened eyes, "Really?"

"Yes"

…

"But…surely you had a plan entering that mansion, right?"

"I did not."

…

"But…you…wait a minute," Leone said, "You did that mission with no plan?"

"Yes."

"Nothing?"

"Yes."

"Like…completely blind?"

"Yes."

"Okay, now I know you're joking."

"I don't make jokes."

…

"Tatsumi I saw you go into the kitchen, do stuff for that butler guy, and bring out tea and…everything else you did. You're telling me that wasn't planned out?"

"It was at that moment."

…

"So…You're telling me that you helping out that butler guy was not planned, just something that happened?"

"I don't understand what there is to be confused about," Tatsumi said, "It's similar to how you probably take on missions."

"What?" Leone looked incredulously at Tatsumi, "You…you do know I'm not stealthy, right?"

"Yes, and judging from your personality I'd guess you also go in without a plan, right?"

…

"Never mind," Tatsumi said, "If you're wondering what my methods are it's purely improvised. That time with the butler would not have happened if I hadn't heard about it from the guards. I merely took that opportunity and rolled with it, and it brought me straight to…well, I can't remember her name, but it took me to the wife."

"Oh…wow," Leone said, "But…isn't that…dangerous?"

"Our job itself is dangerous."

"Yeah I know that, but I can take care of myself. It's just…what you did last night was…crazy. I've never seen anything like it. I thought for sure you prepared a head of time, otherwise it would be so…smooth. It looked like everything you did was-*ACK*"

Their conversation was put to a halt as it left Leone unaware of her surroundings, causing her to bump and knock down a young woman accidentally in her way.

"Ow!" the downed woman cried.

Tatsumi turned around, seeing that the downed woman was an Imperial Police Officer.

"O-Oh, I'm…sorry about that," Leone said, slightly sweating from the bad position they were in.

"Oh no, I should be sorry," the Imperial Police Officer said, "I was thinking about so many things that I didn't bother to look where I was going."

Tatsumi stood by Leone, intending to take her out of the situation.

*Kiruuuuuuuuuu*

Tatsumi blinked, shifting his focus to the odd sound. It was a…tiny dog creature right beside the Imperial Officer.

"Aw don't worry Koro," she said, picking herself up, "No harm was done!"

She picked up the dog creature and held it like a teddy bear.

Tatsumi looked at Leone, who face began to harden from looking at the small creature. Odd, this would imply that there was something she knew of it. He had never seen such a creature before, it was very odd.

"I see you're interested in my Koro, young man!"

Tatsumi looked back at the Imperial Officer, who had caught him staring too long at her dog creature.

"This is my Imperial Arm, and don't worry, he only bites bad guys!" she said enthusiastically.

Tatsumi blinked in curiosity, he had heard of Imperial Arms, but he had never seen one in person. From the knowledge he had gathered before joining Night Raid, he pictured them as strong weapons of mass destruction. If that's the case, then this dog isn't what meets the eyes, so to say. This Imperial Officer might pose as an obstacle in the future, it's best to remember her face in any scenario he might find himself in.

She wore a standard Imperial Police Officer's unform, but without the added helmet. Thus, she allowed her amber eyes and auburn hair, fashioned into a ponytail, to be revealed to him. She must be very friendly. Her choice of words during their interaction signify that her passion aligns with her role as an Imperial Police Officer, which is odd considering how lackluster the justice system is in the Empire. She's strange, but he has enough to base her face personality.

"Jennifer," Tatsumi grasped Leone's arm, "Are you alright?"

…

"Eh?" Leone asked, confused.

"I asked if you're alright, can you still take me to get another suit?"

…

"O-Oh right, right, sorry," Leone said, trying her best to play along, "Well, uh…let's go then…uh…"

"Tobias."

"Yes, Tobias…right," Leone said weakly.

She took the lead, dragging Tatsumi away from the officer. If they walk naturally, then the guard should-

"Wait!"

Leone and Tatsumi stopped, hearing the order coming from the young Officer. It would appear Leone's poor improvisation might have triggered her suspicion.

"Jennifer, was it?" she asked, "Why are you with this young man?"

…

"W-Why do you ask?" Leone asked back.

"Well, for starters, it's illegal to be dating a minor, and Tobias seems to be far younger than you," she answered back.

"O-Oh no, we're not dating at all! He's not even my type," Leone said anxiously.

"You're acting very suspiciously, why are you so nervous?"

Tatsumi looked at the Officer's face, which grew sharper and unnaturally threatening than their previous interaction would have led him to believe.

"Well, explain yourself."

Her body language closed herself, no longer friendly and inviting. It was such a drastic change that it gave Tatsumi whiplash. She looked threatening and angered, like she was looking at a group of disgusting rats. Leone was no longer talking, opting to continue squeezing the side of his arm as discreetly as possible. Her face was sweating, and his eyes dilated. An interesting response from the blonde, the officer must be posing some form of threat to her.

Tatsumi would have to test this theory. Perhaps further analyzing this officer might be useful for them.

"Oh I'm sorry," Tatsumi suddenly spoke, "I neglected to see what we might be implying. You see, she agreed to take me to get a new suit, I'm very new here and I've always wanted to see Main Street for myself. She's nothing more than a good friend of mine."

…

"Oh really?" she asked, the tension completely gone, "Well then, welcome to Main Street, I'm glad you're able to see such a great place that perfectly represents the Capital!"

…

How surreal, her attitude completely changed back. In fact, her current emotional state is as genuine as her previous state not moments ago. Right now, she's genuinely friendly and open again. Amazing, this woman is full of surprises.

"Yes, w-we're happy to be here," Leone said, "Welp, Tats-Tobias, we should-"

Tatsumi stopped Leone from talking by slightly tightening his grip on her.

"I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch your name, miss…?"

The Imperial Police Officer widen her eyes in shock.

"Oh, I can't believe I forgot," she said, "Seryu Ubiquitous, at your service!"

He'll remember that name, for she is making quite the impression on him. Perhaps she's severely mentally ill, and from the way she reacted to the possibility of Leone romancing with a minor tells him that her trigger is anything involving injustice. But to what extent? Her comment about Main Street reveals she's holds the Empire with high regard. Surely she's aware of the strife going on…or maybe not.

"You said you were new here?" Seryu asked, interrupting Tatsumi's thought process.

He brought himself back to reality, he'll have to keep probing this young officer some more.

