Akame Ga Kill - Garou

The night was restless for both Akame and the Little Emperor. Though they had met under unexpected circumstances, the weight of their meeting lingered in their minds. The Little Emperor struggled with the dark truths about the empire he ruled, while Akame, for the first time, felt a sliver of hope that things might change for the better. Neither of them could find sleep that night.

Outside the orphanage, Garou and Bang sat in silence. The crisp night air carried a tension neither of them voiced at first. Finally, Bang broke the silence, asking Garou "How much did you know about Prime Minister Honest."

Garou exhaled sharply and admitted "I had heard of corruption but had never imagined the depths of filth that had been festering within the empire."

Garou paused and after a moment of quiet contemplation, he continued in a cold voice "I would have killed him if I knew." Bang merely nodded, seeing no reason to object. To him, Prime Minister Honest was worse than any monster he had faced or heard of back in their world.

While the master-disciple duo spoke outside, Budo led his soldiers in a secret operation across the capital. Moving swiftly and discreetly, they captured and interrogated dozens of officials. The mission was executed with startling efficiency, for even the slightest proof of Akame's claims would be enough to condemn Honest. The night was long, but their search bore fruit.

By morning, Budo returned to the orphanage with a grim expression. His findings were damning: multiple high-ranking officials from the previous emperor's reign had been eliminated overnight, replaced by Honest's own relatives. There was also undeniable proof of the capital police abusing their power under direct orders from the Prime Minister. It was no longer a question of suspicion—Honest's crimes were undeniable.

The Little Emperor clenched his fists tightly. If such overwhelming evidence had been uncovered in a single night, then what about the other horrifying tales Akame had revealed? Even if he had initially wanted to doubt her words, these findings alone were enough to convict his Prime Minister. His voice carried the conviction of a ruler as he declared, "We are going to the palace and imprisoning the traitor."

Budo nodded and immediately began preparations, calling for additional loyal soldiers to reinforce them. Before he could finalize the plan, Garou stepped forward, arms crossed. "I'm coming with you," he said firmly.

Budo looked at Garou silently for a moment then nodded, feeling reassured by Garou's presence. With him at their side, no person in this world can pose a threat to the Emperor's safety.

"I want to come too," Akame suddenly spoke. Her crimson eyes held unwavering determination.

Budo's eyes narrowed slightly. Despite everything, a part of him still didn't trust her. However, before he could object, Garou placed a hand on his shoulder. "She should be there," Garou said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "This started because of her, and she has more reason than anyone to see it through."

"I swear to help and protect the Emperor with my life if necessary" Akame spoke with conviction.

After a moment of silence, Budo sighed and relented. "Fine. But if you try anything suspicious, I won't hesitate."

Akame gave a slight nod, accepting the condition. Meanwhile, Bang chose to stay behind with the twin at the orphanage. He trusted Garou to handle things in the palace, and he wanted to ensure the children remained safe should chaos break out in the city.

_____________________

Back in the royal palace, Prime Minister Honest sat in his lavish office, his plump fingers drumming furiously against the armrest of his chair. The air in the room was tense, the silence broken only by the trembling voice of a servant kneeling before him.

"Y-Your Excellency, the Emperor did not return to the palace last night," the servant stammered, beads of sweat forming on his brow. "Furthermore, General Budo and his soldiers conducted a secret operation overnight, resulting in the imprisonment of dozens of officials."

Honest's expression twisted into pure rage. "And you're telling me this now?!" he bellowed, slamming his meaty fist on the desk, causing the servant to flinch.

"W-We only discovered the extent of their actions moments ago, Your Excellency!" the servant pleaded. "They worked in complete secrecy and efficiency. Our spies were unaware of the situation until the early hours of the morning."

Honest narrowed his eyes, his mind racing. This was bad—very bad. If Budo was taking action without his command, and the Little Emperor had not returned, it could only mean one thing: the boy was working behind his back. And if that happened, Honest's entire empire of corruption would crumble.

With a deep breath, he forced himself to think clearly. Panic was useless. He needed to act.

"Summon General Esdeath and her team immediately!" he ordered, his voice sharp. "She must be informed of this treachery at once!"

