Night Raid's Toast: Celebrating Returns, Mysteries, and Unseen Journeys

A Resistance Fort in a Deep Forest: Night Time

The Jaegers were making their way towards a Resistance Fort in the woods for their first mission, while Yhwach, Esdeath, and Tatsumi observed from a distance.

Tatsumi: So uh, Why'd you bring us here?

He asked as Yhwach sat down next to Esdeath.

Esdeath: You're both part of the Jaeger reserves. I suggest you watch and learn for future reference, Tatsumi. But Yhwach, were gonna have to talk about your abilities and skills when we get back to base.

Yhwach: Alright.

Tatsumi: ( In thought ) I can't stay here. I have to get back to the base! This is.... the perfect chance to get away. 

He thought as he looked as Esdeath who wasn't paying attention to him.

He tried to move his hand away, but then he felt Esdeath's hand move on top of his. He looked over and saw her blushing.

Tatsumi: ( In thought ) Oh shit! Not anymore!

Yhwach: ( In thought ) It's challenging to witness the enemy assaulting one of our forts without intervening. Nevertheless, I must bide my time. In the interim, I'll closely observe and analyze each member of this team to comprehend their strengths and weaknesses. Wait... is that Seryu? I can't discern from here.

He thought as he saw the team walk up in front of the fort.

A bell went off as a group of guards walked in front of the Jaegers.

Guard: You're pretty stupid to attack us head-on!

He said as they pointed their weapons at them.

Seryu: Koro! Phase 5!

She said as she held out her metal arm on front of the little dog.

Guard: KILL THEM!!!

He said as they charged at her.

Seryu: Hehe, Judgement of the Ten Kings!! Devil King's Justice Lance!!

She said as she drilled through the guards like butter.

Seryu: Next!! Phase 7!!

Koro bit on her arm again and then a big gun was attached to her arm.

Seryu: CANNON OF JUSTICE!!!!

She exclaimed, firing a bullet that detonated the front gates.

Yhwach: ( In thought ) Her fixation on the term 'Justice' is remarkable. Perhaps an intense sense of dedication, or perhaps a touch of madness... ........maybe a combination of both.

Dr. Stylish: Hehehe. All those weapons are my fabulous designs. The Hands of God, 'Perfector', stylishly increases the wearers dexterity hundreds of times over! Oh, I am just living for this Teigu!

Meanwhile, Kurome was making her way through the guards from the inside of the fort. She cut the guards up into pieces, one by one. Blood and body parts flew up in the air as she put her sword away.

Kurome: After all the fighting, I'll get to play with all your body parts. Like precious little dolls.

She said as she walked away.

A guard was pointing a gun at Kurome from behind her, but Wave dropkicked him before he had the chance of firing.

Wave: You don't have to save me for saving your ass. We're a team you know?

He said while smirking at her.

Kurome: No, I knew he was there.

Meanwhile with Bols, he was using a flamethrower in the front of the fort. Burning the guards and setting the fort on fire.

Bols: The Flamethrower Teigu, 'Invitation to Purgatory Rubicante'! Nothing personal guys, ok?

He said as he set the fort on fire again.

Run was taking care of the guards in the back by throwing sharp metal feathers at them. He was floating in the air as he had wings on his back.

Guard: A-An Angel.

He said as he got hit in the head by a metal feather.

Run: Wing-Type Teigu, 'Soaring for Miles, Mastema'. I cannot allow any single one of you to live.

They continued to kill the guards and destroy the fort with their brute strength. Screams of suffering and death could be heard for miles, blood and guts were sprayed on the walls, and fire consumed everything that it touched as it burnt to ash.

A couple of minutes later, the team was seen walking through the massive flames that were inside what once was a Resistance Fort. They walked out with pride and self-esteem. Tatsumi watched in shock at how quickly they were able to get the job done.

Yhwach: Noteworthy. I must acknowledge, Esdeath, you've formed a team with considerable potential.

He said as he and Tatsumi stood up.

