Author's Notes: Alright this is my fourth Fanfic and truth be told I created it from reading a Naruto and Akame Ga Kill crossover fanfiction called Of Crows and Blood Red Eyes by HokagenoNaruto if you're a fan of either series then I highly recommend it.

And just a heads up I wrote this because I was that impressed with the aforementioned fanfic that I just had to at least try my hand at it. Finally although this is on a whim I go by a code when writing Fanfics so I'll will be writing to the best of my abilities and imagination while staying true to the characters and any deviations will be for actual legitimate reasons and not for the sake of plot.

Chapter 1: Kill The Illusions!

It was dark, cold

Tatsumi

Tatsumi

Tatsumi

*GASP*

The boy woke up but his eyes were still close.

"Tatsumi are you alright?" A concerned girl asked him.

After deep silent breaths Tatsumi calmed down

XXXX Tatsumi's POV XXXX

That dream, why did I dream about that day?

I felt a hand on my hand "Tatsumi" a familiar female voice called out.

Sayo, now I remember.

I gave a small smile "don't worry I'm fine"

I couldn't tell her expression but her hand squeezed mine slightly

"Was it that dream again?"

I nodded slowly. I didn't need sight to know that she was worried about me and could anyone blame her? It's not the first time I had that dream and I figured out why.

"Where's Ieyasu?" I said getting up.

"He's hunting in the forest for breakfast." She replied while standing up as well.

I reached for my black cloak, somehow I always feel safer wearing it. The tall zip up black jacket reached to my ankles, the sleeves are intentionally longer than my arms and the collar covered my mouth.

Someone once commented that I could catch heatstroke in it but that's alright with me, I can regulate my body temperature. I once walked through a desert without breaking a sweat although it was warm.

Lastly I took my head band and tied it around my eyes, it's not like I'll need them since well, since I'm blind. My ears perked when I heard the familiar footsteps of someone I've come to call my friend.

"So your finally up, it's about damn time!" He exclaimed.

From what I can hear, his footsteps sounded heavier which means either he's gotten fat in the last few hours or he's carrying something.

I heard something hit the ground "You know you could've helped me with breakfast Tatsumi!"

I couldn't help but put up a playful grin and pointed at him with a dramatic pose "are you telling me that the great Ieyasu, the village's greatest warrior, would need the help of a blind boy to kill a low level danger beast? Could it be? You were a fraud this entire time!? I am shocked!"

I could hear Sayo's giggling very clearly even though she tried to stifle them with her hand. Ieyasu on the other hand was growling but it stopped and he marched in front of me.

"Of course I, the great Ieyasu didn't need you to help me kill it but if you were there it would've been easier tracking the damn thing!"

He has a point, I'll give him that but no way would I admit it. After an hour we ate the danger beast heartily it was big but just because we're young doesn't mean we don't eat big. Sayo surprisingly can eat almost as much as we do but the most gluttonous of the trio goes to Ieyasu.

I like this, I like this a lot, I've only met them a few months ago but Sayo and Ieyasu have grown on me and I'm usually apathetic towards people in general. Well I wouldn't give all of the credit to these two, more like it was their home, their village itself. They treated me kindly and with care, the citizens were happy even though they were poor and the experience was like fresh air in the middle of a pile of shit that is the rest of the world.

After that day I spent, let's see, over ten years wandering the world aimlessly while polishing my fighting skills and developing original techniques while experimenting with my power. During that time I have met vile, disgusting and sometimes terrifying creatures and have 'seen' the worst of humanity.

However eight months ago, while I was wandering I came upon Sayo and Ieyasu fighting against a pack of black bears. I could smell blood coming from both of them and could tell there were about 12 of the danger beasts. After contemplating for a moment I came to a conclusion and sprang to their defense.

With my help we were able to kill all of them and afterwards the entire village had a feast, rewarding my intervention as well which was odd. I soon found out that the small village I ended up in was a poor one. Rations were scarce and with the coming winter they needed money to be able to afford outside assistance.

The village elder's solution to this was for the strongest warriors to travel to the capital and seek out a job and send the money back to the village. I was instantly against it, I've heard stories of the capital and I even asked about it once just out of curiosity. The answer I got was that it was a swirling cesspool of corruption, murder, greed and every other sin imaginable.

The other more detailed stories I've heard about that place involved their prime minister the center of all the corruption. Apparently he's using the Emperor as a puppet to do what he wants but if an Emperor, who has a duty towards his citizens, let this corruption go so far then he should be judged as the minister should and in my book that means death.

The other stories centered around its two famous generals: The great general Budo, his sheer power has said to put fear in entire nations however he has resigned himself to the royal palace, acting as its guard dog and only the few who have survived in a battle against his army are privy to his former glory.

