[In a village outside the Capital]

A man was walking quietly down the road, intending to go home after shopping.

The man in question was a 73-year-old man, measuring 1.69 in height, with gray hair that was kept combed back. He has fair skin, with black eyes and some wrinkles on his face. The elderly man wears a gray kimono under a black tunic and wears black sandals. He also carries a wooden staff with a forked end.

His name was Yoshi Takeda.

Yoshi arrives at his house, but something makes him strange: The door of his house was barred by some imperial soldiers, who carried spears and wore hats with a black cross symbol. The old man recognized that symbol quickly.

Yoshi: Esdeath's army? - He asks, raising his eyebrows.

One of the soldiers walks in front of Yoshi, looking him up and down due to the height difference between them.

"General Esdeath wants you to go to the Capital."

Yoshi: Esdeath girl? - He questions, calling her by the nickname he used when she was younger - Courage of hers after her "great partner", Honest, made it clear that he didn't want me to set foot in the Capital again. - He says, with slight sarcasm in his voice.

"Silence!!" - Another soldier says - "You know very well that it's only because of her that you're alive now!"

Yoshi: Huh! If she wants me back, what does she want from me? That I lick her boots? Because if so, tell her I'm not a slave.

"We don't run errands for Esdeath-sama. We deliver what she wants." - Says the second soldier - "And she wants you to return to the Capitol, so that you can dazzle her achievements, and then tell her if her fate will still bring darkness and pain."

This makes the old man raise his eyebrows.

Yoshi: You still haven't given up on this idea of ​​trying to change the future, have you, Esdeath...?

The man sighs, tightening his hands on his staff.

Yoshi: I will... on one condition. - Esdeath's soldiers are confused - I want to be entitled to a room and be at least 20 steps away from Honest.

The soldiers look at each other. They didn't seem like severe conditions.

"Okay, so!" - Says the first soldier.

[In a palace room]

The Jaegers were gathered in a dining room. Wave, Bols and Atsuko were preparing a meal for everyone.

The blue haired man used food from his house to put in the meal.

Atsuko: Putting these seafood in for our dinner was a great idea, Wave! - The general praises, smiling.

Wave: Oh, thanks.

He looks at Bols out of the corner of his eye.

Wave: But... Isn't it a little strange that he can cook with that mask on?

The sailor tries to put spinach in the food, but the masked man stops him.

Bols: Wave, the spinach goes last. It's too early to add it or it will wither.

Wave: Oh, sorry.

Knowing that the former member of the Incineration Squad was a kind person, Wave had learned to be calmer in his presence.

Wave: But, you know, Bols... I was relieved to find that you're a good person.

Bols is quiet for a while. He lowers his head grimly, slashing the head off one of the fish Wave brought in.

Bols: I'm not... a good person. - He answers, depressed.

Atsuko seems to be put off by Bols' speech, showing pity in her eyes.

In the next room, the rest of the Jaegers were patiently waiting for Bols, Atsuko and Wave to finish cooking. Run and Stylish were talking in a corner of the room, while Kurome played with Koro.

Seryu: Captain... What do you usually do in your spare time? - She asks Esdeath.

Esdeath: Hunting and torture. - The ice manipulator responds nonchalantly, taking a small sip of her wine - Or studying in either.

Esdeath smiles as she places the cup back on the table.

Esdeath: By the way, Seryu, I hear we have a new Imperial Arm left after your battle with Night Raid.

Seryu: Y-Yes... it's true. - The redhead says, taken by surprise with the information - We collected an Imperial Arm in the form of scissors that a Night Raid assassin was using. But we can't find anyone who can use it. If we don't find anyone soon, the minister will confiscate it.

Esdeath: That would be such a waste. - She brings her hands together on the table - Well, while we're looking for someone who can use it, why don't we have some fun?

[About that; in the streets]

Tatsumi walked around wearing the hood of his coat, looking for Lubbock's hideout in the Capital.

