Tatsumi's arrival offered Will someone to talk to, brightening his mood considerably. Seeing Kurome's detached personality, Tatsumi couldn't help but pat Will's shoulder in understanding—Night Raid had someone just like her.
Shifting his gaze to Wood, Tatsumi's fists clenched involuntarily at the sight of his companion's dire state. To see a comrade treated so cruelly ignited a rage in him that was hard to suppress. But as he seethed, Kurome suddenly lifted her head from her snack, her gaze locking onto him.
Realizing his slip, Tatsumi hastily suppressed his anger and tried to compose himself. He reminded himself of his role as an undercover agent; to outwardly express concern for Wood would raise suspicions. After all, in this scenario, Wood and he were supposed to be strangers.
However, even though Tatsumi's momentary anger had lasted only a second, it was long enough for seasoned killers like Will and Kurome to notice.
Kurome's piercing gaze unnerved Tatsumi, who was certain he'd blown his cover. Yet before he could panic, Will clapped a reassuring hand on his shoulder and said, "I knew we'd get along. You think he doesn't deserve this treatment either, right?"
Tatsumi froze in confusion. Was Will testing him? Or could he actually be an ally?
"You don't need to hide it," Will added. "General Esdeath isn't like other commanders; she's surprisingly open-minded. Besides, I'm not the only one in the Jaegers who thinks Wood shouldn't be treated like this. Run agrees with me too."
Will's words caught Tatsumi off guard. Though Wood had been captured, it was clear that his actions during the battle had earned the admiration and respect of both Will and Run.
During the climactic duel between Wood and Esdeath, both had pushed their respective Teigu to their limits. As the battle escalated, they unleashed their most powerful abilities.
Wood had utilized his trump card, the "Heart of God," which exponentially amplified his physical abilities, forcing even the invincible Esdeath onto the defensive. This enhancement also caused significant changes to Wood's Teigu.
The core strength of the "Heart of God" lay in its augmentation capabilities, which could enhance not only Wood himself but also his techniques and equipment. Under its influence, his armor-based Teigu evolved to a more majestic and radiant form.
Wood's icy armor sprouted skeletal wings of frost, and his frame grew over twice its original size. His longsword transformed into a particle-energy blade, while the overall design of his armor took on a more draconic appearance. In this dragon-like form, Wood radiated overwhelming power.
With every beat of his icy wings, blizzards erupted, devastating everything in their path. In this state, Wood's dominance was undeniable; Esdeath struggled against him and sustained numerous injuries. The battle reached its zenith when Wood decimated over ten thousand Imperial soldiers surrounding him, proving his strength.
However, Wood's enhanced state came at a price: massive energy consumption. Aware of his limitations, and with six other Jaegers watching from the sidelines, Wood knew he couldn't afford a prolonged fight.
Despite his advantage, Wood decided to retreat after heavily injuring Esdeath. But as he prepared to flee, the sound of children crying caught his attention.
His battle with Esdeath had caused collateral damage across several city blocks, leaving many civilians trapped in the debris. Among them were several children, stranded in a crumbling building.
Seeing the imminent collapse of the structure, Wood hesitated. With a quick glance at the pursuing Jaegers and Esdeath, he gritted his teeth and rushed toward the children.
Smashing through falling debris with his fists, Wood used his frosty wings to shield the children from harm, enduring the falling rubble as it pelted him relentlessly.
At that moment, Esdeath unleashed her ultimate technique: "Mahāpādma," an ability that froze time and space in its vicinity. Though its effects were brief, Esdeath needed only a moment to act.
As she approached Wood in frozen time, she saw him using his wings to protect the children. Her eyes flickered with something uncharacteristic, and she halted her blade mid-swing, resting it against Wood's neck instead of taking his life.
The battle ended there. While Esdeath technically claimed victory, it was far from satisfying. Later, when the Prime Minister's men came to take Wood for interrogation, Esdeath outright executed them. She wouldn't allow anyone else to interfere with her "prize."
This final act of selflessness turned Wood into a hero in the eyes of Will and Run. Will, a righteous country boy, and Run, a teacher seeking justice for his students and lover, couldn't help but admire Wood's courage and compassion.
Though the Jaegers and Night Raid were enemies, Will and Run's respect for Wood transcended their rivalry. To them, Wood embodied true strength—both physical and moral.
Despite their duty to guard him, Will and Run treated Wood with the utmost respect, even fulfilling his small requests whenever possible.
Observing this, Tatsumi felt a swell of pride for his comrade. Wood's influence was so profound that even their enemies couldn't help but admire him.
As Tatsumi shared a quiet moment with Will, Kurome glanced at them briefly before resuming her snack. Deciding they were harmless fools, she dismissed them from her attention.
Just as Tatsumi and Will were discussing ways for Tatsumi to speak with Wood, Esdeath arrived. Her crisp, white uniform and commanding presence filled the room.
She strode confidently toward Wood's cage and said, "Wood, I'll ask you again. Will you serve under me?"
This wasn't the first time Esdeath had extended this offer. She had made a similar proposition during her pursuit of Najenda's faction after their defection.
Ordinarily, Esdeath rarely recruited people. A rejection would usually mean no second chances. Yet Wood had somehow become an exception to her rule.
Wood's immense strength, unyielding spirit, and love for battle resonated with Esdeath. Were it not for his lack of her ideal "pure smile," he might even have been a candidate for her affection.
Will looked at Wood with hope. To him, Wood's acceptance would mean they were no longer enemies but allies.
Wood, however, didn't waver. "I appreciate the offer," he began, "but I'll have to decline.
"The Night Raid may be a group of idiots who constantly cause me trouble, but they're good people. Besides, I've always loved fighting and thrive on the challenge. Joining your side would mean no worthy opponents left on the battlefield. That would be far too dull."
Esdeath's departure was swift and decisive. Her expression revealed neither disappointment nor anger. She had anticipated Wood's answer and would have been disillusioned if he had surrendered so easily.
Despite their rivalry, Esdeath respected Wood as a warrior. For her, keeping him alive served two purposes: baiting Night Raid into action and saving him for another thrilling duel.
After she left, Tatsumi tried to negotiate alone time with Wood, but Kurome's unyielding vigilance thwarted him. Frustrated, Tatsumi felt trapped, unable to communicate or strategize.
That night, as Esdeath visited the palace, Tatsumi seized the opportunity to sneak out of the mansion and return to the Night Raid base. He needed to report on his and Wood's situation and seek guidance.
The Jaegers' focus on Wood and their underestimation of Tatsumi—viewing him as little more than Esdeath's plaything—allowed him to move unnoticed. Though Esdeath had tied him to the bed before leaving, Tatsumi easily broke free using Incursio.
As he crept through the shadows of the mansion, Tatsumi's escape was nearly foiled when he bumped into a young girl. Before he could apologize, he felt a hand clamp over his mouth, pulling him into a dark corner.
Ready to fight, Tatsumi stopped short as a familiar scent and an even more familiar sensation pressed against his back. The realization hit him instantly.
"Leone!" he whispered, his relief palpable. "Thank goodness you're safe!"
Leone's towering figure, cloaked in black, was unmistakable. Her bold grin shone even in the dim light.
"I'm glad to see you too, kid," she replied. "Now, let's get you out of here. We've got work to do."
Despite the dangers, Leone's presence reaffirmed Tatsumi's hope. Even amidst the perils of Esdeath's mansion, the Night Raid hadn't abandoned him.
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