336-340

Chapter 336: Sisters 

At the old site of the Imperial Palace in the capital, now home to the grand statue of the Emperor, a secret chamber lies beneath the golden throne. The room is arranged like a sacred altar, steeped in an air of mystery. 

"Devil-san, are we holding the Ascension Ceremony here?" 

At this moment, Riku stood in the altar chamber with the sisters Akame and Kurome . Akame, ever the straightforward one, got right to the point. 

"Devil-san?" 

Kurome was taken aback by her sister Akame’s unique way of addressing the Emperor. Why did it seem like her sister was so familiar with the great Emperor? Was there something she didn’t know? 

The bond between Kurome and Akame had grown much closer recently. They’d shared many secrets, confiding in each other about their lives apart, but it was clear Akame hadn’t said much about the Emperor. 

"We’ll do it here, but before the Ascension Ceremony begins, there’s some detailed information I need to share with you." 

Riku spoke up, then highlighted some of the downsides of the Ascension Ceremony. The two sisters reacted differently to the news. 

"No eating?!" 

Akame’s reaction was intense—she let out a shocked cry, clearly shaken. This drawback was news to her, and it was downright terrifying! Compared to this, the other downsides seemed trivial, barely worth mentioning. 

When she’d asked General Budo and Esdeath about it before, neither had mentioned this at all! 

And that was true—neither Budo nor Esdeath had brought up the eating issue. Instead, they’d emphasized the bond of loyalty to Riku that came with Ascension. Choosing to "ascend" meant entrusting your life to Riku. 

In their eyes, not being able to eat normally was hardly an issue, so it didn’t even come up. 

"..." 

Riku fell silent, and so did Kurome. While not eating normal food was indeed tough for Kurome too, it paled in comparison to what she’d gain. It really wasn’t a big deal. Her sister, though, was just too much of a foodie! 

For Kurome, it was an easy trade-off. She’d endured far worse pain. If this small price could make her body feel relatively normal, freeing her from the miserable state caused by the drugs, she was more than willing. 

Plus, being chosen as an "Ascender" was an honor in itself. This cost was nothing—countless people would kill for such a privilege! Akame glanced at her sister and was surprised to see Kurome so unfazed. 

She knew her sister was a bit of a snack fiend, always munching on something. Losing the ability to eat after Ascension should’ve hit her hard, yet Kurome seemed completely unbothered. 

Akame felt a pang in her heart. She wasn’t clueless—she knew why. The drugs’ side effects were so agonizing that Kurome would rather give up eating than endure that pain any longer. 

"Can’t handle it? No pressure if you can’t." 

Riku couldn’t help but find it amusing. Infinite life, near-invincible regeneration, and immense power—all of it, outweighed by the soul of a true foodie! 

He could hardly believe someone might reject him for this reason. 

"Onee-san..." 

Kurome looked worriedly at her conflicted sister. Sure, Akame seemed to have a decent relationship with His Majesty, but could you really say no to something like this? 

"No worries, you can absolutely refuse. You were recommended through proper channels, so passing on this won’t cause any issues." 

Riku clearly saw Kurome’s concern and kindly explained, instantly putting her at ease. She trusted his words without hesitation, her gaze toward him tinged with admiration. 

His Majesty was far more approachable than she’d imagined, his smile warm and inviting. 

"Well, I..." 

Akame bit her lip, struggling to decide. After much thought, she just couldn’t give up her love for food. If it were any other price, maybe, but why did it have to be this?! 

"Hold on. If you can’t accept it now, Akame, I can reserve the spot for you. Come back when you’re ready." 

Riku cut her off decisively, leaving room for a fallback. He couldn’t let this opportunity slip entirely—Akame was his main target for conversion. 

Who could’ve guessed she’d refuse over food? Riku certainly hadn’t. 

"Huh?" 

Akame froze, suddenly feeling like she’d done something wrong. Guilt welled up inside her. 

Looking at Riku, she wondered if she was being ungrateful. This was supposed to be a great thing, yet she’d messed it up. Was she letting him down? 

In that moment, her emotions surged, influenced by Riku’s overwhelming charisma. Those already fond of him were especially susceptible, and Akame was no exception. 

To her, Riku was extraordinary. He’d appeared out of nowhere, transformed the world, reunited her with her sister, and despite his drastic rise in status, treated her the same as always. 

All of this made Riku special in Akame’s heart—not romantic love, but a deep admiration and longing. 

It wasn’t just her. Everyone who’d interacted with Riku early on was profoundly affected, subtly changed by his presence. After his two displays of "divine might," not only were enemies swayed, but his allies were equally enthralled. The soldiers in the expeditionary force, every single one, became his devout followers. 

Both Akame and Kurome had been fully caught in his influence twice, so facing him now stirred their emotions deeply. 

"Maybe I’ll come back in a couple of years?" 

Despite the guilt and feeling like she’d let Riku down, Akame’s foodie spirit won out. She felt a bit embarrassed—her reason for refusing was pretty absurd. Riku’s understanding made it all the more remarkable; he accepted even this, indulging her whim. 

But his words made her compromise. If she fully refused, she and Kurome might end up in different worlds. Kurome would stop aging, while she’d grow old, eventually separated forever. 

Humans are like that. Without people or things to care about, decisions are easy. But with ties that bind, you can’t be carefree. 

So, she thought, enjoy good food for a few years, then ascend to stay with Kurome. That wasn’t so bad. Akame quickly convinced herself. 

"Alright, it’s settled." 

Riku nodded, agreeing to let Akame indulge in her foodie life for now. She’d come around to Ascension eventually, and her unique qualities would be his in time. 

"..." 

Kurome was stunned. Could such a request really be granted?! His Majesty was that lenient? What exactly was the deal between her sister and the Emperor?! 

"Kurome, any thoughts?" 

Having settled Akame’s issue, Riku turned to Kurome with a gentle question. 

"I’m fine with it." 

Kurome answered. She had no demands. Her priority was escaping her pain. Her constant snacking was partly to dull that agony. If this could fix it, she was fine not eating at all. 

"Good." 

Riku nodded, then waved his hand. 

Buzz! 

A purple light flashed, and a teleportation array appeared beneath Akame’s feet. 

"Since you’re not ascending now, Akame, wait outside for a bit." 

Riku said with a smile, then teleported her outside the Emperor’s statue using the Teigu [Dimensional Formation: Shangri-La]. Unlike his own ability, this didn’t require the target’s consent, making it more convenient. 

