Chapter 36: The Calm Before the Storm

  May 3, 20XX – 6:00 PM

  The Forested Road to the Takagi Estate

  The Humvee rumbled steadily down the uneven dirt road, its tires crunching the gravel with a rhythmic certainty that echoed in the quiet forest. Blake Henderson sat in the passenger seat, his eyes scanning the darkening horizon. With every passing mile, the sinking sun cast longer shadows across the road, deepening the unease in his chest.

  For a moment, his gaze flickered toward Shizuka Marikawa, who was humming softly as she handled the Humvee’s controls with surprising confidence. The cheerful sound was at odds with the grim thoughts swirling in Blake’s mind. He hadn’t expected her to join them on this mission—and he certainly hadn’t expected her to commandeer the driver’s seat.

  Blake leaned back against the seat, letting his mind drift to earlier that day.

  Flashback: Shizuka’s Unexpected Appearance

  The mission had been completed—against all odds, the group had succeeded, though the strain of it weighed heavily on each of them. As they approached the clearing where the Humvee was parked, Blake had been preparing himself for the long drive back. But instead of the empty vehicle he had expected, Shizuka Marikawa had been waiting for them, leaning casually against the car with her arms crossed.

  “You’ve got some explaining to do!” she had huffed, her pouty expression at odds with the warmth in her large brown eyes.

  The group had paused, startled by her sudden appearance. Saeko had been the first to recover, raising an eyebrow as she asked, “Marikawa-sensei? How did you get here?”

  Shizuka had planted her hands on her hips, clearly determined to scold them. “You all just left me back at the estate! While I was stuck giving checkups and dealing with grumpy patients, you were off doing who-knows-what!”

  Kohta had looked genuinely guilty, scratching the back of his neck. “Uh… sorry about that, Sensei. We didn’t think you’d want to come along.”

  “Well, I did!” Shizuka had retorted, her voice rising to a high-pitched whine. “So I snuck out! I hid in the back of one of the trucks that was leaving the estate. It had some mechanical issue, so it left later than the others, but I made it work!”

  Blake had struggled to suppress a smile as he took in her exaggerated pout and puffed-out cheeks. It was clear she was upset, but her naturally soft and cheerful demeanor made it impossible to take her complaints too seriously.

  Shizuka’s voice had softened as she looked at the group more closely. “I just… I didn’t want you all going without me again. We’re a team, right?”

  The brief moment of levity had given way to more practical matters as the group recounted their experiences while loading supplies into the Humvee. Despite Shizuka’s antics, her presence was a welcome reprieve from the heaviness of their mission.

  But before Blake could even climb into the driver’s seat, Shizuka had slipped past him, buckled herself into the seat, and started the engine with an enthusiastic grin.

  Blake had stared at her, dumbfounded. “Uh… what are you doing?”

  “Driving!” Shizuka had declared, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

  Blake had sighed, shaking his head in defeat. There was no arguing with her—not after she had gone to such lengths to join them. Silently, he had climbed into the passenger seat, resigning himself to acting as a lookout for the journey ahead.

  Back to the Present

  The flash of memory brought a faint smile to Blake’s face, though it quickly faded as his eyes returned to the darkened treeline. Shizuka’s lighthearted nature was a rare source of comfort, but it couldn’t dispel the lingering tension in his gut.

  Behind him, Saeko Busujima leaned her head against the window, her katana resting across her thighs. She looked calm, but Blake knew better. Her fingers brushed absently against the hilt of her sword, a subtle but telltale sign of her readiness.

  From the backseat, Takashi Komuro’s voice broke the silence. “How much longer until we’re back?” he asked, his tone calm but tinged with impatience.

  Shizuka glanced at him through the rearview mirror, her voice unusually measured. “If we keep this pace, maybe half an hour,” she replied.

  Kohta Hirano adjusted the strap on his rifle, peering out the narrow window beside him. “Feels too quiet,” he muttered. “No zombies, no noise… nothing. It’s not normal.”

  Blake nodded silently, his grip tightening on the shotgun resting across his lap. “It’s not normal,” he said. “But let’s not jinx it.”

  The group exchanged uneasy glances but said nothing more. The Humvee’s engine hummed steadily, a fragile barrier against the oppressive quiet of the forest.

  Saeko’s voice cut through the silence. “The estate should be secure by now,” she said, her tone calm but resolute. “We made sure of that before we left.”

  “Still,” Rei Miyamoto added, her rifle propped against her shoulder, “there’s no such thing as completely secure. We’ve seen that already.”

  Blake’s thoughts flickered back to the breach they had dealt with before the mission—the chaos Kurokami had sown, and the danger it had nearly brought to the estate. His jaw tightened.