Tatsumi: This place seems to be very lively for some reason. - He thinks, discreetly looking at the bustling people around him from under his hood - There must be some kind of event or something happening today.

After walking some more through the streets of the Capital, he finally spots the bookstore that Lubbock uses as a front for his hidden base. Tatsumi couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the strange name of the shop.

Tatsumi: "Book night"? I know we're supposed to be hidden from plain sight, but this seems very, very obvious.

Lubbock: Oh, hello, sir! - The greenette greets while leaning against the wall outside his shop.

Tatsumi: Hi! - He reciprocates, putting his hands in his pockets - Interesting little shop you have here! I especially liked the name!

Lubbock: Thank you! - The man thanks him, with a cocky smile, before pointing towards the store with his thumb - If you'd like, you can browse our "special" selection at the back of the store.

Tatsumi: Show the way.

He then follows Lubbock through the bookstore. Once at the back of the shop, the Crosstail wielder pulls out one of the books, revealing a hidden door and a sequence of stairs leading to a hidden basement.

Tatsumi: This place really feels like a secret base.

Lubbock: Yeah, right? This place is my pride and joy.

Tatsumi: Spare me the bullshit, Lubb! I know you didn't build this place! - The speech makes the pervert sulk.

The two arrive at the secret underground base.

Leone: What's up?!! - She yells, smiling, in front of a pile of drinks - Welcome to our Capital hideout!

The brunet decides to just ignore the brute's carefree behavior.

Lubbock: So, Mine's wanted posters have started popping up all over the Capital recently... - The wire Manipulator tells, showing a poster of the pinkette - So the three of us are the only ones who can roam freely around the Capital now.

Tatsumi: It's strange, many people on the ship saw my face. - Reflects the swordsman, while rubbing his chin - So, I thought it would be dangerous to walk around, but I don't think that's the case... Anyway, on the way here, it seemed that the whole Capital was talking about this new security squad called "Jaegers".

Lubbock: That's because Esdeath is the one leading them. Anything she does is important around here. This witch is extremely dangerous.

The boy furrows his brows at the mention of that name. From the way people talked about Esdeath, she seemed like someone not to be trifled with.

The Crosstail user sits on the sofa. Tatsumi follows suit.

Lubbock: There are many stories to tell, but one in particular comes to mind. - He lets out a heavy sigh - Several years ago, a savage tribe in the southwest rose up against the Empire. The minister sent an army of over 120,000 men to eliminate just over 10,000 tribals. It should have been an easy victory for the army, a clear way to show its power. But the rough terrain and abundant danger beasts attacked the soldiers relentlessly. At night, the savages launched surprise attacks, and before long it was clear that the army could not fulfill its mission. The minister was desperate, so he sent three young generals to help them. Najenda, Atsuko... and Esdeath.

Tatsumi's eyes widen slightly at the mention of Atsuko's name.

Tatsumi: That woman of the sandwich... - He thinks, remembering his encounter with the general on his first day in the Capital.

Lubbock: Long story short, Esdeath and her men completely slaughtered those wildlings. Her powers were so frightening that they worried Najenda and even Atsuko, who was her own sister. Once Esdeath and her men had decimated the enemy, they set their sights on the wildling village. There, Esdeath released her men, allowing them to do as they pleased. She thought of it as them reaping their rewards for defeating their enemies. His men murdered and raped the entire village, stealing anything valuable and burning the rest. Once her minions were finished, Esdeath spared three wildlings, so that they could live out the rest of their lives never being able to unsee what they had seen, and so that they could spread the word of what had happened. This sickening brutality and sheer cruelty is what drove Najenda to abandon the Empire and join the Revolutionary Army.

Tatsumi: But wasn't it foolish to plant those seeds of hatred in the survivors? I mean, it was like pouring wood on a fire!

