(DISCONTINUED) Night Raid's Joker (Akame ga Kill x Persona 5)

Chapter 9

(kek)

Chapter 9: A Human

In this hell of a world I've been sent to, I can't help but feel somewhat relieved at the recent turn of events. Let's see, Sheele was saved, Pinky was saved, the assassins (except Najenda) aren't too suspicious of me, and I'm having fun, being staff in this pace.

"JOKER, QUIT THE MONOLOGUE IN YOUR HEAD AND FOCUS!!!"

"Shit, sorry! Arsene, Eiha!"

Just another average day as Phantom Thieves.

After the whole fiasco of saving the two girls of Night Raid four days ago, I decided that strengthening my ability to fight was necessary. To accomplish that, Morgana and I decided to dive into Mementos, beating up any Shadow we came across to increase our strength. Even if we drained our mental and physical health with our Personas to nothingness, we found several areas we could rest for a little bit. With that in mind, we fought without worry of getting too tired, and hopefully not dying.

"Zorro, show your might!"

So far, we've encountered countless Imperial Guard Shadows, and a Reaper Shadow every so often. The Imperial Guard Shadows were easy, since they could be easily taken out through sneak attacks or brute force, while the Reaper Shadows forced us to use our Personas. This was a good time for me to stretch Arsene and Seth's wings, since I can't use them freely in reality. Unfortunately, they were the only two Personas available to me, limiting my options in certain fights.

In the past, I had a large repertoire of Personas that I could use at will, opening many options in combat, but now I was down to two. It wasn't that huge of a problem, due to my proficiency with the both of them, but it still hindered me a little.

"Seth, turn them to ash!"

"Don't get too reckless! Diarama!"

For another hour, we hunted Shadows, getting the rust out of our joints from the time we spent not being Phantom Thieves. Powerful Personas with a lot of experience or not, we were out of practice. Every once in a while, we would slip up in combat, but our experience and teamwork covered for those little mistakes.

Whenever we held a Shadow at gunpoint, they still didn't speak. Not even if we tried to extort them of money, an item, or even convince them to become my Persona. They would wordlessly push our weapons against their skin, wanting to die. Such a depressing cognition...

"Morgana, I'm running low on ammo, and I'm starting to get a little drained. How are you?" I asked, loading the last clip into my gun.

"Tch...I'm in no better condition. We could head deeper to a resting area, but we're by the entrance...We should turn back and rest for the day!" Morgana exclaimed, jumping on my shoulder. A Shadow with the purple feathered body of a large bird, but a lion's head with an orange mane dove towards us from the air. Clicking my tongue, I aimed my gun, and Morgana aimed his slingshot, and we quickly sent a hail of bullets and metal balls towards the Anzu Shadow. Thank god Shinya told me about his gun skills, though I wish he wasn't so foul-mouthed...

In a flurry of gun shots and screams of pain, the Anzu Shadow disappeared in a burst of red and black distortion goo.

"Alright, let's get out of here!"

With that single command, we bolted through the rows of cells, intent on making it back through the entrance. The Shadows, realizing our attempts to flee to the surface, did not waste this chance, and hoards of the damn things jumped at us from the cells, intent on stopping us.

"Out of the way! Magarula!"

The tempest of wind, sharper than a razor blade, sliced through the opposition, clearing a path to the exit. Running up the steps to the depressing gate that marks the entrance of Mementos, the Shadows moaned and groaned in anger, upset at our escape. Much like the Mementos of Japan, they were not able to pursue us past the entrance.

Panting heavily, monster cat and human alike were exhausted, having expended all of our mental and physical energy. Resting points or not, breaks wouldn't completely get us back to a hundred percent. That's just not how it works. Such a pain...

"Don't push yourself too hard, my Trickster."

"Thanks, Lavenza..."

Taking her advice, Morgana and I decided to leave the Metaverse, heading back to reality. The world began to distort around us once again, returning to the slightly better environment of my room. Collapsing on my bed in exhaustion, I sighed. I can already feel myself recovering, but I don't really have time to relax.

