Hey Guys chapter 4 is here. I apologize for not updating sooner but I was hospitalized due to an accident.
Fortunately it was not bad but both my arms were pretty useless for last month. Still I added a lemon in next chapter for you guys to enjoy. I will complete it in a week
Lirg123: He doesn't have to, He is filthy rich. If he wants something usually he will get it.
A guy1013: he doesn't have to save money, he is rich.
Finshadow212th: No I am not thinking about archery, I don't like archers that much but other characters may use bow and arrows while dealing with zombies.
I was actually going to write about this. I was already thinking of connecting all 3 of them on emotional level due to their violent nature. You just spoiled it. I was also going to make them rivals for MC's love but thanx anyway for your suggestions. I even added a conversation between Miku and Saito in chapter 1 to make a base.
Notyourslave: you will have to wait for future chapters to see harem. I checked on net and its name is actually Hisashi Igou, I corrected the name while editing the last chapters.
The reaper of death445: He will not have a military tank, think, where will he keep it? and tanks are not cheap. It will be actually easy to just steal after Z-day. Also military company? Why would he waste so much resources and time for a company which won't be usable after Z-day
Zapkring: No I am not adding magic to this fic, but I can see the potential in your theory. As for bashing Shido, you can be certain about it. First I was not certain about bashing him, his back story was somewhat tragic but he single handedly fucked up the situation at Takagi Manor. He also brainwashed and sacrificed his own students. In the end I decided to bash him but his father will get more important role later on. He will also bashed quite a lot.
Thank you everyone for liking and following this story, I hope this chapter will be of your liking.
Disclaimer: I do not own Highschool of the dead, just my OC
Chapter 3:
two tasks
I wanted to go Miku's house and beat his father for what he was doing but I knew it would be very bad move. In the end I decided to follow my first idea to get help from Souichiro Takagi.
We only meet during dinner so I decided to discuss this after dinner. There was not much time left so I got out of the park and sped my bike to Takagi Manor.
Just as I was going to dinner hall after getting ready, I heard a familiar voice calling my name. When I turned, I met Saya who was running in my direction. Huffing and puffing she ordered me to wait.
While she knew that I had a fight with my parents, she didn't know the whole story. Thankfully she was not nosy or demanding enough to ask me the reason. Maybe she was, but for once she didn't ask me about it and I was truly grateful for it.
After greeting her, we both started walking towards the hall. Souichiro and aunt Yuriko didn't take much time to come. Dinner was a tense affair for me just like other times but Saya didn't agree with me.
According to her it was quite opposite. Usually Souichiro is out of town or working late night so he either eats out or in his office while Yuriko and Saya eats together. So when whole family eats together, it gives them opportunity to bond and check on each other. Sometimes I pity Saya, her parents were so much busy in their work that they don't give her much time of the day.
It's not like they ignored her, they just don't give her much attention.
After dinner was complete, I was about to ask uncle for help but he beat me to it and asked me join him in his study.
I nodded and followed him. We spent the journey walking in silence. We made ourselves comfortable. After some small talk about my health he told me first good news in a week.
"I got a reply from master Busujima today; he has agreed to meet you tomorrow in his dojo. We should depart before 9am. While I know you will be on best behavior, I still must remind that you be respectful of him" he told me in his most sincere tone
A huge smile broke on my face but I schooled it pretty quickly and nodded in assent. Still there was one topic I wanted to discuss with him.
I hesitantly asked"Uncle there is something I wanted to ask"
He waved his hand and motioned me to go on.
I steeled my heart "you know that there was this girl who I helped last week" I asked. He nodded at that
"Today I was going to my friends house when I met her accidently" his eyes narrowed at that but I ignored him and continued "we talked and after some time when I asked about the boy who forced her, she told me that his father tried to bribe the principal but was rebuffed so in the end he and Miku's father…. They agreed on a deal – For 50,000 yen her father is taking back the statement and closing the case against the boy" I said the last part in some anger.
I took a breath to calm down and continued" Naturally she voiced her disagreement, but due to her minor status, she was denied. Her father even stuck her; he is also a bit abusive towards her. More psychologically than physically, but still when I asked her, she confirmed that he has struck her before"
He was silent for few minutes. In the end he asked me "and what would you have me do?"
