"This organization of Teigu users called 'Jaegers' was obviously established to counter us.
Moreover, their members come from various divisions of the Empire. Obtaining detailed information about them and the Teigu they wield is not an easy task unless someone infiltrates their organization."
Hearing Leone's dissatisfaction with the current level of intel, Mine couldn't help but speak up.
"A Teigu user's abilities are essentially a secret weapon. The fact that we've learned the number of members in 'Jaegers' and their names in such a short time is already impressive."
Leone still wanting to uncover their abilities and strength seemed a bit far-fetched, so Mine jokingly suggested that unless someone infiltrated their ranks and became one of them, it wouldn't be possible.
Mine's words were clearly meant as a joke, yet someone present took them seriously and thought it was a good idea.
"Isn't this actually a pretty good idea? If we can infiltrate the 'Jaegers,' we can gather detailed intel on their members and keep track of their every move.
Knowing their actions allows us to prepare countermeasures faster and even ambush them when they make a move."
Wood's suggestion left the other three present stunned. Mine, known for her sharp tongue, quickly snapped, "Wood, are you an idiot? Do you think joining the 'Jaegers' is as simple as signing up?
Even if you wanted to join, do you really think they wouldn't investigate you first?
No, you've fought Esdeath before. If you tried to join 'Jaegers,' they'd tear you to pieces right away."
Everyone knew that infiltrating the enemy's organization would be highly advantageous, as it would provide first-hand intelligence.
However, achieving this was far from simple, especially with a sharp strategist like Esdeath leading 'Jaegers.'
"I might not have a chance to infiltrate the 'Jaegers,' but that doesn't mean others don't. Didn't you all notice from the intelligence we just gathered? Esdeath wants to fall in love, so she plans to use the pretext of recruiting subordinates to hold a martial arts tournament in the capital, open exclusively to men."
"With women excluded, the only people in Night Raid eligible to participate in the tournament are me, Lubbock, and Tatsumi.
But since Esdeath has seen and fought both Lubbock and me before, the only suitable candidate left in Night Raid is..."
Before Wood could finish speaking, the other three had already turned their gazes toward a stunned Tatsumi.
"You want me to go undercover? I can't do it... I have no experience in this kind of thing, and there's no way she would... find me attractive."
Hearing Tatsumi's hesitation, Wood patted his shoulder and reassured him. "Tatsumi, don't underestimate yourself. Even without using a Teigu, your strength already stands out among ordinary people.
No experience? That's fine. I happen to have some experience being a double agent and can teach you a thing or two. Everyone starts as a beginner, and right now, no one in Night Raid is more suitable for this task than you."
Wood pointed to the table where Esdeath's preferences in a partner were listed. "You're young, from a rural or border area, bold, and ambitious about becoming a general.
These criteria might as well have been tailored specifically for you, Tatsumi. Didn't you dream of becoming a general when you first arrived in the capital?"
After Wood's analysis, Leone's eyes brightened. She suddenly realized that Wood's plan had a lot of potential.
Unlike them, Tatsumi was still relatively unknown in the capital. He hadn't been listed as wanted, and his simple, country-boy demeanor would make him less likely to arouse suspicion. Plus, his traits aligned perfectly with Esdeath's preferences.
"Go for it, Tatsumi! I think you're perfect for the job!"
Even Leone supported Wood's plan, leaving Tatsumi feeling utterly defeated. While he had initially been unaware of Esdeath's nature, the gathered intel painted a clear picture of her as a pure sadist queen.
"Actually, I think this is too important a decision for us to make on our own. We should wait for the boss to return before proceeding," Tatsumi attempted one last plea.
"No need," Leone cut him off. "Don't you remember? Before leaving for the Revolutionary Army's headquarters, the boss explicitly said that all decisions should follow Wood's command in her absence."
Hearing Leone's righteous tone, both Wood and Tatsumi felt a twinge of frustration. Leone had conveniently remembered Najenda's instructions only now?