"That's right, I am," Tatsumi said to her, "And I'll be quite honest, I was concerned about the security around here and all the strife and corruption going on all over-."

"Stop right there," Seryu interrupted, "All that is purely fear brought from the Revolutionary Army. It's disgusting, they're nothing but a bunch of sick animals."

Her serious state returned, causing her to tighten her fists and…causing her eyes to dilate and shake with fury.

"It makes me sick, seeing what they're doing to the citizens. Anyone that sides with those…monsters…is an enemy to me. I can't imagine why they would want to destroy this wonderful nation. Sick bastards."

…

It would appear her Empire patriotism is much deeper than he expected. Within a nation as corrupt as the Empire, patriotism should be close to nonexistant.

"Y-Yeah we get that completely," Leone spoke anxiously, "A-And as much as we-"

"Jennifer, please," Tatsumi interrupted, "There is still some things I want to get off my chest."

Leone looked at him like he was crazy.

"I'm sorry Ms. Ubiquitous, I must have touched upon a sensitive topic."

Seryu looked at them again, her face slightly more relaxed due to Tatsumi's apology.

"It's alright," she said, still quite stern, "It just makes no sense why people would think of such horrible things about the Empire."

"You must hold quite a lot of love for this Empire."

"I really do, and all this talk about…corruption…make me sick. The Empire is the most 'just' place in the world, I won't have it disrespected with such horrible claims from…criminals."

Tatsumi could see it now. Her sense of justice is likely flawed. But it contradicted with her response to the possibility of him dating Leone, which coincides with someone with a sense of justice. She's likely unstable, but how is unknown to him. Perhaps he should probe more, someone like her can be easily manipulated, and she might prove to be useful for the future.

"I understand, and I should apologize once more," Tatsumi continued, "My questions stemmed from all these rumors I kept hearing about. I came here to see the wonder of the Empire, and hearing all of those…stories truly scared me. I didn't want it to ruin my perception of this place."

Seryu began to calm down dramatically.

"You…you really like this place huh?" Seryu said, a smile forming from her face again.

"Yes, it's actually been my dream to make it big here," Tatsumi said, "And, if I'm being quite honest, seeing someone as passionate and patriotic as you makes me feel so much safer."

…

Tatsumi could see Leone looking at him like he grew a second head, while noticing the huge blush appearing on Seryu's face.

"O-Oh no, it's nothing, really~," she said, very pleased from his praise, "I mean, weeeeeell, I'm only doing what's necessary to protect people like yourself, seeing people safe is all the thanks I need~."

Tatsumi could feel the tension and hate coming from Leone towards Seryu, which was quickly dispelled from a calming shoulder hold from him.

"Oh please, you're far to humble," Tatsumi said, "I'm just hope that everyone in the Imperial Police have such a strong sense of justice like yourself."

"Oh my god, stop it~," she couldn't handle any more praise, "Stop it, I wouldn't be who I am if it wasn't for Captain Ogre. He's been my mentor since the very beginning."

…

An opportunity has just presented himself.

"Oh…Captain Ogre was it?" he asked.

"Yep, he's almost like a father to me," she said, "In fact, I can't imagine anyone greater than him!"

*kiru kiru!* The dog creature yipped enthusiastically like it's master.

Leone's eyes widened, likely surprise by such a divine coincidence. But Tatsumi was as calm as he's always been. He has a theory of what might be wrong with this young lady, and he'll use this to try to exploit her. There's only one way to find out if this theory is true, after all.

"Is that so…" Tatsumi continued.

"Yep," Seryu said.

Tatsumi allowed some silence to linger, until Seryu noticed the sudden "discomfort" between the two.

"I-I'm sorry," Seryu said, "Did I…say something?"

"What? Oh no, I'm sorry, it's just…Well…"

"What?"

Tatsumi looked at her face, that had begun to take on a more serious nature.

"Well…it's the rumors again."

Leone looked at him, trying to hide the sweat leaving the side of her face while making a face that was begging him to stop what he was doing.

"What's it this time?" Seryu replied, more serious than before.

"Oh...I'm sorry, I don't want to-"

"It's fine, tell me the rumor."

She took the bait.

"Well…the rumor is that Captain Ogre's been framing innocent people for crimes someone else has committed."

Seryu widen her eyes, while Leone eyes turned to saucers.

"And you believe something that ridiculous?" Seryu said in anger.

Tatsumi could hear the heart of Leone skip a beat, but little does she know, his plan is pretty much in place.

"I know, I'm sorry, I just can't help it," Tatsumi said, "And now that I say it out loud it sounds so ridiculous, especially after meeting you."

Seryu began to calm down.

"Good, I don't ever want to-"

"I mean, corruption would be the very opposite of what this fine nation stands for. If it were to be present here, then I'm confident you'd take care of it."

…

"…What?" Seryu asked.

"I mean, the very essence of corruption is itself criminal, and anything criminal is an enemy to the Empire. I imagine it goes against everything you believe to be right and 'just', correct?"

…

Seryu's body slowly threatened to freeze up.

"W-Well, I-I-"

"And you guys are doing well against the Revolutionary Army, which are the very criminals you despise right?"

Seryu's eye began to twitch.

"I-I…I…uh…"

"It would be a damned shame to let something like that fester within the government, especially if the Revolutionary Army has gotten so many people to believe that this nation is corrupt."

Tatsumi looked into her shaking eyes.

"I'm sure this problem disturbed you when you first heard it, right?"

Seryu began to sweat.

"I'm sure you checked it yourself, these rumors."

She couldn't speak.

"It seems your confidence implies you did."

Her heart pounded in her chest.

"I mean, surely you did."

Her eyes widened in horror.

"Otherwise, it wouldn't be justice, right?"

…

"I-I'm sorry," she said, quietly, "I…I have to go."

She walked softly away from the two of them, with her Imperial Arm still in her hold, whimpering to her current expression.

It seems his plan was a success, and he was able to not only understand this Seryu Ubiquitous, but to use her in the best way possible. Now it's time to inform Leone what had just happened.

But it would appear to be interrupted as she aggressively grabbed his arm and ran out of the arcade. She ran as fast as her feat could go, leaving him swinging in the air from behind.

Before long, they were in a remote area, where Leone harshly pinned him against a brick wall within an alleyway.

"ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND!" Leone said with rage and anxiety, "WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING!"

It would seem the Lioness did not take their interaction well.

"I did my job," Tatsumi calmly said.