Groaning in annoyance, I tiredly pushed myself off my bed, placing the fake Joker mask over my eyes. I told Morgana to get some rest, leaving the room as he curled up on my bed. Closing the door behind me, I set off in search of the kitchen.

Morgana and I had entered the Metaverse at the crack of dawn, when most of the assassins were (hopefully) asleep. It was still the crack of dawn, since time doesn't move outside of the Metaverse, but I was still tired from our little escapade, despite time not having changed. Boss wants me working earlier with my new job of caring for Mine and Sheele, who were still unconscious. Apparently my thorough act of checking for any injuries made her think I was skilled with treating injuries and the like. Well, there's nothing that a Persona can't heal...

Groaning tiredly, I trudged down the hall, staying light on my feet as not to make any footsteps that could wake up the assassins.

So begins my "real job..."

Reaching the room which currently housed the two unconscious girls, I silently entered, slipping without making a single creak of feet on wood. Noticing the dim light of a candle that was always lit in this makeshift medical bay, I let a small smile cross my face. The dim light illuminated the sleeping faces of Sheele and Mine, displaying their serene expressions. I'm happy they can sleep peacefully now. The first few days, Mine would be in pain, groaning while thrashing about. We had to hold her down, for fear of her arms breaking further.

For Sheele, she would find herself breathing raggedly, sweating profusely while constantly shaking her head, scared. She would mutter, "No!" in her sleep, yet never moved. She would just lock up, her entire body tensed. It didn't fit the sweet, yet battle hardened assassin. There wasn't very much we could do for her except try to make her comfortable.

And yet, it was almost like she would relax when I was nearby. It brightened my day, seeing her being able to rest easy. After a couple of days, Mine was able to sleep without thrashing about, only flinching in pain every once in a while. Similarly, Sheele no longer slept under the stress of a nightmare, sleeping peacefully.

Shaking off my thoughts, I got to work. As quietly as possible, as to not wake either the patients or the assassins, I swapped the bed sheets draped over Mine and Sheele, replacing them with new ones. If you can pickpocket an item off a moving Shadow, you can swap a bed sheet from a sleeping girl. Or something along those lines...

"Muuu..." Sheele murmured, her nose twitching. Dammit...Even in her sleep she's adorable. I want to pull a Futaba and mess with her face, but that's just rude.

Glancing at the bedside table, I noticed Sheele's glasses just sitting there. She's always complaining about dropping them, even if it's admittedly adorable...

Without saying a word, I pocketed the purple haired assassin's only source of vision, planning a gift for the young lady once she wakes up.

Approaching the kitchen, a thought crossed my mind. Will I have to cook Danger Beasts?

For context, Danger Beasts are monsters that roam this world. They come in all shapes and sizes, and can range from dragons to lions and a bunch of other fantastical creatures. I haven't come across one yet, and I hope I never do. It would be an inconvenience to reveal myself like that, and I don't even know if my Personas can defeat them. Then again, if someone like Tatsumi can kill them, I probably could too.

Shaking off the thought of roasting a possibly poisonous dragon tail, I quickly got to work. I didn't really feel like making something with a lot of effort like curry, so I think I'll just stick to something easy, like eggs and toast. If the assassins complain, then I hope they realize I'm the one cooking for them.

Taking a bowl and scooping up a large amount of rice grains, I quickly got to work, tiredly preparing rice and eggs. Strangely, they were slightly larger than the eggs I buy at stores...Yeah, I'm not eating these. Who knows what Akame killed to get these eggs. Certainly not an ostrich, and those god damn eggs are huge!

Finishing breakfast while brewing several mugs of coffee, I nabbed one for myself, flavored similarly to blue mountain. I wanted to go with some other bean, but since I have no knowledge of the beans in this world, or where they came from, I'll stick to the ones I know.

Eventually, the glutton herself came down, noticing the bowls of food all laid out on the table. But contrary to my expectations, Akame did not immediately rush to start eating. She glanced at the chairs that did not have food by them. Normally, that was where Mine or Sheele would sit, so there was no need to cook them anything when they were still unconscious. Actually, I should probably think of something to make for them once they wake up. They deserve it, after nearly dying if I hadn't intervened.