I hesitantly replied "I know we can't do anything about the boy. I don't know the required law nor I am a specialist of these type of situations but can't we at least do something about her father that he stops the abuse?, maybe you have some friend in Child Service Department who could help her, they could go and check on her and say that some concerned neighborhood complaint a report on him and stops by regularly and randomly so that his father doesn't do anything" I asked the last part hopefully
He studied me for some time but nodded in the end "very well (sigh) I will do something about it, don't worry. Your plan has merit but I will discuss it in detail with my friend"
"Thank you uncle" I bowed to him, I usually don't bow before anyone other than necessary greetings requires but I bowed deeper than necessary now to show my gratitude.
He nodded at me, I was just about to leave when he asked me a question in a teasing tone "Saito, are you and this girl together? Or do you like her?"
It was so sudden and out of character for him to ask this type of question that I was stuck there for some time. I could also feel my blush. I was struck speechless for a minute, I tried to deny it afterwards but he just laughed at me. I quickly fled from there in embarrassment.
While I have always appreciated female body, for the last 2 years I have started appreciating it more. I have been unable to resist a chance looking at it, even Aunt Yuriko caught me looking at her boobs last year. Thankfully she didn't made a scene about it. She just smirked at me and asked me to not look in obvious manner and be discreet about it. Even today I feel embarrassed thinking about the incident. She even sometimes joked about if I have made any girlfriend to look at her boobs or not, thankfully only when we are alone, otherwise I am sure Souichiro would have killed me by now, if he had any suspicion.
Even my mom was not left alone by my hormonal mind, even if logically she is not my mom, a small part of me consider her as my mom. Thankfully neither she nor my dad notice me checking her out, otherwise I would have been forced to leave the house in embarrassment.
Next day:
I didn't get much sleep last night but still I was well rested when I woke up. I was ready in my sports gear just in case master Busujima asks me to perform some cardio or some strenuous activity. It would do me no good if I fail to do something so trivial just because my clothes were restrictive.
I ate a full breakfast filled with high carb just in case I have to do some strenuous activity, and was ready to depart at 8:30 when I got my first shock of the day, my father just walked in. I didn't know he was coming but still it was a wonderful surprise.
I heartily hugged him.
"I didn't know you were coming dad" I ask him
He just shrugged and laughed "now why wouldn't I be there when you get selected by Yamamoto Busujima himself" he told me in fact-tone. I was a bit surprised and happy that he had so much faith in me.
"How are you so sure that I will get selected" I said with some vulnerability slipping in my tone. Dad looked at me with some Fondness and Exasperation. He beckoned me to follow him and start walking toward the car. I followed him.
"Saito why are you unsure of yourself. You have never run from challenges, or admitted defeat before even the challenge is made. Is this because of your mom?" he asked me with prideful tone after some silence.
I did some thinking and it could be true. My confidence may have taken a dive after the fight with mom. After some hesitation I nodded.
"Oh Saito!" he exclaimed "You don't have to worry about your mom. She is just angry at the situation, just last night she even asked me about you. You will see, she will just forget about this in no time and she will no doubt be happy that you got selected. Learning kenjutsu from Master Yamamoto is an honor. Not everybody gets the chance, you know"
"Now you go and dazzle him. I have no doubt that you would succeed" he said the last part with pride.
I nodded and hugged him.
"You should come too Haruto" a voice came from behind. I turned and saw uncle Souichiro with his bodyguards coming towards us with a smile on his face. I have rarely seen him smile but you can't miss it sometimes when he talks with his friends, wife or over some passionate topic.
"He may be living in this household but you are still his guardian Haruto. It will be bad if you are needed there and Saito missed this opportunity just because you weren't there" he said with a serious voice.
My father nodded and we sat in the car.
1 hour later we were on outskirt of the city when I saw it. While it was not posh like Takagi manor, you can't say it wasn't beautiful. Its simplicity was beautiful on its own. 'Busujima Residence' was around 1 acre in total, in a rectangular shape, 0.7 acre of which was simple ground for running and practicing katas. It was first surrounded by walls and electric wires on top of them, 3 of the walls were surrounded by forest.
After entering the gate you could see dojo on the right side. After it came the building of Hostel. It contains 100 rooms separately for the candidates who came from other cities to learn here and got selected. It also housed security guards and other staff members, even one dojo assistant of Master Yamamoto. After that was only open ground.
On the left side, just opposite of the Dojo was a house which housed Busujima family and an office used by Yamamoto Busujima. Further way was a small dojo which is only used by Busujima family and some promising disciples. More further than that was a building of Girls Hostel. It contained only 20 rooms. It was quite small from the Boys Hostel and housed female staff members and girls who came to learn.
In between those and at front of the main gate stood a warehouse where food and other things were stored. Both sides were also separated by a broad road. The road was going from front main gate to warehouse.
