Chapter 24: Shocking Start!

~Tatsumi POV~

While I made it to the shopping district, I managed to find my way to the black market I made sure to use a mask and cover my hood to hide my appearance as I was viewing everything that may catch my eye.

I don't need people snooping around looking for my identity if I were to bring attention to myself that's the last thing I need.

But searching through the black market does have its upsides of having everything that a person needs that are too dirty or very rare items that are hard to find but for a crazy expensive price on it.

Still though if I need to find something then I would need to check the black channels to find what I need is some information. The information will help me out find out finally where exactly I am in the story of the anime or manga.

As I was walking around the place, I saw people of shady characters move around in the shadows or other people minding their own business.

Locating the bar inside I go inside to see the bar is filled with dangerous characters as I can smell the blood in the air and some on people. Have to thank the bodily control to heighten my senses.

Walking over to the bar mistress of the establishment the Barmaid I went along as she looked at me with no concern as she spoke, "What can I do ya for kid? You lost your way or something?"

Grabbing the gold coins I got from the merchant guild the Barmaid tune changed to a kind tone as she asked me directly what I wanted, "Oh? Big spender ain't ya? So, what exactly do you want from this part of the woods sir?"

Placing down a total of five of them on the table hoping they are enough since this is my first time in this kind of place. I asked basically for what I wanted from the very beginning her, "Can you tell me about any new information about what's happening in the Empire or what's happening about the other Regions?"

That gave me her expression of confusion as she took the coins as she takes a cigarette as she began to speak to me in a tired tone, "Sigh… well I'm not sure what you use this info, but payment is payment. So, listen here brat I'll explain this to you as simply as possible of what's happening around the Empire and I ain't repeating it twice."

With that, she began to tell me in detail about what's happening around the Empire and anything relevant about it as I paid more coins for her info. I'll pay it just to know more about what's going on around my world and compare it to my knowledge.

The northern region is has their prince still in charge so that means Esdeath hasn't defeated the Northern Region yet so that means the plot hasn't started yet, but I still listened to know more.

Then there was the Southern Region as they are facing the war currently against the Central Region of the Empire. That is something new.

The reason why the Empire declared war on them was basically to acquire more land for their resources but to also obtain more profitable uses of the people as slaves. Great I keep on forgetting that slaves are a thing here in the Empire.

But ignoring that it's been said that soldiers from Central are having difficulty adapting to the new terrains and diseases in the area and the ambushes during the night. That sounds accurate enough to my knowledge as the string guy mentions it to Tatsumi at a point from the anime so that's accurate enough.

However, that also means that Night Raid hasn't been formed yet if that's the case then that means I'm still in the prequel of Akame ga Kill… I'm in the Akame ga Kill Zero if that is the case that is good to know.

From what the Barmaid explained it seems like they haven't sent in their Generals to take care of the Southern Region inhabitants yet and are saying the person in charge leading the campaign is their General Liver.

Wasn't Liver someone who will follow Esdeath's Army in the future but if that's the case then that means I'm far at the starting point of Akame ga Kill and closer to Akame ga Kill Zero than I originally thought?

There were also some ridiculous titles being thrown around as General Liver subordinate nicknamed for his participating in the Southern War the 100 Man-Slayer Bulat himself. But what catches my full attention was that there was mention of him possessing a Teigu.

Fucking Bulat already has currently is the Teigu Demon Armor: Incursio.

Oh, this certainly made my day worth it coming to the black market to get this part of the information.

But first I have to see how bad the war is to see if there is any worth of going there personally to get that [Incursio]. That guy doesn't know how dangerous powerful that monster the Tyrant is. I want to have its abilities and make my own no matter what as I'll show that beast whose boss.

That was when I was reminded of the Tyrant of it being able to try to consume my being and that I don't have Murasame on hand to deal with it.

Tch.

Reality is disappointing at times when I have to be reminded of how far that goal of mine is at times.

The only person I know who has Murasame is the leader of the Elite Seven and that fucker has the experience I lack to match him. I have the power sure but that fucking Teigu stops my [Aura] in its tracks as I can't defend its soul-killing effect if it lands on me just once.

