"Who would have thought that in one evening, all of Japan would descend into chaos?" Shizuka said, momentarily forgetting her water bottle.
"Yes, frankly, it's unthinkable how fast everything collapsed," Haruno nodded, turning to look at everyone in the café. Thanks to the supplies brought by the attack team, everyone was enjoying much-needed food.
"Here, ease into it," Yukino said as she and Yui helped Maki to stand up, her injured ankle wrapped in bandages. Slowly, Maki tried to lean her weight onto her left ankle, but winced.
"Yeah. It's definitely sprained," Maki said. The two Service Club members helped her down to a chair.
"Yes, you're right. You'll need to rest and let it heal," Yukino replied as she gently inspected Maki's swollen ankle. Maki made a frustrated expression but nodded. Reaching out, Yui offered an onigiri to Maki.
"Thank you, Yukinoshita-san, Yuigahama-san," Maki said, accepting the food. "It seems you, Sobu kids, aren't all stuck-up… Some of you are alright."
Haruno and Shizuka smiled at the sight. It helped ease the sense of doom to see that people could still be kind to one another despite the apparent apocalypse outside. Clearing his throat, Hayato brought attention to himself as he walked up to the two older women. Behind him stood several of Sobu's students, food in hand.
"Hiratsuka-sensei, you still haven't answered my question. How did you find us?" Hayato asked.
"That's right! How did you manage to avoid all those things, Sensei?!" Iroha inquired.
"Yeah, that's, like, super amazing!" Yumiko exclaimed, impressed by her teacher for navigating Chiba while hundreds of infected people were scattered throughout the prefecture.
For a moment, a shadow passed over Shizuka's face as she recalled everything she had witnessed on her way to the Cultural Center. The infected, the bloodshed, and the murders of innocent people by the military. Sensing their teacher's unease, no one spoke.
"It wasn't easy," Shizuka finally said. "I was caught in traffic on my way to the Cultural Center when they all just appeared out of nowhere, attacking anyone they saw. I didn't know what to do when I saw people attacking one another and… eating each other."
Yukino looked away, haunted by similar memories, as did many others.
"Before I could wrap my head around what was happening, my precious Aston Martin was struck by a truck. When I got out to give that driver a piece of my mind… he turned out to be an infected," Shizuka continued, gripping her bandaged head. "I tried to fight him off, but he was unstoppable… All of them are. Well, until you shoot the head."
"What happened next?" Hina asked softly.
Shizuka rubbed her eyes. "A car ran him over. After that, I ran off and climbed a building. But… on that roof, I saw the JSDF—"
"Hah! I knew it! The JSDF is here to save us!" Tamanawa said excitedly, clearly eavesdropping on the conversation. "See? I told you all that they would come to rescue us!"
"Y-yeah! We're saved!" Chika cheered.
"I knew they wouldn't abandon us!" Kaori said, placing a hand over her chest in relief. Everyone in the café began to talk excitedly, large smiles on their faces as they speculated on how the JSDF and the government would handle the situation.
Breathing a sigh of relief, Meguri turned to Haruno, who was staring at Shizuka's stern expression. "Does that mean that all this is going to end soon? With the JSDF, we'll—"
"The JSDF gunned down two innocent people on the street in cold blood," Shizuka said, silencing the room. "They're not here to help us."
"W-what?" Yui whispered. "That can't be true… right?"
"M-maybe you saw wrong? Maybe those people were infected! You said you were on a roof, right? Maybe you're mistaken!" Kaori suggested.
"Shizuka, are you sure?" Haruno asked.
"Yes. I'm sure. Those people weren't infected. They weren't injured, and they were coherent. They were asking the soldiers for help. And the JSDF shot them for that," Shizuka whispered, her grip tightening around her water bottle. "I don't know what's going on, but we can't rely on the JSDF to help us."
A heavy silence filled the room. No one knew what to say. Some wore expressions of disbelief, while others began to lose all hope.
"This infection is too new. The military is assuming that everyone is infected and will act accordingly," Yukino said. "There's too much we don't know."
"Then… what are we supposed to do?" Yui whispered.
