POV: Y/n

We had all gathered in the meeting room as we were given our new target from Najeda. "The target this time is the rumored serial killer that is plaguing the Capital." Najeda said, "Late at night he suddenly appears, and chops off the victims heads. It's unknown how many dozens of people he has killed so far." "And three of those killed were part of the imperial guard, right?" Tatsumi said scared, "He's gotta be strong to do that." "There's no mistake," Lubbock said looking at Najeda, "it has to be Zank the Beheader." "Who's that?" Tatsumi asked. "You don't know?" Mine snickered "You really are a country bumpkin, huh?" "Pardon me," Sheele said raising her hand, "But I don't know either." "Sheele, you probably just forgot." I said leaning against the wall. "So, what kind of monster is he?" Tatsumi asked. "Zank the beheader." Mine started, "He originally worked at the Empire's greatest prison as their executioner. Because of the Minister there were many people to be executed day after day, again and again. He took the heads of those on their knees pleading for their lives. It seems that after years of this, these beheadings became a nasty habit of his."

"It's not strange that he lost a few screws with that job." Tatsumi said. "So, executing prisoners started not being enough for him, so he became a serial killer." Mine said "He disappeared right around the time that a detainment force was sent out to find him." Bulat said leaning against the other wall, "Who would think he'd be in the Capital?" "The Capital's security isn't that good." I said getting off the wall, "All I need is a hooded cloak and the Empire doesn't know who I am." "What a horrible guy!" Tatsumi said pumping his fist in the air, "WE NEED TO FIND HIM AND BEAT HIS ASS!!" "Hold your horses Tatsumi." Bulat said patting Tatsumi's head, "Zank stole the warden's teigu before leaving, and from then on he became a serial killer. If you ran into him without your partner, you'd be in big trouble." "Alright Bulat," I said removing Bulat's hand from Tatsumi's chin, "The odds are slim that you'll be with him since you weren't told to train him." "Buzzkill." Bulat said as we dispersed.

Akame, Tatsumi and I had been walking throughout the Capital, looking for Zank, when Akame dragged Tatsumi behind a wall and I jumped on the roof, hiding from the Imperial knights that ran past us. I jumped back down when I saw Tatsumi and Akame come back out from their hiding place. "Guess we'll have to be on our guard." I said walking behind them. "Can ask you two a question before we get started." Tatsumi asked as Akame and I stopped. "Don't worry." Akame said, "I brought snacks." "And my skulls would attract too much attention," I said, fixing the hood on my jacket, "so I threw on my old clothes." "That wasn't what I was going to ask." Tatsumi said slouching down. "Teigu, what are they?" Akame then held out Murasame, having the moonlight slightly glimer off the intricacies of its sheath. "Things like this." Akame said as I slightly chuckled. "I doubt that helps." I said with a smirk,

"Allow me to explain." I said, "About 1,000 years ago, after the Great Empire was created, the Emperor began to worry. He wanted to protect his country forever, but he knew he would eventually die. He realized that weapons and armor could be passed down through the generations, so to ensure his country survived, he gathered all of the best alchemist, blacksmiths and scientists from around the world to create legendary weapons. Legends say that they gathered materials from the most dangerous of legendary class creatures, such as the ultra rare metal Orihalcon. With the Emporer's absolute power and limitless fortune, they accomplished a feat impossible in this age. They created 48 deadly weapons. And they are called the 'Teigu'. Each and everyone of them is powerful beyond belief. Each one holds the power of a thousand warriors. It's been said that the Emperor's retainers who the teigu were given to achieved greater military success than before. But, due to the massive civil war which occurred over 500 years ago,nearly half of the Teigu were either lost or destroyed in various battles. That's about everything, anything I left out Akame?" "So what your saying," Tatsumi said perking up, "is that everyone in Night Raid has one of these Teigu weapons, right?" "Yes." Akame said, "Excluding Y/n and the boss." "Wait, why do you not have one Y/n?" Tatsumi asked with a shocked expression, "That sword of yours doesn't look normal." "This sword is the Water Dragon Sword." I answered, drawing my blade, "This is a Shingu, a rarer and inferior weapon, but if used properly, it can be far superior. And factoring in my Hokuto Shinken, a teigu would be useless to me, I very rarely use Water-Dragon Sword."

