42 Chapter : 41 offer
Najenda, Akame, Leone and Bane stayed silent after seeing Tatsumi's expression of realization, as they had experienced similar situations in the past.
Diffusing the sombre atmosphere, Najenda resumed the discussion where Leone had left off, inquiring if the client's story and provided information were verified. Leone simply nodded in confirmation.
"I have inspected the woman's background and the targets she mentioned. The information she provided was indeed accurate," Leone reported.
"I personally witnessed Gamal bribing Ogre, and while observing Ogre, I uncovered numerous other atrocities he has committed."
"These activities include selling female prisoners to slave dealers, extorting protection fees from residents weekly, and he's also suspected of multiple rapes, although evidence is scarce due to him eliminating the victims' families to cover his tracks." Leone ended her explanation with a grim expression.
"Alright," Najenda said after taking a deep drag of her cigarette and exhaling the smoke. "Night Raid will accept this commission. We'll deliver justice to these despicable individuals and consign them to hell for their sins." She ended with a smirk playing across her lips.
"Eliminating Gamal should be relatively straightforward compared to Ogre, given his formidable reputation," Leone remarked.
"Ogre, also known as 'Ogre the Demon,' is feared among the capital's criminals for his sword skills." She stated.
"He typically patrols during the day with his subordinates, frequents the garrison headquarters, and spends evenings at the oil merchant's private house, secretly accepting bribes. On his day off, he heads near the swan Palace for drinks." Leone said, delving into Ogre's daily routines.
"The best opportunity to strike would be during his off-duty hours when he's intoxicated," Tatsumi suggested after considering the options.
"Yeah, but sending Akame to finish ogre would be risky, due to Akame's wanted posters which are plastered all over the capital," Najenda remarked, looking towards Akame. "Also, I'm considering sending you to handle the oil merchant alongside Leone as there will be dozen of guards with heavy fire arms who protect the oil merchant, which will make this a two person task."
Akame, after contemplating for a moment, asked, "Should we wait for the others to return from their missions?"
"We can't predict when they'll be done with their respective missions," Leone started to reply before being cut off by a loud noise.
Tatsumi interjected eagerly, "In that case, why don't we just go and finish this mission ourselves?" The room fell silent after his suggestion.
"Hmm, it seems like you can finish Ogre off yourself." Najenda said while raising her eyebrows while a smirk was across her lips.
"Not that we can't kill ogre ourselves, but it seems like you are pretty confident in finishing him off Tatsumi." Leone said while showing her teeth which showed her mischievous nature.
"You will die, the current you now stand no chance against Ogre."Akame said bluntly as she moved her head towards Tatsumi.
"I am confident in my strength," Tatsumi retorted. "I can definitely win against Ogre." Tatsumi said again with great resolve.
"Have you have gathered the resolve to take a life, and don't say about the incident regarding the mansion as that act was done in your hatred towards the girl." Akame responded coldly.
Tatsumi fell silent after Akame's words, his thoughts dwelling on the lives ruined by actions of people in high positions, including those of his friends. The memories of their gruesome state fueled his determination for change in capital.
"As long as that demon continues his atrocities, more innocent lives will be destroyed," Tatsumi spoke earnestly, recalling the pain of almost losing someone dear.
"I never want anyone to experience that kind of loss." He finished as he turned his gaze towards Bane, who had saved Sayo's and Ieyasu's lives, but he was unable to see Bane's response due to the mask.
Najenda nodded appreciatively at Tatsumi's resolve. "I had initially planned to assign this mission to Bane, but your determination has convinced me otherwise.
This will be your first commission. Leone will tell you the other details regarding this mission Tatsumi, don't make me regret my decision." She said with a smile.
"You're all dismissed." With that, the meeting concluded.
"Bane, I'd like to speak with you," Najenda called out as everyone else began leaving the room. Bane paused and approached her.
"You've been quiet throughout the entire discussion. Do you have no thoughts about the woman who commissioned this mission or the corrupt captain abusing his power?" Najenda inquired.
Bane took a moment before responding, "The woman made a pragmatic choice by seeking help from an assassination group, given her circumstances. I don't have strong opinions about her decision."
"As for Ogre, he's just one among many corrupt officials. Even if we eliminate him, another will take his place," Bane stated bluntly, causing a hush to fall over the room.
Najenda looked intrigued. "Don't you feel any desire to eliminate him, especially after hearing about his crimes?" she asked curiously.
"Ogre operates within the norms of his position. He's powerful, and he is aware of it, leveraging his strength," Bane explained calmly, devoid of animosity towards the corrupt captain.
"As long as he doesn't harm me or those I care about, I don't feel compelled to eliminate him. However, if it's your order, I'll carry it out." He stated bluntly. "But I prefer if you let me do this task alone."
"What do you think about Tatsumi?" She inquired again.
"A fool who believes in justice and hope," Bane stated bluntly. "It's highly probable that he will meet the same fate as the other fools who recklessly assist strangers during their missions without even considering their own well-being." He stated coldly.
Najenda observed Bane thoughtfully, noting the absence of deceit in his eyes while stating this. 'He's just as Geralt had described,' she mused to herself.
Geralt had informed Najenda that while Bane fulfills his duties faithfully, he lacks the righteous fervor typical of other members of the revolutionary army.
While loyal and willing to risk his life for his comrades, he doesn't extend the same sentiment to those outside his close circle, viewing the weak perishing as a natural course of events.
Najenda, knowing Bane's nature, said "I have an offer for you Bane," Najenda spoke as she caught Bane's attention." I know you're seeking information about various Teigus in order to learn more about your Jörmungandr," Najenda began.
"While I don't have details on your unique Teigu, I can provide you with my diary for a week. It contains information about several other Teigus I've encountered and also includes secrets about Trump Cards, which I believe would pique your interest," she added, a smirk evident on her face as she discarded her cigarette in the ashtray.
Straightforwardly, Bane responded, "What kind of payment do you want?" His gaze remained fixed on Najenda.
Najenda, with her seasoned leadership skills, knew how to approach Bane effectively.
"I appreciate understanding individuals like yourself," Najenda remarked with a smile. "As for the payment, it's not a monumental task. I simply need you to report to me about Tatsumi's performance on this mission.
Of course, you're required to carry out this task covertly, ensuring Tatsumi remains unaware, and you don't worry about Leone, as she will understand that you're acting under my orders," she clarified.
Bane contemplated Najenda's words. "If Tatsumi is in danger, do I have to intervene?" he inquired.
"It's up to you," Najenda replied, meeting his gaze evenly. "If you feel inclined to assist him during the mission, you may intervene. However, if you choose not to, that's also your prerogative."
"Understood. I accept the mission," Bane confirmed, his decision made, as he made his way out of the room.
.
Najenda reflected on her interaction with Bane as he left the room. 'That went better than I thought,' she mused to herself.
Aftef observing Bane, Najenda has reached a conclusion that, unlike Tatsumi, Bane wasn't driven by righteousness like the other Night Raid members.
Bane has his own goals, and he sees the revolutionary army as a means to an end, much like how the army uses him. This makes him a variable, but it also makes him a valuable asset in his own way.
"His mindset doesn't matter as long as he remains loyal to the team," Najenda muttered slowly, considering how to incentivize and empower him further.
However, she couldn't help but feel a tinge of regret. "It's a shame he'll never reach that level of power," she thought, her gaze shifting to her mechanical arms. Memories of the blue-haired woman who had inflicted these grievous wounds resurfaced, a reminder of the harrowing challenges that the members of Night Raid have to face ahead of them.
