While they were only a few feet from the garage, Takashi and Hisashi slowly stood up, allowing Rei to do the same. Much like the rest of the camp, both boys had been blown away by Franky's powerful attack and, in a gesture of protection, both had flattened the girl against the ground.
'' But ... but what was that ? "
" It looked like the zombie laser, power 10. " Takuzo noticed, releasing the grip that bound him to Naomi.
" Did you see the trail in the ground ? " Wanted to know Morita. " There is no way anyone normal could escape this. "
" Instead of worrying about it, hurry to enter the garage. " Zoro ordered, rushing towards the garage, along with Usopp.
" Luffy's better ? " Wanted to know the pirate.
" He is still alive but his heart is beating more and more slowly." Confessed the swordsman. " About once every three seconds ! It won't last long, considering how it started ! We must find a hospital and quickly. "
" Not to mention that we only have a minute to join Chopper. " Saeko told him.
" And shit ! " Cursed the swordsman, not knowing what to do.
Staying back, Mizusu was about to follow them, when she noticed Toshimi's non-presence.
" Toshimi ? " She wondered, looking around. " Where are you ? "
Suddenly turning to her left, she was surprised to see a zombie's jaws wide open, just in front of her nose. Barely having time to catch a glimpse of her enemy, she saw a fist smash the skeleton of its jaw, causing it to recoil a little. Grunting, the zombie glared at the newcomer who grabbed Mizusu's hand to force her to follow him.
" But that … ? "
" What are you doing, idiot ? " Asked Tsunoda. " Do you think it's time to take a nap or what ? "
" But Toshimi, she ..." Began the young girl.
" No time to go get it." Retorted the boy, having noticed that the girl had disappeared." If she decided to go on her own, it was because she was ready to suffer the consequences. "
Suddenly shaking her hand, Misuzu managed to free herself from his grip, before asserting.
" No question that I leave without her. "
Seeing her turn around, Tsunoda began to clench his jaws, before picking up a stone that was lying on the ground. Then running towards Misuzu, he suddenly struck her on the back of the head, powerful enough to knock her forward. Losing consciousness, she passed out the instant Tsunoda put his arm in front of her body to keep her from falling and put her on his shoulder, before joining the others. Gritting his teeth, he could only wonder over and over again why he had to play bodyguard for this girl he found annoying, as dozens of zombies walked towards him.
Seeing a woman being bitten on the neck, right in front of her, Taniuchi fell to her knees, as the zombie began its feast.
" Pl ... Please, I want to leave here. " She sobbed, as her body found itself paralyzed.
" Get up quickly ! " Kawamoto suddenly ordered her, pulling her by the arm.
Forcing her to stand up, she pulled her friend towards her before starting to run towards the huge hairy creature that stood in front of the giant zombies. Even though it was hard for her to believe, she was convinced that this monster was Chopper, in another form. At least, she really hoped that this monster was her ally.
"We must join him quickly. " She thought. " He can protect us ! After all, he considers us his friends. "
Suddenly slowing the pace, the young girl could not help hesitating, thinking about that last sentence.
" But will he really bother to protect us ? After all, when we thought otherwise, Robin didn't want us anymore and called us annoying when we thought we could trust him! Who doesn't tell us that the rest of the crew don't think like her ? "
Not knowing what to make of this, the girl barely felt Taniuchi's hands grip her shoulders before forcing her to flatten out against the ground.
" But that … ? " The redhead wondered.
Jumping over their heads, a zombie lizard had wanted to bite her neck and could have succeeded if Taniuchi had not reacted in time. However, landing behind them, the zombie lizard faced them before uttering a shrill cry. Hearing its scream, more lizard zombies appeared around the two girls, who were already starting to panic.
" What ... What do we do ? " Taniuchi wanted to know, snuggling up to her friend.