"Is something wrong, Akame?" I asked, pushing my mask up my face. "Food will get cold if you don't eat it right away. Are you not hungry?"

I would usually say something cheeky, but I think being a little more gentle in these times is a better idea. Akame is a stoic and experienced assassin, so death is nothing new to her. And yet...

"No...I'm hungry." Akame murmured, slowly brushing past me to sit down, but I grabbed her shoulder. She turned to look at me questionably, as memories flew through my head.

"Are you scared?"

"...What do do you mean?"

"Two of your comrades nearly died, and I'd imagine even someone like you would be shaken by that." I explained, and the assassin stared at me with a careful look in her eyes. To be fair, that question was out of the blue, and I can't blame her being cautious. I want to satisfy my curiosity though...

"Weakness in times like these will only lead to mistakes...and death."

"But still..."

Silence permeated the room, the rising sun peeking through the curtains of the dining room. The assassin simply stared at me blankly, but ever so slightly, her eyes dropped lower.

"...Was Sheele and Mine always the type to get into trouble like this?" I asked, trying to avert the topic, but actually prodding a bit more under the surface. I don't know much about Akame, so I'd like to see what she thinks about this situation. I'm sure the stoic face she has can't be all there is to it.

Akame remained silent, her eyes seemingly glossing through the past.

"...She was exactly the same as she is now. A complete airhead, but a kind heart in the shadows of our work," Akame murmured, narrowing her eyes at me. "Mine was..."

"Exactly as annoying and haughty as the present?"

"...She was very open about her feelings."

You didn't deny it, Akame. I'm a little worried about how Mine will act when she wakes up...

"You really care about them, huh?" I noted.

Silence followed that statement, as I turned to the window, observing the rising sun.

"I can only pray they both wake up soon..." I murmured, thinking of Sheele. Such a sweet girl..."Akame, what makes us human?"

"...What is the point of this question?"

"Just answer, please."

Akame remained silent. No answer is correct, but I'd like to hear her thought before I carry on this conversation. In Akame's eyes, more memories flashed, but these ones seemed more personal., as bits of pain flashed through her eyes. I suppose something happened to Akame in the past, for her to be a ruthless assassin like this.

"...I refuse to answer that question."

Fair enough.

"...I would like to hear your answer, Ren. Though, that's not your real name."

Figures.

"...What makes someone human?" I murmured. Of course, this is just pure opinion, but I think..."It's their heart."

"Heart?"

"Yes." I noted. I let out a small smile, thinking of my time as a Phantom Thief. "I've seen so many hearts that one could call me an expert on them. And I'm not talking about the organ, Akame."

She was taking me a bit too literally, from her expression when I told her I was an expert on hearts. Gods, no. I'd rather not see a pulsing organ from someone's chest just yet, thank you very much.

"The hearts I've seen can be so very different. Some are hearts that shine the brightest I've ever seen, and have grown to be some of the best people I know to date," I thought of Ryuji, Ann and Morgana, who have been with me since the start of the Phantom Thieves, and all the other comrades I've met along the way. My eyes suddenly darkened, "But there are those who's hearts are nothing but bottomless pits, almost nonexistent."

"The brightest hearts are always looked down upon by others, since they often stand out. Nobody likes different people. And yet, the bright hearts are the most humane, and the ones who make the most difference in the world."

"...And the others?" Akame asked, interested in my thoughts and hanging on to every word.

"..."

I closed my eyes, before opening them, this time with a fierce ferocity as memories played back through my head.

"Them? Tch. You can barely call them human." I growled. Akame raised an eyebrow, as I sighed, scratching the back of my head. "Look, what I'm getting at here is that the makeup of one's heart is what makes them human. You can be looked down upon by all of society, but be the kindest person in the world."

I walked to the kitchen, but not before rubbing the top of Akame's raven hair, a smile on my face. "People like you," I said, "are the most human in this nightmare."

At my words, Akame's eyes widened in shock, as her eyes met mine.

