The next morning, Tatsumi stood in the kitchen cooking for the other Night Raid members, his mind racing. He found himself revisiting memories of his late friends, Ieyasu and Sayo.
(Flashback)
Sayo stirred soap in a bowl, Tatsumi sliced tomatoes, and Ieyasu fried rice. "We need to learn more skills to advance in the army," Sayo said cheerfully as she mixed. "If we're familiar with cooking, we'll be ready if provisions ever run short."
(End of Flashback)
"Sayo… Ieyasu… I'm glad I learned how to cook," Tatsumi thought, scooping rice into a bowl.
"Can I have more?" Mine asked. "I want seconds!"
"Me too," Bulat chimed in. "More for me, please."
"Same here," Lubbock added. "I'm still hungry."
"Please…" Sheele said softly. "I'd like more too."
Tatsumi's face twisted into an awkward grin. "They really do treat me like their personal cook."
"Darn it!" he groaned, annoyed. "I'm an assassin, not a full-time chef!" As he sliced an apple, he muttered, "Why am I even cutting fruit?"
Akame stood beside him, munching grapes while lending a hand. "I can't help it," she said in her usual stoic tone. "I'm responsible for the group's meals."
Tatsumi shot her an awkward look. "Or is it because you get unlimited food?"
Akame popped another grape into her mouth. "That's not true," she insisted, her expression unchanged.
Tatsumi sighed. "You're not fooling anyone."
"A newbie shouldn't dress like that," Mine teased.
Tatsumi glared, his face flushed with anger as he crushed the apple in his hand. "What did you say?"
Bulat, Lubbock, Mine, and Sheele gathered at the kitchen entrance. "Hey, Tatsumi," Bulat said, standing next to Mine.
"Bulat, is something off?" Tatsumi asked, confused. "Are you heading out?"
Bulat nodded. "Yeah, urgent mission."
Tatsumi tilted his head. "A mission? What about me?"
Mine grinned smugly and pointed. "Newbies stay home! Pluck the cucumbers!" she mocked.
Tatsumi fumed, his eye twitching as Mine cackled. "Why does she enjoy tormenting me?"
Mine waved dismissively. "Let's go," she said, and the four left together. The door slammed shut, leaving Tatsumi alone in the kitchen with Akame and a pile of unplucked cucumbers. He tossed the apple core into the trash with unnecessary force.
"Pluck cucumbers? Seriously? I didn't join to farm!" he grumbled, glaring at Akame, who was now polishing Murasame. "Aren't you supposed to train me?"
Akame glanced up. "Training starts after chores."
"Chores?! I'm an assassin, not a gardener!" Tatsumi protested, throwing his hands up.
Akame raised an eyebrow. "A hungry assassin is useless. Learn to prepare food and value resources. Besides, plucking cucumbers takes precision—good practice for swordplay."
Tatsumi stared, unsure if she was serious. He sighed, knowing arguing was futile. "Fine. I'll do it, but you're helping."
Akame nodded, setting her sword aside. "Agreed."
They worked in silence—Akame stoic, Tatsumi grumbling. "Precision? This is tedious! I could be training to fight!"
"Patience," Akame said without looking up. "Strength needs focus, discipline, and control."
The door opened, and Goku stumbled in, stretching and yawning. Vegeta had stepped outside for fresh air. "Morning! What are you two up to?" Goku asked, rubbing sleep from his eyes.
"Good morning, Goku," Akame said warmly. "Did you sleep well?"
"Sure did!" Goku smiled, approaching to grab some grapes.
"Mr. Goku," Tatsumi said, relieved. "Tell Akame this is ridiculous! I need training!"
Goku glanced at the cucumbers and Akame, who shrugged. "It's not that crazy. Self-care matters, and we did weird training with Master Roshi—delivering milk without spilling, dodging bees in a turtle shell, plowing fields bare-handed!"
Akame nodded. "Strange, but effective."
"Where's Mr. Vegeta?" Tatsumi asked curiously.
"Outside, getting fresh air," Goku smiled, popping another grape into his mouth.
"Fresh air? Vegeta?" Tatsumi scoffed, eyeing the door. He'd only ever seen the Saiyan scowl.
Akame turned to Goku. "Want to go hunting?" she asked, stoic but warm.
"Sure!" Goku grinned. "Tatsumi, hunting teaches survival skills too!" Before Tatsumi could respond, Goku dragged him outside, with Akame following.
Minutes later, they stood by a waterfall near the hideout. Tatsumi carried an empty bucket. "It's beautiful here," he marveled, wide-eyed.
Akame removed her red necktie and sleeveless black top; Goku stripped off his orange-and-blue gi. Tatsumi blushed, stumbling back as they removed their lower clothes. He covered his face until he saw Akame in a white bikini and Goku in gray underwear.
"B-but we're hunting! Why the swimwear?!" he stammered, face bright red.
Akame tilted her head. "Clothes weigh you down in cold water, and prey avoids fabric. This is better."
Goku flexed. "Yeah! It's easier to catch fish this way."
"Aren't you cold? Or worried about being seen?" Tatsumi asked.
"Cold passes; success lasts," Akame said. "This area is secluded."
Goku chuckled. "Fish are faster with clothes on! Trust us."
Tatsumi sighed, embarrassed but unwilling to be left out. As Akame and Goku walked to the edge, he said, "I heard these fish are mysterious and alert…" They ignored him—Akame dove smoothly into the water, Goku cannonballed in, creating huge splashes. Soon, fish flew into Tatsumi's bucket.
Akame surfaced. "Dive deep, hide your presence, strike quickly. Can you do it?"
Tatsumi smirked, removing his shirt. "You bet!" Before he could jump, a giant fish launched into the air, sent flying by Goku. Goku emerged, delivered a flurry of punches and kicks, then an axe kick to stun it. He caught the massive fish with one hand, grinning.
"Your turn, Tatsumi! Remember—hide, be quick, decisive!" Goku said, his tail wagging happily.
Tatsumi gulped, repeating the mantra. He removed his pants, revealing white underwear, glanced nervously at Akame (who nodded), then sprinted and dove in.
