306-310

Chapter 306: The Beheading Plan 

Najenda (Najeta) stared intently at Riku, her mind racing. This guy seemed to know exactly what she was going through—the pressure, the struggles, all of it. His words hit her right where it hurt, and she couldn’t help but feel tempted.  

But her rational side was screaming: this was too easy, too good to be true. There had to be a catch, some hidden danger lurking beneath the surface. 

“So… what do you want out of this?”  

Najenda spoke slowly, carefully. There was no way they were getting all the benefits here. With General Bud (Budo) on their side, Riku was on equal footing with the Revolutionary Army. Bud alone was worth more than an entire army in the Empire. If Riku was willing to work with them, he had to have his own agenda. Getting that clear upfront was crucial to avoid trouble later. 

Najenda was eager to strike a deal with Riku. Bud’s value went way beyond just shaking up the Imperial military—she had bigger plans. If they played their cards right, the payoff could be unimaginable. They might not even need the Revolutionary Army’s help. 

Her whole body trembled with excitement at the thought. Truth be told, she wasn’t married to the idea of sticking with the Revolutionary Army. 

Her plan wasn’t complicated. She wanted to use General Bud’s status to get close to Minister Honest (Onesuto) and the Little Emperor (Shōtei). Then, they’d pull off a zanpaku keikaku—a beheading operation—taking out both Honest and the Emperor in one fell swoop!  

If they could eliminate those two, the Empire would be left leaderless, like a dragon without its head. Bud’s prestige and reputation, built over two reigns as the military’s top figure, would be amplified to an almost absurd degree. Even Esdeath (Esudesu) couldn’t compete with that kind of clout.  

At that point, the Empire’s fate would practically be in their hands. They could seize control of the central government, install a puppet ruler, claim the moral high ground, and crush any regional opposition one by one. It’d be far easier than overthrowing the entire Empire from scratch, bypassing two massive hurdles: General Bud, now an ally instead of an enemy, and Esdeath, who they could leave untouched as a general. 

Esdeath had no real loyalty to the Little Emperor or Minister Honest. A change in regime wouldn’t faze her. Najenda believed she could handle Esdeath.  

Sure, Esdeath was ruthless in battle, but Najenda, as her former friend and colleague, knew her well. Outside of combat, Esdeath wasn’t some raging tyrant. She was generous with her subordinates and the common folk. If a civilian bumped into her, she wouldn’t bat an eye. She shared her rewards with her troops and often ate and chatted with her soldiers. Her popularity among the people and the military was sky-high. 

Esdeath loved to kill and torment her enemies in battle, but she wasn’t a mindless murderer or a sadist. Her cruelty was reserved for combat. Otherwise, she was a different person entirely. 

Avoiding a fight with Esdeath was the ideal outcome. She was the saikyō no Teigu-shi—the strongest Teigu user. In Najenda’s estimation, it’d take at least 50,000 elite soldiers and over ten Teigu users, including Akame (Akame) with her Ichizetsu Hissatsu: Murasame (One-Cut Killer: Murasame), to even have a shot at defeating her. 

Of course, Najenda was underestimating Esdeath. In the final battle, Esdeath single-handedly took on over a dozen Teigu users and a million-strong army. To her, regular soldiers were just numbers. 

Riku had no idea what was running through Najenda’s head. He answered her question bluntly. 

“I don’t care about running the Empire. As long as you make it stronger and improve the lives of its people, I won’t interfere or fight you for power.” 

His words left Najenda stunned. Was he serious? Was he really saying he’d give up all political control? 

It felt unreal. Was Riku doing all this just for some ideal? Was changing the Empire enough for him? 

“All I want is simple: collect rare metals, Danger Beast (Kikenjū) materials, and gather the Empire’s best craftsmen to study Teigu creation techniques. I want to excavate lost arts from history and achieve the great feat of recreating Teigu.” 

Riku’s explanation cleared up Najenda’s doubts. His goals were just… different from theirs. 

That was his baseline for the Akame ga Kill! world: a supply hub for rare materials and a production center for Teigu. That’s how he saw this world. 

“Recreating Teigu…”  

Najenda hesitated. Was he serious? Recreating Teigu wasn’t some walk in the park. Anyone with even a basic understanding would know that. 

Four or five hundred years ago, an Emperor in the Empire’s golden age had the same idea. He gathered the finest craftsmen, rare metals, and Danger Beast materials, mimicking the First Emperor’s methods. But all he got were Shingu—inferior knockoffs of Teigu.  

Since then, no Emperor had dared dream of “recreating Teigu.” Just collecting the existing ones was hard enough. 

“Oh, and one more thing: all Teigu need to be gathered up. They can’t be left scattered across the Empire. They’re too dangerous, too unstable.” 

Riku added this point, emphasizing that while recreating Teigu was a long-term goal, collecting the existing ones was the immediate priority. It was about boosting their current strength. Recreating Teigu was a future dream, possibly decades away. 

“Don’t worry, I know it’s tough. But I’ve got patience—years, decades, even centuries if that’s what it takes.” 

Riku could see Najenda’s skepticism and clarified. Recreating Teigu was a long-term plan. For now, the focus was on collecting what was out there. 

“I actually agree with that. Teigu are weapons that should be controlled by the Empire’s government. Even if they’re lent to vassals, their ownership should stay with the state, and they need to be returned after use.” 

Najenda nodded, fully on board with centralizing Teigu. Their power was too extreme to be left in civilian hands—it was a societal hazard. 

What she didn’t know was that Riku’s idea of “nationalizing” Teigu meant taking them all for himself, with no intention of leaving any behind. His rule didn’t need Teigu to maintain control. 

“If that’s all you want, then I think we can definitely work together.” 

Najenda’s expression was serious. This partnership was worth a shot. 

Sure, there was still a chance it was a trap. But with the Imperial Capital’s guard force wiped out and General Bud as bait, who could blame them for taking the risk? Who’d expect the Empire to play such a massive gambit? 

As for Riku’s conditions, as long as he was truly willing to wait, it was doable. The “centuries” comment seemed like a stretch, but Najenda thought it might actually come to pass. 

“Pleasure working with you.” 

