Suzuran's conversation with Akame stretched late into the night, leaving her memory fuzzy on falling asleep. Exhaustion must have hit her harder than she realized. Sitting up in bed with a drowsy groan, she glanced at Akame's bed to see it was empty. "I must've slept in," Suzuran grumbled, yawning. "Akame's already up."

 

As she rubbed her eyes, preparing to rise, the door creaked open. Suzuran, assuming it was Akame, didn't react. With a soft click, the door shut. Finally awake, Suzuran rubbed the sleep from her eyes and looked up. A startled yelp pierced the silence.

 

"Akiko…?" Suzuran mumbled, her voice thick with sleep and a hint of cuteness clinging to her sleepy face.

 

Akiko met Suzuran's gaze, only to realize her attire was more revealing than usual. Suzuran wore only the inn's sleepwear: a low-cut shirt and barely-there shorts. Most of her body was exposed. Akiko's cheeks burned a vivid crimson, her gaze glued to the unexpected view.

 

"M-Miss Suzuran…" Akiko stammered walking toward Suzuran, voice laced with a blush-induced flirtatiousness. "May I… join you in bed?"

 

"You sly fox!" Suzuran exclaimed, grabbing one of her blades and unsheathing it with a practiced flick. "Get out of my room!"

 

The commotion echoed through the inn, a comical scene unfolding for anyone within earshot. Downstairs, Kurohime chuckled at the ruckus, while upstairs, Akame, who was still by the hallway helping the innkeeper fix a door, couldn't help but let out a soft giggle.

 

Finally, after a successful removal of Akiko, Suzuran got dressed. Saying goodbye to Akame wasn't ideal, but their life had been like this for years. Fleeting reunions punctuated by long separations. However, Akame seemed different this time, harboring a desire for reconnection. Maybe joining the guild wasn't such a bad idea after all.

 

"I'll start with Kurami," Suzuran muttered to herself, a plan forming.

 

Kurami, alongside her family, became Suzuran's and Akame’s adoptive sister when their village was razed. Kurami had raised Suzuran for most of her life while Akame fulfilled requests to support the family. Informing Kurami about Akame's potential guild membership felt like the right first step, a way to understand Akame's intentions.

 

A pang of sadness flickered across Suzuran's face. "Maybe I should visit Mom and Dad's grave too. It's been a while." She mumbled the words, a touch of melancholy tingeing her voice.

 

Descending the stairs, Suzuran found Kurohime and Akiko sharing breakfast. Akiko, defeated from her early morning escapade, slumped face-first onto the table, her drooped ears showing her comical failure.

 

Suzuran headed outside for some pre-departure shopping at the local market. With each stop, a chorus of grateful villagers greeted her. "Thank you for helping Akiko," they'd say, or "We're so glad you both made it out safely! We don't know what we'd do without her." While Akiko's advances were unwelcome, Suzuran respected her skills. Akiko's focus on her body was simply… irritating.

 

By the time the early morning sun cast long shadows, Suzuran had gathered her supplies and returned to the inn. She spotted her sister and Kurohime exiting, walking towards her.

 

"Leaving already?" Suzuran inquired.

 

"You know me," Akame replied with a playful smile. "Can't stay put for too long. Though, that might change someday." She pulled out a map, handing it to Suzuran.

 

"Whenever you and Kurami are ready, guild or not, I'd love for you to visit. Maybe even consider settling here." Akame's tone held a hint of longing.

 

"I will, sis," Suzuran promised, a warm smile gracing her lips. "And I'll bring Kurami along."

 

They embraced in a long, lingering hug. As they pulled away, Suzuran turned to Kurohime, her expression softening. "I don't know you very well, Kurohime, but Akame trusts you a lot. And I've only heard good things. Please take care of her, alright?" Suzuran's voice betrayed a sliver of worry. "I know she can handle herself, but… she's my sister."

 

Kurohime, caught off guard by the unexpected affection. A gentle smile touched her lips as she returned Suzuran's hug. "Don't worry," she assured, "I'll keep an eye on her."

 

Suzuran exchanged farewells with Akame and Kurohime as they departed the village. Back in her room, she packed her belongings with practiced efficiency. Bidding farewell to the grateful inn staff, she descended the stairs, ready for the road.

 

Akiko, catching wind of Suzuran's departure, rushed over in a desperate attempt to delay her. "Miss Suzuran, you can't leave yet!"

 

Suzuran raised an eyebrow. "Why not?"

 

"Because… because you haven't met my family!" Akiko blurted, her cheeks warming with the flimsiness of her excuse.

 

"Actually, I did," Suzuran countered gently. "Remember, I filled them in on our nue encounter when I brought you home unconscious."

 

Akiko flushed a deeper crimson, recalling her vulnerable state. "But that wasn't while I was awake to properly introduce you!"

 

Suzuran chuckled. "Akiko…" she began, then switched gears. "Did my sister offer you a place in her guild?"