"Hey, doesn't this remind anyone of what happened in America back in the late 90's?" Hayato said. "There was some sort of biological incident in Tanuki City. Could this be connected?"
"Ah, I know what you're talking about," Yoshiteru said, but his words only caused everyone to turn to him, causing him to shrink into himself. "T-the city was actually called Racccon City… but, it was blown up by a thermobaric bomb."
"A thermobaric bomb," Yukino whispered. "China, whether intentionally or not, set off several nuclear explosions on its own soil due to whatever this disease is. That leaves me to wonder… Could a t-third drop occur due to this infection?"
Yukino's words sent a chill down everyone's spine. Fear gripped their hearts as they turned to each other. Unsure of how to respond to such an event.
"Hold on," Shizuka jumped to her feet, her frantic eyes scanning the room. "I can't believe I didn't notice before… Where's Hikigaya?!"
x x x
…One Day Later…
With Shizuka added to their group, navigating the treacherous landscape of Chiba had become a bit more manageable for everyone involved. Though their pace remained slow, it remained steady. Haruno, Shizuka, Hayato, and Yamato worked seamlessly together, their efforts allowing all three groups of their group to evade encounters with the infected for the most part.
However, when they were inevitably spotted or found themselves in unavoidable confrontations with the undead, the members who had participated in the previous plan to gather food—excluding Maki, who was being carried over the back of a highly embarrassed and blushing Yoshiteru—stepped up without hesitation, swiftly neutralizing any infected that crossed their path.
As another day drew to a close, Shizuka's mood remained noticeably troubled. She had learned that Hachiman, Saki, and Keika had made the reckless decision to depart from the safety of the group to search for their siblings on their own. This news had ignited a surge of anger within her, fueled by the frustration that no one had attempted to halt their impulsive departure. The weight of the situation weighed heavily on her, as she couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility for everyone's safety and an urgency to keep them together while the world was seemingly on fire.
"There was no stopping him, Shizuka. Hikigaya-kun and Saki made their decision. If we tried to stop them, they would have fought through us to go save their siblings," Haruno had said with a defeated but calm tone. Beside her, Yukino and Yui nodded.
At that moment, Shizuka accepted the explanation given to her, yet an uncomfortable restlessness continued to gnaw at her insides. Memories of her own travel through the violent streets of Chiba flooded her thoughts, bringing with them a vivid reminder of the legions of undead. The sheer danger of being outside was undeniable. With a heavy heart, she fervently hoped that Hachiman would tap into his quiet intelligence, using his wits to protect not only himself but also those with him.
Shizuka promised herself that she would give him a piece of her mind when they met again.
"At this rate, we should get there tomorrow afternoon," Haruno said as the group was taking a small break within an old bookstore. After traveling for over two days through the city, everyone was growing increasingly exhausted. "All we have to do is cross the Tone River and travel a few more miles north."
"Tomorrow?" Yumiko groaned as she rubbed her aching feet. "Why couldn't we just have taken that bus we saw yesterday? We would have been there already!"
"If you don't remember, there are several abandoned vehicles all over the city. They would have blocked the path, and the sound of the engine would have only brought the attention of the infected," Yukino said, taking a sip of water.
"Who asked you?"
"Your question was directed to the group, wasn't it?"
"Listen here, you smartass-"
"Stop! Stop! Let's all get along, okay?" Yui jumped between them with a disarming smile. "Everyone's just tired, so let's not fight, okay?"
Yumiko glared at Yukino for a moment, but quickly gave up; she didn't have the energy to fight or argue. "Fine."
"Haruno-San, just how safe is your house?" Iroha asked, changing the subject.
"My father had the house built a few months ago after his latest promotion in the Japanese Diet. It features very tall perimeter walls, and the house itself is constructed with high-end materials and advanced technology. Honestly, I thought it was a bit excessive for someone in politics," Haruno said, turning to Yukino. "Still, I'm grateful for our father's caution. Who would have thought it would prove to be so useful?"
"Yes…" Yukino whispered, her voice barely audible as she cast her gaze downward. "I wonder how our parents are doing. I… hope they're safe."
