Sorry it's been so long since an update but hopefully those long waits are over.
I do not own Highschool of the DEAD or its characters.
Updated: 10/24/13
It was still dark when Kage was awakened by the sound of vehicle engines. He got up and went to the door as he heard someone run down the front path towards the gate. Stepping onto the inner porch he stood and listened as the vehicles began to move north and were soon out of hearing range.
Stretching his back, he strolled to the bathroom to relieve himself. Coming out he heard a noise from the kitchen, he looked in to find Saeko, placing several kettles on the wood burning stove.
"Ohayo father," she said as she saw him watching.
"Ohayo daughter, I assume Komuro-kun has headed out for patrol already?"
She nodded, "They are heading north today to patrol the highway along the coast. They will also be cataloging locations where we might be able to commandeer supplies, and if they run across grocery stores, they will load what they can and bring it back with them. They will also be looking for things like livestock that can be rounded up. Nakajima-san and the Captain have a plan to enclose some farms in the defense ditches so we can start to be self-sufficient."
Kage grunted and nodded, "Yes, I have seen those plans and I think it shows great insight for the future. What about you and the dojo? Have you started training yet?"
"No," she replied. "I canvassed the troops a few days ago and found out who had what kind of experience. Today, I will call those that do together and, starting with the kendo practitioners, test them to see what level of skill I am looking at. After that I will work with those who have other martial arts styles experience before starting basics classes for those that have no experience. I would ask, if you are not too busy, to please sit in with me and give advice."
Kage smiled, "I would be happy to. I must now admit this was more of a pleasure trip for me than anything. Since I had business in the safe zone the Emperor gave me permission to come and check up on this base. He and the rest of the government have high hopes on what is being built here. If everything goes well, Onohira will become the model for how reclamation can be done in the future. The current plan is to give it a year before extending ourselves to set up more."
Saeko nodded, "If we can keep food and other supplies, I don't think there will be a problem. We have strong, smart fighters, and good planners that think things through before rushing in. Since we joined the group there have been no losses to undead, only the living." She turned and removed a kettle from the fire as it started to boil. "That is my fear. I feel as long as we think carefully, the undead can be brought to bay until we learn if they rot or live on. Living threats, on the other hand, are what concerns me. If the marauders we fought a few days ago had been better organized and their members dedicated to their cause…well the outcome might have been much different. As it was, a lot of good men were killed because of a leader that thought his bravado and bullying would win him through."
Kage nodded as he thought about what she said. He had read the reports about the fighting and knew she was right. Good men on both sides died because of Toma's bid to become a warlord in the post apocalypse world.
"If you will have a seat at the table father I will bring the tea," Saeko told him.
Nodding again he started down the hall to find the puppy Zeke crawling out of what seemed to be a closet. Kneeling down to pet the little dog, Kage noticed Alice inside stretching and yawning.
"Ohayo little one," he said as she noticed him.
"Ohayo oji-san," the child replied. She climbed out and surprised the older man when she gave him a hug and then raced away calling Zeke to the bathroom.
Chuckling, he proceeded on to the living area where Kohta, Saya, Rei and Paddy had just walked in.
"Ohayo Commander," they all said as he smiled and nodded to them, as Saya and Rei went to the back to help Saeko.
"What do you young men have on the table for today?" he asked them.
"Vehicle maintenance and I want to try to design a simple cow-catcher for the front of the Humvees and trucks. I think it will help the patrols in congested areas and save wear and tear on the suspension," Paddy told him.
"Toda-san and I are still cataloging the weapons we captured from the marauders," Kohta replied. "We have a ways to go on that yet."
Kage nodded and smiled as Shizuka, Rika and Tomasa came in followed by Yukari and the children. He chuckled as the doctor started teasing the boys and playing with the kids. Saeko and the other girls arrived with the coffee and tea, and after placing it on the table, began to serve. Sergeant Kurita arrived last and bowed low as Saeko handed him a hot cup of tea.
"Commander, would you like to take a tour of the base after breakfast?" Tomasa asked, after a few minutes of sipping tea.
"That will be fine, Captain. I would also like to hear more about your plans and needs. I don't know if it will do any good, but having the ear of the Emperor might facilitate something you need in the future. I also promised Saeko-chan I would help her evaluate the troopers she has picked to start sword training this afternoon," he replied.
Tomasa nodded and said, "Well for now I think we should all head for breakfast."
000
The day passed into afternoon and found Kage sitting in the dojo as Saeko talked to the seven troopers she picked to evaluate for the advanced class. The table shrine had been placed in the middle of one side of the building and several practice shinai and bokken lay nearby.
As Saeko spoke to them there was one woman in her late twenties that kept frowning and looking sideways at the teenage girl.