We stopped in front of the office and got out of the car. We start walking towards the office; I could also hear the students making noises while training. We were received by the office assistant of Master Yamamoto. He was a man in his 40's with a shaved face and head. He was of lean build and stood at 6 feet height. He ushered us inside the office and asked us to wait while he inform Master Yamamoto, who was practicing in his personal dojo.
While he went away, I observed the office. It was like other normal offices with a table and chairs. Some papers were lying around on his desk with a frame of some photo, but its front was in the direction of the main chair so I wasn't able to see of whom it was. If I have been alone I would have turn it around and see it. The walls of office were filled with certificates and medals which I presumed were of Master Yamamoto.
At first I thought the office will be more traditional type, but it seems even I sometimes fall in preconceptions. We waited for 5 minutes in the office in the silence, when a man came in the office. We stood up for greeting but Suddenly Atmosphere got heavy.
He was in his 50's wearing traditional black robes, his face clean shaved, his hair were neatly tied at back. He was lean but strong body. His mere presence commanded respect. All in all he was much more intimidating than Souichiro Takagi. Suddenly he smiled and the atmosphere got lighter, I could breathe again.
'I didn't even realize that I stopped breathing' I exclaimed internally. This was the proof that man standing in front of me was dangerous. I looked from corner of my eyes but I could see that Dad and Souichiro, while unsettled were not affected by… whatever it was. Only I was affected by it.
'Now let's see who has come to meet me today. Mainly they come in March. Maybe I could have some fun' opening door, Yamamoto thought getting annoyed that the guests have disrupted his training session.
'Ah! I totally forgot Souichiro was coming today with a brat who thinks he can learn 'kenjutsu' on his connection. Aha! There he is, now why is he looking at me wide eyed? Oh! Oops I forgot to turn it off. I didn't knew someone could unconsciously sense it' I calm my mind and smiled at them but I could see now the boy was cautious towards me.
'Good he at least listens to his instincts'
"Souichiro- kun!" he exclaimed "how are you? Last I heard you became some hot shot in a political party…."
'Maybe he trying to lighten the mood' I mused as I see Yamamoto joking with Souichiro while Dad looked dumbfounded at the great swordsman Yamamoto childishly joking with Souichiro.
Suddenly he turns towards me, his eyes sharpening and his face turning serious, he said in a humoring tone "so this is the 'boy' who wishes to learn kenjutsu"
I bristled at the 'boy' comment, quickly calming my mind I forced my expression to impassive, but I could see that he saw my irritation by the small smirk on his face.
"Yes I wish to learn kenjutsu" I replied before either of them could. My voice was respectful even if I wanted to comment on his old age.
"And why should I teach 'you', a mere boy the killing art?" his voice turning serious. I could see my dad getting worked up by his comments.
I expected this type of questions and so I was already prepared to answer "You don't have to but it will be easier and it will take less time if I have a competent teacher, if you don't I will have to learn from some other but he will clearly not be on your level"
I could see Dad beaming and Souichiro frowning at me from corner of my eye.
He arched an eyebrow and asked "let's hypothetically assume I agree to teach you, how would you compete with your seniors? Moreover how I could be sure that you wouldn't use the skills for nefarious purposes"
I smiled at that, so far his questions were answerable with half truths "I can keep up with anyone this Dojo has to offer as for the other reason, you could keep an eye on me for indefinite time and when you are 100% sure that I would not use my skills for nefarious purposes, you could then teach me" I suggested even as I kept my voice even not showing any over-confidence at my abilities.
He frowned at me but I could see him considering.
After 2 minutes of painful silence he seems to reach a decision. He sighs and beckons me to follow him "Very well I will teach you if you could complete 2 tests" he said taking us to the grounds.
When we reached there, the students stopped practicing and start watching us.
I was suddenly jolted out of my thoughts. "Do you see the track" he asked me motioning in the direction of grounds.
I nodded. There was a crude track drawn on the grounds with white powder. It was approximately 3 kilometers by my estimate.
"Now the time is 9:55 am, you have till 6 o'clock to complete 30 rounds. If you complete this test… well we will see if you can even complete the test, no need to count eggs before they are hatched"
I stood there dumbfounded at the test '90 kilometers in 8 hour, I am dead' I thought
"Or you could go back to your home, eat your mom's food, curse me in your mind and forget learning from me"he told me in full serious tone. I didn't know but my face darkened at the mention of home. "You should hurry boy if you want to complete the test. Oh you are only allowed to stop 1 time otherwise you will simply loose"
'Ok calm your mind' I chastised me and took some deep breaths.