Despite Tatsumi's protests, the decision was finalized. Whether it was Wood's temporary authority or a democratic vote, the result was the same: Tatsumi had to enter the martial arts tournament.
After two more days of lying low in the capital, Esdeath's martial arts tournament officially began. Tatsumi, despite his initial resistance, was eventually persuaded to register.
The persuasion tactic was simple: invoking Bulat's name. Wood argued that Tatsumi's reluctance dishonored Bulat's expectations. As a hot-blooded youth, recalling Bulat's final words filled Tatsumi with renewed determination. He declared himself ready to take on the mission as Night Raid's chosen hero.
During the two short days, Wood taught Tatsumi some crash-course skills in espionage. Absorbing these lessons left Tatsumi wondering just what kind of life Wood had led. Despite being around the same age, Wood's worldly experience was shockingly vast.
Esdeath's reputation as a sadistic queen did not diminish her popularity in the capital. Her treatment of her subordinates and civilians was remarkably kind, earning her immense prestige.
Her striking beauty and extraordinary accomplishments inspired admiration. When news spread that she was recruiting elite soldiers through a tournament, countless hopefuls flocked to participate. Many saw this as their chance to rise in the ranks under Esdeath's leadership.
"Wow, there must be over a thousand participants. Are we sure Tatsumi can handle this?" Leone asked, concerned as she watched the sea of competitors.
Tatsumi was undoubtedly skilled, but without his Teigu, his strength was impressive but not unparalleled. Facing such overwhelming numbers, his chances seemed slim.
"He should be fine," Wood replied. "After my pep talk last night, he's practically brimming with energy today. He's already made it to the finals.
Now, he just needs to defeat the few remaining challengers to catch Esdeath's eye."
Esdeath herself did not oversee the preliminary rounds, as she had no interest in anyone who couldn't distinguish themselves among the crowd. Only those who reached the finals would have the chance to impress her.
"Are you sure Esdeath will be interested in Tatsumi?"
Watching Tatsumi skillfully take down another opponent, Leone couldn't hide her skepticism.
"How would I know?" Wood shrugged. "All I can say is that there's a chance. Even if she doesn't choose him, Tatsumi doesn't lose anything."
Leone laughed, conceding the point. "True. And even if he doesn't win Esdeath's favor, this is great training for him."
Meanwhile, Mine glared at the duo as they casually helped themselves to her snacks. "Can you two stop already? If you want food, go buy your own. The best part hasn't even started, and you've already eaten all my snacks!"
On the arena floor, Tatsumi stood tall after defeating his fifth opponent. His gaze swept the audience, though he couldn't pinpoint where his comrades were seated among the crowd. Still, he felt their support.
Wood's words from the previous night echoed in his mind. "You're Night Raid's best hope. This mission is crucial to defeating Esdeath and the 'Jaegers.' Even Bulat would be proud of you."
Unbeknownst to Tatsumi, his comrades were more focused on their bickering over snacks than on his performance.
As the tournament neared its climax, only a handful of contestants remained. Tatsumi's final opponent was a towering figure, nearly three meters tall, with muscles as solid as stone. The man hailed from one of the Empire's border tribes.
Despite his exhaustion from previous battles, Tatsumi summoned all his strength and determination, eventually defeating the giant. The hard-fought victory left Tatsumi beaming with pride, knowing he was one step closer to infiltrating the 'Jaegers.'
This genuine, radiant smile caught Esdeath's attention. The moment she saw it, she was captivated. Her face flushed, and she nearly lost composure.
To everyone's surprise, Esdeath stood and descended toward the arena, her eyes fixed on Tatsumi.
Noticing her approach, Tatsumi tensed, bracing for the worst. In the audience, Wood, Leone, and Mine readied themselves to intervene if necessary. The unexpected move left everyone on edge, wondering if Tatsumi's cover had been blown and Esdeath was about to strike.