Neo Soul King Yhwach

Upon their return to the Night Raid base, Najenda acknowledged the success of the plan and the elimination of Borick, Mine proceeded to provide a detailed report on their encounter, leaving Najenda surprised upon learning that Yhwach had took the entire explosion head on.

Following this, the team found themselves swiftly thrust back into action in the Capital. Najenda, Akame, and Susanoo engaged in a meeting with Revolution spies to gather crucial information. Meanwhile, Leone and Mine took on the task of mapping out the network of old sewers beneath the Capital.

Tatsumi Pov

Lubbock, Yhwach, and I took charge of controlling the city. We were lurking in the shadows, hoods pulled over our heads.

Tatsumi: The soldiers are patrolling again.

Lubbock: Yes, soon even the Capital will become a battleground.

Yhwach: I'm not surprised. The Revolutionary Army is gaining ground rapidly, just as Najenda foresaw.

Tatsumi: With this chaos, we can infiltrate the palace and eliminate the minister.

Lubbock: You finally made a choice, Tatsumi?

Tatsumi: Of course. But I want to minimize casualties.

Yhwach: We must be swift but cautious. Anyway, what time is it?

Lubbock checked his clock and replied

Lubbock: It's almost time to meet with the resistance. Let's go.

The group departed, still concealing our faces. After a while, as we traversed the city, Lubbock broke the silence.

Lubbock: Hey guys.

Yhwach and I turned to him. I asked

Tatsumi: What?

Lubbock: What will you do when the battle's over?

I rested a finger on my chin, gazing upward.

Tatsumi: Uhm... I haven't really thought about it... any ideas, Yhwach?

Yhwach looked at me expressionlessly.

Yhwach: I've already informed you of my plans.

Yhwach's words prompted both me and Lubbock to realize something, and we looked away.

Tatsumi: And what about you, Lubbock?

Lubbock: I'll keep working in my library. I plan to expand the shop and maybe turn it into a national franchise. I'll bide my time to confess to Miss Najenda!

Yhwach: Well, good luck, man. Really.

Tatsumi: Yeah, it's a good plan.

Lubbock then turned the conversation toward my relationship with Mine.

Lubbock: What about you? How are you doing with Mine?

Tatsumi: Mine!? There's nothing between us!

Lubbock: Don't play dumb. Things have been weird since we returned from Kyoroch. So, what's the status? Did you at least kiss her?

I blushed and retorted

Tatsumi: Idiot!

Yhwach interrupted

Yhwach: Cut it out, you two. We have company.

We finally noticed the girl standing in front of us.

Women: Uhm, you're members of Night Raid, aren't you?

Yhwach approached her and confirmed

Yhwach: Yes, and I assume you're a member of the resistance.

She was, and she led us outside the palace to the backyard.

Women: From now on, you must be quiet.

We nodded and entered. Lubbock remarked

Lubbock: Although it's a bit unexpected for someone like you to be in the resistance.

The woman shared her backstory, revealing her family's involvement with the emperor's teachings and the minister's betrayal.

Tatsumi: So, there are more members of the Revolution in the palace?

Women: Yes. The politicians against the minister have been in contact with the army for a while.

Yhwach sensed she was hiding something, and Lubbock added

Lubbock: That might be helpful to enter the palace.

Tatsumi: That's good to know.

Lubbock: That's why you, who can turn invisible, and me, the expert in espionage, were chosen for this mission.

Yhwach: While I'm the backup if things go wrong.

The woman led us to a small building, where she knocked on the door. After a moment, she seemed surprised.

Yhwach: What's wrong.

Women: Well, usually someone knocks from inside to confirm...

Suddenly, Lubbock gasped, and we noticed blood flowing out from under the door.

Lubbock:That's no good. It means they found out-

but before he could finish, Yhwach noticed the corpses starting to shine.

He quickly pulled us back, narrowly avoiding the ensuing explosion.

Lubbock: That was close!

Tatsumi: You saved us, Yhwach.