Sigh…

No use arguing on what if's I'll just go ahead and take [Incursio] from Bulat during the war as I know I can at least put up a fight against that guy. But his armor using my Teigu is going to be a real big issue.

I can't destroy the damn thing but frankly with my [Armament Haki], [Aura], and the [Hasshoken] I can bypass normal defenses and go for the internal damage. At least I would have the chance of fighting back.

The Western Region had nothing going on except for its issues of racial problems of their half-bloods happening. But otherwise, there were no signs to improve but from what the Barmaid explained that there may be Revolutionary actions that may take the act.

As for the info regarding the Central Region, the Barmaid refused to speak anything about it. From the expression of worry, she might want to not take a risk disclosing some info other than the usual bad place and demons in the form of human skin.

Ok, their lady I already know about that stuff no need for me to lecture how shitty that place is.

After that, she then explained to me the Imperial Navy always patrolling the coast of the Empire to defend itself from pirates or other national foreign forces that go by sea. I can understand that since they are always surrounded by enemies.

Maybe I can get the chance to see Wave before he joins the Central Region of the Empire to see if he has anything valuable like his Teigu if not then why bother.

Then there was news going around that certainly caught my attention again happening inside the Eastern Region as the Barmaid spoke, "While that's happening inside those regions kid there has been quite a small issue that recently happens. There was news of a buffoon dressed like a clown going around spouting some crap. But from what the grapevines have said it said that he possesses an Orb Type Teigu. Some kind of serial killer entertainer."

Orb-Type Teigu?

Wait a second there is only one character that fits that description as I thought very hatefully inside my head as only one bastard deserves my full training torture method.

Champ that fucking pedophile rotten perverted bastard!

Oh!

I know what to do next in Easter Region before I go over to the others as I have to make sure I take the head of that fat bastard!

The serial entertainment killer was also elusive around the Easter Region and just as his Teigu was unpredictable to fight against. No shit it is unless you already know what to look out for that is.

That was all the info that the Barmaid had for me as it helped me out what I need to do next and to collect a few things to do. With that, I gave her an extra tip of silver coins for the info and she asked to come again for more info business.

At least though I have a general idea of what to do next at least.

…

…

Taking my time to look around the black market I took the chance to see if there were any items worth my time. The items I did see were useful as well as some weapons to use could make the difference.

Considering that I'm planning to take [Incursio] from Bulat I think it's time I do some Spearmanship training to get a better handle with the spear. But my main go-to is still my swords and fist.

As I was walking around the area, I happen to see a merchant in the market on the ground with a blanket selling his items as I caught my eyes on them.

Oh, now that one is certainly going to be handy if I trade with someone who knows its value or get an ally knowing its future user.

Hmm…

Giving it to the future user will land me favor with the said person when the time comes or when I need something from her. That is also useful as well to have to be used for a favor or I can see if I can use it.

Seeing it clearly, I grinned happily seeing a certain item was somewhere this close after all nearby my village home a few distances away.

Going towards the merchant I began to ask for the price for the item I wanted, "Say merchant how much you would like to see for that belt there? It would look nice on me."

The merchant looks at me as he laughs at me but nods his head as he reached his hand opens as he spoke to me, "Ba! Alright then kid how about 10 gold pieces of coins then – "

*Swoosh*

Quickly paying the good merchant I took the item inside my bad as I grinned happily to him as I thanked him and left, "Thanks for the purchase! Also, no take-backs!"

Getting this item worth 10 gold coins is expensive but that idiot doesn't know its real worth as I will happily like any weapon that has value to them.

Moving away carefully but also at a fast speed I finally managed to get away from there as I looked at the certain belt with awe as I couldn't believe my luck finding this thing before its future user would get the chance.

The King Of Beasts Transformation: Lionel is a belt-shaped Teigu that transformed its wearer into a beast, instantly increasing one's physical strength and abilities. It also amplified one's sense of smell to enable scouting.

And it's in my hands now…

Now that it's in my hands I'll find your future user and give it to her to score me a favor in the future, or I can main it as my own. Two choices are just as good to me but I have to see if I can even use this damn thing.

But first dealing with a certain fat piece shit comes next before anything else.