The other general who is said to rival Budo in terms of being the strongest in the capital is another story. According to the stories she is an evil, sadistic battle freak who lives for war, enjoys torturing and gets off on fighting. I was unfortunate enough to have wandered into the aftermath of one of her wars, it was hands down one of the most depressing scenes in my life and I couldn't even see anything, thank the Gods for that.

Truth is I didn't need to 'see' anything, I could feel the despair the moment I stepped foot in that place. Personally I don't like wars or fighting in general and I definitely don't take pleasure in killing, no I'd avoid it. That doesn't mean I wouldn't do it for survival or the greater good or for the safety of those that are precious to me.

Which brings me to the reason why I'm following Sayo and Ieyasu to the capital: for one all the reasons I've just mention and secondly, believe it or not I like going to new places good or bad just for the experience, I am a wanderer for a reason. Speaking of

"How far are we from the capital?" I asked as we walked.

Sayo was quick to answer "about an hour maybe an hour and a half tops. I can see it in view."

Ieyasu let out a pleasant sigh "I can't wait to get there. I bet we'd already be there if someone woke up earlier." I think he was glaring at me when he said that.

Usually I'd retort with something smart but I was too busy thinking, thinking about what they could do for jobs in the capital that has absolutely nothing to do with the imperial army or police force. It was honestly very hard since they need a lot of money but we didn't have any form of formal education to get a decent enough job that pays well while not involving fighting.

I scratched my head in frustration and Sayo seemed to have picked up on this

"Is something wrong Tatsumi?" Her voice was smooth, soothing even and she seems to actually be paying attention to me.

"Oh, I was just thinking what we're going to do when we get there. Do any of you have any idea?"

"Well that's simply, all we have to do is join the imperial army. That was the plan from the start."

I stopped as soon as he finished that sentence.

"What did you say?" I asked a little angry.

Both of them stopped and I guess they were looking at me funny.

"Why would you want to join the imperial army, didn't the elder explain what the capital was like Ieyasu, Sayo?" I turned my head in her general direction.

"I know the capital isn't going to be the nicest place on earth but what else can we do Tatsumi? We were trained to be fighters, we can't do anything else. Besides it's the royal army they just can't be as corrupted as those rich bastards and politicians!"

He sounded sure of himself but I could hear it, the sound of his heart beat flared when he said that last bit. I shook my head at him

"You're lying to yourself Ieyasu, you and I both know that the capital is basically run by a sorry excuse of a human being and that the police force are worst than some of the criminals. Even if you got into the army have you ever even killed someone before!?" I exclaimed although it came out louder than I expected.

There was no reply and after a moment I continued calmly "listen even though both of you are going into the capital with nothing but good intentions I will tell you now that the people in there will break you. If even half the stories I've heard about that place are true then you two might die before the week is finished." My tone was dark, serious and filed with personal experience.

I haven't been in the capital but from what I heard, I've actually been to places all too similar to it.

There was a long uncomfortable silence.

Ieyasu let out a tired sigh "then just what are we to do for money if not join the army?"

"That's what I was thinking before." Back to square one I guess.

"Wait" Sayo spoke and we both turned to her, I guess.

"Tatsumi do you honestly believe that everyone in the capital is bad?"

That was a good question and despite my jaded views on the world I will be the first to admit that I try to see the good in people, too bad they mostly end up disappointing me.

I seriously thought about it and answered "alright I honestly don't believe that everyone in the capital is scum but they're few and in between."

"That's good enough reason to try my idea" she said with relief

"And what idea is that?" questioned Ieyasu

"I think we should become bodyguards to a wealthy, clean noble." She answered with confidence.

Well that was certainly not what I had in mind.

"That's actually not a bad idea" Ieyasu enquired

That was one vote down

"What say you Tatsumi?"

Sayo could be right, somewhere in that city might actually be a clean noble who doesn't agree with the corruption in the capital and if there is he/she would need protection. Suddenly I felt optimistic about the prospect of bodyguard work. I mean yeah nobles could afford guards but those guys are a gold piece a dozen.

Not to mention they're mainly there to deter unorganized or petty thieves from trying anything. But when professionals are involved, I mean truly skilled, organized assassins that have enough resources those guy might as well be cannon fodder.

"…okay, we'll go with that plan, for now at least." I answered and we continued our journey.

I was thinking about it and of course it would have to be something along the lines of fighting not that I am particularly worried about their safety in that aspect. On the contrary they are exceptionally skilled, they could be considered prodigious. I learned that their former master sparred with them and sometimes lost.

After a week in the village I was utterly confused to hear him ask me for a match, I later learned that Sayo let slipped some of the things I did when we fought those danger beasts. The match itself wasn't anything special it lasted a full two minutes before he conceded.

Somehow or the other he seemed okay with this, the man himself was even grateful that I was able to defeat him. He then requested that I train Sayo and Ieyasu for the time being until they are to go to the capital.