"YOUR JOB!?" Leone said, "YOU WERE TALKING TO A COMPLETE PSYCHOPATH!"

Interesting, she noticed it too.

"I understand, and I told you before how I perform my assassinations."

Leone's eyes widened, remembering their conversation within the arcade before being brutally interrupted by Seryu.

"Are you crazy?!" Leone said, "She could have found us out and attacked us! We can't bring attention to ourselves in public, and I don't want my face on a poster!"

"I know, but I knew what I was doing Leone."

"Were you?!" she asked incredulously, "You said you improvise."

"And I did, but let it me known that I've done this many times, and I won't allow myself, or whoever is with me, to be compromised by it."

…

"Leone," Tatsumi continued, "I understand the repercussions of what would have happened if I failed, and I understand that you are upset by my apparent risk, but you must understand that I knew what I was doing. I never made a choice I knew was foolish."

…

Leone released Tatsumi from her hold, opting to lean back on the other brick wall behind her.

"Tatsumi," Leone said, her hands covering her face, "I…God damn it dude, my heart was pounding in my chest."

Tatsumi looked at the leaning Leone, while also thinking about Seryu.

He had crafting his words to imply a message to her, an obvious one, but one that she should be able to respond with.

If it all goes wrong, then nothing much will come from it, and tomorrow will be a rudimentary assassin job.

However, it everything goes the way he wants it to go, then perhaps they won't be the ones to kill the targets.

11:21 PM

Seryu tossed and turned in her bed.

Despite the best of her, she couldn't fall asleep.

It was frustrating, for she depended on herself getting a proper night's sleep so she could maintain her performance as an Imperial Police Officer.

She couldn't uphold justice if her mind and body were not properly maintained.

Yet the more she tried to sleep, the angrier she got, which would keep herself up.

It was a loopback from hell, something she doesn't experience often.

Relenting, she sat up from her bed to rub her tired eyes.

It was that rumor. That stupid rumor that young man in the suit said. It made her so flustered she had to leave the two be. Yet it remained in her mind like a thorn stuck to a raging bull.

Where did he hear such a rumor? Surely someone in the Empire is spreading false propaganda, right?

Yes, of course. This must have been the work of the Revolutionary Army.

And now that she mentioned it, many of the citizens outside of the Capital are…pretty stressed. She never really noticed it for some reason until now. Maybe this false propaganda is the reason for this.

Of course! Maybe the Revolutionary Army is spreading this false propaganda so the people would eventually turn against the Empire.

Those bastards! How could they say such things about the Empire.

Those disgusting savages, the Empire was just, it represents everything that's good in this world. Just thinking about them made her blood boil.

And great, she's so angry, she forgotten she had stood up from this episode. The energy flowing in her mind now made it impossible for her to fall back asleep, GOD DAMN IT!

She would have slammed a fist on the wall beside her, but falled short as she recalled the slumbering companion right beside her bed.

She stared at her imperial arm slumbering peacefully, unaware of the built up rage increasing in Seryu's mind.

Her teeth were still grinding in her mouth, and her eyeballs dilated further.

God damn it, why can't she calm down!

She had a logical reason to explain this rumor, yet her feelings betrayed that.

God damn it!

GOD DAMN IT!

WHY WON'T THIS RAGE LEAVE HER!

"...the very essence of corruption is of itself criminal."

She grasped the hairs on her head, trying to quiet the rage.

"It would be a damned shame to let something like that fester within the government."

She squatted to the ground, the tightness of her teeth as her mind raced.

"I'm sure you checked it yourself, these rumors."

Her mind halted.

"Otherwise, it wouldn't be justice…"

…

God damn it…

How could she ignore something like this?

Even if it were false propaganda, it was such a bold claim to make.

My god, did she just think that? How could she?!

"Otherwise, it wouldn't be justice…"

But…surely…that can't be going on…right?

"…it wouldn't be justice…"

She knew Ogre more than anyone else. Surely this doesn't need to be delved further.

"…wouldn't be justice…"

But…she's an officer of the law. I-It's her duty…but…

"…be justice…"

'Oh my god…god damn it…Ogre…'

"…be justice…"

'Please Ogre…I'm so sorry…'

"…be justice…"

'Please don't take this personally…This is going to drive me crazy.'

"…be justice…"

'I have to…I can't believe it, but…'

JUSTICE

'I have to look into this.'

'I have to prove myself right.'

'I have to see this for myself.'

1:21 AM

The only way into the study was through his window, for she didn't want to alert the guards posted at this time. She recalled Ogre never allowing anyone, including herself, within his study. She never knew why, but she respected his wishes, to which prompted Ogre to place such a great amount of trust in her.

She never realized how trusted she was until this very moment, it made her feel horrible about the deed she was about to do. She remembered all the times he would help her improve her fighting skills, as well as intruding her to people whom would change her to become the most reliable and admirable officer in the Imperial Police. And despite his rough and cruel exterior, he placed so much attention towards her, like a father would to a daughter.

Having climbed up the steep building, she looked through the slight opening from Ogre's window curtains to see his dark, empty study. It looked rather nice, with luxurious carpentry and leather furniture, alongside a private bar and his wooden, antique desk. There she will likely find Ogre's private belongings.

She grasped the edges of his window, looking for a position her fingers can clamp on to carefully lift the window up.

She found it, and her search gave her too much time to think. She couldn't believe she was actually doing this. This has to be the worst thing she could ever do. In all her years as an Imperial Officer, she would never have expected herself to do something this heinous.

She felt no better than a criminal. It almost made her want to cry. Having to lower herself to such an extent.

But…she had to know…Or she'll go insane.

She slowly lifted the window, allowing the warm air from inside to escape.

Opened enough, she slowly shifted herself through it, grasping on to the windowsill to gently place her foot on the carpeted floor.

She shifted her weight and began moving her other foot inside, allowing her to bend her waist through the open window.

And she was inside.

…

She is really doing this…My god…

Her breath began to grow hoarse, and her hands trembled.

Why was she doing this…?

God damn her…

She carefully made her way to Ogre's desk.

**creeeeAAAAK**

She winced as she made her first step forward.

The carpeting hid the wooden floor underneath it.

And the door on the far side of the window muffled the shuffling she began to hear.

She covered her mouth and held her breath, staring intensely at the door as the shuffling slowly began to cease.

There were guards outside that door, probably two.

This is crazy, she shouldn't have come here.

Breaking Ogre's trust was now the least of her concerns.

But there was no turning back.