From the sky above, Vegeta watched with crossed arms, his expression coldly critical. He'd observed the scene in silence, neither reacting to the swimwear nor Tatsumi's embarrassment.
Later, back in the kitchen, meals were ready. Najenda, Leone, Akame, Tatsumi, Goku, and Vegeta gathered at the table. Goku ate wildly, lacking manners, while Vegeta ate slowly but consumed enormous portions. Najenda and Tatsumi watched in awe; Akame and Leone giggled. Akame had known Goku's appetite since academy days with Kurome, and Leone found Vegeta attractive. Seating was arranged: Leone at bottom-left, Akame beside her, Goku at top-left; Vegeta at top-right facing Goku, Najenda at bottom-right facing Leone, and Tatsumi in the center. Tatsumi had caught only two fish at the waterfall, but the group enjoyed the meal regardless.
Later, back in the kitchen, meals were ready. Tatsumi had caught only two fish. Najenda, Leone, Akame, Tatsumi, Goku, and Vegeta gathered at the table: Leone at the bottom left, Akame beside her, Goku at the top left; Vegeta at the top right facing Goku, Najenda at the bottom right facing Leone, and Tatsumi in the center.
Goku devoured his food wildly, with no regard for manners, while Vegeta ate slowly but consumed large portions. Najenda and Tatsumi watched in awe—Najenda covered her mouth in shock, and Tatsumi wore an awkward expression as they observed the two. Akame and Leone giggled; Akame had known of Goku's huge appetite since their academy days with Kurome, and Leone found Vegeta attractive.
As Goku shoved another heaping spoonful of rice into his mouth, grains spilling onto the table, he shouted, "Ahh… this is good stuff…" Vegeta continued eating, his expression serious.
Tatsumi stared in terror, thinking. "Don't tell me this is also part of being Saiyans…"
Najenda finally found her voice. "Good grief—Son Goku, do you ever slow down?" she asked, still covering her mouth. Tatsumi nodded in agreement, his awkward gaze shifting between Goku's messy eating and Vegeta's poised yet relentless consumption.
Goku looked at them, his mouth still full. "You know, all my friends back in our world say the same thing," he said, swallowing the food. "But what can I say? I just love to eat." He then resumed shoveling rice into his mouth.
Goku grinned through a mouthful of vegetables, rice clinging to his cheek. "Hey, Akame! Got any more of that grilled fish? Tatsumi caught 'em, but I bet you seasoned 'em good!"
Akame nodded calmly, reaching for the platter. "There's still some left," she said, sliding it toward him. Vegeta continued eating, ignoring their conversation and minding his own business.
Tatsumi watched, still uneasy. "So Saiyans really do eat like this—no wonder they're so strong," he said, a mix of amusement and shock on his face.
Najenda shook her head, laughing softly. "I've seen assassins with hearty appetites, but you two take the cake," she said with a small chuckle.
Leone leaned in, winking at Vegeta. "At least someone eats with manners," she purred. Vegeta's serious expression remained unchanged; he only raised an eyebrow and ignored her, continuing to eat.
Goku dove into the giant fish he had caught earlier, his cheeks puffing out as he chewed. "Mmm—Akame, your seasoning's perfect! Tatsumi, you've got a knack for catching 'em too!" he exclaimed, rice still dusting his chin, his tail wiggling happily.
Akame gave a faint smile, pushing a bowl of steamed vegetables toward him. "Eat slowly, Goku. There's enough for everyone," she said calmly.
Tatsumi flushed, scratching his head awkwardly. "I… I only caught two. You're making them sound like a feast."
Vegeta finally set down his fork, dabbing his lips with a napkin. "Hmph. Gluttony is unbecoming, Kakarot," he muttered, though his plate was completely empty.
Leone leaned closer, smirking. "Still, you cleaned your plate faster than I've ever seen an assassin finish a mission. Impressive," she teased. Vegeta's eyebrow twitched, but he said nothing, reaching for a second helping.
Tatsumi shook his head, still amazed. "So strength and appetite go hand in hand for Saiyans?" he asked.
"You bet!" Goku said, swallowing. "Back on Earth, I'd eat a four-course meal all by myself when I was a little kid!"
Goku grinned, shoveling another bite of fish into his mouth. "And I'd still be hungry afterward! Master Roshi used to say my stomach was a bottomless pit." He wagged his tail excitedly, eyeing the last piece of grilled fish on the platter.
Akame gently tapped his wrist with her chopsticks. "Save some for Vegeta," she reminded him.
Vegeta scoffed, already loading his plate with more rice. "I don't need your charity, woman. I'll take what I'm owed." His eyebrow arched as he caught Leone's amused gaze. "And stop staring, wench. It's distracting."
Leone laughed, leaning back in her chair. "Just admiring the contradiction—calling Goku a glutton while you sneak a second helping. Cute."
Akame nodded in quiet agreement, refilling his bowl. "Food fuels strength. That aligns with what we learn as assassins—nourishment is as important as swordplay."
Goku nodded at Akame. "I agree with you, Akame," he said, taking another bite of the giant fish.
Vegeta let out a sharp tch, spearing a piece of vegetable. "Training builds power, fool. Eating merely sustains it. Though… this fish is passable," he muttered, his pride barely allowing the compliment.
Leone grinned, leaning against the table. "Passable? Coming from you, that's a rave review, Prince Vegeta." He shot her a withering glance but said nothing, his fork already diving for more.
Tatsumi chuckled, shaking his head. "I never thought catching two small fish would turn into such a lesson. Maybe I should practice fishing more—for strength, of course."
Goku's tail wagged faster. "Absolutely! Tomorrow, we'll hit the waterfall again! You'll catch giant fish like mine, Tatsumi!"
Najenda cleared her throat, getting straight to the point. "Leone, let me hear your report," she said, looking at Leone with a calm expression.
"Alright, understood," Leone nodded, gesturing to two photos on the table. "Our targets are Ogre, an imperial police officer, and Gamal, an oil merchant," she informed Najenda. "According to the client…"
(Flashback)
In a graveyard late at night, Leone—transformed into her Lionelle beast form—leaned against a tree with crossed arms, her expression serious. Behind the tree stood a robed woman, who spoke softly. "Ogre has accepted large bribes from Gamal. Whenever Gamal commits a crime, Ogre frames innocent people to let him escape punishment," she said.