Esdeath: Indeed. And someday, you'll be able to do that too. I know that Yhwach here has potential, but I'm going to train you, Tatsumi.

She said as she stood up from the ground and sat on a nearby rock.

Yhwach turned and looked at her.

Yhwach: Not without my presence. I'll oversee Tatsumi's training. 

Esdeath: No, no you will not. You will be under training as well.

Yhwach: I appreciate it.

Yhwach: (In thought) Not that I require it.

Yhwach: But I will assist Tatsumi with his training. Nothing more.

Esdeath: Are you making demands, Yhwach? Remember, I am a General. While you're with us, our friendship means nothing. You will obey my orders and follow suit.

She stated firmly, glaring at Yhwach, but he remained unfazed.

Yhwach: Excuse me?

Enveloped in a dark and ominous aura, Yhwach advanced toward Esdeath. They confronted each other, and Tatsumi, though concerned, was not worried for his safety but for hers.

Yhwach: Allow me to clarify. I don't adhere to orders. I haven't in the past, and I won't in the future. No amount of force can sway my decisions. You can unleash everything against me, but I'll remain steadfast. Understand?

Esdeath was taken aback by Yhwach's unyielding stance. No one had ever defied her orders before, and the realization unsettled her. However, deep down, she sensed that refraining from giving orders to Yhwach might be the wisest choice. Yhwach, after all, was open to negotiation and compromises.

Esdeath: F-Fine. You can assist me with Tatsumi's training, b-but you will also be under training like everyone else. Deal?

She said, extending her hand for a shake, and Yhwach obliged.

Yhwach: Deal.

Tatsumi: W-Well, it's quite generous of you to do this for me, Esdeath.

He said as she was pulled out of her thoughts.

Esdeath: Well, to be honest, I haven't been myself lately. I started to experience... love. And well, it feels great.

She said as she put a hand on her heart.

Timeskip

Yhwach met most of the team when they returned, but Seryu and Kurome were nowhere to be seen. Wave seemed like the most sane person of the group, Dr. Stylish was the most disturbing, Bols was very kind and gentle, and Run was... okay. Obviously, Yhwach and Esdeath already knew each other.

After exchanging greetings, they decided to talk for a bit outside to catch up on things. The two went to the patio, sitting down on the porch. The night sky was bright, filled with beautiful stars.

Esdeath: I feel like I should apologize for my actions towards you today. I should have considered why you wanted to stay with Tatsumi for training. You seem to be great friends with him, and I should not hinder that friendship. So... I'm sorry.

Yhwach: No need for apologies, Esdeath.

Esdeath: I know. Like I said before, I haven't been myself lately.

Esdeath: I think we should head back inside. There's nothing more for us to talk about.

She said as she stood up from the porch.

Yhwach: Agreed.

He said as he stood up himself.

The two went back inside and escorted themselves to their rooms.

Small Time Skip - Morning

Yhwach sat at the dining table across from a girl with black hair and black eyes. She was currently eating cookies from her cookie jar. Wave stood next to a window across from them.

Yhwach: Are you Kurome?

She nodded.

Kurome: Yeah, that's me. You must be the new guy Esdeath brought in.

Yhwach: My name is Yhwach. Pleasure to meet you, Kurome.

Kurome glanced at him, her expression indifferent, but Yhwach could sense an air of reserved curiosity about him.

The door opened, revealing Tatsumi, who seemed very tired. He had heavy bags under his eyes, and his walking was lazy and uncoordinated.

Yhwach: Rough night, Tatsumi?

Wave: Are you okay?

Tatsumi: Does it look like it?

Tatsumi: I couldn't sleep last night. I was so nervous I stayed up until the sun came up. She said she wouldn't do anything, but when I woke up 7 hours ago, she was spooning me.

Wave: I'm sorry, man. Do you want some coffee? I'll make it. And how would you like it?

Wave asked as he made his way towards the kitchen.

Tatsumi: Yes, please. Make it with sugar and lots of cream, and I mean LOTS of cream.

He said as he sat down at the table and laid his head down.