Lubbock: Esdeath knows that. She wants more riots. So she can keep fighting and having fun. - Explains the man with green eyes, crossing his arms behind his head.

Tatsumi: ... She is crazy!

Leone: Ah... - She sighs, lying slouched on the couch - I knew it was a good idea not to mess with her. She is dangerous! If I had attacked then, I would have become just one of the thousands of victims she has already killed...

Tatsumi: For even Leone to be saying something like that, she must be amazing...! - He says to the only other man on the team.

Lubbock: Oh! If you're interested... I have something to show you!

He takes a scroll out of his bag, unrolls it and shows it to Tatsumi. The paper contained Esdeath's symbol.

Lubbock: Esdeath is hosting a huge tournament in town. The winner will win a big cash reward. You said you wanted to send money to your village, right?

[Two hours later; Capital Coliseum]

Esdeath: *yawn* How boring... - She mutters, resting her head on her fist.

The Capital's most feared general looked extremely bored, sitting on the right side of a sofa as she watched two men fight below.

Run: What do you think of these two, general? - The blonde asks, pouring a new glass of wine for Esdeath. He was on the left of the blue haired woman, while Atsuko was sitting on the vacant left side of the couch.

Esdeath: Boring men make the battle equally boring... As I thought, there isn't a single Imperial Arm wielder among them... Am I going to see anything remotely exciting in these fights?

Run: I see...

He and Atsuko watch the fight downstairs end.

Atsuko: Ah, looks like the battle is decided. The next fight will be the last. - She warns, before taking a bite of a ham sandwich she was holding.

In the wrestling ring, Wave was tasked with announcing the fighters for the tournament.

Wave: In the east corner! We have Kalbi, the Butcher!!!

The crowd erupts in applause as a huge man in a bull mask enters the right side of the ring.

Wave: And in the west corner! We have Tatsumi, the Blacksmith!!!

Run: One of them is just a mere boy, huh?

Esdeath and Atsuko, on the other hand, perk up a bit in their seats. Something about the fiery determination in the boy's eyes caught their attention. For some reason, they were curious to see what he would do.

Esdeath: Maybe I'll see something interesting after all... - Esdeath mumbles, with a sly smile - Show me what you have to offer... Tatsumi.

Atsuko: Huh? That boy looks familiar to me...

Leone and Lubbock were blending in with the crowd to watch their friend.

Leone: This is a very interesting disguise! Does he really know how to forge?

Lubbock: He's not as good as me, but he's pretty impressive! If he wanted to, he could probably open his own shop!

Downstairs, Kalbi smirks at our protagonist.

Kalbi: Well, you're quite small. - He scoffs - You should probably give up now while you have the chance, boy! This award is mine! I may have been excommunicated, but I'm at the level of an Empire master!

Wave: This guy... - The young man thinks as he looks at Kalbi with a hint of disgust - ...He may be arrogant, but he looks really strong... Well, whatever.

Raising his arm, Wave makes sure both fighters are ready.

Wave: Begin!!!

In the arena, Tatsumi just looked coldly at his opponent.

Tatsumi: Before arriving at the Capital, I sure would have been intimidated... But now, I'm completely calm... Compared to the strength of the Three Beasts or that queen of the nest... this guy is a complete weakling!

Kalbi: I gave you a chance, boy! Now here I come!!

He advances with his fist raised behind him.

Kalbi: I'll give you a portion of my exploding fists!!!

Tatsumi: I won't even need Incursio to take down that conceit!

Taking one last calming breath, Tatsumi leaps onto Kalbi's fist. Kalbi immediately loses track of Tatsumi as the young assassin runs around him. The stubborn boy was so distracted trying to locate Tatsumi that he didn't notice that the brunette was right below him. Raising his fist back, Tatsumi hit Kalbi in the stomach. Coughing through a mouth full of blood, the big guy curls up, clutching his stomach. Tatsumi doesn't give his enemy time to react or recover. Crouching down, the teenager kicks Kalbi's legs. Indra's trainer runs after the butcher and breaks his arm. Kalbi screams in pain as he holds his now-broken arm. Even so, Tatsumi continues his attack. After making a comeback, the revolution member hits Kalbi with a barrage of punches to the head and chest.