She took a deep breath, and moved her next leg forward.

**creeeeAAAAK**

The shuffling outside was not heard this time, but Seryu wasn't even halfway across.

**creeeeAAAAK**

She took another step, which prompted the shuffling outside again.

This time, she closed her eyes and tightened her fists.

…

She shuffling stopped.

She took a quiet breath, and stared at the distance from her to the desk.

She was almost there, and she didn't want to continue this any further.

She grit her teeth-

**creAK creAK creAK creAK creAK creAK creAK creAK creAK**

-And grasped the edge of Ogre's desk to lift herself slightly from the floor.

She closed her eyes and placed all her focus on her ears.

…

Nothing.

Holy shit.

Thank goodness her heart wasn't outside her body, she could hear it from inside her chest.

But here she was, in front of her mentor's desk. All his secrets and thoughts were probably kept here. She would have been excited to pry through his things if the context was different. Instead, she feared for the consequences of being found out.

She wiped the sweat from her forehead and pressed on.

At face value, there was nothing of worth. Just some basic papers and an empty glass that she assumed was filled with Ogre's favorite whiskey.

So far, nothing to prove or disprove anything. But she would be forced to change that.

She moved to the first drawer to the right, opening it as slowly and quietly as she could.

More papers, with some pens and ink. Nothing of worth, so she carefully closed the drawer.

The bottom right drawer was next. This time, she found something.

A journal, her mentor's private journal.

Her eyes widened. Everything that could be inside the mind of her mentor was probably inside this journal. His dreams, wishes, emotions, and beliefs, all written down here.

She looked up, not hearing any shuffling from outside, and came back to gently pick up the journal.

It was in rough shape, likely from years of use. He must have bought this during his time before he became a captain.

…

God damn it…this is going too far…

She cannot possibly think that this won't well.

She's about to read her mentor's journal for crying out loud!

But…GOD DAMN IT!

She forced herself to turn to his most recent entry.

The lineup today was poor. I cannot believe that this generation will one day take over responsibility of protecting the Empire. Cowards is what they are, if only we could find more outliers.

I haven't gotten any tips in a while, they mostly come in frequently, but it would appear they're dwindling by the day. Perhaps it's Night Raid's doing. Those assassins are becoming such a huge problem, but as long as they don't interfere with me, I should be alright.

Seryu Ubiquitous was acting strange today. She followed orders in silence, something even her fellow officers noticed. I'm not sure what prompted this, but I chose not to interfere. She's one of the most competent officers we have, and the most dedicated student I've mentored, so seeing her like that disturbed me. Perhaps I should have asked, but it's likely not my place to do so.

That last paragraph almost broke her. God damn it, it was bad enough that she broke into her mentors study, but now she was reading an entry that implied that he worried about her.

Ogre was not one to express his emotions to others, and it shows through his rough writing. But Seryu knew him more than anyone, she was always able to read in between the lines of the words he says. It signified how close they were.

She wanted to close the book and be done with this. There was no way someone like Ogre would do something like this. A rumor is a rumor, nothing more.

Yet…something was banging at the back of her head. She hated it, because she knew what it was.

It was her sense of justice going against her, against Ogre of all people. It made her sick to her stomach that she would be thinking in such a way towards someone she completely respected. But she had to be sure that the rumors are false, or else she would be going against her very beliefs.

Despite the best of her, she came back to the journal and red the entry again.

The second runaround revealed something…interesting.

The second paragraph…she didn't noticed it at first…

Tips…As in anonymous information from outside the Imperial Police.

Since when did Ogre get tips? She didn't know this at all.

But now that she thought about it, they've been arresting far more criminals than before. A lot of them even got the death penalty.

Why didn't Ogre tell her this? Could it be that he was hiding this from everyone?

Surely not, Seryu doesn't see anything wrong from getting outside help. If anything, it's admirable that people are coming out of the woodwork to assist in serving justice and making the Empire a better place.

Maybe this is something she just missed in a conference or something? Perhaps everyone knows this? She would have to pay more attention from here on out.

…

But…the rumor. This…kind of coincides…

No, come on! Now she was overthinking things.

Maybe the rumor stemmed from these interactions. Surely that must be the answer.

Yes…of course that's the answers.

…

But…just in case…let's be absolutely sure.

Maybe knowing who's the source of these tips would ease her mind.

It's likely just some citizen or…homeless man or something.

She scrolled through the pages of Ogre's journal, not noticing how easy it now is prying through his private thoughts.

Here! Three days ago. She found an entry that seemed to be bolder than the other entries. He likely wrote this part at the last minute.

Gamal came to my study today at his own accord. I don't understand how many times I've told him not to do so. Regardless, he gave me a tip on a man who raped a young woman in an alleyway. I could only pay him $1500, telling him that I'd have the rest by next week. That guy keeps busy, all the better for me.

Seryu's eyes widened by this. Surprising cannot even hope to comprehend how she's interpreting this entry.

These tips aren't coming from citizens…they're coming from information brokers! Ogre is paying them to give him information on criminals. That can't be legal! How could he do such a thing? It's beneath us to pay for such information, and Seryu knows this isn't something Ogre would do.

No…nonononono this isn't Ogre. This isn't Ogre at all.

Something's not right here. No criminal would dare to ask Captain Ogre for compensation of such lengths. Not even for information. This is wrong, this is very very wrong.

Maybe…maybe there's more to it. Maybe…maybe their…friends?

Yeah…I mean…there's no way…no way at all…

Her shaking hands moved through more pages, trying to decipher why Ogre would behave in such a way.

But the more she pressed on, the more damning his actions presented themselves, for Gamal wasn't the only information broker Ogre was interacting with.

Seryu's bottom jaw shook open, and more sweat began to poor down her face.

Who was writing these entries? This can't be Ogre's journal! Is this even his study?!

Why is he paying all these criminals?! And where the hell is he getting this money from?!

This is too much money, is this from his own pocket? Where did he get this money from?

She stopped.

This page…the very page she was looking at was from a couple of months ago.

I came to the brothel today; couldn't remember the last time I went. I met a man named Gamal; told me he was an oil merchant. He knew me by name, reminding me how my reputation preceded me. He said he could provide me information about criminals he hears about, in exchange for some cash. He suggested we meet in the brothel, which he comes to every day, but I told him that my study is better.

…

This can't be right.

Gamal is an oil merchant? But…that doesn't make any sense, how would an oil merchant know this information?