Riku extended his hand, and Najenda shook it, both smiling. He had no intention of moving against Night Raid (Yashū). But their Teigu? Those he wasn’t about to let slip through his fingers. A partnership now, followed by a “peaceful disarmament” later, seemed like the perfect plan. 

Over in the Imperial Capital, The Jaegers (Yēgā) were likely gearing up too. The Empire’s Teigu users were being rounded up, saving Riku a lot of trouble. That was the value of keeping Minister Honest and the Little Emperor alive for now. 

Between the Imperial military, The Jaegers, the Revolutionary Army, and Night Raid, the number of Teigu involved was already in the double digits—nearly half of the 48 Teigu, and all of them high-quality ones. 

Add in the few rogue Teigu users that Shadow Wolf (Kage Ōkami) was already tracking, and Riku’s Teigu collection project was moving along nicely. 

Of course, he only had three in hand so far. The rest were just “reserved” for now. 

“Mr. Devil, I’ve got a plan. Tell me what you think.” 

Fresh off sealing the partnership, Najenda jumped straight into her idea, laying out her zanpaku keikaku—the beheading plan. 

“I think it’s doable,” Bud said before Riku could respond. Taking out Honest was already on his mind. 

Whether to kill the Little Emperor, though, was up to Riku. Bud’s heart leaned toward sparing him. The kid had disappointed him at times, but he was the last of the royal bloodline. If possible, Bud wanted to protect him. 

“Not a bad idea,” Riku said, nodding in approval. A beheading plan was always the most cost-effective strategy, no matter the era. Cyberpunk 2077’s war history had proven that. 

Riku hadn’t acted earlier because Honest and the Little Emperor still had their uses—like organizing The Jaegers. His original plan was to bring the Revolutionary Army into the fold and prop up Najenda with a ready-made team afterward. 

But now, it was clear Najenda’s ambitions were bigger. She didn’t want to play second fiddle to the Revolutionary Army—she wanted to call the shots herself. 

“Do we just pose as General Bud’s escorts?”  

Akame spoke up, shifting the conversation to logistics. This was her wheelhouse—planning and executing assassinations. She was certain she was the best choice for the job. 

Killing Minister Honest and the Little Emperor was a one-shot deal. There’d be no second chances. She was the safest bet to pull it off. 

“Not too many people. I usually only have one or two aides with me,” Bud said, glancing at Akame and nodding. He approved, mostly because of Murasame. That Teigu could minimize surprises—one nick, and the target was done for. 

“Then I’m going,” Akame said firmly, not hesitating. This wasn’t the time to be modest. 

Night Raid exchanged glances. Some wanted to argue, but they knew they couldn’t match Akame’s qualifications for this mission. Still, things were moving fast. They’d just agreed to the partnership, and now they were already planning to assassinate Honest and the Little Emperor? Was this really reliable? 

“What about us? Do we just sit here and wait for the results?”  

Mine piped up, her blunt nature shining through. She hated feeling useless, and sitting back while her comrades walked into danger wasn’t her style. 

“Of course not. We’ll all be in the Imperial Capital, ready to provide backup,” Najenda said with conviction. She was going all-in but still holding a card up her sleeve—she didn’t specify where they’d be stationed, just in case it all went south. 

She locked eyes with Akame, her gaze clear: this could be a trap, and going might mean certain death. 

Akame’s response was just as clear. She didn’t waver. She’d made up her mind. 

Even if it was a trap, facing Honest and the Little Emperor head-on was a golden opportunity. Killing either would be a massive blow to the Empire. And if she didn’t get to them, taking out Bud would still make her sacrifice worthwhile. 

By her calculations, going was a win-win. She had to do it. 

Riku, listening on the side, thought it was getting a bit dramatic. With him around, how could they fail? Were they underestimating his strength, or were they just assuming he, the leader, wouldn’t join the mission? 

“Alright, it’s settled. Get ready, and let’s move,” Riku said, waving Akame over. Since the decision was made, she might as well come along. 

“No need to prep. I’m ready now,” Akame said decisively, gripping Murasame. For her, that blade was all she needed. 

The girl had this intense, almost tragic vibe—like a warrior heading to their doom, never to return. Riku found it almost comical. She was so fired up, he didn’t have the heart to clarify things. Let her have her moment for now. 

“We’re heading to the Imperial Capital too,” Najenda declared. She wasn’t just talking big—when she committed, she didn’t hold back. Night Raid was mobilizing in full. 

But they didn’t move as a group. That’d be too conspicuous and risky.  

Even though Riku had taken out the Imperial Capital’s guard force leader, security was tighter than ever. Sneaking in would take caution, especially since several Night Raid members were on wanted lists. 

Chapter 307: Akame's Resolve 

For Akame, moving with Riku was a whole new experience. A swirl of dark shadow, a blink of an eye, and they were already in the capital. The sudden shift left her feeling disoriented, her cute face sporting a dazed expression. 

“What an incredible Teigu,” Akame couldn’t help but murmur, marveling at the sensation of spatial teleportation. Najenda and the others, out of caution, hadn’t joined them, choosing to make their own way to the capital. It made sense. 

Her comment made Budo, standing nearby, hesitate to speak. He wanted to clarify that this wasn’t a Teigu at all. 

“There’s plenty more where that came from,” Riku said with a chuckle, opting not to explain that it wasn’t a Teigu. 

Anyone fighting Riku would fall into the trap of assuming his powers came from a Teigu. In this world, when a human displayed unusual abilities, people’s first thought was always Teigu. Sure, there were other possibilities—like human-danger beast hybrids, who might have unique powers. But those were rare exceptions. Danger beasts with no reproductive barriers to humans were uncommon, and their offspring were often malformed, barely surviving, let alone blending into human society. 

Another example was the training methods of the Imperial Fist Temple, which could grant humans the strength to rival Teigu users. The temple’s strongest could even defeat or kill Teigu wielders with their bare hands. But something like “spatial teleportation”? That was beyond the temple’s capabilities. Akame, having trained under methods derived from the temple and even being familiar with its people—her “father” Gozuki, who raised and trained her, was one of the temple’s Rakshasa Four Demons—knew this well. 

“Where to next?” Akame asked, glancing at Riku and then at Budo. Clearly, Riku was the one calling the shots. 

