It had been four days since Bulat's death. Another key member of Night Raid was lost, and there was no choice for the group but to move on. Tatsumi forced himself to train even harder to deem himself worthy of wielding Incursio.

Mine's arm had recovered. She was now looking for someone to train. She also wanted to get stronger so that Sheele and Bulat's deaths would not be in vain.

The pink haired girl walks to the training ground, raising her hand to get her teammates' attention.

Mine: Hey!! Who is willing to train with me?!!

However, the long-range marksman sees something that takes her by surprise: Tatsumi and Lubbock were doing push-ups, with Akame and Leone, respectively, sitting on their backs, as if it was nothing.

The assassins see their sniper companion.

Tatsumi: Oh, what's up, Mine?

Akame: Good thing you recovered already.

Mine: … What are you guys doing?!

Leone: They were dying to train, and we came to help!

Tatsumi: After using it… I realized how physically demanding Incursio is…! — He explains with a little difficulty due to the weight on his back — I need to train my body to be able to use it… for as long as aniki! In my physical condition, I can only turn invisible for mere seconds…!

The Pumpkin bearer blushes a little seeing Tatsumi's body, with some muscles visible thanks to all his hard training.

Trying to avoid her subtle embarrassment, she glared at the Crosstail wielder.

Mine: Wow, how rare to see you sweating, Lubbock.

Lubbock: Well, after that there were only two guys left in the group… I figured… It was time to push myself a little harder…!

Leone: You're talking very nicely, but you only did half the sit-ups that Tatsumi did! — She mocks, making the greenette grind his teeth.

Akame: I can't do anything. There's a big difference in weight between you and me. — The swordswoman says, as if it were the most casual piece of information on the planet.

Mine, Lubbock and Tatsumi freeze in fear and shock at the sentence uttered by the assassin of one cut. With an indescribable fury, Leone lands a punch on the top of Akame, making a bump grow on her head.

The blonde's fist was steaming as she still huffed in anger. Akame rubbed her bump with a blank face.

???: Hey, guys.

The speech draws the attention of the group, who see Najenda at the entrance to the training field, with a huge backpack on her back.

Mine: Boss?

Najenda: I'm going to the Revolutionary Army headquarters to deliver the Arms we confiscated from the Three Beasts.

Tatsumi: But… alone? That ax is heavy as hell. — He says, pointing to the Belvark in the boss's backpack.

Najenda: Oh, that? I can handle it!

She takes the ax out of her backpack, holding it as if it weighs nothing.

Najenda: Look! I can't use it as an arm, but I carry it with me.

The new Incursio wielder leans close to Lubbock's ear to whisper.

Tatsumi: Is the boss always amazing like this?

Lubbock: That's obvious, right?! — Answers the green man, as if the youngest had asked a stupid question — She was once a general!

The one-eyed woman directs her gaze to the Murasame wielder.

Najenda: Akame, you are in charge. In our method, everyone gives their best.

Akame: Ahem. I know the basic.

Tatsumi: How is it?! Just the basic?!

Lubbock: Oh, relax, be cool! She will take command seriously! — He reassures the brunette boy with a smile.

The leader of Night Raid flicks a lighter to light a cigarette.

Najenda: The other reason I'm going to headquarters… is to recruit new members.  I hope they can find us some talented individuals, but it will be difficult.

She turns to leave, but not before speaking to a specific member.

Najenda: Tatsumi.

Tatsumi: Huh?

Najenda: I know you're still grieving the loss of Bulat... But you're a strong boy. You are talented and has a lot of potential. I trust your ability to survive. Bulat also believed. He believed you had enough potential even to surpass him in a short time.

Indra's trainer is surprised by the revelation.

Tatsumi: Aniki…

Najenda: So be proud of yourself, and move on. — She heads to leave — Become the man Bulat expected you to become!

The swordsman boy clenches his fists.

Tatsumi: I will!

Meanwhile, Najenda leaves Night Raid's base.

Najenda: Even if they train and get stronger... we're still dangerously short of manpower... and based on what Leone found out, Esdeath is creating a squadron of Imperial Arms users... now I need to act.

[Imperial palace; same time]

Esdeath was in a cemetery, laying flowers on the graves of her minions. She stands, her voice as cold as ice and her eyes as dead as her heart.

Esdeath: Liver… Nyau… Daidara… You lost the fight. As you guys were weak, nature took care of eliminating you. — She gently touches Liver's grave — Poor subordinates… I have no option left… but to avenge myself for the three of them.

The general walks away.

Esdeath: My new Imperial Arms user members will arrive today. I was told that they have some "peculiarities"... Pff…! Is it better to test them?

[10 minutes later: Indra's Glade]

Tatsumi walked around to practice his flight with Indra. Even though they'd gotten the hang of it, the boy thought it was better to practice whenever they could. He didn't want to bump into rocks during the flight forever.

