Chapter 403: Tatsumi
Because every Imperial Arm was incredibly powerful, they consumed a great deal of mental energy.
Take [Demon's Possession] for example—an armor-type Imperial Arm. Its weight and burden were immense, and an ordinary person could be crushed or even die just from wearing it.
Only Brand, with his tempered and ironclad physique, could wield it.
If he tried to control Demon's Possession and another Imperial Arm at the same time,
his body and mind would likely collapse.
So, a mysterious merchant capable of simultaneously wielding two Imperial Arms meant only two possibilities:
either he had some method of reducing the burden of Imperial Arms,
or his power rivaled that of the Empire's strongest—Esdeath herself.
In Brand's mind,
the only living being who could possibly wield two Imperial Arms…
was that monster, Esdeath.
"No matter what, we must monitor that mysterious merchant. Report any sightings immediately!"
The final conclusion came from Akame, who had been silently sitting in a corner, arms wrapped around her katana.
In Captain Najenda's absence,
this black-haired, cold-faced girl—who looked like a porcelain doll—served as Night Raid's acting commander.
Firstly,
because Akame was the strongest in executing missions.
Trained by the Empire as an assassin, she could flawlessly complete any assassination job.
She was Night Raid's ace.
In terms of combat power, Brand was formidable.
But when it came to assassination skills, Akame was unmatched across the Revolutionary Army.
Her Imperial Arm, [One-Cut Killer: Murasame], was known as a cursed blade—one touch of the enemy's blood, and it would apply a fatal poison and kill instantly.
Secondly,
Akame could shut off her emotions,
making rational decisions without being clouded by hesitation or feelings.
If Najenda were to die, Akame would become Night Raid's next commander.
"Understood!"
The usually lazy Lubbock now wore a rare look of seriousness.
He knew just how important the mysterious merchant could be to Night Raid.
If the merchant was a free agent,
Najenda would no doubt be ecstatic—willing to pay any price to recruit him for the Revolutionary Army.
But if he was aligned with the Empire,
then he was Night Raid's most dangerous enemy since Esdeath—and would have to be eliminated.
Lubbock stepped forward. "Let me handle surveillance and reconnaissance!"
No one objected.
Lubbock, with his green hair and young noble appearance, wielded [Cross Tail], a rare thread-based Imperial Arm.
Perfect for traps, barriers, and especially suited for scouting.
Brand flipped his massive bangs back and grinned. "You're fired up, huh, Lubbock?"
"Hmph."
Lubbock didn't answer, but a faint blush spread across his face.
Truth was, his drive wasn't for the Revolution—it was for Najenda.
If Najenda wanted that merchant,
he'd storm the Imperial Capital alone if he had to.
"Time's up. Move!"
Akame watched the brass hands of the wall clock overlap.
At that exact moment, the inn's door opened.
Cross Tail unspooled. Threads spread like spiderwebs, clinging to rooftops and walls.
Like a moving conveyor belt, the members of Night Raid launched into the darkness.
…
"So lucky… not only did the merchant treat me to dinner, but a noble lady even offered me a place to stay."
Average-looking, average-built, and possessing the personality of a clueless village boy—
Tatsumi bowed sheepishly to Aria's family and Fang Yi.
"No need to thank me. You helped me out earlier, and I bought you a meal. That's all."
In a lavishly decorated living room, Fang Yi sat calmly on a luxurious fur sofa and waved his hand with a gentle smile.
After parting ways with Leone,
Fang Yi had followed standard protocol—he submitted his letter requesting an audience with the Emperor and Prime Minister to the military courier office, along with a hefty bribe.
It was an imperial policy—
as long as wealthy merchants pledged loyalty to the capital and paid a large sum, they would be granted an audience with the little Emperor himself.
Not out of kindness, of course,
but to draw in the rich and better exploit the poor.
The military courier, upon receiving the letter, even demanded an additional "service fee."
Before Fang Yi could pay,
Tatsumi appeared, righteous and loud, berating the officer and drawing a crowd.
The courier, afraid of escalating the situation, begrudgingly tossed the letter into a carriage bound for the palace.
Though Leone wasn't around,
Tatsumi had still been swindled of all his money. Hungry and broke, he was easily invited by Fang Yi for a meal—as thanks for his interference.
Unexpectedly,
fate had twisted again.
Despite the change in events, Tatsumi still encountered Aria's family, and even Afu caught Aria's eye.
"You're called Afu? What beautiful, silky hair… and such a rare, snowy white."
Aria smiled sweetly, though jealousy and madness danced in her eyes.
She reached out to stroke Afu's hair.
Afu shifted slightly, dodging the touch.
That moment nearly caused Aria to lose control.
She forced a smile. "Why don't you both stay here tonight? It's dangerous to roam the capital after dark—assassins lurk everywhere."
She wanted to flay her. Torture her.
A beautiful face like that… and such silky white hair?
She had to pluck it all out—strand by strand!
"That sounds good."
Fang Yi kept smiling and nodded.
There were still two days until the morning audience with the Emperor and Prime Minister.
Whether he stayed in an inn or this mansion made no difference.
Besides,
destiny's gears had already turned.
Soon, other Imperial Arm users would appear—he could trade with them as well.
"Sister Afu, this is the best cake in the capital. Eat it before bed—you'll have sweet dreams."
Veins bulged on Aria's hidden forehead, but her smile stayed warm.
She handed Afu a plate of cake.
Eat it. Hurry up!
Aria screamed inwardly.
The cake was laced with slow-acting poison.
Victims would suffer immense pain before dying.
She desperately wanted to watch Afu writhe and scream.
"…"
Afu didn't reply,
but took the cake and scarfed it down.
The taste? Meh.
Poison?
Even hypertoxic delicacies from the Toriko world couldn't harm her—let alone basic Tier 1 toxins.
"It's an honor to meet you. Your insights are incredible—very helpful."
Aria's father smiled genuinely.
He truly admired this wandering merchant.
Just a few words, and his days-old troubles had vanished.
So lucky.
He was already imagining breaking Fang Yi's legs and arms, keeping him caged in the study like a pet—to offer strategies and relieve boredom.
"Rest well, both of you."
Aria added, eyes glinting. "And Tatsumi—don't worry. You'll be reunited with your missing friends soon."
"Thank you, Miss Aria!"
Tatsumi blushed as he bowed.
This was the first time a noble lady had blessed him so kindly.
As the gas lamps were extinguished,
the moon outside the corridor's window was blood-red.
Dark figures dropped from the sky.
The massacre began.
Blood filled the air. Tatsumi, startled from sleep, rose to a horrific scene.
"Who are you?!"
He stood frozen,
watching as a giant pair of scissors cleaved a guard—
someone he'd joked with just hours ago—clean in half.
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