“To Budo’s residence. We’ll prep there first,” Riku replied. 

Akame nodded, satisfied. It’d give Najenda and the others time to catch up, as they’d arrive a bit later. 

Both turned to Budo. His office had been destroyed in the earlier battle and was still under reconstruction, modeled after the original. His position as Great General remained his—for now. Since his capture, no news of Budo had reached the Empire. Was he dead or alive? Who had taken him, and why? The Empire was in the dark. Given Budo’s prestige and strength, they couldn’t just strip him of his title. What if he returned? Acting rashly could push a loyalist like Budo to the enemy’s side, and even Minister Honest, well aware of Budo’s influence, would curse himself for such a blunder. 

“Let’s go,” Budo said with a nod. First, they’d head to his private residence, then go straight to meet the Emperor, where Minister Honest and the young Emperor would be. 

The trio was currently in the capital’s slums, a chaotic area called Sram—the most disorderly part of the city. Compared to the depravity of the nobility, though, this place seemed almost wholesome, harmless even. Riku had been here before with Leone, who knew these tangled alleys like the back of her hand, which explained why they’d ended up in this particular lane. 

Budo pulled on a hat but didn’t bother hiding much. Akame followed suit. Wrapping themselves up too tightly would only draw suspicion. 

The three moved discreetly, soon arriving at Budo’s residence. Since his position hadn’t been revoked, his home hadn’t been seized. However, it was clearly under Minister Honest’s surveillance. His family was “protected”—a polite term for house arrest. The guards at the door were Honest’s men, and the area was heavily watched. Anyone passing by was met with suspicious glares or even questioning. The security was tight. 

In this situation, Akame and Riku couldn’t just waltz in with Budo. Akame was a wanted fugitive, a notorious traitor from the Empire’s assassination unit. Riku, too, had made a name for himself after soldiers Budo had saved witnessed him taking the general captive. He was on the wanted list as well. 

Those soldiers, ironically, had done Budo a favor. They’d spread the story that Budo was captured while protecting them, shaping public perception in his favor. Without that, Honest could’ve easily tarnished Budo’s reputation and influence, stripping him of his standing. 

Parting ways with Budo, Akame and Riku sat at a stall outside a small shop, waiting for his next move. 

“You’re that confident in him? That’s Great General Budo. Are you sure he’ll actually follow through with your plan?” Akame asked, sipping her tea and eyeing Riku curiously. A plate of grilled meat sat in front of her—she’d just ordered it. On a mission or not, she wasn’t about to starve herself. 

Akame had a voracious appetite, especially for meat, and a metabolism that kept her slim no matter how much she ate. It might not just be her body type—her intense training likely burned it all off, explaining her endless hunger. 

“No worries. It’ll be fine,” Riku said, understanding her concern. 

To Akame, Budo was a captive, and his cooperation could easily be a ruse. Now back on his home turf, he could turn on them. It was a real possibility, even a likely one. 

“Got any proof? Why’re you so sure? Because he wants to take down Minister Honest?” Akame asked, slicing her meat. She wasn’t just being nosy—this was about the mission’s success. Budo’s cooperation was a prerequisite. She’d considered the chance he might be an enemy, but she’d assumed they’d stick together. Splitting up like this was sudden. What if the mission failed before it even started? Unexpected situations like this were ripe for disaster. 

Akame couldn’t wrap her head around how Riku was so certain Budo wouldn’t betray them. Was Budo like her back then? Had he, too, grown fed up with the Empire’s pervasive corruption and been easily swayed to defect? 

“Something like that. He wants to change the Empire,” Riku said with a soft smile. It was indeed similar to Akame’s own turning point. Budo’s cooperation stemmed partly from his life being in Riku’s hands, but his own will played a big role. He’d realized the Empire couldn’t continue like this and that something had to be done to save it. His mindset wasn’t far from Akame’s when Najenda recruited her—both had lost faith in the old ways. 

“…” Akame fell silent, focusing on her grilled meat. She wasn’t much of a talker, usually quiet and action-oriented. 

Riku watched her. She was undeniably cute, yet it was hard to believe this teenage girl was a seasoned assassin with countless kills. In a decaying dynasty, such anomalies—heroes born of circumstance, or tragedies of the era—were all too common. In a normal world, a girl like Akame would be enjoying her youth, carefree, not plotting to assassinate a minister and an emperor. One path was a bright life; the other, a deadly gamble. The difference was night and day. 

“Once the Empire’s overthrown, what’s your plan? Gonna keep being an assassin?” Riku asked, breaking the silence. He couldn’t eat, so just watching her wasn’t ideal. He needed a topic. 

The question felt a bit like tempting fate, but Riku was confident. Even if he jinxed himself, he could pull out every flag. Failure wasn’t an option—not even close. Worst case, he’d just teleport out and call it a day. 

“Of course not. Once it’s all settled, why would I keep being an assassin?” Akame replied, taking a bite of meat and giving Riku an odd look, as if the question was absurd. She didn’t enjoy being a killer. 

“Uh…” Riku was momentarily at a loss. He’d forgotten how straightforward and slightly airheaded Akame could be. 

“Overthrowing the Empire doesn’t mean everything’s fixed. In fact, that’s when the real problems start,” he said. 

Akame frowned. She’d always believed that toppling the brutal Empire and letting the Revolutionary Army take over would change everything. Riku’s words challenged that. 

“If the Revolutionary Army takes power and still needs people like me to go around killing dissenters, how’s that any different from the Empire?” she asked, setting down her utensils. The meat suddenly lost its appeal. It was a harsh truth she didn’t want to face. She preferred to believe in Najenda’s vision—that the Revolutionary Army’s leaders were selfless, driven by ideals for the people. 

“The Revolutionary Army’s leadership is clever. To overthrow the Empire and seize power, they’ve made a lot of smart moves. The Northern Tribes, the Western Tribes, the Path of Peace in the east—they’ve leveraged every unstable element around and within the Empire. They’ve played the political and military game well,” Riku said. 

He didn’t think the Revolutionary Army was useless. It wasn’t all on Night Raid. They’d provided plenty of support—funds, people, even Teigu. Sure, most of Night Raid’s core members, like Najenda, brought their own Teigu, but some, like Najenda’s Dengou Shinka: Susanoo, came from the army. 