"That includes Sheele and Mine, of course. I'm sure they'll wake up soon."

"...Do you really think so?"

"Trust me. They're way too strong to be kicked down."

Akame stared at me, and grabbed my wrist gently, looking up at me. Worry was in her eyes, all for her friends. Akame has become more human in my eyes, and not just a cold killer.

She's just a girl, trying to make a difference among the corruption of this toxic society.

"How can you be sure?" Akame murmured, gripping my wrist a little tighter.

I smiled, gently pulling my wrist away to go make more breakfast. It's cold by now anyways.

Looking back as my expression softened, I breathed, "Didn't I tell you?"

"I'm an expert on hearts."

. . .

...Where am I?

I feel...stiff.

What...What happened?

I remember running...Then heat...Then blood...

I can barely think right now...What time is it?

Better yet...How much time has passed? Minutes? Hours? Days? Maybe even weeks?

"..."

I really can't move right now...All energy I may have had is all gone...

I wonder if she's alright...I should hope so.

Heh...A superior like me, reduced to this state.

Flames...I remember them...

White...Black...Red...Yellow...A myriad of colors permeates my thoughts...

"Hmm...So they're still asleep. Not surprising."

...Hm? Who's voice is that? I don't recognize it...Yet I somewhat remember that slightly feminine tone...Who is it?

"Jeez...At least they're not jerking around in their sleep..."

Who? Who are you?

"Hm? Is one of them moving?"

Come closer...Just who are you?

PLOP!

"Huh...I guess Pinky is slightly awake."

...A...Cat...?

"Jesus, she really is super pink...What kind of genetics give you such a huge color coordination?"

What the hell is going on? Am I losing it?

"I wonder if she'll fully wake up?"

How annoying...and strange. I must be losing it...

"...you...talk...too...much...talking...cat..."

"..."

"..."

"You can hear me?"

"...yes..

"..."

"..."

"...Shit."

. . .

It was the afternoon, and having no other chores to do (my master Proficiency makes chores easy as hell), I found myself watching a spar between our resident country boy and red eyed assassin. Given Tatsumi's background, he was struggling greatly against Akame, unable to land a hit on her. Each wielded a wooden bokken, similar to a katana without its hilt.

Tatsumi's swings were wild and unrefined, given that he usually uses a short-sword rather than a katana. As a result, the way he fought with the bokken was unfitting, especially against the experienced katana fighter, Akame.

"He's not focusing. He's just throwing himself at her, hoping something will work." I pointed out, watching Akame calmly blocking each strike. Like a natural, Akame blocked each hit without the bokken even cracking under the strength of the hits. Meanwhile, Tatsumi's bokken would crack and splinter, groaning in protest every once in a while.

According to Yusuke, katanas are weaker horizontally, and all the strength is in vertical swings, so they can break when struck on the side. I suppose the same is true for wooden katanas as well.

"Indeed," Bulat noted, his arms crossed, "If this was a real fight, he would be overrun by a second enemy in hiding. Being aware of your surroundings is definitely important."

We watched as Tatsumi was sent flying backwards, bruises all over his body. Sliding on his back as the bokken fell out of his grip, Akame stared at the newbie blankly.

"You told me to take this seriously...but I won't be able to do so if you keep getting sent back."

"Damn! I can't break through!" Tatsumi grit his teeth, growing frustrated. It's understandable that he was being pushed back. He was up against the infamous red-eyed assassin, and nearly died to her once before if not for dumb luck. Being able to beat her now is out of the question. "I need to get stronger...Even stronger! So nobody else will get hurt again!"

...Idealistic. Admirable, but still unrealistic.

"HERE I COME!!!" Tatsumi cried, but was suddenly stopped by a surprise fist out of nowhere, square in the face. I flinched, seeing Bulat's steaming knuckles. I would not want to be clotheslined by that, that's for sure.

Bulat continued to give advice to Tatsumi, as I just sat and watched. The sounds of a certain stomach rumbling drew my attention, and with a small smile, I threw a grilled drumstick at Akame. With the reflexes of a tiger, Akame snatched the meat in midair with her mouth, chowing down with a gleam in her eyes. Shredding the meal, Akame ran to my side, patting my body down for any extra meat on my person. I have tamed a black haired girl...

