It was noon. The cool autumn breeze drove around the leaves of various shades, creating a beautiful leaf fall. However, a couple of dead people were not too worried about this wonderful view, since at the moment they were feasting on fresh human flesh on the road. They were so involved in this process that they did not even notice how a school bus flew into them at high speed, turning them into a bloody mess. Meanwhile, in the transport itself, there was an atmosphere of tension and silence. After Mei briefly explained about the newcomers, Namikaze did not start a scandal, but just clicked displeasedly, stood near the driver's seat and turned his gaze out the window. The pain in his arm was gone, but the growing desire to get even with the bastards only increased. Hinata focused her attention on the road, carefully avoiding obstacles such as abandoned cars or overturned trucks. The former president of the kendo club stood close to her and watched the rest of the group: Umino's company took the last seats, and the other kids in the starting ones. Sakura, meanwhile, grabbed the nurse's bag and tried to find something for the sprain that Sai got after the failed fall. And so long silence ended with the voice of the only surviving school teacher, to whom at the moment everyone except the Hyuuga paid attention.
- So, I think at the moment we need to solve several organizational issues, - after which he turned directly to Mei: - Terumi-san, you are now the leader of your group, right? After all, you're the only third-year student here.
- No, we haven't talked about this yet, - answered the red-haired, and then, noticing his suspicious grin, added: - Apparently, you already have a candidate for this position?
- As the headman of my class, you should understand how high my leadership qualities and analytical mind are, - Iruka said casually, and then took up the others: - Since I doubt that any of you can take responsibility for everyone present, I suggest exactly his candidacy. Anyone have any complaints?
- With your help, our company was able to survive the first attack, and then get to the bus without any losses, - Sasuke said, businesslike folding his hands. - Despite your not very beautiful school fame, I think you will be a good leader. Still better than any of the commoners.
Naruto only grinned bloodthirsty at such words and walked towards the upstart, but Mei stopped him with her hand and suggested not to arrange a showdown now. Two girls and three guys sitting next to the Uchiha, without hesitation, also gave their consent. Kiba, who always followed his friend, was of the same opinion.
- What do you think of my proposal? - Umino turned to a couple of teenagers who were busy providing medical care. - As far as I can tell, Sakura likes Uchiha, and Sai is a good companion, doesn't he? Well, then, the choice should be obvious to you.
Haruno looked first at her secret beau, and then at her kind savior. Blushing at her thoughts and deep in thought, she could not take sides. Okada wanted to say something about the challenger, but Karin, who was currently the voice of the disgruntled students, intervened in the game:
- We refuse. We already have a plan for further survival, so we won't need your leadership help here. Besides, Umino-san will be honest - you are the most natural selfish bastard that this light has ever worn. Trusting you means becoming a suicide bomber, under the control of a puppeteer.
- And his father is also our current mayor, a big lover of bribery and circumvention of state laws, - an angry Rin contributed. - My dad tried to squeeze this bastard and as a result almost said goodbye to his work, almost his life. And Iruka set me up on the exam and left me for the second year of study, as a sign not to cross the road to his family anymore.
Before Kiba wanted to open his mouth and say something very vulgar to the disgruntled girls, the school teacher spoke up with a grin.
- If you really do not like my candidacy, then suggest someone else. Well, does anyone want to become a leader and be responsible for their fellows? - he looked at everyone and, not seeing any reaction, continued: - You must understand, I am doing this only in order to protect you all from danger. After all, this is the duty of the school teacher. And that is why I propose to go to my father's residence right now. After all, there we will find safe shelter, high walls, 24/7 security and food.
- If you still don't understand, you fucking goat, then fuck you! - Rin growled angry at the whole bus vulgarity, which surprised the guys, and especially her boyfriend. - I'm not going anywhere with you! It will be easier to throw you and your filthy mouth out of here for these creatures to eat!
- Shut your mouth, you stupid bitch, before I screw up your face! - shouted Inuzuka, unable to withstand the barrage of criticism and grabbing his improvised weapon. "Sensei saved our lives, so don't you dare offend.