  “We’ll handle whatever’s waiting for us,” Blake said, his voice steady. “Just like we always do.”

  The others nodded, though the unease in their eyes lingered.

  May 3, 20XX – 6:15 PM

  The Forested Road to the Takagi Estate

  The Humvee rolled steadily along the narrow dirt trail, its suspension creaking with each bump and rut. Behind them, the convoy followed in a staggered formation—three trucks, their headlights casting beams of light that danced against the dense foliage. The occasional rustle of leaves in the wind was the only sound accompanying the low hum of engines.

  “It still feels strange taking this route,” Saeko said softly, breaking the silence. Her eyes traced the trees outside, their shadows stretching eerily across the trail. “I can’t help but feel like we’re being watched.”

  Blake glanced at her, his lips tugging into a faint smirk. “I think you just miss the action,” he teased.

  Saeko tilted her head slightly, her violet eyes meeting his. “Perhaps,” she replied, a hint of amusement in her tone. “But you have to admit—it’s unsettling how quiet this is.”

  “It’s because this trail isn’t used often,” Kohta chimed in from the backseat, adjusting his rifle. “Not many people knew about it, even before the outbreak. It’s probably why there aren’t any zombies around. No traffic means no food for them to follow.”

  Shizuka nodded from the driver’s seat, her voice uncharacteristically serious. “This was the alternate route we marked when we scouted the area weeks ago,” she explained. “It circles around that hill,” she gestured ahead, where the incline of a forested ridge loomed in the fading light. “It’s longer, but it’s safer. The main road is too risky now—there are just too many zombies there.”

  “‘Safer’ isn’t exactly comforting,” Rei muttered, her grip tightening on her rifle. “It just means we’re stuck here longer if something goes wrong.”

  Blake glanced at the side mirror, watching the convoy behind them. The trucks rumbled along steadily, their drivers focused but visibly tense. “At least we’ve got numbers this time,” he said. “If something does happen, we can handle it.”

  Kohta nodded quickly. “Yeah, with this convoy, we’ve got enough firepower to hold off a horde. Even if it’s a big one.”

  Shizuka cast a quick glance toward Blake, her usual cheerful demeanor creeping back. “Let’s just hope I don’t have to do any crazy driving,” she said with a nervous laugh. “The last thing we need is me flipping this Humvee into a ditch!”

  “Don’t even joke about that,” Blake said, shaking his head. “If you do, you’re the one pulling it out.”

  The group chuckled softly, though the tension in the air remained.

  The Alternate Route

  As the dirt trail wound around the hillside, the trees began to thin slightly, revealing glimpses of the horizon beyond. The convoy maintained its steady pace, each vehicle sticking close to the one in front to avoid getting separated.

  Takashi leaned forward, resting his arms on the back of Blake’s seat. “Do you think the estate’s held up while we’ve been gone?” he asked, his tone betraying a hint of worry.

  Blake turned slightly to meet his gaze. “It should be fine. Mr. Takagi knows what he’s doing, and the defenses were solid when we left.”

  “And if they’re not?” Rei pressed.

  “Then we fix it,” Saeko said simply, her voice calm and confident. “Just like we always do.”

  Rei didn’t look entirely reassured but nodded nonetheless.

  Kohta, always eager to lighten the mood, grinned as he adjusted his glasses. “Hey, at least we’ve got supplies this time. If nothing else, I’ll finally get to try out that new batch of ammo we picked up.”

  Blake smirked. “Let’s hope you don’t have to.”

  Emerging Onto the Main Road

  The forested trail eventually began to widen, the dirt giving way to cracked asphalt as they reached the outskirts of the hill. Shizuka eased the Humvee onto the main road, the convoy behind them following suit. The sight of the open road ahead, though littered with debris and abandoned vehicles, brought a small wave of relief.

  “Finally,” Shizuka sighed. “I was starting to think we’d be stuck in those trees forever.”

  Blake scanned the road ahead, his eyes sharp and wary. The shadows cast by the setting sun played tricks on his vision, but the path seemed clear—for now.

  “We’re not out of the woods yet,” he said, his voice low. “Stay focused. We’re still a long way from home.”

  From the backseat, Takashi muttered, “It’s strange how quiet it is, even out here. You’d think we’d see at least a few zombies.”

  “It’s probably because this section of the road isn’t a major route,” Kohta suggested. “Most of the hordes would’ve followed the highways or crowded around places with more people.”

  Saeko nodded thoughtfully. “That may be true, but we shouldn’t assume we’re safe just because we can’t see them.”

  Blake turned to Shizuka. “How much farther?”

  “Another ten minutes,” she replied. “If we keep this pace, we should reach the estate before it gets completely dark.”