With a sudden burst of enthusiasm and (possibly gay, on Bulat's part) broship, Bulat and Tatsumi sped off to the mountains, aiming for more training. Hm, reminds me of Ryuji, Yusukue, and me. Just three bros messing around, being regular outcasts.

"...Where are you hiding the meat? I know you have it on you."

...Almost as if that conversation we had this morning never happened. Also...

...God damn, this girl is way too cute when she's acting like a normal human being...

"How long are you going to search me like a dog?"

"Until you give me the meat you're hiding."

"I don't have any."

"Liar."

This went back and forth a couple times, before, in a similar manner to the aftermath of Tatsumi's first mission, Akame tried to strip-search me. Naturally, I wasn't down for that, and spent the next hour being chased by an assassin with a bokken.

"JOKER!!! JOKER!!! WE GOT A PROBLEM!!!"

"Meow...?" Akame suddenly stopped chasing me, lowering her training stick from above her head, and stared at the frantic Morgana.

"Thank god...You saved me from getting my ass bat with a wooden stick."

"NOT IMPORTANT!!! MINE IS AWAKE!!! AND SHE-"

Without waiting for the talking cat to finish his sentence, I sped off to the make-shift medical wing, busting the door open with a powerful kick.

"Oi...Don't break the door...newbie."

"You're really not gonna let that go, even with two broken arms, huh, Pinky?"

Sure enough, Mine was awake, still in bed with her arms in slings, stiff as a log. The sniper gave me a weak smirk, still haughty as usual. I wonder if I can wipe that grin off her face...

"...Mine?" Akame entered the room, dropping the wooden sword on her hands with a large clatter. The black haired assassin immediately rushed forwards, nearly tackling the pink haired girl if I hadn't caught her by the scruff of her neck. Akame thrashed about, when I immediately told her to calm down, since Mine was still injured. After that warning, Akame was more tentative, slowly approaching Mine, before enveloping her in a hug. Mine flinched, but smiled weakly at Akame.

"How long...Have I been asleep for?" Mine croaked, turning to look at Sheele. She grit her teeth, before looking at Akame, who had her face buried in her blanket. I'm not surprised if she's crying..

"Four days." I answered, getting a tired look from the sniper.

"Four days...? Tch, I wonder if that bitch died..." Mine growled. She's probably referring to the girl with a giant dog with the makeup of a gorilla. She's probably still alive, last I checked.

"What happened to you? Who hurt you?" Akame sniffed, tears trailing down her face, but relief shined in her eyes, probably due to not having to watch her friends die. Mine grinded her teeth, and was about to tell her tale when Najenda, Lubbock, and Leone suddenly entered. The three expressed relief, thankful their comrade and friend was conscious.

"I can only hope Sheele will wake up soon..." I murmured, glancing at her still sleeping form. The others nodded in agreement, before turning to Mine.

"It's good to have you here again, mine." Najenda smiled.

"I'd hate to not have our resident sniper here!" Lubbock gave a thumbs up.

"Yup yup! Pink is back in season!" Leone smiled, punching her fists. Mine gave a dry chuckle, before her eyes narrowed. "Let's get back on track," Mine stated, and the entire room's demeanor changed in an instant.

We listened as Mine told her story, how the target Chibul had an unexpected bodyguard, named Seryu Ubiquitous, and ubiquitous she was. She persistently sought to end the assassin's lives in the name of "justice." Don't make me laugh. That's the ideology of Goro Akechi, if I've ever heard it. Apparently, the gorilla dog was a Teigu, called Coro. A biological type...I read about that in the book of Teigus I swiped from Najenda's office, so it can regenerate quickly. No wonder that thing didn't die from Seth's attack...

"Sheele nearly died...but something strange happened."

"What was it?" Akame asked, her tears dried, and now only listening with a serious expression. Mine looked at the ceiling tiredly, searching her memories.

