The night air was heavy with tension as Night Raid gathered in their hideout. The flickering candlelight cast elongated shadows on the walls, giving an eerie ambiance to the debriefing. The air was thick with the scent of wax and old wood, the quiet crackling of the flames the only sound before the conversation began. Tatsumi and Mine stood at the center, the weight of their recent battle still clinging to them. Mine's wounds had been treated, the bandages hidden beneath her clothing, but the exhaustion in her eyes spoke volumes of the ordeal they had endured. The pain was more than physical—it was the burden of what they had seen, what they had learned, and what they had chosen to withhold.

Najenda leaned forward, fingers interlocked as she studied the pair. "Tell us everything. What happened out there?"

Tatsumi exhaled, steadying himself. "We ran into Seryu. She... she's still as unhinged as ever. The moment she saw us, she attacked without hesitation. That woman is completely lost in her own twisted sense of justice. It's worse than before. The way she fought, the way she talked—she's not just trying to kill enemies. She's trying to annihilate them. If it wasn't for the REDs stepping in, we might not have made it out."

Leone frowned, her golden eyes narrowing. "The REDs? They saved you?"

Mine crossed her arms, nodding. "Yeah. I was injured—badly. If they hadn't taken us in, I don't know if I'd still be standing here right now. They had a doctor, a real one, not just some battlefield patchwork medic. Their methods are strange, but effective."

Najenda's gaze sharpened. "And their headquarters? What did you find?"

Tatsumi hesitated briefly before continuing, carefully choosing his words. "They've established a full base. Not some temporary hideout—an actual stronghold. And it's not just some hastily put-together camp; it's fortified, organized, and self-sufficient. The entire place is built to sustain a prolonged war effort. They have supplies stockpiled, defensive emplacements set up, and outposts beyond their main base to act as early warning systems. They're methodical, yet unpredictable."

He took a breath before going further. "Their weapons… they have things I've never seen before. Firearms unlike the Empire's, able to shoot rapidly without needing to be reloaded as often. Explosives that can level entire sections of buildings in an instant. Machines that look like something out of a nightmare, designed for destruction on a scale I can't even begin to compare to what we use. And the people... they're hardened soldiers, but they're also different. They act casual, almost like a group of misfits who shouldn't function as a unit, but somehow, they do. It's structured chaos. They have discipline, but it's mixed with an unpredictability that makes them even more dangerous. They fight on instinct, but that instinct is sharpened to a razor's edge."

Night Raid absorbed his words with varied expressions. Leone leaned forward, her usual grin absent, replaced by a look of wary intrigue. "You're telling me they fight like a bunch of lunatics but still manage to keep it together? That's not just dangerous—that's terrifying."

Najenda's expression darkened, her fingers tightening on her chair. "If they can rival the Empire's might, then they could easily become a deciding factor in this war. But whether they'll help us or stand in our way is still uncertain."

Lubbock frowned. "And their leadership? Who's calling the shots? Are they united, or are they just barely keeping from tearing each other apart?"

Tatsumi shook his head. "They have leaders, but it's… different. It's not like how the Empire operates, with a strict chain of command. They respect strength, but they also value experience. Some of them don't take orders unless they personally agree with the plan. But somehow, despite all that, they function. And when they fight, it's like they're a single force, completely in sync."

Akame finally spoke, her voice quiet but pointed. "If they're that powerful, then we need to figure out their end goal. If they turn on us, we won't be able to fight both them and the Empire."

Tatsumi nodded grimly. "That's what worries me the most. If they choose to stand against the Empire, they could turn the tide of this war. But if they have their own agenda, one that doesn't align with ours, then we might be facing a threat even greater than the Empire itself."

Lubbock whistled lowly, running a hand through his hair as he leaned back against the wall. "So they're the real deal. A third force. Not just some band of mercenaries or outlaws trying to carve out a corner for themselves, but an actual power that can tip the scales. That means we're not just dealing with the Empire anymore. We've got another faction moving pieces on the board, and we have no idea what their next move will be."

Najenda leaned back, deep in thought. "And their intentions? Did they say what they want? Are they against the Empire? Do they want to overthrow it?" Her voice was measured, but there was a sharpness to it, a need to understand whether this new faction was a potential ally or another obstacle.

Tatsumi shook his head. "They weren't exactly open about their long-term plans, but... they don't seem to have any loyalty to the Empire. If anything, they act on their own accord, following their own objectives. But that's what worries me. If they're not bound by loyalty or a greater cause, then what's driving them? Money? Survival? Something else?"

Akame's expression remained unreadable. "Then they could be allies or enemies. We don't know yet."

The uncertainty hung heavy in the air. This wasn't a simple matter of gathering information—this was an entirely new power entering the already fragile war. Night Raid had always worked under the assumption that there were two sides: the Empire and the rebellion. But now, with the REDs, that simple dichotomy was shattered.