Yhwach: Don't be so sure. Wear the armor.

Tatsumi: What?

When we turned around, we saw six hooded men surrounding us.

???: You're late. I was sick of waiting. Well, not so bad. I took care of the members of the Revolution. Me, the great Shyura!

I recognized the voice.

Tatsumi: You're the one who sent us and Esdeath to that island, aren't you?

Shyura: Now that I think about it, aren't you the guy who was with her that time...

Tatsumi: Wait, so you're also responsible for freeing those danger beasts. Why do that?

Shyura: Isn't it obvious? Because it was funny! I hate boredom. I had a lot of fun with them.

Tatsumi: How dare you!

Yhwach Pov

But before he could move, I dashed first. However, just when I was a few steps away, thunder hit the ground in front of me, forcing me to stop.

Tatsumi: W-What's that?

Standing in the small crater was a giant with a big armor.

???: As I thought, some rats entered.

He had blond hair, and his eyes seemed to penetrate our defenses.

Yhwach: State your identity. Now.

He stomped the ground, creating a small gust of wind.

???: I'm the Great General Budo, assigned as a Commander-in-chief by our lord.

Shyura: Hey! You came just in time, old flash. I leave them to you.

Budo: With your rebel acts, you betrayed the Empire. Your fate will be executed by my teigu.

He removed his cape and showed a giant armor covering his chest, arms and hands.

Budo: Thunder God's Rage: Adramelech.

He lunged at me with a punch, and I countered with a blow of my own.

The collision was intense, but a sharp pain shot through my hand. I noticed an electric charge surrounding his fist.

Despite the pain, I activated Blut, resisting it and pushing him back slightly.

Lubbock and Tatsumi: Yhwach!

Budo: Oh, it's been a while since I encountered someone capable of pushing me back. Perhaps I should take this seriously.

Tatsumi: Incursio!

Lubbock and Tatsumi joined me.

Lubbock: Things took a turn for the worse. We need to cooperate.

Tatsumi: In a 3 vs 1, he has no chance.

Yhwach: ...No need for assistance. I'll confront him alone.

Tatsumi: What!?

Lubbock: You can't be serious!

Yhwach: I told you, I'll go solo. You two handle that one.

I pointed at Shyura, who observed with interest.

Yhwach: His portal-making ability poses no significant threat. While I handle the larger adversary, direct your attention to him.

Lubbock: Hmmmm... as much as I despise it, it makes sense...

Yhwach: Then go!

I charged at Budo, gripping him by the face and pulling him away from the others.

Reaching an open area, I hurled him against a tree, but he countered with a kick, landing effortlessly.

Budo: Clever move, taking me away to shield your comrades.

Yhwach: If you were aware, why did you permit my intervention?

Budo: Because it's futile. None of you will escape. Besides, I'm curious to witness the power of the Fire Demon.

I cocked my head in confusion.

Yhwach: What did you just call me?

Budo: Some soldiers witnessed you on the night of your battle with former General Liver. The way they described you was absurd, but with numerous witnesses, it couldn't be dismissed as fake news.

Yhwach: Enough talk. Attack whenever you want!

Budo: I don't need you to tell me that!

He struck the ground, summoning thunder, and I rolled away just in time to evade it.

Yhwach: (In thought) He's formidable, but there's a vulnerability in his attacks. I need to exploit that.

I closed the distance, and as he attempted to strike me with his electrified fist, I agilely slid beneath his legs. Seizing the opportunity, I launched an attack from behind, but he deftly shifted his other arm to block my kick.

I retaliated with a punch, and our fists collided with intense force. However, this time, despite the powerful impact, neither of us yielded ground.

Budo: Tell me old man, what's your name? Unless assassins have no name at all.

Yhwach: I am Yhwach, a member of Night Raid. Assassins may not have names, but they certainly have purposes.

He kept staring at me, lost in his train of thoughts.

Yhwach: Let me inquire about something. I can sense you're a man of honor. So why do you choose to serve this corrupt Empire?