 

Akiko's flirtatious facade faltered, replaced by sincerity. "Both Kurohime and Akame suggested it. This village is my home, though. I'm torn. I would love to see you more, but…"

 

"Akame wouldn't have extended the invitation lightly," Suzuran assured her. "She has a reason for everything, and clearly she saw something valuable in you for the guild. Plus, I did mention our nue fight, and Akame seemed genuinely interested in your skills."

 

Akiko's ears perked up with excitement. "Really?"

 

"Absolutely," Suzuran confirmed with a smile. "While I find your advances… adorably annoying, I respect you. Your strength, intelligence, and beauty are undeniable. You'd be a perfect fit for her guild. And let's be honest, joining would mean seeing more of me, wouldn't it?" she teased playfully.

 

Akiko beamed. "You think so?" Her tail wagged happily against the floor.

 

"Without a doubt," Suzuran replied. "So, are you in?"

 

Akiko hesitated for a moment, then a decisive glint entered her eyes. "I… I want to join!"

 

Suzuran let out a soft laugh. "What a sly fox," she muttered, amusement dancing in her eyes. Facing Akiko's sheepish grin, she added, "But an adorable one." With a gentle pat on Akiko's head, she acknowledged the unspoken acceptance between them, Akiko's tail wagging furiously in response.

 

"Alright, I'm off to the Republic," Suzuran announced, waving goodbye to Akiko. Before she could take another step, Akiko surprised her with a tight hug from behind.

 

"Thank you, again," Akiko whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "For saving me, for saving my village. Flirting aside, you're my hero." She released Suzuran with a gentle push and a final wave.

 

A week later, Suzuran found herself back in the bustling capital. Navigating the crowded streets, she was bombarded by shouts from eager adventurers. Every other party seemed to be vying for her skills, but Suzuran politely declined them all. Reaching the familiar blacksmith's shop after a gauntlet of recruitment attempts, she waved at the owner.

 

"Hey old man!" she greeted playfully.

 

"Well, well, well! Look who the dragon blew in!" the owner boomed. "Miss Suzuran herself! What brings you back to my humble shop?"

 

"Uh, about that…" Suzuran sheepishly rubbed the back of her neck. "I may have gotten a little carried away during an encounter with some nues last week. My blades are a bit worse for wear."

 

The owner's eyebrows shot up in disbelief. "Nues? Your blades should cleave through those things like butter! Chipped? There's no way those blades chipped from a simple nue fight! Tell me what really happened, Suzuran."

 

Suzuran chuckled nervously, realizing the truth was unavoidable. "Alright, alright," she confessed. "Maybe it was when I, uh, jumped into the air and slammed a nue onto the ground using just that one blade…" Her voice trailed off, hoping to downplay the severity of the situation.

 

The blacksmith sighed dramatically, exasperation etched on his face. "Fine, fine. I'll take a look at it. But be warned, you have a few customers ahead of you. Come back in a couple of hours, and we'll see how much damage your little… exploit has caused. Remember, these blades weren't forged by me, so there's no guarantee I can fix them!"

 

"Loud and clear," Suzuran mumbled, exiting the shop. With a rumbling stomach reminding her of her neglected meal, she grabbed some treats before heading to the Adventurer's Guild. Upon arrival, she scanned the request board, finding nothing that piqued her interest. Approaching the guild receptionist, she spoke up.

 

"Excuse me, miss," Suzuran addressed the receptionist politely. "I'd like to turn in a completed commission for a rank up. The request originated from Mahina Village, and here's the village chief's signature confirming completion." She gestured to the scroll, highlighting the verification.

 

"Welcome back, Miss Suzuran!" the receptionist chirped, her smile as bright as the guild's insignia. "I'll be happy to handle your rank up request. Let me check with the guild master to find out the next steps."

 

Suzuran occupied herself by scanning the room, searching for any unfamiliar faces or noteworthy events. As she kept watch, a nearby guild receptionist engaged with a party of three women. Two of them, a pair of red and blue oni demi-humans, were voicing their complaints rather loudly. The taller red oni, with a build bordering on muscular but undeniably curvy, seemed particularly displeased. Her blue-skinned companion, petite but blessed with a voluptuous figure, mirrored her frustration.

 

"When will Miss Yuzuki be considered for S-Rank?!" they both bellowed in unison.

 

The third member, a wolf demi-human with a tanned complexion and a physique rivaling Suzuran's own, silenced them with a sharp command. "Enough! Let her do her job." Her authoritative tone and confident posture left no room for argument.

 

Just then, Suzuran's receptionist returned, a triumphant smile playing on her lips. "Congratulations, Miss Suzuran! You've officially met all the requirements for S-Rank!"

 

The news drew gasps from the nearby oni duo, their surprised expressions reflecting in both their yellow eyes. The wolf demi-human, however, showed a flicker of interest, her gaze lingering on Suzuran for a moment before returning to the receptionist.

 

"However," the receptionist continued, "to finalize the process, we require an S-Rank adventurer to administer your test. You're familiar with the duel format, aren't you?"