Mine shifted uncomfortably, exchanging a glance with Tatsumi. Neither of them mentioned Sheele or Bulat. The words felt heavy on their tongues, but something held them back—an unspoken understanding that the time wasn't right. Night Raid had lost those two long ago. Revealing their survival, especially under such strange circumstances, would only complicate things further. Sheele wasn't the same as she had been before. Bulat... well, they hadn't even gotten a chance to speak with him properly. What if Night Raid didn't see them as allies anymore? What if bringing them back only deepened the rift between them all?

Najenda's eyes lingered on Tatsumi, as if sensing the hesitation in his voice. Still, she said nothing of it. Instead, she exhaled and closed her eyes briefly, her mind already processing the implications. She knew there was more to the story. She also knew that Tatsumi wouldn't lie—at least, not without good reason. Whatever he was holding back, it wasn't out of malice. She'd have to keep a close watch on him.

"The REDs are becoming more than just a wildcard," she murmured. "They're an emerging power. One that could change the course of this war."

Silence fell over the group as the realization settled in. Whatever came next, one thing was certain—the battlefield was shifting, and the lines between friend and foe were becoming blurrier than ever.


The gathered forces of the RED Team and their allies stood around a worn-out wooden table, a rough map of the region spread out before them. The dim glow of lanterns illuminated the tent, casting long shadows on the canvas walls. Outside, the sound of sharpening blades and the distant laughter of mercenaries preparing for war filled the air. Spy rested against a post, arms crossed, his ever-watchful eyes scanning the group, while Soldier leaned over the map, his finger jabbing at their target—Shisuikan Fortress.

"Gentlemen, we have ourselves a prize worth taking!" Soldier boomed, his voice filled with uncontainable enthusiasm. "The Empire sits fat and lazy inside that fortress, thinking they're untouchable! But we, my friends, are about to teach them the art of war!"

Sniper exhaled, adjusting his hat as he studied the map. "Doubt they'll give it up without a fight, mate. Place is well-fortified. High walls, decent garrison, and supply lines still intact. If we rush in like a bunch of lunatics, we'll be painting the walls red in the wrong way."

"Bah!" Soldier waved a dismissive hand. "We've taken worse odds! Remember Gravel Pit? Badwater Basin?" He slammed a fist against his chest. "We have defied logic and reason before, and we will do so again!"

Demoman grinned, taking a swig from his flask, the burn of the drink fueling his excitement. "Aye, and we've got the firepower to make those walls sing. Question is—how do we crack it without getting turned into bloody mincemeat?"

Spy finally spoke, his voice calm yet sharp, slicing through the noise like a blade. "A direct assault would be foolish. Zey expect rebels to attack ze walls. We do not give zem what zey expect. We make zem believe ze fortress is still safe—until it is too late."

Heavy rumbled in agreement, his deep voice carrying weight like a hammer. "We starve them. Cut supply lines. Force them to make mistake. Then... we crush them."

Engineer, who had been silently studying the map, tapped a marked route with his wrench. "There's an old service tunnel leadin' near the south entrance. It's collapsed, but with some work, we could open it up—give ourselves a back door. Could be our best way in without raising alarms."

Spy steepled his fingers. "If we can infiltrate unnoticed, we turn ze fortress against zem. Once inside, we open ze gates from within, and zat is when ze real battle begins."

Medic grinned, clasping his hands together, his eyes gleaming with manic excitement. "Oh, I do love ze element of surprise. So much... potential!" His fingers twitched slightly, as if already envisioning the carnage that would unfold.

Scout leaned back in his chair, arms behind his head, smirking. "So what? We sneak in, let the big guys cause a ruckus, and then take the place from the inside? Sounds like my kinda plan."

Sheele, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke. "That sounds like a solid plan, but we should be careful about the fortress commanders. If they sense something is wrong, they might lock down the whole place before we can act."

Bulat nodded in agreement, his expression serious. "She's right. I've been inside Shisuikan Fortress before. The defenses are tight, but there are weak spots. The biggest threat isn't the walls—it's how quickly reinforcements can be called in. If we don't cut their communications, we'll have the whole Imperial Army on us before we secure the place."

Pyro, who had been eerily silent the entire time, let out a muffled giggle, clapping their hands together in excitement. Though no one could understand their words, the message was clear—Pyro was more than ready to set things ablaze.

Sniper rolled his shoulders. "Then there's the question of how long we hold the place. We takin' this for keeps, or just usin' it to mess with the Empire?"

Spy exchanged glances with Engineer and Heavy before speaking. "We hold it. It is a strategic position. A place zat gives us leverage. Ze Empire will not take it back easily."

Engineer nodded. "We could fortify it, set up traps, turrets, the works. If we get in, I say we make it a nightmare for anyone tryin' to take it back."