He raised his hands in a peculiar pose, then stomped the ground.

Budo: It's my duty to protect this kingdom and destroy all those who try to taint it. And for that...

He joined his fists together, and electricity spread all around his body. He was preparing to attack.

Budo: ...I must destroy you!

He raised his hands to the sky, and everything turned white.

It was as if dozens of thunders were striking me simultaneously.

When it ended, I found myself on my knees, coughing.

Budo: Very impressive. Not many people survive that attack, and even fewer remain conscious.

I slowly stood up.

Budo: I suggest you give up, or I'll execute you right now.

Yhwach: I can do this all day

Budo: You're so stubborn...but maybe I don't need to fight you.

Yhwach: What...do you mean?

Tatsumi: Yhwach!

I turned back and saw something I didn't want to.

We were surrounded by sodiers, some pointing their spears at Tatsumi, captured and without Incursio.

Budo: As you see, you don't have many options.

Yhwach: Tatsumi...where is...

But the tears in his eyes answered enough. I gave a look behind the soldiers...

...and saw Lubbock, impaled on various spears on the ground.

Budo: What will you do now? Think careful, if you want to save your comrade.

Yhwach: What, indeed.

I fixed my gaze on Budo.

Yhwach: (In thought) If I attempt to attack him, the soldiers will kill Tatsumi...

I shifted my attention to the soldiers.

Yhwach: (In thought) If I try to attack them, Budo will unleash another thunder... It would be futile to attempt to confront everyone in my current condition.

I finally turned to Tatsumi.

Yhwach: (In thought) And if I try to use an explosion, I would hit Tatsumi now that he doesn't have Incursio.

My gaze finally lowered to the ground.

Yhwach: (In thought) Which means I don't have any other choice.

I raised my hand, surprising everyone, including Budo.

Yhwach: Fine. I surrender. Just don't harm him.

Tatsumi: Yhwach... no...

Budo: Very well. One of you inform the minister of what transpired. The rest, accompany me. I'll personally escort these prisoners to their jail.

Timeskip - Location Yhwach and Tatsumi's Cell

We found ourselves confined within a cell containing two beds. Tatsumi, with a shadow cast over his eyes, remained seated, gazing at the floor.

I positioned myself near the window, contemplating the sky.

Yhwach: Tomorrow, they plan to execute us in front of the entire Capital.

Tatsumi: ...

Yhwach: I suppose it'll be quite a spectacle for them.

Tatsumi: ...

Yhwach: I wouldn't be surprised if the others attempt to save us.

With still no response, I turned to Tatsumi, a hint of irritation in my voice.

Yhwach: At least give me a response. Don't tell me you've given up.

Tatsumi: ...I won't. I'll keep going... for Lubbock...

My eyes widened. Lubbock, of course. If I kept talking, it was because I didn't want to think about it. I faced Budo alone because I was certain he was the most dangerous one, and for my mistake, Lubbock paid the price.

Yhwach: (In thought) ...Is there really nothing I can do?

Suddenly, footsteps approached us. When I turned back, I wasn't surprised to see Esdeath.

Esdeath: Tatsumi... Yhwach...

Tatsumi stood up to face her, and I continued to observe her.

Yhwach: It seems we've met as I predicted.

Esdeath: Yes. That's why I felt sorrow. Both of you belong to Night Raid.

She extended her hand, reaching Tatsumi's face through the cell bars.

Esdeath: Tatsumi... there were so many things I wanted to say, but I forgot them when I saw your face. Pathetic, isn't it? Join me, and I'll forgive what you've done.

Tatsumi slapped her hand away and turned his back.

Tatsumi: I'm not interested.

Without pausing, she swiftly cut the cell bars. I instinctively assumed my combat stance as she aimed an ice spear at Tatsumi's neck.

Esdeath: If you refuse, this is the only option. For both of you.

Yhwach: Then why not end it now?

Tatsumi: We're not scared of dying!

