Uesugi Ryu knew Night Raid's intelligence better than anyone. After pausing briefly, he continued.
"I shattered Sheele's left clavicle, and the pink-haired sniper took a slash across the back."
"There should have been one more unknown Teigu user, probably someone who uses threads."
As he spoke, a trace of regret appeared on his face, and a faint killing intent surfaced.
"If those annoying threads hadn't gotten in the way, those two Teigu would already be mine."
Fighting two Teigu users alone, severely injuring them, and nearly wiping them out completely.
Everyone present was a Teigu user themselves, so they naturally understood just how powerful Teigu were.
Wave placed one hand on the table and said with admiration,
"Mr. Uesugi is amazing."
"To accomplish that without a Teigu, you're truly an incredible warrior."
The moment this came up, Seryu suddenly recalled what she had seen that day at Uesugi Ryu's manor.
She looked excited, her chest rising and falling slightly with her breathing.
For Uesugi Ryu to achieve that through his own strength alone, his position as vice-captain was completely deserved.
"Their injuries won't heal anytime soon. The one who killed the Three Beasts was probably a new Teigu user."
"Based on the available intelligence, it was most likely Akame and Bulat."
At the mention of Akame, Kurome finally reacted.
"Sister..."
She set down her cookie and focused on the meeting.
Esdeath nodded.
"I already questioned Chouri about it. Akame and Bulat were indeed involved."
"However, according to his account, there was one more person. Either Najenda herself, or an unknown member."
Run had already finished reading all the files. A thoughtful expression crossed his face before he suddenly spoke.
"If we include the unknown, then the enemy currently possesses six Teigu users."
As he said this, he glanced toward Esdeath.
Seeing that she had no objection, Run continued.
"According to our intelligence, Zank the Beheader's Teigu and the Three Beasts' Teigu are also missing."
"That would mean Night Raid currently possesses at least ten Teigu."
Esdeath's lips curved upward slightly. Her intense battle lust ignited into icy flames within her eyes.
"What an exciting opponent."
"We'll exterminate these vermin threatening the Capital, and reclaim every Teigu while we're at it."
Esdeath slowly rose to her feet. With one hand loosely clenched before her, she looked at everyone present.
"That is the mission of the Jaegers."
.....
The night was deep, candlelight flickering.
Najenda and Bulat sat across from each other on a sofa.
"Chouri proved even more useful than expected. I didn't think he'd actually be able to move General Budo."
Najenda looked at the documents in her hand, visibly pleased.
As a former general, she understood better than anyone just how significant General Budo was.
Bulat, however, showed little emotion. Crossing his arms, he said gravely,
"It's too early to say. If he really wanted to act, he would have killed Honest long ago."
"The Empire's survival is absolute in his eyes."
"And with Esdeath in the Capital, any real conflict would only create opportunities for us."
Najenda chuckled softly. She looked quite optimistic.
"Where there's a will, there's a way. Night Raid's strength has fully recovered now."
"All eight Teigu users are assembled. The advantage is ours."
Seeing Najenda like this, Bulat could only smile helplessly.
"Are you sure handing Black Marlin over to Uesugi Ryu was wise? I keep having a bad feeling about it."
Najenda pulled out a cigarette case and removed a black cigarette.
"Teigu have compatibility requirements. Sure, Black Marlin seemed to suit him, but there can't possibly be that much coincidence in the world."
Three black lines seemed to appear over Bulat's head as he stared at her speechlessly.
Looking at Bulat's expression, which clearly said, Are you serious, Najenda lit her cigarette and said leisurely,
"Well, well. That wolf is still well-fed for now."
"Our cooperation has been fairly pleasant so far. There's no need to worry just yet."
"But I won't lower my guard. Rest easy, Bulat."
Bulat frowned at that, but did not object further.
"We need to figure out a way to counter that ability of his. The bleeding trick is far too strange."
Najenda nodded in agreement and pointed downstairs.
Susanoo, Tatsumi, and the others were chatting and playing games in the living room.
Her silver hair draped over her shoulders as she met Bulat's gaze.
"Black Marlin will always be leverage against him. Even if he finds a way to legitimize obtaining it later, it won't matter."
"The deeper our cooperation goes, the more leverage we'll have over him."
A glint flashed through Najenda's deep blue eyes.
"Besides, bleeding won't work on Susanoo."
She spoke casually, but Bulat could see the resolve hidden in her eyes.
"Normal-state Susanoo would never be a match for him, Najenda..."
Susanoo's trump card, Magatama Manifestation, could only be used three times before draining its user's life completely.
Najenda turned her head away, seemingly unconcerned.
"Then use that secret technique."
"Using it twice won't kill me. And who knows, maybe we won't even need it once."
Bulat patted his chest and flashed a brilliant smile.
"As long as I'm alive, there'll be no need for that. Demon Armor's defense is second to none."
"If anything really happens, I'll handle him myself."
Najenda rubbed her chin and teased,
"Bulat, if I didn't already know you were gay, I'd think you were confessing to me."
Bulat pulled out a comb and began grooming his pompadour.
He glanced at Najenda and said helplessly,
"That really hurts, Najenda. This is the pure bond of comradeship between us."
Najenda tugged at the black coat draped over her shoulders and slowly stood up.
"Yes, yes, yes. Let's go downstairs and spend some time with everyone."
She opened the door, and bright light poured into the dim room.
Before leaving, Najenda turned back with a sly smile.
"Nothing's even happened yet, so stop acting like we're saying our final goodbyes."
With a snap, Bulat folded his comb shut and pointed it at her.
"Preparing for the worst is necessary."
With that, he walked over to her, and the two headed downstairs together.