Kakashi, who had held his girlfriend until now from unnecessary assault, let her go and stood up, clearly dissatisfied with the actions of the bully. Chouji took aim at the opponent's arm with a nail gun, intent on making fun of the bastard. Chestnut raised her stick and pointed menacingly at her enemies. Mei grabbed the wooden sword and watched the situation expectantly. The Hyuuga paid no attention to anyone as she made sure not to fit into anything. Before the dispute finally turned into a fight, a loud noise was heard, to which everyone immediately paid attention. With a small smile, clapping his hands, Naruto said,
- Ha, what a wonderful show. Iruka, if I didn't know about your rotten reputation, I would believe you, like your retarded members. Rin - it was a powerful cry from your soul, I would never have thought that such an exemplary student swears no worse than a shoemaker.
- Speak to the point, Namikaze. There are enough clowns in this circus, - Karin grumbled, standing behind the backs of her comrades.
Nodding in understanding, he silently pointed to his friend, who was standing next to him.
- If none of ours wants to become a leader, I will take it upon myself, - Obito said firmly and imperiously. "Besides, we don't all need to unite in one group. Each of you has your own opinion, so decide for yourself and choose how and with whom you want to survive further. No one will say a word to anyone if someone wants to leave here. Fuh, in short ... think and do not quarrel with each other.
- I would also like to make it clear to the rear-wheel drive that the vehicle was found by our group, - the blue-eyed added Ueno's thought, pointing to the gathering of the school teacher. - And you got here only thanks to the compassion of the nurse, who did not want to leave you at school. But the training gate is already far away, therefore, if you want to organize an uprising here, then our prevailing force will quickly throw you home. Am I making myself clear?
The Uchiha placed a soothing hand on Kiba's shoulder and instantly calmed him down, placing him back in his seat. Iruka glanced disdainfully at a couple of upstarts, then silently returned to his students. The rest, due to the lack of hostility, also calmed down and all as one accepted the offer of two teenagers. At the crossroads were only Sai and Sakura, who are currently engaged in medicine. Once everything was back on track and everyone started to go about their business, Karin quietly turned to the black-haired:
- Their company must not find out where we are going, otherwise we will have big trouble later. Therefore, I suggest that you throw out the extra from here at a safe distance from our place. But in any case, everything depends on you, leader-san, this is just my suggestion.
After looking at the leaving girl and absorbing her words, Obito decided to consult with the yellow-haired man, who was peacefully standing by the window, but he began the conversation first:
- I will leave the bus for a while, as I have to complete one case without fail. Hmm, I think you perfectly understand what I'm talking about and why I want to do it alone.
- Of course, we'll meet then at the planned place, - looking at the serious expression on the blue-eyed man's face, Ueno did not bother him with his problems, but only gave him a friendly slap on the shoulder. - Just be careful not to waste a lot of time, as I still need your help.
At the request of the teenagers, Hinata stopped traffic at an intersection. Ignoring the interrogative expressions of the company, the blond quickly walked out through the open door, leaving his friend to answer for his sudden behavior. Taking a breath of fresh air and scanning the area for the absence of undead, he glanced at the bus once more, and then moved forward. But a voice that suddenly appeared, instantly stopped him:
- I'll go with you, - Namikaze turned around and looked at the red-haired woman.
- No, - he said flatly with irritation. - I'll go alone, so climb back in and live this day away from me.
- It's very dangerous for one to walk around the city at such a time, because you don't know exactly where the enemy may come from, - she answered without a grain of doubt, holding the bokken with one hand. - At least I can cover your back.
- Oh-oh-oh, I'm incredibly moved by your proposal, but you'd better save your own skin and don't try to protect everyone.
Perhaps this concert would never have ended if suddenly at high speed, out of nowhere, a truck began to approach the bus, the driver of which, judging by the inadequate traffic, was already dead. Reacting to the unexpected action, the brunette driver immediately pulled the bus out of the affected area, and Naruto jerked the surprised Mei by the hand and ran away. Colliding with the curb, the truck turned sharply to the left and rolled over on its side, completely blocking the road. Then it exploded altogether due to a chain reaction, spreading a deafening explosion around the area.
- Damn, not one thing is that different, - Naruto growled peering around the corner of the building. - Why the hell can't this wonderful day pass calmly and without problems?
- Hmm, because of the fire and smoke, the bus is not very visible, - said the girl standing next to him. - I hope the guys didn't get into trouble and continued to move on.