  Blake nodded, settling back into his seat. His fingers tightened slightly on his shotgun as his gaze drifted toward the horizon. The quiet may have been a blessing, but it also carried an ominous weight.

  The convoy continued down the main road, the faint glow of the estate’s perimeter lights just beginning to flicker in the distance.

  May 3, 20XX – 6:25 PM

  The Main Road to the Takagi Estate

  The convoy moved steadily down the cracked asphalt of the main road, the faint glow of the estate’s perimeter lights just barely visible in the distance. The transition from the dense forest to the open road had lifted some of the weight off the group’s shoulders, but no one was entirely at ease.

  Blake glanced over his shoulder, watching the group behind him. “Everyone holding up back there?”

  “I’d feel better if this road wasn’t so exposed,” Rei muttered, her fingers tightening around her rifle. She sat perched on the edge of her seat, her eyes scanning the abandoned vehicles and debris scattered along the roadside.

  “Exposed is better than blind,” Kohta replied, his tone lighter as he adjusted his glasses. “At least out here, we can see what’s coming. In the forest, we’d only know when it was too late.”

  Saya Takagi, who had been unusually quiet for most of the trip, finally spoke up. “That’s assuming we don’t get caught off guard by something hiding in one of these cars,” she said, her sharp gaze fixed on an overturned minivan to their left. “This road might be quiet now, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe.”

  Blake nodded in agreement. “You’re both right. Stay sharp. Just because we haven’t seen anything yet doesn’t mean we won’t.”

  Rei sighed, leaning back slightly. “I know we’re close, but I can’t shake this feeling that something’s about to happen.”

  Saeko, who had been silent for a while, turned her head slightly toward Rei. “That’s your survival instincts talking,” she said calmly. “Trust them. They’ve kept you alive this long.”

  Rei gave a faint smile. “Thanks, Saeko. I’ll try to keep that in mind.”

  Saya crossed her arms, her tone sharp as usual. “We shouldn’t rely on instincts alone. Strategy is just as important. If we don’t think ahead, we’re no better than the zombies out there.”

  “That’s rich coming from the girl who almost got bitten last week,” Kohta teased, earning a glare from Saya.

  “I was not almost bitten,” she snapped, her cheeks flushing slightly. “If you hadn’t been yelling like an idiot, I wouldn’t have had to save you in the first place!”

  Blake smirked faintly, letting the banter play out. Moments like this—where they could act like normal people, even for a few minutes—were rare.

  “All right, knock it off, you two,” Blake said, his tone light but firm. “We’ve got bigger things to focus on right now.”

  Approaching the Estate

  As they drew closer to the estate, the faint glow of its perimeter lights grew brighter, cutting through the encroaching darkness. The road ahead was clear, but the group remained vigilant.

  Saya leaned forward slightly, her expression thoughtful. “It’s strange,” she said. “When we left, the estate was already dealing with Shido’s nonsense and that breach. Do you think things have settled down?”

  Blake frowned, his gaze fixed on the horizon. “If they haven’t, we’ll deal with it,” he said simply.

  “You make it sound so easy,” Rei muttered, though there was no malice in her voice. “But things aren’t exactly stable there. Even without Shido stirring things up, the refugees are restless. It’s only a matter of time before something happens.”

  Saya’s expression hardened. “If my father can’t keep them in line, I will,” she said, her voice firm. “The estate is our only chance at survival, and I won’t let a bunch of cowards tear it apart because they’re too scared to think rationally.”

  Kohta raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed by her determination. “Remind me not to get on your bad side,” he said with a grin.

  Saeko gave Saya an approving nod. “You’ve got the right mindset. Fear can make people dangerous, but a strong leader can turn that fear into resolve.”

  Blake glanced at Saya, noting the fire in her eyes. “Let’s just hope it doesn’t come to that,” he said. “We’ve had enough fighting for one day.”

  Breaking the Silence

  As the convoy rounded a bend in the road, the estate’s main gates came into view. The tall, reinforced steel structure loomed against the backdrop of the darkening sky, its surface illuminated by the perimeter floodlights.

  “Almost there,” Shizuka said, her voice a mix of relief and anticipation.

  But before anyone could relax, a sudden burst of static crackled through the Humvee’s radio. Blake reached for the device, his brow furrowing as he adjusted the frequency.

  “This is Gatehouse One,” a voice came through, tense and hurried. “Convoy, do you copy?”

  Blake pressed the transmit button. “This is Henderson. We copy. What’s the situation?”

  There was a pause, followed by a faint crackle. “The main gate is clear, but we’ve got movement on the east side of the perimeter. Small group—possibly human, but we can’t confirm.”

  The group exchanged uneasy glances.

  “Shido’s people?” Takashi suggested, his voice low.