“But doing well now doesn’t mean they’ll do well in power. It doesn’t mean they won’t have internal factions or ideological conflicts. Once they’re in charge, those disputes will only get fiercer,” Riku continued. 

Once a new nation was formed, the internal divisions would be obvious. The Revolutionary Army, rising from the south, had its interests rooted there. Many of its leaders came from humble beginnings, but by now, they’d built significant influence in the south. Even those from the bottom had become, in effect, new landlords or nobles. It was almost inevitable. 

The so-called uprising to overthrow the Empire was, at its core, about toppling the old elites and redistributing the spoils. That redistribution was where things got messy. 

The first issue was their allies—the Northern Tribes, Western Tribes, and the Path of Peace—who were meant to be cannon fodder to distract the Empire. But what if they weren’t wiped out? If the Western Tribes broke through and the Empire didn’t stop them, would they really be allowed to claim Imperial territory? If the Path of Peace, entrenched in the east, survived, would they become the new nation’s state religion, with their leader as some grand bishop? Who’d control the Empire then? 

The Northern Tribes were a non-issue, already crushed by Esdeath. Even if the others acted now, there was no saving them. 

“…” Akame’s face showed pain. Just hearing Riku lay it out gave her a headache. She didn’t want to think about it. 

She knew he hadn’t said it outright, but if they didn’t want those outcomes, would they have to fight their former allies after toppling the Empire? 

“You’re right. It’s only the beginning. Maybe I should stay and help Najenda,” Akame said, her head spinning but her resolve firming. Even after the Empire fell, Najenda might still need her. Najenda was the only leader she truly trusted. 

Chapter 308: All Sorts of Unexpected Situations 

Budo strode toward his mansion, removing his hat as he approached. The guards clearly noticed him, their eyes widening in recognition. 

“General Budo?!” 

Seeing Budo in the flesh, the guards tensed up. They knew exactly what they’d been doing, and now, facing the man himself, a wave of guilt washed over them. 

“Hm, stand down,” Budo said calmly, giving a slight nod. With a wave of his hand, he signaled that they were free to leave. 

“Yes, sir!” 

Without hesitation, the guards shouted their acknowledgment and scrambled to retreat. Their job had been to keep General Budo’s family under lock and key to prevent their escape. But now that the general himself was back, their task was pointless. As for stopping Budo from taking his family? They couldn’t, and staying would do no good. Better to hurry back and report to the higher-ups, letting them decide what to do next. 

“Tell Minister Honest I’ll be seeing His Majesty shortly,” Budo added thoughtfully, easing the guards’ nerves as they left. 

Once they were gone, Budo reached out to Riku through their connection. 

On the other side, Riku received Budo’s message via the “Oni King’s Power.” Truth be told, Riku wasn’t a fan of this method of communication. He’d already installed a brain-chip in Budo—a subsystem type—that worked as long as they weren’t too far apart. Honestly, the two methods overlapped a bit; both were useless over long distances. 

“It’s done. Let’s go,” Riku said, glancing at Akame. 

The girl had just finished her meal and was wiping her mouth. She ate with gusto but still carried an air of elegance. After dabbing her lips, she stood up decisively. 

“Let’s move,” Akame said, not questioning how Riku knew things were settled. The guards had just withdrawn from their position, and their hurried retreat told her Budo had likely handled everything. 

As the guards cleared out, Riku and Akame approached Budo’s mansion. They didn’t waltz through the front gate, though. Instead, they circled around, found a quiet spot, and scaled the wall. 

Since they were close enough, Riku could pinpoint Budo’s location with ease—no chance of getting lost in the mansion. Once inside, he made a beeline for Budo. 

Budo’s mansion wasn’t particularly grand, especially not for someone of his stature—second only to the Emperor himself. It felt almost mismatched. 

Akame followed closely, her eyes scanning the place. She was visibly surprised by how modest it was. Budo’s integrity was striking. She’d taken down plenty of corrupt officials and nobles—none of whom held a candle to Budo’s status—but their lifestyles were far more lavish than this. 

Budo, it seemed, was stubbornly upright. A little less rigidity, and he could’ve lived a life of luxury most could only dream of. 

Soon, Riku and Akame reached the mansion’s reception hall, where Budo sat alone. He’d already reunited with his family, offering brief reassurances before getting down to business. Their concern warmed his heart, but Budo was a stoic man, even at home. He wasn’t great at emotional responses, managing his family with the same patriarchal authority he brought to his duties. When he said it was time for serious matters, no one dared interrupt. 

“General Budo, your home is… remarkably simple,” Akame remarked, stepping into the hall. The place looked almost bare, like a showpiece stripped to its essentials. It was clear the Budo household lived modestly. 

“What’s the point of useless extravagance?” Budo replied, standing from his chair. Beside him was a set of armor, prepared for Akame. If she was to accompany him to meet the Emperor, she needed to look the part—at least like a proper attendant. 

“This’ll make fighting tricky,” Akame said, eyeing the armor with a frown. Her tone was firm, clearly resistant. The armor would restrict her movements significantly. 

“I don’t usually bring female attendants,” Budo said plainly. It was true—his household had few servants, mostly retired or injured soldiers. He certainly didn’t parade around with maids when he went out. 

Guess it’s up to me, then, Riku thought, shaking his head with a wry smile. They hadn’t factored him into their plans, but here he was, still needed. 

“Alright, if there’s no other way, I’ll wear it. It’s just a bit of a hassle—an extra step,” Akame said before Riku could speak. She accepted the plan to wear the armor. If it hindered her, she’d simply shed it before fighting. With her agility, slipping out of it wouldn’t be an issue. She wasn’t as flexible as some of the Imperial Fist Temple masters, but as someone trained from childhood as an assassin and operative, escape techniques were second nature. 

Riku shrugged inwardly. Works for me. As long as they had a plan, he’d just be there to back them up. No need to dampen their initiative. 

“Then get ready. We’re heading out,” Budo said, handing the armor to Akame. He’d clearly put thought into it—the armor was smaller, suited for her frame. At around 165 cm, Akame wasn’t short, but her slender build meant a standard suit wouldn’t fit. This one looked like it would just about work. 

Akame took the armor and followed Budo’s directions to change in another room. 