Akame appeared outside the statue, waiting calmly. She wasn’t worried about Kurome at all, her trust in Riku absolute. 

Inside the chamber, Kurome felt no concern either, devoutly awaiting Riku’s salvation. 

Looking at her hopeful face, Riku began the conversion. This girl had suffered so much, always yearning for redemption yet trapped in pain. 

Kurome had died by Akame’s blade, a choice she made herself. She never intended to win, only seeking true release in her sister’s strike. 

She hadn’t necessarily given up victory entirely, but she’d chosen to forgo the fight. 

Now, her fate had truly shifted. No longer controlled by the Empire’s assassination squad, she was free! Well, not quite—just under a new master. 

But this time, it was her choice. Willingly, joyfully, she let Riku hold her life and death. Wasn’t that, in its own way, a kind of freedom? 

The conversion complete, Kurome felt reborn, more refreshed than ever. Ironically, though she was no longer human, she felt more normal than ever before, her body free of torment. 

"Thank you, great Emperor." 

Kurome looked at Riku with utmost devotion, truly believing he’d granted her salvation. 

"Go live the life you want." 

Riku spoke at the perfect moment. He didn’t need much from her—just the surrender of her Teigu [March of the Dead: Yatsufusa]. 

Kurome was happy to comply, but first, she needed to free one of her puppets. 

It was a former comrade who’d always protected her in battle. Since she was no longer Yatsufusa’s wielder, she wanted to set her companion free. 

Riku had no objections, letting Kurome do as she wished. He wasn’t too interested in her eight corpse puppets. 

The puppets included her old comrade Natara, the northern assassin Doya, the renowned bodyguard Wall, the super-dangerous beast Apeman, the Southern Tribe survivor Hunter, the Imperial general and Najenda’s former colleague Rokgough, the super-dangerous beast Destaghoul, and the giant frog dangerous beast Kaiser Frog. Kurome only freed Natara. 

But when Riku took over [March of the Dead: Yatsufusa], he released the other human puppets as well. 

He kept only the three dangerous beasts, with Destaghoul being particularly valuable—a rare creature that could serve as material for a Teigu. Its strength was undeniable, and Kurome had lucked into acquiring it. 

Seeing Riku free the other puppets, Kurome felt a twinge of melancholy. 

These puppets were tied to her in some way—either they tried to kill her, or she killed them. Riku’s actions further severed her connection to Yatsufusa, but she only regretted they couldn’t be of more use. 

"Your Majesty, I’ll be the guardian in the Empire’s shadows, a blade to slay evil, forever protecting its peace." 

Kurome looked at Riku, sincerely declaring her future goal. She wanted to be useful, to contribute. Riku could see her earnestness. 

"Good. From now on, you’ll lead the Empire’s assassination squad." 

Riku promptly assigned her a role. The squad had been semi-dissolved, its duties split among new organizations like the recently formed "Battle Nuns," a purer institution for punishing dissenters. 

Now, Kurome would rebuild it into a new assassin corps, repurposing the old department. 

"This new division will be called the Imperial Assassin Court, and you, Kurome, will be its first Grandmaster. You’ll also have the right to join the Imperial Council, becoming a key part of the Empire." 

Riku arranged everything, leaving Kurome stunned. She hadn’t expected such a heavy responsibility. 

"What? Not confident?" 

Riku smiled, reaching out to pat her head. It was easier with her—she was shorter than Akame. 

"No, I’ll do my best!" 

Kurome looked up at him, her small face full of determination. She wouldn’t let him down and would take on this duty to protect the Empire from the shadows. 

"Great. Let’s go—Akame’s probably getting impatient." 

Riku smiled, satisfied, and led Kurome out of the chamber to where Akame waited. 

"Kurome, how do you feel?" 

Seeing them appear, Akame immediately rushed over, concerned her sister’s issues hadn’t been resolved. 

"Onee-san, I feel amazing." 

Kurome beamed, her smile radiant and heartfelt. 

That smile stopped Akame in her tracks. It had been so long since she’d seen it, bringing back memories of their childhood, wandering together. Life was tough then, but Kurome had worn that same bright smile. 

"Good. Thank you, Devil-san." 

Relieved, Akame bowed deeply to Riku, resolving never to let him down. 

Chapter 337: The Uncivilized Island Nation 

After resolving the matter with the sisters Akame and Kurome, Najenda and the Cult Leader also underwent the "Ascension Ritual." Neither of them had much to say about it; they accepted the transformation swiftly. For the Cult Leader, it was a no-brainer. As a devoted follower of Riku, becoming an "Ascended" filled him with a sense of pride and validation. 

As the "High Priest of the Emperor’s Cult," this honor held immense significance. It gave him the confidence to stand tall among other Ascended, representing the unwavering faith in the Emperor. He couldn’t afford to show weakness—his resolve had to be absolute. 

Najenda, on the other hand, was even more straightforward. Riku had entrusted her with governing power, so what was there to hesitate about? To her, "Ascension" was a guarantee of her continued authority, reducing unnecessary internal conflicts and suspicions. 

Of course, the main reason for her compliance was Riku’s overwhelming strength. Najenda had no choice but to follow the rules he set. She was grateful, at least, that Riku genuinely aimed to build the Empire, not exploit it as a tyrant. 

"Keep up the good work. The Empire’s future rests in your hands. Don’t disappoint me, or what I’ve given you can just as easily be taken back." 

Riku’s words to his two subordinates were blunt. Both were mature adults who knew exactly what was expected of them and how to act. 

Najenda understood that Riku’s sole demand was the creation of "Teigu." She was working hard on it, searching far and wide for skilled artisans and lost techniques. But it was a long process, not something that could be achieved overnight. She only hoped Riku-sama would remain patient. 

"We will never disappoint the Divine Emperor," the Cult Leader vowed. He was determined to spread the Emperor’s Cult across the world, making it an inseparable part of the Empire’s daily life—ideally, with people praying to the Divine Emperor every day. 

The Cult Leader personally loved the act of prayer. Though he knew his prayers didn’t actually reach the Divine Emperor, they served as a form of self-reflection, a practice for personal growth. 

Currently, the Emperor’s Cult was heavily promoting the "Prayer Ritual." Three times a day—before breakfast, lunch, and dinner—people were to pray to the Emperor. But this wasn’t just about wishing for good fortune. It was about reflecting on one’s actions, planning for the future, and setting positive goals for a fulfilling life. 