  “Could be,” Blake said, his jaw tightening. “Or it could be someone else entirely.”

  Saya’s eyes narrowed. “If it’s Shido’s people, they’ve made a mistake coming back. We’ll deal with them.”

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  Rei shifted in her seat, her grip tightening on her rifle. “What’s the plan?”

  Blake turned toward Shizuka. “Keep heading for the gate. We’ll deal with the rest when we get inside.”

  Shizuka nodded, her expression unusually focused. “Got it.”

  The convoy picked up speed, the Humvee leading the way as they closed the distance to the estate. The tension in the vehicle was palpable, each member of the group silently preparing for whatever awaited them on the other side of the gates.

  May 3, 20XX – 6:40 PM

  The Takagi Estate, Command Center

  Souichiro Takagi stood by the wide windows of the estate’s command center, his sharp gaze fixed on the tree line glowing faintly in the distance. Behind him, the room hummed with activity—radios buzzing with updates from patrols, soldiers moving between stations, and Captain Arata issuing precise commands. The air carried a tense, anticipatory energy, though the estate’s defenses were holding strong for now.

  Despite the orderliness, Souichiro’s mind drifted. His fingers rested lightly on the edge of the map table, tracing the eastern perimeter with an absent motion. The events of the day weighed heavily on him, replaying with the vivid clarity of a blade poised at his throat.

  May 3, 20XX – 10:00 AM

  Takagi Estate Grounds

  The rhythmic thrum of helicopter blades tore through the quiet morning air, their deep, resonating beat shaking loose leaves from the surrounding trees. Souichiro and Yuriko Takagi stood side by side at the estate’s main courtyard, their expressions a mix of wariness and calculation as two JSDF Blackhawks descended onto the open ground beyond the perimeter.

  Souichiro’s hand rested on the hilt of his katana, more out of habit than necessity. He glanced at Yuriko, whose sharp eyes betrayed no emotion despite the tension in her posture. “We’ve prepared for this,” he said, his voice low but steady. “Let’s see if they come as allies—or opportunists.”

  The Blackhawks touched down, their rotors kicking up a whirlwind of dirt and debris. Soldiers in full combat gear disembarked swiftly, their movements disciplined and precise. At their head was a man in his late 40s, his bearing unmistakably military. He carried himself with a calm authority, his sharp eyes scanning the estate before landing on Souichiro and Yuriko.

  “Captain Takeshi Arata, Japan Self-Defense Forces,” he announced, striding forward as his men fanned out behind him. His voice was firm but not unkind, his tone betraying neither hostility nor undue familiarity.

  Souichiro stepped forward, meeting the captain’s gaze with equal intensity. “Souichiro Takagi, leader of this estate. Welcome.” His words were cordial, but the underlying message was clear: We stand on equal ground.

  Arata inclined his head slightly, a gesture of respect that was not lost on Souichiro. “You’ve built something impressive here, Takagi-san. It’s no small feat to hold out this long, especially with what’s happening beyond these walls.”

  “And yet, you’re here,” Souichiro replied evenly. “What brings the JSDF to our gates?”

  Arata’s lips pressed into a thin line, and he gestured toward the Blackhawks, where more soldiers were unloading crates of equipment. “Information, Takagi-san. The JSDF has been monitoring strongholds like yours—those that have managed to survive the initial chaos. Your estate stood out, and my superiors sent me to evaluate the situation firsthand.”

  “Evaluate,” Yuriko repeated, her voice smooth but edged with caution. “And if we don’t meet your expectations?”

  Arata smiled faintly. “I’m not here to threaten you, Takagi-san,” he said, his gaze shifting to Yuriko. “But let’s not pretend that survival alone will be enough. The government is consolidating survivors, and we need to understand how places like yours are operating—what’s working and what isn’t. It’s the only way we can move forward as a nation.”

  Souichiro studied the captain for a long moment before nodding. “Then we should talk.”

  The group moved to the estate’s main hall, where a small conference table had been set up. Souichiro and Yuriko sat at one end, flanked by a few of their most trusted advisors, while Captain Arata and two of his lieutenants occupied the other.

  The conversation began cautiously, each side testing the waters.

  Arata explained the JSDF’s efforts to establish “Safe Zones”—heavily fortified locations designed to consolidate survivors and resources. He revealed that several zones were already operational across the country, though their exact locations remained classified.

  “The goal,” Arata said, his voice steady, “is to regroup, stabilize, and eventually reclaim critical infrastructure. But we can’t do it alone. We need strongholds like yours to contribute—not just people, but expertise, resources, and leadership.”

  Souichiro leaned back slightly, his expression unreadable. “And in return?”

  “In return,” Arata replied, meeting his gaze, “your people will have a future. A real one—not just survival, but the chance to rebuild.”

