Clack! Clack! Clack!
After breakfast, Tatsumi and Akame were sparring with wooden swords. For the training, Tatsumi acted as the attacker, while Akame only defended and pushed him back.
Compared to the first time he nearly died while sword-fighting Akame, his current stamina and strength allowed him to fight for much longer. However, her blade work was like a solid wall; no matter how he attacked, he couldn't break through her defense.
Clack!!!
Tatsumi was pushed back once again, his chest heaving as he breathed rapidly. He then stood up, holding his sword in a ready stance.
"Again, Akame."
"Tatsumi, you need to rest for a bit."
"It's okay, Akame. I told you I would give it my all. Here I come!"
Bang!
A powerful slap to his back sent a sharp pain through Tatsumi, causing him to fall to the ground. He turned his head with difficulty; who else could possess such immense strength besides Bulat?
"What was that for, big bro?"
"Passionate spirit is good, but ignoring your surroundings is not. In a real battle, the enemy will sometimes hide in a place you don't know to launch a sneak attack."
"Yes..."
After sternly lecturing Tatsumi, Bulat smiled and pulled him up, patting his shoulder.
"No need to be discouraged; the road ahead of you is still very long."
"You're starting to look more like a grown man, Tatsumi. Alright, from now on, I'll be your opponent! Prepare yourself for hellish training!"
"Yes!"
Tatsumi excitedly gripped the hilt of the wooden sword, taking a ready stance. Bulat took off his outer windbreaker and grabbed the wooden staff he usually used for practice.
"My spear doesn't know how to go easy!"
Thud!
Tatsumi caught a diagonal strike that sent his whole body leaning. Bulat's fighting style was different from Akame's, focusing on speed, power, and decisiveness.
"What's wrong, Tatsumi? Enthusiasm alone won't help you survive!!"
"I'm coming, big bro!!"
Akame watched the scene of the two sparring enthusiastically and smiled softly. She truly loved moments like these.
...
Evening.
It was quite late. Tatsumi, carrying only his sword and wearing his fur coat, stepped out of the base. It wasn't that he wanted to leave Night Raid; this was simply a final visit to Asahi's cafe.
Given the current state of the Empire's government, a place where no one lived would sooner or later be sold. If he didn't go now, it would be too late.
The sound of footsteps appeared behind him. Tatsumi turned around and gave everyone a wry smile.
"You guys didn't need to follow me."
"Tatsumi, you are also a member of Night Raid."
This time it was the Boss speaking. Najenda only said one sentence, but everyone understood the meaning. Ultimately, a visit by one person turned into a whole group.
As for the matter of danger, Night Raid wasn't worried at all. The cafe was located quite far from the capital's center; the soldiers there weren't enough to be a threat. Furthermore, Night Raid had previously deployed their entire force in this area for a mission—the night they eliminated Aria's family.
Besides, they were assassins; hiding was as common to them as eating or drinking.
Thus, the Night Raid pack traveled together. As they passed Aria's mansion, they brought up the old story of when he first met Akame, making Tatsumi lower his head in embarrassment.
However, as they neared the cafe's location, Tatsumi's brow furrowed. His reaction caught everyone's attention.
"Tatsumi, what is it?"
"Brother Asahi usually kept the shop open very late before closing, so light isn't strange. But if he's dead, why are the lights still on?"
Everyone became serious. Lubbock stepped forward and patted his chest.
"Leave it to me."
Cross Tail in Lubbock's hands spat out thin metallic threads, weaving a net that surrounded the shop and every possible escape route, leaving only the entrance for the Night Raid members to pass through.
"It's done."
"Thank you, Lubbock."
Landing without a sound, Tatsumi placed his hand on the entrance. In his heart, a faint spark of hope flared up.
What if...
He took a deep breath and pushed the door open. The space inside the shop was exactly the same—cozy but not cramped. Behind the counter, that familiar figure was still sitting there.
"Welcome... ah, is that you, Tatsumi?"
Tatsumi felt his vision grow blurry. He rubbed his eyes and felt moisture. The more he rubbed, the more tears flowed.
"Brother Asahi!!!"
He flew toward him like an arrow, only to receive a painful chop to the head from Asahi. The tears from a moment ago turned into a bright smile.
"No need to be so sobby."
Tatsumi didn't know what was happening, he just felt very happy.
