Tatsumi and Leone walked through the bustling streets of the capital. The air was no longer filled with fear and oppression, and for the first time in years, people seemed to go about their lives without the shadow of corruption looming over them. After much discussion, the two had agreed on their next course of action—seeking out Akame to clear any misunderstandings and perhaps find a new purpose.
Their destination was clear—the royal palace. However, upon reaching the gates, they were immediately stopped by the guards.
"We are ex-members of Night Raid," Leone declared confidently. "We would like to speak with Akame."
The guards exchanged glances, clearly taken aback. After a moment, one of them nodded. "We will inform his majesty and lady Akame. Please follow my fellow guard"
The two were escorted to a separate waiting area, where they sat with nervous anticipation. While they were no longer enemies of the Empire, they were uncertain how they would be received. Leone crossed her arms, tapping her fingers against her elbow impatiently, while Tatsumi stared at the door.
Minutes later, the same guard returned. "His Majesty has agreed to meet with you. Please follow me, and be on your best behavior."
Both nodded, rising to their feet. As they were led toward the throne room, they noticed a familiar figure waiting just outside the entrance. Akame stood there, clad in her new imperial guard uniform, her crimson eyes watching them with quiet intensity.
Leone was the first to react, smirking. "Well, well, you seem to be doing well for yourself, Akame—"
She was cut off as Akame suddenly stepped forward and wrapped her arms around her in a rare embrace.
"I was afraid I wouldn't see you again," Akame said softly.
Leone's smirk faded into a gentle smile as she returned the hug. "Come on now, it was just a misunderstanding. We were really worried about you back then."
Tatsumi stepped closer, his voice filled with sincerity. "We're still friends, Akame."
Akame nodded, pulling back with a small but genuine smile. "The Emperor is waiting. Come."
The three entered the grand throne room, where the young Emperor sat upon his throne with an air of regality far beyond his years. Akame bowed, and both Tatsumi and Leone followed suit.
The Emperor regarded them with a warm smile. "Welcome, Leone and Tatsumi. I have wanted to meet you both for some time now."
The two exchanged surprised glances. This was not the reception they had expected. Their eyes flickered to Akame, who seemed equally surprised.
The Emperor chuckled. "Akame has not told me anything about you two, but I already know of you."
Tatsumi and Leone's confusion deepened, but the Emperor continued before they could question him. "Tatsumi, if you are willing, I would like you to join the Imperial Army as Wave's vice-captain. And Leone, I would like you to serve in the police force."
The two were surprised by the offer, it came quick and out of nowhere.
The Emperor kept his smile as he continued. "Tatsumi, I already sent aid to your village weeks ago. It is safe, and the people are recovering. As for the slums, they are being rebuilt, and I believe you, Leone, would want to help and protect them."
Leone's expression was unreadable as she processed his words, but before she could respond, the Emperor's gaze locked onto hers. "However, if you accept, that means no drinking on duty, no causing trouble, and no tricking innocent men into buying you free drinks or stealing their money."
Leone's jaw dropped, and she immediately turned to Akame, as if accusing her of selling her out.
Akame blinked, clearly puzzled. "I… didn't say anything."
The Emperor laughed. "Akame is not the source of my knowledge. I have seen firsthand the kind of people you are and the sacrifices you have made."
A heavy silence followed his words, and then he spoke again, this time with solemn sincerity. "I saw your fates in another timeline. You fought bravely, but your story ended in tragedy. If not for my teacher, none of us would have had the chance to change that fate."
The emperor went on describing some of the things he saw and related to them, with every word they became more shocked, the emperor knew things no one should and that gave him credibility.
Budo remained impassive beside the throne, unsurprised by the revelation. He had already been informed beforehand, though he had expected the Emperor to reveal this knowledge in time. The Emperor had no intention of keeping this secret—he wanted everyone to know just how much had changed, and who they had to thank for it.