  Yuriko’s voice cut through the room. “And how do we know these Safe Zones are as secure as you claim? Trust isn’t easily earned in times like these, Captain.”

  Arata didn’t flinch. “You don’t. Not yet. But consider this: the longer you remain isolated, the greater the risk. You’ve held out admirably, but you can’t protect this place forever. Supplies run out. Defenses weaken. And as you’ve likely already experienced, human threats are just as dangerous as the infected.”

  The room fell silent for a moment. Souichiro’s mind raced, weighing the risks and rewards of aligning with the JSDF. He glanced at Yuriko, whose expression was as thoughtful as his own.

  The conversation eventually turned to logistics: the size of the estate’s population, the status of their defenses, and their resource stockpiles. Souichiro was careful not to reveal too much, sharing only what was necessary while probing for more details about the JSDF’s plans.

  Captain Arata, to his credit, seemed to understand the delicate balance. He didn’t press Souichiro for information he wasn’t willing to share, though his occasional glances at the map of the estate suggested a keen awareness of its vulnerabilities.

  By the time the meeting concluded, there was no formal agreement—only an understanding that the estate would be evaluated further once the rest of its residents returned.

  “We’ll discuss this again once the rest of your men are back,” Arata said, rising from his seat. “This decision affects everyone here, and it’s not one to be made lightly.”

  Souichiro nodded, his expression firm. “Agreed.”

  As the captain and his men departed to begin their evaluation of the estate’s perimeter, Souichiro turned to Yuriko.

  “What do you think?” he asked quietly.

  Yuriko’s eyes remained on the door. “I think he’s right about one thing—we can’t protect this place forever. But whether the JSDF is the answer… that remains to be seen.”

  Back to the Present

  Souichiro’s thoughts snapped back to the present as a radio crackled behind him. Arata’s voice carried through the room, issuing orders to the patrols.

  The captain had proven himself capable and professional in the hours since his arrival, but Souichiro couldn’t shake the nagging sense of unease. Alliances in this new world were fragile, and trust was a luxury he couldn’t afford to give freely.

  As the convoy pulled into the courtyard, Souichiro straightened, his mind sharpening with purpose. Whatever lay ahead, he would ensure that his estate—and the people within it—remained strong.

  May 3, 20XX – 6:50 PM

  The Takagi Estate, Main Courtyard

  The convoy rumbled into the courtyard, engines echoing off the estate’s tall walls as the vehicles came to a halt. The Humvee led the group, pulling into its designated spot near the central fountain. A moment later, the trucks followed suit, parking neatly in formation as the weary occupants began to disembark.

  Blake Henderson stepped out of the passenger seat first, his shotgun slung across his back and his sharp eyes scanning the courtyard. The familiar sight of the estate brought a faint sense of relief, but the tension in the air was unmistakable. Something had shifted since they’d left.

  Behind him, Saeko Busujima exited gracefully, her katana held loosely in one hand. Takashi Komuro and Rei Miyamoto followed, both visibly on edge as they scanned their surroundings. Kohta Hirano climbed out last, adjusting his rifle strap and letting out a low whistle. “Feels a bit different, huh?” he muttered.

  Before anyone could respond, Souichiro and Yuriko Takagi approached from the main entrance, their commanding presence immediately drawing the group’s attention. Souichiro’s expression was as stoic as ever, while Yuriko’s sharp eyes flicked over each member of the returning group, assessing their condition with practiced precision.

  “Welcome back,” Souichiro said, his voice firm but carrying a note of genuine respect. “You’ve done well. From what I hear, the mission was a success.”

  Blake stepped forward, meeting Souichiro’s gaze. “It was,” he said. “We got what we needed, and we made it back without any casualties.”

  “That’s good to hear,” Yuriko said, her voice softer but no less authoritative. “You’ve proven yourselves once again, but I’m afraid your timing couldn’t be worse. A lot has happened since you left.”

  The group exchanged uneasy glances.

  “What’s going on?” Saeko asked, her tone calm but direct.

  Souichiro folded his arms across his chest, his sharp gaze moving between the group members. “Shortly after you departed, the JSDF sent a contingent to the estate. Two Blackhawks landed here, dropping off Captain Arata and two dozen of his soldiers. They’re here to evaluate the estate and determine if we’re capable of long-term survival—or if we should be moved to one of their Safe Zones.”

  Rei’s brow furrowed. “Safe Zones? That sounds… promising. Doesn’t it?”

  “Perhaps,” Yuriko replied, her expression neutral. “But their arrival raises more questions than answers. For now, the details of their plans remain vague, and we have yet to establish what their intentions truly are. Captain Arata has been professional, but trust doesn’t come easily these days.”