The boy had a fishing basket on his back.  He had left Incursio at the base, as Indra did not like him to come with weapons.

The boy, however, did not see the green-eyed dragon over there.

Tatsumi: Hello there? Buddy?! Are you out there?!

No sign of the Night Fury. The brunette takes the basket off his back and crouches down. He opens the lid and catches a fish to try to attract his scaly friend.

But, however... when he gets up, the young man from the interior sees Mine sitting on the rock he was close to, holding the Pumpkin with a cold expression, seeming to have been there for hours. It was impossible for the swordsman not to be startled and fall backwards onto the ground.

Tatsumi: WAH!!! WHAT THE F*CK, MINE?!! — He shouts, getting up — WHAT ARE YOU… Uh… *cough* What are you doing here? — He decides to calm his voice so as not to arouse suspicion.

Mine: I was looking for someone to train, and I was surprised that you disappeared.

The sniper comes down from the rock, pointing her Imperial Arm at the brunette, who was backing away, fearing being shot.

Mine: I've always found your behavior strange lately. You're constantly fading, you seem to be hiding something, you act like you know something we don't... and most importantly... — She narrows her eyes — ...You have a "knack" with dragons that no one else does.

Tatsumi: Uh…

Mine: Spit it out! What have you been doing the last few days?! You have a trainer or something?!

Tatsumi: Trainer? No no…! — He replies, hoping Indra wasn't around — It's just… It's just…

Mine: Does it have something to do with this? — She questions, holding Nyau's killer by the flight gear that was on her body.

Tatsumi: It's just that I… I… I've been researching… For…

The pink killer, however, sees a figure on the other side of the clearing, approaching to see what it was. Seryu's former friend soon gets scared, stepping in front of the western frontiers girl as she walks, ignoring him.

Tatsumi: Okay, okay… I confess! I was creating… Armors! Yes, I was making armors! — He smiles falsely as he puts the girl's hand on his arm, implying that he wanted her to take him back to the base — I'm not going to lie anymore, now take me back to the… GAH!!!

The boy screams in pain when he feels Mine twist his arm, before the girl in pink kicks him so that he falls to the ground.

Tatsumi: What's that for?! — He exclaims, trying to get up, but as soon as he sits down, Mine hits his face with the barrel of her rifle, sending him back to the grass.

Mine: That's for the lies!

She slams the barrel of the Imperial Arm into Tatsumi's "jewels", making him let out a high-pitched groan.

Mine: …And that's for everything else!

However, a roar draws the attention of the pink one (and probably prevents her from continuing to attack the boy). The girl with the pigtails looks across the clearing, spotting Indra with wide eyes, as much from the presence of the strange girl as from Tatsumi being on the ground.

When the brunette finally gets up, muttering a few curses while holding his crotch, Mine throws herself on top of the green-eyed boy, sending them both to the grass.

Mine: To the ground!!!

Indra, however, sees the gesture as a form of attack on the boy. In an attempt to protect its trainer, the Night Fury rushes towards the two, roaring.

Mine: Get behind me!!! — She warns, pointing the Pumpkin at the animal with claws and teeth.

The barrel of the Imperial Arm starts to glow, which makes Tatsumi's eyes widen. The way Mine was feeling threatened, the incoming shot would probably pulverize the winged reptile until there wasn't a single piece of him left to tell the story.

However, just in time for the shot, Tatsumi enters in front of the pinkette and holds the Pumpkin.

Tatsumi: NO!!!

He raises the rifle, causing one hell of a blast of energy to be fired into the sky and not hit anything (I hope). The power of the shot makes Indra roar in fear. Tatsumi snatches the Pumpkin from Mine's hands and throws the Imperial Arm away.

The boy goes to the dragon and places himself in front of him, trying to calm the nocturnal predator.

Tatsumi: Calm down, dude!! It's all good! — He reassures, with his arms outstretched — She's a friend.

The carnivorous reptile stops trying to attack, but continues to glare at the tsundere. Luckily, before he takes violent action, the new wielder of Incursio places his body on top of the dragon's head. Mine was shaking and gasping in fear.

Tatsumi: Don't do that again! — He says, seriously — You scared him.

Mine: Did I scare him?! — Questions the girl, incredulous with what he said. However, she again becomes afraid when the Night Fury snorts at her — Tatsumi, no more lies. Who is he?!

The boy then widened his eyes with the realization that he still had to clear things up. He steps out from above his reptilian friend's head, ready to introduce each other.

Tatsumi: Mine, this is my friend, Indra. Indra, this is my friend, Mine. — The aforementioned dragon growls again at the tsundere, not liking the assassin one bit.

Mine's shock and fear turn to enraged determination. She backs away slowly, before turning and running out of the clearing.