Wave started the coffee machine and poured some ground coffee inside. While the coffee was being poured into the kettle, Wave grabbed a cup from the cabinet that said, 'I hate Mondays'. When he finished his coffee, he poured it into the mug. He then added a modest amount of sugar and plenty of cream to it. Wave stirred it up a little bit and made his way back to Tatsumi.

Kurome: Stay away from my cookies.

She said as she grabbed her jar of cookies and pulled them towards her.

Tatsumi: Gah!

Kurome: Got a problem?

Wave: What's going on? ...Did you do something pervy, Tatsumi?

Wave said as he gave him his coffee.

Tatsumi: WHA- NO!!

Kurome: He was looking at my cookies!

Yhwach: (In thought) It's hard to overlook the striking resemblance between Kurome and Akame. Their attitudes align too—both fiercely protective of their food, share a serious demeanor, and maintain an unusual calmness around me.

Tatsumi: Hey, umm. I don't mean to be offensive or anything, but you look just like that Akame girl that's on the wanted posters.

Wave: Yeah, I was thinking the same thing.

Kurome: Well, yeah. I'm related to that goody-two-shoes.

Kurome: But now, she's a traitor to the empire. I do hope I run into her again soon. You know why? So I can be reunited with my dear sister... and kill her with my bare hands.

She said as her hair was covering her eyes.

Everyone was silent for a moment, taking in what she just said. The door opened again, revealing Seryu and Koro.

Seryu: Good morning, everyone! I'm sorry we didn't meet properly yesterday newcomers! But I hope we get alo-!

She stopped talking when she looked at Yhwach.

Seryu's cheerful greeting turned into a seething glare as her eyes locked onto Yhwach. The memories of their previous encounter flooded back, and her expression twisted into a mixture of anger and resentment.

Seryu: (through gritted teeth) You... I remember you! You were the one who interfered with Koro's meal, weren't you?

Her fists clenched, and she took an aggressive step forward, glaring daggers at Yhwach.

Before she could make a move, Yhwach stood up calmly, his gaze unwavering.

Yhwach: Stand down, Seryu.

Seryu's rage intensified, and she charged at Yhwach, activating her metal arms in an attempt to strangle him. The air around them crackled with tension as the other members of the Jaegers watched the confrontation unfold.

Yhwach, seemingly unfazed, calmly caught both of Seryu's metal hands with one of his own, effortlessly overpowering her. Seryu struggled against his grip, but Yhwach's strength was overwhelming.

Yhwach: I have no interest in fighting you, Seryu. Stand down before you get hurt.

Seryu's face turned red with frustration, but she was immobilized by Yhwach's superior strength. The room fell silent as the other members of the Jaegers watched the tense standoff.

Esdeath, having entered the room, sensing the rising tension, stepped forward.

Esdeath: Seryu, stand down. We are a team now, and we don't need internal conflicts. Save your energy for our enemies.

Reluctantly, Seryu released her grip, and Yhwach let go of her hands. The tension in the room eased, and Seryu, still seething, stepped back.

Seryu: This isn't over. I'll make you pay for what you did to Koro.

Yhwach: We'll see.

Esdeath, maintaining her authoritative presence, addressed the team.

Esdeath: Enough of this. We have a mission to focus on. Seryu, control your emotions. Yhwach, remember your place within this team.

The Jaegers, though still tense, shifted their attention back to the upcoming mission.

Esdeath: Tatsumi, we're off to Fake Mount. We'll spend the next few days hunting.

She said as she walked towards the table.

Tatsumi: Where's Fake Mount?

Esdeath: You've never been there? It's in the range on the outskirts of the Capital.

Esdeath: And you four are going to be joining us. We're hunting Danger Beasts as well as bandits.

Seryu: Yes ma'am!

Wave: Roger that.

Kurome: Cool.

Esdeath: Kurome and I will take the East throughout the day. Wave and Tatsumi will be in charge of the West. Yhwach and Seryu, you both will take the North. We'll exchange partners at night, so Tatsumi will be with me.

