Chapter 139 - #138 Damsel in Distress (2/2)

”Maybe the path you see isn't exactly what it appears to be. It is easy to deceive eyes and ears, however, if you will have at least some doubts within your heart, you will one day see holes even in the perfect disguise. I won't beat around the bush anymore and will be blunt instead...The Empire is making its people suffer instead of making them happy. You should be aware that I have access to better information than you who is just a simple ȧssassin, a tool for the Empire to take care of those who try to help people by fighting against the Empire.” Akashi said with his eyes closed and completely calm expression.

'...I can't detect any lies in his words...No way.” Poney was quite shocked by Akashi's words.

”Then what are you if I am just a tool?” Poney asked after few seconds of silence with a confused expression. She was quite confused because she had no idea why was he telling her all of this despite being someone quite high in power.

”In their eyes, I am the same as you, a tool with a higher value because I can keep some people in check. One person in power can't control everyone, he also needs to have other people to take care of some side matters. It's completely the same with the army when you are general, you also need to have your subordinates, Captains who watch over your disposable foot soldiers.” Akashi grinned when he heard her question and replied to it very quickly.

”...So you are saying that you know that you are just a tool and that you are helping them despite knowing what they are doing is bad?” Poney was quite surprised when Akashi admitted that he is just a tool in their eyes with a wide grin on his face.

”Hold up, when did you ȧssume that I am a good guy that wants to stick his own neck to stop them doing 'bad' things?” Akashi asked with a fake confused expression.

”...” Poney expression suddenly became serious as she stared at Akashi in silence as if it was obvious.

”Jeez, just because I didn't sell you out yet doesn't mean that I am a good guy. Who knows...maybe I am just interested in you so I want to have leverage over you. But if we are being realistic and serious here...I just have my own way of doing things.” Akashi said with a laid back smile while shrugging his shoulders.

Upon hearing this, Poney became more cautious of Akashi but there was still a small blush on her cheeks, combined with her puffy eyes, she was currently making a quite cute expression with a vulnerable vibe around her.

”Don't look at me that way...I was just joking.” Akashi said.

”Yeah, I know, thanks for trying to cheer me up. You are the first person who actually tried to cheer me up instead of shooting me in the head.” Poney said and released a small smile while she stopped staring at Akashi so intensively.

”You are welcome, Poney! Anyway, enough of joking around. What do you want to do? Do you want to find Akame and Green? Or will you try to find Najasho?” Akashi replied with a big smile before he turned serious and asked her about her plans.

'If Najasho succeeds in rescuing Cornelia, she will most likely go after Akame. From what I have seen after spending with them a few days is that she is the most attached to Gozuki or was...' Akashi thought about the entire situation and its pros and cons.

”I am in a very delicate situation here. I still have yet to absorb what happened tonight not to mention your words but I still believe you, I don't see any reason why would you try to lie to me...I am not sure if I would be able to face Akame and Green, they would have reminded me of Tsukushi and father. If I will go try to find the chief, I will only put him in the danger since I am practically a deserter right now.” Poney said with a serious expression and Akashi nodded his head since even he thought that her situation was very tough. She was in the middle of everything with no good way out.

”So...If you are still interested in me, how about keeping me here for a while~?” Her mood suddenly took 180 degrees turn as she asked while sticking out her tongue and winking at Akashi, trying to look cute.

”...Please don't do that ever again” Akashi looked strangely at her act before he honestly replied and Poney puffed out her cheeks in response while glaring at him.

”...I can't let you stay here. Don't get me wrong, I have no issue with hiding you here but I can't keep you around me...” Akashi replied with a serious tone.

At first, Poney was dejected after hearing his answer but when she heard the reason, she had an

urge to tease him but she stopped herself when she noticed Akashi's serious face.

”W-Why?” She asked with a completely confused expression.

”I am very similar to Akame and Green. Truth be told, we shouldn't even act as friends like what we are doing right now.” Akashi replied while maintaining strong eye contact with her.

Poney was quite scared by how serious Akashi was and when she heard his words, her mind worked on 100% but she still couldn't find the similarity between Akashi and her friends that deserted tonight.

'I don't see any problem telling her about Gai since she is branded as deserter right now and nobody would even believe her words. Not to mention, their group is now disbanded with Gozuki's death and most of its members dead or missing. Nobody would care about the disbanded group anymore, at least the Empire wouldn't. Even if they did, it would still be word against the word.' Akashi thought and decided to inform her about his play in Gai's death