Chapter 161: Decision to Attack at Night
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"Then let's go!"
Akame held Kurome's hand, feeling reluctant to let go.
After so many years, she had finally reconciled with her sister, and now she didn't want to be separated from her at all. However, the news she received today was too important—she had to rush back to the base immediately.
"Sister, please be safe," Kurome said calmly, far more composed than her sister.
There was now ample time. She didn't feel anxious about this separation, knowing they would meet again. Instead, she was more concerned for her sister's safety.
Akame's strength was unquestionable, but being an assassin meant danger was ever-present. What reassured Kurome was that her sister had some reliable companions.
Reluctantly letting go of Kurome's hand, Akame nodded at Aoki, then turned and left with Leone.
After watching her sister disappear, Kurome turned to Aoki. "Thank you, Aoki."
Aoki waved his hand dismissively and walked ahead. "Come on, we've got nothing to do today. Let's go for a walk."
Kurome pursed her lips but quickly followed him.
...
At the Night Raid base, everyone gathered.
Brand glanced outside. "It's morning already."
Akame and Leone had been gone the entire night.
Najenda sat in her chair, silent. She had approved the mission, but if something happened to Akame or Leone, it would be a heavy blow to her and Night Raid.
However, even if Akame were in danger, could Leone handle things alone after Akame dealt with her enemy? Was Room 8 really that powerful?
Suddenly, Mine stood up. "I want to go into the city and check."
Her identity hadn't been exposed, so she could move around the capital during the day without raising suspicion.
Najenda was about to respond when hurried footsteps echoed from outside.
Two figures rushed into the base.
"Akame! Leone!"
"You're both safe!"
"That's great!"
The tension in the room eased as everyone visibly relaxed.
Leone grinned. "What did you think would happen? Don't you trust our strength?"
Najenda sighed in relief. "Akame, Leone, why did you come back so late?"
Akame replied, "Something unexpected came up and delayed us."
Najenda observed her closely. "From the looks of it, what you encountered doesn't seem to be bad news."
Leone plopped down into a chair. "Bad news? No, no, it's good news. Really good news!"
A smile crossed Akame's face. "My sister has left the Empire, and her body has recovered."
"That's wonderful!"
"Congratulations, Akame!"
Everyone's eyes brightened as they shared in Akame's joy. They all knew how painful it had been for her to fight against her beloved sister while also battling to bring down the Empire.
From the Revolutionary Army's perspective, Kurome, with her abilities and Room 8, had been a formidable enemy. Her departure from the Empire was certainly a welcome development for their cause.
"But that's not all the good news!" Leone said, grabbing an apple and taking a big bite, speaking between chews.
"More good news?" Najenda asked, turning her attention to Akame.
Akame's expression grew more serious. "The person who broke into the palace two nights ago was Kurome's friend—Aoki."
Najenda instinctively glanced at Leone, remembering her earlier comments about Aoki.
Leone froze for a moment, then sighed. "Boss, this really isn't my fault. Aoki hid his true nature too well."
"When I got close to him, he didn't even have any instinctive reaction. It's just... unnatural!"
Akame added, "Aoki must have recognized Leone long ago and knew who she really was."
Although Aoki hadn't said it outright, Akame had guessed that he contacted Leone specifically to lure her over.
Of course, she didn't mind at all. In fact, she was grateful to Aoki, as this had allowed her to reconcile with Kurome sooner than expected.
Najenda frowned. "Leone has never been exposed. How did Aoki know?"
Akame shook her head. "I'm not sure."
Najenda thought for a moment but couldn't come up with an answer, so she asked, "What's his purpose?"
Akame replied seriously, "Aoki wants to make a deal with us. He's offering to help us kill Minister Honest. In exchange, we have to help him hunt down four super-dangerous species."
"Kill the minister?"
Everyone's attention shifted to the first part of Akame's statement.
"He can kill the minister?" Najenda asked gravely.
"I'm not certain, but Kurome told me Aoki can," Akame answered.
Even when they had been on opposite sides, she had always trusted Kurome's judgment. Now that they were reconciled, she believed her even more.
Leone chimed in, "Aoki said he's willing to pay upfront."
Akame nodded. "Yes, he said he'll take care of the minister first, and then we'll help him with the super-dangerous species."
Hearing this, Najenda didn't hesitate. "Alright, we'll agree to the deal!"
Akame cautioned, "Boss, Aoki mentioned that these four super-dangerous species are extremely strong."
"As long as the minister is killed, it doesn't matter how big the risk is," Najenda replied, her expression steady.
The others were equally calm. From the moment they chose this path, they had accepted the possibility of death.
Leone stood up. "Alright! I'll inform Aoki of our decision tomorrow."
Akame quickly interjected, "I'll go!"
She realized as soon as she spoke that everyone was now looking at her.
"Hahaha!"
Leone wrapped an arm around Akame's shoulders and laughed. "Boss, maybe you could give Akame a few days off so she can spend time with her sister?"
The rest of the group chuckled in agreement.
Najenda smiled. "No problem, Akame. Take a few days to rest and be with your sister."
"Thank you, Boss," Akame replied, not refusing the offer.
Najenda paused to think and then added, "When you meet Aoki, invite him to the base. We'll discuss the assassination of the minister and the hunt for the super-dangerous species in detail."
Akame hesitated. "Boss, are you sure that's okay?"
Najenda looked her in the eye. "Do you trust Kurome?"
Akame nodded without hesitation.
"Does Kurome trust Aoki?" Najenda pressed.
Akame understood her point and nodded again.
"Then there's no issue. Besides, if we're going to cooperate, we need to show some sincerity."
"Don't worry, Akame!" Mine said confidently, raising her chin. "If they try anything funny, I'll deal with them using my Pumpkin!"
Bulat crossed his arms. "I'd also like to see the man who had the guts to sneak into the palace at night."
"I'll be on guard," Lubbock added.
Hill glanced at everyone but remained silent.
Akame, still slightly unsure, eventually nodded. "Alright! I'll go find Aoki and Kurome tonight."
Najenda smiled. "Take it easy. Rest for a few days first."
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And also:
Imperial weapon = Teigu
Teigu = Imperial weapon