This was an odd request, to ask a young, blind stranger to train your two students but I guess after I beat him he had a valid reason. Truth be told, he was a former imperial soldier that didn't make it into the higher ranks and retired to the small village. I learned that he too was taken with this village and wanted it and its people to survive.

The other reason was that as someone who used to work for the capital he had firsthand experience of the atrocities committed in those walls. That's where I come in; he needed someone stronger than him to teach them things he could not. My age didn't matter he said and he also made a comment on how I had an air of maturity and experience in how I approached things.

He got all that from our fight and I had to admit, for a guy who berates himself he has some good insight, guess it comes with age. He had a point of course and after spending time there I agreed with his blessing. If only it was that easy, personally I found the first week very awkward Sayo and Ieyasu especially underestimated me.

Sure I proved to them that I was more skilled and could beat them both at the same time but I was still younger than them by about two years. I'm 18, Sayo is 19 and Ieyasu is a few months older being 20, my birthday had already went by and Sayo's was coming up so yeah 2 years older. The training itself was hard for me, the way how I fight wasn't something I could teach so instead I just sparred with each of them to build on what they already know and pointed out what they did wrong.

Ieyasu was easier to train; he used to wield a long axe but after pointing out how impractical it was he replaced them with two short swords behind his waist. I gave him any advice on his choice of weapons during the spars, I even thought him some of the tricks I used. Even though our style of fighting were different, while he is a warrior who fights his opponents face to face, I prefer an assassin's approach silent, quick and clean.

Sayo was another story; her main weapon is a bow which to me is a cumbersome weapon to practice with traditionally. I can't really judge her on hitting a bullseye on a target so I thought of an unorthodox method that puts me at risk. It involves a fruit strapped to my head and me moving really fast, that way she can hit a moving target.

I even threw projectiles at her to keep her on her toes; she surprised me with how fast she was with it. Right now Sayo could put five arrows in someone a hundred meters away while dodging rifle fire, I know because I can throw a knife faster than a gun can fire a bullet, I did it before, multiple times.

Needless to say, they can handle themselves and I made sure to teach them about certain things to look out for, like poison, ill intent and how to choose your enemy. That last part is still in progress because there wasn't much to choose from in the village and finding a danger beast they can't take on proved to be a waste of time.

As the months wound down we became a like a close knit group, instead of student younger master it became friends just hanging out sharing techniques and killing danger beasts. Ieyasu and I would engage in competitive friendly banter and joke around when we're not training.

Sayo would be one of the few persons who still treated me like a blind person. She'd join me for when I'm alone; if she found me in a crowded street she would lead me around to my destination. Recently I found myself having nightmares about the day I lost my sight and more than once the first person I wake up to is her, I chalked it up to her caring personality.

"We're finally here!" Ieyasu exclaimed happily.

I could hear Sayo's faint 'wow' which means that whatever this place looked like was by the very least impressive. I on the other hand could care less, not because I couldn't see but because I could feel, hear and smell the place. The despair in the air was so thick that it made my skin crawl, I could smell the pollution and I set my hearing to the whispers of the crowd around us

"Those kids are strange….."

"Is that boy blind?"

"Poor kid he won't last long"

"Why is he dressed like that in this weather?"

"They must be from the country….poor kids….."

"Just what we need more rats from the country"

"That girl is kinda cute, wonder how much she'd sell for?"

"A blind boy, the young mistress has never had a blind one before…."

"Grrr" I gritted my teeth and growled

"What's up with you?" Ieyasu asked

"I was just listening to what some of the people were saying about us."

"What did they say?" Sayo questioned with well placed concern

"Long story short they are angry, sorry or indifferent, also Sayo?" I turned to her

"Yes?"

"I heard one of them scouting you with intentions to sell you as a sex slave." I said with much distaste.

Sayo was quiet at this but Ieyasu's response was melodramatic to say the least

"What!?" he shouted just loud enough for me to hear some murmurs

"Ieyasu calm down" I said slowly

"No" he grabbed me by the collar "you point me to the son of a bitch who said that, now!"

I shook my head slowly "it's too late he's long gone…."

"Bullshit!" he retorted, cutting me off.

"Ieyasu Tatsumi we're attracting attention." Sayo warned

Suddenly the murmurs started getting more profound. I grabbed Ieyasu's hand and forced/dragged him into what I believed to be a secluded alley.

I slammed him into a wall and I could hear him charging at me only to be stopped by Sayo.

"Are you out of your mind?" I asked angrily

"Are you out of your mind!?" He shot back. "And you Sayo, how could you not care that some sick fuck wants to sell you off like some, thing!"

"Ieyasu I understand and believe me it disgusts me as well but" she paused to sigh "but going after them now wouldn't solve the village's problems and making a scene in the middle of the street doesn't make our situation any better!" She reasoned.