 

Suzuran nodded. "Yes. I need to achieve a specific performance in the duel to qualify for the rank-up."

 

"Precisely! Unfortunately, finding an available S-Ranker might take a day. Could you come back tomorrow around this time? We'll have your opponent's name ready by then."

 

Suzuran exited the guild hall, catching a glimpse of the wolf demi-human watching her depart. Their eyes met, and the woman offered a curt nod of approval. Suzuran returned the gesture with a smile, a gesture that seemed to disarm the other woman.

 

Making her way back to the blacksmith's, Suzuran found him putting the finishing touches on a customer's shield. "Welcome back, lass!" he boomed. "Blast it, I forgot to ask! How's Akame doing? You two haven't crossed paths recently, have you?"

 

"Actually, we did," Suzuran replied, sitting on a nearby stool. "Just a week ago. Seemed like her usual self, but with a brighter spark in her eyes. Apparently, she's started a guild."

 

The blacksmith chuckled heartily. "A guild, eh? That sister of yours, always full of surprises."

 

Their conversation was interrupted by the tinkling of the shop bell, announcing a new arrival. It was the wolf girl, but this time without her oni companions.

 

"Miss Yuzuki!" the blacksmith boomed again. "Fancy seeing you here! Let me just finish up with this young lady, and I'll be right with you."

 

He disappeared into the back to stow the shield and retrieve Suzuran's blades. Suzuran turned to find Yuzuki browsing the wares.

 

"Your companions aren't with you?" Suzuran inquired politely.

 

Yuzuki let out a wry laugh. "Not exactly companions, more like former guildmates who, for some reason, feel the need to tag along."

 

Curiosity piqued, Suzuran pressed further. "Did you leave their guild, then?"

 

Yuzuki shook her head. "No, it disbanded. We had a… disagreement about leadership."

 

Suzuran's expression softened. "That's a shame. I hope you find a new guild that suits you better."

 

"I have a feeling I will," Yuzuki replied with a confident smile. "Congratulations on qualifying for the S-Rank test, by the way!"

 

"Thank you," Suzuran replied, a genuine warmth radiating from her. "It's been a long time coming."

 

The conversation lulled, and they both turned their attention to the blacksmith's wares. Yuzuki focused on a display of daggers in the back, while Suzuran found herself subtly studying Yuzuki. From her physique and attire to the weapons she admired, Suzuran couldn't help but analyze her.

 

The blacksmith reappeared, his expression grim. "Well, Suzuran, I have some bad news. I can't finish repairs on your second blade just yet. I'm fresh out of dragonvein steel, and my usual supplier is two months overdue. Sounds like he might be in a spot of trouble." He sighed heavily. "The only place to find it on short notice is the caves outside of Draconia."

 

Suzuran's brow furrowed in frustration. As if sensing her worry, Yuzuki, who had been eavesdropping on their conversation, inquired, "Are those catacombs outside the capital still accessible to adventurers?"

 

"Should be," the blacksmith muttered, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "Thinking maybe there's some leftover dragonsteel weaponry from that failed expedition down there?"

 

A glint of determination sparked in Yuzuki's eyes. "That's exactly what I was hoping for. Miss Suzuran, I could guide you through the catacombs. They're only a half-day's journey from the capital."

 

Suzuran eyed Yuzuki cautiously. "Have you ventured there before?"

 

Yuzuki chuckled softly. "Always good to be vigilant. Yes, I was part of the last exploration team, but we only penetrated so far before the monsters overwhelmed the weaker members."

 

Suzuran leaned towards the blacksmith, whispering, "Can I trust her?"

 

The blacksmith returned a reassuring nod. "She's a reliable client, from what I've seen."

 

With a resigned sigh, Suzuran agreed to Yuzuki's proposition. After collecting her repaired blade and leaving the damaged one behind, they met near a capital gate inn, planning to set off at dawn. That night, Suzuran tossed and turned in bed, moonlight illuminating her body. Scenarios played out in her mind, contingency plans formulated in case Yuzuki harbored hidden motives. Gazing out the window, she sent a silent prayer for Akame's well-being on her own journey.

 

The next morning, Suzuran found Yuzuki waiting outside the inn. A kind merchant leaving the city offered them a ride on his cart, saving them some travel time. As they neared the ideal stopping point, a commotion arose from behind them. Two figures, one red and one blue, dashed towards them in the distance. It was the two oni girls from the guild.

 

"Wait up!" they bellowed, waving frantically. Yuzuki heaved a large sigh, muttering under her breath, "Looks like I can't shake them after all."

 

The cart slowed as they neared the prearranged drop-off point. As Suzuran and Yuzuki hopped off, thanking the merchant for his generosity, the two oni girls caught up, panting.

 

Suzuran watched as Yuzuki addressed the pair. "Why are you two following me? I've told you repeatedly, there's no need to shadow me out of misplaced loyalty. That debt is long settled." Her tone was firm, but not unkind. "However, given the circumstances, you can tag along for now."