The woman continued, tears streaming down her face as she hugged herself tightly. "My fiancé was framed by them and sentenced to death. I beg you—help me take revenge."
Leone glanced at her, her gaze firm. "I understand. I'll send both of them to hell."
The woman knelt, covering her face as she wept. "Thank you… thank you so much."
(End of Flashback)
Leone placed a bag of gold next to the targets' photos. "This is her payment," she said, leaning back in her chair with crossed arms.
Tatsumi stood up, his expression serious. "She really managed to gather such a large sum…"
Leone grinned, her fingers resting on her arms. "I detected a foul scent from her. I suspect she earned this money through prostitution," she said, eyes closed, her tone grave.
Tatsumi's eyes widened, and he looked down at the table. "How could that be?"
"Have you verified this?" Najenda asked.
Leone looked at her. "I've confirmed it myself. Both targets are guilty."
Najenda lit a cigarette with her lighter. "This nation doesn't need such wicked scum. Sentence them to death."
Leone's expression turned serious. "Killing Gamal will be easy, but Ogre is formidable. Criminals fear his swordsmanship—he always travels with many subordinates and is rarely alone. He's cautious, accepting bribes from Gamal at his home. When off duty, he drinks on the main street near the palace," she explained to the group.
Goku and Vegeta listened intently. Vegeta leaned back in his chair, his expression serious but secretly intrigued—if Leone's assessment of Ogre was true, he might prove a fleeting challenge, even if the world's inhabitants were far weaker than Goku and him. Goku looked excited, then frowned, remembering he had to train Tatsumi and couldn't participate. One thing confused him, though.
Goku scratched the back of his head, tilting it in confusion. "What is prostitution?"
Akame paused, her chopsticks hovering over her bowl, as she considered how to answer Goku. Vegeta clicked his tongue in annoyance. "Idiot. It's when someone exchanges their body for money," he said bluntly, not looking up from his plate.
Goku blinked, still confused. "Why would anyone do that?" he asked, taking the last piece of grilled fish. "Can't she just work a regular job?"
Akame spoke with a stoic expression. "Not everyone has that choice, Goku. She was desperate. Losing her fiancé left her with nothing, and justice wouldn't come easily through lawful means."
Leone sighed, her playful smirk fading. "Desperation. That woman had no other way to pay for revenge after her fiancé was killed. Ogre and Gamal left her with nothing."
Tatsumi's jaw tightened, his earlier amazement replaced by anger. "Those bastards—they ruined her life twice over."
Najenda exhaled a plume of smoke, her gaze sharp. "It seems the best opportunity to act is when Ogre is off duty," she said seriously. "But security near the palace is tight, and sending Akame—who has a bounty on her head—would be dangerous."
Leone raised her hand eagerly. "Here! Here! I'm not on any wanted posters yet!"
Najenda looked at her calmly. "Can you handle it?"
"The more difficult the enemy, the more eager I am to take them on," Leone said with a wide grin.
Akame turned to Najenda. "Should we wait for Mine and the others?"
Tatsumi looked at Akame with determination, slamming his hand on the table. "But we don't know when they'll be back. If that's the case, let's complete this mission on our own!" he declared seriously.
Before anyone could reply, Vegeta spoke in a cold tone. "Foolish brat—do you forget you have training with Kakarot?" He stared coldly at Tatsumi, who froze, remembering his commitment to train with Goku.
Goku smiled. "Vegeta's right, Tatsumi. You and I are off-limits for this mission—you need to train to grow stronger, and I'm your teacher. The only ones available are Akame, Leone, and Vegeta. Sorry, kiddo."
Tatsumi's shoulders slumped in disappointment, his fist still resting on the table. "But… what if you need extra help?" he protested, glancing between Goku, Vegeta, Akame, and Leone.
Vegeta spoke with a serious expression, arms folded. "Help?" He scoffed. "Don't make me laugh, brat. At your current level, you're nothing but a weakling who'd be a burden to this mission. I hate babysitting weaklings—I'd rather eliminate them, just as I did my companion Nappa," he said coldly to Tatsumi. "In fact, I alone can handle this mission using only one percent of my base power." He glared at Tatsumi angrily. "So I suggest you stay here and train with Kakarot… unless you want to get yourself killed, brat!"
Tatsumi flinched at Vegeta's harsh words, his face burning with shame and frustration. He clenched his fist tighter, the wood of the table digging into his palm. "I… I'm not as weak as you think!" he muttered, his voice trembling slightly. "I've trained hard, and I won't be a burden!"
Goku placed a reassuring hand on Tatsumi's shoulder, his smile gentle. "Easy there, kid. Vegeta's just being tough—he doesn't mean it. But training is how you'll get strong enough to help for real. Even I started with small things."
Akame nodded calmly, her eyes steady. "Tatsumi, Vegeta speaks the truth about the mission's danger. The palace area is swarming with guards, and Ogre is ruthless. Your time will come."
Leone grinned, leaning back in her chair. "Besides, someone's gotta stay and pluck those cucumbers, right? Can't have the kitchen falling apart while we're out." She winked, lightening the tension.
Goku laughed, gave Tatsumi a thumbs-up, and said, "You don't need to rush, Tatsumi. Your time will come soon, but this isn't it. Focus on getting stronger first, okay?"
Najenda exhaled a plume of smoke, her gaze sharp. "I hate to break it to you, but with your current strength, you're powerless to defeat Ogre—he'd be too much for you. You'd likely end up killed if you faced him." Her words left Tatsumi silent.
Najenda then turned to the three. "Listen up. Here's the plan: Akame and Leone, you'll handle Ogre, and Akame will take care of Gamal." Akame and Leone nodded, but Vegeta disagreed.
"No. Let these two women handle Gamal—I'll take on Ogre alone," he said with a smirk. "If Leone is right that this fool is formidable, he might prove intriguing enough for me to play with. But if he disappoints me, I'll dispose of him quickly."
Akame's stoic gaze shifted to Vegeta. "Ogre is skilled with a blade and travels with guards. Working alone may limit your advantage," she noted calmly. Leone shrugged, grinning. "Suit yourself, Prince Vegeta—we'll handle Gamal. Just don't hog all the fun."
