If Kaguya's guess was correct, the only thing that could cause Night Raid to lose their combat ability in an instant was poison—specifically, the poison created by Dr. Stylish. This poison was colorless, tasteless, and incredibly potent, able to incapacitate its victims within seconds.
In the original story, Dr. Stylish had used such poison before. If Najenda and Susanoo hadn't arrived in time, it would have been disastrous. Now, Dr. Stylish was using his old tricks once again.
"My... body... suddenly can't move," Najenda gritted her teeth, struggling to speak as she lay on the ground.
"Could it be poison?" Akame tried to prop herself up, but the poison had drained her strength, leaving her body feeling completely hollow.
"Damn it..." Lubbock, already unable to move a finger, cursed bitterly as he lay on the ground.
On a distant cliff, four figures stood watching. The leader was a man in a suit, wearing a white lab coat over it—Dr. Stylish, whom Kaguya had seen before. Standing with him were three people with distinct appearances: one had eyes that looked like a kaleidoscope, another had a long nose resembling Pinocchio, and the last had large ears like Dumbo.
These three were Dr. Stylish's enhanced human reconnaissance team, known as Eye, Ear, and Nose.
If Kaguya had been there, she would have definitely mocked them harshly. "What kind of ridiculous names are these? Seriously, couldn't they have come up with something better?"
"The poison is taking effect, Dr. Stylish," Eye said, shading his eyes as he peered into the distance.
"One of my trump cards—a highly fashionable, ultra-potent paralyzing gas," Dr. Stylish said proudly.
Nose stepped back in alarm and exclaimed, "But won't our own troops be affected too?"
"Idiot," Ear said with disdain. "Of course, our own troops have already been given the antidote."
"Really?" Nose said in surprise, his long nose exhaling two puffs of white air as he blushed. "As expected of Dr. Stylish, so impressive!"
But seeing a man, especially one who was quite effeminate, making such expressions and gestures was just too nauseating.
"In fact, I didn't really want to use this new drug on such lively test subjects," Dr. Stylish said with a regretful expression, then brushed a strand of hair away from his face. "This drug was incredibly difficult to create, a precious masterpiece. But I had no choice—after all, our people have suffered greatly at their hands."
"As expected of Dr. Stylish," Eye said expressionlessly.
"So compassionate," Ear said, clasping his hands together with admiration.
Because of the ultra-potent paralyzing gas from Dr. Stylish, the members of Night Raid were rendered weak and powerless. They couldn't even hold their weapons, let alone stand up.
Fortunately, Susanoo was unaffected by the paralyzing gas due to being a Teigu. But even with Susanoo fighting, it was difficult to fend off the endless waves of enhanced humans. These enhanced soldiers were far stronger than ordinary Imperial soldiers—not only were they powerful, but their vitality was astonishing. Even though Susanoo could target their weak points, it still took considerable effort to take them down.
As Night Raid's members were about to be overwhelmed by the tide of enhanced soldiers, a silver-white figure suddenly appeared before them. With a wave of a snow-white arm, the approaching enhanced soldiers were sent flying as if struck by a powerful force, crashing heavily to the ground.
"Who are you?" Najenda's eyes widened in disbelief as she looked at the familiar figure before her.
Akame seemed equally surprised, unable to comprehend why someone had suddenly appeared. Meanwhile, the bespectacled Sheele looked slightly dazed, as if she hadn't fully grasped what was happening.
"It looks like we meet again, Boss," Kaguya said with a sly smile, turning to Najenda with her eyes narrowed into crescent moons.
"What are you doing here?" Najenda quickly regained her composure and asked.
"Is there a rule that says I can't be here?" Kaguya tossed her silver hair with a faint smile.
"Are you here to save us?" Najenda felt a glimmer of hope. If Kaguya wasn't here to save them, why show up now? Wouldn't it have been more convenient to wait until they were dead?
Upon hearing Najenda's question, both Sheele and Lubbock looked surprised, and even Akame's eyes widened slightly.
"Not at all," Kaguya quickly waved her hand and laughed. "Sorry, please don't misunderstand. I'm not here to save you."
"You're not?" Najenda looked puzzled, unsure of what Kaguya's intentions were. "Then why?"
"First of all, the Imperial Army is also my enemy, so I'm here to take care of them. That has nothing to do with you," Kaguya said. "Secondly, you're also my enemies, but it would be a waste to kill you outright."
Kaguya paced back and forth, lightly stroking her chin as if in thought. After a moment, she clapped her hands and smiled, "Here's an idea: why don't you become my subordinates? I mean, join me. If you pledge your loyalty, you'll get all kinds of benefits—social security, a pension, bonuses, a private villa—everything you could want. How about it? Give it some thought."
Kaguya's clear, beautiful eyes widened in anticipation as she clasped her hands together, looking at them expectantly. But unfortunately, they didn't seem swayed by her offer.
"Sorry, if that's all you have to say, then there's no reason for us to continue this conversation," Najenda said sternly. "We will never betray our beliefs or join you."
"Beliefs?" Kaguya chuckled softly. "And what might those be? Overthrowing the Empire's tyranny, eliminating its corrupt officials, wiping out evil, and bringing peace and happiness to the people?"
Najenda didn't respond, but the resolute look in her eyes said everything.
Seeing their determined expressions, Kaguya couldn't help but laugh.
"What's so funny?" Sensing Kaguya's mockery, Najenda suppressed her anger and asked in a deep voice.
"Nothing, I'm just laughing at you," Kaguya's lips curled into a sneer. "You're so naive."