 

A collective gasp of delight escaped the two girls. "Oh! We haven't introduced ourselves," the red-skinned oni announced, approaching Suzuran with a bright smile. "I'm Scarlet, and this is my friend, Azure!"

 

"Are you sisters?" Suzuran inquired. Perhaps oni families weren't quite as uncommon as she'd initially thought.

 

Azure giggled. "Nope! We were practically raised together in the same orphanage. Joined the same guilds and everything! We're inseparable."

 

Suzuran returned the smile with her own. "It's a pleasure to meet you both," she said. "Glad I'm not the only oni around. Feels like our kind's getting a bit scarce lately."

 

Scarlet and Azure nodded vigorously in unison.

 

Yuzuki, however, couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. "Just how did you two track me down, anyway?"

 

Scarlet puffed out her chest proudly. "We used the tracking skills you taught us! Thought we'd put them to good use!" Her eagerness for praise was evident.

 

Suzuran's smile faltered slightly. Tracking skills, those were certainly useful for rangers and thieves alike. A seed of doubt sprouted in her mind.

 

After another hour of trekking, they finally reached the entrance to the catacombs. The midday sun cast an eerie glow through cracks and crevices overhead, illuminating some sections of the cavernous passage in an ethereal light. Yuzuki, leading the way, navigated them through a familiar entry point from the previous exploration. The air grew noticeably cooler as they delved deeper, the silence broken only by the rhythmic crunch of footsteps on the dusty ground.

 

They progressed steadily, encountering the expected monsters of the catacombs, reanimated skeletons, skittering cave spiders, and a handful of weak ghouls. Seizing the opportunity, Yuzuki nudged Scarlet and Azure to the front, allowing her a moment to talk with Suzuran in hushed tones.

 

"Is this your first time inside catacombs?" Yuzuki inquired.

 

Suzuran shook her head. "Actually, there was a guild request a while back. Just me and another A-Rank adventurer. No monsters on that one, though. Bandits had raided a nearby village and stashed their loot in catacombs further outside the capital. We were tasked with retrieving the supplies and dealing with the bandits."

 

"Just the two of you, huh? Sounds like the guild really knows who they're entrusting the S-Rank duel to," Yuzuki remarked with a hint of respect.

 

Their conversation abruptly ended as a chilling wave of murderous intent washed over Suzuran. It was fleeting, a whisper in the darkness, but unmistakable. Not from any of the girls accompanying her.

 

Yuzuki noticed the immediate shift in Suzuran's demeanor, her eyes hardening with steely resolve. Stepping closer, she murmured, "What's wrong? I see it in your eyes."

 

"Killing intent," Suzuran whispered back, urgency lacing her voice.

 

Yuzuki's eyes widened in alarm. While she hadn't sensed the malicious aura herself, she recognized the telltale signs in Suzuran's posture. Meanwhile, Scarlet and Azure remained blissfully unaware, their bickering echoing through the passage ahead.

 

With heightened caution, Suzuran and Yuzuki followed the girls, navigating towards an opening they had already passed through. The passage widened into a cavernous chamber, its only features being a couple of massive pillars flanking the perimeter. A disquieting sense of vulnerability settled over Suzuran, no cover, nowhere to run if things went south.

 

As they reached the room's center, the overwhelming killing intent returned, stronger than before, laced with a venomous hatred. Suzuran's eyes darted around the room, searching for the source while maintaining a facade of calm. Yuzuki, evidently sensing the shift as well, instinctively moved closer to communicate with Suzuran.

 

Suddenly, Suzuran reacted with lightning speed, whirling around and pulling Yuzuki into a protective embrace just as a dagger sang through the air, aimed precisely at where Yuzuki's head had been. The blade clattered harmlessly against the chamber's floor several feet away.

 

Yuzuki, heart hammering in her chest, emerged from Suzuran's grasp, her eyes wide with shock. But the danger wasn't over. Suzuran spun Yuzuki behind her, using her own body as a shield. Three more daggers, launched in quick succession, met Suzuran's defenses. She deflected each one, the metallic clangs echoing through the vast chamber.

 

Yuzuki stood there, frozen in shock. She hadn't sensed any of those daggers coming until it was too late, but Suzuran could. In the tense silence that followed, Suzuran's gaze narrowed towards the source of the attack. 

 

Her voice, barely a whisper, cut through the stillness. "Judging by your reaction, I can assume this ambush is actually targeting you," she stated calmly

 

Yuzuki, about to respond, froze. A rhythmic pounding of footsteps echoed from the darkness ahead, growing steadily louder. "Lucky you, Yuzuki," a voice oozed from the shadows, drawing closer. "Seems your bodyguard has some keen senses."

 

Yuzuki's eyes widened in recognition. "Ren? You're alive? But I…" Her voice trailed off, a tremor of disbelief laced with a hint of terror.

 

From the encroaching darkness, a figure emerged into the sliver of light filtering through the ceiling. It was a man, but a horrifying caricature of one. Half his face was a grotesque tapestry of scar tissue, his right eye the only witness to the devastation that had spared his mouth.