  Kohta adjusted his glasses, his nervous energy showing. “So, what do we do? Are we… cooperating with them?”

  Souichiro’s gaze hardened. “For now, we observe. We listen. And we stay alert.” He glanced at Blake, his tone growing more serious. “This is a critical stage for the estate. The wrong move could jeopardize everything we’ve built here. I expect all of you to remain vigilant. If you see or hear anything unusual, report it immediately.”

  Blake nodded, his posture straightening. “Understood.”

  Souichiro’s eyes lingered on the group for a moment longer before he turned toward the command center. “I need to brief my men on the situation,” he said, his voice carrying over his shoulder. “Stay sharp. And remember—nothing is decided yet.”

  With that, he strode away, his coat billowing slightly in the evening breeze as he headed toward the gathering of JSDF soldiers near the eastern gate.

  Yuriko’s Words of Advice

  As Souichiro disappeared from view, Yuriko stepped closer to the group, her presence both commanding and reassuring.

  “You’ve all done so much already,” she began, her voice softer now but no less firm. “But this next phase is critical. The JSDF’s offer to relocate survivors to a Safe Zone may sound appealing, but it comes with its own risks. We don’t yet know the full scope of their intentions—or how much autonomy they’re willing to allow.”

  Saya, who had been quiet until now, stepped forward. “So we just wait? Is that really the best course of action?”

  “For now, yes,” Yuriko replied. Her gaze softened as she looked at her daughter, her voice carrying a note of maternal care. “I know it’s frustrating, Saya. But rushing into decisions without all the information is more dangerous than waiting.”

  Blake crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful. “And what happens if they decide we’re not worth the trouble? Or worse, if they try to take control?”

  Yuriko’s eyes darkened slightly. “That’s why we must be prepared—for every possibility. My husband and I will handle the negotiations with Captain Arata, but we need your eyes and ears to ensure we’re not being misled. Rest for now, but stay alert. We’ll call on you once we’ve determined our next steps.”

  The group nodded, though the unease among them was palpable. Yuriko’s words carried weight, but the uncertainty of the situation left little room for comfort.

  Settling In

  As Yuriko turned to leave, she paused and glanced back at the group. “You’ve done well today,” she said, her tone warm but resolute. “Get some rest. You’ve earned it. But remember—this isn’t over yet.”

  With that, she walked away, leaving the group standing by the parked Humvee.

  Blake let out a slow breath, his gaze drifting toward the eastern perimeter. “Well,” he said, his voice low, “looks like things are about to get a lot more complicated.”

  Saeko rested her katana against her shoulder, her expression calm but focused. “Complications are nothing new. We’ll handle it, like we always do.”

  Rei nodded, though her grip on her rifle remained tight. “Let’s just hope we can trust these JSDF guys. I’ve seen what happens when the wrong people are in charge.”

  Kohta let out a nervous chuckle, adjusting his glasses again. “Guess I won’t be sleeping much tonight. Just in case.”

  Saya crossed her arms, her sharp eyes glinting in the dim light. “We’ll find a way through this,” she said firmly. “One way or another.”

  The group lingered for a moment longer before beginning to unload the supplies, each of them silently preparing for whatever lay ahead.

  May 3, 20XX – 7:45 PM

  The Takagi Estate, Saya’s Room

  The faint hum of the estate’s generators provided a steady backdrop as the group gathered in Saya Takagi’s room. The soft glow of a floor lamp illuminated the spacious space, its walls lined with bookshelves and meticulously organized study materials. Saya’s room was easily the largest among the guest quarters, and it had become their de facto meeting place whenever important matters arose.

  Blake leaned against the wall near the window, his freshly washed hair still damp, while Saeko sat cross-legged on the carpet, her katana resting beside her. Takashi and Rei shared a spot on the couch, their postures tense but attentive. Kohta perched on a chair near Saya’s desk, fiddling absentmindedly with a pen as he waited for the conversation to begin.

  Saya stood at the center, her arms crossed as she surveyed the group. She looked every bit the strategist, her sharp eyes and focused expression commanding attention.

  “Alright,” she began, her voice firm but not unkind. “We’ve got a lot to talk about, so let’s get right to it.” She glanced at Blake first. “What’s your take on the JSDF’s arrival?”

  Blake straightened slightly, his gaze thoughtful. “It’s hard to say. Captain Arata seems competent, and he hasn’t done anything to make me distrust him—yet. But this isn’t just about him. The JSDF showing up here changes everything. It puts us on their radar, and that could be good or bad, depending on how they see us.”

  Saya nodded. “Exactly. Which brings me to the first problem we need to address: our weapons.”

  The room fell silent as everyone exchanged uneasy glances.