Asahi returned to the counter and looked at the Night Raid members still standing frozen at the door. He let out a sigh and then waved his hand.
"Everyone, please come in and have a seat."
No one reacted in time until Lubbock spoke in a low voice, his eyes squinting with extreme suspicion.
"Is his soul manifesting?"
"No, that move earlier was 100% physical contact. You should read fewer ghost stories."
...
"So... that's why you tricked Mine and Sheele? I can understand that."
Najenda took a sip of coffee and spoke with some admiration, even though she hadn't expected it was all an act. But it truly was useful for saving lives.
Another thing she was concerned about was Asahi's strength. At that time, Asahi had faced that beast alone. He didn't mention the result of the battle, but the fact that he could sit here leisurely brewing coffee was proof enough of the outcome.
Sheele lowered her head, her thoughts unknown. As for Mine, she really wanted to scream. She felt embarrassed thinking about how she had sworn all sorts of revenge for Asahi last night. It was just that the man had saved her, and since her Boss treated Asahi as an equal, what could she do?
So, with nowhere to vent her anger, Mine turned to bully Tatsumi, pinching both his cheeks, her face turning red.
"It's all your fault! Big idiot!"
"What did I do wrong??"
The atmosphere in the shop was very pleasant; everyone felt at ease. Asahi looked at Tatsumi, his voice carrying a hint of unexpected surprise.
"Tatsumi, you've grown up."
Tatsumi could only scratch his head; he couldn't exactly say that Asahi's "death" was the main reason for it.
"By the way, Brother Asahi, how are you still alive?"
Mine pinched Tatsumi's flesh from behind, signaling him to be quiet. He immediately understood—this could be a personal secret that shouldn't be asked. Asahi shook his head, indicating it was fine.
"Teigu—that's what you people use, right? I have one too, or something similar. An armor-type like this Bulat guy."
"But you're a coffee shop owner..."
"Who says a coffee shop owner can't have a Teigu?"
"Oh, Asahi, I didn't expect you to be like me! I'm quite looking forward to a match between us."
Bulat laughed loudly. Knowing Asahi also had an armor-type system like himself, his battle intent rose, and he rubbed his fists repeatedly. Asahi took a sip of coffee and smiled.
"Definitely!"
Najenda didn't open an invitation for Asahi to join Night Raid. After tonight, the relationship between Asahi and Night Raid could be described as allies and brothers-in-arms, with Tatsumi as the bridge. He could join whenever he wanted.
Throughout the session, Sheele was the strangest. Her bangs covered her forehead and eyes, and she kept her head slightly lowered while sipping her coffee. Occasionally, she would peek at Asahi through the gaps in her bangs, her face slightly flushed.
No one noticed Sheele's abnormality except Leone. She smirked, moved stealthily behind Sheele with a mischievous look, and poked both her sides.
"Hiii!!"
Attacked unexpectedly, Sheele let out a shriek, her bottom sliding off the seat. But before she could fall backward, a hand appeared and grabbed Sheele's wrist, helping her regain her balance.
"Are you alright?"
"Y... Yes!!!!"
Returning to her seat, Sheele was red with embarrassment. She was usually very gentle, but now she really wanted to give Leone a piece of her mind.
Finally, feeling that she had completely lost face, Sheele directly buried her face on the table. Unfortunately, it was like an ostrich trying to avoid danger by burying its head in the sand. This left everyone, including Asahi, with question marks over their heads, while Leone hid in a corner, chuckling secretly.
He also used a multi-purpose relief box to recover Mine and Sheele's injuries. By the time the treatment was finished, the group realized they had been sitting there for over an hour.
It was time to return. All the members of Night Raid had stepped outside; Tatsumi was the last one.
"Tatsumi, you can trust in me and Night Raid. But you shouldn't develop a habit of dependency."
"I know, but it happens quite subconsciously."
"I'm not a perfect person like the one in your impression. I've been weak, I've fallen, and I've made mistakes."
"I'm not always calm, and I don't always do my best. Rage has clouded my judgment, actions have failed, I've been immersed in agony... I've experienced many things."
"Being late once... breaking a promise once..."
Tatsumi remained silent, then gave a nod. Asahi patted his shoulder and pushed him forward.
"Go on, they're waiting."
"Yes!"