The Ice Queen and The Dark Prince

Kill The Strongest

"Do drug dealers ever stop?" Minatiro muttered to himself, perched high on a rooftop as he scanned the scene below. The brothel beneath him was well-guarded, with soldiers patrolling its perimeter, but Minatiro knew they were nothing compared to what Night Raid was capable of. His eyes narrowed as he caught sight of Leone and Tatsumi, creeping in the shadows, preparing for their next strike.

His lips curved into a sly grin. "Let's see what they're up to."

Without a sound, he leapt from the rooftop, moving with the grace of a shadow. He landed silently behind Leone and Tatsumi just as they were about to make their move on the drug lord inside. The two assassins didn't even notice him until he spoke.

"Well, this looks like fun," Minatiro said, his voice low but casual, causing both of them to spin around in alarm.

Tatsumi instinctively reached for his sword, his heart pounding. "M-Minatiro?!"

Leone's eyes narrowed, her stance shifting into a defensive position. "What are you doing here? Came for a fight?"

Minatiro raised his hands in mock surrender, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Relax. I'm not here to fight you."

Leone didn't lower her guard, eyeing him warily. "Then what are you doing sneaking up on us like that?"

Minatiro shrugged. "I have a vendetta against Akame, not the rest of Night Raid. I'm just here to observe." His eyes flickered toward Leone for a moment, and he let out an appreciative whistle. "Though, I must say, you're looking stunning tonight."

Leone raised an eyebrow, slightly caught off guard by the compliment. "Flattery won't get you far, Minatiro."

He chuckled. "Maybe, but I'm just being honest."

Turning his attention to Tatsumi, Minatiro gave him a light pat on the shoulder. "You're a lucky man, Tatsumi. If I were you, I wouldn't mess this up."

Tatsumi's face went beet red, stammering. "W-What?! I-It's not like that!"

Leone shot him a teasing grin, but quickly refocused, glancing toward the brothel. "Well, if you're not here to fight us, what's your plan? This drug lord isn't going to wait around for us to have a chat."

Minatiro's smirk faded, his eyes narrowing as he turned toward the building. "I'm here for the same reason you are. These lowlifes have been poisoning the city with their filth for too long. I don't mind getting my hands dirty."

Leone exchanged a glance with Tatsumi before nodding. "Alright then. But don't get in our way."

"Wouldn't dream of it," Minatiro replied, his tone light but with an edge of seriousness.

The three assassins moved silently through the night, creeping closer to the brothel. The soft glow of lanterns illuminated the building's front, casting long shadows across the street. Minatiro walked just behind Leone and Tatsumi, keeping his breathing steady as he took in the surroundings.

Leone glanced over her shoulder briefly. "Stick close. We've got eyes everywhere."

Minatiro's smirk returned, his hand hovering over the broken spearhead-shaped dagger on his belt. "Don't worry about me. I've done this before."

Leone gave him a nod and motioned for Tatsumi to follow her as they closed in on one of the side entrances. Leone's hands shifted into her beast-like form as she easily ripped the lock off the door, allowing them access. Inside, the muffled sounds of laughter and conversation drifted down the hallway.

"Stay sharp," Leone whispered, her yellow eyes scanning the dim corridor. "This guy has his elite guards stationed near his office. Once we get past them, we'll have a clean shot at him."