Kaguya and Kurome moved swiftly through the dense forest, like a flash of light, their feet barely touching the ground as they covered great distances in an instant.
As they drew closer to the battlefield, Kaguya's brow furrowed because the sounds of battle were gradually diminishing, from initially deafening to barely audible.
Could the battle be nearing its end so quickly? Kaguya felt a sense of urgency and quickened her pace.
She wanted to watch a good show.
Suddenly, Kaguya halted and gazed intently at the dense forest ahead.
"What is it, Your Highness?" Kurome asked curiously, noticing Kaguya had stopped.
"Nothing, just a little mouse," Kaguya chuckled. "Hey, you hiding in the forest—your tail is showing."
At that moment, amidst the rustling sounds, a tall, muscular man emerged from the woods.
"Sister?" Kurome's eyes became hazy, as if in a trance, and she instinctively moved toward the man.
Kaguya grabbed Kurome's wrist, smiling at the man in the distance. "I didn't expect such an intriguing Imperial Arm. You must be Zank the Beheader."
In the world of Akame ga Kill!, the only one capable of using illusions was Zank with his Teigu, Spectator.
Kurome's eyes cleared as if waking from a dream. She asked, puzzled, "What happened?"
"Oh?" Zank appeared surprised. "You didn't fall for my illusion?"
"You're not the only one who knows illusions," Kaguya smirked, a hint of mockery in her voice. "You've got some nerve showing off your little tricks in front of me."
"You arrogant little girl, do you think—"
Before Zank could finish, his sneer froze, his pupils contracting sharply.
Somehow, in the blink of an eye, he found himself in a bizarre space.
This strange place was vast and gray, endless and devoid of color, with only black and white shades, shadowy and oppressive, making it hard to breathe.
He was bound, tied to a cross. He struggled, but the ropes didn't budge. They seemed like iron, unyielding.
"Welcome to the world of Tsukuyomi."
A clear, melodious voice suddenly echoed in the vast space.
Zank turned his head abruptly to see a silver-haired girl with a fox mask walking gracefully toward him.
"This is—" Zank's eyes narrowed, recognizing the girl from earlier.
"What's wrong? Can't you recognize me now?" Kaguya laughed lightly, mocking. "I guess your eyes are just for show."
Zank's mind raced. Suddenly, he recalled something, grinning. "I see. This is an illusion. You can't fool me."
"I never said it wasn't an illusion," Kaguya replied, removing her fox mask, revealing her stunning features, smiling at Zank. "But this illusion is a bit special."
Zank's eyes widened, captivated by the girl's beauty. He had never seen anyone so beautiful.
Her hair was silvery, nearly reaching her waist, her skin flawless, her brows delicate, and her eyes like autumn waters. Her smile was like a blooming flower, mesmerizing and dazzling.
"What's special about it?" he asked, entranced, the words slipping from his mouth.
"What's special is," Kaguya said, stroking the long sword in her hand, her smile radiant, "that this world is no different from reality."
With those words, the silver-haired girl's sword flashed like lightning, piercing Zank's body.
Blood splattered.
"Ahhh!"
Zank's eyes bulged, wide with shock, as intense pain struck like lightning, forcing a scream from his lips. He writhed, trying to break free of the ropes binding him. But the ropes were as firm as steel, and no amount of struggling could release him.
"How does it feel?" Kaguya said, stepping closer, her smile like a crescent moon. "Isn't it realistic?"
"How… How can this be?" Zank gasped, his eyes bloodshot, beads of sweat trickling down his face.
"You think you can challenge me with your illusions?" Kaguya laughed lightly. "Before we begin, let me enlighten you. This is my world, where everything, including time and place, is under my control."
"Impossible! How can—" Zank shouted, but a chill crept up his spine.
Before he could finish, there was a "puff" as the sound of a blade piercing flesh echoed in the silent space.
"Aah!"
Zank screamed again, the sound wretched and pitiful, his body shaking involuntarily from the pain.
"When adults are talking, children shouldn't interrupt," Kaguya said, twisting the sword in her hand, smiling sweetly. "Otherwise, you'll be punished."
"Aah!"
Zank's agonized cries grew hoarse, sounding even worse than a slaughtered pig.
"Oh, there's more bad news," Kaguya said with a cute smile. "I control time here. So, you'll be stuck for another 71 hours, 59 minutes, and 59 seconds."
Despite the beautiful smile of the silver-haired girl before him, to Zank, it was the grin of a devil.
Suddenly, countless identical silver-haired girls appeared on the ground, each holding a gleaming sword, smiling as they approached him.
"No, no—aaaaah!"