“Your kid’s armor?” Riku asked, raising an eyebrow. He’d pieced it together—Budo wouldn’t have had a perfectly sized suit ready otherwise. Imperial soldiers weren’t always hulking giants, but Budo’s elite circle typically was. 

“Yeah, from a few years back,” Budo replied honestly. His children had served in the military, and those nearby had been called home. The ones farther away were likely on their way back too. Minister Honest wasn’t the type to let anyone slip through his grasp. 

Budo could already imagine the consequences. If he fell or turned traitor, his family would pay the price. Honest was vindictive—a man who’d held a grudge against Budo for years. Given the chance, he’d strike back mercilessly. 

Riku nodded, saying nothing more. Akame returned, clad in the armor, looking like a slightly scrawny soldier. 

“Carry these documents,” Budo instructed, gesturing to a stack of scrolls. This would complete Akame’s disguise as a clerical aide—her slim frame would pass muster, as Budo often had such subordinates. 

“Not bad, looks convincing,” Riku said with a grin, earning a subtle pout from Akame. With the helmet shadowing most of her face, especially when she kept her head down, she wasn’t likely to be recognized. Besides, with General Budo as the center of attention, no one would spare a glance for his unassuming aide. 

The returning Budo was the talk of the town, the absolute focal point. Everyone was waiting to see his next move, curious about what he’d been through while captured. 

Naturally, the biggest question was: How did Budo make it back? 

In no time, rumors spread among the soldiers. The most popular theory was that Budo had slaughtered his captors and returned. Some even believed he’d let himself be captured to avoid a battle that could’ve harmed innocent citizens in the capital. 

Budo’s invincible reputation was deeply ingrained. For years, he’d been the military’s top dog, his prestige unmatched. Only recently had Esdeath risen to steal some of his spotlight. 

Amid countless expectations and curious gazes, Budo stepped out of his mansion, heading for the palace. He entered the imperial city—a place almost separate from the capital—with only two attendants in tow. 

One was Akame. The other, naturally, was Riku. He’d altered his appearance, and his Teigu, Thunder God’s Wrath: Adramelech, was disguised as standard-issue armor. He was flawless, just another ordinary attendant. 

Budo’s entry into the imperial city was effortless, with no checks or questions. After all, he always wore Thunder God’s Wrath: Adramelech—searching him was pointless since he didn’t need to carry weapons. 

His right to enter the imperial city in his Teigu and face the Emperor directly had been granted by the previous Emperor. The young Emperor followed suit. It was a form of balance—Teigu wielders like Esdeath couldn’t be separated from their weapons. How do you part someone from a Teigu like Demon’s Extract: Demon God Manifestation, a liquid that’s consumed? It’s impossible. 

Demon’s Extract: Demon God Manifestation, a Teigu that controls ice, was said to be crafted from the blood of a super-dangerous beast from the far north. When Esdeath drank it, a mark appeared on her chest, signifying the Teigu’s acceptance. Many had tried before her, but none could withstand it. Even a sip drove them mad with its overwhelming bloodlust. 

Other Teigu might simply reject an incompatible user, but this one was deadly—use it, and you die. Eventually, no one dared touch it, the bones of its victims serving as a warning. 

But Esdeath? She took one look at it and was hooked. Minister Honest, who’d accompanied her to choose a Teigu, had no reason to object. If she succeeded, he’d gain a powerful ally. If she failed, she wasn’t worth his time. 

What he didn’t expect was that Esdeath would down the entire Demon’s Extract: Demon God Manifestation in one go. Already gifted and formidable, she became a force of nature—a true “one-woman army” capable of taking on millions. 

And now, that force of nature stood in the great hall, flanked by her three loyal generals, the Three Beasts: a muscular brute, a white-haired old man, and a blonde bishounen. Esdeath was back! 

The sight sent a jolt through Budo and Akame. This was a genuine curveball. 

Akame’s mind raced, formulating strategies. She was suddenly grateful Riku had come along—without him, their plan would’ve been doomed. 

If it was just Esdeath, and Budo was fully on board, they could’ve had Budo hold her off while Akame took out Minister Honest and the young Emperor. But with the Three Beasts in the mix, that was no longer feasible. If Budo turned on them, Akame knew she’d stand no chance against him, Esdeath, and the Three Beasts combined, no matter how skilled she was. 

Riku’s presence was now critical. As someone who’d defeated Budo head-on, he and Budo together could handle Esdeath and her trio, giving Akame enough time to eliminate Honest and the Emperor. Maybe they could even turn the tables, taking out Esdeath and her generals to end the threat for good. 

Initially, neither she nor the others had expected Riku—the clear leader—to join a covert assassination mission like this. Wasn’t the whole point of recruiting Budo to handle this kind of thing? Why would Riku step in himself? 

When he’d insisted on joining, Akame was surprised. But when she saw him shapeshift into a completely different person, she was floored. That’s when she truly understood what he meant by “I’ve got plenty more tricks up my sleeve.” 

“Budo, you’ve been through quite a lot while I was gone,” Esdeath said, breaking the silence in the hall. Her eyes gleamed with excitement, the kind a hunter feels when spotting prey. The battle maniac had found her target. 

“So, who beat you? The one on your left or your right? My guess… the right,” she said, glancing at Akame, then lingering on Riku. 

Esdeath had already sensed something off about the two. Riku, in particular, wasn’t even trying to blend in. From the moment he entered, he’d been looking around—checking out the Minister, the Emperor, and now curiously eyeing Esdeath herself. 

Chapter 309: Each Their Own Opponent 

Riku's gaze fell on Esdeath, marking their first encounter. 

To be honest, this woman was stunning—tall, with a fiery figure and long blue hair flowing behind her. Even her eyebrows and eyelashes were blue. Huh, probably her whole body, too. 

Esdeath wore a crisp white general’s uniform, complete with a large military cap and heeled boots, standing at least 175 cm tall. She stood there, vibrant and striking, her face lit with a hunter’s thrill. Her eyes gleamed, and her lips curled into a wicked, almost unhinged smile. 

Truth be told, Esdeath’s features were quite cute, but her slightly larger frame and that “bad girl” expression gave her a sharp, intimidating edge. 