Akame, Tatsumi and Leone stood stunned beyond words, realizing just how much had shifted and how bad things could have been gone if not for Garou. What once was a grim end filled with tragedy and pain now carried the possibility of peace and prosperity. And for the first time, they felt thankful for Garou's presence.
______________________
Days later, the grand hall of the imperial palace was lively with chatter and laughter. The emperor had arranged a private gathering, inviting only those he considered close and trustworthy. Among the attendees were General Budo and the royal guards, the three ex-members of Night Raid—Leone, Tatsumi, and Akame—the former Jaegers, Garou, Bang, and all the children from the orphanage along with Himiko.
The party was not as extravagant as the lavish feasts thrown during Honest's reign, but it was grand enough to leave the orphaned children in awe. Their wide eyes darted across the decorated hall, marveling at the elegant chandeliers, the endless array of food, and the sheer warmth of an event held for them. They had never seen anything like it before.
As the celebration continued, the emperor took the chance to make an important announcement. He stood from his seat, gently tapping his goblet to gain everyone's attention. The room fell silent as all eyes turned toward him.
"I want to take this opportunity to extend my deepest gratitude to someone who has done more for this empire than anyone could have imagined," the emperor began, his voice carrying across the hall. "Garou, you have been my teacher, my guide, and the one who gave us all a chance to change our fates. Without you, this empire would have fallen into ruin."
Garou, who had been more focused on piling his plate with food than on the speech, paused mid-bite and raised an eyebrow at the young ruler.
"As a token of our appreciation," the emperor continued, "I hereby grant you the title of Imperial Tutor and bestow upon you the status of nobility."
The room erupted into applause, the children cheering the loudest. The ex-Night Raid members, the Jaegers, and the guards all clapped in unison, many smiling at the well-deserved recognition. However, Garou merely frowned at the announcement, looking unimpressed.
While the celebration carried on, Akame, Leone, and Tatsumi made their way to Garou, standing in front of him with a hint of hesitation. Akame was the first to speak.
"I wanted to apologize," she said solemnly. "I attacked you multiple times without understanding the truth. If not for you, I would still be lost, and Honest would still be here. Thank you, Garou."
Leone scratched the back of her head, grinning sheepishly. "Yeah, we kinda owe you a lot. Sorry for treating you like the bad guy and sorry for attacking you when you first came to our world."
Tatsumi nodded. "We really misjudged you. I just hope we can move forward now."
Garou waved his hand dismissively. "No need for all that. Just live your lives."
The trio exchanged glances, sensing that Garou wasn't one for sentimentality, but they still smiled, appreciating his words before walking away.
Shortly after, Bang approached Garou, his usual gentle but firm demeanor present. "You've become a hero in this world, Garou."
Garou scoffed. "I'm not a hero. And none of this was my intention"
Bang chuckled. "If everyone sees you as one, then like it or not, you are." He patted Garou's shoulder. "I'm proud of the choices you made and more so of you. I'm glad you are my disciple."
Garou froze for a moment, caught off guard by the praise. He glanced at Bang, then quickly looked away before mumbling, "Thanks, old man."
Bang smirked, but then his expression shifted into something more mischievous. "So, tell me, Garou… do you have someone you fancy?"
Garou blinked in surprise. "Where the hell did that come from?"
Bang shrugged. "I'm just curious. Esdeath, perhaps?"
Garou nearly choked on his food. "Tch. I have some respect for her, but that's it. If I had to date someone, I'd prefer a kind person."
Bang stared at him in disbelief before laughing heartily. "You? With a kind person? Garou, kindness and you don't exactly mix." He shook his head. "With your personality, I'd say only Esdeath would find you remotely attractive."
Garou scowled, but Bang continued, smirking. "At this rate, you might end up single for the rest of your life."
"I am only 18" Garou muttered before shoving another piece of food into his mouth while ignoring the old man's teasing. Meanwhile, the party carried on, the warmth of new bonds and the promise of a brighter future filling the air.