Her words hung in the air like a heavy fog, wrapping all three groups in a shroud of anxiety and despair. Each of them felt the weight of apprehension settling in their hearts, their minds drifting to the families. Were they safe? Had they managed to escape the initial outbreak, or had they succumbed to the fate that awaited so many? The thought of their loved ones possibly joining the ranks of the undead gnawed at them, deepening their sorrow and casting a long shadow over their fragile hope.
Shizuka's voice broke through the silence, yet it was laced with a somber determination. "I think we've rested enough," she said quietly, standing up with a heavy heart. "Everyone, pack up and get ready to move."
The three groups navigated through the bustling city streets for another three hours, their legs weary as they propelled them forward. Eventually, everyone finally approached a steep incline that offered an expansive view of the greater Inzai region. In the distance, the tranquil waters of the Tone River glistened under the late afternoon sun.
"The home stretch," Hayato said, a small, tired smile spreading across his face as he spotted the river from their elevated position. His eyes quickly darted to the bridge that arched gracefully across the water, linking their side to the promise of safety beyond. "If we maintain this pace, we should reach the Sakae-bashi bridge by sundown."
However, Shizuka's expression was grim as she stood at the vantage point, her finger pointing toward the city below. "I wouldn't count on that just yet. Look," she urged, her voice tense.
From their height, they could see the grim scene unfolding in the streets ahead—waves of the infected shuffled about aimlessly, their disheveled forms a jarring sight against the backdrop of a city in madness. Smoke twisted upward from multiple points, mingling with the acrid scent of burning debris.
The group's faces transformed from hope to dread as they took in the sight before them. The streets were a veritable war zone. Buildings were on fire, cars were overturned, and the gore of desperate encounters with the infected was visible everywhere.
"Isn't Aeon Town in that direction?" Hina asked. "That area is usually heavily populated, so the infection must have spread there like wildfire."
"There are too many," Yoshiteru whispered, and Maki tightened her arms around his neck.
"Should we turn back? Maybe we can go somewhere else?" Kaori suggested. "No matter how secure Yukinoshita-san's house is, it isn't worth crossing through all of that!"
"You may be right," Haruno replied. "But our family house is our best bet for long-term survival. We won't find any other well-fortified shelter like it."
"Still, we should at least consider exploring different options," Meguri added. "There are too many infected in our way."
"Y-yeah, she's right," Tamanawa said. "I say we look for a different place! Somewhere safe-"
"No. We continue with our current plan. If we change our destination, then Hikigaya, Kawasaki, and their siblings will find an empty building. We'd essentially be abandoning them. I refuse to do that. So we keep going. We'll take the long way around the city and use the back streets," Hayato said, cutting Tamanawa off. Hayato's serious tone threw several of them off, while leaving no room for argument. "Our group is too large to sneak through there as we have been."
"While I agree with you, that could add another two to three days of travel," Yukino pointed out. "Our current supplies won't last us that long."
"That may be true, but we'll manage," Hayato nodded. "As for our supplies, we'll just have to find another store to gather more."
"Hayato is right. We won't abandon Hikigaya and the others. We'll take the long way. It may take longer, but we'll be able to avoid most of the infected," Shizuka said as she looked up at the sky. "We need to get moving and gain as much distance as we can. Finding shelter nearby will also be difficult."
"Then let's get moving," Haruno said.
As the group began moving again, Tamanawa and his student council members huddled together, an unease thickening the air around them.
"They're going to get us killed," Tamanawa hissed under his breath, his voice tinged with both exhaustion and dread.
"They aren't listening to us. They're putting all our lives in danger for their classmates," Masa said, angry at how dismissive the Sobu group was of them.
"We have to act. I refuse to believe that woman when she says the JSDF isn't here to help us. Our only chance is to break free from the group and find real help," Keiichi urged.
"Exactly! We're sitting ducks with them. Look at us—we're exhausted, starving, and filthy! We can't trust them to keep us safe when they don't take our opinions seriously!" Shin exclaimed, a nervous energy coursing through him.
"Tamanawa, you're our student council president. What's our plan?" Mamoru pressed, his gaze searching Tamanawa's for direction.
