Inside the fortified Takagi Estate, guards stood alert, their eyes fixed on the approaching SUV. Positioned along the high walls, they were seasoned marksmen tasked with protecting the estate from the unrelenting zombie threat. Their rifles, equipped with silencers, allowed them to swiftly eliminate any undead without drawing a horde—a small but effective edge in this chaotic world.
Within the estate's walls, survivors had gathered under the protection of Suichiro Takagi, a man with deep ties to the government. He was an influential politician, a former military veteran, and a skilled swordsman with an unwavering sense of duty. Alongside him was his wife, Yuriko Takagi, a sharp stock market trader who had amassed wealth through her strategic brilliance. Together, they had opened their home to neighbors and civilians alike, fortifying the estate and establishing a temporary safe haven.
As the SUV rolled to a stop a few feet from the gate, the guards tensed, aiming their rifles with laser sights pointed directly at the vehicle. The red dot visible on Kira's chest through the rearview mirror didn't escape his notice.
But before they could issue any warnings, the SUV door swung open, and Saya Takagi stepped out with a smirk on her face. Recognizing her, the guards immediately lowered their weapons, hurriedly informing Suichiro and Yuriko of their daughter's return. The gates began to open, no questions asked.
Saya shot a glance at Kira, a look of pride dancing in her eyes as if to say, That's my power. She stepped forward, exuding confidence, knowing she was home and safe.
Kira, however, remained in the driver's seat, watching the scene with mild amusement. He saw the red dots aimed squarely at him through the mirror but felt no inclination to act. He could easily dodge them if he wanted—his current strength made such threats laughable—but after the earlier massacre, he felt less motivated to fight. The zombies had posed no real challenge, and the guards were hardly worth his effort.
Scoffing quietly to himself, he stayed silent, watching as the guards scrambled inside and the gates creaked open.
The rest of the group began to stir, the sound of the gates snapping them out of their drowsiness. Takashi, Hirano, Rei, and the others blinked as they became aware of their surroundings again.
Turning his eyes to Saya and Saeko, Kira grinned his classic goofy smile. "Well, get out. That's your stop, right?" He all but threw them out of the car. Before Saeko stepped out, though, she returned his sword with a polite nod. She hadn't had the chance to use it, but having it was better than nothing in such times.
"Thanks," Kira said, taking the blade back. But as the SUV's door was about to close, Saya leaned in through the open window. Her breasts, as always, seemed ready to spill out of her tight top, a reminder of the absurd fanservice world they were stuck in. She now spoke in a calmer, more respectful tone than before. Being at home clearly restored her confidence.
"Why aren't you coming inside?" she asked.
Kira chuckled lightly, his eyes on the road ahead. "Did you forget? I told you I was heading to a safe place. Your house just happened to be on the way, so I gave you a lift."
Saya blinked, momentarily taken aback. His words were simple, but they made the group realize that Kira wasn't some bad guy trying to trap them. Even Takashi felt a small sense of relief, though he wouldn't admit it. Hirano, however, seemed a bit disappointed, likely hoping to geek out with Kira further.
As the gate opened fully, Kira's eyes narrowed slightly. The low growls of nearby zombies echoed in the distance, drawn by the noise of the SUV. He glanced at Saya and Rei one more time. "You should go inside. Zombies are on their way."
Saya hesitated, glancing at Rei, who also looked concerned. "It's already dark, Kira. It's going to be more dangerous out there now."
Kira waved her concern off with a laugh. "Don't worry. I can handle myself." With that, he revved the engine, the rumble filling the air.
The OG group reluctantly started walking toward the gate. Kira's gaze lingered on Saeko, who instinctively reached for her sword's hilt—only to remember it wasn't with her anymore. A slight pang of guilt hit him. She seemed uncomfortable without a weapon.
"System," he muttered under his breath, "get me a katana suited for her."
The system's teasing voice echoed in his head. Oh, feeling guilty, are we? How sweet.
"Just give me something fast."
The system window popped up, displaying the weapon:
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Katana: Muramasa Replica Level: S Durability: 100% Sharpness: A+ Effect: Increases attack speed by 15%. Able to cut through most metals and bones with ease. Enhanced balance for superior handling.
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Kira didn't hesitate. He purchased the katana instantly, then stepped out of the car, the sleek blade in his hand.
"Saeko," he called out.
She turned, a bit surprised. They hadn't properly introduced themselves, but there was something in his voice that made her pause. He threw the katana to her with a smirk. "The real you deserves something better than that broken mask."
Her eyes widened in surprise as she caught the katana mid-air. She glanced at the weapon in her hands, the blade gleaming even in the dim light. It was a thing of beauty, elegant yet deadly.
But before she could respond, Kira had already vanished, the SUV speeding off into the night.
Saeko stared at the katana for a moment, feeling its perfect weight in her hands. She knew this was no ordinary blade. Her grip tightened as she felt a rush of energy from the weapon. This was a gift, and though she didn't know why, it felt right.
As the gates closed behind her, the chapter comes to a close, the night air thick with uncertainty.
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A/N:
What's Kira really up to, and what will happen next at the Takagi Estate? Stay tuned as things are about to heat up even more! Don't forget, Saeko now has a new weapon—what does that mean for future fights? And what's Kira's next move?