Flashing blades and mystical super weapons are just a small part of new fantasy-action anime Akame ga Kill!, a dark, intense story about a corrupt government and its tyrannical rule.
The story follows young Tatsumi, a warrior who hopes to join the Imperial forces to earn money for his poor, remote village. Unfortunately, while travelling to the Capital to enlist, he is separated from his two friends. Tatsumi carries on, knowing that his comrades will be doing the same and that they will eventually meet up again at their destination.
But when he arrives, Tatsumi is not accepted by any military branch and is swindled out of all his money. Alone and penniless, he wanders the streets.
Just as he is about to give up hope, a rich noblewoman takes pity on him, offering to take him in and help him get back on his feet. But before Tatsumi can even take his boots off, the woman's home is attacked by the infamous assassin group, Night Raid.
During the battle, we learn that the woman is from a sadistic family of torturers. Over the years, dozens of unsuspecting travellers had fallen victim to them - including Tatsumi's lost friends.
Enraged and grief stricken, he kills the lady who pretended to offer him help.
Now Night Raid give Tatsumi a choice: die, or join them on their mission to rid the Capital of corrupt noblemen and government officials.
Based on the manga written by Takahiro and illustrated by Tetsuya Tashiro, this thrilling first episode hints at a very engaging show, so keep an eye out for it.