In a single motion, she grabbed Tatsumi and moved to my side, embracing both of us.

Esdeath: I'm not asking you to betray your friends. Just staying close would be enough.

Tatsumi: Why do you want me so much?

But I knew. I had seen those eyes before.

Yhwach: ...Well done, Esdeath... you've discovered 'love' at last...

I gently distanced myself from her hug.

Yhwach: But love is a two-edged sword. And in this case, it stings.

She stared at me while Tatsumi rejected her.

Tatsumi: I can't! I just can't stay with someone who spreads destruction!

Although invisible, I could perceive the pain in her eyes.

Esdeath: ...I see. I suppose there's no other choice.

She turned away and then addressed both of us.

Esdeath: I'll oversee the execution. The rest will be determined by your will to live.

For some reason, I could understand why. She wanted to personally eliminate us.

Esdeath: We'll meet tomorrow, then.

She left the cell, replacing the old bars with new ones made of ice.

Yhwach: Just tell me one thing before you go.

She halted without turning back.

Yhwach: You care for Tatsumi, and that's why you want to save him. But what about me? Why bother saving me?

A silence lingered between us. No words were spoken for a while.

Esdeath: I'm not sure why, but when we talked last time... I thought I could see you... as a real friend.

My eyes widened as she continued.

Yhwach: ...In different circumstances, and if we weren't so diametrically opposed, I might have found calling you a 'friend' somewhat amusing.

She suddenly stopped, about to turn back, but instead, she departed.

Tatsumi: What did she mean by 'last time'?

Yhwach: It doesn't matter. For now, let's rest for tomorrow.

Tatsumi: Can't we try to escape? I mean, with your powers-

Yhwach: Do you know where Incursio is?

He immediately halted.

Yhwach: Even if you did, I would confront all the soldiers in this palace, including Esdeath, Budo, and the Jaegers, alone, trying to shield you.

His fists clenched with anger.

Yhwach: Don't fret. Tomorrow, we'll escape unscathed. Trust me.

We rested until Budo arrived to escort us.

They've brought us to this dark place, binding us to crosses.

We waited in silence as the ceiling above began to open, lifting us into the arena.

Now in the center, where we once fought in a tournament, there was no ring.

???: These conspirators represent the vanguard of the rebels, the force responsible for the current chaos!

The crowd roared in anger against us.

The speaker, a child—the emperor—stood beside a repulsive sinner, the Prime Minister.

Emperor: They deceived innocent people for their own gain. They're merciless killers. No one has the right to disrupt the peaceful life of the Empire. The Empire, whose Capital stands unyielding!

The crowd erupted in cheers.

Once their speech concluded, the emperor and the minister departed.

Then she arrived, sword at the ready. Her footsteps echoed slowly and heavily.

Esdeath: You two claimed you were ready to die for your beliefs.

Yhwach: Stop wasting time.

Both she and Tatsumi looked at me in confusion.

Yhwach: Either do it or don't. Show me your true self.

Esdeath: ...So be it.

In an instant, she thrust her Rapier into my heart. Blood spilled as the crowd erupted in joy.

Tatsumi: Yhwach....

Esdeath: Farewell. I'll cherish the memory of our time together forever.

I let my head hang lifelessly, feigning death. However, as she approached Tatsumi...

Esdeath fully Unsheathed her rapier and was walking towards Tatsumi who only glares at her.

Esdeath: I've learned much about the human body from all of the torturing I've done. I know where exactly where to stab you, if I want to kill you. I have high expectations on how long you can survive... Tatsumi.

Tatsumi: Is that so...

Tatsumi: ( In thought ) The entire crowd is smiling and laughing, are our deaths really that entertaining to them?

Esdeath then reels back her rapier.

Tatsumi: ( In thought ) I don't care if I'm tortured or if you do anything else to me. I won't scream or beg for Mercy.

The rapier aims at Tatsumi who only smirks.

Tatsumi: ( In thought ) I will only laugh at the face of death, and show you NightRaid's pride!