Vegeta frowned. "And what—do you expect his blade to scratch me?" he scoffed. "I can block that fool's blade with a single finger. Do you realize I can level an entire city with a single Ki blast? What makes you think his pathetic guards can stand against me? I'll kill them in the blink of an eye…"
Akame's expression remained unchanged, though a flicker of concern crossed her eyes. "Even so, unnecessary bloodshed may draw unwanted attention. The palace guards are numerous—silence is better than spectacle," she warned.
Leone chuckled, leaning forward. "Yeah, short king. We assassins don't make a show of it; we get in, get the job done, and vanish. Your city-leveling tricks might ruin that," she teased.
Vegeta scoffed, his face flushed with fury. "You think I'm a fool? Do you think I don't understand the meaning of stealth, woman?" he snapped. "I'm stating that I can level a city with my power, not that I will. That would defeat the purpose of stealth." He glared at Akame angrily. "I suggest you two focus on your own mission instead of worrying about mine."
Najenda exhaled another curl of smoke, her eyes narrowing as she assessed Vegeta. "Very well—you handle Ogre alone. And you two will handle Gamal," she said to the trio.
Akame and Leone nodded. Akame rose from her chair and walked toward the entrance to prepare for the mission.
Goku glanced at Akame and said, "Good luck on the mission, Akame." He gave her a thumbs-up, and Akame smiled warmly before continuing on her way.
Leone looked at Vegeta and teased, "It's been a pleasure working with you, Short King." Vegeta simply ignored her.
Minutes later, Goku and Tatsumi stood in an open, grassy field a short distance from the hideout. Goku had refused to train in the training ground, claiming it was too small. He planned to teach Tatsumi everything Master Roshi had taught him and Krillin—the Turtle Hermit way—and carried six large boxes of milk for Tatsumi to deliver to an entire village.
Tatsumi stared at the six milk boxes in Goku's hands, his shoulders slumping. "Deliver milk to a whole village? Is this really training?" he groaned, still stung by Vegeta's harsh words.
Goku grinned, setting the boxes down gently. "Absolutely! This is classic Turtle Hermit training. Master Roshi had Krillin and me do this to build balance, endurance, and focus—you can't spill a single drop!" He gestured toward the distant village nestled between rolling hills. "The path is bumpy, and there might be obstacles. Think you're up for it?"
Tatsumi sighed, but a spark of determination flickered in his eyes. He lifted one box to test its weight. "Fine. But if Vegeta sees me doing this, he'll never let me live it down."
"Don't worry about Vegeta," Goku said, patting him on the back. "He doesn't understand true training—he's too prideful and arrogant to admit what real training is." He smiled warmly, making Tatsumi brush off Vegeta's words. "Now, let's go! Remember: steady hands, quick feet!" Winking, he gave Tatsumi a thumbs-up. "I'll watch from high above."
Tatsumi hefted all six boxes onto his shoulders, gritting his teeth as their weight pressed into his muscles. "Alright, let's get this over with," he muttered, eyeing the winding dirt path toward the village. The ground was uneven, dotted with rocks and ruts, and a light breeze threatened to throw off his balance.
Hovering slightly above, Goku said, "I don't think you should carry them all at once, Tatsumi. That'll make you unbalanced—carry one box at a time. Don't rush; patience is key to success."
Tatsumi groaned, adjusting the heavy stack. "But carrying one at a time will take forever!" he protested, wobbling as a gust of wind brushed against him. A loose rock shifted under his boot, and he stumbled, catching himself just in time to keep the milk from spilling.
Goku floated closer, grinning. "Better slow and steady than fast and messy! Master Roshi always said haste wastes effort." He pointed to the nearest box. "Set them down, pick one, and focus on each step. Feel the path under your feet—balance comes from awareness, not speed."
Reluctantly, Tatsumi lowered the stack to the grass and dusted off his arms. Lifting a single box, he was surprised by how much lighter it felt. Taking a deep breath, he stepped onto the dirt path, eyes fixed ahead. A small rabbit darted across his way, making him jerk sideways—but he tightened his grip, keeping the milk perfectly level.
"See? You've got this!" Goku called from above. "Now, let's see if you can reach that bend without spilling a drop." Tatsumi nodded, his determination hardening as he navigated the bumpy trail. "Be careful—the village is far, and there are obstacles like broken roads and pesky beasts that'll try to hinder you. Dodge or avoid them, okay?" Goku gave another thumbs-up.
Tatsumi kept his eyes on the bend, gripping the box firmly as he stepped over jagged broken road. A sudden rustle in the tall grass made him freeze—a scruffy, fox-like beast with sharp teeth snapped at his ankles. He side-stepped quickly, his balance wavering for a split second before he steadied himself; the milk sloshed gently but did not spill.
"Nice dodge!" Goku cheered, floating lazily. "Remember—light feet, quick reactions!"
Tatsumi exhaled, wiping sweat from his brow, and pressed forward through a narrow, washed-out stretch of path. Another spiky-furred beast lunged from behind a bush. He ducked, twisting to keep the box level, and the creature crashed harmlessly into a pile of rocks.
Reaching the bend, he glanced back at the remaining five boxes, then ahead at the long road to the village. "Okay," he muttered, "one down, five to go." Goku grinned. "Keep that focus—the next stretch has steeper hills!"
Tatsumi took a deep breath and began climbing, each step straining his calves. Loose gravel shifted underfoot, and he planted his boots carefully to avoid slipping. A gust of wind whipped up, carrying the scent of wild grass, and he tightened his hold.
"Lean forward a little—it helps with balance on slopes!" Goku called. Tatsumi adjusted his stance. Just then, a pack of small, scurrying creatures darted across the path, nipping at his heels. He hopped sideways, his heart racing, but kept the milk from spilling.
At the hilltop, he paused to catch his breath, gazing at the village in the valley below. "Still a long way," he muttered.
Goku floated down beside him, smiling. "Great work! The next part has a rickety bridge—stay light on your feet and watch for loose planks. And be careful—a pack of wolves is up next."