To Riku, religion was merely a tool. As long as the Cult Leader didn’t go overboard, Riku wouldn’t interfere. Policies that encouraged kindness and motivated people to live more actively were fine by him. In an era where spiritual nourishment was scarce, religion was a decent filler. 

"None of the three provided any special traits." 

After completing the transformation of Kurome, Najenda, and the Cult Leader, no unique traits were triggered. Riku couldn’t help but sigh. Both Kurome and Najenda had their moments in the spotlight, but special traits were clearly a rare find. 

While Riku was busy with the Ascension Rituals, the expeditionary force was gearing up again. This time, only the vanguard was mobilized due to the limited number of ocean-faring ships. 

The Empire planned to send a pioneer team to scout the sea route. The Teigu [World Chronicle: Rongo Rongo] didn’t provide a clear path to the Eastern Island Nation, only a rough direction and the location of some islands. 

The vanguard’s mission was to confirm the route and establish a usable landing point on the Eastern Island Nation. 

The Eastern Sea was shrouded in thick fog, and the vanguard fleet had barely left port when they found themselves sailing through a misty haze. 

This pervasive fog was one of the main obstacles to the "Great Voyage Movement." Without skill, it was easy to lose your way, run aground, or fall prey to deep-sea Danger Beasts. 

In such conditions, it was hard to notice predators closing in, making even manageable Danger Beasts a serious threat. The sea was their domain, and ships were like uninvited guests. 

Boom! 

Soon, a collision rocked the fleet. The sound came from the right flank, where the vanguard was sailing in a tight formation. The rightmost ship was visibly shaking. 

The rest of the vanguard quickly noticed the trouble and moved to assist. Esdeath, the vanguard’s "firefighter," was immediately dispatched by Riku to handle the situation. 

Esdeath earned the nickname "firefighter" because her abilities were just as useful at sea. Freezing the ocean? No big deal for her. 

She swiftly froze the sea around the struggling ship, stabilizing it. Then she spotted the culprit: a goofy-looking, fat-headed fish relentlessly ramming her ice. 

The fish was massive, nearly as large as the ocean-faring ship, no wonder it could rock the vessel so violently. 

These sudden attacks by Danger Beasts were the sea’s most ruthless hunters. 

They caught even the strongest off guard, leading to disastrous capsizes. Akame herself had once ended up in the sea after a ship was wrecked by a Danger Beast, only reaching her destination through sheer willpower and luck. 

"Time to make you tonight’s dinner." 

Esdeath, however, was not on the list of those who’d capsize. Her abilities made the sea half her home turf—she wasn’t helpless like others. 

Whoosh! 

A massive ice spike shot out, piercing the fat-headed fish clean through. Blood spilled as the creature, caught off guard, was skewered from head to tail by Esdeath’s attack. 

“Won’t the blood attract more Danger Beasts?” 

Seeing the crimson stain spread across the sea, some grew worried. But then they realized—with General Esdeath around, no number of Danger Beasts would be a match for her. 

Still, to avoid unnecessary trouble, Riku used the Teigu [Water Dragon’s Dominion: Black Marlin] to collect the blood, then absorbed it with [Blood Drain: Rapid Siphon]. Even a small mosquito was still meat, and this fat-headed fish was a pretty big one. 

On the thick ice, the soldiers disembarked for some group activities—repairing the ship, cooking, and eating. No need to cram into the tight ship cabins; they could do everything on the ice. 

With Esdeath around, there was no fear of Danger Beast attacks. Even if one slipped through and attacked the ice from below, it couldn’t break through, giving the soldiers a strong sense of security. 

Once the damaged ship was repaired, everyone boarded again. Esdeath melted the ice, and the vanguard fleet resumed its journey. 

“You’re quite the capable commander.” 

On the flagship’s deck, Riku lounged in a rocking chair, eyes closed, relaxing. He teased Esdeath, who was lying nearby. 

“Don’t think my reputation among the soldiers came out of nowhere,” Esdeath huffed, a hint of pride in her voice. Her leadership style was effective—soldiers respected her not just for her terrifying strength but for her genuine charisma. 

“Good, good. Keep it up.” 

Riku gave a half-hearted thumbs-up, which earned him an eye-roll from Esdeath. She ignored him after that. 

Following the direction marked on the Teigu [World Chronicle: Rongo Rongo], the vanguard fleet sailed with minor scares but no real danger. The fact that they actually reached their destination was almost absurd. 

Relying on a vague map with just a marked direction and charging toward a single point was reckless. The dangers they faced were secondary—with Esdeath and Riku around, no Danger Beast attack was a real threat. The truly astonishing part was that this unreliable map actually led them to the right place. 

“Ships sighted!” 

After spotting land, they soon saw ships, confirming they’d arrived at a place with civilization, not some deserted island. 

Whether it was the Eastern Island Nation didn’t matter much. Any place with people was fair game for conquest. 

The local ships had clearly noticed the massive fleet. Though this was just the Empire’s vanguard, to them, it was an enormous armada. The ocean-faring ships were colossal compared to their vessels. 

“Quick, report to the general! An enemy fleet is invading! So many ships, so huge! We’ve never seen ships this big!” 

The small boats scrambled toward the shore, fleeing in a frenzy. Some were official patrol boats, but they didn’t dare intercept. Instead, they headed straight for the port. 

They stood no chance against these behemoths. Better to report back than fight a losing battle. 

But they underestimated the Empire’s ships. Big as they were, they weren’t slow. Before the small boats could reach shore, the fleet was already closing in. 

The locals were stubborn, though. They didn’t give up. Grabbing bows and arrows, they launched an attack on the approaching fleet. 

Bang! Bang! Bang! 

Since the enemy struck first, the Empire’s soldiers didn’t hold back. Bullets rained down—the fleet’s luxurious weaponry was a complete dimensional advantage against these islanders. 

Mass casualties followed. Countless small boats were shattered, and their occupants tried to swim to safety, their vessels no match for the charging fleet. 

The fleet reached the shore with ease, and the soldiers swarmed out, quickly securing the port area. 

Only then did Riku learn they had indeed reached the Eastern Island Nation—a fractured land with 24 warring states. Despite its small size, it was divided into many factions. 