"Also," Akame said as I sheathed my blade, "just like people poses secret skills, so does the Teigu. For example, Incursio can take on the characteristics of its surroundings, allowing it to blend into the area for a short time. However with such strong abilities into the Teigu, there has always been an 'iron rule' while using them, if two teigu users clash with intent to kill, without fail, one will fall victim." Akame then tightened her grip on Murasame. "In other words, if two Teigu users fight, one will die." I said, "And since Zank, our target, uses a teigu, even if Akame and Zank made contact at the same time, the odds both will live is zero." "So, Akame's sword will kill you with a single scratch?" Tatsumi said gulping. "I've had it a long time." Akame said looking at Murasame, "It's become famous all over as a one cut kill demon sword." "Well that's to be expected isn't it?" Tatsumi said, "I mean it's invincible." "Far from it Tatsumi." I said, "I have seen and broken Teigu myself." "You have to be extremely careful while sharpening it." Akame said, "If you cut your finger, you die. And if you can't cut your opponent, then the curse can't get into them." "Ah, just like Aniki!" Tatsumi exclaimed, "It would be tough fighting an armored opponent, huh." "The world was initially a one hit kill place." Akame said walking off, "A Teigu's power shouldn't be relied on too heavily." "And that's why I don't really use Water-Dragon Sword too often," I started, following Akame, "it kills my stamina."

After a while of waiting, the three of us sat down and started eating our snacks. "I don't think he's he's coming tonight," Tatsumi said drinking his lemonade, "Either way , we have no choice but to wait patiently, right?" "Yep." I said as Tatsumi stood up. "Excuse me for a minute." Tatsumi said waiving a victory symbol, "Taking a piss huh?" Akame asked as Tatsumi rubbed the back of his head and walked off. "Hey, Y/n," Akame said scooting closer to me, "C-can I ask you about the Gravekeepers, specifically your father." "Yeah," I said, ignoring her stutter, which I've never heard from her before, "He was a good man and a good leader, like me he could transform his body." "What was his name." Akame asked. "Weneg." I answered looking into the stars, tears forming in my eyes, "I remember, before I left to train the day they were destroyed, he said he found a young woman he wanted to take for his wife." "How old were you?" Akame asked. "I was 16," I answered, reminiscing over the past, "I had been training with Kenshiro for about 10 years, he had found me when he was in our land training, and he said he could take our youngest to learn the deadliest martial art. I was the youngest and I went to train with him." "Is there anyone you care for?" She asked, "Akame, I care for everyone in Night Raid," I answered, "Wait, where's Tatsumi?"

Akame and I then ran out to try and find Tatsumi. When we found him, there was a large, bulky man with a green object on his forehead and a blade on each wrist fighting him. The man he was fighting was about twice the height of Tatsumi. "We need to help him." Akame said drawing Murasame, "Let me handle this Akame," I said placing my hand in front of her, "It's been a while since I had a good fight." "Fine." Akame said sheathing Murasame as Tatsumi was flung back covered head to toe in wounds and blotches of blood. "Time to die kid!" the tall man said rushing in. "I'm your foe now!" I shouted as Akame ran to Tatsumi and I punched him in the face. "CAREFUL Y/N, HIS TEIGU MESSES WITH YOUR MIND!" "We barely got to you in time, Tatsumi." Akame said. "Akame, tend to his wounds with this" I said, tossing her a vile of a yellowish-green liquid, "I'd hate for my pupil to die before I even teach him a single technique. That potion should heal him, just pour it over his wounds." "I see they finally showed up." the tall man said, "So, I fight the Ill Reputed Akame and the Demon Sword Murasame, and who I assume is Y/n, the Hokuto Shinken fighter." "I assume you are Headhunter Zank." I said standing completely still. "I guess I'll have more fun like this!" Zank said, "I see that you have no armor on under your clothes. This shouldn't be too difficult."

Then next thing I see, is Julia, standing in front of me. "J-julia?" I said tears forming in my eyes again. "I thought you were dead." I then started walking towards her, after a second I bolted towards her, "I've accepted your death, the only reason I can pull myself to do this!" As I said that I tapped her forehead, and the illusion was broken, and I had hit Zank in the abdomen. I saw him double over and vomit, some blood coming up as well. "I see what you mean Tatsumi." I said as Zank got up. "Why you little piece of shit." Zank said as he rushed me. He swung down both of his arms blades as I crossed my arms to block the blades as they destroyed my pauldrons. "Try a little harder, if you do pose a threat." I said as I pushed the blades back and performed the Hyakuretsu Ken. I noticed that he blocked every strike. "I guess he can read minds." I said having my mind go blank and closing my eyes.

I then heard footsteps as he ran up to me, I let him get close and countered his attack, I had shorter arms, being a foot shorter than him, but I managed to land a killing blow with my right index and middle fingers as I redirected his attack with my left. "I'm sorry, but you're already dead." I said as I pushed him back and waited. After a few seconds, nothing happened. "Phew," Zank said getting up, "Spectator saved my life. Say, what do you do about the voices?" "Voices, what voices?" I asked. "The haunting voices," Zank said, "the voices never stop. The voices that drift up from Hell, the moans of those who have been murdered! The ones that bear a grudge, constantly calling for me to join them in Hell. since my time as an executioner, I've always heard them. But recently they've been especially loud. I quiet them down by speaking. But how do you deal wi-" "I don't hear the voices." I said, "But let me end them for you!" I then dashed in and started throwing jabs at Zank. "Then let's try this!" Zank shouted as he stabbed me in the chest.