Tatsumi descended, his muscles burning, and spotted the weathered wooden bridge spanning a shallow, rocky stream. Its planks creaked loudly as he stepped on them. He kept his steps light, scanning for loose boards, and held the box steady against his chest as he crossed.
"Smooth moves!" Goku called from above. "Almost there—now watch the treeline!"
As soon as Tatsumi stepped off the bridge, a low growl echoed through the woods. Six wolves emerged, amber eyes glinting with hunger, circling him slowly. His heart hammered, but he remembered Goku's advice. When one wolf lunged, he sidestepped, shifting the box to his other hand to keep it level. Another snapped at his ankle; he hopped back and stood his ground.
"Don't run—they'll chase you!" Goku instructed. "Dodge and weave, stay balanced!"
Tatsumi moved in quick bursts, evading snapping jaws. When two wolves charged together, he ducked between them, spinning—but faltered. Two bottles tumbled out and shattered, milk pooling in the gravel.
"Damn it…" he muttered, cursing himself as the wolves circled closer.
"Dwell on it later! Focus on staying balanced—protect what's left!" Goku shouted.
Taking a deep breath, Tatsumi adjusted his grip. When a wolf lunged for his calf, he pivoted sharply. Another leaped at his shoulder; he ducked, letting it sail over his head.
"Use the terrain! Lead them to the stream—they'll slip on the rocks!" Goku said.
Tatsumi backed toward the shallow water, his boots gripping smooth stones. The wolves skidded on the wet surface, and he darted past them, keeping the box steady. Reaching the treeline, he paused—only four bottles remained. He frowned, frustrated.
Goku floated down, grinning. "Tough lesson—but you're still in the game! No one nails it on the first try. Mistakes help you improve, and there's always tomorrow."
Tatsumi stared at the four bottles, jaw tight. "I can't believe I let that happen."
"Hey, Krillin once dropped a whole crate—Master Roshi made him deliver twice as much the next day!" Goku patted his shoulder reassuringly.
With a reluctant nod, Tatsumi pressed on. Thorny vines snagged his pants, and low branches forced him to duck. A lone wolf stalked him from the shadows; he backed toward boulders, hopped onto a flat rock as it lunged, and watched it crash into the stone. "Nice use of cover!" Goku cheered.
Tatsumi reached the village as the sun dipped low. Villagers greeted him, and he handed over the unbroken bottles with a sheepish smile. "Sorry—two got lost along the way." An elderly woman patted his arm. "You survived wolves and the bridge? That's courage enough!"
"See? Progress, not perfection," Goku said. "Tomorrow, we'll aim to keep all six intact! Now, back to the field—five boxes are waiting."
Tatsumi waved goodbye and headed back, his steps lighter despite his frustration. Reaching the remaining five boxes, he paused to catch his breath, lifted the next one carefully, and turned toward the village.
The path was familiar, but a sudden downpour made the dirt slick. His boot slipped on mud, and he stumbled—three bottles tumbled out, smashing against a rock. "No!" he groaned.
"Whoa—watch that mud! It's okay—three left. Keep your weight centered!" Goku called.
Tatsumi wiped rain from his eyes, adjusted his grip, and pressed on. Wind swayed branches that brushed the box, but he held firm. By the time he reached the village, his clothes were soaked, but the last three bottles were intact. An elderly man handed him a towel. "Stormy delivery—you've earned this!"
"Tough conditions, but you saved what you could," Goku grinned. "That's progress!" Tatsumi sighed, but a small smile tugged at his lips. He knew tomorrow would bring new challenges—and a chance to do better.
Tatsumi dried off with the towel, thanked the elderly man, and headed back to the grassy field. Four milk boxes remained, and he lifted the next one cautiously, reminding himself to watch for slick spots. The rain had tapered to a drizzle, but the path was still muddy and slippery.
As he rounded a bend, his boot slid on wet leaves, and he lurched forward. Two bottles bounced out, cracking against a tree root and spilling milk into the damp earth. "Ugh—again!" he muttered, kicking a clump of mud in frustration.
From above, Goku called out, "Easy there! The leaves are tricky—keep your eyes peeled and your stance wide. You've still got four bottles left in this box!"
Tatsumi adjusted his grip, squared his shoulders, and pressed on. A gust of wind sprayed water onto the box, but he held it steady, stepping carefully over uneven ground. When he reached the village, his pants were caked with mud, but the remaining bottles were unharmed. A young girl handed him a cup of hot tea, smiling. "You're working so hard!"
Goku floated down, grinning. "Slippery leaves, muddy paths—you're learning to adapt! Every spill teaches you something new." Tatsumi sipped the tea, feeling a flicker of resolve. He still had three boxes left to deliver, determined to improve with each trip.
Tatsumi finished his tea, thanked the young girl, and trudged back to the grassy field where three milk boxes waited. He lifted the next one deliberately, keeping Goku's advice about wide stances and sharp observation in mind. The drizzle had stopped, but damp patches and slick, glossy fallen leaves dotted the trail. He spotted the pack of wolves that had attacked him earlier, sniffing for his scent, so he veered off to avoid them. Just then, a grizzly bear emerged on the trail, roaring loudly.
Tatsumi froze, gripping the box tightly as the bear stood on its hind legs and let out a deafening roar. Slick leaves and damp earth left little room to maneuver. Remembering Goku's advice—stay balanced, use the terrain—he slowly backed toward sturdy oak trees, keeping his eyes locked on the bear.
From above, Goku called out, "Don't make sudden moves! Circle toward the rocky outcrop—bears struggle on uneven stones!" Tatsumi carefully shifted sideways, his wide stance steadying him on the slippery ground. The bear charged, paws slamming into the mud, but Tatsumi ducked behind a tree, holding the box tight. As the bear lunged past, two bottles tumbled out, smashing against the trunk and spilling milk.
"No!" he groaned, but kept moving, leading the bear toward the rocks. The creature slipped and stumbled, giving Tatsumi a chance to dart past. Reaching the village, he sighed—only four bottles remained. A villager rushed over with a blanket. "A bear? You're braver than you look!"
Goku floated down, grinning. "You avoided the wolves and outsmarted a bear—spills aside, that's impressive!" Tatsumi smiled weakly, already thinking about the next box. He was learning, one challenge at a time.