Tatsumi: EEHH!!!

Esdeath: We'll leave in about 10 minutes, so get ready ASAP.

After she said what she had to say, Yhwach went into his room.

Yhwach's door suddenly opened to reveal Tatsumi carrying a bag over his shoulder.

Tatsumi: Packed and ready. How about you?

Yhwach: Just about.

Tatsumi: Good, cause I've got a plan for us to get outa here.

Yhwach: What kind of plan are you talking about?

Tatsumi: We'll be in the country, right. Well, what we can do is try to find a bunch of Danger Beasts to fight. And while we're fighting them, we can run for the base while our partner isn't looking. What do you think?

Yhwach: I must acknowledge, Tatsumi, that is indeed a solid plan.

Tatsumi grinned, pleased with Yhwach's approval.

Tatsumi: Great! So, we'll stick to the plan. Let's not waste any more time.

Timeskip Location: Fake Mount

When they arrived at Fake Mount, they set up camp near a waterfall and went their separate ways. Esdeath and Kurome went to the East, Tatsumi and Wave went to the West, and Yhwach and Seryu went to the North. Tatsumi led the way with Wave following.

Wave: I didn't want to say this in front of the team, but you've got it pretty rough, don't you? Let me know if you ever need to vent.

Tatsumi: Uh, thanks a lot. But I'll be okay; I mean, I was already used to being treated like that anyway.

Wave: Yeah. Trust me, I understand that. I just get this weird feeling you and I are pretty similar, don't you?

Tatsumi: Similar? What do the two of us have in common?

Wave: Huh? I'm not sure how to explain it. It's like we deal with the same problems, or at least, we're going to deal with the same problems.

He said, his head hung low, contemplating some of his team members.

Tatsumi: Oh my god, yeah. I totally get it. We're practically like brothers; you and I are exactly the same.

He said, thinking about some of his team members.

Wave: Well, let's work together! We can share each other's pain and- Uh? Tatsumi?

He grew confused when Tatsumi turned around, unsheathing his blade and dashing at Wave.

Tatsumi: Look out!

He exclaimed as he cut a tree monster in half.

Wave: Woah! Thanks for that!

He said, turning around and seeing more tree monsters.

Tatsumi: No big deal.

Tatsumi: (In thought) I just saved his life without even thinking about it! But I should probably get out of here while I still have a chance.

He thought as Wave grabbed his weapon.

Wave: They keep on popping up out of nowhere! And they don't look edible like the ones on the coast!

He said as the tree monsters started surrounding them.

Tatsumi: (In thought) Tree monsters on the coast are edible?!?!

Wave: You ready? Let's wipe these suckers out!

Tatsumi: Heh, let's.

He said as they both charged at the horde of monsters.

After a few minutes of fighting and cutting, all the monsters were chopped up and laid on the ground.

Wave: Phew, that wasn't so bad, was it? You finished up over there, Tatsumi?

He looked over to his left, and Tatsumi was nowhere to be seen.

Meanwhile, Tatsumi was inside of Incursio, making a run for it.

Tatsumi: (In thought) Teigu users probably don't expect people to get away from them. But since I have one too, that doesn't really apply to me. This is my last chance to get Yhwach to come with me back to base.

Back with Wave, he was currently walking around looking for Tatsumi.

Wave: Tatsumi? Where are you?

Wave: (In thought) Ah! Did he make a break for it?! NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!'

He said as he thought of what Esdeath could possibly do to him.

Wave: Damn it, damn it, DAMN IT!!!!! I know how you must feel, but I can't let you get away!! I'm too young to die!!

He looked at his blade.

Wave: ....I guess it's time.

He then struck the ground with his weapon, and a bright light consumed him as water surrounded him.

Wave: GRAND CHARIOT!!!

Tatsumi: Maybe this is far enough. He wouldn't chase me all the way here, right? Now I can look for Yhwach and get outta here-

He was interrupted as he saw someone with armor trying to kick his head from above. He dodged to the right and looked at the man who attacked him. He was wearing blue armor that looked a lot like Incursio, just newer.