This contradicts everything. She flipped through the pages that recorded the interactions of all of the supposed information brokers Ogre interacted with.

"No…" Seryu whispered to herself, having finally used her voice throughout this break in, for the entries she skimmed further contradicted her initial beliefs.

These information brokers were indeed not information brokers. Many of them ran legitimate businesses, like a merchant of a fruit stand, or the front desk manager at a clothing shop. The rest were only described as nothing more than regular citizens.

Yet these people had the gall to ask for compensation from Captain Ogre. He would tear them apart before lowering himself to do such a thing.

Alright enough. This is going to far. Now she's really overthinking this.

I mean, this is Captain Ogre, the very man who taught her everything he knew. She knew him more than anyone.

Surely…surely he has a good reason for doing this.

Maybe she's reading too far into things.

'I mean come on,' Seryu thought, 'Captain Ogre taking bribes and killing innocent people, give me a break.'

She couldn't believe she was falling for such a ridiculous rumor.

And besides, even if that rumor were true, why on earth would Ogre write about it in a journal. Surely even the dumbest of criminals wouldn't do such a thing.

She decided to read the entry one more time, trying her best to read it at face value.

…

No…

No no no no no no NO!

God damn it, is she reading in between the lines again!

GOD DAMN IT, SHE CAN'T HELP IT!

Her heart pounded again, and the sweat appeared once more.

Her eyes began to shake, and her arms threatened to drop the book.

The sentence, the very last sentence of this entry scared her to her core.

"He suggested we meet in the brothel, which he comes to every day, but I told him that my study is better."

To an average person, this seems normal. But…the phrasing of that statement...

"He suggested we meet in the brothel, which he comes to every day, but I told him that my study is better."

"He suggested we meet in the brothel, which he comes to every day, but I told him that my study is better."

"He suggested…but I told him..."

The choice of words Ogre used; it didn't add up. As she read the passage again, the way the event was written wasn't implying what she expected from such an interaction.

"He suggested…but I told him..."

In fact, it implied the exact opposite.

"He suggested…but I told him..."

Oh my god.

She couldn't deny the implications of those two words.

"Suggested…Told."

Those two damned words that seemed so insignificant!

"Suggested…Told."

Yet their order…THEIR GOD DAMNED ORDER!

"Suggested…Told."

It implies that Captain Ogre was in a position of power.

Why would an oil merchant with valuable information willingly obey the orders of someone who was willing to pay him?! Gamal came to him for God sake, wouldn't it be the other way around?!

Unless…this information wasn't for the benefit of Ogre alone.

"…rumor has it that Captain Ogre's been framing innocent people for crimes someone else has committed."

No, Ogre would never do something so heinous.

"…Captain Ogre's been framing innocent people for crimes someone else has committed."

He's not accepting bribes; HE'S NOT ACCEPTING BRIBES!

"…Captain Ogre's been framing innocent people..."

THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE!

"…Captain Ogre's been killing innocent people..."

**KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK**

Seryu froze.

"Captain Ogre?" came a call from outside, "Is that you in there?"

Seryu covered her mouth, now realizing how loud her breathing was.

The doorknob began to jiggle as the key was inserted into the lock

Without a moment's notice, Seryu rushed and put the journal back into the opened desk.

The door unlocked just as Seryu closed the drawer.

"Sir?"

The soldier entered, revealing the empty room he didn't expect from all the noise.

Scratching his head, he walked further into the place.

"Anything?" said the second guard.

"The window's open," Seryu's eye's widened, "I think there's someone in here, stay on your guard!"

The second guard followed his order and grasped his weapon, following the other soldier in as well.

"Hello? Who's in here?" he said.

Underneath Ogre's desk, Seryu held her breath and closed her eyes, praying that she would not be spotted.

The soldier was walking towards the desk.

"I know I heard noises, show yourself!" said the first guard.

She could hear the soldiers taking out their weapons from their sides, treating her like some sort of criminal. God damn it, this is what she gets for breaking into Ogre's study. How stupid could she be. She might as well reveal herself now and be done with it.

The soldier was on the side of the desk.

"Alright, we know you're hiding underneath the desk," Seryu's heart dropped, "Show yourself, now!"

It was over.

Seryu let the tears flow down her cheek and prepared to leave the desk.

**THUD**

Until she heard something slam on the floor by the open window.

It alerted the Soldiers, as they noticed the curtains move.

"HALT!" he yelled, "SHOW YOURSELF!"

…

*kiru kiru*

A small puppy exited from behind the curtains, tears coming from his eyes, likely out of fear of the soldier's harsh voice.

"W-What the?" the second soldier said.

Seryu was shocked, Koro must have woken un in the middle of the night and followed her scent here.

"What on Earth...?" the first soldier said, "Your…that imperial arm I heard about. What are you doing here?"

Koro continued to whimper, still recovering from the harsh yelling he received.

"Oh for Pete Sake," the second soldier exclaimed, "Sorry…puppy…you can't be in here."

Koro began to calm down and noticed Seryu hiding in the desk.

She hurriedly told him to be quiet, furiously nodding her head no to prevent him from approaching her.

"Hm?" the second soldier said, noticing Koro shifting his focus, "What's wrong?"

Koro, listening to Seryu, sweat a bit.

*kiru*

He turned around and quickly jumped out of the open window.

…

"*sigh*, man these Imperial Arms get weirder and weirder," said the first guard.

"Honestly, at least it wasn't something too serious," said the second guard, who closed the window Koro left through.

Seryu refused to leave until she heard the door shut and the shuffling stop.

Once that happened, as the door closed with a click from the lock, Seryu carefully came out from underneath the desk, and moment's notice, reopened the window, climbed through, and closed it.

She landed on the stone ground and ran.

She ran like her life depended on it.

The trail of tears she left could be mistaken for a woman whose hear was broken, which wasn't far off the feelings Seryu felt.

She couldn't ignore this. Despite the very best of her she couldn't ignore this.

Yet, despite the analysis she went through, she still wanted to give Ogre, her mentor, the benefit of the doubt.

There was just no way.

It couldn't be…

She stopped running, finding herself in an alley all to herself.

And then she final collapsed to her knees.

The tears that fell were not of revelation, but of guilt for having come of such conclusions. She was lucky to have escaped, but now she was in too deep. She had to see this to the end.

*kiru kiru*

Koro was next to her, lifting his arms up to beg Seryu to carry him. Seryu obliged, holding him close to her chest as she shifted herself against the wall next to her.