They had landed in Kuroshio-koku, a nation in the southwest of the "Wakoku" (Island Nation), living off the sea due to its location by the South Sea. 

Unlike the foggy West Sea, the South Sea was navigable, connecting to the Southern Isles. Trade routes with the Southern Isles made Kuroshio-koku a relatively strong player among the 24 states, especially in naval power. 

But even a trade-reliant nation with decent military strength was no match for the Empire’s ocean-faring fleet. 

Boom! 

Cannons roared, scattering the samurai guards gathered at the port. Some fled, some surrendered, looking like a disorganized mob. 

The Empire’s soldiers exchanged glances, baffled. Was this really a battle? Were these people even soldiers? 

“An uncivilized island nation, huh? Truly uncivilized. These guys are probably stuck in the Empire’s era from a thousand years ago,” Esdeath remarked, disappointed. She’d hoped to find some interesting fighters here, but that seemed unlikely. 

“There might be some peculiar people around,” Riku said with a smile, glancing at Akame. If he remembered correctly, the Eastern Island Nation was home to an old acquaintance of hers. 

“Hm? Peculiar people? Now that’s got me curious,” Esdeath replied, misunderstanding. She thought he meant skilled fighters. 

In the capital of Kuroshio-koku, news of the port’s fall reached the lord’s residence swiftly. The port was the capital’s lifeline, a hub of trade and the southernmost natural harbor in the island nation, guarded by elite troops and naval patrols. How could it fall so easily? 

“Where’s the garrison?! The navy?! What do you mean the port’s been taken?!” 

The old lord of Kuroshio-koku nearly fainted from rage. The port was the nation’s economic backbone, defended by crack troops. How could it be overrun so quickly? 

“Send reinforcements immediately!” 

Refusing to believe the port had fallen so fast, the old lord donned his armor, ready to lead a counterattack himself to boost morale and repel the invaders. 

Boom! 

But before he could set out, the capital’s gates were blasted open. The Empire’s soldiers stormed in, meeting no resistance. The streets were empty, the citizens barricaded in their homes. 

This showed how accustomed the locals were to war. As a trade-driven maritime nation, Kuroshio-koku was often targeted by others, and conflict was a fact of life. 

Chapter 338: Dimensional Strike 

The ruler of the Kuroshio Kingdom had just finished donning his armor, his troops still scrambling to assemble, when the capital came under attack. 

“My Lord! The city’s breached! We’ll cover you—break out now!” 

When this dire news reached the Kuroshio King’s ears, he was utterly stunned, as if trapped in a dream. 

The enemy had only just seized their vital port, and now they were already storming the capital? And they’d broken through the city?! 

“Damn it! What nonsense are you spouting? How is that possible?!” 

The Kuroshio King refused to believe it, but the sounds of battle echoing through the capital forced him to face reality. Their capital was truly on the verge of falling. 

“My Lord, don’t hesitate! You must escape!” 

His subordinates urged desperately. As long as the king survived, there was hope for a comeback. If the royal family was wiped out here, the Kuroshio Kingdom would be finished. 

Though they all lived on the island of “Wakoku,” once a unified nation called “Kamiwa,” years of division had forged new identities. To these people, they weren’t “Kamiwa folk”—they were Kuroshio citizens. Those outside the kingdom saw them the same way. The idea of a united “Kamiwa” was long forgotten, replaced by distinct national identities. 

“No! Run? To where? This is my home! They’re the ones who should leave! Warriors, to battle with me! The Kuroshio Kingdom may be vast, but we have nowhere left to retreat!” 

Yet the Kuroshio King refused to flee. This was his capital, his kingdom’s heart. If he couldn’t hold it, escaping to another city would only delay the inevitable. 

The capital was the kingdom’s most prosperous hub. Losing it meant the Kuroshio Kingdom was as good as gone—other regions combined couldn’t match its importance. 

“My Lord!” 

His decision shocked everyone. At this critical moment, the king showed extraordinary courage, inspiring many to follow him. They would face their end alongside the Kuroshio Kingdom. 

The king led his hastily gathered forces, charging from the royal palace toward the city gates. 

Though he had no intention of fleeing, he wanted to secure an escape route for his family. He’d break through to the gates, send them to safety, then fight on with his warriors until every invader was repelled. 

Boom! 

On the main street, as the Kuroshio King led a charge against the Imperial forces, a single cannon blast sent him flying, his body shattered into countless pieces. 

His death left the resistance leaderless. The remaining forces were swiftly crushed, and just like that, the Kuroshio Kingdom’s resistance came to an abrupt end. 

Rebels were slaughtered without mercy. Some tried to defect at the last moment, but their pleas were ignored, and they were executed as traitors. 

Soon, the capital was fully “liberated,” followed by the near-total surrender of the Kuroshio Kingdom. 

With their elite forces stationed in the capital, its fall and the royal family’s demise left the remaining regions defenseless, unable to mount any meaningful resistance. 

“This country was weaker than I expected.” 

Toppling an entire nation so easily left Esdeath unsatisfied. This place had been a pushover—hardly any real resistance. 

To her, the king’s desperate countercharge wasn’t even proper resistance—just the futile挣扎 of ants before their demise. 

This battle made Esdeath realize her earlier war predictions had been too cautious. Why bother with follow-up forces? Their vanguard alone could conquer the entire island! 

Of course, the real reason for additional troops wasn’t combat but governance. Their vanguard couldn’t manage such a vast island alone. 

“Which country’s next?” 

Esdeath glanced at Riku. Though she’d called it “boring,” her eagerness betrayed her words—she was raring to go. 

“Let’s take the southern coastal ones first.” 

Riku studied the map. The island nation’s details on the Teigu [World Codex: Rongorongo] were growing clearer, especially in the Kuroshio Kingdom’s territory, now nearly indistinguishable from other Imperial regions. 

This confirmed the [World Codex: Rongorongo] map updated with their expanding territory. 

With Riku’s orders, the Imperial Expeditionary Force launched its next campaign. Using the Kuroshio Kingdom as a base, they struck neighboring nations with brazen aggression, attacking on multiple fronts with utter disregard for their opponents. 

The targeted nations were caught off guard, reeling from the onslaught. The Imperial forces swiftly seized vast swathes of land. 

By the time these nations reacted, the Imperials were at their doorsteps, threatening their very existence. 

Out of desperation, the coastal nations of the western island, despite their strained relations, formed a coalition to resist. 