"A blast of energy eviscerated the Teigu, saving Sheele. She passed out afterwords, but she lived. Feeling broken, I felt like keeling over...But a voice told me to take Sheele and run."

I'm not surprised. I did make my presence perfectly clear, after all.

"Who was it?" Najenda asked, taking out a cigar, but thought better to smoke in a hospital room, putting it away.

Mine stayed silent, her eyes narrowing. And then...

I felt her glance at me.

My eyes, darkened by the shadow of my mask, narrowed.

"...I ran. And the next thing I knew, a huge pillar of flame blocked off the reinforcements, allowing me to escape. All I felt was heat, and I kept running." Mine murmured, dodging the question. Najenda seemed to notice, but she didn't press on. "I passed out, and the next thing I knew, I woke up here."

...She's leaving things out. Something's up.

"Is that so?" Najenda murmured. Mine weakly nodded, as the boss murmured, "Fuck it," and lit her cigarette. Exhaling a plume of smoke, Najenda crossed her metal and flesh arm. "It's a shame we don't have information on your savior, but perhaps Sheele could provide more information when she wakes up."

"Maybe..." Mine murmured, as I felt her glance at me again.

"Get better soon, Mine." Akame murmured, patting her arm with a smile on her face, then left the room. Lubbock, Najenda, and Leone also bid their farewells, then left the room.

"I'd better make something for you to eat..." I murmured, also getting up to leave, but a hoarse, "Hold it," stopped me in my tracks. Glancing back, I watched as Mine's gaze turned serious again.

"Cut...the shit. You think I wouldn't forget your voice? I'm a genius, after all." Mine stated haughtily, but soon started coughing. I figured that this is the reason why she stopped me...

"...And? Is saving you a problem?" I murmured, no use hiding it. No excuse or question dodging would get me out of this. Strange, the way she's looking at me reminds me of when Sae was interrogating me.

"...Just who are you, and how did you damage a Teigu to such an extent?" Mine murmured, staring intently.

"...I'm not ready to tell you...And I'm not ready to tell you who I am either." I replied, putting my hands in my pockets. Mine said nothing, in contrast to what I thought would be angry screaming. My eyes narrowed, as I posed a question of my own: "Why not say anything to the Boss?"

"...Who knows. Maybe I'm setting things even. For saving Sheele, I guess." Mine growled, seemingly angry at herself. "Seryu Ubiquitous...I'll make you pay! I'll shoot you through the heart myself!"

I remained silent, before sighing. Wonder if I should take my mask off for her, to return the favor...No, it's still too early for that. Mine is not as trusting as Sheele, so doing so would only be bad for me and for her.

"Hey...I have a question for you." Mine murmured. I tilted my head, gesturing for her to go on. "You are clearly not on the Empire's side, but you choose to only work as a staff, only stepping in when we were in danger. Who are you fighting for...?"

...Who am I fighting for? Easy.

"I fight...for the side that prevents ruin."

Mine's eyes narrowed, before closing them, sighing in exasperation. "I can't get a read on you, Newbie. Annoying, for staff," she said. A cheeky smirk made its way on my face, before I quickly wiped it off. "Maybe I'm just here to have fun," I suggested. Mine snorted, before flinching in pain. I sighed, before walking closer.

"Listen, I'm not going to stab you guys in the back or anything. I'd rather not get killed..." I murmured, before smiling. "As long as you return the little trust I give you, I will not harm anyone."

"...Trust, huh?" Mine murmured, before glancing at me. "If we're on the topic of trust, mind explaining your ca-"

"JOKER!!!" Morgana's voice boomed again, as he somehow kicked the door open with his four legs.

"Is something up?" I asked.

'Yeah! It's Mine, she can-"

"Can you...quiet down? You'll wake Sheele up, talking cat." Mine growled, before coughing.

Wait...

"Morgana."

"Yes, Joker?"

"Can she hear you...?"

"..."

"..."

"Guh...Yes, I can."

"Yup. She can."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"...Shit."

. . .

"I commend you for your conquering of the North...General Esdeath!"