"Are you telling me that killing scum like that wouldn't benefit anyone else?"

"You can't be this naïve." I was frustrated at this point although I couldn't blame him.

Years ago I was in a similar situation and I did kill someone because of it but that didn't solve the problem.

I stood in front of him "do you think killing a few scouts is going to make a difference in the big picture?"

There was silence

"Look" I sighed "let's just focus for now and if trouble finds us we'll deal with it but for now we have another problem."

"And what's that?" Ieyasu didn't sound pleased but at least he accepted the situation for what it is now.

"Someone in the crowd marked me"

"What" that was Sayo of course "why!?"

"I don't know but we should probably leave the area as soon as possible. Oh and Sayo I have something for you."

I stretched out my arm; doubt she could even see my hands under the sleeve. I turned it over to reveal my hand holding a dagger and throwing knives.

"Just in case" I assured her.

She took them and thanked me before we all set out again.

As always Sayo held my hand to lead me around, why, I don't know? I've proven myself capable of walking on my own sure I can't read a map or go to a specific destination by myself but I sure as hell can follow them. Even though to be honest her hands are soft and…you know what I don't suddenly don't care anymore.

I don't really know how long we were wandering the streets to get information but it must have been very long because I haven't heard Ieyasu curse so much since the time I was teaching them how to detect an enemy in hiding. Eventually he went off with our expenses to find somewhere we can stay meanwhile Sayo wanted to explore some more but I declined.

"Huh, why not?" I could hear the slight disappointment in her voice.

I didn't really have a problem with walking but I can tell that my appearance was attracting a lot of attention that I didn't want. Plus attention I was receiving was instantly pushed to Sayo, I don't have a solid grasp on what she looks like but everyone in the village says that she's beautiful.

You would have to be an idiot not to know that a beautiful country girl in a city like this would mean to most criminals, rich/old perverts or just the general population, easy prey.

"Well you see I'm tired" my stomach growled conveniently "and I'm kinda hungry." I gave an awkward smile.

"Alright, stay here I'll go find Ieyasu and come back with something." Her words were filled with some uncertainty.

After she left I let out a tired sigh the sun had gone down so I went to the nearest corner and sat down, I didn't care where I sat as long as it wasn't smelly or sticky.

'Thank the Gods she couldn't see my eyes' I thought with relief.

To some people it may seem kind of redundant for someone who's blind and trying to maintain a low profile to cover their eyes with a headband attached to a metal plate with a weird symbol etched into it but I like it. Plus I feel that I carry with me the home I lost when I wear it and as embarrassing as it is to admit, I am a little self conscious about people seeing my eyes .

After what must have been an hour, at least I think it was, I fell asleep a while ago which means I really was tired, wow. Anyway Sayo was still nowhere to be found and I began to worry a bit but the sound of footsteps alerted me to three approaching presence.

"Mister, Mister are you alright?" the voice of a concerned younger girl said.

I looked up but instead speaking I tilted my head in apparent silent confusion. In reality I was analyzing the situation; the girl in front of me was wearing perfume meaning that she was from a rich family, what I assume to be two men were just standing behind unmoving, guards maybe?"

"Y-yes I'm fine?" I said hesitantly. I still had no idea why a rich girl would approach me, a blind young man who dressed weird.

I heard a small giggle escape her lips followed by silence and after a while it became awkward

"U-um, are you still there?" I know she was but I had to play the part and since I know she was probably staring at my headband because her perfume and voice smelled/sounded closer, I know her next question.

"Are you blind mister?" Ah, there it is and funny enough she didn't say the question with curiosity but more like she was trying to confirm it.

"Yes I am." I said and manage to crack a small smile, a fake one.

I could hear the tiniest of gasps come from her wait was that joy?

"Don't you have anywhere to go?" her words showed anticipation

"…" I didn't do or say anything

"If you don't, you're welcome to stay at my house if you want." She was enthusiastic and I defiantly heard a small snicker coming from the soldier.

'No! "Uuu-" I was trying to let her know when her murderous intent flared. I didn't even know someone who seemed to be raised a sheltered life could have such blood lust.

Granted it wasn't noticeable but with my heightened senses she might as well be saying 'I'm going to kill you slowly.'

"You don't have to worry about money" she reassured me the moment I seemed like I was going to turn her down.

I raised my hands "I-I'm sorry but I don't want to impose on your family" I tried to sound as polite a possible.

At that one of the men behind her sighed, obviously frustrated with my defiance, "Lady Aria just can't ignore people like you. You should just accept her generosity."

So he was a guard well that's one question answered. I perked up immediately when I heard Sayo and Ieyasu just down the road 'oh thank the Gods.'