Unfortunately, their alliance was ineffective, easily crushed by the Imperial Expeditionary Force. 

If the coalition achieved anything, it was saving the Imperials some effort—dealing with them all at once was more efficient than picking them off individually. 

The so-called twenty-four nations of the island were mostly minor players, their strength negligible, constantly losing land to larger powers. 

Even the stronger nations were mediocre, weaker than the decaying Western Kingdom or Peacock Kingdom. Comparing them to a unified “Kamiwa” was more fitting, but these fragmented states lacked such stature. 

Soon, the entire southwestern coastal region of “Wakoku” fell to the Imperial forces, leaving only one small nation. 

“Canghaiguo, the country with the most connections to the island’s central region. Take it, and we can march straight into the heart of the island.” 

Riku eyed the map. The remaining nation, Canghaiguo, held a critical position. 

“Wakoku” was a vast archipelago, with the largest central island traditionally considered the “mainland.” The southwestern coastal nations were on the western island, linked to the mainland by limited connections. Canghaiguo sat at one such choke point, akin to the strait between Honshu and Kyushu, though here it was a land bridge. 

Despite its small size, Canghaiguo thrived on trade with both the southern seas and inland nations, boasting rich marine resources, a warm and stable climate, and fertile land. Its strength was undeniable. 

Its strategic location made it a contested prize. To hold its ground, Canghaiguo needed formidable power. 

Skilled in naval warfare, it dominated sea routes, outmatching inland nations. On land, the “Shiranui Fortress,” built to exploit natural defenses, guarded the narrow connection between the western island and the mainland. Paired with their navy, it was an impregnable stronghold. 

For years, Canghaiguo had maintained stability. While it faced occasional skirmishes, it never lost territory, only expanding. Its morale and spirit far surpassed other nations. 

“We’re in trouble. We’ve become the Imperials’ next target.” 

In Canghaiguo’s royal palace, the king summoned his ministers, his face etched with worry. He was at his wit’s end. 

The rest of the western island had been swept away by the Imperials, leaving Canghaiguo as the sole survivor in a precarious position. It seemed escape was impossible. 

Though Canghaiguo had always repelled invaders, facing these relentless Imperials, the king’s confidence wavered. The entire western island had already fallen! 

By now, the king knew the invaders’ identity: they hailed from the Empire in the west, a mysterious realm that cast an almost mythical aura over them. 

“Wakoku” had little contact with the Empire, knowing little about it. This first encounter left them awestruck and overwhelmed. 

“Speak freely—what strategies do we have?” 

After gathering his ministers, the Canghaiguo king urged them to offer solutions. He was out of ideas. 

“We need to understand what these Imperials want. These invaders from the mysterious western continent are terrifyingly strong. We could avoid direct conflict and cooperate with them, redirecting their wrath eastward. It might save us from destruction!” 

One minister proposed, diplomatically suggesting Canghaiguo act as a guide for the Imperials, letting them rampage through the mainland to secure their own survival. 

“No! How can we trust these foreigners?! Letting them pass through Canghaiguo is like baring our necks for the blade!” 

This conciliatory proposal sparked fierce opposition, with many ministers cursing the idea. 

Canghaiguo’s people, unaccustomed to turmoil, were spirited and ready to fight the Imperials to the death. 

The king rubbed his temples, his mind a mess, unsure of what to decide. 

Just then, a messenger burst in, his face contorted in anguish, shouting, “My Lord! The Imperials are here! The navy… our navy’s been completely wiped out!” 

Silence fell over the hall, so quiet you could hear a pin drop, as if time itself had frozen. 

“So, we should listen to me! There’s still time to surrender!” 

The minister who’d suggested collaboration leapt up, emboldened after being berated earlier. The Imperials’ dominance gave him the confidence to argue again. Why not fight physically? Because his supporters were few. 

“…” 

Opposition dwindled. With their navy—their strongest asset—destroyed, their weaker land forces stood no chance. 

“What happened?” 

The king’s eyes widened in disbelief. Their mighty navy, gone? Even a herd of pigs couldn’t be wiped out that fast! 

In that moment, countless thoughts raced through his mind, but no matter how he spun it, victory seemed impossible. The Imperials were a dimensional strike, utterly outclassing them. 

“Surrendered?” 

Esdeath’s lip twitched as she eyed the Canghaiguo envoy. She was tempted to eliminate him on the spot. 

But she restrained herself. She wasn’t the same Esdeath anymore—Riku wouldn’t allow such recklessness. 

“Fine.” 

Esdeath waved dismissively, accepting their surrender. 

“I haven’t stated our terms—” 

The envoy faltered, surprised by her quick agreement. They weren’t surrendering unconditionally; he had terms to discuss! 

“No need. Surrender and await my judgment, or die.” 

Esdeath’s smile was chilling, her words icy, leaving the envoy too terrified to speak further. 

And so, in a haze, Canghaiguo opened its gates and surrendered. But the nobles were stunned—where were the promised lenient terms? 

“Never heard of them.” 

Esdeath’s response was blunt. She wasn’t lying—she hadn’t listened to the envoy’s conditions. Thus, Canghaiguo’s elites faced the same purge as those in other western island regions. 

The entire western island saw its nobles systematically eliminated to pave the way for stable governance, preventing future rebellions. Canghaiguo, despite surrendering, was no exception. 

Chapter 339: A Familiar Face in a Foreign Land 

Sokaikoku had surrendered, and the route from the mainland to the main island was now open. However, Riku wasn’t particularly concerned about this. His focus was on finding someone in Sokaikoku—a new target for transformation. 

Sokaikoku was the main setting of Nichiwa Conquest. After Akame’s shipwreck, she washed ashore here and was rescued by a girl named Nichiwa. Naturally, Nichiwa was the protagonist of Nichiwa Conquest, and her entire group consisted of Sokaikoku natives. 

Unfortunately, despite Riku’s orders to search for her, Nichiwa was nowhere to be found. She had likely perished in the chaos of war. 

“…” 

Riku fell silent. It was a very real possibility. In Nichiwa Conquest, the protagonist group were soldiers of Sokaikoku, and it wasn’t uncommon for them to die quietly in battle. 

Against the Empire’s military might, even a protagonist group stood no chance of survival. The technological gap was insurmountable, and the Nichiwa group’s strength wasn’t particularly remarkable. If they died, few would take notice. 