Not being any further ahead than she was, feeling a drop of sweat run down her forehead that the redhead saw the lizards spinning around her while continuing to surround them. Soon one of them was going to launch an assault and it won't take more than two seconds for the two girls to get bitten. Thinking about it, Kawamoto helplessly lowered her gaze, while digging her fingers into the ground. Loosening her jaws a little, she began to whisper.
" Please ! "
" What ? " Taniuchi said, seeing a tear run down her cheek.
" Please ! " Repeated the redhead.
Suddenly, one of the lizards rushed towards them. Seeing it, Taniuchi let out a cry of fear, while Kawamoto began to beg.
" Please save us, Robin. "
Then uttering a cry of rage, the zombie lizard felt a huge hand grab it before hoisting it above the ground. Before either of them could come to its aid, the other lizards found themselves, in turn, wedged in huge hands, whose fingers squeezed them so tight that they were unable to make the slightest gesture.
" But that … ? " Kawamoto wondered, seeing the huge arms that had come out of the ground.
Turning around then, Taniuchi smiled before yelling.
" Robin ! "
Removing the wings from her back, the young woman landed near the two girls.
" Are you OK ? "
Bouncing on her, Taniuchi began to hug her, while sobbing.
" Thank you ! Thank you so much for saving us. "
" Its good ! Its good ! " Robin assured her, continuing to fold her arms.
Then looking up, she looked at Kawamoto who was still kneeling in front of her.
" Are you okay, Kawamoto ? "
At that moment, the young girl could not hide several emotions including joy, fear and anger. However, suddenly starting to sob, she ended up bending over in front of Robin before asking her.
" I beg you Robin ! Don't leave us all alone ! Let us come with you! I will do whatever you want so as not to be an embarrassment anymore! Please don't leave us here with these monsters. "
Seeing her face down, the young woman finally whispered.
" UNO MANO ! "
A normal hand suddenly appeared from the ground in front of the redhead's face and a finger passed under her eyes to wipe the tears that flooded them.
" Huh ? " She wondered, looking at the pirate.
" I apologize for earlier. " She taught her. " I should never have spoken to you like this! After all, I never thought of you as a nuisance ! You are my little ones. "
" But then … ? " Began Taniuchi.
'' Would you like to follow us ? " Robin asked them.
Nodding then the two girls cried out.
" Yes, with pleasure. "
Showing them a smile, Robin finally made it disappear, when she stared at the lizards trying to free themselves from the huge hands. Seeing them fidget, Robin decided to finish with them.
" CLUSH ! "
The grip of the huge hands tripled in strength and the lizard bodies were immediately compressed. As their bones creaked, each of their muscles or organs exploded. Eventually, every inch of the hands flattened over their skulls and crushed them mercilessly. In an instant, their heads exploded, as did their brains. Then letting go, Robin watched them crash to the ground, giving no sign of life.
" Let's move on." Robin ordered.
" Yes. "
Taking a deep breath, Chopper looked at the giant in front of him. Of the five he had fought, only one remained as the bodies of the other four lay on the ground, after Chopper blew their heads against the ground. However, his body was finding it harder and harder to keep moving.
"I'm not going to last long. "
Wanting to hurry, he closed his fist and swung it in the direction of the giant's head. However, the instant he was about to touch it, he suddenly froze, as his body became paralyzed.
" No, not now. "
However, smoke began to leave his body, as he began to cry out in pain. Gradually losing his body mass, he eventually dropped to one knee as his body returned to its original appearance. Gritting his teeth, Chopper felt his bones were melting as his muscles looked like they were about to explode. Lying on the ground now, he could only display a look of frustration as the giant lowered its hand towards him.
" It is the end. " He noticed, closing his eyes.
" Chopper ! " Someone suddenly shouted.
Not having time to open his eyes, the animal felt a pair of arms grab him before someone jumped aside to avoid the giant's huge hand. Crashing against the ground, it literally exploded the asphalt and raised a cloud of dust allowing Chopper's savior to run away to find a hiding place. Embarrassed by the dust, the little reindeer began to cough, while a small laugh affirmed.