Wave: Well, would you look at that? I can't believe what I'm seeing right now. That's Incursio, isn't it? It's the prototype for MY armor! And most importantly, if you have Incursio, that must mean that you're a member of Night Raid!

He said as he walked through the cloud of smoke.

Wave: (In thought) Change of plans. Killing a member of Night Raid is way more important than finding Tatsumi! And though my model is newer and more advanced, I should be cautious anyway.

Tatsumi: (In thought) Is that Wave in there? Or someone else? .....Either way, I'm screwed if Esdeath shows up! I gotta get outta here! With Yhwach or not!

He thought to himself as he jumped in the air, trying to get away from Wave.

Wave knew what he was trying to do, so he jumped in front of Tatsumi to prevent him from leaving.

Wave: You're not getting away! Now man up and fight!

Wave charged at Tatsumi with an overhead kick to which Tatsumi dodged. Wave kept on attacking Tatsumi as he kept on dodging.

Tatsumi: Stop it! I don't have a reason to fight you!

Wave: Yeah, maybe you don't. But I sure as hell do!

He said as he finally got a hit on Tatsumi, sending him into a rock wall.

He then punched Tatsumi hard in the chest, causing him to cough up a bit of blood and for his armor to crack quite a bit.

Wave: You're Night Raid trash! I read the file on you guys. You assassinate people at random. You threaten the safety of the Imperial Capital. And worst of all, you're working with the Revolutionary Army! Criminals like you shouldn't be allowed to live!

Tatsumi: S-Shut up!

He said as he was trying to stand.

Tatsumi: It may be true that we're assassins. But I am not. WE are not! WE ARE NOT THE BAD GUYS HERE!!!

Tatsumi's aura quickly started to grow, causing Wave to worry a bit. But the aura dissipated when Tatsumi remembered what Yhwach told him.

(Flashback)

Yhwach: ...Remember this, it takes more than passion to survive. Utilizing your emotions is commendable, but be wary—those very emotions can lead you astray. They have the power to strip away your humanity, transforming you into something unrecognizable.

(End of Flashback)

Tatsumi: That's right, I can't let my emotions take control of me. I have to get out of here while I have the chance.

He tried to escape again. But this time, he didn't notice that Wave was above him, ready to strike. He looked up and saw Wave ready to kick him. He tried to block it, but he was sent to the ground. His armor was now heavily damaged, and he couldn't move.

Wave: I don't know what you mean by, "We're not the bad guys." But I won't let you live to see the day of when the Revolution falls down on the road to hell!!

Yhwach: I strongly disagree.

Wave: Huh?

Wave then got pulled away from Tatsumi by Yhwach.

Yhwach appeared in an instant, grabbing Wave by the collar and slamming him into the ground with incredible force. The impact sent shockwaves through the area, creating a small crater where Wave landed. Knocked out cold.

Tatsumi: Yhwach. Ho- BEHIND YOU!!

Yhwach quickly turned around and saw a Danger Beast charging at him at full speed. Before Yhwach could do anything, the Danger Beast was cut in half by A certain black haired girl's katana.

Tatsumi: A-Akame?

Akame: Glad to see you're both fine.

Tatsumi: Sorry. It's the second time you two came to save me.

Yhwach was about to reply, but Akame karate chopped Tatsumi's head.

Akame: I'll alway come to save you. After all, we're comrades.

Yhwach: I suppose I owe you my thanks for saving me, Akame.

Akame: Don't mention it. We're all on the same side.

She then glanced at the unconscious Wave on the ground.

Akame: What happened to him?

Tatsumi: He's a member of the Jaegers. His name is Wave. We were fighting, but then... I guess you could say we were interrupted.

Yhwach: A timely intervention, to be precise.

Akame observed Wave for a moment and then turned her attention back to Tatsumi and Yhwach.

Akame: What's wrong?

Tatsumi: I'm so glad to see your face again.

Akame: ...Welcome back, Tatsumi. Yhwach.

Tatsumi: Yeah, we're back.

