"So, what do all of you think now?", Shio Sakaki asked the other Ryozanpaku Masters.
"His fighting style is very unique.", Kensei said looking up at the wheelhouse, "That strange technique he used...it felt like he increased his fighting potential to monstrous heights. I doubt I would have lasted a few seconds against him, and that is being generous."
"Agreed.", Mitsuomi stated, "The sheer power of that last blow...I doubt I would have survived being grazed by it."
"He is the leader of our group for a reason, I hope you understand.", Saeko told them, "He is the reason we managed to get out of the Tokyo area. Umbrella released a humanoid mutant that was nearly nine feet tall and could lift tanks on the Shelter there. Victor and a small group of us went there to save them, and he killed it with a War Axe and his bare hands."
"Let me ask you, why exactly did he run in to save us?", Maya asked, "I understand we can be of use to all of you, but it seems a bit over the top for mere strangers."
"Victor's father betrayed him and is the Commander of the Umbrella Corp forces.", Yuriko informed them, "I think he feels partially responsible for what his father has done so he is doing what he can to help."
"Damn...", Souichiro stated, "I thought I had it bad with my family line..."
"Thank you for the explanation.", Maya said, "I apologize if I was sounding ungrateful. All of us have lost a lot of people we loved here, and I...I wanted to understand the situation better."
"It's okay, it was bound to be asked.", Rei giggled, "I am going up, you joining later?"
"Yes, I will be up shortly.", Saeko replied.
"You weren't joking!?", Souichiro gasped, "He's with all of you?!"
"If you haven't noticed, people are dying in large numbers. As it stands...there is no one alive in Tokyo anymore.", Saeko explained.
Standing up from their seats, the group asked for an explanation. Telling them about the nuke being dropped on Tokyo, the new members fell on their butts in disbelief. At the next stop they had intended to ask to turn back to Tokyo, but now that they knew it was no more...they were at a loss of how to proceed. Explaining to them that Victor's father wanted him dead and was trying to catch Sayo, Saeko wanted to make sure they knew what they were signing up for. Understanding the risks, none of them were considering leaving as it was safer to stay in a large group now.
"So where exactly are you all headed?", Bob inquired.
"Okinawa, we believe that there are some military ships still docked there we can take.", Astrid told them as she was going to bring up tea for Victor.
"Oh my!!", Kensei gasped, "You have a maid here!! May I take-"
"Try it and I will castrate you.", she hissed letting off her bloodlust, "I hate men like you!!"
Turning pale, Kensei fell back onto his daughter who was dying from laughter. For her, it was the first time someone had delivered such a venomous line to him. His reaction made her laugh, and it also made her interested in the type of man that could handle that type of woman. Not only that, the women that had left the Humvee were all apparently his partners and the majority of them appeared to be very skilled fighters. She was interested in learning more about them, and the fighting style she witnessed the guy use earlier.
'If I learn it, I can one up blondie and win Kenichi over!', she thought, 'Not only that, I will make my father stay with my mother!'
Telling them to relax and rest for now, Saeko told them we would make an emergency stop for supplies at another location. Thanking her again, they all got settled in and took a much needed rest. Heading up to the wheelhouse, Saeko found me using Astrid's lap as a pillow as Rika laid on my chest. Enjoying the sensations, I gave Saeko a smile as she walked in with a sigh.
"That was quite a display out there.", she said sitting next to me, "I haven't seen you use that technique before."
"I don't use it often, in fact the last time I used it was before I came to Japan.", I told her, "It's the complete opposite of the fighting style I normally use."
"I see, you should give me a demonstration sometime.", she laughed, "I am glad you came back to us in one piece."
"Haha, of course I made sure too!", I complained, "Someone has to keep all of you out of trouble."
"Haha!", Yoko laughed before kicking me in the thigh.
"Someone can't take a joke.", I chuckled.
Giving me a grin she leaned back, and looked out the window.
"It's not going to get better on it's own, is it?", Saya asked what the others wanted to say.
Looking at me for my opinion, I sighed and nodded my head. Lying to them that things were going to get better wasn't going to do anything, but lower their spirits in the long run. Being honest about it now would set the expectation moving forward. We had several phases to go through before the world hit rock bottom. Right now all we could do was gather a large group, find some place safe enough to shelter, and coordinate for a counter attack. Raccoon City was the end goal, but it would be a long time before we got there.
Taking a brief thirty minute nap to shake off the recoil, I was back to normal and charting our new course. Looking at the mini map and the nautical map we had, I selected several small cities that were relatively free of the undead. In addition, there were hardly any people there so the competition for supplies wouldn't be bloody. With our heading set, I walked back down to the deck to find Hayato and Kenichi doing their best to entertain the children.
Giving them a round of applause as I walked over to them, Saito and Alice ran over to make sure that I was okay. Telling them that I was fine, I said that it would take a lot more than that to hurt me. Coming over to me as well, Aoi called my stunt reckless and that I was an idiot. Laughing at her comment she got huffy with me, and started hitting me.