Tatsumi: Da, da, da… We're dead! — Said the boy when he quickly realized that the sniper would spread his secret to the entire Night Raid.

Indra just shrugs as if it doesn't matter. He turns to the other side of the clearing and walks towards it.

Tatsumi: Huh?! Hey, where do you think you're going, young boy?! — He questions, looking at his friend.

Meanwhile, Mine ran through the forest as if her life depended on it. She passes the trees and looks back every five seconds. She jumps across a large log to continue on.

However, the girl in pink screams by not going back to the ground. Black claws had grabbed her by the shoulders, lifting her and lifting her into the air, allowing an aerial view of the forest. The event soon makes the sniper scream in fear.

Mine: AAAHHH!!! NO, I HATE HEIGHTS!!!

She grabs the paws that held her, not caring whose they were; she just wanted not to fall.

At the sounds of her screams, Tatsumi and Indra carry Sheele's best friend to a tall tree, having her hold onto one branch while the Night Fury lands on another. The young man tries to reassure his teammate while the dragon glares at the girl.

Mine: Tatsumi, you damn!!! Take me out of here!!!

Tatsumi: Only if you let me explain.

Mine: I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ANY SH*T FROM YOUR MOUTH!!!

Tatsumi: Then let me show you. — He extends his hand to her — Calm down, Mine! Give me a chance.

The sniper seemed determined to refuse, but she soon abandoned this idea when she saw the height that distanced her from the ground.

The pinkette rocks her own body to stand on the branch. She carefully approaches the duo. Indra growls at her, making her hesitate a little. The boy extends his hand to her, allowing her to climb onto the dragon. The tsundere looks at the ground, fearful.

Mine: I just want to… get down.

Tatsumi: All right. Indra, can you come down slowly, please?

With a frown on his face, Indra spreads his wings as if he doesn't want anything, making the boy relax.

Tatsumi: See? It's all under control. — He says to the ranged assassin.

However, unfortunately for him, the prosthetic dragon had other plans.

[Insert this soundtrack: Astrid Goes For a Spin — John Powell]

Instead of descending, the night reptile takes off at high speeds, making Mine scream even louder than before. With the pressure of the wind, the girl in rose almost falls out of the saddle, forcing her to cling to the killer from the inside, wrapping her legs around his waist and holding his shoulders tightly with her hands.

Tatsumi: Indra!!! What are you doing?!! Bad dragon, bad dragon!!!

He looks back when he feels Mine tremble with fear. The brown haired swordsman laughs nervously.

Tatsumi: Usually he obeys…

To make matters worse, the reptilian animal closes his wings, causing the three to start falling into the sea.

Tatsumi: Uh, oh…

Mine: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

When they are about to reach the global layer of water and sink, Indra spreads his wings and dives, returning to the surface soon after. The flying animal hits his body against the water several times, trying to scare the pinkette as best he can.

Tatsumi: Indra, stop it!! You're going to kill us all, you crazy!!!

This does not bother the black predator, which soars at high speed into the sky and begins to whirl.

Tatsumi: Ah, that's great! Thank you for nothing, you useless big ear!

The insult does not sit well with the scaly animal, who smacks the boy across the face with his ear, making him grunt in pain. And to top it off, he starts diving at full speed downwards.

By then, Mine had left her pride and stubbornness behind. She wraps her arms around the swordsman's hunk, nearly suffocating him.

Mine: ENOUGH!!! SORRY, SORRY!!! FORGIVE ME, I JUST WANT TO GO DOWN!!! — She screams hysterically, tears of fear already spilling from her eyes and flying in the wind from the flying quadruped's gyrations.

That was what the winged creature wanted to hear.

[End of soundtrack]

[Insert: Romantic Flight — John Powell]

Before the assassins and the dragon reach the water, the Night Fury spreads his wings, allowing them to be suspended in the air, flying peacefully towards the west, showing the Night Raid duo a beautiful view of the sunset.

Slowly, Mine opens her right eye, then her left eye. The pink girl sighs at the sight of the sunset. That peaceful flight with dazzling view grants her a wonder expression. Tatsumi smiles at the Pumpkin user's fascinated reaction. Indra smiles for the first time that day. The emerald-eyed reptile soars calmly upward past the clouds, which have taken on a rosy hue thanks to the sunset lighting.

Even seeming to have forgotten her fear of heights, Mine slowly reaches out to a cloud above the trio, making her hand trail through the clump of mist.

Mine: How… How did you do that…? — She asks in a low tone, not looking directly at the fighter from the countryside.

Tatsumi: Dragons aren't as bad as you might think. — Is just what he replies.

He didn't have much to say. A few minutes ago, the tsundere intended to tell his secret to the whole team, so the boy knew that, logically, he should be suspicious.