“They’re just two soldiers. But you, Esdeath—did you really quash the northern tribes’ rebellion that quickly? Did you clean up properly, or are you leaving loose ends again?”  

Before Riku could respond to Esdeath’s question, General Budo cut in, bluntly shifting the topic. It was a genuine concern for him—internal issues were one thing, but external threats couldn’t be taken lightly. 

“The northern tribes? Just a bunch of rabble, not worth my time,” Esdeath replied casually. She held back from acting outright, mindful of the grand hall and the young emperor sitting above, who hadn’t yet managed to get a word in. 

“Northern affairs? Far less interesting than what’s happening here.”  

Esdeath’s sharp gaze roamed over Riku, who stood there with a sly grin. Her instincts screamed that this guy was a worthy opponent. 

Clearly, Budo had underestimated Esdeath’s tenacity and confidence. She was certain her gut was right and looked ready to pounce. 

“General, what’s been going on with you these past few days?”  

From his high perch on the dragon throne, the young emperor finally spoke, curiosity written all over his delicate, almost effeminate face. He didn’t look like someone capable of ruling a vast empire. In the presence of General Budo, Esdeath, and Minister Ornest, his imperial authority felt shaky at best. These three didn’t care much for his title. 

If they gave him face, he was “Emperor.” If not, what was he? Just the pilot of the Supreme Teigu, nothing more. 

Of course, Budo and Ornest were people the young emperor trusted deeply, like family elders. He didn’t mind their occasional disrespect and even indulged their opinions. Esdeath, the new-generation general, hadn’t yet earned that level of trust. 

For now, the emperor didn’t suspect Budo of any wrongdoing. He chalked up Esdeath’s earlier remarks to typical bickering among his vassals—ministers tearing each other down was nothing new. 

“Your Majesty, over the past few days, I’ve seen the true state of the empire. It’s left me with a lot to think about,” Budo said, looking at the emperor with a heavy sigh, his expression tinged with regret. 

“The true empire?”  

The emperor’s face showed confusion. True? False? What did that even mean? Was there a fake empire out there? 

“Living in a fantasy… as an emperor, it’s honestly kind of pathetic,” Budo said with a long sigh. This emperor was pitiful, lacking the qualities of a wise ruler. He’d been manipulated by Minister Ornest his whole life, oblivious to it all. 

To the young emperor, everything he saw was a curated illusion, crafted by Ornest. He knew nothing of the real empire. In his mind, he was probably dreaming of surpassing all past emperors.  

In reality, the empire was crumbling, teetering on the edge of collapse, riddled with corruption and chaos. The emperor, blind to it all, trusted a traitor like Ornest, destined to be remembered as a laughingstock of a fallen ruler. 

“Insolence! Budo, do you even hear yourself?!”  

Ornest, standing beside the emperor with his hands behind his back, roared before the emperor could respond. His face dripped with mockery, his voice brimming with authority. 

“I never would’ve guessed, Budo. A veteran of two reigns, betraying the empire? Have you been brainwashed to dare speak to His Majesty like this?”  

Ornest unleashed a barrage of accusations, piling blame on Budo without pause. Truthfully, he was shocked. Was this really the same rigid, apolitical Budo? What had happened to him these past few days? 

“Exactly! The real General Budo would never act like this!”  

The emperor, rattled by Budo’s words, suddenly “realized” something, as if he’d found a critical clue. He convinced himself that the normal Budo wouldn’t speak this way—something must be wrong with him! 

This was the result of Ornest’s constant manipulation. The emperor had grown accustomed to being guided by him, trusting Ornest completely. 

“Ornest, what do you gain by letting the empire fall to ruin?”  

Budo glared at Ornest, his voice thick with anger as he demanded answers. Everything—the root of it all—traced back to Ornest. Every problem stemmed from him. 

To be fair, it wasn’t entirely Ornest’s fault. He was more of an accelerant. The empire’s rot ran deep—land annexation, corrupt officials, noble privileges, natural disasters, and human failures had pushed it to the brink. 

With the empire’s military might, top-down reform wasn’t impossible. But the emperor, his ministers, and the court lacked the resolve. Without external pressure, they grew complacent. Even a dying empire could crush neighboring tribes with ease, thanks to the terrifying power of the Teigu. That power was their crutch, letting them act recklessly without fear of collapse. 

“Your Majesty, it seems General Budo needs to cool off,” Ornest said coldly, issuing an order, confident the emperor would comply. 

“…” 

The emperor hesitated. Budo was a trusted minister, the cornerstone of the empire’s military, someone he’d always relied on. 

“Your Majesty, we can’t show mercy to traitors,” Ornest pressed, emphasizing “traitors.” That word was non-negotiable. 

Sure enough, the emperor’s expression darkened. He trusted Budo, but Budo had betrayed him and insulted him. That was unforgivable. 

“Strip General Budo of all titles and throw him in the dungeon. General Esdeath will temporarily assume his duties.” 

The emperor made his choice without further hesitation. Compared to Budo, Ornest’s influence was stronger—mainly because Ornest told him what he wanted to hear, while Budo’s words stung too much, practically scolding him to his face. 

Zzt! Zzt! Zzt! 

Sparks crackled around Budo, his anger flaring. The emperor’s decision erased his last shred of hesitation. This emperor was hopeless, a pile of mud. 

“Budo! You dare raise a hand here?! Are you trying to assassinate His Majesty?!”  

Seeing the sparks, Ornest didn’t flinch—he grinned, shouting as if he’d been waiting for this moment. With him and Esdeath here, could Budo really cause trouble? As for Budo’s two attendants, Ornest wasn’t worried. They had numbers on their side—three Beast Warriors and the four Rakshasa Demons. 

Swish! Swish! Swish! 

As Ornest’s accusation echoed, figures appeared in the hall. The guards, who’d been stationed there, drew their weapons and closed in on Budo, Riku, and Akame. But they kept their distance, wary of Budo’s reputation. 

“Budo! Surrender now!”  

The emperor shouted, his voice stern but his body shrinking back in fear. 

“Surrender? No. Today, I’m clearing the emperor’s side of traitors!”  

Budo dropped all pretense, moving to act. Sparks flew as he targeted Ornest first. 