XXXX Sayo's POV XXXX

I don't think I've ever been this angry before, all of it, Ieyasu lost all of our money, the money that took weeks to gather and took a large piece of the village's budget with it. All of it gone because Ieyasu thought that some random stranger who claimed to have connections was going to give him information in exchange for it.

Its stupid things like this that make people from the country seem like easy targets. I could only think what Tatsumi's going to do with him.

I sighed in frustration.

I had to spend nearly an hour with Ieyasu searching for this person who he has yet to tell me a description. Tatsumi must be worried sick right no-

I stopped when I saw a younger girl with two armed guards, Ieyasu stopped beside me looking at the scene before us suspiciously. The girl was crouching down talking to Tatsumi, she wore expensive looking clothes but what really caught my attention was the look she gave Tatsumi.

I've seen that look before, in the village when I saw a danger beast cornering a smaller animal, she was looking at Tatsumi like he was her prey.

"Ieyasu" I said

"I know" he replied seriousness in his tone.

We both began walking faster in their direction

Thinking fast I yelled the first name I thought of "TAKASHI!"

All of their heads turned to us and I didn't miss that slight irritated look the girl shot me before her expression changed to that of an innocent younger girl. I would have to thank Tatsumi's training for if it had been last year then I wouldn't even have noticed that subtle change in her expression.

"Sayako!" he caught on shouted almost too happily.

"Oh, are they friends of yours?" The girl asked. Taking a closer look she had on a lot of makeup.

"Yes we are." Ieyasu answered politely "Who are you and what do want with our little Takashi?" He ruffled Tatsumi's hair.

"Oh" she replied, I could see her disappointment. "Since your friend was all alone out here I thought he didn't have somewhere to go, so I was offering him a place to stay."

"Really?" Ieyasu perked up. "Of course we'll accept!" He proclaimed happily.

"What?" Tatsumi was shocked.

"That's great! What are your names by the way?"

Ieyasu was the one to introduce us

"You already know Takashi, she's Sayako and I'm Ibisu."

After she introduced herself as Aria she led the way while we followed, the guards were behind us the entire time.

"Why did he accept her offer?" Tatsumi whispered to me.

I sighed and glanced at Ieyasu who must have heard us because he broke out in a cold sweat. As much as I disliked them fighting I think Ieyasu deserved a bit of scolding from Tatsumi.

So with a sad expression I mouthed 'I'm sorry' to Ieyasu before replying

"Someone swindled all of our money from him."

I already regretted telling him because Tatsumi was eerily silent at first which was never a good sign. He slowly turned to Ieyasu who shifted a bit to the side

"We're going to talk later." His voice was calm and Ieyasu gulped

As we came closer to the house I couldn't help but stared wide eyed at the house. It was easily the largest home I'd ever seen second only to the royal palace, the surrounding land might as well be the entire village.

I was pulled from my thoughts when Tatsumi's grip tightened so I glanced to my side to see him frowning. That means something is wrong here and I shouldn't be distracted with my surroundings. With that thought I have an idea as to why Ieyasu would accept her offer

We came inside the house and were immediately greeted by ten servants, a butler dressed in a black tuxedo bowed before Aria

"Welcome back Lady Aria" he glanced at us "I see our young lady has new guests."

She introduced us and told the servants to give us anything that we needed, even though we still kept our guards up the experience of being wealthy was a good one. Although with the servants there was tension in the air, I looked one of them in the eye and she looked at me with pity.

Tatsumi hadn't said anything the entire time, he still had a frown and I was going to ask him about it when Aria came from the other room

"I would like to introduce you to my parents they are in the dining room."

We went inside the large dining area to find Aria's parents: an older man whose hair was grey with a refined mustache sitting with a younger middle aged woman, both of them wearing expensive clothing, the woman covered in makeup and perfume that I could smell as I entered.

There were also more guards and servants around the room attending them. As soon as we entered the man Aria's father was the first to notice us

"Oh, Aria has brought someone home again, hmm" he stroked his mustache "there are three of them this time."

"Eh, it's her habit" the mother teased "I wonder just how many this makes?"

"Mother!" Aria called out in an embarrassed tone.

I bowed lightly "thank you very much for taking us in I-"

Before I could finish the sentence Aria's father cut me off to dismiss my words

"There's no need to be so formal young lady, it's a pleasure to help those in need." He finished.

"I bet you're all hungry" the mother stated "the food will be here shortly."

We introduced ourselves shortly afterwards using our fake names of course. Ieyasu surprisingly gave a good story as to why two armed younger kids would be travelling with a blind boy. He said that we were both young warriors looking for a steady job in order to support ourselves.

Both parents praised our dedication and a single low growl escaped Tatsumi, he hated being pitied even though he was blind.

"You wouldn't happen to know anyone looking for bodyguards would you?" Ieyasu asked hopefully. It was a good question that could be for our benefit.