So far, the Empire’s campaign in Wakoku had maintained an absurdly lopsided casualty ratio. It was less a war and more a one-sided slaughter. 

“So, Nichiwa’s conquest ended halfway,” Riku mused, resigned to fate. He could only hope the girl didn’t meet a gruesome end like the Nichiwa Conquest manga, which had been unceremoniously axed. Honestly, Riku thought the cancellation was deserved—it was so bad he couldn’t even finish it. 

If Nichiwa had indeed died in battle, she would be the second Nichiwa to perish. 

Nichiwa’s real name was Hyūga. Nichiwa was the name of her mother, a soldier who had died in battle. To honor her mother’s legacy, Hyūga enlisted and took her mother’s name. Riku found this perplexing—why inherit the name along with the legacy?  

Wakoku’s customs were hard for him to grasp, but it didn’t matter anymore. Soon, there would be no “Wakoku” left. 

Riku gave up searching for Nichiwa. If she hadn’t died, she could live out her days under the Empire’s rule. 

Sokaikoku’s fall didn’t yield what Riku wanted, so the Imperial Expeditionary Force set out once more. 

Their next target was Tenrōkoku, the strongest of the 24 states and the dominant power controlling most of the main island. 

Located in the heart of Wakoku, Tenrōkoku boasted fertile plains and well-developed infrastructure. Its robust economy and production had made it the most powerful force in Wakoku. Without any surprises, Tenrōkoku would have likely unified the entire island nation eventually. 

Then the surprise came. The Imperials, armed with guns and cannons, stormed in from the Western Sea and swiftly conquered the entire West Island. 

Tenrōkoku had received the news. They had long sought to control the West Island to open trade routes with the Nanyō Archipelago, as other sea routes were impassable. The West Island was their only viable option. 

They hadn’t attacked Kuroshio-koku, the hegemon of the Southern Sea, as Tenrōkoku had no chance of winning at sea. Instead, they targeted Sokaikoku, which was connected by land. 

Taking Sokaikoku would give them access to the West Island via land routes. 

Tenrōkoku had spies in Sokaikoku and troops monitoring its borders. Thus, they learned of Sokaikoku’s fall and the West Island’s collapse almost immediately, shocking the court. 

Still, it was just a shock. Neither the Imperials nor the West Island’s fall were expected, and the details of the war were unclear. 

Unlike Sokaikoku, which resisted due to its history of never losing a defensive war, Tenrōkoku was brimming with confidence. Their army had been undefeated in countless campaigns, with the goal of “unifying the land.” They weren’t about to back down from the Imperials—they were the wolves destined to conquer the world! 

“I will stop their advance inland,” declared a woman with long black hair and tanned skin in the grand hall. Her figure was striking, her expression resolute. She was Yomiji, Tenrōkoku’s mightiest general. 

“Not stop, Yomiji. Destroy them,” corrected the lord of Tenrōkoku from his seat. His expression was grim. They had long sought to conquer the West Island, but Sokaikoku’s stubborn defense at the “Shiranui Fortress” had thwarted them. And now, the Imperials had swooped in and reaped the rewards! 

The lord believed their constant attacks on Sokaikoku and the West Island had weakened them, allowing the Imperials to exploit the opportunity. 

“…” 

Yomiji’s face showed a hint of concern. She felt the lord was underestimating the Imperials. They had defeated the West Island’s states in record time, a feat that demanded caution. 

Still, she didn’t argue with the lord. Dutifully, she led an elite force to confront the enemy, confident that her caution as a general would suffice. She had faith in Tenrōkoku’s strength. 

“Nahashū, you’re from the Empire. Do you know anything about them?” Yomiji asked as they marched. She had specifically requested Nahashū’s assistance due to his unique background. 

Beside her, a blonde, one-eyed man frowned, looking uncomfortable. He shook his head slowly. 

“I don’t remember much about the Empire. It’s been a long time since I left, and I don’t know what they’re like now,” Nahashū sighed. He wasn’t withholding information—he genuinely didn’t know. He had come to the Eastern Island Nation to find a way to remove the parasite in his brain, which severely impaired his memory. 

Before arriving in Tenrōkoku, Nahashū had traveled from the Empire to the Western Kingdoms and the Peacock Continent. He eventually settled in Tenrōkoku, not because he found a cure, but because he had given up hope. After years of searching with no results, he abandoned the quest to recover his past. 

The parasite didn’t threaten his life, and its controller was long dead, freeing him from its influence. He was content to stay put. 

“Alright,” Yomiji nodded, not overly disappointed. She was somewhat aware of Nahashū’s condition. 

“Then we’ll meet force with force and—” 

Before she could finish, something felt off. A loud rumble echoed from ahead. 

Yomiji didn’t know what it was, but she saw defeated soldiers—wearing Tenrōkoku’s uniforms—fleeing in disarray. 

“What’s going on?! Why are there routed soldiers here?!” Yomiji was stunned. They had just left the capital, still far from the West Island’s border! 

“It seems the Imperials have broken through the border defenses,” Nahashū said, a strange feeling stirring in him. To fight the Empire’s army in this foreign land was surreal. 

“Full speed to reinforce!” Yomiji ordered without hesitation. The elite troops quickened their pace, and scouts were sent ahead to gather intelligence. 

“How could this happen? What are the border defenses doing?” Yomiji muttered, a bad feeling creeping into her heart as they marched. 

“Don’t rush. I’ll take some men and scout ahead,” Nahashū volunteered. He wasn’t skilled at commanding troops, but he excelled in combat. With the situation unclear, his martial prowess was perfect for recon. 

“Be careful!” Yomiji didn’t object. If she weren’t needed to lead the troops and maintain morale, she’d have gone herself. 

Latest updates at 69 Book Bar! 

Not far off, the sound of gunfire and cannons had died down. The Imperial army had secured another complete victory and was cleaning up the battlefield. 

As the attacking force, the Expeditionary Army was remarkably disciplined, treating the enemy’s land as their own with a strong sense of ownership. 

Akame and Kurome were at the front, leading a few squads toward Tenrōkoku’s capital to scout for enemy movements. 

As expected, the two sides’ scouts crossed paths. On one side were Akame and Kurome’s Imperial reconnaissance team; on the other was Nahashū leading Tenrōkoku’s intelligence scouts. 

Combat erupted instantly. Frontline scouts lived on the edge, where a single misstep could mean death. 