I turned towards my father and start walking towards him. I could feel Yamamoto's smug smile at me already admitting my defeat, even if he didn't show it.
I leaned towards in his ear and said "Dad could you bring me some sports drinks, some high carb food like yogurt or high carb energy bar and also some water bottles"
He exclaimed "you are not thinking of participating in this… this farce are you? You don't need to do this, we can get you some other teacher" his voice had a pleading tone. I felt guilty inside but I pushed it aside and said in a very serious tone to show I was serious "I am doing it Dad, can you bring me some or not?"
He was indecisive for few moments but seeing my determination he sighed and nodded.
I took out my mobile and my upper clothes, no need to weigh me down for some minor embarrassment. Training for last 5 years showed, even at the age 15 I stood at 5'5. While I was not buffed like some bodybuilders, my body is lean covered in hard pink muscles (There are 3 types of muscles- red muscle for endurance, white for strength and finally pink. It is hybrid of both).
With proper workout one can rid their body entirely of red and white muscles and fill their body entirely with pink muscles. I even had 6 pack abs to seduce a girl as they like them very much. I usually run 10 km every day. Initially I was slow but recently I could complete 10 km within half an hour. It was just 8 minute more than world record in this world.
With the determination of seeing Yamamoto's face when he admitted defeat and took me as a student, I was off.
First 6 rounds were easy, but I knew that further I reach, more difficult it would become. I took energy drinks from my father when he came back with them, and dropped them on the track, keeping some distance between each of them so that when I felt thirsty I could drink from them. Second 6 rounds were also alright but now I was drenched in sweat, my breaths were labored. Next 6 rounds were pure torture; my legs felt like jelly and my lungs were on fire. Thank god there was no sunlight today otherwise I would have burnt more energy.
At last I could not go on and dropped dead on the ground. Feeling world going round I took a water bottle and pour down on me.
I was suddenly lifted off the ground and dropped on a comfortable mattress.
Only when my breadth even out, I opened my eyes. There was only 1 thing on my mind "Dad what's the time?" I asked him
My dad looked at me incredulously but seeing I was not going to quit, he sighed and said "Its 1 o'clock, you completed 19 rounds so far"
'Huh! 19, maybe I was quite out if my counting got wrong. Ok so what's the plan? I have to complete 11 rounds more in next 5 hours. Ok I completed 19 rounds in 3 hours meaning approx 6.3 rounds per hour but I was fresh this time so it will take at least 2 and ½ hour to complete next 11 rounds'
Suddenly I was feeling my bladder out of control. I asked the direction but my father insisted on accompanying me.
After feeling satisfied I ate some yogurt and high carb bar to replenish some energy. I had only 2 hours to rest.
Suddenly I was jolted out of my thoughts by dad.
"You are still going to complete this task?" he asked me.
I turned towards him and said "Yes dad I am going to complete it. I have only 11 rounds more to go. According to my calculation, my average speed is 6.3 rounds per hour I could do that in 2 hours and some so I can at least have 2 hours of rest"
He looked at me for some time but nodded in end. A proud smile came on his face "you were amazing there Saito, even some of the disciples were impressed by your endurance. I know you will complete this obstacle in no time. Know this I am very proud of you son" he said pride seeping in every word.
I beamed at his encouragement
Elsewhere:
Kabuto came in the office waiting for his employer to finish his work. After some time Yamamoto looked up and asked "so how many did he complete"
"19 Sir"
"19 hmm not bad for 15 year old boy but now the real test will start, he will feel more exhausted. His mind and body will protest and demand to get rest, now that he has started his rest. Will he admit defeat or will he prevail? Don't you agree Kabuto? Or do you think I am being too strict?"
"Sir it's not my place to question you. Whatever you decide will definitely be Just"
Even after getting 2 hour rest my body was aching and demanding for rest but still I continued. I took the sports drinks, water bottles and start running. While this time my lungs were doing fine, my legs were on fire only after 2nd round.
By 7th round I was ready to admit defeat. By 9th I didn't care if there was zombie invasion coming or not in next 4 years, I was drenched in sweat, my lungs were protesting. I could not even feel my legs.
Somehow I again miscalculated, I thought I was on 10th round while it was 11th, I still kept running. My father start running beside me asking me to stop but I did not stop, only when he admitted that I completed the task did I stopped. I dropped dead on ground, all my adrenaline leaving my body. Till this date I don't know how I remained conscious after that but I did.
At the end when my father with help of some students lifted me off the ground. With a laboring breath I asked the time, I wanted to know if I won or not.
I did win and with 15 minutes left.