"I'm sorry young man, I don't know of any nobles who would be willing to hire someone as young as you two." We were all disappointed with his answer; still it was a god attempt.

Our conversation was cut short when the maid brought out a large carton of food, it was almost ridiculous how much there was.

"Please, enjoy to your heart's content, it's not like we could finish it all." He chuckled.

Ieyasu and Tatsumi didn't need any other reason; I piled food unto Tatsumi's plate and watched as they gobbled up the food. I myself enjoyed the food although I noticed that Tatsumi didn't drink the tea, in fact he pushed it farther away.

Ieyasu glanced to me at the corner of his eye for a swift second before taking a sip of the tea and spat it back in the cup.

"This tea's hot!" He proclaimed and washed it down with water.

I finally figured what Tatsumi was doing, he also had bread separated along with the tea, he was warning us about the food.

'They must have poisoned it' I thought.

It would have been suspicious if we didn't eat any of the food that was poisoned but while they were preoccupied Tatsumi's hand or rather his sleeve passed over the tainted food and it vanished. It went on like this for the next half an hour, no one suspected anything.

Afterwards they tried to place us in separate bedrooms with assurance that two servant will be with Tatsumi. I was immediately against that, even if they were actually trustworthy.

"I'm sorry but we'd like to sleep in the same room." I don't like the idea of us being separated.

"Are you sure we have more than enough rooms and servants to tend for Takeshi." Aria's mother assured.

I glanced at Tatsumi, he didn't do anything, he just sat in silence and I then turned to them with resolute eyes

"I'm sure" I concluded my voice friendly yet clear of doubts.

"Don't take offense; she's just really over protective." Ieyasu spoke.

With that we shared a room for the night; the room itself was large and extravagant with three beds. The moment the doors were locked Tatsumi punched Ieyasu and he fell to floor after that I had to restrain him

"You lost the village's money, you idiot!"

It took me almost ten minutes to talk Tatsumi down from breaking anything on Ieyasu and when he was calm he was silent and the tension began to rise.

"How bad is it?" Ieyasu asked fully recovered from his beating.

"Very" Tatsumi replied.

After a sigh he began "ever since we came near the house I've picked up the scent of human corpses."

"That could mean a lot of things Tatsumi" I reassured him "this is a big estate maybe they bury their dead here. I know a lot rich nobles have been killed by Night Raid."

"Night Raid?" He asked

"Yeah I've been hearing about them a lot around the capital." Ieyasu spoke out "They're supposed to be a group of assassins."

"Oh" he replied "but back to our circumstances, Sayo" he turned to me "those people tried to poison us, thinking that they didn't have something planned for us is just wishful thinking."

He was right of course but that was just my personality, even though he's told me stories of the atrocities he's come across and warned me about the capital I've never seen any of them. I'm still just an inexperienced girl from the country literally thrown into this dark world.

"We should just steal some valuables and leave before things get out of hand." He turned to Ieyasu "that is why you accepted Aria's offer right?"

"Yeah although I didn't think they would be this rich" he said in disbelief "I mean we could steal millions and they wouldn't even notice."

Tatsumi tilted his head curiously "really?"

"Oh yeah this entire land is a part of their estate, I swear it's as big as the village itself!"

"…whoa" Tatsumi said while looking up.

I couldn't help but giggle at how for all of his skill he is still just a blind boy experiencing the world just like us, only he had a head start.

"We should get some rest" I interrupted

They both nodded and we went to sleep on the beds which were made with the finest material, the sheets were silk and the stuffing for the pillows were cotton. I drifted asleep, unable to resist the soft material against my skin.

XXXX Ieyasu's POV XXXX

I was out for maybe a few hours when someone touched me: I immediately jumped out of my sleep, brandished my dagger and aimed for the throat of whoever it was on pure reflex. I was surprised to see my hand stopped before it reached halfway by Tatsumi. My shock was gone almost immediately, only he could stop my blade like that.

"I should really teach you guys how to differentiate friends from enemy" I heard him mutter with a frown.

Taking a look at Sayo she had her face diverted, almost looking embarrassed and with what Tatsumi said I guess she responded the same way when he woke her up.

"Hurry up Ieyasu, we have a problem" Tatsumi sounded anxious.

"What's the rush wait, are they coming for us?" It would make sense if they the poison had a delayed effect, then they would send some people for us.

Tatsumi shook his head "no, not that, not anymore" Sayo and I look at him. "The smell of blood woke me up. My guess is that someone in this house died."

We were both surprised, then again these people are rich so thinking about it they would be targets for assassination. I quickly dressed and placed my twin short swords behind my waist. Sayo had her throwing knives ready along with her bow in hand with her quiver of arrows on her back.

Tatsumi stood at the door "are you two ready?" we responded "yes" "Good, we're sneaking out, I don't want to get caught up in this assassination, grab anything small and valuable along the way."