Yhwach: Tell me something, 'Empire's strongest'...

They turned to me in shock. I raised my head and stared at her.

Yhwach: ...do you fear death?

A column of fire engulfed me, causing Esdeath to step back.

The crowd panicked, attempting to flee.

My flames hovered in the air and destroyed Tatsumi's cross.

Esdeath: Yes... yes! This feeling... this is the fight I've desired for so long!

Yhwach: Bring it on, but the outcome won't be to your liking.

However, before she could respond, she skillfully dodged a bullet in the nick of time.

Esdeath: What!?

Tatsumi: Yhwach! Up there!

I followed his gaze to find Mine, with Pumpking still smoking.

Mine: Get away from there now, or I swear the next bullet is for you two!

She unleashed a barrage of attacks, enveloping the area in smoke.

Tatsumi: You idiot! Where are you aiming!?

Before the smoke enveloped everything, I caught a glimpse of a shadow in the sky.

Yhwach: Najenda... so they've all arrived.

I noticed Esdeath had lost interest in me and was now fixated on her old comrade.

Esdeath: So, in the end, you showed up, didn't you?

Najenda: It was necessary.

Esdeath: The traitor of the Empire. It's been a while. Why don't we have a chat? In the torture chamber.

Najenda: I have nothing to tell you. I refuse.

Explosions erupted around the arena, and I quickly dashed to Tatsumi to shield him.

Yhwach: Bombs!? When were these placed!?

Tatsumi: How would I know? I was with you!

Amidst the chaos, Esdeath fell into the room beneath the arena. I also heard a voice that I almost forgot.

Budo: So, Night Raid, you've come to rescue your friends!

He unleashed a thunder against the beast Najenda rode, but she and Susanoo leaped in time. Leone landed beside Mine, while the other two approached Esdeath.

Budo: Kneel before my Teigu!

He released another thunder, hitting Mine. However, Leone managed to grab her just in time.

Leone faced off against Budo, clashing head-to-head. She seized him.

Leone: Now! Fire!

Budo: Then you'll die too.

Leone: I trust my healing factor.

Mine: I trust you!

She struck with Pumpkin, but the blow was blocked by a shield of electricity that also paralyzed Leone.

I rushed towards him, catching him by surprise with a kick from behind, and then tossed him against the wall.

Yhwach: Leone, are you alright?

Leone: Y-Yeah, but I can't move...

Yhwach: Where's Akame?

Leone: She's searching for Incursio in the palace. I hope she arrives soon...

Budo emerged from the debris at that moment.

Budo: You again? You don't know when to give up.

Yhwach: If you anticipate a repeat of last time, you're in for a letdown.

Budo: I don't know how you survived a hit to the heart, but I doubt your comrades will fare the same.

Yhwach: That's only if I allow you to reach them.

He grinned and charged another thunder. I was prepared to receive it.

Then he attacked Mine, who screamed in pain.

Leone: Mine!

Budo: You're just criminals who opposed the Empire. And for that, you'll all die!

He aimed another thunder at her, but it never reached her as it dispersed on the wall of flames in front of her.

Mine: Uh!?

Budo: What!?

I appeared before him, attacking swiftly and evading his fists rather than blocking.

I started pushing him back to his disbelief.

Budo: These moves... they're different from last time.

Yhwach: I've come to realize that defeating you doesn't require strength...

I grabbed his fist and landed a punch on his face, making him bleed.

Yhwach: ... but speed.

Budo: How dare you mock me!?

He attempted to charge another thunder, but I forced him to defend with a barrage of flames.

Yhwach: Maybe my attacks are weaker, but it's not a problem since you can't hit me.

He slowly stood up, clenching his fists.

Budo: This fight is over. You'll never escape this.

Yhwach: ...And what makes you think I'll just wait for you to be ready?

Budo: What?

As Budo struggled to comprehend Yhwach's words, Yhwach ignited his finger with the power of Schrift H - The Heat. A flame engulfed his fingertip, and he raised his hand towards Budo with determination.