Finally Saeko stopped talking and focused on the woman and asked, "What is your name?"
The woman's eyes narrowed, "Toujou Sayuri."
Saeko head tilted slightly at the forceful way woman spoke. "You have some concerns, Toujou-san?"
The woman smiled slightly, "Are you ranked by the Kendo Federation, Busujima-chan? If so, what rank are you?"
Saeko smiled slightly also, "By Federation standards my ranking is 3-dan, Toujou-san."
"I don't understand. Why would the Captain put you in charge of this training when there are people of greater knowledge here?"
A couple of the others gasped as she said this. One of the male troopers leaned out and looked at the woman, "Toujou-san you have not been on a mission with us and seen Sensei in action have you?"
Toujou shook her head, "No I have not. I have heard tales and rumors, but to be honest I find them hard to believe."
The man laughed, "Toujou-san if you want to challenge Busujima-sensei for the leadership of the dojo I would recommend you see her in action first. The course of action you have currently chosen is one of downfall."
Toujou's flushed red and anger crossed her face, "You're going to tell me a barely 3-dan teenage girl is better than a 5-dan? I don't know where you were trained, but in our dojo we understood the meaning of ranking!"
Saeko nodded slightly at the woman's outburst. Looking toward the man she asked, "May I ask your name?"
He bowed low, "Hazakura Shidou, Busujima-sensei. I arrived with the last group of replacements and served on the marauder mission. I also remember seeing you in school competition when you took Fujimi to the national's last year. I am an alumnus of Ouka High."
Saeko smiled and bowed in return, "Ah, Hazakura-san! I remember watching you win the nationals for Ouka when I was a first year in middle school. It is an honor to work with someone like you."
"The honor is mine Sensei to be in the dojo of a daughter of the Busujima," he replied.
Saeko glanced at her father before returning her gaze to Toujou, "So Toujou-san, you wish to challenge me for leadership of this dojo?"
"Will the Captain honor it if I do and win? I know you are a favorite of his."
Kage cleared his throat, "Toujou-san I swear upon my word that if you beat my daughter in a match I will get Captain Tomasa to honor the contest."
"Is that good enough for you, Toujou-san?" Saeko asked to which the woman nodded. Turning back to Hazakura, Saeko said, "Hazakura-san, please prepare two shinai with chalk dust and officiate the match."
"Yes Sensei," he said as he bowed again. Getting up he went to the practice supplies and picked two shinai. He then coated the felt wrapped ends with chalk dust before bringing them to the center of the building.
The other troopers moved out of the way and lined up along the walls as Saeko and Toujou stepped to the center. Both women were wearing black cargo pants and black t-shirts, which would allow the touch of a chalk covered shinai to be seen easily.
Holding the shinai out to them Hazakura said, "Since you are both in black it should be no problem to see touch marks. I will call a hit as I see it and you will return to your starting points."
They nodded to him, turned and bowed to each other.
As he stepped back near the wall, he said, "Remember, this is not kendo rules! Free swords are in effect and please, try not to hurt each other."
Toujou frowned slightly at this before taking a classic kendo opening stance.
Saeko on the other hand stood loosely and nodded for Hazakura to start.
"Begin!" he cried out as he dropped his hand.
The fighters stood in position for about ten seconds before, with a sudden explosion of movement, Toujou leapt forward.
"Mark!" Hazakura cried as Saeko disappeared from Toujou's sight.
"What! Where?!" Toujou exclaimed looking down for a spot.
Hazakura walked over. "Right here, left kidney," he pointed out. Calling another trooper over, he said, "Please confirm the mark," which they did.
Twisting with her arm high, Toujou could barely see the white chalk on her lower back.
Hazakura walked back to his spot, "Fighters take position!"
Toujou turned to face Saeko again and took a different starting stance. Saeko still stood loosely with her head down slightly.
"Begin!" Hazakura cried out again dropping his hand.
Toujou charged again, but this time Saeko stood her ground and countered every blow the older woman struck at her.
Saeko gave ground as the shinai clacked and crashed together. The pair circled the floor as Saeko backed away, blocking Toujou's attacks.
Suddenly she stopped. Locking Toujou's shinai in an overhead position she now pushed the woman away and began to attack.
It was all Toujou could do not to go down before the onslaught. She thought she had fought some tough matches before, but now she felt as if she was truly fighting for her life.
Suddenly Saeko's onslaught stopped.
Toujou gasped for breath as Saeko fell back and seemed to crouch. Suddenly she was in the air and striking swiftly. Toujou defended with everything she had, but she felt it this time as the shinai touched her over and over.
"Mark! Mark! Mark!" Hazakura cried out.
