90: Zanku the Beheader

The following night, the Night Raid members split into pairs to begin their search for Zanku.

Just like in the original story, Akame was paired with Tatsumi.

"Akame, when do you think I'll get my own Teigu?"

Tatsumi asked as he scanned their surroundings.

The two were aimlessly wandering along one of the Imperial Capital's main streets—an area assigned to them during the earlier group discussion—hoping their presence would draw Zanku's attention.

Likely thanks to Haruki, Akame wasn't a wanted criminal like she had been in the original story. And since Tatsumi had only just joined Night Raid, his name hadn't been added to any wanted lists either.

"That depends on your luck. Teigu are incredibly rare, and their conditions for use are strict. You need to be accepted by the Teigu before you can wield it. Otherwise, its power either won't activate, or it could even harm the user. If we manage to take Zanku's Teigu, you might get a chance."

Akame answered seriously.

Unlike in the original, Akame was still a glutton, but no longer clueless about emotions. After what happened between her and Haruki, she'd come to understand the boundaries between men and women. Now, when talking with Tatsumi, she kept a subtle but deliberate distance.

Even though she was fighting for the Revolutionary Army, Akame—like the other girls around Haruki—still considered herself his woman deep down.

"Yeah, I'm really looking forward to it. By the way, do you know what Zanku's Teigu is?"

Tatsumi said with excitement, then followed up with a question.

"It's called Almighty Five Sights: Spectator, I think. But I don't know the exact abilities. Every Teigu's power is supposed to be kept secret, even from allies."

Akame replied.

"Then how come Leone told me about all of your Teigu?"

Tatsumi found it odd and asked again.

"That's because we trust you as a comrade. We just hope you won't let us down."

Akame said calmly.

"Don't worry—I'll do my best. I want to fight for the people."

Tatsumi replied, touched by her trust.

...

While the two were chatting, neither noticed a shadow lurking on the rooftop of a distant building, watching them intently.

"Delightful! Delightful! I've searched for so long, and finally found two of them! Delightful!"

The figure let out a string of eerie, gleeful laughter before vanishing from the rooftop.

"Delightful! Delightful! Haven't you two heard that wandering around at night might attract terrifying monsters?"

A twisted laugh echoed from the alley across from them. A bizarre-looking figure stepped out from the darkness—holding two double-edged swords, with a strange object on his forehead that made it look like he had a third eye.

"Zanku?!"

Tatsumi instantly tensed, drawing the massive sword on his back, ready for battle. Akame didn't react as nervously, but her hand had already moved to the hilt of Murasame at her waist.

"Oh? You know me? Delightful! Truly delightful!"

Zanku paused for a moment, surprised by Tatsumi's reaction.

"Oh? I see now. You're assassins from Night Raid, here just to lure me out. And that girl... she's a Teigu user. The wielder of One-Cut Killer: Murasame. Delightful! Absolutely delightful! So that's how it is."

Before Tatsumi could respond, Zanku answered his own question with unsettling glee.

"You... how do you know all that?"

Tatsumi stared at him in disbelief, voice filled with unease.

"Delightful! What a great reaction! My Teigu, Almighty Five Sights: Spectator, grants me insight—it lets me see into people's hearts."

Without any hesitation, Zanku pointed at the strange, eye-like object on his forehead.

Tatsumi was visibly stunned.

Akame, however, didn't relax upon hearing the explanation. Instead, her guard went up. Zanku's Teigu might not enhance his physical strength, but its support capabilities were dangerous. Being able to read an opponent's thoughts in battle gave him a serious edge. And more importantly, Akame couldn't be sure that was the full extent of his powers.

"Delightful! Killing a Teigu user is going to be such a thrill!"

Without giving them any time to react, Zanku suddenly launched his attack.

He stomped the ground, then in a flash turned into a blur—rushing straight at Tatsumi. The twin blades in his hands gleamed like cold steel lightning, slicing straight toward Tatsumi's neck. It was a clear attempt to decapitate him.

Zanku had already determined that Tatsumi was the weaker of the two.

"Clang!"

Tatsumi managed to draw the massive sword from his back just in time, intercepting the strike and blocking both blades.

But Zanku wasn't fazed. As if he had predicted Tatsumi's reaction, he didn't miss a beat—lifting his right leg and slamming a kick into Tatsumi's stomach. Without pausing, he retreated several steps in one smooth motion, everything done with alarming precision.

At that moment, Akame rushed in with Murasame, aiming for the spot where Zanku had just struck Tatsumi.

"Ah!"

Tatsumi cried out in pain and collapsed to the ground, clutching his stomach and groaning. Just one kick, and he was already out of the fight. Zanku's combat strength was clearly no joke.

Now, only Akame remained standing against him.

She couldn't make sense of what had just happened. It felt like Zanku had known every move before it happened. Even if he could read minds, his reaction time was far too fast.

Sensing her confusion, Zanku pointed to the Teigu on his forehead again and explained, without holding back,

"Delightful! Spectator doesn't just read minds—it grants foresight! I can see a few moments into the future. Which means I can predict your next move with precision. Delightful, isn't it?"

Akame's heart sank. She realized she was now facing the most troublesome opponent she had ever encountered.

...

(40 Chapters Ahead)

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