"So... this round thing is a Teigu?"
In the meeting room, everyone was focused on an object shaped like a metallic hemisphere, crafted to resemble a green eye.
Tatsumi had received this a while ago, but he had been so devastated then that he threw it aside; it was only after Asahi's reminder that he brought it out. Today's Night Raid meeting served as a trial session for this new Teigu.
"Yes, Boss. He mentioned he took it from a serial killer."
Najenda took the object from Tatsumi, examined it for a moment, and then handed it back to him.
"If he gave it to you, then use it. If you succeed in wielding a Teigu, your combat power will increase significantly."
"Yes, but... why doesn't Brother Asahi use this himself?"
That was what Tatsumi wondered. Not just about Asahi, but about everyone in Night Raid—they all only possessed one Teigu. While Teigu were hard to find, with Night Raid's strength, it wasn't impossible to acquire more, especially with the Revolutionary Army backing them. Wouldn't they be stronger with more Teigu?
"A person can only use one Teigu, Tatsumi."
"Because they place a massive strain on both the user's physical and mental state," Bulat stepped in to explain.
"I see. Then, I'll give it a try!"
Tatsumi rubbed his hands excitedly. Even though this one didn't look particularly "cool," he had wanted a Teigu for a long time; any kind would do. Tatsumi placed it on his forehead, and it automatically fixed itself there.
"This isn't in any of our records, so we know nothing about it. Did Asahi mention anything else?"
"He did. That killer said this thing has five different abilities. During the battle, he used three of them: Insight, X-ray Vision, and Illusion Sight. He wasn't too sure about Illusion Sight, but Insight was used the most—it can read the opponent's thoughts. X-ray Vision is for seeing through things."
"Insight can read thoughts? Tatsumi, try it on me."
Akame stepped forward to face Tatsumi; they stared directly into each other's eyes without blinking.
"You... want to eat meat tonight!"
"Exactly!"
"Tatsumi, that eye hasn't even opened yet."
Leone looked at them with disdain, while Mine looked annoyed, crossing her arms.
"I don't want my thoughts read. Tatsumi, try something else."
"Alright, then..."
This time, Tatsumi turned to Mine. He closed his eyes, concentrated his attention, and repeatedly chanted "X-ray Vision."
"Activate!"
The eye opened. The moment Tatsumi opened his eyes, the world around him transformed. Most importantly, Mine standing in front of him was now only in her underwear.
"How is it?"
"Aaaa!!!!"
Tatsumi fell onto his backside on the floor. Blood rushed to his head, making his entire face look like a bright red pressure cooker hissing out steam. Mine approached him while Tatsumi kept scurrying backward, leaving her confused.
"Is there something on my face?"
"What's wrong with him?"
Tatsumi ignored the chatter; he was still immersed in this "wonderful" ability of the Teigu. He glanced at Akame, who tilted her head back at him, but just as his gaze was about to shift to Leone, a violent headache struck.
Tatsumi grimaced in pain, clutching his head. Akame and Mine rushed over to support him.
"This is bad, it's rejecting him!"
"Take it off, quickly!"
The Teigu eye was removed, and the headache vanished.
"I suddenly feel so tired..."
"It's compatibility, Tatsumi. You didn't satisfy its requirements, so it won't let you use it," Najenda explained.
Tatsumi could only sigh. It seemed he still couldn't have a Teigu of his own.
"I bet it's because you didn't have a good opinion of it at first. They say first impressions with a Teigu are very important."
"But I did like it..."
Tatsumi could only offer a weak rebuttal to Mine's words. But looking back, when he received it and heard Asahi say it came from a serial killer who liked to behead people, he did feel a bit uneasy. Could it have started from that moment?
In the end, Tatsumi decided to give it to Najenda. Asahi had said to just use it and not bother returning it—it was a gift. So, Tatsumi gave it to Najenda to send back to the Revolutionary Army.
"Alright, now to the main business. I have some bad news for everyone."
The Night Raid members stopped their chatting and joking. They fell silent, focusing on the Boss.
"Esdeath has won the war in the North and has returned to the capital."
Everyone was startled, their expressions turning grave. Even Tatsumi, who didn't know much about this person named Esdeath, was no exception. During a previous report, Najenda had mentioned the Teigu user she considered the strongest: the Empire's Great General, Esdeath. She had even remarked how lucky they were that Esdeath was away from the capital, busy with the war in the North.
Tatsumi remembered clearly how Lubbock had confidently asserted that even a monster like Esdeath would take at least a year to win that war. And yet, she had finished it already?
The strongest person in the capital had returned and was on the opposing side of Night Raid; this was certainly not good news.
"Leone, go to the capital and monitor Esdeath's movements."
"Roger! I've been wanting to see what kind of person she is!"
"She is a dangerous and brutal person who enjoys massacres. Be careful."
"Got it, got it!"
"So that means... she's someone I can kill if I get the chance, right? A brutal General considered the strongest in the capital—killing her would be as valuable as killing the Prime Minister!"
Leone grinned, her mind already racing with thoughts on how to handle Esdeath.
Click!
Najenda flicked her lighter and lit a cigarette. She continued.
"Furthermore, ever since Esdeath's return, there has been a series of assassinations of politicians. The victims include four political officials and 61 soldiers."
"The problem is that at every site where they strike, these leaflets are scattered everywhere."
She pulled out a piece of paper and held it up before everyone. On it was the Night Raid symbol and name, with a paragraph written below.
"So, they want to frame us."
"Isn't it too obvious? Who kills people and then goes around scattering leaflets like that?"
Najenda took the cigarette from her mouth, her expression grim.
"I thought so at first too. But currently, those crimes are all being attributed to us."
"Why?"
"The people killed included top-tier soldiers—people who normal killers couldn't possibly eliminate without them putting up a fight. So, isn't it logical to assume the culprits are Night Raid?"
"That means they were calculating and targeted strong enough goals from the start. Targets that only we could handle."
"In other words, they are Teigu users. I'm certain they are Esdeath's subordinates."
Tatsumi frowned; the feeling of being framed made him uncomfortable. He asked Najenda.
"Why would they do such a thing?"
"It's an invitation. They are trying to lure us into a trap."
"However, we will not back down. The victims of these assassinations were not just honest officials, but those who directly opposed the Prime Minister. They were people who truly cared for the citizens and this Empire. When the new nation is founded, they would have been key figures."
"Give me your thoughts, everyone."
Tatsumi was the first to speak.
"I don't know much about politics. But I can't stand them using Night Raid's name like that."
Night Raid was indeed an organization soaked in blood, but they never killed innocent people. Tatsumi hadn't been a member for long, but he already considered them his family; he wouldn't allow anyone to tarnish Night Raid with such senseless crimes. Bulat patted his shoulder, smiling as he gave a thumbs up.
"That's the spirit, Tatsumi!"
"Big bro!"
"Excellent, then it's decided! Let's show them the consequences of impersonating us!"
The Boss stood up, radiating an aura of confidence. She began assigning the missions.
"There are currently two groups of politicians believed to be the next targets."
"Akame and Lubbock, Tatsumi and Bulat. Protect them. Mine and Sheele, continue your recovery. Leone, don't forget your mission."
"Understood!"