However, the look on the shooter's face chased that distrust away. That stubborn, grumpy, tough-mouthed, arrogant, chatty and irritating Mine seemed to have disappeared, giving way to a girl fascinated by discovering something that totally shook her view of the world. She even reminded him a little of the way Sheele usually treated him, or how Akame reacted when he came back from his first mission in one piece.

Indra flies a little higher, doing a soft somersault that makes them pass through the clouds of the sky.

Tatsumi: Right, I'll tell you everything...

[Finish soundtrack at 0:55]

[A little earlier; on the main street of the Capital]

Before Tatsumi went to the clearing and ran into Mine, we found ourselves on the main street, where there was a boy said to be in his twenties, carrying a bag full of fish.

The boy in question is a very muscular young man, of above average height, with dark blue eyes and short blue hair of the same color. He has a quiff, just like Tatsumi. He wears a blue leather jacket and a red scarf with an anchor. The scarf is considered his symbol of justice. Underneath is a white shirt with a single blue line down the middle. He also wears a pair of belted gray jeans and dark blue boots.

[Insert this soundtrack: Sunnyside — Randy Newman starting at 1:18]

"My name is Wave." — The voice of the boy on screen narrates — "Being a man of the sea, I fought in the imperial navy. And I was recruited by the special forces organized by the Capital. In other words, I was promoted!"

Smiling, Wave walks down the street.

"Since it's my first time in the big city, I don't want to look like a hillbilly! I gave my look a makeover to fit in! The people back home were all over it!"

"He stinks!" — A woman nearby whispers to her friend.

"Disgusting!"

Wave: This gift my mother made me bring is really nice! There's no way not to like it! — He thinks, referring to the bag of fish on his back — Only… it might be me, but people are whispering about me. Did I commit some gaffe?

As he passed, people nearby whispered, calling the former Marine a "hillbilly."

Wave: Well… — He thinks, smiling — I'm a man who fought against several pirates and also sea creatures, these details don't bother me!

Shortly after, Wave enters the imperial palace, following the corridors to a door, standing in front of that door.

Wave: Alright! My new colleagues must be in there! The first impression lasts, so I can't put my head down! — He thinks, opening the doorknob.

The boy opens the door, head up and smiles radiantly.

Wave: Good morning!!! I came from the imperial navy!! You can call me Wa…!

[End of soundtrack]

Wave stops short when she realizes that the room was completely deserted... except for a single man sitting at the only table in the large room.

The subject is approximately 32 years old. He wears a scary-looking gas mask and had a gas tank mounted on his back for his flamethrower. He wears long fingerless gloves, which served not only to aid him in his use of the flamethrower, but also to protect him from attacks. He was shirtless, revealing a muscular body as well as three scars across his upper chest.

Wave is transfixed with the masked passerby in front of him. The young man remains silent for a long time.

Wave: … Sorry for the intrusion!!! — He exclaims as he closes the door.

The blue boy sinks to the floor of the hall, sweating cold.

Wave: Damn…! Could it be that this is the torture room?!

He picks up the paper that said which room he was supposed to be in. The paper said "Conference Room". Looking at the sign above the door, he saw that it was… the conference room.

Wave: That's right! So that guy is one of my mates?!

He, very reluctantly, opens the door, seeing that the masked man was still sitting there. He didn't move a muscle and just stared at the "sea man".

Wave: Er… Good morning!

Wave: To pass the time, it's better not to draw attention! — Thinks the sailor, sitting down at the table, keeping away from the masked man, who was still looking at him.

The uncomfortable silence makes the country boy shiver.

Wave: Oh, come on?! What are you looking at?! This weird guy hasn't taken his eyes off me until now! — He thinks nervously, struggling not to look back — I'm screwed! Oh, mom, I want to go home!

The door opens, revealing someone walking through the door, looking calmly at the two men. It was Kurome, who remained impassive. Wave perks up in her presence.

Wave: Oh! A normal girl!

The night-black haired girl sits in the chair across from Wave. The imperial assassin takes out her bag of sweets and starts enjoying her treats. The sailor rises to greet her.

Wave: What's up? — He draws the girl's attention — My name is Wave, what's your…

Before he can continue, Kurome gives him a stern look, hugging her bag of sweets.

Kurome: You can't have any of these.

Wave: Jeez! She's weird too!!

Wave: Sorry to bother you... — He murmurs, returning to his chair.

He grinds his teeth while sweat.

Wave: Damn…! What's going on here?!

The door opens again. This time Seryu enters, but she looks different from the last time we saw her. Her huge ponytail was cut short, she wore green robes and she had mechanical arms, given that Sheele cut off her original arms. As usual, she carried Koro on her shoulder.

Seryu: Good morning! My name is Seryu Ubiquitous, and this is Koro. So will you be my teammates? I hope we can get along. — She greets, smiling amiably at the three individuals.

Wave: Hmm… This girl actually looks normal.