But before the fighting began, something was off with Akame and Kurome. Both sisters noticed the one-eyed man opposite them—they recognized Nahashū. 

Nahashū was indeed Akame’s acquaintance from Tenrōkoku. They had trained together under Gozuki as part of a seven-member squad, with Nahashū as their leader. 

Kurome knew him too, from a joint mission. Since Gozuki’s elite seven couldn’t include siblings, Kurome was removed and subjected to drug enhancements. The modified group had complex feelings toward the elite seven—envy, jealousy, and admiration all mixed together. 

“Sis, isn’t that Nahashū?” Kurome said, shocked to see him here. 

“Yeah, how strange,” Akame replied, calming down after her initial surprise. She hadn’t expected to meet an old friend in Wakoku, let alone on the battlefield. 

“Nahashū, why are you here? Why are you with Tenrōkoku’s army?” Akame demanded as the fighting began, clashing directly with him. 

“…” 

Nahashū’s head throbbed painfully. Seeing Akame and Kurome triggered something, as if memories were trying to resurface. 

He vaguely recalled fighting Akame after the parasite was implanted. She had killed his controller, freeing him. But anything before that was a blank, so he felt little emotional connection to the sisters. 

Clang! 

Their blades clashed. Nahashū wielded a Shingu, “Water Dragon Sword,” which boosted his combat ability for three minutes but left him exhausted afterward. 

The sight of the Shingu gave Akame a moment of déjà vu—she too had once fought with a Shingu. 

Clang! Clang! Clang! 

The sound of metal rang out as their weapons met. Akame’s Teigu [Moonlit Dance: Wind Blade Sword] was superior, but the Shingu’s materials were tough, and their weapons were evenly matched. Akame held back, not using her Teigu’s full power. 

Unlike Nahashū, Akame was clearly restraining herself, driven by confusion and a desire to understand why he was here. 

Kurome felt similarly but less intensely. She quickly dispatched Tenrōkoku’s scouts and turned to assist her sister—not out of concern that Akame couldn’t win, but because she feared Akame might be too sentimental. 

As Kurome suspected, Akame wasn’t as ruthless in this unexpected encounter. Unlike their own past, where they had resolved to fight each other without mercy, this was different. 

Clang! 

Kurome forcefully intervened, knocking Nahashū’s weapon away with a single strike, showcasing the strength boost from her “Ascension.” She had always been stronger than before, just never flaunted it. 

Nahashū’s “Water Dragon Sword” flew from his grasp before he could activate it, leaving him visibly humiliated. 

“Sis, enough playing around. If you have questions, just beat him and ask,” Kurome said, reminding her sister that this was war. Why be so polite? Nahashū didn’t seem entirely sane—why not capture him and interrogate him directly? 

“You’re right, Kurome,” Akame nodded, her expression serious. She could tell Nahashū wasn’t fully lucid, just as he had been before. 

Chapter 340: A Small Problem 

Once their mindset shifted, taking down Nahashu became a piece of cake. The two sisters were already stronger than him by a wide margin. 

The "Water Dragon Sword" flew out of Nahashu’s hand, and he lost even the ability to put up a desperate fight. He was subdued with ease. 

“…” 

Nahashu furrowed his brow but didn’t resist further. Honestly, that made sense. He was just an outsider in Tenroukoku, after all.  

At the end of the day, he only served as a warrior in Tenroukoku to make a living. He wasn’t about to lay down his life for them like a local would. For the meager pay he got each month? Why risk his neck? 

“I came here looking for a way to deal with the parasite in my brain,” Nahashu said. “To recover the memories I’ve lost.” 

He was being honest now, answering Akame’s question. He’d met Akame before—she’d even saved him once—so he knew she’d understand what he meant. 

“As I thought…”  

Akame nodded. She’d pretty much guessed it. The last time she saw Nahashu was years ago, back when he was being controlled, his memories fragmented.  

After she took out the one pulling his strings, Nahashu vanished. Their comrades either died or went missing, which was one of the reasons Akame parted ways with the Empire. 

Nahashu stayed silent. He genuinely didn’t remember Akame or Kurome. Facing these two women who clearly knew him only made him feel awkward. That’s why he’d left back then. 

With his memories gone, Nahashu didn’t know how to face his past. Settling in Tenroukoku was, in a way, running away.  

If he’d given up on finding a cure, he could’ve returned to the Empire. But instead, he chose to live in a foreign land where no one knew him—a place where he didn’t have to confront the life he couldn’t recall. 

“Your problem isn’t unsolvable,” Akame said. 

Her words made Nahashu’s eyes widen. He’d traveled far and wide searching for a cure with no progress, and now this girl was saying she had a way? 

“No kidding…” 

Kurome instantly caught her sister’s meaning. The solution was “Ascension.” If Ascension could fix her body’s issues, surely it could handle a mere parasite. 

“What’s the method? Is it tough? What do I need to do? I’ll do anything!” Nahashu blurted out, frustrated. These two were talking in riddles, looking hesitant without spelling it out. If they needed him to do something, just say it! 

“It’s not about what you can do,” Akame said, shaking her head. Nahashu was just a captive. What could he possibly offer to earn the right to Ascension? She couldn’t think of anything. The competition for Ascension was fierce, and no matter how she looked at it, Nahashu didn’t stand a chance. 

“Wait a sec,” Kurome chimed in. “What if Nahashu acted as a mole? If he tricked Tenroukoku into opening the capital’s gates, would that be enough?” 

She quickly shot down her own idea, though. It didn’t feel like enough. Breaking the city gates wasn’t exactly a challenge, and that kind of contribution was more like icing on the cake. Tenroukoku’s strength was pitifully weak, after all. 

“…” 

Nahashu fell silent. He wasn’t thrilled about the idea. Sure, he wasn’t from Tenroukoku, but betraying them like that felt too low. They’d treated him decently enough, never wronged him. Getting captured after losing a fight was one thing, but switching sides? That was a line he couldn’t cross. 

“Forget it. I’ll go ask Devil-sama,” Akame said. 

In the end, she went for the most direct approach. Overthinking wouldn’t help—she needed to talk to Riku. 

It might seem a bit reckless to bother Riku with this, but Nahashu was her friend. She felt she had to do something. At the very least, she could ask if there was a way to help him. 