" Whatever you do, you're really too cute. "
Recognizing that voice, Chopper's eyes widened, seeing Toshimi's figure.
"What ... What are you doing here ? "
" I was afraid I wouldn't be able to arrive on time, so I came to get you. " She informed him, running towards the garage.
'' But are you unconscious, or what ? What would have happened if you had been attacked ? "
Instead of retorting something, the young girl brought his small body closer to her face and began to rub her cheek against hims.
" Hey, what are you doing ? "
" If you hadn't come to save me in high school, I would never have been able to do that to you." She assured him, continuing to hug him.
Suddenly clenching her jaws, she asserted.
" I remembered everything. "
" What do you mean ? "
" Because Misuzu decided to leave without me, before you came to help us. " The schoolgirl confessed to him.
Eyes widening, Chopper couldn't hide his surprise, since he thought there would be very little chance for her to remember that.
" So what ? Do you now hate your friend ? "
Displaying a betraying smile of sadness, the teenager ends up saying 'no' with her head before declaring.
" In normal times, I would have blamed her ! Nonetheless, before I could remember that, I noticed several times that she was the victim of guilt ! It can be seen that she really blames herself for wanting to abandon me ! That's why … "
Chopper felt a tear fall on his forehead as the young girl continued.
" That's why I want to give him a second chance! Mizusu is all I have left now, and I don't want to lose her! I want to continue to be friends with her! I want to be with her all the time! I want us to go on girls' nights again, once this nightmare is over. "
Watching her cry, Chopper asserted.
" She is very lucky… ! Warning ! "
" HUH ? " Toshimi said, turning around.
Falling down a few inches from her, the giant's hand nearly crushed her. Again falling violently against the ground, it created a shock wave that ejected the body of the young girl further. Crashing on her shoulder, she began to wince in pain.
" Ouch ! It hurts ! "
" Toshimi, are you okay ? "
Wanting to get up, the young girl put a hand on the ground and immediately began to moan in pain.
" My ... My arm. "
Managing to hear her moans, the giant turned its face to Toshimi and Chopper. However, before it gestured, it heard many footsteps, showing that people were running in his direction.
" Soldiers, shoot me this monster. "
" Yes, commander. "
As surprised as the zombie, Toshimi's eyes widened, seeing Souichiro and his men stand in front of the giant and challenge it despite their enormous difference in height.
" You want to fight ? So come and measure yourself against us, if you dare. "
" We will never lose to dirty monsters against you. "
" We will come out of this manor as a winner. "
" The torpedoes are ready to be fired. " Someone said.
" In this case ... fire. " Souichiro roared.
Immediately, two missiles fired at the head of the giant, who immediately put its arm in front of its face to protect it. Exploding, the two projectiles made a gigantic detonation and created a huge cloud of smoke that prevented the giant from hearing any other sound or seeing anything (if it was not blind). Taking advantage of this, Souichiro turned to Toshimi before ordering her.
" Hurry up and go and join my daughter ! She's about to leave. "
" Huh, ... but you ? " Toshimi wanted to know, getting up as best he could.
" Do not worry about us." Roared the man." Go away and don't look back. "
Frightened by his huge voice, the schoolgirl could only nod and was about to turn around, the moment the man wanted to know.
" Hey, the raccoon! Was you the yeti ? "
" I am neither a yeti and even less a raccoon. " Chopper retorted. " I am a reindeer, even in my "monster" form. "
Listening to him, the commander gave the sketch of a smile before whispering.
"Thank you for your help, soldier. "
Resuming his authoritarian air, he ordered again.
" Go quickly. "
It didn't take longer for Toshimi to resume his run and make his way to the garage. Seeing them leave, Souichiro, with a proud look, turned to the giant zombie, as the smoke had ceased to surround its head. Now a bit annoyed with the newcomers, he began to utter a huge howl, which resulted in zombies coming around Souichiro's men. Not being afraid by this, the group commander asserted.