Nearby, Akame shed her armor in a flash, revealing her beautiful true form. The onlookers froze, but Akame was no stranger—her Teigu, One-Cut Killer: Murasame, was infamous, marking her as the empire’s notorious assassin-turned-traitor. 

Akame’s target was clear. She charged upward, aiming for Ornest and the emperor. Taking out either would be a win—both would be a jackpot. 

As for Riku, his form shifted, revealing his true self. His opponent didn’t need choosing—Esdeath was already closing in, her eyes locked on him. 

Buzz! 

With a wave of Riku’s hand, lightning surged, felling the surrounding guards. His Blood Demon Art, combined with the Teigu Thunder God’s Wrath: Adramelech, made lightning his strongest element. 

“Wait. If Thunder God’s Wrath: Adramelech is with you, what’s Budo using?”  

Esdeath froze mid-step, her mind struggling to process it. 

“Maybe he’s just been pickled in lightning,” Riku quipped with a grin, joking with Esdeath as if he weren’t surrounded by enemies. 

His casual attitude made Esdeath regard him even higher. A true warrior needed that kind of courage and confidence. To her, Riku was shrouded in mystery. 

He’d just changed his appearance, a trick resembling the Teigu Shape-Shifter: Gaia Foundation, a cosmetic-type Teigu that enabled transformation. Maybe Riku’s ability to wield two Teigu could explain it—some rare talent. But Budo’s lightning? Could it really be from overusing it? 

Esdeath couldn’t figure it out, so she stopped trying. Budo and the Murasame wielder weren’t her problem—let Ornest deal with them. The three Beast Warriors were backing him up, so it should be fine. 

Her fight with Riku, though? She wanted no interruptions. She lived for the thrill of battling a strong opponent. Fight! Exhilaration! Nothing else mattered when she was in the zone. 

Meanwhile, Ornest was indeed troubled. His Teigu, Jewel Ornament: Erestone, could only be used once in a short time. With two Teigu wielders charging him, who should he target? 

“Rakshasa Demons! Stop that woman!”  

Ornest made his choice. King against king, general against general—he’d face Budo himself. The assassin? The four Rakshasa Demons could handle her. 

“Yes!”  

The four Rakshasa Demons, already by Ornest’s side, sprang toward Akame. They were no strangers to her. 

The Rakshasa Demons—Matou, Toge, Juten, and Suzuka—were two men and two women. The women looked petite and cute, while the men were burly, intimidating muscleheads. 

“Akame!”  

The Demons and Akame were like old enemies meeting, their hatred palpable. Back when Akame was an imperial assassin, they’d fought side by side, even taking down the Oberg Assassination Society together. But that camaraderie didn’t last. Akame killed Gozuki, the “father” of the imperial assassination unit, who was Matou’s actual father. This was a true blood feud. 

Despite her name, Matou was a girl, real name Mez, with light blonde hair tied in twin tails, green eyes, and tanned skin. Her face was cute, her figure alluring, barefoot and dressed in what was practically a bikini, exuding sensuality. Normally cheerful and full of energy, with a bright smile showing her adorable tiger teeth, Matou now radiated fury. She wanted nothing more than to avenge her father. 

Chapter 310: First, A Little Appetizer 

“Mahead…” 

Akame’s eyes locked onto Mahead, her former comrade-in-arms, sparking a flicker of recognition. Despite their shared past, Akame’s resolve was unshakable. She harbored no doubts about her actions, especially when it came to killing Gozuki. 

To Akame, Gozuki—her so-called “father”—was nothing short of an enemy. She and the others were mostly kidnapped, subjected to brutal, life-or-death trials to be selected. Throughout their upbringing, Gozuki showed them no love. Even the final test to “graduate” was a cruel farce—Akame was forced to kill her long-time friend, falsely branded a traitor. The truth couldn’t be buried. 

Worst of all, Gozuki had torn her and her sister, Black pupil, apart, raising them in completely different environments. This led to Black pupil’s unwavering loyalty to the Empire, leaving Akame with no choice but to end her sister’s suffering when they met. 

From every angle, Akame felt no guilt for killing Gozuki. Facing Mahead now, she held her head high, unburdened by remorse. 

Against enemies, Akame never held back. She’d strike with lethal precision—a form of respect in its own right. 

That said, Mahead’s bond with her father, Gozuki, wasn’t exactly close. Raised in the Imperial Fist Temple, Mahead rarely saw her father, a former member of the Rakshasa Four Demons, who was often away on missions. Her childhood was far from normal. Still, Mahead idolized Gozuki, seeing him as a role model and a goal to surpass. Becoming one of the Rakshasa Four Demons was her way of carrying on his legacy. 

Her three comrades also revered Gozuki, treating him like an icon. Each of them, in their own way, wanted to take down Akame to prove they’d surpassed the previous generation. 

The Rakshasa Four Demons charged forward, blocking Akame’s path. Though they lacked Teigu, their extraordinary physical abilities more than made up for it. 

Most Teigu users heavily relied on their weapons’ powers, which were undeniably strong. But without their Teigu, many were just ordinary humans. The Four Demons’ enhanced bodies could sometimes overwhelm Teigu users before they could even activate their weapons. 

These four were no braggarts—they had real victories against Teigu users, backed by solid records. 

But Akame was no ordinary Teigu user. This black-haired, long-ponytailed girl was a force in her own right. 

Her Teigu, One-Cut Killer: Murasame, was devastating, but Akame didn’t lean on its power. She fought to win with her own skills, not just by landing a scratch with Murasame’s deadly blade. 

More importantly, Akame knew the Four Demons well. Their bizarre, superhuman abilities—ones that could catch typical Teigu users off guard—held no secrets for her. 

Clang! 

Akame parried an attack from Jaku, the purple-haired musclebound brute. His ten fingers shot out like spears, as if he’d eaten a rubber devil fruit. In truth, he’d been raised on the bodily fluids of a monstrous dangerous species from the Imperial Fist Temple’s back mountains, granting him incredible flexibility and body manipulation. 

This guy… 

Akame was surprised. Jaku had clearly grown stronger—his attacks were sharper than before. He must’ve been chugging that monster fluid like crazy. 