The child emperor sat on his throne, Prime Minister Honest sucking on a strangely colored piece of meat. Kneeling before him was a very important figure.

She was a young, buxom woman. Tall in stature, cyan colored hair fell straight across her back, all the way down to her waist. Tied around her pasty white neck was a dark blue scarf, which also trailed down her back. Dressed in a white military general's uniform with black long sleeves and high heeled boots, a white general's cap completed her look. In the middle of her chest was a strangely patterned black tattoo, similar in shape to a jagged "Y."

This was Esdeath, one of the generals of the Empire, and possibly the strongest Teigu user. While she may seem like an icy cold woman, she was, in fact, well known for the extreme sadism that lied beyond her cold, blue eyes.

"Your words of praise honor me, young Emperor," Esdeath grinned, "I shall send it to the soldiers I left to guard the North. They will be most pleased."

"I know you have just returned," the Emperor started, "But I have another assignment for you."

Esdeath, listened, intrigued. She had conquered the hero of the North without lifting a finger, so perhaps this would provide the general a challenge.

"The Capital is now teeming with rogues like Night Raid, and I would like you and your forces to wipe them out." The Emperor ordered, Honest ceasing his snacking and looking serious for once.

Esdeath went into thought. Of course, she had knowledge of the assassin group, wielding Teigus to eliminate their targets, then slinking back into the darkness. The thought of fighting these assassin...Exhilarated the General, to say the least.

"...I understand. However, I have one request." Esdeath bowed obediently

"Hm? Is it more soldiers?" The Emperor asked, "I'll be happy to supply you with as many as you need."

"I have heard that a good number of the traitors are armed with Teigus." Esdeath, spoke, "It is best to fight Teigus with Teigus."

"With that being said...Please supply me with six Teigu users to command. That is all I will need."

The Emperor and the Prime Minister's eyes widened. A squad consisting of only Teigu users? Not only is it a phenomenal counter to rogues like night Raid, but it would outclass most of the Empire's military force as well! The young Emperor had his doubts, since Esdeath already had a small force of three Teigu users dubbed the Tree Beasts, but Honest reassured his worries, stating that since it was Esdeath, it would be fine to provide her with what she needs.

When the Emperor asked for further compensation for Esdeath's deeds, she responded that she was, surprisingly, searching for love. Of course, this confused the young Emperor, and even the fat bastard Honest, but the Emperor was eager to pay his general back, and accepted the task of searching for a suitor for Esdeath. And just when everything seemed like it would end...

"That does remind me, your Highness. Shouldn't we inform General Esdeath of the latest concern?" Honest asked. The Emperor seemed confused, before smacking his fist into his palm. Esdeath became intrigued.

"Indeed! Thank you, Prime Minister!" the child beamed, before his face turned serious. "General Esdeath, are you aware of the execution of Zanku?"

"Are you referring to the former executioner who beheaded civilians in the night? Yes, I have heard of him."

"Did you know that he turned himself in?"

"Is that so?"

Esdeath, still in a kneeling position, began to think. Turned himself in? That doesn't really make sense.

"Apparently, he came to us, stating how he was a changed man, and wished to be executed for his crimes. Strangely enough, he confessed to us on every single person he killed, including when he was still an Executioner." Honest noted, his face scrunching up at just the thought of it.

"A change of heart?" Esdeath noted, before thinking again. How could a psychopathic serial killer have a sudden change like that? It doesn't make sense.

"We've received similar reports to this, spontaneous change of hearts, but there have only been two other cases." the Emperor noted.

"Is it perhaps a Teigu, forcing them to have a change of heart?" Esdeath asked.

'We have no records of a Teigu that allows one to do such a thing, but that is a possibility," Honest noted, "Which is why we would like to ask you to patrol for something else along with the rogues."

"What might it be?"

"Along with the change of hearts, many report on strange imagery of a rising group possibly responsible for the series of events." The Emperor noted

"Is that so? Who mus I be searching for?"

"A strange group..."

"Called the Phantom Thieves."

((uh...i was distracted...and very lazy and unmotivated...that's all i got for excuses.))