- Here bleating always needs something crappy to happen! - the guy continued his babbling, furiously stamping his foot on the ground.
- Our dead friends are starting to flock to the noise, so we need to get out of here as soon as possible. So where did you want to go there? - She asked, but not hearing an answer, turned around and looked at the teenager moving away from her: - Hey, have you forgotten anything?
- I? Hands and feet are in place, the head seems to be in order, too, - he said without even looking back at the approaching girl. - It's okay, thanks for your concern, you can go straight to the house of Hinata-san's friend, since she told everyone the exact address. Also, if I need a doctor, bodyguard or samurai, I will contact the help desk. Until.
- Don't pretend to be an idiot, Naruto. - Powerfully grabbing the yellow by the shoulder, the red-haired instantly turned him towards her. - What's our next step? Where are we going at the moment?
- Our? We? I am going home to settle one outstanding case. Where are you going, I don't know, - the guy replied casually. - By the way, where are you going? It starts to seem to me that you are specifically following me.
Looking at her stony and eerie expression on her face demanding to stop the circus and follow the instructions, he sighed wearily and moved on with the words:
- Ay, damn it, do what you want, samurai girl. Your fucking stubbornness is too great for the depth of my irritation. Just keep in mind, I'm saving you if something's not going to happen.
With a triumphant grin and a little shuddering at the strange nickname, she walked after her guide. There were no people on the streets at all, and if there were, there were only the dead, slowly walking back and forth in search of food.
- I have never been to this area, it looks much worse than something that I have seen before, - the girl whispered, noticing the change in the state of the streets and buildings. - As if I got to a completely different city.
- And what did you expect from the place where murderers, drug addicts, psychos and other people useless for the city live? The yellow-haired man asked, hiding behind the car from the staring crowd of the dead. - Have you ever wondered why there are clean streets, well-groomed buildings, the virtual absence of homeless people in other areas?
- Of course, the local authorities are keeping order, catching criminals, renovating buildings, - having thrown the found brick into one of the alleys, she landed next to the guy.
- True, but what happens to those who have no home, money, hope for a better life? - Safely looking out, Namikaze followed the slowly leaving corpses. - They come here, settle. Some create criminal gangs, others drink too much to forget their grief, and still others find low-paying jobs, hunch back in the sweat of their brows to earn a penny. However, then some bastard from the armed group will kill him and take the money for himself. Either the girl will be raped, sent into slavery, or she will begin to work out with her body for money. And what about the government? But nothing. The siloviki, for no reason, will not put money into this gadyushnik, called a slum, to rake garbage.
- And you lived in these conditions? - after jogging to the next lane asked Terumi.
- I did not live, I survived. In this cruel place, the strongest and the most cunning survive. And even after the apocalypse, this has not changed. Only now not only people kill people, but zombies kill people, - after checking for the absence of cannibals, he spoke to his partner. - As you probably noticed, there are practically no these critters, since the main meat, after all, is available in the main area. Therefore, a few more minutes of movement, and we will be in place.
- So he went to his house, because by a lucky coincidence we were driving not far from the area he needed, - Akimichi said thoughtfully, standing next to the leader. - Why didn't we take the bus there together? It would be much faster and safer.
- Eh, how to say, - Obito sighed wearily, telling his comrades the reason for the yellow-haired departure. - This is not the place where he would like to come with everyone ...
- And that's putting it mildly, - Kiba intervened after overhearing the guys' dialogue with a funny grin. - His house is a real shit, full of all kinds of bugs and all sorts of shit. And he himself is an ordinary orphan, living with a foster mother, a whore and fulfilling the debts of his dead father. Not life, bleat, but a fairy tale. I'm not surprised he didn't want to show you all his fucking side of life.
With an annoyed click, Ueno glanced displeasedly at the batter, who immediately shut up at Sasuke's orders. The rest, judging by the reaction of the black president, decided not to dig into further inquiries.
- Sorry, Obito, I didn't need to bring this up at all, - Chouji said apologetically.
- It is not necessary, what is done, is done, the main thing is not to talk about it in front of Naruto, otherwise it can lead to unpleasant consequences, - he said the last phrase so that everyone on the bus heard, and then looked suspiciously at Inuzuka, mentally asked himself a question : - And how did he know about these facts. Naruto is not one of those people who just talk about their life. Something this bastard did not exactly finish, since the Uchiha covered his mouth.