We silently ran down the hallway but stopped at the sight before us, it was Aria's mother only she was cut in half from the waist. I wasn't an expert but the cut was clean, her organs were spilled all over the floor, it wasn't a pleasant sight.

Sayo looked as if she was going to throw up, I looked back at the body and noticed a notebook on the ground. Curiosity got the best of me and from her direction it looked like she was headed for our room when she died.

*sniff* *sniff* "Aria's mother?" Tatsumi questioned

"..yes" Sayo answered morbidly.

I took up the book and flipped through the pages, the more I read her notes the more I could feel myself getting angrier. Her notebook had details of how she and her family took turns torturing unsuspecting innocent people. The mother in particular would test different poisons and inject lethal diseases into people to see their results.

"What's wrong Ieyasu" Sayo asked in her concerned voice.

I gritted my teeth and took deep breaths to calm myself and handed her the notebook after awhile I could see the shock and disgust on her face.

"They take people off the streets with false hospitality, poison them then take turns torturing them to death!" I could barely hold back my rage, this was the first time I wanted to kill someone badly.

"Whoever killed her was doing a service" Tatsumi's voice was filled with satisfaction. "Come on let's leave them to it."

I nodded and Sayo threw the book down and we both followed Tatsumi, suddenly two guards came around the corner, they froze in shock when they saw us.

"It's those kids but the mistress should have….!"

One of them looked past us at the corpse and drew his sword or at least tried, before Tatsumi threw two knives faster than I could see at their heads. Both guards lay dead on the floor, we didn't comment on his actions because we both knew if he didn't do it we would.

After sneaking around for a bit I felt this sudden unease growing in the pit of my stomach, a glance towards Sayo and I could see she was also experiencing this, Tatsumi's expression was unreadable so I have no idea what he's thinking but I'm sure he definitely sensed this before either of us.

The more we went around, I grabbed anything that could fit in my bag that was valuable which wasn't hard but the unease was still there in fact it was getting I feel like we were getting closer to one of the sources. We came across a scared Aria and a guard running, the guard gave a surprised look when he saw us but it turned to a grin

"Perfect!" he shouted "Ibisu, Sayako, hold off the intruders. I'll escort Takashi and the lady to the storehouse and wait for the imperial police to arrive."

It took all of my self control not to just cut them down then and there when we ran right up to them. Suddenly that unease I felt flared up even more I turned my head to see a girl charging at me with sword in hand. I instinctively reached for my short swords, making an 'X' I blocked her swing, we both put pressure on each other's blades to force the other down.

Taking a good look at her she seemed familiar to me: long black hair, blood red eyes her expression was darkly blank. Now I recognized her, from a wanted poster, Akame of Night Raid!

"Night Raid!?" I shouted

Her only response was a monotone "eliminate."

I instantly blocked a kick with my left guard, I stumbled back but recovered fast enough to block fierce strikes from her sword. I don't know why but something about her weapon spelled trouble, I knew that getting cut by it would be very bad.

Her attacks were fast and precise, it's clear that she was incredibly skilled and had more experience than me but I've sparred with Tatsumi and as much as she is good I felt he was better. I went on the offensive, pretty soon we were exchanging blows.

Slowly I was being pushed back, for a smaller girl she was stronger than she let on, I needed to end this fast so I did something desperate. I stepped to the side to get around her and she responded as I predicted. She stepped to the opposite side slashing at me as she did so, I flipped one of my blade so I held it in a reverse grip.

I blocked her strike with one word and used the other one to slash at her throat but then she blocked the strike with her arm guard. 'Dammit' I thought but she wasn't done yet, she grabbed my wrist to pull me closer, our blades sparked as I was dragged to her. She did a low kick and my right knee bent under the force, she then did a spinning kick to my side.

The blow was heavy and I was sent slamming against the wall a little disoriented, she charged at me to finish it but had to jump back to avoid an arrow. Her attention was diverted elsewhere as she used her sword to block incoming arrows. I used the opportunity to retreat next to Sayo

"Are you alright?" She asked not taking her eyes off the assassin.

"Yeah I'm fine" I glanced around not moving my face "where's Tatsumi?" I said that last part in a whisper.

"He left for the storehouse with Aria and the guard while you were fighting."

With that said we both turned our attention towards the Night Raid member known as Akame. Her expression didn't change in the slightest; I honestly couldn't tell if she was worried with her circumstances or if she was annoyed. I entered a stance, if she was going to attack then I would be ready and judging from Sayo's steady hands on her bow and arrow she was too.

"Akame!" I heard a loud voice behind me that sounded similar.

I turned around immediately bringing my blades up and running down the hall was….her! We both looked at each other in shock

"It's you!" we shouted simultaneously.

She looked different with longer hair and a pair of cat ears on her head? But her clothes, hair color and those boobs especially, gave her away!