"Haha, I am sorry.", I chuckled, "It's just I thought it was cute you were concerned for me."
"You are the only person besides Sayo that is like me.", she whispered.
Kneeling down to her level, I looked her in the eyes.
"We are all human, the only monsters are out there.", I told her firmly, "No matter what anyone says, you are just as much human as any of us."
Giving me a grin, she turned her head and walked away. Sighing internally, she acted like Saya did if I complimented her a lot. She'd clam up, and simply walk away with steam pouring from her head.
"Allow me to personally thank you for allowing us to join you.", Hayato said reaching out his hand in friendship.
Grasping his hand, we exchanged a firm handshake as a sign of respect. Men like him judged a lot of things by a handshake.
"Good, I can respect a man who gives a firm shake.", he smiled.
'He's a lot more serious than I would have thought. I assume it's because the world has changed, and he has witnessed a lot of deaths.', I thought, "Thank you sir, I have heard a lot about you. The self proclaimed strongest man in the world if I am not mistaken."
"Haha, if you had asked me before this mess I would have said yes.", he honestly admitted, "We have all seen that strength means little if you can't protect what is important to you."
"For reference, Hayato was unable to save his son.", Midna told me popping out of my shadow, "They were initially attacked by a horde of over ten thousand. People ran to the port trying to get on any of the boats that remained, and a lot of people were caught out with nowhere to run. His son Saiga died unable to get away from the horde that Umbrella brought there. Aside from the military presence in Tokyo, the Ryōzanpaku was another major target for them. They were afraid that they would end up training people to fight, and would eventually drive out the zombies. Those monkeys want humanity to fall as quickly as possible so taking them out was the best option."
"I understand the sentiment.", I replied to Hayato, "I am glad to see that all of you managed to stay alive. We have seen a lot of killing, and have had to take a lot of lives."
"So we have heard.", Kenichi said.
"I know that the Ryōzanpaku have a long standing tradition of not killing, but given the circumstances there is no other choice.", I told them.
"We are well aware.", Kensei and the other Masters stated, "Umbrella Corp has made several attempts to strike us down, and they have killed many people. While we still do not wish to kill, we have watched too many innocent people be killed by them to turn a blind eye to them. We have made an exception, at least as far as protecting the innocent people."
"Good, I am not asking you to target brigands or innocent people trying to survive.", I informed them, "I want everyone aboard to have at least the skills they need to protect themselves from the undead and Umbrella troops. Is that something I can count on you to work with me on? These children don't have a future if we aren't willing to fight for it."
Before any of the other masters could speak, Hayato said they could train people if it was to defend themselves. Telling them I appreciated the help, I said that it was a relief to have more martial arts masters here to help round out the training course. Turning to Kensei I gave him a stern look before telling him a cardinal rule.
"Peeping or assaulting anyone in the group has a steep penalty.", I told him, "I hope you understand why I say that."
"Hehe, he's calling you out.", Renka laughed.
"I am well aware of the situation.", he sighed at his daughters mocking.
"I assume your wife and pupils are still alright?", I asked him.
"I haven't been able to make contact with her.", he said.
Handing my satellite phone, I told him to try and call her. Stating that I was intending to make a run for an ally of mine in China, I said we could pick them up as well while we were there. Thanking me, his daughter took the phone out of his hand and called her mother before her father could. Telling me that her mother would likely only shout at him instead of listen, she said she'd tell her.
"Jeez...is your relationship that bad?", I questioned.
"He packed up and left home without a word to circle the globe looking for the perfect panty shot.", Shigure said.
"No that is not it!", he shouted.
"Could of fooled us.", Bob laughed.
"All of you should respect your elders!", Kensei remarked.
"Maybe stop doing crap like that, and we will.", Souichiro snickered.
Laughing at him, Kensei started fuming and then shouted at them. Turning to look over at Arashi and Takashi, the two of them seemed to be discuss something. Excusing myself, I walked over to them to see if something was wrong. Calling out to them as I approached, I asked them what was up.
"We were discussing thoughts on the new people.", Arashi said.
"You mean the martial artists?", I asked.
"Yeah, it's just a lot of strange people is all. I mean that Hayato guy...he's freaking huge!", Takashi stated.
"Agreed, but he is a nice guy. Before all of this, they never killed anyone.", I told them, "I can assure you that the worse they will do is make you black out."
"That is reassuring.", Arashi said.
"Just don't do something to upset them.", I chuckled, "I think that is easy enough. It's not like you have to be cautious, treat them like everyone else and you'll be fine."
Telling them to talk with them, I said to just be careful not to try to fight any of the other high schoolers. Reminding them of the school they came from, I said that they flatten the two of them if they started a fight. Returning to the wheelhouse, I took over for Saya so she could get something to eat.