  Saya continued, her tone measured but serious. “Let’s be real—the fact that we have weapons at all is already a gray area. When the world fell apart, it didn’t matter if our guns were legal or not. Survival was the only law. But now, with the JSDF here, things are different. They might decide to enforce military control, and if they see our stash of illegal firearms, they could seize them—or worse.”

  Rei frowned, her fingers tightening around her knee. “But these weapons are the reason we’re still alive. Without them, we’re defenseless. Are you saying we should just give them up?”

  Saya shook her head. “Of course not. I’m saying we need to be smart. The JSDF might turn a blind eye to the legality of the weapons for now—they have bigger things to worry about than gun laws. But if they think we’re a threat, they won’t hesitate to disarm us. And that’s not a risk I’m willing to take.”

  Kohta leaned forward, his glasses catching the light. “So what do we do? Hide them?”

  “Exactly,” Saya said. “We move the bulk of the stash somewhere the JSDF won’t find it. Only keep what we absolutely need for defense—and make sure it’s stored discreetly. No one mentions the stash to anyone, not even the refugees. If word gets out, it could spark chaos.”

  Takashi nodded slowly. “That makes sense. If the JSDF sees we’re not flaunting our weapons, they’re less likely to see us as a threat. But what about the weapons we do keep? What if they find those?”

  Saya crossed her arms, her gaze steady. “Then we play it safe. If they ask, we tell them the truth: we’ve been defending the estate from zombies and other threats. It’s a valid reason, and it’s not like they can deny the dangers we’ve faced. But under no circumstances do we reveal the full extent of our armory.”

  Saeko, who had been quiet until now, spoke up. “And what if they try to confiscate what we do have? What if they decide we’re better off unarmed?”

  Saya’s jaw tightened. “Then we negotiate. Carefully. The JSDF isn’t stupid—they know we’re valuable as fighters. Disarming us completely would weaken the estate’s defenses, and they can’t afford that. But we need to be prepared for anything.”

  Blake stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. “I agree. Hiding the weapons is the right move. But we need to do it tonight, before the JSDF gets too comfortable here. Kohta, you know the armory better than anyone. Can you handle moving the stash?”

  Kohta nodded enthusiastically. “Absolutely. I’ll make sure everything’s secure and out of sight. There’s a storage room in the basement that should work—no one goes down there unless they have to.”

  “Good,” Blake said. He turned to the others. “In the meantime, the rest of us need to stay alert. If the JSDF starts asking questions, we stick to the story Saya laid out. We’ve been defending ourselves. That’s it.”

  The group nodded, a shared sense of determination settling over them.

  The Plan

  Saya glanced around the room, her voice softening slightly. “Look, I know this isn’t an easy situation. But we’ve come this far because we’ve stayed smart and worked together. If we keep doing that, we’ll get through this, too.”

  Rei gave a faint smile, her posture relaxing slightly. “You’re right. We’ve faced worse. We’ll handle this.”

  Kohta grinned, his usual enthusiasm shining through. “And hey, at least we’re not dealing with a horde right now. I’ll take bureaucratic problems over zombies any day.”

  Saeko’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Careful what you wish for, Kohta.”

  Blake leaned back against the wall, his gaze steady. “Alright. Let’s get this done. Kohta, you start moving the stash. The rest of us will keep an eye on the JSDF and make sure they don’t notice anything out of place.”

  Saya nodded, her expression resolute. “And remember—no one says a word about the weapons. Not to the JSDF, not to the refugees. Understood?”

  “Understood,” the group echoed in unison.

  As the meeting concluded, the group began to disperse, each member silently preparing for the delicate balancing act that lay ahead.

  May 3, 20XX – 8:20 PM

  The Takagi Estate, Basement

  Kohta Hirano let out a small grunt as he hefted another crate of ammunition, beads of sweat rolling down his forehead despite the cool air of the basement. His arms ached, his glasses slipped slightly down his nose, and his patience was wearing thin.

  “Why did I say I’d do this by myself?” he muttered under his breath, carefully maneuvering the heavy crate through the narrow corridor. “Oh, right. Because I’m the ‘gun guy.’ Great job, Kohta. Genius move.”

  He set the crate down near the false panel Saya had told him about earlier. The hidden storage room, cleverly concealed behind what looked like a simple section of shelving, was a feature of the estate he hadn’t even known existed until tonight.

  Flashback: Saya’s Instructions

  Before the group had dispersed, Saya had pulled Kohta aside, her tone uncharacteristically serious. “Listen, Kohta, this is important,” she had said, her sharp gaze locking onto his. “The stash has to be hidden. And I mean really hidden. No one—not the JSDF, not the refugees—can know about it.”