Tatsumi wrapped the blanket around his shoulders, thanked the villager, and trudged back to the grassy field where two milk boxes still waited. He lifted the next one steadily, recalling Goku's tips: wide stance, calm eyes, and constant scanning for threats. The sun peeked through the clouds, drying part of the trail, but fallen leaves remained slick and treacherous.
As he rounded a bend, he spotted the grizzly bear lingering near the oak trees, pawing at the spilled milk. Tatsumi quietly detoured toward a narrow gully, but his boot slipped on a mossy stone. He stumbled, and three bottles bounced out, shattering on the gully's edge as milk seeped into the soil. "Not again!" he muttered, clenching his fists.
From above, Goku called out, "Steady! Use the gully walls for balance—don't let the bear catch your scent!" Tatsumi pressed himself against the rocky wall, moving slowly until clear of the bear's territory. When he reached the village, only three bottles were intact. A baker handed him a warm roll, laughing. "Bears and spills—you're making deliveries an adventure!"
Goku floated down beside him, grinning. "You navigated a gully and outwitted a bear—progress, not perfection! The last box is yours to conquer." Tatsumi bit into the roll, feeling renewed resolve, ready for whatever the final trip held.
Tatsumi finished the warm roll, thanked the baker, and headed back to the grassy field where only one milk box remained. He lifted it firmly, his mind sharp with Goku's lessons: wide stance, calm focus, and constant vigilance. The sun had fully emerged, but the trail—mixing slick leaves, muddy ruts, and loose stones—grew treacherous as a sudden dust storm reduced visibility to a few feet.
Pushing through the choking dust, he heard a familiar growl: the grizzly bear, joined by the wolf pack, drawn by the scent of spilled milk. They circled him in the haze, eyes glowing faintly. Tatsumi backed toward a steep, rocky ravine, but his boot caught on a hidden root. He stumbled, and four bottles tumbled out, shattering against jagged rocks as milk soaked into the dry earth. "Damn it!" he hissed, clutching the remaining two bottles tight.
From above, Goku shouted over the wind, "Use the ravine's slope! Slide carefully—they'll struggle to follow on loose rock!" Tatsumi knelt, lowering his center of gravity, and slid down the ravine's edge with the box pressed to his chest. The bear slipped and roared in frustration, while the wolves skittered back from the unstable slope. As he reached the bottom, a flash flood surged through the channel, threatening to sweep him away. He grabbed a protruding rock, holding steady until the waters receded.
Emerging dust-caked and soaked, he finally reached the village. The last two bottles were intact, and a crowd gathered to cheer. "You faced a storm, beasts, and flood!" an elder exclaimed. Goku floated down, beaming. "That's true Turtle Hermit training—you adapted to everything thrown at you!" Tatsumi smiled, exhausted but proud. The final delivery was tough, but he had survived.
Tatsumi stood amid the cheering villagers, clutching the two intact bottles, his clothes caked with dust and damp from the flood. He thanked the crowd warmly, then trudged back to the grassy field—now empty save for scattered shards of broken bottles and dried milk stains. Taking a deep breath, he surveyed the battered trail, recalling every slip, growl, and rush of water.
From above, Goku floated down and clapped him on the shoulder. "That was epic! Dust storm, bear-wolf tag team, flood—you've earned a break." But Tatsumi shook his head, a determined glint in his eyes. "I want to try again—all six bottles, start to finish." Goku grinned. "Now that's the spirit! Let's hit the trail at dawn tomorrow—we'll tackle every obstacle with what you've learned."
As sunset painted the sky orange, Tatsumi practiced his wide stance and balance on the grass, visualizing the path ahead. When he returned to the village, the elders offered him a hearty meal, praising his resilience. "Tomorrow," he muttered to himself, "I'll deliver every drop." Would you like to see how he fares in his perfect delivery attempt at dawn?
Dawn broke with a soft golden glow, but Tatsumi lay exhausted on the ground, breathing heavily from Goku's training. Goku sat beside him, happy and proud. "You did well, Tatsumi—I'm proud of your amazing progress," he said, glancing at him. "Tomorrow, we'll do the same training over and over until you master it."
Meanwhile, as Goku and Tatsumi trained, Vegeta and Leone stood side by side at the palace's bustling main entrance, where crowds flowed steadily in and out.
"This is the main street. You should be familiar with the map," Leone said to him.
Vegeta said nothing, unfolding his arms to grasp his tail and wrap it securely around his waist, his expression stern. He continued walking toward the entrance.
"Vegeta, wait," Leone called, stopping him in his tracks. He turned, his gaze still serious. Suddenly, Leone leaned in and kissed his cheek, catching Vegeta completely off guard.
Vegeta froze, eyes wide with shock as her lips pressed against his skin. For a heartbeat, time seemed to stand still—crowds bustled past, but he noticed nothing. Heat flooded his cheeks, turning them a deep, uncharacteristic red. He stumbled back a step, his tail twitching violently where it was tucked.
"W-what in a asinine are you doing, woman?!" he snarled, voice sharp with embarrassment and fury. He wiped his cheek roughly with the back of his hand, as if erasing the contact.
Leone grinned mischievously, her lion-like eyes sparkling. "A little good luck charm, Short King. Can't have you messing up the mission by being too grumpy." She winked. "Now go—show Ogre what a real warrior looks like. And try not to draw too much attention, okay?"
Vegeta scowled, straightening his posture and crossing his arms. "Imbecile woman! I don't need your trivial charms. And don't you dare call me that again!" Despite his harsh words, he hesitated a split second before turning to leave. His ears remained tinged pink, a telltale sign of his fluster.
Leone chuckled softly, watching him go. "Tough exterior, soft interior," she murmured. Shaking off the moment, she adjusted her belt—housing Lionelle—and headed in the opposite direction to track Gamal. Akame waited nearby in a quiet alley, concealed in shadow, ready to join her.
Later that night, at Gamal's residence, the corrupt oil merchant strutted down the hallway smugly. Overweight, out of shape, and bald with spotted skin, a small nose, and a large mouth, he resembled a toad. He wore an orange kimono shirt and pants, black boots, and a green cloak adorned with toad-eye circles.
