Right now, he was in his Bankai state—a state of absolute dominion over all things.
Exhaling lightly, he could feel the entire planet falling under his control. Just as the words of his Bankai proclaimed.
All things in creation, return to me.
Everything—every phenomenon—lay under his dominion.
He then took the rules Najenda had drawn up and implanted them—like an ironclad decree—into the minds of everyone on the planet. Essentially, he branded thought-seals into them.
He didn't care much how this world's inhabitants might complain; at least Najenda's rules would guide this land toward a new phase, steering it away from the current foul state of decay.
Finally, there came the list of those who deserve death. For them, he simply issued a straightforward dominion order.
Defy these stipulations, and you will hang yourself.
All of this happened very quickly—barely a minute passed.
Once the golden imperial raiment and starry eyes faded, Najenda and the others eyed Tatsuki skeptically.
Mine, in particular, spoke her mind, blurting out her doubts.
"Is that it? But you barely did anything. Shouldn't you be overthrowing the Empire's rule first?"
Tatsuki glanced at her not-very-large figure and let out a snort of amusement.
"Hmph, your limited… vision is stunting your thinking."
Mine's gaze dropped. Realizing his insinuation, her face turned scarlet with anger and shame.
"You jerk! I'm still young! I'm gonna grow up, you know!"
'Tsk,' he thought. 'You're going to grow by yourself? My hands-on help would be a lot more effective.'
But Tatsuki only shrugged, turning instead to Najenda.
"The rules you drafted are now branded into the minds of everyone in the world. As for those who violate the deserve-death ordinances—I've commanded them to kill themselves. If you don't believe me, head out to the streets. You'll probably see plenty of nobles already offing themselves…maybe even the Little Emperor."
"What?"
In just a few words, Tatsuki left Najenda in shock. She had never imagined that changing the world could be carried out in such a manner. The others exchanged glances, clearly skeptical. Without further ado, they rushed outside to see what was happening.
Kurome felt genuine awe at Tatsuki's methods.
"Our master truly accomplished something so incredible!"
Tatsuki ruffled her short hair, smiling. "Your master is quite amazing, you know."
"Mm!"
His words made Kurome recall the noise from last night, and she lowered her head shyly.
"Stare…"
Akame was staring intently at Tatsuki's other hand.
Sensing her silent plea, Tatsuki placed his other hand atop her head.
Akame's face immediately showed how comfortable that felt. Seeing the pair of them acting like hamsters, Tatsuki couldn't help a wry smile. After they'd reconciled and communicated all night, both sisters had shifted their stances—Kurome was no longer fixated on the Empire, and Akame was no longer clinging to it either. Deep down, they both recognized that Tatsuki intended to reform the Empire anyway.
"Are they your new toys?"
Esdeath folded her arms, raising an eyebrow.
"What are you saying? They'll be my subordinates from now on," Tatsuki countered.
"Huh."
Esdeath remained noncommittal. 'Even I'm just one of his playthings; who am I to talk?'
"Tatsuki, did you really just… do something that huge?"
March 7, after hesitating a while, asked quietly.
"You're wondering if I was too heartless?" Tatsuki sensed she meant something else.
"No, that's not it! I just think… implanting thought-seals in everyone might be a bit much," March 7 admitted, tapping her index fingers together.
Tatsuki sighed and explained gently,
"Little March, you're too idealistic. The darkness in this world can't be fixed in a day or two. Corruption runs rampant here—this capital is only a fraction of it. The so-called revolutionary army might just be another bunch itching to replace the current nobles. Najenda's rules are humane, and I can lift the thought-seals whenever I want. But for now, we'll let humanity here experience a peaceful life. Once that becomes a habit, then I can remove the seals, and it won't be too late."
"Um…"
March 7 turned his words over in her mind. After a short pause, she raised her head, scratching it sheepishly. "I'm sorry, Tatsuki, I misunderstood."
"It's alright; I actually like this part of you, Little March."
"Eh!"
Surprised, March 7 was about to ask why. Tatsuki smiled gently.
"Because you're kind and pure. I didn't want you misunderstanding me—that's why I bothered explaining."
"Heh-heh, I'm not as good as all that," March 7 said, cheeks flushing, a warm sweetness in her heart.
"…"
Nami witnessed the scene with a small sigh. She recognized the look in Tatsuki's eyes—pure fondness. She herself had drowned in that same fondness last night, unable to help being swept away…
…
Before long, the Night Raid women returned, all wearing complex expressions. They'd evidently seen the truth of Tatsuki's claims: the Little Emperor was dead, General Budo was dead, and many high-ranking nobles and officials had committed suicide. Even commoners were affected—quite a few had died as well.
Najenda glanced at Esdeath. Inside the capital, Esdeath's troops and the Jaegers were already handling the aftermath. Soon enough, Esdeath would presumably ascend the throne as the Empire's new ruler. With the thought-seals in place, her job would be far simpler.
"I never imagined it'd be done so…effortlessly," Chelsea murmured, pressing her lips together. It was hard to calm her emotions. If the rules she and the others had drafted were to truly take root in everyone's mind, the future would be promising indeed. She found herself eager to see it.
"I could bring you back to visit sometime," Tatsuki said, giving her a wink.
"You…heard what I was thinking?"
Chelsea jumped in surprise.
"I have a mind-reading sort of ability."
"Gah—? That's so creepy! Don't you eavesdrop on me!"
Mine yelped, hiding behind Sheele like a frightened pup.