 

"Barely alive," he snarled, the words a guttural rasp. "Thanks to you."

 

As if summoned by his words, six more cloaked figures materialized from the shadows, flanking Ren in a menacing formation. Suzuran, subtly inched away from Yuzuki, creating a defensive barrier.

 

The commotion had not gone unnoticed. From the passage behind them, Scarlet and Azure came charging back, their panicked shouts echoing through the vast chamber.

 

"Stay back! Both of you!" Yuzuki roared, her voice laced with urgency.

 

Ren's lips twisted into a cruel sneer. "Oh, the trash is still with you, Yuzuki? How sentimental. You, the prodigy, the golden child… you should have known better than to let the guild show weakness. Those two… weaklings… they should have been purged early on!" He spat the last words with venomous contempt. "Members like them crippled our strength!"

 

Yuzuki bristled with righteous anger. "No, Ren! It was filth like you who poisoned the guild from within! That's why I fought so hard to destroy it. Cassian is gone. Why even do this?"

 

But Ren's ears were deaf to reason. A cold, predatory gleam flickered in his remaining eye. "Revenge! You destroyed everything we built!" He roared, his voice thick with hatred.

 

Suzuran instinctively took a fighting stance, but Yuzuki, with surprising swiftness, stepped in front of her. "This is my burden, not yours. Stand back. I won't let you get hurt protecting me."

 

The raw determination in Yuzuki's eyes gave Suzuran pause. Slowly, she lowered her weapon. "Very well," she conceded.

 

Yuzuki, her gaze locked on Ren's distorted face, issued a sharp command. "Scarlet, Azure, handle his men. I'll deal with Ren."

 

As if a switch had been flipped, the playful facade of the oni girls vanished. With practiced movements, they produced daggers strapped to their thighs, their expressions morphing into masks of steely resolve. The playful banter was gone, replaced by a deadly focus that sent a shiver down Suzuran's spine. The situation had escalated far beyond a simple retrieval mission.

 

Suzuran's mind raced. The pieces clicked into place – Scarlet and Azure weren't some bumbling novices; they were assassins as well, their playful demeanor a meticulously crafted facade. Leaning against a nearby pillar, she observed the unfolding chaos.

 

The silence shattered with a burst of movement. Yuzuki lunged, her agility and precision were amazing to watch. Her movements flowed with a controlled ferocity, exploiting every nuance of her deadly art. "Assassin's huh…" Suzuran murmured, a spark of newfound curiosity flickering in her eyes.

 

Yuzuki's skill outshone everyone else in the room, yet Ren remained a formidable opponent. He forced her on the defensive, deflecting her attacks with practiced ease, though not without consequence. Yuzuki managed the occasional counter, searching for an opening to end the fight.

 

Across the chamber, Scarlet and Azure displayed their own lethal grace. Scarlet's brawny physique granted her an edge in strength, overpowering the ambushers. Azure, on the other hand, her nimbleness leaving her opponents flustered and off-balance. Though not quite on Yuzuki and Ren's level, they exhibited the undeniable ferocity of seasoned assassins.

 

The duel between Yuzuki and Ren intensified. Yuzuki landed more hits as the fight progressed, carving bloody trails across Ren's scarred visage. He retaliated in kind, his attacks inflicting their own share of gashes on Yuzuki's limbs. Suzuran couldn't help but be impressed. Yuzuki's speed and elegance were reminiscent of another figure - Kurami. Unlike Suzuran, who had picked up a playful taunting style from her sister, Yuzuki seemed intent on ending the fight swiftly, with each blow a lethal promise.

 

Scarlet and Azure, holding their own, were barely keeping pace against the five attackers. But something was wrong. Weren't there six figures initially flanking Ren? Her gaze darted around the chamber, searching for the missing assailant. Then, a flicker of movement in the shadows caught her eye. A sixth figure emerged from the darkness, slinking towards Yuzuki and Ren's duel, their movements eerily coordinated with Ren's attacks. It seemed they were deliberately maneuvering Yuzuki towards the hidden threat.

 

Just as Scarlet and Azure finished off their final opponent, gasping for breath, Ren countered Yuzuki's attack and delivered a brutal kick to her stomach. Propelled backward, Yuzuki landed hard on her back, perfectly positioned for the ambusher's surprise attack.

 

Suzuran reacted with lightning speed. She materialized beside Azure, snatching a dagger from her thigh strap. Azure's surprised yelp was drowned out by the urgency of the moment.

 

Suzuran wasted no time. As the sixth figure, a deadly glint in their eyes and daggers raised, leaped from the shadows, she unleashed a perfectly aimed throw. The dagger found its mark – embedded deep in the assassin's skull and piercing through and shattering on the wall behind him. The assailant's lifeless body crumpled to the ground.

 

The unexpected turn of events left both Ren and Yuzuki momentarily stunned. Ren's gaze snapped towards Suzuran, who stood in a poised stance. Even Scarlet and Azure, their initial shock fading, stared at Suzuran with awe.