Before Ueno decided to ask Kiba that question, the bus pulled up abruptly. Barely able to stay on his feet, he, along with an indignant Karin, approached the Hyuuga.
- Hey, what happened there ... - the girl did not have time to finish, and then, because of the revealed picture, she added: - Damn, now it became clear why on the way here we did not come across living people.
A large number of cars were parked on the bridge and tried to move further. But the barricade, nicely built with the help of a couple of patrol cars, made everyone understand that there would be no further move. Meanwhile, the police, armed with firearms, checked the visitors and allowed only the healthy ones to pass.
- So what are we going to do next? - asked the Hyuuga, turning to face the team. - Shall we look for another way or try our luck here?
Only the dark-eyed leader wanted to give the order to retreat, when Sasuke, looking through the back window, declared:
- We will not be able to leave, several cars have stopped behind us. They honk and swear.
Frowning in displeasure, Obito briefly described the situation:
- God damn you kidding me!
Ten minutes of walking still brought a couple to a house, no different from buildings in a poor area. After checking the area for the absence of zombies, they carefully approached the second entrance.
- I guess you don't need to explain how dangerous it is in tight spaces? - The blond asked the girl, tightly squeezing the found piece of wood.
- No, go ahead, - Mei said, grabbing a wooden sword in front of her.
Quietly and carefully, the couple began to climb the stairs. The yellow-haired man watched what was ahead, and the red-haired watched the rear, so as not to unexpected surprises. And now five floors were calmly passed, but from the seventh a strange squelching sound was heard. Pointing to this, he nodded to the girl and slowly began to climb up. Silently approaching him from the back, the teenager hit him on the head with a swing with a piece of wood. However, she broke from the blow, but the girl who quickly reacted split his head with a sword.
- Thank you very much, but I would have done it myself, - Naruto said irritably, and then, looking closely at the corpse, added: - Ha, just look, this is the same fortune teller. It looks like she was devoured alive for inaccurate divination. Do you know why she was not a fortune teller?
- Enlighten me.
- Because she couldn't predict her own death, - Naruto spoke up, hitting her in the head with his feet.
But suddenly she came to life, because of which he stumbled on the step and fell on his ass, not forgetting to squeal with fear. Mei wasted no time and broke the dead man's head.
- What was it? Female screeching? - With a sly smile, the swordwoman looked at the blonde.
- Shut up, I just wanted to test you.
- And your pitiful screeching was the signal for the attack?
- Grr, just forget about it! - Grumbled irritated blue-eyed, getting to his feet and walking up the stairs.
With a smile, stepping over the corpse, Terumi followed the guy. Having climbed three more floors, the couple found themselves in front of a wooden door through which the yellow-haired one had entered for the past few years. Sighing heavily, the teenager touched the door, but suddenly a woman's hand hung on his shoulder.
- It looks like this is your home, if your family is there, I can help you deal with it.
- I already told you not to get involved in my affairs, - the guy said, throwing the limb off his shoulder. - This is not my home, in which I played with the family and happily drank tea with cookies. It's just a damn place that I always had to return to in order to survive, because I had nowhere else to go.
As soon as the door slowly opened, an unimaginable and unpleasant picture appeared in front of the girl. Empty bottles and cigarette butts were scattered all over the floor, a whole bunch of syringes on the shelf. But in the center of all this booth was a naked zombie woman devouring a dead man on the bed.
- As soon as I push her aside, you will smear the peasant's head so that unforeseen circumstances do not happen. Do you understand? - He asked the girl, still shocked by the sight.
A little encouraged, she nodded her head and the company entered the room. Grabbing two bottles in each hand, Namikaze knocked on the door, loudly announcing:
- Hello, is it not here that they provide paid stress relief services?
The zombie reacted immediately and rushed with arms outstretched to the next victim.
- My God, he felt so good, but it seems that you overdid it a little, - the blond said, glancing at the man's missing genitals. - So, you will have an unpleasant reward.
Taking a good aim, he loaded the enemy in the head with a bottle, however, due to not too high penetration power, he had to add a second one. Having successfully stunned the zombie, he pushed her against the wall with his foot. Rising again, the living corpse wanted to continue moving, but stumbled on one of the bottles.