" Once we defeat all these monsters, we can leave this place! Make them regret coming to attack us. "
" Yes sir ! "
Entering the garage, Sanji glanced around the room, before waving his hand to invite the others to follow.
" It's good, there is nothing here. "
In a hurry to leave this hell, the high school students rushed into the garage, where the mini-bus seemed to be waiting for them.
" Is it operational ? " Brook wanted to know.
" Yes, Muira made several checks, yesterday and today. " Kurokami told him." And we have enough gasoline to leave this place, as well as the city. "
"Alright, then we have to protect this place until the others are back here. "
Remaining, meanwhile, outside, Zoro ended up turning his gaze to the portal and was surprised to find that Chopper's huge figure was no longer visible.
"No, don't tell me…"
Suddenly, a barrel not far from him began to move a little. Seeing nothing around him, the man realized that something was inside the object. Advancing towards the object, he asserted.
" I will cut this barrel into small pieces ! So if you are human, I advise you to get out of there, now. "
Getting no response, the swordsman raised his sword in the air and prepared to strike his blade against the wood of the barrel. However, before touching the latter, a small head ends up coming out of the latter. Not looking anything like a zombie, the figure belonged to a little boy whose face was somewhat familiar to Zoro.
" You ? " He wondered when he recognized Aaron, the kid who considered him a superhero.
" Mr the samurai." He cried, coming out of his hiding place.
Before Zoro could stop him, he suddenly squeezed his leg, while crying.
" They attacked my mother. " She told me to run and hide somewhere. " I'm afraid ! I'm afraid ! I don't want to stay here. "
Watching him shake, Zoro began to cringe, while part of him forbade him to leave the child here and the other reminded him that he was not going to be of any use, once they will leave here. Looking up, to see some zombies coming towards them, the swordsman ends up grabbing the neck of the child, before lifting him, to take him, with him, into the garage.
" Nami ! Chopper has returned to his original size." He cried.
" What ? " The young woman frightened, almost ignoring the presence of the child he was holding in his hand.
" It must go and get it urgently. " Naomi understood.
A sort of hissing sound was suddenly heard behind his back.
" Huh ? " She wondered, turning around.
She barely had time to look up when a huge figure fell on top of her.
" AHHHHHHH ! " She cried.
" Naomi ! " Takuzo cried, running towards her.
Getting ahead of him, Morita managed to grab hold of the girl in time and jumped to the side, as the figure crashed into where the girl was, less than a second ago.
Turning to the newcomer, everyone ends up putting on a look of disgust, examining it. With four pairs of legs and a huge oval-shaped abdomen, the stranger was a monster that looked like some sort of giant spider. However, the resemblance ended there. Its paws, devoid of any hair, had sharp edges resembling real blades. Its body was covered with a kind of shell and its head was nothing but a human head, provided with eight small black eyes and a pair of mandibles protruding from its mouth.
'' What is this horror ? " Yuuki wanted to know, stepping back.
Suddenly snapping its mandibles, the spider spun around to see everyone in the garage. Thus, by moving, its allowed everyone to see the number "4" which was on her abdomen.
" A zombie." Yamada understood.
" If he has number 4, it means he's stronger than a giant, but weaker than the other zombie Luffy beat. " Brook observed.
Then uttering a sort of hiss, the spider made its cheeks swell, before spitting out something resembling silk, towards the skeleton. Crying out in fear, he arched his back as far back as possible and saw the white ball pass overhead, before crashing into the opposite wall. Spreading out against it, the ball transformed into a huge sticky web that could have prevented anyone from pulling it aside.
" It was right." Brook observed.
Seeing the danger that threatened them now, Sanji cried out.
" That everyone get on the bus! We take care of it. "
Then leaping into the air, he rolled several times before hitting the top of the spider's head, with the heel of his shoe.