 

"Why are you interrupting? This is none of your business!" Ren roared, fury contorting his scarred face.

 

But before he could complete his tirade, Yuzuki seized the opportunity. With a swift, ruthless movement, she slashed across Ren's throat. A crimson arc erupted as the blade found its mark. Ren gurgled, clutching at his wound as he collapsed, life draining from his eyes.

 

Yuzuki watched with a cold intensity as Ren's struggles grew weaker, her voice laced with undisguised loathing as she spat on him. "Stay dead this time," she muttered, "trash."

 

Suzuran, clearly impressed with Yuzuki’s actions, applauded her. “I apologize for interrupting, but I didn’t think it was fair for the last one to play dirty like that”.

 

“No need to apologize. You saved me twice, so I think that's enough to owe you an explanation” Yuzuki said while walking over to Suzuran, Scarlet and Azure who had grouped up now. Suzuran leaned back against the cold stone, while Scarlet and Azure sank wearily to the floor.

 

"All of us in this room," Yuzuki began, her voice low and heavy, "were part of the assassin's guild here in the Republic."

 

"So, when you said your guild disbanded," she clarified, her voice steady, "you meant the disbanded assassins' guild?"

 

Yuzuki offered a grim nod. "Exactly. Ren was Cassian's right hand, and I was his left."

 

Suzuran maintained her composure, the earlier events having painted a rather clear picture. "And what transpired to lead to… this?" she inquired, gesturing towards the carnage around them.

 

Yuzuki let out a heavy sigh, the sound laced with despair. "Cassian and Ren, they had no patience for slow learners. They saw weakness, they disposed of it. Me? I saw potential in everyone. Every member could contribute, we just needed to find their place. Sure, killing was our trade, but that doesn't mean there weren't… other ways to achieve that singular goal."

 

Her voice dipped even lower. "While I wouldn't call us friends, Scarlet and Azure were under my teachings. When a reliable source within Ren's group whispered about them being marked for death, I was… livid." Tears welled up in Yuzuki's eyes, her voice cracking slightly. "Then it dawned on me. All those members I trained, the ones I thought died on missions… they were targeted by Ren's crew. All this time, I thought I was a terrible instructor, when in reality…" She trailed off, her gaze falling to the blood-stained floor, defeat etched on her face.

 

Suzuran recognized that look. It was the specter of loss, a ghost she and Akame were intimately familiar with. Pushing herself away from the pillar, she crossed the distance and offered Yuzuki something unexpected: a warm, comforting hug.

 

The gesture startled Yuzuki momentarily, but then understanding bloomed in her eyes. She leaned into Suzuran's embrace, the dam within her finally breaking. The chamber echoed with the raw sounds of her grief, tears streaming down her face. Suzuran held her close. The gentle patting on Yuzuki's head felt almost maternal, drawing her closer in a desperate search for comfort.

 

After a while, the sobs subsided, though Yuzuki remained nestled within Suzuran's arms. "It was necessary, wasn't it?" Suzuran murmured, a gentle smile playing on her lips.

 

Yuzuki pulled back slightly, meeting Suzuran's gaze. The vulnerability she saw there, coupled with the unexpected kindness, caused a blush to creep up her cheeks. But she managed a shaky smile and a genuine "Thank you."

 

Steeling herself, Yuzuki gathered her belongings. "Alright, let's finish this business and get out of this damn place."

 

A chorus of nods from the rest of the group echoed her sentiment.

 

After hours of battling their way through the labyrinthine catacombs, they emerged into a room unlike any they'd encountered before – a dusty chamber filled with wooden crates and forgotten supplies. As Suzuran scanned the room, a glint of metal caught her eye. It emanated from a damaged crate nestled in a corner.

 

She approached the crate cautiously, clearing away the debris. Inside, laying amongst packing straw, a cache of gleaming blades – devoid of hilts. "Yuzuki," she called out, holding a blade up. "Is this what we came for?"

 

Yuzuki's eyes widened with delight. "Bingo! And there's a whole lot more! We can definitely fetch a hefty sum from our blacksmith friend for these."

 

Their objective secured, the group emerged from the catacombs, blinking at the sight of the star-dusted night sky. The unexpected ambush had waylaid their schedule, leaving them trapped in the underground labyrinth for far longer than anticipated.

 

"Let's set up camp nearby, away from the restless skeletons," Suzuran suggested, her voice laced with weariness. The others readily agreed.

 

Later that night, as the fire crackled and cast its warm glow on the campsite, Suzuran volunteered to keep watch. She sat by the fire, tending to her own blade and cooking some remaining food. A rustle from the bedrolls drew her attention. Yuzuki had emerged and padded over to join her.

 

"Can't sleep?" Suzuran asked with a hint of concern.

 

Yuzuki offered a wry smile. "Could you, after everything that went down today?"

 

Suzuran shook her head, a flicker of empathy in her eyes. "No, I wouldn't be able to either."

