A dazzling light erupted from Kaguya's location, triggering a violent explosion. A shockwave burst forth, carrying waves of air with it, as smoke and dust filled the air.
As the dust gradually settled, a graceful silver-haired girl emerged from the haze. She was unharmed, save for the scars from her battle with Esdeath; her clothes bore not a single tear.
"Night Raid," Kaguya muttered, furrowing her brows and glancing into the distance. Suddenly, she seemed to realize something. Looking down, she noticed that the Seika prince, whom she had been trampling underfoot, had disappeared, leaving behind only a small pit in the ground.
Sensing something, Kaguya turned abruptly to find a few people in the distance—a man and two women.
The battered young man was none other than Prince Seika. He looked quite miserable; his once noble face was now swollen and bruised, his clothes torn and dust-covered—far from the spirited figure he had been when Kaguya first saw him.
Beside him stood a woman with short white hair, a dignified appearance, wearing an eyepatch and dressed in a black suit. She was the Night Raid boss Najenda, whom Kaguya had met not long ago.
As for the other young woman, Kaguya saw her for the first time. She had long black hair that reached her waist, bright eyes, and white teeth. Her delicate features exuded a fresh and elegant beauty, with snow-white skin and a well-proportioned figure. She wore a black short-sleeved shirt with a small red tie around her white neck and a black skirt, looking clean and neat.
Kaguya furrowed her brows. The girl before her seemed familiar, and she pinched her chin with her white fingers, pondering. Suddenly, she clapped her hands together, remembering. This girl looked quite similar to Kurome. Aside from the hairstyle, their faces were nearly identical, and their figures were similar.
Yes, neither of them had a particularly large chest, but it was round and perky. If Kaguya was correct, she was Akame, Kurome's sister.
"Apologies," Najenda stepped forward with a smile, "this man is someone we revolutionaries need; he cannot die yet, and we need to take him away, so I hope Princess can let him go."
"He led an army to invade my territory, committing a grave crime," Kaguya said casually, twirling a lock of her hair with her slender fingers, "those who err must be punished, wouldn't you agree?"
"We will compensate for the losses caused by the northern tribes in your land and provide relief for the civilian casualties," Najenda replied, bowing slightly. "We hope the Princess can forgive."
"If I remember correctly, the Revolutionary Army's goal is to overthrow the tyrannical regime for the people's well-being," Kaguya said with a half-smile, "yet now you ally with the brutal northern tribes. It's puzzling."
Najenda hesitated briefly, then smiled, "This is a choice made out of necessity to overthrow Minister Honest's regime. Sometimes sacrifices are unavoidable."
"I'm sorry, but I can't accept such an explanation," Kaguya shook her head gently and chuckled, "especially since the invaded territory is mine, and I won't allow anyone to harm my people."
"I'm truly sorry, but we must take him today. I hope the Princess can understand," Najenda said.
"Then you all should stay here," Kaguya's eyes flashed with a barely perceptible chill.
As she spoke, Kaguya waved her snow-white, smooth hand, and the grass sword embedded in the ground shot into her hand. Holding the long sword, Kaguya stomped her foot, her graceful form turning into a streak of light, rushing toward Najenda and her group with lightning speed.
Just then, a figure suddenly dashed out, colliding with Kaguya.
With a crisp "clang," sparks flew.
Blocking Kaguya's attack was the long black-haired girl, Akame.
She gripped her sword tightly, her face cold and focused. With a stomp, she shot forward like an arrow, her arm swinging her sword, leaving afterimages as she slashed at Kaguya.
Her speed was remarkable, nearly fast enough to create afterimages. Her experience was evident in her moves; though she appeared to target Kaguya's chest, her real aim was the girl's white, tender neck.
Her skill was indeed higher than Kurome's. Even after Kaguya's personal training, Kurome was still no match for her sister. Akame's battle talent far surpassed her sister's, but it still wasn't enough for Kaguya.
With an ivory-like arm swing, Kaguya's long sword became a flash of cold light, slashing upward from the lower left, meeting Akame's blade.
With a crisp "clang," the sound of metal striking metal echoed.
Akame's pupils contracted. She felt a powerful force transmitted from Kaguya's blade to her arm, forcing her to lean back. The next move she had prepared was neutralized before she could execute it.
Kaguya's sword light descended again, and Akame gritted her teeth, gripping her sword to meet the attack once more.
"Clang!"
As expected, Akame was repelled again, her hands numb, and nearly dropping her sword.
Seeing Akame falter, Kaguya's eyes focused, and with her long sword, she closed in. Her attacks poured down like a storm.
Having lost the initiative earlier, Akame was now at a disadvantage. Under the torrential assault, she was nearly defenseless, struggling to fend off the attacks.
Facing the silver-haired girl's flawless offense, Akame felt helpless for the first time. She had never been so passive. No matter how she attacked, it was easily countered, and a casual strike would disrupt her rhythm.
The most discouraging part was the silver-haired girl's relaxed demeanor. It seemed she wasn't taking the fight seriously.
This couldn't continue; she was no match for her.
Akame's red eyes narrowed, her teeth clenched. Gripping her sword tightly, she ignored the oncoming fierce strike from the silver-haired girl and slashed at her soft abdomen.
Blood splattered as Akame's white arm took a slash, but her sharp blade was poised to pierce the silver-haired girl right through.