“Uh…” Kurome opened her mouth, thinking it wasn’t a great idea to disturb the Emperor over something so small. But then she reconsidered. If it was her sister Akame, maybe it wasn’t such a bad move. Akame clearly had a special connection with the Emperor. 

Even something as huge as securing an Ascension slot had happened for her. Kurome figured it wouldn’t be that surprising if something else came up. The Emperor was unusually lenient with Akame, and Akame was so at ease around him. 

That was just Akame’s personality. She didn’t care much about status. She respected Riku for his actions, not his title.  

So when Riku said he wanted to stay friends, Akame took it at face value. She could still be herself around him, even turning him down to keep enjoying her favorite foods a bit longer. 

No one else could pull that off. Only Akame, with her oddly innocent streak in certain matters, could act so naturally. She didn’t think she was doing anything wrong—she just felt she shouldn’t betray Riku’s kindness. She could tell he was exceptionally accommodating toward her. 

“I’ll contact His Majesty,” Kurome said. 

Since Akame had made up her mind, Kurome tapped into the blood-deep connection to reach Riku. It was the fastest way. 

Buzz! 

A surge of shadows rippled, and Riku’s figure appeared beside Kurome. He’d heard her call and came straight through the beacon. Talk about fast. 

Before arriving, Riku had been in the “Shadow Realm,” experimenting with time manipulation. Messing with time was fascinating, even if he was only accelerating or freezing it in small areas. Anything more complex was beyond him for now. 

“What’s up, Akame, Kurome?” Riku asked, his gaze landing on Nahashu. He pieced it together quickly. 

As expected, Akame briefly explained the situation. She didn’t mention Ascension outright, instead asking if Riku knew any other way to fix Nahashu’s problem. 

Ascension could obviously solve it—Akame knew that. But she wasn’t naive enough to demand Riku grant Nahashu Ascension. Why would he do that for her?  

All she wanted was to know if there was another way. If there was, she and Kurome would work to help Nahashu. If not, they’d have to find a way for him to earn enough merit to compete for the fiercely contested Ascension slot. 

As a friend, Akame felt it was fine to ask Riku for advice. But she wouldn’t put one friend in a tough spot to help another. That was basic respect. 

Besides, friendships have their own levels of closeness. Nahashu, who’d grown up with her under Gozuki, was a good friend back then, but as a guy, their bond was never that deep. And after so long apart, their connection had faded. 

Compared to Riku, Nahashu didn’t hold nearly as much weight. Though she hadn’t known Riku for long, he’d left a profound impression. In Akame’s heart, he already held a special place—far above Nahashu. 

Back in their seven-member squad, it wasn’t Nahashu she was closest to but another girl. That girl died by Akame’s hand due to their diverging paths. In the original story, Akame didn’t shy away from “freeing” friends and family. She was decisive, her love and hate clear-cut. 

“His problem? It’s actually pretty simple,” Riku said after a quick glance at Nahashu. Just a parasite in his brain. 

“…” 

Nahashu’s eyes widened. This man who’d appeared out of nowhere radiated strength and charisma, making it easy to trust him. But his casual claim still seemed unbelievable. 

“Don’t give me that look,” Riku said with a chuckle. “I said it’s simple, and it is. Just a quick fix for me.” 

“Really?!”  

Akame and Kurome’s eyes lit up. This was the best news possible, wiping away their worries. No need to scramble for ways to earn merit for Nahashu. 

“What do we need to do?” Akame asked, meaning she and Kurome could handle it. They’d already bothered Riku enough, and since he didn’t know Nahashu, he had no reason to get involved. 

“I said it’s simple for me,” Riku teased. “For anyone else, good luck. It’s the brain, after all—not exactly something just anyone can mess with.” 

He was joking, but he had a point. With his Teigu, God’s Hand: Perfecter, his precision was unmatched. The brain was a delicate area, and most wouldn’t dare touch it. 

Even in 2077, brain operations were tricky. Only major powers dabbled in brain research, and even then, they played it safe. 

Riku was confident he could remove the parasite. He’d already checked with his Teigu, Five Visions: Observer. Its x-ray-like ability was handy here. 

Honestly, Five Visions: Observer overlapped a lot with the “Transparent World” ability. Riku had struggled to master the latter until he got the Teigu, which helped him break through. The synergy was pretty cool. 

In his view, the parasite was latched onto Nahashu’s brain, pressing on his memory center. It was just the bug’s instinct—it had been dormant since its controller died, making it easier to deal with. Riku wasn’t exaggerating. 

“Please, my lord! Help me! I’ll do anything!” Nahashu dropped to his knees without hesitation. They say a man’s knees are worth gold, but he didn’t care. Riku was like a lifeline, and he was desperate to grab it. 

For some reason, kneeling to Riku felt… right. Like it was only natural. 

“I don’t really need you to do anything,” Riku said with a smile. “But you’ve got a good attitude. And you’ve got two great friends. For their sake, I’ll take care of that bug.” 

His words drew different reactions. Nahashu was ecstatic, thanking him profusely. Akame felt a bit embarrassed, not expecting Riku to step in after all. Kurome, though, was convinced something was up between her sister and the Emperor. For their sake? Please, it was clearly for Akame’s sake. What face did she have? 

With a wave of his hand, Riku froze time around Nahashu briefly. In a flash, he performed a craniotomy, cleanly removing the dormant parasite.  

Under Akame and Kurome’s stunned gazes, he used his tail’s healing ability to close the wound and injected Nahashu with an Rc cell suppressant. 

It was seamless. By the time Nahashu came to, it was over, and his memories flooded back. 

“I’ll be taking this,” Riku said, holding the parasite. It was his “consultation fee.” A parasite that could suppress memories and control its host was rare and worth studying. 

“Yes, my lord,” Nahashu said, shivering as he saw the bug in Riku’s hand. He realized Riku had already removed it, which was why his memories were back. 

What terrified him was that he had no recollection of how Riku did it. This man’s power was beyond his comprehension. A problem that plagued him for years was truly just a trivial matter to him. 

Riku didn’t mind Nahashu’s shock. He glanced at Akame and Kurome. Akame’s eyes were full of guilt for troubling him, while Kurome’s gaze was… odd. 

Before he could say anything, the sound of marching approached. Tenroukoku’s elite forces, led by Yomiji, were closing in. 

“That’s Tenroukoku’s elite army. We should avoid them for now,” Nahashu said after a brief hesitation. 

(Chapter End)