 

A contemplative silence settled between them, broken only by the crackling fire. Finally, Suzuran spoke, her voice laced with curiosity. "Forgive my bluntness, but…" she hesitated, then continued, "Is it safe to assume that you, too, had to… eliminate your previous leader, and perhaps others who followed him down a dark path?"

 

Suzuran met Yuzuki's gaze directly, an unreadable emotion swirling in her depths. For a moment, Yuzuki felt inexplicably drawn to Suzuran’s captivating eyes, a strange sensation that vanished as quickly as it appeared. Tilting her head with a hint of amusement, Yuzuki murmured, "You know, your eyes are… very beautiful. Calming, almost. Like I could stare into them forever."

 

The realization of her own words hit her like a tidal wave. Embarrassment flooded her cheeks as she ripped her gaze away from Suzuran, directing it instead towards the dancing flames.

 

Suzuran's heart skipped a beat at Yuzuki's unexpected compliment. Unlike the objectifying glances she was accustomed to, this felt...different. Genuine. Warmth bloomed in her chest, a blush creeping up her neck. She averted her gaze, staring into the dancing flames, a small smile playing on her lips.

 

Yuzuki, catching a glimpse of Suzuran's smile, mirrored it. A sense of ease settled between them, replacing the earlier tension.

 

"Oh, that reminds me!" Yuzuki exclaimed, breaking the comfortable silence. "I never properly thanked you. Not only for saving my life twice, but also for allowing me to be vulnerable… for being there for me."

 

Suzuran paused for a moment, "Seriously, Yuzuki, you don't have to…" But Yuzuki didn't let her finish. In a swift movement, she leaned in and pressed a soft kiss on Suzuran's cheek. A blush ignited that rivaled the dying embers of the fire.

 

Yuzuki offered another smile before retreating back to her bedroll. "Goodnight, Suzuran. See you in the morning."

 

Suzuran watched her go, a strange flutter taking root in her stomach. "Butterflies?" she whispered to herself, slapping her hands against her cheeks to quell the heat rising there.

 

This wasn't a feeling she was familiar with. Yet, despite the unfamiliar sensation, a smile lingered on her lips, a genuine one that warmed her from within, not just from the fire's dying embers. The night stretched on, and when Azure woke up for her turn on watch, Suzuran readily surrendered her post, the warmth in her chest a welcome companion in the cool night air. The rest of the night passed peacefully.

 

The next morning, they journeyed back to the bustling capital. After omitting the details of the ambush, they presented their findings to the blacksmith.  Impressed, the blacksmith offered to repair Suzuran's last blade free of charge and paid them handsomely for the additional blades. Both blades now in hand, Suzuran set off for the adventurers' guild.

 

The familiar face behind the counter greeted her with a cheery smile. "Just a moment! Please fill out these last few papers, and then I'll check your request to see who's assigned to you." With that, the receptionist disappeared behind a door.

 

Suzuran diligently completed the paperwork, then glanced around the room, her gaze landing on three familiar figures. It was Yuzuki, Scarlet, and Azure, hovering near the entrance. A welcoming smile spread across Suzuran's face as she approached them, stopping first in front of Yuzuki.

 

"Yuzuki," she began, extending a hefty pouch of gold. "Take this."

 

Yuzuki's eyes widened in protest. "Suzuran, are you out of your mind? This is all yours!"

 

Suzuran countered with a gentle smile. "Your knowledge of the catacombs saved us a significant amount of time."

 

Yuzuki pouted playfully. "You don't fight fair, do you?"

 

Yuzuki turned to Scarlet. "Scarlet, take Azure and divide this amongst the three of us." The pair readily obeyed and scurried off to a nearby table, the clinking of coins filling the air. 

 

Lost in thought as she straightened her papers, Suzuran didn't notice Yuzuki approaching. With a swift, almost silent movement, Yuzuki stood before her, arms encircling Suzuran's neck. Before Suzuran could react, Yuzuki's lips met hers in a passionate kiss. The kiss felt like a stolen moment, suspended in time, a wish she never wanted to end. Captivated in the moment, she dropped her papers.

 

Finally, Yuzuki pulled away. She gazed at Suzuran, a breathtaking vision bathed in the warm light filtering through the windows.

 

Suzuran, still flustered, found herself speechless. Just then, the receptionist reappeared. "Suzuran," she announced, "I have your information ready."

 

Yuzuki, sensing Suzuran's predicament, scooped up the fallen papers and handed them back with a knowing smile. "Did I leave you speechless with that kiss?" she whispered playfully, a hint of a giggle escaping her lips.

 

The realization brought Suzuran back to reality. She had been caught off guard, lost in the unexpected intimacy, a blush crept up her neck. A smile, genuine and wide, spread across Suzuran's face. The shock had subsided, replaced by a warmth that radiated from within.  

 

"Maybe just a little," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

 

Suzuran, cheeks still flushed from the lingering effects of the kiss, stammered a response. "Oh, yes! I am… ready."