By the time Tatsumi was done, Kalbi was riddled with injuries. But the stubborn bastard refuses to give up and tries to get back on his feet. Tatsumi decides to finally end the fight and hits the butcher with a hard kick to the head. The guy falls backwards as he hits the ground, completely unconscious.

Esdeath: Uhmm! That was something interesting...

Atsuko: Wow!! The kid is good... and rough, too!

Atsuko: I know I know that boy... I have to remember, otherwise I won't be able to sleep tonight!!

Run: That boy has incredible talent... He defeated an enemy much bigger than him with ease.

Wave: And with that... - The sailor raises his hand in the air - ...The winner is Tatsumi!!!

Instantly, the crowd erupts in applause, all excited to see the underdog who won the fight.

Tatsumi: Everyone... is applauding me...

A sudden sense of achievement flows through him as he basks in the applause of the crowd. Suddenly, a slight blush spreads over Tatsumi's face and he smiles brightly.

Tatsumi: I did it!!!

Esdeath is amazed to see that boy manage to smile so genuinely even after an uphill battle.

Esdeath: What strength of will...

Atsuko widens her eyes in recognition as she sees Tatsumi smile with a blush. Acknowledging him makes her choke on her sandwich.

Atsuko: It's the kid who doesn't like sandwiches!!! - She thinks as she pats her chest, coughing, remembering the boy from outside the Capital she met one night.

Her sister stands.

Esdeath: He is worthy.

Before Run or Atsuko could ask anything, the general goes down the stairs, walking towards the brunette from Night Raid.

Tatsumi: Huh?! Is she coming to the ring?!

The blue haired general stops in front of the teenager.

Esdeath: Your name is Tatsumi... correct? It's a beautiful name.

Tatsumi: T-Thanks! - He thanks her, his voice sounding a lot more pathetic and scared than he wanted it to be.

Tatsumi: So... is that really Esdeath? She doesn't seem so bad so far... But I can't let my guard down... She was the leader of the Three Beasts... and because of them, the aniki... - He composes himself, trying not to let his emotions get the better of him.

Esdeath: Your performance just now... was perfect. - Praises her, resting her hands on her hips - I would like to personally give you your reward.

Tatsumi: Thank you!

He was reluctant to accept money from the enemy, but money was money! Also, he needed as much money as needed for his hometown.

Tatsumi's blush darkens as he sees Esdeath reach into her cleavage to take his prize. However, the protagonist was completely unprepared when something clicks around his neck.

Esdeath: From now on... - She says, in a hushed, firm tone - ...you are my right hand man.

Tatsumi: Huh? - His eyes shoot to a necklace and chain around her neck - IT'S WHAT?!!

Esdeath: Come on, there are too many distractions here.

The woman starts dragging Tatsumi out of the arena, the teen immediately fighting her.

Esdeath: You will come to the palace with me.

Tatsumi: HEY, LET ME GO!!! - He yells, frantically facing the collar around his neck - WAIT AHEAD...!!!

Esdeath: I can't wait.

She takes a quick swing at the boy's neck. Within seconds, the world around Tatsumi begins to darken.

Tatsumi: What... - He thinks, his vision starting to fade - ...did she do to me...?

Esdeath: Don't worry, let's talk in the palace.

In the stands, Lubbock and Leone looked at each other in bewilderment.

Lubbock: What the... What the hell is happen?!!

[About that; at the entrance to the palace]

Yoshi was escorted by Esdeath soldiers to the imperial palace. The elderly man narrows his eyes at the massive building.

Yoshi: I arrived, Esdeath girl... - He murmurs.

To be continued...