Tamanawa took a shaky breath, his feet aching as the stench of sweat hung heavily around him. The weight of hunger gnawed at him, compounded by the past two sleepless nights spent on unforgiving floors. He missed his bed.
"You're right. We need to distance ourselves from these buffoons before their recklessness leads us to our deaths. We'll form our own group," Tamanawa declared, resolved, setting his features into a grim line. "Let everyone from our school know. Once we find a place to rest tonight, we'll take all the supplies and head off on our own. We can't afford to be caught in their web of incompetence."
x x x
In the heart of the Kanto region, Ibaraki Prefecture is known for its diverse natural beauty, flourishing agriculture, and strong industrial sector. Located along Japan's eastern Pacific coast, Ibaraki lies to the northeast of Tokyo. It is an integral part of the Greater Tokyo Area, which is the most populous metropolitan region in the world.
However, following the catastrophic outbreak, Ibaraki has descended into a bleak realm of violence and chaos, with the streets overrun by the undead. Those fortunate enough to escape the initial surge of horrors now find themselves trapped within their homes, barricaded in with fear and desperation, praying fervently for salvation that never arrives.
Toward the northern edge of the prefecture, near the coastal city of Kashima, an expansive military camp sprawls over several miles, its perimeters heavily fortified with barbed wire and watchtowers. Inside this bastion, hundreds of soldiers clad in combat gear coordinate defense efforts against the relentless tide of the undead. A fleet of armored vehicles stands at the ready, poised to respond at a moment's notice, while large green tents dot the landscape, providing shelter and operational stations for the troops.
At the rear of this military encampment, where the sound of crashing waves mingles with distant gunfire, several dozen tents serve as a temporary refuge for weary and terrified civilians. These individuals, displaced from their homes thanks to the undead, huddle together for comfort and support. These were the families of the several hundred JSDF soldiers. Lines were within the area, where soldiers served rations with warm, reassuring smiles to their loved ones.
Outside the base's fortified walls, multiple barricades have been erected, staffed by armed soldiers vigilant in their posts. Their keen eyes sweep the surroundings, scanning for threats, while the grotesque bodies of the undead litter the ground nearby. These fallen foes lie grimly still, their limbs grotesquely shredded by a barrage of gunfire, mortar strikes, and flames, serving as a stark reminder of the violent struggle that plagues the region.
Major General Gendo, the commanding officer of the military base, stood resolutely within the command center, exuding an unmistakable air of authority as he surveyed the monitors arrayed before him. The room was filled with some of Japan's most skilled personnel—men and women who had earned Gendo's unwavering trust. Beside him stood his second in command, Colonel Kōzō.
"Sir, all explosion charges are in position. We are ready to commence the operation," Warrant Officer Misato reported, her eyes fixed on one of the control consoles.
"Excellent. We remain on schedule," Gendo replied, his gaze locked onto the large electronic map dominating the center of the room. Red markers illuminated key points along every connecting bridge in Japan's most populated prefectures, highlighting the critical targets. "Kaji, notify Yokota Air Base that they are cleared to proceed."
"Yes, sir," Warrant Officer Kaji confirmed, swiftly moving to relay the orders.
"Sir, we have a situation," Leading Private Asuka interjected, holding a phone with urgency. "We've received communication from Sergeant Yuichi Kido. It appears a squad of soldiers has gone AWOL and has entered the restricted zone to rescue civilians."
"The fools," Kōzō said.
"If we initiate the operation now, those soldiers will be trapped in the red zone," Leading Private Shinji cautioned, concern evident in his voice. "We should hold until they return to safety."
"They have defied direct orders and breached a restricted area. We cannot compromise the operation for a rogue squad," Leading Private Rei stated emotionlessly, her focus unwavering as she continued her tasks.
Gendo's expression hardened as he weighed the situation, his hands clasped firmly behind his back. "Rei is correct. Those soldiers made their choice. We cannot halt the operation on their account. Proceed as planned. Shinji, initiate the countdown."
"…understood," Shinji said, his fingers hovering over the console. He paused for a moment, then firmly pressed the enter key. "Initiating operation now."