We just reached the car when Master Yamamoto came out followed by his assistant and stopped before us. I was not even in the position of speak still I could see my father was barely able to control his temper from erupting.
"If I am honest, I did not expect you to complete that task. You have shown that you have endurance to endure my teaching and determination to reach your goal. But do you have the will? Seeing that you are not in any position for 2nd task, I shall see you in 1 week" he said
"But before that, take this as a token or gift if you please, for completing a task your 5 years seniors are hard pressed to do. Just bring it back when you come and also you must feed it yourself" he waved at his assistant who gave us a cage. There was a rabbit inside it; I didn't give lot of thought at that time as I had other pressing matters.
Next day my body was aching, I actually felt hurt whenever I walked. My soles were covered with blisters. Still I fed the rabbit that was given to me. After reassuring my dad that I was alright for 10th time I was frustrated but I knew that he was only worried about my health.
'At least this task helped me reconcile with mom' I thought checking mom from the corner of my eyes. When Dad went to home last night and explained what happened to her, she didn't waste any time coming at Takagi Manor. There was lot of crying and shouting but in the end we reconciled. I was promptly taken home.
We also decided to not breach the topic of my suspension from the school. We simply agreed to not talk about it. As a result, from now on all of my school matters will be handled by my Dad while mom will not interfere with my training and studies.
Still there was some gap between us which will take some time in healing. Our relationship was not like before. We had to think before breaching any topic with each other. Still it was better than cutting all ties. I actually felt at peace after arriving home. Only Saya was sad to see me go back home. She actually grew on me during the time I spent at Takagi Manor. Only when I promised to visit regularly, did her tears stopped.
On the 3rd day I was getting bored sitting all day in home. My body was back to normal but blisters were still there so I had to remain in the house. Thankfully I was rescued from boredom by Hisashi who came when I asked him. We played some card and video games to escape from boredom.
On the 6th day I was good as new. I did some light running but mostly stayed away from exercising.
On 7th day I was ready to go. This time I was joined by Mom too. She said she wanted to support me but I think she just wanted to give a piece of her mind to Master Yamamoto. When we reached there he was already waiting for us. There was also a stare down between mom and him. My mind were playing tricks for sure, I actually think Yamamoto was actually nervous meeting mom, when we introduced her.
At last he cleared his throat and asked us to leave us alone for 2nd task. Mom clearly wanted to remain but thank god dad persuaded her otherwise.
"So did you bring my gift?" he asked me.
I nodded and showed him the cage. He hummed for few second and "Take him out".
I did as he asked.
He walked towards me and said "Now your 2nd task is to kill him" he said producing a knife towards me.
For a second I froze. I looked at him incredulously but it seems he was getting impatient. "If you want to learn, you will have to follow my commands to the letter, what better way to test this. So I will once again ask – kill him" he said in serious voice.
Now you have to understand that for a whole week I fed him, in that time anyone can get attached to a pet. Clearly Yamamoto also knew this and that's why he asked me to do feed him myself.
'If this is what it will take to learn from him, I should do it. A rabbit doesn't compare to my life. Zombies are coming, I need this type of skills to survive' I mentally berated my mind for dark thoughts. In the end I sighed and withdraw my hand. I put down the rabbit in the cage and started walking towards the exit.
I bowed to him "It was a pleasure meeting you sir but profitable, it was not. Thank you for your time"
'Man it was total waste of time. I will have to find some other teacher and in last case if I don't find, I will have to start on Kendo 'I mused internally planning for my next move, I was on the door when Yamamoto voice stopped me
"Stop" he yelled
I turned and saw him coming towards me with a smile "There have been many students who came here seeking what you now seek but only few were accepted. Not because they were lazy, incompetent or slackers. They were refused because they were ready to do anything, be it killing a defenseless animal, playing dirty and sabotage his friend and much more" he said
"If one can kill a defenseless animal for some knowledge, he will not hesitate to end someone else's life for his goal" he said in some mysterious voice as if he was telling me some secret. I just remained silent.
"The rabbit was not in any danger if that's what you are worrying" he said giving me the knife. I pressed my finger on the knife which gave in and went back in the handle, its edges also turned out to be blunt.
"You can start your lessons from tomorrow. Also don't talk to anyone about this, we don't want rumors flying around about the task, do we?" he said slyly giving me a wink and walking back to his chair.
I turn around and start walking towards my parents. I was in a daze; it didn't register my mind until my dad asked me the outcome.
After telling them the result, we got out of the Busujima Residence and celebrated.
Next chapter will be updated in a week. It is 90% completed.
Till then if you have suggestion, leave a comment in review box.