Yhwach: Burner Finger 1

A narrow beam of intense, scorching fire shot forth from Yhwach's fingertip, aiming directly at Budo. The searing heat cut through the air, leaving a trail of fiery brilliance in its wake.

Budo, caught off guard, attempted to dodge, but the precision and speed of Yhwach's attack left him with no room to evade. The fiery beam struck Budo with unrelenting force, burning through his defenses and engulfing half of his body in flames.

The once formidable general staggered backward, his body consumed by the intense heat. The smell of burning flesh filled the air as Budo fell to the ground, lifeless and defeated.

Yhwach, standing amidst the remnants of his Burner Finger One, calmly extinguished the flame on his finger. The arena fell silent as the spectators and soldiers witnessed the demise of their once proud commander.

I rushed to Mine, who was sitting.

Yhwach: Are you alright, Mine?

Mine: It hurts a little, but it could be worse. I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't interfered.

Tatsumi: Mine!

We turned to see Tatsumi inside Incursio and Akame next to him.

Tatsumi: Are you alright!? You're not wounded, are you!?

She blushed a little and looked away.

Mine: K-Knock it off! I should be worried about you, not the opposite!

Akame: Leone seems to be fine, but where are boss and Susanoo?

I didn't waste time talking and jumped into the crack to reach the zone below.

There I saw Susanoo, in a weird transformation, about to kill Esdeath.

But she grinned.

Esdeath: Everything freezes in front of me. Mahāpadma.

I don't know how to explain what happened later. It was like everything was frozen, me included, and yet I knew everything around me.

But Esdeath was moving. She went to Susanoo.

Esdeath: How tiring. My limit is once a day, but...

She pierced his chest.

Esdeath: ...don't you think it's enough?

Then everything returned back to normal. I understood what happened.

She froze time itself. And she was about to kill Susanoo.

Yhwach: Esdeath!

I threw barrages of flame at her, but she just grinned.

She made a wall of ice, but I focused my power on my fist and smashed it.

She was forced to back away to evade my attack, sparing Susanoo.

I landed in front of him.

Yhwach: Susanoo, are you alright?

Susanoo: I'll heal...but what happened?

I turned to her.

Yhwach: She froze time for everyone but herself.

He and Najenda were shocked. Esdeath just looked surprised.

Esdeath: Now that's odd. How did you know?

Yhwach: I observed you. You moved without difficulty.

Her surprise changed into a grin.

Esdeath: You...are really something else.

Akame: Guys!

We turned up. Akame and the others were waiting on the danger beast.

Najenda: We have to get away.

Esdeath: I won't let you!

However, I went in front of her and blocked her rapier with my sword.

Esdeath: What are you doing?

Yhwach: Isn't it clear? I'm preventing you.

Mine: Yhwach! You must come with us!

Najenda: We can't leave you here!

Yhwach: Go! I'll reach you later!

Esdeath: Step aside!

She formed an ice spear, but I let my sword go and grabbed her wrists.

I tried a head-butt, but she jumped and kicked me in the face. I let go of her wrists, and she pierced my chest with the spear.

I punched her in the chest and made an uppercut, but she pierced my arm with smaller spears.

I slammed it to the ground, breaking them all.

I gave a look back and noticed that the others had left.

Yhwach: Well, now it's just you and me.

Esdeath: I think this will be the best fight of my life.

Yhwach: Yes... but not today.

Esdeath: What?

Yhwach: Our final battle will be the day of the end. When this Empire falls.

Esdeath: And you think I'll just let you go?

Yhwach: You said you can freeze time only once a day. Do you think you can catch me without it?

She didn't answer, but she knew I was right.

Esdeath: This is not over, Yhwach.

I gathered my remaining strength and leaped away, leaving Esdeath standing alone in the crumbling arena. As I rejoined the others on the danger beast, we rode away from the capital, leaving behind the chaos and destruction we had caused.