The redhead enters the room, however, is followed by Dr. Stylish, who had a sly smile.

Stylish: Fufu… Kind of a weak show, don't you think, Seryu? The first impression is what tells whether her companions will be impressed. — He says, tapping his fingers together as he walks like he's the king of the hill.

Wave: Who is that guy?! — Thinks the young man, finding the mad scientist's demeanor strange.

Stylish: Hm… Just by looking at you I can tell you're from the countryside. — He analyzes, looking at Wave — I could improve your look if you want. — He was talking about scientific experiments, but the way he spoke and his smile made it very strange.

Wave: What are you implying?! I'm sorry, masked guy; this guy is officially the scariest one here!

???: Good morning. — A new voice says, getting Wave's attention — Looks like I was the last one to arrive.

The new member of the group was a young man of about 23 years old, with light blond hair and golden eyes. He wears a white tunic over a black shirt and pants with a brown belt, a feather pin behind his left ear, and a necklace-like accessory around his neck.

Wave: My name is Wave… — He grumbles, tired of "weird people".

Run: My name is Run. It's a pleasure to meet you. — He returns the greeting, smiling politely.

The sailor gives a surprised sigh. He stands up, holding the blonde's hand excitedly.

Wave: At last, a normal person around here!!!

Until, out of nowhere, the masked man extends a tray with some cups of tea.

???: Hm… Guys? I made some tea. Hope you like it.

He gets up and serves tea to those in the room.

Bols: A thousand pardons. I was the first to arrive and didn't say anything. It's just… I'm very shy, and I ended up getting nervous. And I'm probably the oldest here, so I shouldn't act like that. As users of Imperial Arms, we'll get along. I'm from the Incineration Squad, my name is Bols.

Wave: I-Is he afraid of other people while he looks like that?

The scientist also appeared to be analyzing the masked man.

Stylish: Incineration Squad… a unit that incinerates anything in front of it… I see… At least that explains its appearance… But i don't like people who get their hands dirty that way.

The six Imperial Arms users stand there for a while, some drinking tea made by Bols.

Seryu: Hey… — She calls, looking thoughtful — …We've been called to gather a group of eight, and we only have six here.

Run: The two people left are the ones who will lead us. — He explains, earning an understanding nod from the redhead — Will they not be long?

???: No, you can't bring sandwiches to the first group meeting!!! — A female voice shouts from outside the room, making everyone look towards the door, confused by the speech.

???: But I put so much effort into them! Our new members are probably tired from long journeys, they deserve a lunch! And look, I don't share lunch with just anyone! — Another voice retorts, also being female.

???: It doesn't matter, we're not going to treat them to food on our first meeting! — Orders the first voice.

???: Oh, because attacking them with a serial killer mask makes a much better impression, right?! — The other voice returns sarcastically.

???: If you show up with that, they'll think we're slutty!

???: And if you come up with that, they'll quit on the first day!

???: Atsuko, pass me that tray now! — The first woman commands, referring to the other voice as "Atsuko".

Atsuko: No, I don't! If our new allies won't eat, then I will!

???: I won't repeat it again: Pass. Me. The. Tray.

Atsuko: Not in a billion years!

5 seconds of silence follow this speech. The Imperial Arms wielders gathered there hear the sound of wood being broken, followed by the crunch of ice, to the sound of the women's grunts outside. It looked like there was a fight going on there.

Run and Bols flinch at the sound of a small fire explosion. Seryu gets scared. Kurome and Stylish didn't even react to the little chaos in the hallway.  Wave was in a cold sweat.

The door starts to take a few knocks, making everyone but Stylish and Kurome tense.

Until, finally, the door is knocked to the ground by a violent impact. Those present see two women fighting like angry cats. They were none other than Esdeath and Atsuko. The eldest of the sisters was trying to grab a tray of sandwiches that the general with the orange fringe was holding back, trying to keep the tray out of Esdeath's reach.

The sisterly fight makes Esdeath grab the arm that Atsuko used to hold the tray while the younger one pushed her sister with her other hand.

All called Imperial Arms users break out in comical sweats watching a sisters beef (Without them knowing it was a sisters) live.

The scuffle makes Esdeath end up taking a false step and falling to the ground. As Atsuko was in front of her, she landed on her back, letting the tray of sandwiches slip out of her hand and onto the top.

In the air, the tray spins, letting its six sandwiches begin to fall. Atsuko is out of breath with the food about to fall.

However, in a way that physics shouldn't allow, the six sandwiches land on the table, each one exactly in front of the Imperial Arms wielders, allowing them to pick up the food and enjoy it.

Wave, Bols, Kurome, Seryu, Stylish and Run are left without reaction. Esdeath is silent as Atsuko breathes in relief.

The Imperial Arms users, still perplexed by the scene of Esdeath and Atsuko's fight, look at the sandwiches that unnaturally landed on the table in front of them. Wave, who was on the verge of panic, looks down at her sandwich with relief.

