Akame Ga Kill - Garou

The capital square was packed with thousands of people. The anticipation in the air was palpable as citizens gathered to witness an event that would mark the beginning of a new era. A long line of corrupt officials, their hands bound in iron chains, stood atop the grand execution platform. At the center of them was Prime Minister Honest, his once grotesquely smug expression now a mask of barely concealed dread.

The little emperor stood tall before the crowd, his presence commanding and resolute. He took a deep breath and began to speak, his voice clear and firm, carrying through the silence that had settled over the crowd.

"For too long, these men have bled our empire dry." His eyes swept over the gathered masses. "For too long, they have stolen from you, fed their greed while our people suffered in the streets. Today, their reign of corruption ends."

He turned to the bound officials and began listing their crimes, detailing the horrors they had wrought upon the empire. Each charge brought murmurs of shock and anger from the citizens. They had known corruption existed, but hearing the full extent of their leaders' betrayal left many gasping in disbelief.

"High taxes meant to rebuild our roads and homes were instead used to fund their extravagant lifestyles," the emperor continued. "Laws meant to protect you were twisted to serve only the elite. Villages were burned, families torn apart, all so that they could tighten their grip on power."

A murmur of outrage ran through the crowd, growing louder with each crime listed. The people had suffered under Honest's rule, but never had they known just how deep the corruption ran.

The emperor raised his hand for silence. "But today, justice will be served." He turned to the executioners, who stood ready with their blades. "Begin."

One by one, the officials were forced to kneel. The executioners carried out their task swiftly, the sharp sound of blades slicing through the air followed by the dull thud of heads rolling onto the wooden platform. The crowd did not cheer, but there was no sorrow either—only a heavy silence, the weight of justice being delivered.

Finally, it was Honest's turn. The once-untouchable Prime Minister was forced to his knees. He struggled, wild-eyed, but there was no escape. He opened his mouth to spew his final words, but before he could, the executioner's blade came down, and his head rolled unceremoniously to the ground.

As the last body was cleared away, the emperor stepped forward once more.

"People of the Empire," he called, his voice strong despite his small frame. "Today marks the beginning of a new era." He took a deep breath, then continued, "For too long, I trusted the wrong people. I allowed myself to be manipulated, and as a result, the empire suffered. I cannot undo the mistakes of the past, but I can ensure they will never happen again."

He looked over the crowd, his young face filled with determination. "Starting today, I will not delegate my responsibilities to others. The empire's future is in my hands, and I will do everything in my power to lead us toward justice and prosperity."

A wave of murmurs spread through the gathered crowd, and for the first time in years, there was something other than fear in their voices—there was hope.

The emperor turned to his next matter. "There is another injustice I must correct." He paused before continuing. "Akame, the assassin of Nightraid who was declared a criminal, was the one who first exposed Prime Minister Honest's corruption to me. Without her actions, I would not have seen the truth." He let his words settle before delivering his next proclamation. "As of today, her crimes are pardoned. She will now serve as part of the Royal Guard, working to protect this empire and its people."

A hush fell over the square before applause and murmurs of approval erupted. Many still feared Akame, but they could not help but cheer for her, cheering that her actions had ultimately led to this moment and opened the possibility of a bright future.

The emperor then raised his hand again for silence. "Our work is not done. The investigation into corruption continues, and there will be no tolerance for those who seek to exploit the people. I ask for your patience as we root out the last remnants of this evil."

Then, his expression softened. "To those who joined the Revolutionary Army, hear me now. I understand why you fought. I understand why you took up arms against the empire. But now, I ask you to lay them down. There will be no persecution for those who wish to return. We must rebuild together if we are to have a future."

A stunned silence followed his words. For years, the empire and the Revolutionary Army had been locked in brutal conflict. To hear an offer of peace from the emperor himself was almost unthinkable.

"The empire has changed," he finished. "And I hope that those of you who believe in justice will join us in shaping a new future."

With that, he stepped back from the stage, flanked by Budo and his guards. The crowd erupted into discussion, the weight of the moment settling upon them. For the first time in years, there was a flicker of true hope in the empire.

The speech spread quickly, reaching even the furthest corners of the land. News of Honest's execution, the emperor's words of reform, and the call for peace traveled like wildfire. The Revolutionary Army took notice, their leadership divided on how to respond. Even the scattered remnants of Night Raid heard the speech, and for the first time in a long while, they wondered if perhaps the empire they had fought against was finally changing for the better.