---Several Days Later---
"There is Tanegashima!!", Mikoto and Rei shouted to me.
Tanegashima was our last stop before making to Okinawa so it was critical we got all the supplies we could. Today we would be sending two teams out to cover as much ground as we could. Watching the women smile and dance around like follow for a moment, I turned to my HUD to look at my stat window.
---------------------------------------------------------
Name: Victor
Race: High Human
Occupation: Reincarnated Person
Age: 17
Level: 50
Attack: 1200
Defense: 600
Mental Strength: 600
Willpower: 500
Points: 15500
Skills:
Satou System
Skill Shop
Guide Pixie (Midna)
Lucky Looter - Rank 10
Ki Manipulation - Rank 5
Weapons Specialist - Rank 10
Medical Knowledge - Rank 10
Survivalist - Rank 10
Explosion Release Fist - Rank 10
Structural Engineer - Rank 8
Business Man - Rank 5
Olympian - Rank 10
Spartan Rage - Rank 10
(Page 1 of 11)
World Phase 1 - 99%
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'I am looking really good.', I thought, 'I got points to spar for emergencies, and all my lovers are over 90 in all their stat fields...except Namiyo. For whatever reason her Mental Strength and Willpower won't budge no matter what I do.'
I had been trying to help Namiyo recover from her mental conditions, and so far I had only managed to remove one of them. She had been doing her best to put Takashi in a good light with the group overall, but so far only one girl had shown interest in him. She was one of the former students from Toudou Academy which honestly surprised me given that most of the people that went their know far more martial arts than him.
"Jealous?", Midna inquired with a smirk.
"You know that isn't the case.", I sighed, "I am just surprised is all."
"You aren't surprised that Hisashi managed to find a girl too?", she inquired.
"That makes more sense, she was from our school.", I reminded her, "They have known each other from before Z-Day."
"Love is a strange thing.", she said trying to act mature.
"Uh huh...and who exactly have you been in love with?", I questioned.
"A woman doesn't give away her secrets so easily.", she remarked.
"Whatever you say.", I snickered.
Alerting the group that Tanegashima was in sight, everyone got the deck clear for docking. Throwing my lovers their weapons, they ran down to get ready for the fighting that would ensue. We had a welcoming party on the docks of a few hundred zombies and mutants. Taking the drones out that were kiting the dead to us with her rifle, Rika signaled that we were clear to get in close. Carefully bringing us up to the docking point, Hayato lead group onto the docks to clear them of the undead. Following after him Kohta's group and mine backed them to ensure they didn't surrounded. Once the maintenance crew had us tied off to the dock, I cut the engines and ran off to off help them.
Rejoining my group, Ebony and Ivory rang out as several undead heads exploded into pieces. Firing in quick succession I took heads off of many more as Aimi and I were back to back. Sniping people with her bow, she asked me if I brought more arrows for her. Stealthily pulling a bundle out of storage when no one could see, I handed them too her.
"You are the best.", she said.
"I know, tell me more.", I teased.
"You could have brought more.", she jabbed.
"I swear, no respect.", I laughed.
Securing the dock area around us, Kohta and I took our groups out to get supplies with the expressed agreement that we would be back in one hour. Kohta's group took the minibus and we took the Humvee with the trailer attached for extra storage. As soon as we were on the streets we encountered heavy resistance from the dead, but it wasn't something we couldn't handle. Astrid had opted to join us today to escape Kensei whose perversion reminded her of her former employer. I wasn't sure who'd win in an actual fight as I had never seen Astrid fight seriously so it might be a close call.
Taking all the supplies we could find, we went too a few police stations to replenish our ammo stores. I didn't want to bank on the military having left any munitions behind, and honestly the group currently camped there might have burned through most of it if they did leave anything. The first two stations were empty, but the third station did have some life in it. Finding a few surviving members of the JSDF fighting a Tank, their pistol rounds were just bouncing off the mutant like they were throwing stones. Giving the go ahead to assist, all of us rushed forward to kill it.
Leaping out of the car, Astrid and Sayo were the first two to engage with Saeko not far behind. Taking the high ground, I got up on a neighboring building and started taking out the undead that were coming in our directions. Once the area was secure, I climbed down and approached the group of three soldiers and a few officers.
"Everyone okay?", I questioned.
"Yes, thanks for the assist.", one of the soldiers told me, "Lieutenant Itami of the...well there isn't a point now."
A group seven in total, it looked like they had been barely surviving. Offering them shelter after confirming they weren't actively infected or criminals, they welcomed the offer and helped load up their stockpile of ammo. Having come from one of the nearby bases, they had managed to smuggle a large amount of ammo out before the base was overrun.
As both groups returned with our haul, and we set off I took a seat in the captains chair to set our heading. While I was getting us in a straight line with Okinawa, a notification popped up on my HUD.
"System Message: World Phase 2 Start.", the system said.