Chapter 114 - #113 Mount Hakuba 2 (2/2)

”Hey kids, why are you working for the Empire when they only make people of the same age as you suffer through poverty. And not only poverty...it would have been great if it was only poverty but they even dare to take that little they still have left, justifying it that they will die anyway so they don't need it.” Najenda asked with a curious expression.

When Akame who was already prepared to attack any time heard the woman's words, her body tensed up a bit. It wasn't the first time she has heard those words, no, it has been numerous times already. She also heard numerous times ”changing the world” as the last words of those she cut down.

Green was quite grateful that they decided to talk instead of rushing into battle but he frowned down when he heard next words of the cloaked man.

”Boss, is it alright for us to wait while their drugs take effect?”

”Yes... I will be completely honest with you, kids, we are here to kill you just because you keep endangering the lives of the common people. However, if you decide to help the good cause, your past crimes will be forgotten. You are strong and smart, why are you using that power for the corrupted Empire?!” Najenda shouted at Akame's group while extending her arm towards them as an invitation.

Akame looked at the ground with a complicated expression while Gin and Natala gritted their teeth before holding their heads in pain without anyone noticing since they were standing behind Green and Akame.

'...”Never believe in words of your enemy” I still remember father's words clearly up to this day and I am quite aware that some things he told us were lies but...There is no way we can just say it aloud or try something because we will be most likely killed. Akame...you are truly blessed that father chose me to keep an eye on you, unfortunately, you are still a bit naive and think that you can just say that the Empire is corrupted aloud.' Green was thinking about what he should do but either way, he can't just believe any enemy therefore he still wanted to drag the conversation for as long as he could.

Gozuki actually thought that Green is the best person to keep an eye on Akame because he was aware of Green's feelings towards Akame, therefore, he wouldn't let her do anything dangerous as speaking to an enemy but he missed one crucial point and that was Green's awareness of corrupted Empire. Green has always been cautious and had even cowardly nature, but thanks to these traits, he could be said to be very intelligent. Despite having some familial bond with Gozuki since he raised them and cared for them for more than 8 years, he was aware that he would perhaps be killed by him if he showed any signs of rebellion.

Unfortunately, the battle is most likely unavoidable due to Gin and Natala's presence. If Akame and Green were alone, he might agree to a little talk with his enemy but he can't risk the other two reporting this to Gozuki.

'Those 2 look like they are in pain...is this side-effect of those drugs they just took or is it something else?' Najenda noticed Gin and Natala's pained expressions and she thought while holding her chin.

Nobody has yet to reply to Najenda's invitation since Akame's group was cautiously watching them, however, Najenda didn't mind it at all and let them have their time to think it through. That just shows how much confident she was, not even caring for those 2 drugged people.

”I can say the same...where is any evidence that what we are doing is bad? Unless you bring me solid evidence, I have no intention even thinking about the words of my enemy.” Green replied in such a way that surprised his entire group. He also made a few hand gestures to Akame.

”Green! What do you mean?!” Gin immediately exclaimed with an angered tone.

'...Green, is this your way of saying that you actually also have doubts about the entire Empire?!' Akame was both shocked and touched that she wasn't the only one thinking so. She also understood his hand gestures which were telling her to be careful of Gin and Natala's presence.

”*Tell me once you are ready*” Green whispered under his nose without breaking eye contact with Najenda.

”?!” Only now, Natala and Gin realized that this was just to buy some time for them so they just lightly nodded their head without saying anything.

'This seems like a bad joke...We have to fight someone who actually doesn't really want to fight us unless necessary. If it wasn't for Gin and Natala's presence, I would definitely like to evade this fight. Anyway, should I send a signal that we need help? ...No, I have no idea about the situation on the other side, if they will also send the signal for help, Gozuki won't know where to go first plus we still have a number advantage here. I just don't know how strong these guys are but that sniper-like gun in that woman's hands is definitely dangerous.' Green was having a hard time deciding whether he should send the signal to others or not.

”*sigh* I know that look, it looks like we will fight in the end. Don't hate us for being rough, kids, we gave you a chance.” Najenda released a disappointed sigh before she said something that surprised Green.

He didn't think that she would be able to read his mind so accurately.

”Wait, if you are saying that we are doing bad things then why are you killing our spies in such a gruesome manner?!” Natala shouted and pointed his spear at the woman's head in front of them with a slightly angered and cold expression. This was also a signal for Green that drugs finally took effect.

”? Ah, I have heard about that situation but we aren't the ones doing so. We, people of the Revolutionary Army never make our enemies suffer no matter how evil they are. We always do our best to deliver a quick death. However, I have heard that there is another group that recently started causing trouble around here. Nevermind, you don't really care about that since you are about to attack us, right?” Najenda explained before she got into position behind the armored figure.

Everyone was slightly surprised after hearing that the group in front of them isn't responsible for it but they started to worry when they heard that there is another group running around causing trouble.

'Najasho, Poney, Tsukushi...' Everyone thought at the same time with wide-open eyes.

”Hm?” Najenda who was ready for their attack suddenly looked up with a slightly confused expression. Green immediately followed the direction where she was looking.

'?! Red smoke, fuċk! We are in no position to go help them! So everything depends on Gozuki which also means that we are unable to send the signal unless we want to confuse him. What a fuċkėd up situation!' Green thought with an annoyed expression but he was aware that there was no going back from this group and one group had to be annihilated since he doubts that they will just let them retreat.