"After relieving myself, I feel so refreshed," he said, wiping his hands with a white towel. "Should I continue enjoying this blissful moment?"
Out of nowhere, Leone wrapped her arms around his neck and tightened her grip. "We'll send you to the land of bliss, Gamal," she said. Akame stepped forward, cold and stoic, and drove Murasame into his chest, killing him instantly.
"You're lucky to have two pretty ladies giving you a final send-off," Leone mocked, still holding him. Akame withdrew her blade, and Leone released Gamal, letting his lifeless body fall.
Leone glanced at Akame, teasing, "Alright. I wonder how Mr. Handsome Short King is faring against Ogre." Akame maintained her stoic gaze.
Akame nodded faintly, wiping blood from Murasame's blade. "Vegeta will handle Ogre. We should finish here and eliminate any witnesses," she said calmly.
Leone giggled. "You're right—no sense lingering. Let's check on our grumpy prince once we're done," she said, cracking her fists excitedly. "Yeah, let's finish this, Akame." The pair scanned the hallway sharply for guards.
Meanwhile, at a busy midnight tavern outside the palace, Vegeta stood on the rooftop, arms folded and serious, watching the crowd below. Ogre exited alone, and Vegeta tracked him through the throng, his gaze sharpening—he needed to lure the captain to a deserted alley for a discreet kill. He followed silently from the rooftops.
(Ogre was captain of the Imperial Police and former mentor to Seryu. A muscular middle-aged man with tan skin, short black hair streaked white and styled into four cloth-wrapped ponytails, and a short beard, he had a star-shaped scar covering his missing left eye; his remaining eye was red with a black sclera, and sharp teeth gave him a demonic look. He wore Imperial Police armor, and a white kimono when training Seryu. Prideful and corrupt, he accepted bribes from Gamal and framed innocents, enjoying interrogations and calling himself "king of the city." Yet he was kind to Seryu, acting as a father figure.)
Ogre stumbled through the crowded streets, cheeks flushed, grinning. "It feels great to drink after an interrogation," he boasted.
Vegeta leaped silently between rooftops, boots making no sound. The drunken captain laughed at nothing, and Vegeta's jaw tightened—this miscreant was barely worth his time, but he'd promised discretion. Spotting a narrow, empty alley ahead, he devised his plan.
With a flick of his tail, Vegeta dropped silently to the ground just ahead of Ogre, stepping into the alley's shadow. As Ogre entered, humming crudely, Vegeta emerged from behind. "Ogre, captain of the Imperial Police," he said in a low, sharp voice.
Ogre halted, turning to face Vegeta, who stood with arms folded and stern expression. His grin faded as he sized up his foe, narrowing his eye and baring sharp teeth. He noted Vegeta's blue sleeveless training jumpsuit, white gloves, white boots with yellow stripes, and monkey tail wrapped around his waist.
Ogre let out a guttural chuckle, his red-and-black eye glinting with malice. "A stranger in strange clothes. And a tail? Are you some kind of freak show performer?" He straightened, swaying slightly from drink, and rested a hand on his sword hilt. "You've got guts confronting me in an alley—but you'll regret it."
Vegeta smirked. "Hmph… look who's talking. You're the one with a face only a mother could love," he mocked. He stayed motionless, arms folded, power simmering beneath his suit.
Ogre's grin vanished, replaced by a snarl. He drew his sword in one swift motion, steel glinting in the dim light. "Insult me again, freak, and I'll carve that tail off and mount it on my wall!" he growled.
Vegeta smirked. "Oh, bring it on then, miscreant," he goaded.
Furious, Ogre lunged, swinging brutally at Vegeta's torso. Vegeta merely raised an eyebrow, arms still folded, and didn't flinch. With lightning speed, he lifted one finger and caught the blade's edge. "Pathetic," he sneered.
Ogre's eyes widened in shock, face contorting with rage as he strained to drive the blade forward. The steel trembled, but Vegeta's finger remained immovable, like solid stone. "What… what kind of trick is this?" Ogre gasped, his drunken bravado melting into panic.
Vegeta's smirk widened, his gaze sharp with contempt. "Trick? This is pure power—something you could never hope to comprehend, you drunken fool." With a flick of his finger, he sent Ogre's sword flying from his grasp; it clattered loudly against the alley wall. Ogre stumbled back, scrambling to retrieve his weapon, but Vegeta was already before him, moving with inhuman speed.
Grabbing Ogre by the collar, Vegeta lifted him effortlessly into the air, as if he weighed nothing. "You have one final word before you die, miscreant!" he said coldly, a smirk playing on his lips.
Ogre struggled in the grip, choking as it tightened. He clawed at Vegeta's arm, snarling and spitting curses, but his efforts were futile. "The Empire will kill you for this, freak. Mark my words…" he threatened.
Vegeta looked down at him, a devious grin spreading across his face. "Oh, you truly believe this pathetic empire can destroy me?" he mocked, making Ogre's eyes widen and brow lift. "Well, since you're doomed anyway… I'll share a revelation." His grin never faded. "I can level this entire city with a single blast."
Ogre stared, eyes wide with terror and disbelief. "L-lie… you're bluffing!" he stammered, his struggles weakening as the truth of Vegeta's power sank in. "No one can do that… not even the Emperor's strongest warriors!"
Vegeta chuckled darkly, tightening his hold on Ogre's neck. "Bluff?" He lifted Ogre higher; his ki hummed faintly beneath his training suit, and a golden glow emanated from his fingertips, weighing the alley air with pressure. "Watch closely. This is merely a fraction of my strength." Holding Ogre by the neck with his right hand, he pointed his left at a nearby stack of crates and fired a small ki blast, reducing them to splinters.
Ogre's eyes bulged. "Impossible… what are you?" he whispered. "You… you're not human."
"Human? Please." Vegeta's grin turned devilish. "I am Vegeta, Prince of all Saiyans—the last of a warrior race that once shook the cosmos, your worst nightmare. Your Empire is a joke compared to the forces I've faced," he growled. "Now, die! Worthless scum!" With that, he chokeslammed Ogre to the ground with immense force, creating a massive crater and killing him instantly.
