𝐊𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐬 || [𝐀𝐤𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐠𝐚 𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐥! 𝐱 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫]

ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ᴛᴡᴇɴᴛʏ (2/3)

"I've got it," Leone said as she waltzed into the Night Raid headquarters, while juggling around the bag of gold. "(F/N) wasn't lying when he said we'd have an informer."

"That's good to hear," Najenda rubbed her chin in approval. "So, who's the target?"

"It's Captain Ogre, just as the telegram said," Leone confirmed. "And the reason (F/N) keeps warning us about this Seryu person is because she's Ogre's apprentice."

"So he's worried that she's going to come back to exact revenge on us once we kill Ogre?"

"That's plausible."

"Far-fetched, but okay," Lubbock commented. "So now what? Do we carry out the assassination tonight?"

"Strike the iron while its hot," Akame said, and she expertly unsheathed Murasame. "We must kill him tonight."

"Don't be hasty, Akame. You might want to sit down and think about this a little," Bulat replied. "As far as I know, Captain Ogre is not an easy opponent. It will be beneficial if we chalk out a little plan."

"He's out there, murdering innocent people while we waste our time chalking out a plan, Bulat," Akame muttered. "I can't sit back and let that happen."

"I agree with Akame," Tatsumi joined in. "Besides, I haven't been involved in any of Night Raid's real work till now, right? Let me prove my loyalty tonight."

"We don't question your loyalty, Tatsumi. We question your skills," Sheele said bluntly, without mincing her words. "Ogre is a high ranking official from the Imperial Faction, and his swordplay is no joke. The people in the town fear him to such an extent, that he's known as 'The Demon' around those areas. Do you have what it takes to duel with someone of his calibre?"

"Well, you'll never know if you don't let me," Tatsumi said defiantly. "I'll prove my worth. Besides, you guys will be there to support me if something goes wrong, right? I trust you guys."

"Not all of us, but yes," Najenda piped up. "Akame will be there with you tonight, since she mapped out the area yesterday. She's well acquainted with the terrain. Consider this your first assassination contract, Tatsumi. The fate of a lot of people are hanging on this. Good luck."

"You can count on him, Boss," Akame replied. "Besides, in the off-chance that he screws up, I will be there to cover for him."

"Ugh, you guys could trust me a little more than that..." Tatsumi grumbled, and the other Night Raid members simply chuckled.

"That's all for now, then," Najenda ordered. "Tatsumi and Akame - your contract today is to assassinate the Leader of the West Imperial Guards, Captain Ogre, and come back to base in one piece. Is that clear?"

"Yes ma'am!"

"Then let's do this."

[ --- --- --- --- --- ]

The long, cold night dragged on after midnight, and the streets were hauntingly empty. A single bar in the middle of the Capital's bazaar was beginning to close down the establishment after a successful day of business, and Captain Ogre exited the bar after a hearty drinking session with his comrades.

It was half past one, and there was not a single soul in sight. Ogre's usual route led him through the Capital's back alleyways - this was the fastest way to get to the Castle, after all. A common layman would be terrified to set foot into these sketchy areas after dusk, but Ogre was confident in his skills. There were only a handful of people who could match him in might and skill, and they were all on the Empire's side. He didn't have to worry about a thing.