" CONCASSE ! "
Bending its legs slightly, the spider's body touched the ground somewhat, under the power of the kick. Even the shell covering its head cracked. However, it ended there. Eventually recovering, the spider somehow managed to lift its head towards him, before puffing out its cheeks again.
Seeing the shot coming, Sanji immediately backed up and managed to dodge the projectile that crashed against the ceiling in time.
" Dirty disgusting monster." He spat." Me who hates insects, I don't really want to touch you. "
Suddenly, a voice was heard at the entrance to the garage.
" Hey, are you still here ? "
Arriving in the room, Miura was surprised to see the huge spider stand in front of him. As surprised as he was, Mary began to scream.
" What is that ? "
Hearing his voice, the monster turned to them.
" But that … ? "
" Miura, get out. " Kurokami ordered him.
Too late. Shooting a new ball of silk, the spider had already taken them for target and the projectile it threw at them hit them head-on.
" Miura ! "
Falling to the ground, the boy began to shake, seeing the two huge hands, which had appeared right in front of him. Blocking the attack, they had managed to protect him and his sister from the sticky web.
" Miura, how are you ? " Taniuchi wanted to know, running up to him.
Turning his face to her, he saw her at the same time as Kawamoto, while Robin still had her arms crossed.
" Looks like I got there on time." She noticed, as she brushed off the huge hands.
" Huh… Huh… Th… Thank you. "
Pushing, meanwhile, a hiss of anger, the spider was about to spit out silk, when a ball struck its abdomen before igniting it.
" FIREBIRD STAR ! "
Smiling as the spider's body began to burn, Usopp asserted.
" On target ! "
However, it was hardly if the spider gave any importance to the flames that covered its body. Being a zombie and not an insect, it felt no pain in any way and had no fear. Instead, she suddenly jumped over to Usopp, while snapping its mandibles in front of his face. Just seeing them, the man already began to flee while imploring it.
" No, no ! Don't come near. "
A blade suddenly brushed his face and struck one of the spider's legs. Finding himself behind the monster, Brook tucked his sword into his cane before wondering.
" Can we still call a spider, an animal that has only seven legs ? "
And before giving anyone time to understand the meaning of his sentence, he put his weapon entirely into its scabbard, the very instant one of the spider's legs was cut in two. Losing its balance, the creature felt itself fall to its side, as the weight on its left side struggled to be held by its three remaining legs.
Lifting its head a little, it finally saw a small black cloud, right next to its face.
" DARK CLOUD TEMPO ! " Cried Nami.
Charged with electricity, her cloud suddenly electrified the entire body of the monster, which was seized with convulsion.
" Come on, collapse." Ordered the navigator.
When the cloud cleared, there was only a spider left with one completely burnt out. Head raised up and hissed low, it was still shaking a little and looked like it was about to collapse to the ground, proof that it brain had been hit.
'' She… is she dead ? " Wanted to know Kawamoto.
" Hey, is the vehicle ready to go ? "
Arriving then to the garage, Franky looked in surprise at the corpse of the monster which stood in front of him. Although the body was charred, he could assert.
" Damn it, looks like a cousin of the monster we met at Thriller Bark ! The spider monkey, or whatever. "
Suddenly hearing Kohta shoot, he saw the boy target a zombie walking towards them, as did a whole group of corpses.
" There are plenty of them coming." The high school student told him.
" In this case, we must leave immediately ! Chopper is there ? "
" No, we have to go get it." Robin told him, running to the body of the spider.
Startling at that moment, the creature suddenly turned its head towards her, before puffing out its cheeks. And, the instant Robin saw that she was still alive, the creature spat out a silk ball at her.
" That … ? "
" ROBIN-CHWAN ! " Sanji cried, rushing towards her.
Pushing it then, he found himself in the path of the silk ball and was hit head-on. Engulfing him, the ball turned into a thick web that threw him against the back wall.