  Kohta had nodded eagerly, his hands fiddling with the strap of his rifle. “Got it. I won’t let anyone find it.”

  Saya had gestured toward a small sketch she’d made of the basement layout. “There’s a hidden panel here,” she’d explained, pointing to the far end of the basement. “Press the latch under the second shelf and it’ll open. Move the most destructive weapons there first—grenades, machine guns, anything that would raise red flags. If you get interrupted, at least those will be hidden.”

  Kohta had swallowed hard, the weight of the task settling over him. “What if someone comes down while I’m moving everything?”

  “Then you improvise,” Saya had said, her tone firm. “But whatever you do, don’t let them find the stash. Understand?”

  “Y-Yeah,” Kohta had replied, adjusting his glasses nervously.

  Back to the Present

  Kohta shook his head, snapping back to reality as he opened the hidden panel and carefully slid the crate inside. The chamber was small but well-concealed, its reinforced walls perfect for safeguarding the estate’s most sensitive assets.

  As he stacked the crate alongside the others, Kohta couldn’t help but grumble to himself. “Why am I the only one doing this? Couldn’t Blake or Takashi have helped? I’m not a pack mule!”

  Despite his complaints, Kohta couldn’t deny the sense of satisfaction he felt as he placed the last of the machine guns inside. The stash was almost completely hidden now—just one more trip and the most critical weapons would be secure.

  But as he turned to head back toward the remaining crates, he froze.

  Footsteps.

  His heart leapt into his throat as the sound of boots echoed down the staircase leading to the basement. They were faint at first, but growing louder with each passing second.

  “Crap, crap, crap,” Kohta hissed under his breath, his eyes darting toward the hidden panel. Without wasting another moment, he scrambled back inside the chamber, pulling the door shut behind him just as the basement door creaked open.

  The darkness of the hidden room enveloped him, and he pressed his ear to the panel, straining to hear what was happening outside.

  An Unexpected Encounter

  Two voices drifted into the basement—a male and a female, both speaking in hushed tones.

  “You sure this is a good idea?” the male voice asked, a hint of nervousness in his tone.

  “Relax,” the female voice replied, her tone light and teasing. “No one ever comes down here. We’ll be fine.”

  Kohta’s brow furrowed as he listened. Who the hell are these two? Refugees? Soldiers?

  His question was answered moments later when their conversation took an unexpected turn. The voices grew softer, their words more playful, until they dissolved into muffled laughter and the unmistakable sound of a kiss.

  Kohta’s eyes widened behind his glasses, his breath catching in his throat. You’ve got to be kidding me.

  As the pair’s murmurs grew more intimate, Kohta’s cheeks flushed, and he clamped a hand over his mouth to stifle a nervous laugh. His mind raced with disbelief. Of all the places in the estate, they had to pick here?!

  But just as things seemed to be heating up, the couple abruptly stopped.

  “Wait,” the male voice said, his tone sharp. “Did you hear that?”

  There was a pause, followed by the sound of distant voices calling from somewhere above.

  “Damn it,” the female voice muttered. “They’re looking for us. We should go.”

  “Yeah, probably a good idea,” the male replied, his voice reluctant.

  Kohta remained perfectly still as the pair’s footsteps receded, the sound of the basement door closing signaling their departure.

  Kohta waited a full minute before daring to move. His heart pounded in his chest as he slowly pushed the hidden panel open and peeked out. The basement was empty again, save for the faint glow of the overhead lights.

  He let out a long sigh of relief, his shoulders slumping as the tension drained from his body. “That was way too close,” he muttered, stepping out of the chamber and glancing around to ensure he was truly alone.

  As he made his way back toward the stairs, his mind lingered on what he had just overheard. He shook his head, a bemused grin tugging at the corners of his lips. “Unbelievable,” he muttered. “This place just keeps getting weirder.”

  Kohta emerged from the basement and headed back toward the estate’s eastern wing, where he spotted Blake and Saeko patrolling the hallways.

  Blake raised an eyebrow as Kohta approached, his expression questioning. “How’d it go?”

  “All done,” Kohta replied, adjusting his glasses. “The stash is hidden. No one’s finding it unless they know exactly where to look.”

  Saeko gave him an approving nod. “Good work, Kohta.”

  Kohta hesitated for a moment, debating whether to mention the couple in the basement. Ultimately, he decided against it. “Yeah… no big deal,” he said, his tone casual.

  Blake smirked. “You look like you’ve been through the wringer. Everything okay?”

  “Just a long night,” Kohta replied with a small laugh. “Let’s leave it at that.”

  As the three of them continued down the hallway, Kohta couldn’t help but glance over his shoulder, his thoughts lingering on the bizarre encounter. It had been a strange day—and it wasn’t over yet.

  End of Chapter 36