Chapter 291: Recruitment
Ryosuke wasn't surprised by the situation. In fact, he had expected it.
Starting an uprising was never easy.
In every world he knew, including the histories he had studied, peasant revolts often ended in tragedy. The reasons were always the same: poor management, internal discord, and lack of discipline.
He who slays dragons will eventually become one.
People's empathy was shallow. Especially those from poverty who suddenly gained power—they rarely shared their "hard-earned" wealth with others. Their logic was simple:
"I risked my life for this. If I'm caught, I die. Why should I share it?"
From an individual standpoint, that reasoning made sense.
But from a rebellion's perspective? It was self-defeating.
If you can't live by your own slogans and values, how can you lead others or rebuild a nation?
"Mob."
Ryosuke's voice was calm, but heavy with disdain.
Even if these rebels managed to storm the imperial capital, with such disorder, they would never build a lasting country.
At the very least... the opportunists colluding with corrupt ministers must be purged.
"Yes, they are indeed a mob," Hizashi agreed from the other end of the line. "But within that mob are capable people."
"Most of them were once civil and military officials who, oppressed by the ministers' faction, had no choice but to flee into banditry. The Patriarch intends to recruit those who still have value."
Ryosuke had no objections. "How do you plan to do it?"
Among the rebels, people like Najenda and the others who tried to rescue him in the imperial capital were prime candidates. Talented in close and long-range combat, reconnaissance, and support, they had clear convictions and purpose.
If they could be recruited, they would become a formidable unit within Hyuga.
"We plan to expose the opportunists hiding among the rebels," Hizashi said. "Those who joined out of genuine desire to save the country may waver when they see the rot. That's when we recruit them."
"Fine," Ryosuke replied. "But don't do it in secret."
"Call out the corruption in the rebel army openly. If you recruit them through tricks and manipulation, and they find out later, they'll turn on us. Talent is important, but it isn't exclusive to them."
"We Hyuga must have pride. This aligns with what I said earlier about clearly defining ranks and merit."
"All we need to do is offer them a choice. If they accept, we give them a position to prove themselves and earn the people's trust through action. If not, we let them go. We can cultivate our own talents."
Akame, Leone—they were children of destiny in this world, blessed with incredible potential.
But even if Ryosuke couldn't see their fate, he knew the value of Night Raid. They were rare gems in the resistance.
Still, not rare enough to warrant Hyuga kneeling three times.
An invitation was more than enough.
This wasn't arrogance. It was necessity.
Hyuga must enforce a strict class hierarchy.
One: to build a sense of collective pride.
Two: to ensure advancement was based on merit.
There were many talented people in the world, but not all could be given high positions.
If every newcomer received power, the loyal but less capable would grow resentful. And resentment breeds unrest.
Even if the system favored the capable, it needed structure. Strict rules silenced dissent.
Incompetents could complain all they wanted, but rules left them no excuse.
The moment Hizashi hung up, he began compiling Ryosuke's points and called a meeting with top military leaders to prepare next month's report to the clan.
---
Time passed quickly when there was work to be done.
Three months later—
Across the empire, Hyuga's forces began exposing rebel factions one by one.
But not to dominate or absorb them.
Rather, to publicly condemn them.
These rebels, who once cried of justice and revolution, were found oppressing the people in the same way as the Empire.
Crimes surfaced.
Witnesses spoke.
And the truth turned allies into enemies.
---
Bang!
In Night Raid's temporary headquarters near the imperial capital—
Leone slammed a stack of newspapers onto the table.
She glared at Najenda, seated silently at the head.
"How could they?! We're fighting at the front, and they're stabbing us in the back?"
"Every one of them's a greedy bastard! Trash!"
"Boss, what now? Do we keep our operation in the capital going?"
She had never hesitated when it came to killing nobles, robbing merchants, or even burying her comrades.
But now? Looking at the printed black-and-white proof of betrayal?
She couldn't stop the storm raging inside her.
It felt like all her efforts had meant nothing. Like everything she fought for had rotted in silence.
A new batch of termites. That was all.
Brand leaned against the wall, arms crossed.
His voice was quiet.
"No wonder they looked at me funny this morning. When I went to get supplies from the food depot, nobody spoke. They just threw the bags at me like I was garbage."
Brand folded his arms across his chest and leaned against the wall, not knowing what to say.
They were responsible for frontline missions during night raids, and supplies like food, weapons, and other essentials were usually delivered by others.
These suppliers were often poor citizens oppressed by the Empire—people rescued by the rebels who secretly stockpiled goods to support the uprising.
In the past, whenever Brand went to collect supplies, he would always receive warm encouragement and support. Sometimes, they'd even invite him to stay for a meal. But now…
The atmosphere in the room grew quiet. No one said a word.
Even Najenda, who had always been the group's backbone and could handle anything with calm resolve, didn't know which path to take.
Should they ignore the newspaper's report and continue with the so-called decapitation operation to aid the suffering near the capital? Or… pack up and leave?