"Er…"
Sheele looked awkward. 'It's reading your mind, not X-ray vision. Hiding behind me won't help…'
"Ugh, you're pretty incredible, huh, buddy? Is this something even stronger than the Supreme Teigu?"
Leone peered at him curiously, all but certain it had to be a legendary relic.
"It's not a Teigu. Anyway, let's settle our agreement first."
A gleam lit Tatsuki's eyes.
With his current ability, dominating these few people took no time at all. In a flash, knowledge flooded their minds.
"Gah! M-Master is an otherworlder?!"
Mine leaped out from behind Sheele, pointing at Tatsuki. Then she realized how her mouth automatically addressed him, her pretty face turning red again. "And why do I keep calling you Master?! This is so—…!"
Sensing she was about to blurt out that shameful term again, she hastily clamped a hand over her mouth.
Tatsuki smirked. "You're under my dominion now, so without my permission, you can only call me Master."
"Heh! Master buddy, anything you need us to do?"
Unlike Mine's shy indignation, Leone—carefree by nature—wrapped an arm around Tatsuki's shoulders. Her Teigu was deactivated, so the lion ears and claws were gone. But her strong, healthy figure, solidly toned yet also unusually soft and bouncy, pressed against him.
Tatsuki was briefly taken aback before smoothly sliding an arm around her exposed waist.
"!"
A wave of tingling warmth shot through Leone. She moved to pull away, but Tatsuki held her fast.
"If you come over this easily, leaving won't be so simple," he said, a mischievous undertone in his voice.
"Alright, we're done here. Let's head back. The Empire is in your hands, Esdeath," Tatsuki remarked casually, confirming their return from the apocalyptic mission.
March 7 waved goodbye. "We'll see you next time!"
Nami and Honghong gave parting waves too. After they all vanished, only Esdeath remained, a hand resting on her abdomen, an uncharacteristic grin tugging at her lips. No one knew what she was thinking…
…
"So this is another world!"
Akame and the others had followed Tatsuki back. He was still holding Leone's waist. She blushed faintly, protesting.
"M-Master buddy, y-you don't plan on… doing anything here, right?"
She figured he wouldn't be so brazen, but Tatsuki placed both hands at her navel and leaned in close to her ear.
"Why? Want to find out?"
"H-Hey, don't bully Leone!"
Mine wedged herself between them, glaring up at Tatsuki like a protective pup.
Tatsuki clicked his tongue. "Look, Leone's not even backing away. Why are you so worked up?"
"She definitely was resisting!"
Mine shot back, pouting, then glanced back at Leone—only to see Leone half-dazed, blushing. 'What's going on here?!'
Tatsuki chuckled and let his gaze wander to Najenda's mechanical arm and eyepatch.
"Take off the eyepatch."
"…Understood."
She hesitated for a moment but complied. Beneath the eyepatch was a hollow socket.
"I'm sorry. Esdeath destroyed my eye…"
Najenda smiled wryly. That night, she'd also heard Tatsuki and Nami's intercourse. She knew full well how strong his lust and power were. If he was willing to accept them with a bargain, it was likely just because they were women… With her missing an eye and an arm, why would he have any interest?
Tatsuki heard her thoughts. Gently brushing his fingers across her cheek, he said softly, "Don't sell yourself short. Even missing an arm and an eye, I'm still interested in you."
He was direct. Even with her current injuries, Najenda was a gallant, attractive woman.
"But I have no wish for my people to live in that state."
He touched her mechanical arm lightly. Instantly, the metal parts disassembled. Before the others could react, a brilliant golden glow enveloped her. A golden arm sprouted from the stump of her shoulder. Likewise, a golden orb formed in her empty socket, coalescing into a new eye.
When the glow faded, she had a new, fair-skinned arm and a new eye.
"Consider it a perk for someone who's with me. I won't have my people missing limbs."
"No way—Najenda's arm and eye grew back?!"
Mine and the others rushed closer, touching her arm and waving hands in front of her right eye.
Najenda sensed a wave of warmth; her right eye gradually perceived a vague array of colors, which then sharpened until she could see the curious faces of her comrades. She could feel the tactile sensations in her right arm. Looking at the pale new limb, she softly clenched her fist, testing it. The leftover energy coursed through her body, hair going from short white to a gorgeous waist-length silver, her skin becoming smoother and more radiant—like regaining her younger self.
It felt like a dream: The Empire's day of transformation was underway, and her own ravaged body was restored to youth, all thanks to the man standing before her.
"Thank you… my Master."
Her gaze shone with firm resolve as she spoke those words from her heart—she had chosen him as the man she would follow for life. From now on, Najenda's body and soul would belong to Tatsuki.
"Yes, this is how you should be—young, pretty, brimming with vitality. No need to wear a stern face every day under my watch," Tatsuki teased, giving a slight smile. To him in his present state, such feats were trivial. He had no qualms about bestowing boons on his own people, whether it helped their loyalty or favorable impression—it cost him little.
"It's stronger than Gaea Foundation! Her skin's become so smooth, too…"
Chelsea found this unbelievable, and the others felt the same.
Tatsuki gave a half-joking reply. "If you want the details, come see me late at night, hmm?"
"Huh?"
Chelsea blinked, scratching her fingers in confusion.
"!"
Mine instantly went on guard, stepping protectively in front of the others, as if to say she'd never let him get away with that. She failed to notice how a few of them behind her were… just a bit tempted.