They were about to touch their hands when...

Lubbock: Bam!

Lubbock came out of nowhere grabbing their hands and running away.

Yhwach wasted no time and immediately started following Lubbock, who was dragging Tatsumi and Akame along.

We ran for a while until we finally were away from the mountain. We stopped and began walking normally.

Tatsumi: Thank you for coming, Lubbock.

Lubbock: Yeah, well, it was my fault since I suggested you to enter in the tournament. And without you, Yhwach, Bulat and I would have been the only males.

Akame: So you were worried for him.

He stumbled a bit.

Lubbock: W-Who said I was worried? I knew he was ok. I just wanted to, you know, do something.

With that said, we went back to the base.

Meanwhile at the Jaegers base

Wave was being punished for letting Tatsumi run away.

Wave: Uh, I don't know what else to say except that I'm very sorry for what happened, okay?! General Esdeath, I humbly beg for your forgiveness!

He said as he was surrounded by a pool of water while sitting on a chair as weights were placed on his legs.

Esdeath: Tatsumi got away because you weren't paying attention. What I cannot overlook, is that you let a member of Night Raid slip through your fingers. Kurome, more weight.

Kurome obliged and grabbed another heavy stone and placed it on the stack of other heavy stones on his legs.

Wave: AAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!

Esdeath: Oh my dear Wave. Your technique is impeccable, but it's worthless if you don't use your head. Please try to correct this.

Wave: It wasn't my fault that Night Raid scum got away!! I had him until his teammate came by his side and knocked me out.

That got Esdeath's attention.

Esdeath: Teammate? Explain.

Wave: Yeah, another Night Raid member showed up and saved Tatsumi. He had this black cape and a sword. I couldn't do anything.

Esdeath's eyes narrowed as she processed the information.

Esdeath: Black cape and a sword... Yhwach. He's with them.

Wave: Yhwach? Yeah, that sounds right. H-He's very powerful. 

Esdeath stood up, a cold and determined expression on her face.

Esdeath: We need to be cautious. Yhwach is a formidable opponent. We'll deal with Night Raid systematically. Wave, continue your punishment, and use this time to reflect on how you can improve.

Wave: Yes, General.

Esdeath turned to leave the room, her mind focused on the new threat that Yhwach presented.

Meanwhile, back at Night Raid's hideout, Tatsumi, Akame, Yhwach, and Lubbock returned.

Tatsumi: And that's all I know.

Mine: That's not very useful. You don't even know what their weaknesses are. You only told us what their Teigus do. You didn't even give us the names of them.

Leone: I agree, that's not very useful Tatsumi. It's pretty obvious that they had Teigus.

Bulat: I'm kinda disappointed in you, Tatsumi. You should have known better.

 Sheele: Oh well, at least you tried Tatsumi.

Tatsumi: Thank you, Sheele. I appreciate it.

He said as his voice was breaking up from sadness.

Akame: I still can't believe that Kurome is one of them.

Tatsumi: But when you left the Empire, why didn't you bring your sister too?

Akame: I asked her to come with me, but she decided to stay behind. So from Kurome's perspective, I'm just another traitor who ran from the Empire.

Mine: So? How strong are they on their own?

Tatsumi: Well, if we're talking one-on-one, I don't think any of the Jaegers are tougher than we are. We're pretty much evenly matched. It's just Esdeath that is our main problem. I've never faced anyone nearly as powerful as her. I don't think any of us can defeat her.

Akame: Esdeath may have amazing power, but there is someone that we have that stands a great chance against her. Yhwach! He made Captain Ogre tremble before his feet when he started here, he resisted against Zanku's Imperial Arms when he used 'Illusionary Sight', he even took out The Three Beasts on his own!! He's the final piece of the puzzle for the Revolution!!

Yhwach took a sip of his coffee, seemingly unfazed by the attention he was receiving.

Tatsumi: Akame's right. Yhwach is incredibly powerful. We should consider ourselves fortunate to have him on our side.