- It looks like it's too dirty here, since you fall out of the blue, - grabbing her by the neck from the back, he went to the toilet. - Let me then show you the place where the useless parasha usually drops.
Tossing the zombie to the toilet, he directed her head towards the narrow surface. Wasted no time, he removed the lid from the barrel and began to drive his head into the hole.
- Never throw garbage in the toilet, stupid bitch!
With each new stroke, the blood became more and more, it gradually covered both the room and the clothes of the teenager. This action lasted exactly until the moment when nothing remained of the skull. Naruto sighed tiredly and threw the lid into the trash can with the precision of a basketball player. Wiping the sweat from his brow, he gave a voice after a short silence:
- You know, despite the fact that it stinks terribly here, I felt an influx of fresh air and an extraordinary surge of energy! - Glancing at the red-haired, he sharply twitched an eyebrow. - Why are you all red? Did you like the way I beat that scarecrow? Is our innocent samurai girl so violent?
- Hmm, ahem, ahem, I don't know what you're talking about - sighing, she lost the red color of her cheeks and continued in a more serious tone: - This woman, after all...
- No, no, no, don't even say it out loud, - the boy suddenly interrupted her. - This creature was engaged in prostitution, booze and took drugs. She didn't care about anything related to her family. And in general, she became a zombie whore, so she received no pity from me. Now let's forget about this nonentity, okay?
Without even waiting for a woman's answer, he went to another room, and the girl had no choice but to follow him. The second room, to her surprise, was much neater, although there was clearly not enough furniture here. An ordinary bed, a small locker and a whole stack of books. While the yellow-haired man zealously rummaged in the closet, throwing out all sorts of junk, May sat down on the bed and began to examine the books. Among them were both ordinary children and technical ones: higher mathematics, everything about electrical engineering, physics and other difficult things for her to understand.
- Unexpectedly, why are you reading such complex books?
- And what's wrong with that, I have long passed to the level of university education, - briefly glancing at her, the teenager returned to his business. - I was almost always late and slept in class, as I was too bored, so I passed all tests except languages without problems. I understand the implication that without education you would be a useless idiot.
After a five-minute search, he still found what he was looking for. Smiling happily, he put the item in his pocket, after which he looked at the girl looking inquiringly at him:
- Have you found the thing you need? - She asked a question, putting the literature aside, and then after the guy's multiple consent continued: - And what is it? Something special since you decided to come here despite the danger.
- Exactly noticed, but this does not concern you, - he replied casually, striding to the exit from the room. - There is nothing more to do here, we leave here.
- Wow, what a rude boy you are, - getting out of bed, Mei followed him. "You don't act like that with Ueno-san.
- So, I explain briefly and clearly for those who do not understand the hints of the samurai, - the yellow said irritably, without even turning to the girl. - Obito is my best friend, with whom I have lived for half my life. And you are nothing to me, just a girl, for some unknown reason, following me.
- And how did I deserve such words?
- None of the likes of you will understand me anyway, so I'm not going to talk about this topic, - he quickly left the apartment.
With a sad face and unpleasant thoughts, looking around the room for the last time, she sighed unhappily, and then, regaining her monotonous expression, moved after the blue-eyed. The latter, while she was descending, found a scooter near a neighboring house. Having knocked out the already dead owner of this car, he started the engine, and after the swordwoman approached, he spoke softly:
- I ... as if I do not know how to control this thing, so ... forgive me for shouting ... Damn, in short, I need your help!
- Ha, you see, you can when you want to be very pliable and pleasant, - with a small smile, jumping on the scooter, she gasped for a check, and then turned to Namikaze expectantly.
He understood the hint, and at the same moment when he was about to sit down, he collapsed to the ground, due to the fact that the little girl took the transport a little forward.
- Hey, what the fuck are you doing? - the teenager grumbled indignantly, rubbing the fifth point in pain.
- Sorry… um, the brakes are a little flaky.
- Oh well, I don't think so, - with a suspicious frown, he sat down in the back seat, holding onto with one hand from falling, and with the other grabbed Mei's wooden sword for every fireman. - Well, go ahead and with the song, a new house awaits us.