Soldier slammed a fist onto the table once more, shaking the lanterns. "Then it's settled! We prepare for battle! By this time next week, Shisuikan Fortress will belong to us!" He turned, looking at each of them with unshakable determination. "Men, it's time to show these Imperials what real warriors look like!"

Bulat folded his arms, looking toward the others with a firm nod. "I'll guide you through its structure, but this is no small task. Once we take it, we'll need to hold it against counterattacks. Be ready for an extended fight."

Sheele, gripping her weapon, added in a quiet but determined tone, "Then we make sure they never get the chance to push us out."

Spy took a long drag from his cigarette before exhaling slowly. "Zen it is decided. Ze Empire will soon learn zat zey are not ze only ones who can play ze long game. We shall prepare... and when ze moment is right, we strike."

With the plan solidified, the mercenaries and their allies dispersed to make the necessary preparations, their minds set on the battle ahead. However, before they could begin the assault, Spy had one final suggestion.

"Before we strike, we make zem bleed first. We cannot allow zem to be at full strength when ze battle begins. A direct siege is a fool's errand. Zis is not some simple skirmish. If we wish to take Shisuikan Fortress, we must ensure ze Imperials are looking elsewhere." His fingers tapped against the map, tracing the outline of Aria's mansion. "We make zem believe zat our stronghold remains here. We let zem prepare zeir forces, send zem in droves to attack a phantom army. And when ze time comes, zey will find only shadows."

"Classic misdirection," Engineer mused, rubbing his chin. "I like it. But if we're gonna sell this lie, we gotta make it real convincing."

"Aye," Demoman grinned, already thinking of ways to rig the mansion. "A few well-placed charges, some good ol' fashioned explosive fireworks. Let 'em think they're hittin' pay dirt before it all goes boom!"

Soldier slammed his fist on the table. "Deception is the weapon of cowards!" He paused, eyes gleaming. "That said, if it means leading those boot-licking Imperials to their doom, I APPROVE!"

"We'll need to scatter some of our forces around the mansion," Sniper added, adjusting his hat. "Patrols, fake movement patterns. Make it look lived in, just enough to keep 'em guessing."

Heavy nodded, arms crossed. "We should leave false supplies. Empty crates, some fake rations. If they think we still live there, they will not suspect trick."

Sheele, listening quietly, tilted her head. "It's strange, isn't it? Fighting without really fighting. I guess… it's a good thing if it means fewer people get hurt."

Bulat smirked. "It's war, Sheele. Even tricks like these save lives in the long run. And if this works, we get to hit them where it hurts—while they're chasing ghosts."

Spy nodded approvingly. "Zat is exactly ze point. We let zem believe zey have ze upper hand, only for zem to realize too late zey have wasted zheir forces."

Medic clasped his hands together, grinning. "Ah, ja, psychological warfare! Breaking ze enemy before zey even fight! A most exquisite form of control!"

Scout, sitting back with his feet up on the table, smirked. "Alright, so we lead 'em on a wild goose chase. What happens when they figure it out?"

"By zhen," Spy said, lighting a cigarette, "we will have already taken what we need. And zey? Zey will be too spent to stop us."

The room remained silent for a moment, the weight of the plan settling in. Then, Engineer spoke up again, tapping a different section of the map. "If we're gonna pull this off, we'll need to lay down a proper trail for 'em. Leave just enough evidence for 'em to think they're onto somethin'."

"Which means," Sniper added, "we gotta make sure they see what we want 'em to see. No more, no less. If it's too obvious, they'll get suspicious."

Spy nodded, exhaling a stream of smoke. "Exactly. A few strategically 'lost' documents, some intercepted messages… perhaps even a fabricated deserter spreading rumors."

Sheele blinked. "A deserter?"

"Someone ze Imperials will believe," Spy clarified. "A poor soul who thinks zey have escaped our grasp, carrying whispers zat lead ze enemy straight into our trap."

Demoman chuckled, shaking his head. "Damn, mate, you really know how to play dirty."

"Zis is war, mon ami. One does what one must."

Bulat crossed his arms. "And once the Imperials take the bait, we move on Shisuikan?"

"Oui," Spy confirmed. "By ze time zey realize zeir mistake, zey will be stretched too thin. And we? We will already be in control of ze fortress."

Heavy grinned, the weight of the plan resonating with him. "Then we crush them."

Soldier let out a loud laugh, pounding the table. "Hah! A brilliant maneuver! We let them charge blindly into the abyss, and when they realize their folly—it will be too late!"

Medic chuckled darkly. "Oh, I cannot wait to see ze despair on zeir faces. Ze psychological break is always ze most fascinating."

Scout stretched his arms, still grinning. "Sounds like a hell of a show. Hope they put up a good one before they go down."

Spy looked around at the gathered group, satisfied with their resolve. "Zen it is settled. We begin ze deception immediately. Zey will believe zey are closing in on us. But in truth… we are closing in on zem."