_______________________

The grand hall of the imperial palace was filled with tension as the Jaegers stood in formation before the throne. The young emperor, dressed in regal attire, sat atop the throne with a composed yet resolute expression. To his right stood Akame now officially serving as his personal guard. On his left stood Budo, his loyal general and most trusted advisor, his towering presence radiating authority.

The weight of recent events still hung heavy in the air, but today marked a new beginning. The empire was shifting towards an era of justice and reform, and the young emperor was determined to see it through. He gazed down at the Jaegers—once the elite enforcers of the empire—knowing that the time had come to redefine their roles in this new age.

"The Jaegers are to be disbanded," the emperor announced, his voice steady and clear, carrying across the hall. The statement drew varied reactions from those below. Some looked surprised, others contemplative. "Your service has not been forgotten, but our empire stands at a turning point. We must ensure that those who serve the people do so with righteousness and integrity. Therefore, I have determined new roles for each of you."

The emperor's gaze fell upon Wave first. The young warrior straightened his posture, awaiting his verdict. "Wave, you have always shown a strong sense of justice and a desire to protect others. From this day forward, you shall join the imperial army—not as an enforcer, but as a soldier dedicated to safeguarding the people. Your skills will be put to better use ensuring peace within the empire."

Wave exhaled softly, relief evident on his face. He had always wanted to be a protector. He bowed his head. "I understand, Your Majesty. I will serve with honor."

The emperor then turned to Run. "Run, your intelligence and administrative skills have not gone unnoticed. You will take on the role of an imperial official, overseeing the education system and orphanages across the empire. The next generation must be raised with knowledge, compassion, and guidance so that they may not fall victim to the same mistakes of the past."

Run's eyes widened before she smiled gently and placed a hand over her heart. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I will do my utmost to give our future generations the opportunities they deserve."

Then came Seryu. She stood at attention, her once unwavering zeal replaced with hesitation. The emperor's gaze softened only slightly as he addressed her. "Seryu, you have fought for justice, but you were misled by those who twisted its meaning. You will undergo rehabilitation—relearning the laws, morals, and what justice is. Only once you have completed this will you return to the police force, where you will serve as a protector, not as an executioner."

Seryu's shoulders trembled, her lips pressing into a thin line. She had believed herself to be righteous, yet she had been used as a tool for cruelty. Tears welled in her eyes, but she swallowed her emotions and bowed deeply. "I understand… and I accept. I want to truly uphold justice this time."

The emperor turned to Bols. The masked executioner stood silently, awaiting his fate. "Bols, you have taken many lives, and for that, you must atone. You will dedicate yourself to humanitarian efforts, aiding those in need, rebuilding what has been destroyed, and helping to heal the wounds of our people."

Bols nodded solemnly, his hands clenching slightly. He had always known what he was doing was wrong, but he couldn't help it, for his wife and daughter he would do anything. But now, he can be a proud father. "I will do as you command, Your Majesty."

The emperor's eyes narrowed slightly. "Furthermore, you are forbidden from ever wearing a mask again. Those who help others must do so openly, without hiding behind a veil."

A brief silence followed before Bols slowly reached up and removed his mask, revealing the face of a man burdened by guilt yet resolute in his duty. "Understood," he said simply.

Next, the emperor turned to Kurome. "Kurome, your body has suffered due to the drugs forced upon you. As of now, you will be hospitalized and treated so that you may regain your strength and extend your life." His eyes then flickered toward Dr. Stylish, who stood with his usual smirk. "And you, Dr. Stylish, your genius has been wasted on unethical experiments, drugs, and weapons. That ends today. You will dedicate yourself to improving our medical knowledge and advancing our healing facilities."

Dr. Stylish raised an eyebrow but remained silent as the emperor continued. "Your first task is to treat Kurome. If I so much as hear a whisper of illegal experimentation or unethical practices, you will suffer the consequences."

The doctor let out a small chuckle and adjusted his glasses. "Oh, Your Majesty, I do love a challenge. I'll do my best—this is quite the generous opportunity, after all. And if I can make real strides in the field of medicine, then it's all worth it."

The emperor surveyed the group once more. "The era of unchecked power and blind obedience is over. You have all been given new purposes—ones that will help rebuild our empire, rather than tear it down. I trust you will not disappoint me."

One by one, the former Jaegers knelt and swore their loyalty anew, not to a corrupt system, but to the young ruler who sought to change everything. The emperor leaned back slightly in his throne, exhaling. Akame and Budo remained by his side, steadfast in their support.

A new era had begun, and with it, a chance for redemption, growth, and justice.