Back at the current base of the Akatsuki Organization—Seiga Cave.
The prototype of a small base had already taken shape, and the progress was fairly quick.
“Commander, where did you just go?”
As soon as Blayn returned, Kuro imdiately questioned him.
“I went to discuss so things with Night Raid,” Blayn answered truthfully.
“Night Raid...”
Kuro’s expression darkened slightly, her tone carrying a hint of complaint. “Why didn’t you tell beforehand?”
She was still hostile toward Night Raid, and the thought of Commander Blayn eting those people alone made her uneasy.
“Well... actually, their attitude was quite friendly. Also, I spoke with your sister about a few things,” Blayn said, attempting to steer the conversation elsewhere.
In reality, he had gone alone purely for convenience.
If Kuro had known and insisted on going with him, he wouldn’t have been able to use Kamui Space for an instant transfer.
Kamui Space was a crucial secret tied to his eyes. Both his right eye’s "Intangibility" and his left eye’s "Spatial Distortion" were deeply connected to it.
For example, the principle of "Intangibility" involved shifting parts of his body into Kamui Space. His body wouldn’t disappear to the naked eye, but this created the illusion of transparency.
In truth, his physical form existed within Kamui Space, which was why maintaining "Intangibility" made him untouchable—but also unable to attack.
No matter who it was, Blayn had no intention of revealing the existence of Kamui Space so easily.
“My sister? What did she say?”
Blayn had successfully redirected the topic, and Kuro imdiately focused on her sister.
“I told Aka about our current situation. She wants to et you. I told her I’d ask for your opinion first.”
“I... I can’t wait to see my sister again—so I can kill her.”
Kuro’s normally cute face turned cold in an instant, revealing a dark, almost sinister expression.
“But Aka has already said that she doesn’t want to fight you anymore—because you’ve changed.”
Blayn imdiately countered.
“But she hasn’t changed. She’s still siding with the rebels. She betrayed the Empire—she betrayed us.”
Kuro was still unable to let it go.
Blayn felt a headache coming on. “How should I put it... At least for now, we aren’t enemies with Night Raid. We can interact with them peacefully. Your sister is fighting for the well-being of the people, and so are we. In that sense, aren’t you and your sister on the sa side?”
The question of overthrowing the Empire and territorial disputes could co later.
If he could topple the Honest regi, what reason would he have to fear the Revolutionary Army?
Kuro’s thoughts beca muddled. She pressed her fingers against her forehead as a faint stabbing pain surfaced—an aftereffect of the repeated brainwashing she had undergone.
Seeing this, Blayn instinctively reached out and gently massaged her temples, hoping to ease the discomfort.
The pain was only temporary, and before long, Kuro felt better. But instead of moving away, she took the opportunity to bury her face against Blayn’s chest.
She rarely showed it, but when given the chance, she still wanted to be spoiled.
“Does it still hurt?”
Seeing that Kuro hadn’t moved for a while, Blayn asked.
“A little... Just a bit longer,” Kuro replied playfully.
In reality, she was already fine.
“If I can convince my sister to return, I don’t want to fight her. But if I can’t...”
Kuro suddenly spoke again.
“I understand...”
Blayn didn’t say much more.
The relationship between Aka and Kuro wasn’t sothing that could be resolved so easily.
It was already this difficult trying to convince Kuro—convincing Aka wouldn’t be any easier.
The two sisters couldn’t convince each other, and that was precisely why they had ended up in this life-or-death situation.
Their relationship might only have a chance to improve once Kuro’s brainwashing weakened further. Otherwise, if they t now, there was no telling what might happen.
“Also... next ti you’re going to do sothing dangerous, I want you to tell first.”
Kuro’s voice carried a rare hint of vulnerability. “If sothing happens to you, what am I supposed to do?”
Hearing this, Blayn felt a pang of guilt.
“...Alright.”
Maybe next ti, he wouldn’t keep it from her. Even if bringing Kuro along ant riding a Danger Beast and taking an extra hour or two, it wouldn’t be that much of a hassle.
And if worst ca to worst, he could always blindfold her—ensuring his Kamui Space remained a secret.
After a while, Kuro finally stepped back, pulling away from Blayn’s embrace.
…
While the workers were busy building the base, Blayn didn’t stay idle.
He frequently went out to hunt Danger Beasts, earning System Points in the process.
Before long, the Akatsuki Organization’s base had reached its initial stage of completion—now, it just needed gradual expansion.
At the sa ti, Blayn planned to investigate the Righteous Conscience faction. His knowledge of the imperial officials was too limited, and he wasn’t sure which ones belonged to that faction.
The best way to gather information? Naturally, by asking Night Raid. The Revolutionary Army had access to a wealth of intelligence.
This would also be a good opportunity to fulfill Aka’s previous request—exchanging information for a chance to arrange a eting between her and Kuro. That way, they’d both break even in terms of favors.
“I need to go talk to Night Raid again...”
This ti, Blayn made sure to inform Kuro in advance.
But before he could even finish speaking, Kuro decisively said, “I’m going with you.”
“That’s fine—but you have to promise that when you see Aka, you won’t attack her. If you agree, I’ll take you with .”
Blayn set his condition.
“I... I promise...”
Though reluctant, Kuro still agreed in order to go with him.
“If you don’t keep your word, I won’t take you next ti,” Blayn warned.
“I’ll definitely keep my promise!” Kuro vowed.
...
With that settled, Blayn took Kuro with him, flying toward the mountain forest on a Danger Beast. Soon, they arrived at the sa wooden cabin from last ti.
Although Night Raid’s mbers didn’t usually stay there, Najenda had previously ntioned that pressing a specific chanism inside the cabin would send them a signal.
Blayn still rembered the chanism she had told him about—a small brick hidden behind a mural that could be pressed. He tested it, and sure enough, it worked.
Night Raid should have received the signal by now.
“Alright, they should be here soon,” Blayn said, glancing at Kuro.
“Hm...”
Kuro nodded calmly, but inside, her emotions were a tangled ss.
She was about to see her sister again.
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