 

"Hmm, it seems there weren't any available S-Rank adventurers for your request. But," she continued, "we did find someone who hasn't been in a duel for a while. I hope that's alright!"

 

Suzuran accepted the single sheet of paper the receptionist offered, her initial disappointment evaporating as she glanced at the name scrawled across it. A surprised laugh bubbled up from her chest, quickly escalating into full-blown laughter.

 

The receptionist's brow furrowed in confusion. "Is there something… wrong, Miss Suzuran?"

 

Yuzuki, drawn by Suzuran's sudden outburst, peered over her shoulder to see what had caused such amusement. She read the name on the paper: "Akame… S-Rank. Who is this person and why is it so funny?"

 

Suzuran, wiping a tear from her eye, straightened and met Yuzuki's gaze with a radiant smile. "My sister."

 

The revelation struck both Yuzuki and the receptionist like a physical blow. Their jaws dropped in unison, and a chorus of surprised exclamations filled the air. "Your sister?!" they echoed in disbelief.

 

Suzuran spent the next half hour regaling them with the tale of her sister. The four found themselves gathered outside the guild hall, preparing to part ways.

 

"Thank you again for everything, Miss Suzuran!" Scarlet and Azure chorused, their voices filled with gratitude.

 

As Suzuran began to walk away, Yuzuki reached out, grasping her hand gently. "Do… Do you think I could travel with you?" she asked hesitantly, her ears drooping slightly.

 

Suzuran's heart skipped a beat. A smile bloomed on her face, chasing away any lingering doubts. "I was hoping you would ask," she replied, her voice warm with affection.

 

Their tender moment was interrupted by a disgruntled shout. "Wait! What about us!?" Scarlet and Azure stood with arms crossed, clearly feeling left out.

 

Yuzuki snapped back. "She only approved of me!"

 

Suzuran intervened. "Actually, I have a question for all of you, and depending on your answers, a task for the two of you." Her voice held a hint of authority, a stark contrast to the playful demeanor she'd displayed earlier.

 

"My sister, the one I'm about to duel for my rank-up, is actually starting a guild. I haven't given her my official answer yet, but I do intend to join. And," she continued, her gaze sweeping over the three women before her, "you are all welcome to join if you'd like. Yuzuki, I have a feeling you'd find my sister quite enjoyable. She may even want to duel you for fun."

 

Yuzuki considered the offer, her brow furrowed in thought. Scarlet and Azure exchanged glances, silently mulling over their options.

 

"I'll agree on one condition," Yuzuki finally declared. "I get to travel with you, and I want to create my own group within your sister's guild."

 

Suzuran's smile widened. "I don't see a problem with either request. You'll have to discuss the specifics of your group with Akame, of course, but forming your own team sounds like a great idea. So, I take that as a yes?"

 

Yuzuki, a hint of playful surrender in her eyes, nodded in agreement. Turning to the Scarlet and Azure, Suzuran's smile broadened. "What about you two?" she inquired.

 

"If Yuzuki's joining, then so are we!" they both declared in unison, their voices brimming with excitement.

 

Yuzuki groaned playfully, burying her face in her hands. "Looks like I can't escape you two after all," she mumbled.

 

Suzuran laughed, "Alright then, Now for the task I have for you both."

 

She retrieved a scroll and a map. "Would you mind delivering this scroll to the location marked here? That's where my sister is establishing her new guild. And," she added with a hopeful smile, "if you wouldn't mind lending a hand, they could probably use your skills."

 

Azure practically snatched the map and scroll from Suzuran's grasp, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Consider us useful?! We'd be delighted to help! We'll head out right away. See you later!" In a blur of movement, both oni girls vanished, their eagerness to prove themselves evident.

 

Yuzuki watched them go, "Never thought I'd see the day those two left me without a fight," she mused, turning back to Suzuran with a grateful smile. "Seems I have one more thing to thank you for…"

 

Before Yuzuki could finish her sentence, Suzuran silenced her with a passionate kiss. This time, the initiative was hers, and Yuzuki readily met her fervor, her arms instinctively wrapping around Suzuran's waist as they deepened the embrace.

 

When they finally pulled away, breathless and exhilarated, Suzuran beckoned Yuzuki with a playful smile. "Come on, slowpoke, we don't have all day!"

 

Yuzuki feigned a pout. "Hey, hold on a minute! I wasn't finished with that!" she teased, playfully chasing after Suzuran.

 

Suzuran's laughter echoed through the air, a melody that resonated deep within Yuzuki. This feeling of happiness, this sense of belonging, was entirely new to her. "Where are we headed?" Yuzuki called out.

 

Suzuran turned, a flicker of sadness crossing her features before a bright smile took its place. "Home," she replied. "Well, my current home. But I also plan to stop by my old one. You'll learn more about me there."

 

Suzuran met Yuzuki’s gaze, her own smile unwavering. "It might take a while," she said, "but with you by my side, the journey will be perfect."

 

As they departed the capital, Suzuran took Yuzuki's hand in hers, their fingers intertwining.

​

End