Should they keep following the rebels they once trusted, only to become the big tree that shelters new termites?
Boom boom boom.
Suddenly, someone knocked on the door.
Almost instinctively, everyone reached for their weapons. Figures rushed out of the room and surrounded the door, eyes locked on the handle.
This was the Night Raid headquarters. Only those directly involved knew its location. Even the resistance army didn't know about it.
"Maybe... a hunter who wandered up the mountain?" Lubbock murmured, tugging the thread wrapped around his fingers.
No one responded. At a time like this—after everything that had happened in the Empire—no one dared to make assumptions about who was knocking.
"I'll open the door."
Just as the group stood tense with weapons ready, a calm, emotionless voice cut through the silence.
Akame stepped forward, holding Murasame in her hand. Her attitude stood in stark contrast to the others.
"Wait…"
Najenda tried to stop her.
"There's killing intent."
But Akame had already opened the door—and swung her blade.
Clang—
A sharp sound of clashing metal rang out.
Akame's bright eyes locked onto a brown-haired boy, about her height, who stood outside and had raised his blade in time to block her strike.
"Are you Akame?"
The boy asked calmly.
"Yes."
Akame replied tersely but didn't lower her blade.
"Stand down, Akame," Najenda said, stepping forward. Through the narrow gap between the two fighters, she caught a glimpse of the figures outside.
There were only three of them.
They looked strong—but not like enemies.
Though Akame was a cold and silent type, she obeyed Najenda. After casting a brief glance at the man and woman behind the boy, she slowly withdrew and returned to the Night Raid group.
"Your Excellency?"
Najenda now addressed the boy, who had also sheathed his weapon.
"I'm from the Hyuga Reserve Force. Captain of the Third Detachment. Tatsumi."
The brown-haired boy introduced himself plainly. "These two are my companions—leyasu and Sayo."
"You're with Hyuga?"
Najenda narrowed her eyes, surprised. So the Hyuga knew the Night Raid's whereabouts this well… and judging by his words, they knew their members too.
"No, no, no. My contributions aren't enough to become an official member of the Hyuga clan. We're just reserve personnel," Tatsumi replied, shaking his head. "I'm only here because I was ordered to deliver a message."
He scanned the room, eyes finally settling on Najenda.
"Everyone here may call themselves part of a killer organization, but Hyuga knows the truth—you're heroes. Heroes who resist the Empire's corruption and fight for a better future."
His tone turned serious.
"But unfortunately, it seems you've placed your trust in the wrong people. The resistance army you've joined is unreliable—fractured by internal strife and causing more harm than good. I believe you're already aware of that."
Mine clenched her fists, glaring at him. "Weren't all those things exposed by your Hyuga people?"
"I'll say it again—I'm not a member of Hyuga," Tatsumi said firmly, his gaze locked on hers. It was clearly something he took seriously.
Then he continued, "Yes, it was Hyuga who exposed everything. But the information she revealed is all true. Nothing was fabricated."
"A country only needs one rebellion," he added, voice cold. "And the so-called 'resistance' you joined isn't one anymore. Maybe it was, once. But now, it's become a beast more dangerous than the Empire itself."
"We've seen that firsthand."
Najenda didn't flinch. She looked him in the eye. "Then tell me… what's your real purpose here?"
Tatsumi didn't hesitate. "Hyuga wants to recruit all of you into the clan."
Najenda: "…"
The room fell silent again.
Tatsumi spoke once more. "Message delivered. I should get going now. I still have my mission."
He turned, ready to leave.
"Wait!"
Najenda stepped forward, confused. "You're telling me Hyuga wants to recruit us? That's it? No follow-up?"
Her tone wasn't just puzzled—it was a little incredulous. And the other Night Raid members were equally stunned.
Tatsumi stopped and nodded. "That's all. I was ordered to deliver a message during my mission. Nothing more."
Silence settled once again.
Everyone turned toward Najenda, waiting.
She hesitated, then asked, "Then… what about after? How will we be placed? What missions will we be assigned? What positions or treatment will we get after the uprising succeeds…?"
Her words caught the team off guard.
They didn't expect their leader to entertain the idea so quickly.
That kind of question… basically meant she'd already made up her mind.
"The Hyuga officers handling the transition didn't say," Tatsumi replied. "But from what I know, you'll probably be assigned to military camps—as reserve troops, like me."
"Reserves? That's just low-level grunts! You—" Leone began to protest but was cut off by Najenda raising her hand.
She looked straight at Tatsumi.
"Captain of the Reserve Army, let me ask—do other Imperial defectors who joined the uprising also start as reserves? What about you? How long have you been one?"
"Everyone starts the same. Hyuga's selection system is strict," Tatsumi nodded. "Only the capable get promoted. Those who talk a big game but can't back it up have no chance of moving up."
"But… judging by how fast you reacted earlier," he added, "You're clearly not just talk. I've been in the uprising for a year, and you're the first group ever to be personally invited by Hyuga. Maybe… you won't have to start at the bottom."
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