*kiru?*

Her imperial arm looked at her worryingly.

"Oh Koro," Seryu said, "I…I've had horrible thoughts."

She grasped Koro slightly tigher for comfort.

*kiru kiru*

"I know what I did was illegal," she never imagined such words leaving her mouth, "But…I heard this rumor…and I couldn't help myself."

*kiru?*

"Yeah," she replied, "But…there's no way they're true…but…"

"…Captain Ogre's been framing innocent people..."

Her eyes dilated with every reminder of that damned rumor, and the tears refused to stop leaving her eyes. There's no way it can be true.

*kiru*

Koro began to whimper, worried for his master.

Seryu sniffed harshly, trying to block the tears and calm herself. There had to be an explanation, something she could come up with to justify this.

She refuses to accept that Ogre would do something so heinous.

Maybe she missed something, like an alibi or something.

But nothing came to her…except one thing.

She knew that this Gamal would be at the brothel, which opens during the evening.

The tears stopped running, and her eyes hardened once more. Seryu knew what she had to do.

She will find Gamal and interrogate him. Only then will she know the truth. The honest, absolute truth.

"Koro," she said, "I need to see someone tomorrow, at the brothel."

*kiru?*

"I know, it's not a place I'd like to go to…but I need to know something. It's the only thing that will ease my mind now," Seryu said, "Will you help me?"

Koro stared at her for a second.

*Kiru Kiru!*

And released an enthusiastic cry. Seryu should have expected this, her imperial arm held the upmost trust in her and only her.

She gave him a kiss on the forehead, causing him to blush slightly.

"Thank you," she said.

Breathing in, she went back to her apartment with a strict plan in mind.

Tomorrow, she will see this Gamal, and she will get everything out of him.

Even if she must torture the man.

The Next Day

7:46 PM

"Whew, that bathroom will never be the same," said a stubby, unsightly man walking down the dimly lit halls of the brothel, "Anyway, time to get back to living the dream~"

"Excuse me, sir."

He stopped and turned around to the feminine voice.

"Are you Gamal?"

The man raised his eyebrow, seeing an imperial police officer and…some dog in tow. But he didn't appear to be intimidated.

"Sorry missy, but the Imperial Police getup isn't my thing."

Her eyes twitched.

"Well maybe we should get to know each other then."

Without allowing another word to leave Gamal's mouth, Seryu grasped his throat and dragged him into a vacant room.

She tossed him to the side and closed the door.

"Koro!"

*KIRU*

A puff of smoke appeared, almost ingulfing the entire room. When the smoke cleared, it revealed a much larger sized dog, making his way to the door to block any form of exit and entry.

"Good boy."

Seryu shifted her gaze to Gamal, brandishing her Tonfa guns.

"W-What the hell is this?!" Gamal screamed in terror, "W-Who the hell are you?!"

"Seryu Ubiquitous," she answered, moving closer to the cowering oil merchant, "member of the Imperial Police. I have some questions that need answering."

Gamal paled at the crazed, angered expression she displayed to him.

"W-W-Wait!" he begged, "Listen, alright, I-I have money! I can-"

*POW*

Gamal's head whipped to the left from the brute strength of Seryu to his right cheek.

"I'm the one who talks," she grasped his bald head and applied force to keep it on the ground, "Who do you take me for you damned criminal!"

She lifted him and slammed him back to the ground with her Tonfa gun. He slightly bounced off the ground from such a strike.

"AAGH" Gamal cried in pain, feeling warm liquid leaving the top of is head.

Both Tonfa Guns were pointed right at him.

"If you don't answer my questions honestly, I'll END YOU!" Seryu order with crazed eyes.

Gamal sat silently horrified.

"Do you know Captain Ogre?"

Gamal's eyes widened.

"W-What?"

*POW*

"AARG" Gamal's head found itself on the floor again.

"ANSWER!"

"Y-Yes! Yes I do!"

"Where were you three days ago?!"

"I-I was here!"

"ARE YOU LYING TO ME?!" Seryu lifted her Tonfa.

"NONONO, I SWEAR TO GOD I'M NOT!"

Gamal looked at her, likely terrified of another hit from her weapons.

It occurred to Seryu that this approach likely isn't going to help. She was going to bring more attention to herself, as much as she wants to torture them man.

The usual line of questioning during her usual interrogations aren't going to work. His answers would be far too ambiguous to allow for something conclusive to be revealed. Her teeth tightened at this revelation.

But…she could use that.

A bluff that could end this.

She didn't know what would come from it, but God damn it she had to know.

If anything, she could make it up to the cowering man. The only price would be her revealed stupidity, something she was begging to be the case.

She took a deep breath and spoke.

"Ogre want's the rest of his money, Now."

…

"What?!" Gamal said, "That's what all this is about! God damn it, please! He gave me a week; I still have four days left."

He scurried to the corner.

"Please, I'll pay him double! I even have more people for him to frame, I'll pay whatever he asks!"

…

"No."

She backed away from him.

"No."

She dropped her weapons.

"No no no no no no no no no NO NO!"

The her eyes dilated, and a flow of tears left her eyes.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Gamal looked on, horrified from the dreaded scream.

"W-WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME?!" he begged.

Seryu stopped screamed and looked at Gamal with an expression he couldn't comprehend.

She grasped his throat again, pinning him on the wall.

"Did you bribe Ogre?!" Seryu asked, enraged, "Did you frame an innocent man a crime that got him killed?!"

Tears began to leave Gamal's eyes.

"ANSWER MEEEEEEEEE!"

"Y-YESSS!" Gamal cried out.

Seryu's eyes widened.

"NO!"

She squeezed tighter.

"YOUR LYING TO ME! I KNOW YOUR LYING TO ME!"

"I'M NOT LYING TO YOU!" Gamal said, crying like a damned infant, "I SWEAR I'M NOT, I'LL GIVE HIM HIS MONEY-I PROMISE!"

"YES YOU AAAARE!"

"OH MY GOD-DON'T KILL ME, PLEEEEEEAAAAAAASE!"

Gamal cried harder than any baby that has ever existed, causing Seryu to release him from her grip.

He driveled into tears, and so did she.

Her mentor, the man she saw as a father, the man who trained her to be who she is today. Her role model, her symbol of justice, her everything!

Corrupt.

"THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE!"

Her mind began to tear, her head beat as fast as her heart, and her eyes crazed and betrayed.

She grasped the hair on her head.

"OH MY FUCKING GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!"