The servant bowed deeply before scurrying off to relay the command. Honest's eyes gleamed dangerously as he reached for another order, this one even more sinister.

"And call upon the members of Wild Hunt," he added, his lips curling into a wicked grin. "That pathetic son of mine may have been a failure, but his little group still serves its purpose. I will not allow anyone to threaten my position!"

The Wild Hunt, originally created under the leadership of his now-imprisoned son, Syura, had since fallen directly under Honest's control. Unhinged and ruthless, they were effective in dealing with nuisances. If the Little Emperor, Budo, or anyone else intended to challenge him, then they would soon learn the price of defiance.

As the orders were dispatched, Honest leaned back in his chair, his mind already calculating his next move. No matter what, he would not lose his grip on the throne. If his enemies sought to move against him, then he would crush them first.

He thought of the nuisance that is Garou and recalled the orphanage the monster was residing in, his eyes gleamed with sinister light as he gave another order. The Four Rakshasa Demons are to go there and take all the children, especially his two disciples, hostage. As long as Garou is not part of this, then things can still be salvaged.

_____________________

As the emperor's group approached the palace, tension filled the air. Budo immediately inquired about Honest's whereabouts, and a servant informed them that he was in the Royal Halls. With determined steps and anger burning in his young eyes, the emperor led the group forward. Garou and Budo flanked him on either side, while Akame and the other guards followed closely behind, their hands ready to draw their weapons at a moment's notice.

Upon entering the Royal Halls, they were met with the sight of Prime Minister Honest engaged in conversation with Esdeath. Her team, along with a handful of other individuals, stood off to the side, watching the unfolding events with wary eyes. When Honest noticed the young emperor, he immediately put on a warm and fatherly smile. "Your Majesty!" he called out with feigned concern. "Where have you been? We were all so terribly worried for your safety!"

The boy clenched his fists, feeling disgusted with himself for ever believing this man. If this confrontation had taken place just a month ago, he would have smiled back, thanked the prime minister, and continued being his pawn. But not this time.

"Silence!" the emperor commanded, his voice clear and unwavering. "I know of your crimes, your treachery. From this moment on, you are stripped of your position and shall face judgment for all the atrocities you have committed!" His words echoed through the hall, leaving no room for doubt.

Honest's expression shifted to one of shock and heartbreak. "Your Majesty, surely this is some sort of misunderstanding? I have always been a loyal servant of the empire!" he pleaded, his voice trembling with artificial sincerity. Then, his face twisted into a cruel grin. "But if you refuse to be my puppet any longer... then there's no need for you to remain alive."

The emperor remained firm, his face hardened with resolve.

Garou stepped forward, cracking his knuckles with an eager grin. "Finally," he said, rolling his shoulders. "I've been waiting for a chance to break this pig bastard myself. And trust me, filthy pig, I'll make sure you regret every damn thing you've ever done before the public even gets a chance to judge you."

Honest's confidence did not waver. Instead, he smirked and looked Garou directly in the eye. "I'd advise you to reconsider," he said smugly. "Unless, of course, you don't care about those little orphans you're so fond of. By now, they have been taken away."

The hall went silent.

Garou blinked then started to laugh. A low chuckle at first, which quickly turned into a full-blown laugh. "Is that so?" he mused. "Well, too bad for you. That won't save you."

Honest's smugness faltered. "W-what?"

Garou grinned wider. "The old windbag is still there. You really think anyone can lay a finger on those kids while he is around?" The moment realization struck Honest, his face turned pale. He had completely forgotten about Garou's master, Bang.

Before the prime minister could respond, Esdeath stepped forward, placing herself between Honest and Garou. Her icy blue eyes locked onto Garou's with dangerous excitement.

Garou narrowed his eyes. "So, are you really going to defend that piece of trash?"

Esdeath's lips curled into a smirk. "I have an agreement with him. And you should know by now, Garou—I do keep my words."

Garou snorted. "Then you're even more foolish than I thought. You stand no chance against me."

Her smile widened as she lifted her hand, ice slowly forming around her. "Perhaps that was true before... but I've been preparing something special just for you." Her voice was filled with an unsettling confidence as she spoke. "Allow me to introduce you to my trump card."