"You know her Ieyasu?" Sayo asked.

"She' the one who scammed me out of our money" I instantly froze up. I was so caught up in the moment that I answered without thinking.

I slowly turned my head to Sayo at the same time I heard the cat girl chuckle lightly "Aww it's not my fault you were so gullible."

Sayo spared the girl a glance then she glared at me and suddenly I felt cold and a shiver ran up my spine.

"We'll talk about this later" she said and my hair went on end but enough about that

"Why are you protecting her?" I heard Akame say.

"What?" I answered

"That's a good question" the cat girl scam artiste retorted "I wouldn't peg you for protecting people like these kid."

"We aren't protecting them" Sayo remarked

"Yeah" I added "why the hell would we protect a family of freaks who torture people for fun!?"

There was an awkward silence

"Wait, wait, wait so if you guys know what they're doing and you aren't bodyguards then why the hell are you trying to stop us?" the big boobed scam artiste questioned.

"We weren't trying to stop you, in fact we were trying to sneak out so we wouldn't get caught up in your assassination when we accidentally ran into Aria and then your friend tried to kill me!" I shot back angrily.

"….oh" was her response and she relaxed.

I saw Sayo lower her bow from the corner of my eye and glanced back to see Akame lower her blade, slowly her fighting stance dropped. I lowered my blades just then we heard a loud high pitched scream from outside, Sayo and I turned to each other and one word escaped our lips

"Tatsumi" we then bolted outside with the two Night Raid members following.

We came onto a large storage house Aria was running towards us with an extremely frightened expression but we ran past her to look for Tatsumi. We opened the door completely to look for our friend and we immediately regretted that decision.

Inside the storage house were corpses hanging from the ceiling and all around all of them had clear signs of torture and some of them were strapped to torture devices. The body of the guard was there as well with one of Tatsumi's signature black throwing knife planted in his skull.

Tatsumi himself was kneeling with his back turned to us, Sayo was the first to approach him, I glanced back to see Aria backing up towards us, Akame walking slowly towards her with sword in hand. A loud gasp from Sayo alerted me, I turned back to see her kneeling alongside Tatsumi, I approached them to see what they, well, what Sayo was looking at and I gasp almost as loud as she did.

There, on the ground was the scarred body of a little girl who looked to be half my age, she was barely breathing, her skin was blackened and her left eye missing. I could almost feel tears welling up in my eyes but I shook it off and turned it to rage I gripped my blades and turned around to Aria.

Before I could though something whipped past my face and landed right in Aria's leg the girl screamed in pain and fell down clutching her leg in pain. It went by so fast I thought it was one of Tatsumi's throwing knives but I realized that it was an arrow!

I turned around just in time to see Sayo lower her bow while walking past me, Tatsumi took up the child and carried her outside while I followed him. The two members of Night Raid were shocked by the sight especially the cat girl. Not just by Sayo's action but by the state of the little girl.

Tatsumi laid the girl down and I watched as she took her last raspy breath and then nothing, I looked at Tatsumi and his frown deepened

"She's dead" he said solemnly.

I turned to look at Sayo and for the first time I saw her truly angry, her cold glare reminded me of Akame herself. She walked up to Aria completely ignoring the two assassins and pulled out her arrow, aiming it at her

"Any last words?" Her tone was absolute

Hearing this Aria's face showed fear and then to my surprise she gave Sayo a wide twisted grin then began laughing like mad woman

"I should have killed you the moment I saw your face you COUN TRY BI-"

She was cut off as another arrow pierced her throat; I stared wide eyed as Aria slowly died while choking on her own blood.

"All targets eliminated, mission accomplished" Akame said while turning to leave "let's go Leone; the imperial police might arrive soon."

'So her name's Leone' I thought

"Hey wait a minute Akame" said girl turned to her comrade "we should take them with us." She exclaimed with a grin.

"Hey-"

"We should leave" I was interrupted by Tatsumi who now stood beside me. "The imperial police are approaching the front gate. We'll follow them and get our money back." He finished

"How did you-"

"Know?" he finished for me and I suddenly felt cold. "I heard your conversation inside the house." I couldn't help but gulped, I've learned that there is nothing worse than a pissed off Tatsumi.

Just then I was grabbed by the back of my collar and dragged away, I looked to my right to see that Sayo was in the same predicament which meant that Tatsumi was being dragged by her as well. I was right of course, this Leone was dragging Sayo who was dragging Tatsumi and funny enough he wasn't even struggling, I looked at him and he turned to me and shrugged

'I agree, what's the point'.

To Be Continued

Author's notes: And there it is, my super long first chapter. If you liked it post a review and I will see to getting a second one. With school now starting it's going to be a few weeks and I will be making it just as long if not longer, it's a new thing I'm trying, long satisfying chapters for long periods of wait for the next one.