She fell to her knees, the revelation too much for her to bear.

And she screamed.

She screamed bloody murder.

Koro watched his master horrified, while Gamal watched frozen in fear.

She slammed her head on the ground again and again, yet her blood curled scream continued.

She slammed her head again and again and again.

Until finally, the screaming stopped. She stopped slamming her head and she slowly got up.

Blood was slowly escaping Seryu's nose and forehead, and Gamal saw the unadulterated rage in her eyes.

"W-Wait a minute," Gamal said, "L-Let's talk about this."

Seryu grabbed her fallen Tonfa Guns.

"Hold on, please!"

She drew close to him, her teeth clenched tightly enough to break.

"Please, I'm sorry! I'm really sorry!"

She was right in front of him, revealing the foam escaping from the sides of her mouth.

"I'M BEGGING YOU! DON'T KILL ME! DON'T-"

*POW*

A hard hit from the metal Tonfa smacked his head, sending him to the center of the wall he cornered himself in.

Seryu walked over to the man, towering over him.

*POW*

And hit him again.

And again.

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AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN.

…

Seryu staired at the red stain on the ground.

The chunks of smashed flesh and brain leaked across the surface.

There was nothing left.

Nothing to hit.

Nothing to kill.

"Koro," she said weakly, prompting the Imperial Arm to shrink back in size.

She had to wash off the blood, there was a lot of it.

She exited the room, without picking up Koro.

She saw the crowd that gathered, looking at her horrified.

But she didn't care, even as they screamed in terror.

She took herself to the bathroom.

No one dared block her bath.

She washed the blood as best she could, but it would seem some of it would stain her clothes.

It would take more than soap and water to wash it off.

She didn't spend a long enough time in the bathroom, only opting to clean enough blood to not draw too much attention.

She left the bathroom, the halls emptier than before.

She must have scared all of them off.

She didn't care.

She had to leave.

She had to see him.

She had to see Captain Ogre.

8:43 PM

"Aaaah~"

Captain Ogre sighed a breath of satisfaction, having left his favorite bar to continue his day off plans.

"Nothing like finishing off a long day of torture than knocking back a cold one."

It really was worth the trouble in the end. He still has plenty of money to spend thanks to Gamal, so he began to ponder where he could splurge next.

"Captain..."

The Captain stopped, recognizing the weak call from behind him.

He turned around to see if his assumption was correct.

"Aaah, Seryu!" he said, pleased to see her, "I almost didn't recognize your voice, and I see you brought Koro, you come to say hi?"

"…"

Ogre's pleased expression slowly morphed into concerned curiosity as he saw Seryu begin to shake uncontrollably.

"Seryu, what's wrong? Did something happen?"

Tears began to flow down her eyes, confirming something had indeed happened to his student.

"Seryu, my god, what on Earth happen?"

"Captain," she said, her voice cracking with each syllable, "Could we…talk somewhere more…private?"

Ogre blinked at that request. This wasn't something he would normally do, and he sure as hell didn't expect Seryu to ask such an odd request. But he supposed, since it was Seryu, he would oblige.

"Well, alright I guess. But just so you know, you gonna have hell to pay during training, you're taking minutes away from my precious day off."

It was a joke, surely it would cheer her up.

It only caused Seryu to shake and tear up even more.

"J-Just…please…follow me."

…

This was not normal. Something happened to her. Normally Ogre would not worry about anyone under him, but Seryu was different. She was always enthusiastic, so eager to learn, and so obedient to him and the Imperial Police. It was almost like having a daughter, a daughter that can see no wrong.

He would have to see what the fuss was about.

"Alright, lead the way."

They were at the outskirts of main street. It was dark and isolated. If he were any wiser, then this would have been the proper place for an assassin to kill him. Thankfully, he was with Seryu, so he couldn't possibly know why she brought him here.

"Alright Seryu, you brought me here," Ogre said, "Now will you tell me what's wrong?"

"…"

Seryu began to tear up again.

Ogre wanted to roll his eyes. Typical Seryu, so emotional, yet that was her greatest trait in his eyes.

"C'mon Seryu," Ogre said, "I'm your mentor, you can tell me anything."

"…"

"I know something happened Seryu, can you please tell me."

"…"

She stood there, which sort of made him worried.

"Seryu, c'mon, I don't have all day," he said, "I at least want to enjoy the rest of my night before I go back to work tomorrow."

Seryu lifted her head, her eyes flowing with tears.

"Seryu…" Ogre said, still worried for his student, "Please, tell me what's wrong."

"…"

"Seryu, please," Ogre said, "I promise I won't-"

"Gamal's dead."

…

"A-Ah…"

Ogre was speechless.

"I killed him, beat him until there was nothing left."

Ogre blinked.

"I-I'm sorry?"

"He won't be giving you the rest of the money he owes you…"

His eyes widen.

Oh my god.

How?

"Seryu," Ogre's voice grew lower, "What are you talking about?"

"You know damn well what I'm talking about!" Seryu raised her voice.

Ogre could see the tears continue to flow down her cheek. But he was more focused on his increased heart rate.

"Seryu," he said, as calmly as can be, "What ever he said, he was lying to you."

She widened her eyes, the tears still flowing.

How did she know.

How did she figure it out.

He was careful.

He was thorough.

But how?

How the hell did Seryu, of all people, figure it out?!

"Seryu," he drew closer to her, "Please, listen to me."

She took a step back.

Ogre didn't know how this happened.

Of all people too.

God damn it, why her?!

Why Seryu?!

"Gamal was lying to you."

He drew closer.

"Whatever he said, it was a lie."

He needed to get closer to her.

"I swear, I didn't do anything he said."

He began to slowly reach for his sword, trying to be as discreet as possible.

"Please, you believe me, right?"

He was right in front of her, close enough to attack.

He gripped the sword tightly.

"I want to believe you Captain."

Ogre paused.

"I really do," she said, "But…"

Ogre waited for a response.

"What you're doing…The way you're approaching me…You taught me that to kill my enemies by surprise."

Ogre's eyes widened. He swung his sword overhead.

*BANG*

But a sharp, horrible pain developed in his stomach, causing him to miss Seryu by mere inches.

His sword burrowed next to her within the pavement.

He stood frozen, feeling the pain in his abdomen grow worse, and looked down to see the smoking end of Seryu's Tonfa Gun, which began to hold droplets of Seryu's tears.

"S-Seryu!"

