Origin of Hatred [Akame ga Kill! Zero]

∆∇∆∇∆∇ [They Run When The Sun Comes Up] ∆∇∆∇∆∇

"I have a right to my anger, and I don't want anybody telling me I shouldn't be, that it's not nice to be, and that something's wrong with me because I get angry."

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It was raining.

Beneath a sky cloaked in impenetrable storm clouds, rain hammered the forest with unyielding ferocity.

Each droplet struck the canopy with a sharp patter, merging into a ceaseless roar that swallowed every other sound.

The extreme weather conditions had even stilled the woodland's inhabitants, with not a single creature daring to stir.

CLK CLK CLK

Yet, amidst the tempest's deafening roar, a miniature campfire still clung to existence, even if barely.

Bright orange sparks danced atop the smoldering logs, tracing delicate arcs in the air. Their flickering light coaxed thin, wispy tendrils of steam from the rain‑soaked wood.

CRACKLE

Beside the dying light sat a solitary figure, utterly drenched yet seemingly unperturbed by the elements.

Rainwater cascaded down his crimson hair, making the locks stick to his cheeks and forehead as they framed his face.

His tight black shirt pressed against his skin, while his boots emitted a soft, rhythmic squelch every time he shifted position.

Now, what could've possibly compelled a young man to stay out in this downpour instead of finding cover?

WHISH

At its core, the spit was nothing more than a straight branch—a simple length of wood roughly stripped of its bark.

At the opposite end of the stick, a small game bird rested, its skin charred by the fire. Wisps of smoke curled upward, carrying the burning scent.

As the young man regarded his handiwork with a critical eye, he lifted the skewered bird to his mouth and took a measured bite.

However, the moment his teeth sank into the flesh—

Guren: ...If I'd known this thing would taste so disgusting, I would've snuck some meat from the kitchen...

Even as the corners of his mouth twitched downward and his nose wrinkled in objective revulsion, he still took another bite.

Guren: Then again, knowing Akame's bottomless appetite, the old man would've made me tag along on another trip to that blasted village.

Despite the bitter words spilling from his lips, the young man continued forcing the food down his throat.

He knew that as long as it provided the calories he needed to keep going, he could endure its unpleasant flavor.

Guren: ...

With all that said, Guren's gaze eventually wandered from the half-cooked bird to the trees encircling the campsite.

As he studied the perimeter, his expression hardened, while his gruff and resonant voice broke the stillness.