Chapter 182 : Esdeath vs Ran!

"What in the world is Esdeath up to?" Najenda muttered under her breath, suspicion clouding her thoughts as she stared at the figure in the image.

Once a general of the Empire, Najenda had been both a colleague and a friend to this woman. Together, they had ventured to the southwest frontier, witnessing the brutal massacres of the foreign tribes and their armies orchestrated by Esdeath and her Three Beasts. 

It was this darker aspect of her closest friend that had led Najenda to perceive the sinister underbelly of the empire and ultimately defect to the rebel cause.

Could this apparition in the sky be some illusion conjured by a peculiar Teigu?

An attempt to whitewash Esdeath?

As she pondered, Najenda raised her mechanical arm, gesturing towards the black eye patch covering her right eye, and spoke with solemnity, "You're all aware of my past affiliation. I once shared a bond with Esdeath, but that's ancient history now."

A hush fell over the crowd.

Each member present knew all too well that Najenda's grievous injuries had been inflicted by Esdeath herself during a confrontation on her way to the Revolutionary Army headquarters. 

Both were generals, yet Najenda had been mercilessly maimed by Esdeath, even dispatching the two Teigu envoys by her side. Only with begrudging assistance from the revolutionary forces had she narrowly escaped with her life, albeit losing his right eye and hand in the process.

For revenge, she even cut her hair short.

Once Najenda, renowned for her beauty and charm, had been the pride of the empire.

"Akame, any thoughts?" Najenda turned to the black-haired, red-eyed girl who was devouring her meal beside her.

"Boss, you're spot on," Akame affirmed between bites of food, her agreement punctuated by a solemn nod.

Everyone: ?

The rest of the group awaited instruction.

"Mine, give it a shot," Najenda directed her gaze towards a girl sporting pink double ponytails nearby.

Armed with the Teigu "Roman Artillery: Pumpkin," Mine could unleash devastating energy wave attacks, its potency dependent on the wielder's spiritual energy reserves, making her a formidable force in long-range combat.

This Teigu had once belonged to Najenda before being passed on when Mine joined the ranks of the Night Raid.

"Yes, BOSS!"

Ever since Esdeath had appeared in the image, Mine's gaze had remained fixated upon her, her pink pupils brimming with unyielding animosity.

At this moment, under Najenda's instruction, she ceased to hold back.

"Boom!"

Amidst everyone's gaze, Mine, with her double ponytails swaying and pink hair fluttering, erected a cannon aimed towards the sky. A golden beam of light streaked across the sky, piercing through the air and disappearing into the sky without a ripple.

"It's a mirage," muttered Najenda with her single-eyed gaze fixed on the spectacle.

She couldn't discern the intentions of their adversary.

Meanwhile, within the grandeur of the imperial palace, sat Minister Honest, the epitome of the empire's decay.

Esdeath queried, "What shall we do?"

An incongruous cunning gleam flashed in Honest's eyes, belying his rough exterior, as his mind raced.

The empire's decline was the inevitable consequence of years of aristocratic rule and neglect.

But the ire of the populace was squarely directed at the minister.

Yet, he harbored no fear, for he held three aces up his sleeve.

The first, the emperor's youth, and the death of former emperor and queen which was shrouded in mystery, afforded him influence over loyal ministers through his proximity to the emperor's seat of power.

Esdeath was among those loyalists.

To Esdeath, his survival, ascension to the pinnacle of the empire's Admiralty, and the prospect of vengeance against the northern invaders were all gifts bestowed by the empire, particularly by the emperor's authority.

The second ace, National Defense Machine God known as the "Shikoutazer," embodied the empire's as a last line of defense if the Capital was ever to be destabilized. The suit itself is extremely massive and tall enough to overlook the Empire itself. 

It is also known as Supreme Teigu because it's powerful abilities.

As only those of imperial lineage could wield this Supreme Teigu, he kept the young emperor as a puppet, manipulating him to exert dominion over the empire. In times of crisis, the young emperor could unleash the might of the Shikoutazer to quell any uprising.

The third ace lay in the ring adorning his finger, granting him the ability to detect and counter any hostile intent, empowering him to confront any emperor without fear.

He believed himself firmly entrenched in a position of power.

However, the apparition in the sky now unsettled him, hinting at a situation spiraling beyond his control.

If harnessed effectively, this widespread illusion could alter the course of events.

The world will become what he doesn't like out of his control.

"Esdeath, what are you going to do?"

Honest spoke with apprehension, casting a worried glance at Esdeath, who now found himself in a precarious position. He placed the same importance to Esdeath akin to that of Great General Budo.

Great General Budo, is one of the Empire's most feared and well-respected generals and leader of the Imperial Guard, who stands firm in his principles, due to his steadfast adherence to tradition. 

And Prime Minister Honest is extremely thankful for that.

Had he not been bound by the ancestral decree prohibiting military interference in political affairs, he would have personally uprooted the source of national security disturbances – Minister Honest and his ilk.

"There's word from his subordinates that Esdeath is gearing up to pacify the northern tribes. What's the current situation?" puzzled, Great General Budo inquired.

"General Esdeath, what sort of spectacle are you arranging for His Majesty?" The young emperor seated upon the throne queried with a hint of impatience.

Though you may be the emperor, to presume such importance that you demand a show from that woman is rather audacious. 

For Esdeath to plan an entertainment, it likely entails murder, torture, and brutality. You'd think twice before indulging.

A romantic drama? You're probably living in a fantasy.

Yet, what exactly is unfolding in the sky?

Who dares to speak and provoke Esdeath?

At that moment, Ran ascended slowly, hands clasped behind his back. "Esdeath, let's settle this," he declared.

"Let's see what you're made of," Esdeath retorted.

The denizens of the Akame ga Kill world were dumbfounded. This man may be handsome, but it appears his intellect is lacking.

His opponent is her, Esdeath, the first to successfully wield the Demon's Extract Teigu since the empire's inception.

A formidable warrior who faced Danger Beasts even before becoming a Teigu envoy.

Countless fear her in this world.

Over a million have perished because of her.

"So bold?"

"I admire your confidence."

"Then let's do this!"

With a swift movement, Esdeath planted his left foot firmly.

"Boom!"

Suddenly, an icicle materialized from the ground, shooting upwards with great speed towards the opponent.

In less than a second, the radius of hundreds of meters was blanketed with icicles, their icy formation continuing to expand.

Balancing effortlessly atop the tallest icicle, Esdeath relentlessly pursued Ran.

The ninja world fell silent in awe.

[Onoki: Did you see that? Just started and such a massive battle unfolds!]

[Terumi Mei: Remarkable speed, no need for sealing, just pure instinct.]

[Haku: Astounding power! My Ice Release Kekkei Genkai pales in comparison. Even with Zanpakutō, I'd need Shikai to create such a scene, but she effortlessly continues to create more.]

[Kimimaro: Is her ability on par with my ultimate technique?]

[Orochimaru: Hehehe, fascinating power.]

[Senju Tobirama: Before I inherited the Campione's power, even with Water Release, I wouldn't have dared to confront such an attack range. But the sheer strength of the Ice Release is unmatched, regardless of the number of seals.]

[Senju Hashirama: Without even resorting to Sage Mode, just a simple slap with both hands.]

[Uchiha Madara: Isn't it all about having the right eyes?]

All:

No joining the group chat if you're not in the middle of a battle, okay?

"Fire Style, Great Fire Annihilation!"

Ran, amused by Esdeath's audacity, smirked as he prepared his counterattack.