"Y/n!" Akame and Tatsumi cried as I stumbled back, some blood pouring out of my chest. "Hehehe." I laughed, wiping the blood off my chest and pouring an extra healing potion over it, causing it to vanish. "Well, I guess I don't need to hold back anymore." "W-w-w-what!" Zank said as I heard slight cracks, "How are you not dead, how were you holding back!" "Oh yes, I've been holding back." I said cracking my knuckles, "And I haven't even started to reveal any sort of my true strength!"

POV: Akame

After Y/n had taunted Zank, he crossed his arms, raised them above his head, and quickly back down, ripping his shirt off. "Is that supposed to scare me?" Zank asked, "Can't you read minds?" Y/n asked as Zank laughed, "You think you will scare me! That is the most absurd thing I ever heard." Y/n then started to change in color, he changed from a tanned color to a light orange, and gaining jet black stripes on his arms and torso. His teeth extended and grew sharper, and his (E/C) eyes changed to a vibrant green that almost reflected some of the moonlight. His muscles didn't grow larger, however they did gain a faint outline, making them appear far more toned than normal.

"Is this intimidating enough?" Y/n said in a dark voice, "Does this strike fear into your heart?" "No!" Zank shouted rushing in and slashing at Y/n with swings faster than most people could perceive."Pay attention Tatsumi," I said, "This is a battle between two powerful warriors." "Why won't you die you foul beast!" Zank said right before his blades shattered. Y/n then had blades of bones grow from his hands, "Let me show you a reliable blade." Y/n said as he swung clean through Zanks throat, leaving three slashes, causing blood to ooze out. "Th-the voices," Zank weakly said, "They've stopped. I'm happy now." Y/n then reverted back to his normal form.

POV: Y/n

I walked up to Zanks dead body and removed Spectator, hearing a snap as the band was undone. "I will never use a weapon like this." I said as I put the strange device in my pocket. "Tatsumi, how are you feeling?" "I feel like sliced shit," Tatsumi said as I helped him up, "Did you mean what you said, about teaching me some techniques?" "Yeah," I said as we left for base, "I'll teach you some defensive techniques." "I suddenly feel like I can kill the entire Empire on my own." Tatsumi said pumping his fist in the air, "Owowowowowow. Still sore." "Hehe, come on boys," Akame said, "Let's get back to base."

The next evening, Akame and I had walked out to the makeshift graves Tatsumi had made for his friends the day after we brought him in, looking for Tatsumi. When we got there Akame threw an apron on his head, "What are you doing out here?" She asked, "We have dinner to prepare. There are things even the wounded could do, you know." "And," I said walking beside him, "if you are feeling up to it, I may start training you in some parts of the Hokuto Shinken." "Alright!" Tatsumi said getting up, "Say Akame, last night, who would you have seen in that illusion?" I saw Akame grow a sentimental look. "If the time comes," Akame said, "I'll tell you and Y/n. Tough I will tell you this. Right now, everyone in Night Raid is an important person to me. Of course that includes you." "WHA!" Tatsumi said in shock, "Akame, you're important to me to." I said as I smiled back at Akame. "Let's go." Akame said as she walked off. "HEY WAIT UP!" Tatsumi said as I held his shoulder. "Meat again Akame?" I asked as she turned around and nodded. "Alright, we'll be up in a second."

After Akame had walked out of sight, Tatsumi spoke up, "What did you want to talk about." he asked, "Well," I said, "It's about your training, and Akame." "What about her?" Tatsumi asked, "She's seen some things, and lost some friends." I said, "She may seem like a cold hearted killer, but under that cold, cold skin, is a heart made of sterner stuff, purer than the purest gold." "How do you know that?" Tatsumi asked, "I've known her for many years." I responded, "Now about your training, I can't teach you everything, I am far too young." "Wait, how old are you?" Tatsumi asked, "I'm 19," I answered seeing Tatsumi gain a shocked appearance, "my master, Kenshiro-sensei, was nearly 90." "WHAT!!!" Tatsumi shouted, "So you're about my age!?" "Yeah, same with Akame and Mine," I said, "But why can't you teach me?" Tatsumi asked, scared that he was as old as some of his peers, "There is a golden rule with the Hokuto Shinken," I said clenching my fist, "And that is?" Tatsumi asked, "That there should only be one successor," I started looking into the sky, "and I need to fix that issue, as the true successor."

POV: A/n

Okay, I know this took a while, I was going to publish this when I finished last night, but, it was 4:00 fish, yeah, my sleep pattern just died on Monday for some reason, so I've been too tired to work. That's also why this is likely the longest chapter I've written that didn't end up being a 2 parter, if you want longer chapters like this say something and I'll write them, but it will take a bit longer to write each chapter. God Bless y'all and have a great day.