Leone: Well, well, looks like we've got ourselves quite the powerhouse. I'm curious, Yhwach, do you have any particular Teigu or unique abilities?

Yhwach: Teigu, you say? I'm afraid I don't rely on such tools.

Leone: Wait, you don't have a Teigu? Then how are you so powerful?

Yhwach: Let's just say I have my own set of skills and abilities. Teigus are not the only source of strength in this world.

Mine: You're being quite mysterious about it. What kind of abilities are we talking about?

Yhwach: Some things are better left unknown for now. Let's just say that my strengths lie beyond the scope of conventional weapons.

Lubbock: Yhwach, are you like some kind of secret weapon? Why didn't you tell us about your abilities earlier?

Yhwach: I have my reasons. 

Leone: And now that the reunion is over, let's celebrate Yhwach and Tatsumi's return!

The Night Raid members gathered in the hideout, celebrating the return of Tatsumi and Yhwach. The atmosphere was a mix of relief and joy, as they toasted to the success of their recent mission.

Mine: (raising her glass) To Tatsumi and Yhwach! Welcome back, guys!

The others joined in, clinking their glasses together.

Tatsumi: Thanks, everyone. It feels good to be back with you all.

Leone: Yeah, yeah. You better not disappear on us again, Tatsumi.

Tatsumi: I'll do my best, Leone.

Yhwach stepped outside the hideout, the night air cool and refreshing. The moon hung high in the sky, casting a soft glow over the surroundings. As he looked up at the Moon, his thoughts wandered, and he found himself pondering the absence of Aizen.

Yhwach: (In thought) Aizen, my friend, where have you ventured off to? your presence is sorely missed.

The Night Raid members, having celebrated a bit too enthusiastically, were now scattered across the hideout, each one succumbing to the effects of the alcohol. Laughter and snores filled the air within the hideout, creating a contrast to the serene atmosphere outside.

Yhwach continued to stand alone, his eyes fixed on the moon.

Yhwach: (In thought) Where could he be, and what game is he playing?

In a Different Universe - Demon Slayer

Aizen Pov

Aizen stood on the outskirts of the battlefield, watching the intense clash between the Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku, and the powerful Demon, Akaza. The moonlit night provided an ethereal backdrop to the fierce confrontation.

Aizen: (In thought) Yhwach, my old companion, your absence is felt even in this realm. where have your travels taken you?

As he pondered, Aizen's attention shifted to Tanjiro, the young Demon Slayer with fierce determination in his eyes. Aizen found himself intrigued by the boy's resilience and the untapped potential within him.

Aizen: (In thought) Tanjiro Kamado, a mere human with the spirit of a warrior. There is a strength within him that goes beyond the ordinary. Fascinating.

The battle between Rengoku and Akaza unfolded with relentless intensity. 

???: I remember you told me that Yhwach died from a Walker bite is that right?

Aizen, maintaining his composed demeanor, nodded in acknowledgment.

Aizen: Yes, that is correct. Yhwach's demise was an unexpected twist A Walker's bite proved to be his undoing in a world teeming with the undead.

???'s smirk deepened as he looked at Aizen, his eyes glinting with amusement.

???: (Chuckling) A Walker bite, Aizen? Really? I always thought Yhwach would meet a more dignified end.

Aizen, unfazed by ???'s mocking tone, replied with a subtle yet confident smile.

Aizen: The unexpected often befalls even the mightiest. In that particular world, the undead played an unforeseen role in sealing Yhwach's fate.

???: (Smirking) Fate can be a peculiar thing, can't it? But I suspect there's more to the story.

Aizen: (Maintaining his calm demeanor) Indeed, there is. Yhwach's journey has taken him far beyond the boundaries of that apocalyptic realm.

???'s interest was piqued, and he leaned in, eager to hear more.

???: (With a sly grin) Do tell, Aizen. What other twists and turns has our dear Yhwach encountered.

Aizen: (Smirking back) Perhaps another time, ???. Some tales are best savored slowly, don't you think?

??? chuckled, acknowledging Aizen's cryptic response.