Wave: Wow... Looks like we've been blessed by the gods of luck. — He thinks as he takes the sandwich and starts to eat it, feeling grateful for that unlikely meal.

Bols, Run, and Seryu also follow suit, picking up their respective sandwiches. The blonde and the redhead begin to enjoy the food (Bols didn't eat as he didn't want to take off his mask). Kurome, as usual, remains impassive, watching the others with her serene expression.

Stylish, on the other hand, can't help but comment on the situation with his signature humor.

Stylish: It seems that our companions have a very… peculiar way of resolving their differences. — He says, letting out a cocky laugh — But at least we have delicious sandwiches as a result.

The tension in the air eases as Esdeath lifts herself off the floor and straightens her posture. Atsuko, recovering from her fright, also straightens up, looking at the others with an embarrassed smile.

Esdeath: I apologize for this... demonstration. — She says, trying to sound a little more serious — I'm Esdeath and this is my sister, Atsuko. We are generals of the Empire and the leaders of this elite group.

Atsuko: Hello everyone! — She greets with enthusiasm — I'm Atsuko, it's a pleasure to meet you!

Wave: Ah, yes... Nice to meet you too... — He replies a little hesitantly, still trying to process the whole situation.

Wave: Even our leaders are weird?! — Thinks the blue haired man.

Run: I'm Run, and I believe we'll make a very interesting team. — He says, smiling gently at the others.

Bols: Bols here. I look forward to fighting alongside you all. — He comments, his voice filled with a mixture of anxiety and determination.

Seryu: I'm Seryu Ubiquitous and this is my little dog, Koro. I'm happy to be with you! — She says, flashing a sweet smile and petting the dog on her shoulder.

Kurome: … Kurome. — The black-eyed assassin responds in a short and direct manner, maintaining her cool posture.

Stylish: Dr. Stylish, at your disposal. I hope we can have great moments together. — He introduces himself with a smug smile.

[Insert this soundtrack: Akame ga Kill! - Jaegers (26)]

Esdeath, watching the assembled group, decides to steer the conversation towards the main objective.

[At sunset; outside]

All were dressed in formal black suits and ties.

Esdeath: Well, I must say you all dress up really well. — The bluish woman says, now wearing a suit and tie too, just like her sister — Now, we'll have a proper meeting after we've had our audience with the emperor.

Wave: Are we going to meet the emperor so soon?! — He yells, in shock — I've been in the Capital less than a day!!

Esdeath: I like to take care of the boring stuff first. — She replies, leading the group through the palace — Don't worry, it won't take long.

Stylish: General Esdeath... — The doctor says, resting his head on his hand — Could our little team have a special name? Because simply being called a "security squad" is pretty annoying.

Atsuko is excited by the idea, thinking about how they could stand out even more.

Atsuko: I agree! A unique name for a strong group like ours would be perfect. — She smiles, full of enthusiasm.

Stylish: So guys, let's do this in a stylish way.  Suggest names! — He says, striking a theatrical pose.

Some try to think of names, but none seemed good enough. Until Atsuko has an idea.

Atsuko: What if... we called ourselves "Light Raid"? After all, we are Night Raid hunters, and our mission is to bring light to the Empire.

Everyone looks at the general as if she's just told the worst joke in history.

Esdeath/Kurome/Stylish: I don't like it. — The three say, short and thick, making Atsuko being sad.

Run: I'm sorry, general, but I didn't like the suggestion either. — With that, an aura of sadness surrounds the woman.

Seryu: I wish we had an original name. — She explains, trying not to discourage her "second leader" even more.

Bols: I… don't think the name sounds right.

Wave: Sorry, general Atsuko, but I don't think that name works. — He comments, looking worried — We don't want to give the wrong impression with a name related to a group of outlaws.

Esdeath, who had been watching the discussion silently, smiled subtly.

Esdeath: I think I understand what you mean, Wave. And I agree that a more original name would suit us better. We will call…

The blue woman looks forward triumphantly.

Esdeath: …"Jaegers". A cavalry within the Empire, tasked and organized to hunt down and slaughter traitors without mercy.

The other team members seem to like the name, nodding their approval.

Bols: Jaegers... I like it.

Run: I agree. It shows that we are a single force, united to ruthlessly crush our enemies.

Kurome: It's a good name.

Stylish: Hmm, Jaegers... It's a stylish name, no doubt. It suits our nature and our quest for victory!

Atsuko, while initially upset that her suggestion was not accepted, ends up smiling and agreeing with the group.

Atsuko: Jaegers... Yes, it's a strong and impactful name. I approve.

Esdeath: Great. So from now on… we are the Jaegers!