" Sanji ! " Usopp and Brook cried, turning to him.
No longer on their guard, they in turn were caught by two silk balls which threw them against the ground. Immobilized, they tried in vain to struggle to free themselves. Then, they watched in horror as the creature passed the end of its abdomen between its legs, before producing a purple gas that began to surround them.
" Don't breathe. " Nami ordered them.
Immediately holding his breath, Usopp had to close his eyes too, as the gas made his last stings upon contact. Hissing again, the creature leapt into the air before attempting to crush them.
" SANJUROKU POUND HO ! "
Dodging a sharp wind in time, the spider turned to Zoro who was advancing serenely towards it.
" Hey, are you a level 4 zombie or what ? If you really do, then show me what you really can do. "
Running towards each other, the two fighters made their blades meet. Two Zoro sabers struck the spider's two sharp legs, while his third saber became trapped between the insect's mandibles. Then trying to push their opponent back, neither could take the slightest step forward, while their strength was identical.
" Dirt beast ! "
Seeing him overpower the spider, Takashi couldn't help but say.
" He is incredible. "
" Takashi ! " Suddenly called Kohta.
Turned to him, he was surprised to see the boy throw a gun at him which caught it just in time.
" He ? But that … ? "
" They are more and more numerous. " Kohta informed him, pointing at the group of zombies approaching.
Seeing them walking towards the garage, the boy immediately aimed them at them before asking.
" How do I go about it ? "
" Remove the safety, point the cannon at them, and aim their abdomens! Hindsight will make sure you touch their heads. "
" Uh ... Uh ... ! Okay ! " Said the boy, starting to activate.
" We don't have time to wait anymore. " Franky remarked, puffing out his cheeks. " FIRE ! "
A long flame suddenly flashed towards Usopp and Brook, which resulted in melting the web that stuck them to the floor.
" Yeah, we're free. " Usopp rejoices.
" I felt like I looked like an insect. " Brook confessed, while Franky set fire to the webs that stuck Sanji.
" Come on, everyone in the bus." Nami ordered, sending a lightning spear at a zombie entering the garage.
Hurrying up then, and protected by Robin, Miura, carrying her sister in his arms, and Taniuchi rushed towards the vehicle, where everyone hurried to regroup.
Seeing them turn their backs on them, a zombie lizard suddenly appeared, and rushed towards the two friends, before Robin could do anything to stop it.
" Warning ! " She warns them, starting to fold her arms.
Seeing two more guns at Kohta's feet, a figure, to everyone's surprise, grabs one of them, before standing in front of the lizard.
" DIE ! " Kawamoto roared, shooting it.
But despite the meager distance that separated them, the retreat surprised the young girl who saw with fear the projectile of her weapon pass over the head of her attacker. Opening its jaws wide, the monster bit the weapon before reaching out to face the weapon owner.
" No, no ! Get out ! " She ordered it, trying to shoot it again.
Feeling a new source of heat approach her, the zombie lizard suddenly let go of the weapon, before stepping back. With this gesture, it dodged the blade of a saber in time, which could only graze the scales of his cheek. Then hissing in anger, he turned its head towards Saeko, who was in a fighting stance.
" Sa… Saeko ? " Kawamoto wondered, falling to the ground.
Taking advantage of the appearance of the schoolgirl, Robin made appear two arms on the shoulders of the lizard. But the moment she was about to strangle it, Saeko cried out.
" No, it's mine. "
" What ? "
Ignoring her question, Saeko shifted her gaze somewhat to Zoro, who was still trying to push the giant spider back, without asking for any help from anyone. Unwittingly, there was still a place showing her how much superior he was to her. However, compared to before, Saeko wanted to show him that she too could be of use.
" I will show you that I am not weak." She roared, running towards the zombie.
" The last time the lizards beat me without a problem ! However, this will no longer be the case! I refuse to disappoint my new master. "