Ogre dropped to the ground, grasping his abdomen.

"W-Why?! Why would you-?!"

"SHUT UP!"

Ogre watched the girl lose it.

"YOU SON OF A BITCH!" Seryu yelled, "WE WE'RE SUPPOSE TO REPRESENT JUSTICE! YOU TAUGHT ME TO PROTECT PEOPLE! WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS?!"

"SERYU! HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME?!"

"I RESPECTED YOU, YOU WERE MY ROLE MODEL!"

"GOD DAMN YOU SERYU!" Ogre yelled, "I TRUSTED YOU!"

"SO DID I!" she screamed, "WHY?! WHY DID YOU ACCEPT THOSE BRIBES! WHY DID YOU KILL INNOCENT LIVES?!"

"BECAUSE THEIR LIVES ARE FORFEIT GOD DAMN IT!"

Seryu stopped.

"PEOPLE ALL OVER THE CAPITAL ARE DYING! I DON'T KNOW HOW YOU DON'T SEE THAT! THERE'S PEOPLE STARVING IN THE STREETS! THERE'S OFFICERS TORTURING THE INNOCENT! THERE'S PSYCHO'S RAPING WOMEN AND CHILDREN AS WE SPEAK!"

Seryu looked in horror.

"THIS PLACE, THIS EMPIRE, IT'S TEARING ITSELF APPART! THERE IS NO JUSTICE! THERE IS NO HOPE! AND THERE IS NO FUTURE ANYMORE! AND PEOPLE ARE DYING EVERY DAY! SO WHO GIVES A DAMN IF I KILL A COUPLE OF MORE PEOPLE! WHO THE FUCK CARES!"

Her eyes began to shake.

"Y-YOUR LYING TO ME!" she screamed.

"TO HELL WITH YOU SERYU, YOU'RE JUST AS CRAZY AS EVERYONE ELSE HERE!"

She stopped.

"YOU'RE ONE OF THEM! I'M ONE OF THEM! WE'RE ALL ONE OF THEM! YOU THINK YOU REPRESENT JUSTICE! YOU'RE JUST AS PSYCHOTIC AS THE CRIMINALS YOU THINK-!"

*BANG*

Ogre stopped, feeling a newfound pain in his shoulder. He watched Seryu, enraged, lift up her other gun.

"SHUT UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUP!"

*RATATATATATATATATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATAATATATATATATATA-*click* *click* *click* *click* *click* *click* *click* *click* *click* *click* *click* *click* *click* *click**click* *click* *click* *click* *click* *click* *click**click* *click* *click* *click* *click* *click* *click**click* *click* *click* *click* *click* *click* *click**click* *click* *click* *click* *click* *click* *click* *click* *click*

…

*COUGH*

Blood.

Blood left his mouth.

He couldn't breath.

He could talk.

He didn't feel any pain.

He stared at her, his precious student.

The tears flowed down her face, probably realizing what she did.

But it was too late.

To think he'd been done by someone he trusted the most.

Someone he would least expect to do something like this.

Someone…perhaps…he loved the most.

Maybe this was an omen.

Maybe this was fate.

Or maybe this is just a cruel irony.

He could help but smile.

The universe surely has a dark sense of humor.

He had no choice but to accept his destiny.

Darkness began to fill his vision.

His arm gave way, allowing him to collapse on the ground.

It's over.

It's all over.

Goodbye, Seryu.

And good luck…

*k-kiru?*

Seryu did not respond to Koro's worried pleas.

She stood frozen, watching as the man he respected, trained with, and was close to the most, lying dead by her own hands.

Was this justice?

No.

This wasn't her justice.

This wasn't what she wanted.

How did it come to this?

When did it start?

It was just a rumor.

That's all it was.

How did it escalate to this?

Why did she do this?

Why?

WHY?

WHY!?

She grasped her head.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

And finally, after all the horror she endured, the actions she committed, and the active disregard for everything she believed was right in the world, her legs grew weak.

She found herself leaning forward towards her mentor.

And she fainted.

…

"Holy crap…" said Leone, "What the hell just happened?"

"She's obviously insane," said Akame, "And it appears she killed our targets for us."

"Hey, lil' bro?" Leone asked, "Did you…did you have anything to do with this?"

"Not directly," Tatsumi answered, "I merely took a chance, and this is the result."

Leone and Akame looked at him, and then back to the young lady who just killed his mentor, having seen everything.

"You're lying," Akame accused.

"I was there with you," Leone claimed, "There's no way you could have caused all of this with one interaction."

"You would be surprised how malleable a person can be," said Tatsumi, "Especially if they are as broken as her."

Tatsumi faced them.

"Miss Seryu Ubiquitous takes her job very seriously, to the point of obsession. Yet, as Leone appropriately discovered as well, she was obviously insane and violent. It completely contradicted her sense of justice, which should promote peace. So after pushing some buttons I came to the logical conclusion in regards to her psyche."

"Which is?" asked Akame, wondering where this was going.

"Her sense of justice is flawed, which should go without saying, but at first I had a hard time comprehending how. She clearly makes for a competent officer, but her methods are far too violent for someone whose job is to uphold the peace. Her sense of justice was clearly missing something. Or rather, a major component in her sense of justice was corrupted.

"My interrogation of her, and testing her admiration for the Empire, led me to the conclusion I was looking for. It led me to the component that was corrupted. An important component that differentiated the violent vigilante to the lawful detective."

He looked back at Seryu, who was still on the ground motionless.

"Seryu was missing the desire for the truth. Or, more appropriately, her desire for the truth was corrupted by her unconditional love for the Empire. It became her truth, and anything that went against her truth was a criminal in her eyes. That's why she became enraged by the 'rumor' I fed into her, and why my manipulation of her sense of justice led her to here."

Leone was speechless, still processing the complexity of what he had just caused.

Akame's eyes have never been wider, completely understanding the analysis on the girl's psyche.

"You…You developed her desire for the truth."

"No, Akame," Tatsumi corrected, "I only fixed it."

Akame stared at him, horrified by this revelation.

This was too much.

This was too crazy.

This was too complex.

Can this really be called an assassination?

Akame kept looking at Tatsumi, whose face remained just as unmoving as usually. It never ceased to unnerve her.

She knew very little about him, and she predicted that would be the case for quite some time. But there was something she indeed knew. A horrible feeling her instincts finally began to give off from him.

Tatsumi…whoever this boy might be...

He's dangerous.

He is very, very dangerous.