[End of soundtrack]

[Back to Tatsumi, Indra and Mine…]

It was already night. Tatsumi had just told his friend the whole truth: How she knocked Indra down in the attack on the Ubiquitous mansion, how she spared him, the fact that she was helping him fly and all the rest.

[Insert this soundtrack: Mi Amor — Daniel Pemberton]

Tatsumi: …And that's the truth.

When he finishes, the trio passes through an aurora borealis, making Mine's eyes shine with fascination and admiration.

The swordsman, the sniper and the dragon fly over the clouds, which were blue due to the night sky. They could see something glistening down there on the ground, through the cluster of clouds. When the clouds clear, the three see nothing more and nothing less than the Imperial Capital.

Mine lets out a surprised sigh at how beautiful the Capital looked, at night, with all its night lights. Still surprised, she looks at Indra, who smiles at the pinkette, seeming to show that his anger towards her is overed.

Tatsumi also looked delighted. Even though he had flown with Indra before, he had never seen the Capital, as they rarely flew beyond the clearing. And with that beauty that the city transmitted at that time, no one who came from outside would be able to imagine that this was one of the most corrupt and sick places they would ever see.

So amazed, Mine hugs Tatsumi during the flight. The brunette blushes a little, but smiles, deciding to let it go.

Indra flies through the Capital, flying over houses, circling towers and even passing close to the palace walls. Of course, all this while making a point of keeping in the dark and staying out of people's sight. After all, who knows what the imperial army would do if they saw a Night Fury near the palace.

As they leave the Capital and fly above the forest, Mine smiles at the green-eyed duo like nature.

Mine: Okay, I surrender. This is really cool. — Says the sniper, smiling — I mean, more than cool! It's just fantastic! He is fantastic. — She caresses Indra's head, who smiles at the gesture — It's all so… magical!

Tatsumi smiles at the shooter's phrase. She had definitely calmed down since the start of the day.

[End of soundtrack]

Mine: But what now?

Tatsumi: "Now" what?

Mine: Hey, you're still training with the others, aren't you? — Tatsumi arches his eyebrows — They're strict, you know that sooner or later you'll have to...

However, she interrupts her speech when remembering the "mount" of the two. The Pumpkin user approaches the boy's ear, whispering so that Indra does not hear the next line.

Mine: *whispering* …kill a dragon.

Tatsumi: Oh, I'd rather not think about it. — He murmurs.

But at that instant, Indra pricked up his ears as his eyes turned his round pupils into thin, cat-like pupils. He had heard a sound. The Night Fury dives quickly into a mist that was in the middle of the sea, scaring the pair of assassins.

Tatsumi: Whoa!! Indra, what is it?!

The dragon flies through the mist quickly, making it impossible for the brunette and the pinkette to see anything. Despite the appearance that they were alone, the reptile denied this possibility, as it kept dodging an invisible force at all times. He seemed to be in a trance, which he tried to get out of, but to no avail.

Soon after, a Monstrous Nightmare appears in the mist, appearing to fly in the same direction as Indra.

Tatsumi feels his instincts have tipped him off. He lowers his body and looks at Mine.

Tatsumi: Down!!!

With no time to question it, the girl ducks as well, narrowly avoiding the hind legs of a Deadly Nadder.

In a few seconds, new figures appear. Countless dragons of various species were huddled together in the mist, appearing to be in the same trance that Tatsumi's (and now Mine's) friend was trying to break out of.

The assassins were crouched, trying not to be seen by the winged beasts.

Mine: What's going on? — She whispers.

Tatsumi: No idea. Indra, get us out of here, dude. — The boy's request has no effect on the animal, which just kept moving forward.

The inland swordsman, however, notices something peculiar that all those dragons had in common: They all carried supplies, such as sheep, pieces of meat, animal corpses, etc.

Tatsumi: They're taking the food they loot from the villages. — He whispers to the tsundere in pink.

Mine: So we're included in this?!! — She exclaims, trying not to scream.

The sound heard by Indra echoes again. All dragons snarl before flying down. Indra follows their example.

When they fly low, Indra dodges rock pillars that were present there. Tatsumi squints his eyes to get a better view of his surroundings.

As the fog begins to lift, the rebel assassins see a huge active volcano that once stood on a small island.

Before Tatsumi or Mine can react in any way, their dragon friend goes to a huge hole at the base of the volcano, revealing it to be a tunnel. Along with the other dragons, the night-black predator flies through the tunnel. After a few seconds of flight, they arrive inside the volcano.

Inside the magma mountain there was a huge abyss where, due to the fog manifested there, it was not possible to see its depth. There were several stone pillars where the dragons rested. The dragons that just arrived were throwing the stolen food into the abyss.

A place like that, hidden from any human civilization, full of dragons, being the place where they took what they stole, it even seemed…

Tatsumi: The dragons' nest… — That's right, Tatsumi!