As Jaku struck, Mahead darted in, throwing a lightning-fast punch. Normally weighed down by “restraints”—horseshoe-shaped weights—she’d now shed them, unleashing her full speed. 

Whoosh! 

Akame reacted swiftly, stepping back. Though she wasn’t frail, Mahead’s attacks packed a punch. In a one-on-one, Akame could take a few hits, but in a four-on-one, a single heavy blow could spell doom. 

The other two Demons joined the fray. Zhu Tian, the hulking tank, was all about defense—impervious to blades and bullets. But against Murasame, that wasn’t much of an advantage. Who’d be reckless enough to tank a nick from a blade that kills with a scratch? 

The last member, Suzuka, a petite girl, was more balanced. Unlike Mahead’s pure speed, Suzuka had trained through pain, boasting decent defense. She could even go toe-to-toe barehanded with Takanotsume Tazmi in his Incursio armor. 

Still, the Four Demons fought cautiously against Akame, hesitant to go all-out. Normally, they’d fearlessly take on blades with their bare hands, but only Jaku dared to strike at Akame with his elongated, claw-like nails. 

Their coordinated assault temporarily halted Akame’s advance. Yet their cautious attacks struggled to land a hit, and the fight settled into a tense stalemate. 

On the other side, Minister Honest faced General Budo, decisively activating his Teigu, Gem Ornament: Erastone. 

“Budo! Without your Teigu, you’re nothing! I’ll crush your skull myself! I always thought you were just a stubborn old fool, but you joined the Revolutionary Army? Were you deliberately screwing with me all this time?!” 

Honest’s face twisted with rage. Budo’s sudden betrayal stung deeply. He’d genuinely believed Budo was just an inflexible traditionalist, not someone playing him for a fool. 

“Seal!” 

In his fury, Honest activated Erastone, targeting Budo’s Teigu, Thunder God’s Wrath: Adramelech. Without it, Budo would be a toothless tiger, and Honest was confident he could win. 

Zzt! Zzt! 

To Honest’s shock, Erastone failed to activate! Normally, when Erastone sealed a Teigu, its gem would shatter, regenerating later. But now, the gem didn’t even flicker. Meanwhile, Budo charged forward, crackling with lightning. 

“Protect me!” Honest shouted without hesitation. There was no shame in it—he was up against General Budo, armed with a Teigu! 

It shouldn’t be like this! Why did my Teigu fail?! 

Honest was stunned, unable to comprehend what had gone wrong. But he knew one thing: without Erastone, he stood no chance against Budo in close combat. Thunder God’s Wrath: Adramelech was a nightmare for melee fighters—its electric shocks could paralyze anyone without Riku’s anti-shock coating. 

Takanotsume Tazmi and Leone could withstand its shocks thanks to their exceptional physiques, but ordinary soldiers dropped like flies. Honest, a skilled Imperial Fist Temple martial artist—stronger than the current Rakshasa Four Demons and capable of facing melee Teigu users head-on—was no exception. 

At Honest’s cry for protection, Esdeath’s Three Beasts sprang into action. With Esdeath preoccupied by her thrill for battle, they were tasked with guarding the young Emperor and Honest. 

The Three Beasts were all Teigu users: Daidara wielded Double-Edged Axe: Belvaac, Nyau used Military Music Dream: Scream, and Liver commanded Water Dragon Possession: Black Marlin. They stepped in front of Budo, each unleashing their abilities. 

Whoosh! 

Daidara hurled his Belvaac axes, a purely offensive Teigu requiring immense strength to wield. The axes could split into two, tracking their target with relentless force. 

The spinning axes closed in on Budo, who dodged left and right. They looped back, slashing at him repeatedly, refusing to relent until they hit their mark. 

Daidara, a burly powerhouse, fueled the axes with incredible force, making them seem unstoppable. 

Nyau, the blonde bishounen, stood awkwardly with his flute-shaped Teigu, Military Music Dream: Scream. It could manipulate emotions, boosting morale on the battlefield and turning cowards into fearless warriors. But its effects were indiscriminate, affecting everyone who heard it—hardly ideal in this situation. If it were just the Three Beasts, Nyau could’ve used it, as Daidara and Liver were immune from repeated exposure. 

Liver, the white-haired veteran with Water Dragon Possession: Black Marlin, faced a similar issue. His water-manipulating Teigu paled in comparison to Adramelech or Esdeath’s Demon’s Extract. Those could create ice or lightning from nothing, but Black Marlin relied on existing water to function. 

In this environment, Liver could only use his own blood. If he could touch Budo, he might manipulate Budo’s blood—an ability within his Teigu’s scope. 

Whoosh! 

Seizing the moment, Liver fired a blood arrow as Budo dodged Belvaac. The arrow struck true, piercing Budo’s body. 

“General Budo, my blood is poisoned,” Liver said with a grin, confident of victory. His toxin was potent enough to fell giant dangerous species—Budo, no matter how great, would surely succumb. 

Budo frowned, feeling the pain. The poison was fierce, rapidly damaging his body. For an ordinary person, it would’ve been fatal in moments. 

But Budo was no longer ordinary. The poison ravaged him, yet his body healed faster, swiftly neutralizing the toxin. 

Under Liver’s stunned gaze, Budo not only shrugged off the poison but charged with even greater ferocity. Belvaac’s axes, losing momentum, returned to Daidara, and Budo closed the distance. 

“Damn it, so unreliable!” Nyau cursed, activating Scream’s ultimate move, Demon Summoning. The frail bishounen transformed into a muscular beast, charging at Budo. 

Boom! Zzt! 

Though weakened without Adramelech, Budo’s new abilities kept him in the fight. Lightning crackled around him, and his punch sent Nyau staggering back, dazed by the electric surge. 

“Arghhh!!!” 

Daidara swung his axes at Budo. Like Esdeath, he was a battle maniac, craving fights with the strong to grow stronger. 

Boom! 

Budo took the hit head-on, landing a fist on Daidara’s skull. Daidara, undeterred, hacked down, severing one of Budo’s arms. The force sent Daidara flying—straight to Riku’s feet, right between him and Esdeath. 

“Hah, delivering me a little appetizer?” Riku quipped with a laugh, casually picking up Belvaac. Its abilities were average, but he wasn’t picky—better than nothing. 

(Chapter End)