Lin Yi, hearing the commotion, looked over to see it was the capital's recruitment center.
In these times, many who found it hard to get by would think about joining the army, hoping to earn a living.
Lin Yi wasn't particularly concerned about this, but he stopped in his tracks because of a young man.
The boy, after spouting some naive and grandiose claims, was thrown out of the recruitment center. He landed on his butt, with a sword strapped to his back, orange short hair, and a look of someone fresh out of the countryside.
"What a coincidence."
Lin Yi chuckled. Now he wasn't worried about finding the Night Raid.
Opposite him was the protagonist of the "Akame Ga Kill", Tatsumi. But he really seemed like a tragic hero.
"Sigh... it seems impossible to stand out now. What should I do now..."
Tatsumi sighed, giving up the idea of becoming a high-ranking soldier.
He had left his village with the idea of making a name for himself and returning in glory.
"Hey, young man, is this your first time in the capital?"
Lin Yi approached with a smile.
Although it was his first time too, with Lin Yi's experience, pretending to be a seasoned traveler was too easy.
Tatsumi was taken aback for a moment, then, seeing Lin Yi extend his hand, he thanked him and took his hand to get up.
"How did you know?"
"Maybe after staying in the capital for a while, you can tell outsiders at a glance."
Lin Yi said this without batting an eye. But before he could continue speaking, another person appeared.
The newcomer had blonde hair and wore revealing clothes. She had a sexy figure but looked more like an energetic older sister.
Leone patted Tatsumi's shoulder enthusiastically as she approached.
"It seems this young man is in quite a bit of trouble. Let big sister help you."
In a place Tatsumi couldn't see, Leone gave Lin Yi a threatening look, clearly saying, "He's my 'prey'."
Lin Yi shrugged and returned a look.
"May the best person win."
Tatsumi, of course, couldn't decipher the exchange of looks between them. He just felt that the people in the capital were very warm.
"You want to quickly become an officer, right? Big sister has a way."
Leone made the first move, glancing smugly at Lin Yi, thinking, let me teach you a lesson first, so you won't be so easily fooled in the future.
"Really?"
Hearing this, Tatsumi immediately became excited and asked eagerly.
"First, treat big sister to a meal."
Leone said as a matter of course.
Tatsumi naturally wouldn't refuse, and Lin Yi also took the opportunity to join in for the meal. They simply chose a random restaurant. Leone, however, had no reservations, ordering the best wines and dishes.
"Ah... drinking during the day is such a pleasure."
After taking a big gulp, Leone sighed contentedly. Noticing Tatsumi's impatience, she finally got to the point. "Becoming an officer is actually quite simple."
"How?"
"Connections and money. I happen to have friends in the military and can help you get a foot in the door, but..."
Leone rubbed her fingers, hinting that it would require a significant amount of money.
"Is this enough?"
Facing a stranger, Tatsumi, without any doubt, promptly took out a big bag of gold coins from his bundle and placed it on the table.
"That'll do."
Leone's eyes lit up as she quickly took the bag of gold coins.
"Hehe, this is the reward I got from hunting dangerous species on my journey," Tatsumi proudly said.
"You're quite capable," Leone squinted her eyes, "Wait for my good news. I'll go inquire for you right now."
As she prepared to leave, Leone suddenly grabbed Lin Yi's shoulder, intending to take him with her.
"I need some assistance. Come with me."
Lin Yi did not refuse and stood up.
Leone isn't as naive as Tatsumi. She realized that Lin Yi hadn't said a word throughout her deceptive process, not even exposing her obvious scam. This means he has a motive other than money.
While Tatsumi might be a bit naive, from their brief interaction, Leone could tell he was a good person. She didn't want Lin Yi to harm him.
Once outside the restaurant, Leone's expression turned cold, completely different from her cheerful demeanor inside.
"Hey, I warn you, don't target that young man anymore, or you'll regret it."
"When did even scammers start to have a conscience?" Lin Yi joked.
Seeing that Lin Yi clearly wasn't taking her warning seriously, Leone was about to teach him a lesson, but as she threw a punch, Lin Yi precisely caught it in his hand.
"I don't hit women."
"Don't underestimate women," Leone huffed. She's a wielder of a powerful Imperial Arms and possesses strength far greater than most. Yet, despite her efforts, she couldn't free her hand from Lin Yi's grip.
"Who are you?"
Leone's expression changed instantly, realizing that Lin Yi was no ordinary person.
"Don't be so hostile. I just didn't expect a member of the Night Raid to deceive a little guy out of all his money."
Lin Yi nonchalantly said, letting go of the other.
Leone's pupils contracted, her face looking somewhat unnatural, but since he had released her, he probably wasn't an enemy.
After hesitating for a moment, she spoke.
"I was just teaching that young boy a lesson."
"He deserved it."
Lin Yi agreed. It was just about deceiving for money when it came to Leone.
In the original story, if it hadn't been for a timely assassination by the Night Raid, Tatsumi might have met the same fate as his two friends, being tortured to death.
"I just hope he remembers."
"Who are you really?" Getting back to the point, since he knew about her identity with the Night Raid, Leone couldn't let him go just like that.
Who knows what else he might know about the Night Raid?
"I want to join the Night Raid."
Lin Yi smiled slightly. If he said now that he wanted to take over the Night Raid, he'd probably be considered mad.
So, he needed a different approach.
"What?"
Leone was startled and quickly looked around, fortunately, no one was paying attention.
"Do you know what the Night Raid stands for?"
"I can't trust you." Leone hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"Then wait for my credentials."
Lin Yi waved at Leone and left, saying, "Tomorrow, same place."
Leone shook her head in confusion. She felt the need to discuss today's events with the rest of the Night Raid.