Mine: Wow… How much the boss would pay to find this place is no joke…!  — She speaks.

As the dragons drop the supplies for the fall, Indra finally manages to resist the strange hypnosis and, with what little consciousness he has left, he turns around in his flight course and hides behind a rock pillar, hiding the young humans. .

Mine: *whispering* Are you kidding me?! It means all our food is thrown away?! — She interrogates, seeing the winged reptiles dumping what they carried.

Tatsumi: *whispering* But they're not eating anything.

After this quick exchange of ideas, they see a clumsy Gronckle fly into the abyss. Unlike the other dragons, which dumped considerably large supplies, the small-winged dragon did nothing but vomit a small tuna into the abyss.

The reptile scratches its ear, prepared to leave. However, a huge and thunderous roar erupts through the environment. The Gronckle, in fear, tries to flee, but is captured by the jaws of a huge dragon that devours it.

Tatsumi and Mine cover their mouths to keep from screaming. They couldn't see much of that dragon's appearance, but it looked gigantic. Its head was broad and rounded, with a scaly "crown" at the back of the neck. It had six small eyes and its lower fangs protruded from its lower jaw.

The surrounding dragons retreat in fear, hiding in burrows or behind pillars. Even the most feared species like Triple Stryke and Monstrous Nightmare were terrified. The colossal dragon returns to where it was, disappearing from the assassins' sight.

Mine: *whispering* What… did we… just… see?!!

However, the giant dragon (You know what? I'm tired of calling her just "giant dragon" or any related adjective! I'm going to call her The Red Death soon, because everyone already knows that she is the Red Death, so I'll put it like this, even!) comes out of the smoke again. It seemed to be sniffing something out...

…which was not a good sign for the trio hiding there.

Tatsumi: Indra, we have to get out of here… — The monstrous beast looks at the group - ...NOW!!!

Indra takes off at full speed, just in time to avoid a mouthful of the Red Death.

The "queen's" movement makes the dragons agitate. All flying animals make the same decision as the Night Fury: Run away without looking back!

The colossal beast seemed to be trying to get out of where it was, but luckily, the rampage of smaller dragons ended up getting in the way.  Indra manages to take Tatsumi and Mine away by mixing with the crowd of reptiles and also because a poor Zippleback was captured by the queen's fangs, being taken to the bottom of the abyss. And it never came back.

[After; in the clearing]

Indra lands near the lake, allowing his friends to safely descend.

Mine: Of course! Everything makes sense! — She says, getting off the Night Fury — That's like a beehive! The dragons are the workers and that thing is their queen! We have to tell this to others!

The sniper tries to go ahead to tell the rest of Night Raid about the nest, but Tatsumi grabs her arm.

Tatsumi: No!! — He says, earning a confused look from the pink haired — Not now! If they find out, they'll kill Indra!

Mine, frowning, lets go of the boy's hand.

Mine: Tatsumi, are you listening to what you're saying?! We have found the dragons' nest, the place that the Empire and the revolution have been competing for years to find! And you want to keep it a secret… What for?! To protect your pet dragon?!

Tatsumi: Exactly! — He answers, without a hint of hesitation — He's my friend… — The boy calms his voice — … And at the moment, the best I have.

Mine's anger turns to surprise. She had never seen the green-eyed boy so determined.

Mine: … Okay… But what are we going to do?

Tatsumi: Just… wait until the boss comes back, okay? Until then… I just ask that you keep it a secret, can you do that?

The Pumpkin bearer looks into his eyes, sincerely.

Mine: … I can.

Tatsumi: You promise?

Mine: I give you my word. — She swears, decided.

The boy then lets out a sigh of relief at that. After a silence between the two, the girl in pink punches Indra's trainer in the arm.

Tatsumi: Ow! What's that for?!

Mine: That's for scaring me!

Irritated, the brunette looks at Indra, who, contrary to his version of himself that afternoon, didn't move a finger to help the boy, just kept drinking the water from the lake.

Tatsumi: What a great friend I have! — He complains mentally.

Mine then scratches her hair and, in stark contrast to what she just did, walks up to the boy and kisses him on the cheek, making him blush like a tomato.

Mine: And that… is for everything else. — She says, before walking out of the clearing.

The emerald-eyed assassin just stood where he was, watching the shooter go. He slowly puts his hand where the pink girl kissed him, rubbing his cheek gently.

He hears a grunt. Beside him, Indra was looking at the path Mine passed with a curious expression. He looks at his human friend.

Tatsumi: What are you looking at? Go find something to do! — He says, looking away.

To be continued…

———————————————————

Dragons introduced so far: Night Fury, Whispering Death, Smothering Smokebreath, Monstrous Nightmare, Deadly Nadder, Hideous Zippleback, Gronckle, Triple Stryke, Razorwhip, Ghost Reaper, Terrible Terror, Scauldron, Red Death.