Chapter 124 - #123 Nanny (1/2)

----On the road towards the Capital----

”...That's everything that happened” Akame explained what everything happened on their side. Kurome was also traveling together with them. Of course, after a small talk between Green, Kurome, and Akame, they decided not to tell Gozuki the names of their attackers and only said that they were covering their faces.

”So Gin and Natala...didn't make it?” Tsukushi muttered with a sad expression while looking down and everyone followed her example. Despite them not being part of the team for a long time, they still were good comrades.

”I see...Once we arrive at the Capital, we need to send out a unit to find Cornelia.” Gozuki said while carefully observing Akame, Kurome, and Green.

He was sure that Akame didn't like the sight of the burning city but there wasn't much he could do since it was his superiors' plan. He was also slightly suspicious of Kurome's presence but he didn't bother to think about it too hard. They all looked like they had fought the difficult battle so that's one evidence that they aren't lying.

”What?! Cora is alive?!” Both Akame and Green exclaimed in surprise.

”Tell them, Najasho” Gozuki instructed Najasho to explain what happened on their side and he proceeded with his stoic expression.

.

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”So she is alive but she is being controlled by someone...And that someone said that if we kill him, she will also die. What a complicated matter.” Green muttered with a thoughtful expression while holding his chin.

”She should be alive, I was forced to cut her but I didn't aim to kill her and with her endurance, I believe that she is still alive.” Najasho frowned and said.

”Why aren't we going after her right now?” Tsukushi asked while looking at Gozuki with a pleading look in her eyes.

”You are all injured, you are in no position to fight another battle plus we all will have different missions once we arrive at the Capital.” Gozuki shook his head with closed eyes and explained.

Although no one liked the idea of leaving Cora behind knowing that she is still alive, they had to agree that their conditions weren't the best.

-----(Inside the forest near the burned Hakuba town)-----

”You have a few options on what to do right now with your life. First: If you have any relatives out there, I will safely take you to them. Second: If you want to get revenge, you can start working under me and I will take care of you but you have to be hard working. Third: You can go wherever you want and I won't stop you. Fourth: You can commit suicide. It's up to you, what way you will choose with your own hands.” Akashi explained to all kids that have finally woke up and stood still in front of him with Tetsu and Kana standing in forward in the middle.

”What--”

”Do you have anyone--”

Kids immediately started whispering and talking to each other since they all were from the same town so most of them knew each other.

”And if we don't necessarily want revenge? What will be required for us to do if we will go with you, sir?” Tetsu asked with a worried tone while throwing a few glances at his sister.

'I see, so he wants revenge but he still prioritizes his sister over revenge' Akashi nodded his head with a small smile.

”It's not a necessity to want revenge to go with me. You will be ȧssigned jobs that suit you and those who want revenge will be training under me instead of working. You told me that you and your sister were selling regularly clams and other sea products, if you want, I can teach both of you about business and you will be working for me in that department.” Akashi explained, making all kids gasp in surprise. Such an offer was unusual in these areas, after all, most people who need more personnel to take care of their businesses are abusing their power and usually don't bother taking kids into their care.

”Um, can we at least know your name, sir?” Kana asked while fidgeting with her fingers.

”No need to know that, you will get to know once you will decide to work for me, otherwise, we will just part our ways and never see each other anyway.” Akashi replied to Kana without any consideration since telling them his name could be dangerous for him.

Thankfully he had his blindfold on and he was wearing just some rags. If any of those kids described his look, not many who knows him could guess that it was especially him. There are only a few people with pure red hair as him but he isn't the only one in this world.

”I will give you 30 minutes to decide...” Akashi said and started leaving.

”W-Wait, where are you going?” Tetsu shouted at Akashi with a confused expression.

”You are safe in this area and as I said before, you aren't my prisoners, you are free to leave if you want to. I will come to this place in 30 minutes, take your time.” Akashi didn't stop walking and just waved his hand behind him.

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After Akashi disappeared from their sight...

”...That blindfold man pisses me off!” Tetsu said with an angered expression while gritting his teeth.

”Tetsu, he doesn't mean anything bad, maybe he is just awkward dealing with children. But that's not important right now...what should we do, Tetsu?” Kana tried to calm her brother down while placing her hand on his back.