Dust settled slowly as Vegeta stood over the lifeless form, cold and unimpressed. He brushed debris from his blue training suit; ki still hummed faintly in his body. "Pathetic," he muttered. "Even for an Imperial captain, you were far too weak."
As he turned to leave, distant commotion reached his ears—shouts and clattering armor as guards, alerted by the blast, raced toward the alley. Vegeta raised an eyebrow, serious. He had no time for lowly foot soldiers. With a powerful leap, he launched himself onto the rooftops, moving swiftly through shadows to avoid detection.
Vegeta glided across the rooftops with silent grace, boots barely grazing tiles as he outpaced the guards. Below, chaos erupted—soldiers swarmed the alley, staring in awe at the crater. He looked down with a stern expression.
Meanwhile, Akame and Leone had eliminated Gamal's last guards, leaving no witnesses. They emerged from his residence, wiping blood from their weapons. "Mission completed," Akame said stoically, sheathing Murasame. Leone grinned, stretching. "Now to check on our Short King. That rumble must've been him."
They headed to the palace district, spotting Vegeta perched on a rooftop overlooking the commotion.
Leone cupped her hands and called teasingly, "Nice crater, Short King! Did you save any action for us?"
Vegeta's eye twitched in annoyance, but he said nothing, jumping down to meet them. "The fool was barely worth the effort," he huffed, crossing his arms. "Your turn went smoothly, I assume?"
Akame nodded, stoic. "Gamal is dead. No loose ends."
Vegeta clicked his tongue, turning seriously. "Good. Let's get out of this accursed place… it's starting to irritate me." He walked on, with Akame and Leone following.
Leone ran up, placing a hand on his shoulder. Since Vegeta was shorter, her chest pressed against his right cheek, irritating him further. "Ahhh, you're cute when you're grumpy…" she teased.
Vegeta recoiled instantly, shoving her hand away and stumbling back, face flushing bright red. "Keep your distance, woman!" he snarled, adjusting his suit as if brushing off contact. "I won't have you pawing at me like some overgrown housecat!"
Leone laughed heartily, leaning in with mischief in her lion-like eyes. "Aw, don't be shy, Short King. You know you liked it." She winked, earning a sharp glare. Akame watched calmly, a hint of amusement in her stoic gaze as she fell into step.
As they hurried through narrow side streets, avoiding patrols, sirens echoed. "The Empire will scramble to investigate," Akame noted. "We should return to the hideout before they seal the district."
Vegeta clicked his tongue, quickening pace. "As if these pathetic guards could stop me. But I won't waste time on a pointless chase." He leaped onto a low rooftop, gesturing for them to follow. "This way—faster."
Leone grinned, vaulting beside him. "Still got that Saiyan speed. Bet you could outrun a lion." She nudged him playfully, earning another glare. Akame landed gracefully, scanning for pursuit.
Minutes later, back at Night Raid's hideout, Akame, Leone, and Vegeta reported to Najenda in the meeting hall. Goku was present, eager for details, while Tatsumi rested exhausted in his room.
Najenda regarded them seriously. "You did well eliminating the enemy," she praised.
Vegeta crossed his arms, face faintly flushed but cool. "It was barely a challenge," he huffed. "Ogre was weak, Gamal a pathetic miscreant. The mission ended before it began."
Leone leaned against the wall, grinning. "Sure, Short King. Let's pretend that crater was just for show." She winked, and Vegeta's eye twitched.
Goku leaned forward excitedly, tail wagging. "Did you use ki blasts, Vegeta? Go Super Saiyan? Tell me!"
"Hmph… this miscreant wasn't worth one percent of my true power," Vegeta snapped, folding his arms with closed eyes. "He was no worthy opponent—Super Saiyan would have insulted my strength. Though I showed him true power versus imperial posturing; my chokeslam created that crater."
Akame nodded faintly. "No witnesses remain. The Empire will blame rebels, but won't trace it to us."
Najenda exhaled cigarette smoke, gaze sharp. "Good. The client's revenge is done, but we must be vigilant—security will tighten." She glanced toward Tatsumi's room. "How's the newbie?"
"He's worn out, but did great—delivered milk to the whole village," Goku said proudly. "Tomorrow we'll train speed and strength—climb a mountain with heavy water buckets."
Vegeta clicked his tongue and rolled his eyes. "Turtle Hermit way? Nonsense—milk deliveries and turtle shells will make him a farmer, not a warrior. If you're going to waste time, teach him a proper punch instead of hauling buckets."
Leone chuckled, pushing off the wall. "Aw, is our Short King jealous he's not training Tatsumi? We'll save you a spot to bully him later." She winked.
Vegeta's eye twitched. "Shut up, woman! I'm not interested in that brat!"
Akame nodded calmly. "Tatsumi's progress is steady. Building endurance now will help him face tougher challenges."
Najenda took another drag and exhaled slowly. "Agreed. Keep an eye on him—exhaustion breeds mistakes, and we can't risk compromising the hideout."
Goku grinned, his tail wagging faster. "Don't worry! Tomorrow's training will be tough but fun—he's got spirit. I'll teach him the Turtle Hermit way, as promised."
Vegeta clicked his tongue and rolled his eyes again. "Turtle Hermit way? That old man taught you laziness and gluttony. The brat would learn more from a single ki blast than from carrying buckets up rocks."
Goku laughed. "Ahh… no wonder you're always one step behind—too stubborn to learn from true masters." He shrugged.
Vegeta's face flushed with fury, his jaw tightening as he stepped toward Goku. "One step behind? Insolent fool! I trained under the cosmos's most ruthless warriors—far superior to that lazy hermit! Your 'training' is a joke; Tatsumi will never gain true power with your childish games."
Goku waved jokingly. "Yeah, yeah, Vegeta—whatever you say…"
The girls chuckled at their banter. Najenda spoke up. "Son Goku, Tatsumi's next instructor will be Mine. Would that be okay with you?"
Goku nodded, saluting. "Yeah, sure—no problem!"
Meanwhile, Bulat, Lubbock, Sheele, and Mine returned from their mission. Mine tensed and stopped; Sheele and Lubbock noticed. She glanced over her shoulder. "I've just got a chill…" she said.
To be continued.