Toujou went to her knees, knowing the fight was done. Her stunned face turned toward Saeko who was standing and watching her. The woman lay her shinai to her right and bowed till her forehead touched the floor.
"I submit to the master of the dojo!" she cried out.
Saeko walked over and stood before her. "Get up, student," she said.
Toujou kept her eyes low as she stood passively.
"You did well," Saeko told her. "It was a joy to fight someone with the skill you possess, but there is work to be done." Looking to the smiling Hazakura she said, "Hazakura-san, what was wrong with Toujou's form?"
The man grinned, "She was fighting kendo style when this is no longer kendo."
Saeko nodded as she walked the length of the dojo while speaking. "Kendo will teach us the forms and strokes we need, but we must go past that. We walk the path of the sword now and every time you draw your blade on a mission, it will be in defense of your and your comrade's lives. Do you all understand?"
"HAI!" the seven cried out.
Turning back to the older woman she asked, "Toujou-san, do you feel like going another round? I want to see how you do against Hazakura."
"I will push through, Sensei," Toujou replied.
Saeko nodded, "Then the two of you pair off and after that we will test the rest."
000
Supper time came and they now knew what their rankings would be in the dojo. Hazakura stood as first, with Toujou a very close second and the other five beside them in order of their new rank. They were by no means weaker than the first two, simply less experienced.
Saeko walked over to Takashi, who had returned from road patrol an hour earlier, and asked him to retrieve a bag she had prepared and left in the room where the weapons were stored.
He was back in a minute with a green duffle bag. Standing beside her, he held it with the open end up as she reached in and drew out one of the Bugeisha Steel katanas. Going to each of the troopers in turn, starting with the lowest rank, she presented each with one of the swords.
"These were made by Bugeisha Steel, the company the patron of our dojo was owner and president of. Suishinshi-sama's personal handmade swords sit in the place of honor on our shrine; they were made by the masters at the Tokyo Museum. Honor the blades I give you; they are few and precious to us. From this point on, never be without your blade when on duty."
She smiled as she handed Toujou one with a bright red sheath, and Hazakura one that was metallic blue. She felt the red fit the woman's fiery temperament and the blue reflected the man's coolness and level headedness.
Walking back to stand by Takashi, she faced them and watched them for a minute. "Tomorrow I plan on going into Shirahama. We shall hunt and test your mettle against the enemy. For now, go to supper, rest, and prepare yourself, you are dismissed."
The seven bowed to her and Kage before leaving the building. Watching, Kage stood beside the couple and rubbed his chin.
"What is it, father?" Saeko asked.
Kage smirked slightly, "Four to hold the four corners of the compass, two in the middle for reserve, one to lead, which makes seven." He grinned as the pair laughed.
"Seven," Takashi said. "It seems to have become a magical number for some reason."
Saeko took her father's hand in her left and Takashi's in her right, "Come you two, let us eat and then I must convince Tomasa-san to let us loose in the city tomorrow."
The men chuckled as she led them toward the mess hall.
000
After a joyful meal, everyone started drifting towards their quarters or walking in groups and couples.
Saeko, Rika and Tomasa were deep into a discussion of Saeko's plans for the next day.
"I think I know just the place," Giba told them as he and Shion listened to the conversation. "There is a large open space by the beach between two high rise hotels. We can put a couple of vehicles on the edge of the beach and draw groups of Them into the parking area as a kill zone. Busujima-san and her blade wielders can deal with Them at will while we provide cover and control any larger groups with long distance sniping."
Tomasa nodded, "Sounds like a plan. Giba, you're in command so pick who you want with you."
Kage cleared his throat, "Please include me, young man. I would see the trainees' first workout for myself."
Giba bowed slightly to the older man before turning back to the Captain, "I'll have a list of personnel by breakfast time sir."
"That will be fine," Tomasa replied. "Now who's ready to relax and get some tea?"
A couple of the others agreed, but Kage said, "I think I will walk for a bit first. Komuro-kun, will you accompany me?"
Takashi glanced at Saeko before bowing slightly and replying, "I would be pleased to, Commander."
"Father, do not hurt my boyfriend," Saeko said, as some of the rest chuckled.
"Hmm…" Kage murmured and rubbed his chin, as Saeko squeezed Takashi's hand before starting toward the house.
The pair of men started up the street slowly as they looked around at the couples and groups walking in the evening air. One couple they noticed were Hazakura and Toujou, strolling together and talking, with their new swords on their hips.
Takashi raised his eyebrow as Kage snorted, "Fire and Ice maybe? Stranger things have happened." Kage said.
As the prisoner group went by, Takashi frowned and lowered his head on seeing Sakuno-san and his wife walking past. The man's head was down and submissive while his wife stared straight ahead with no expression and almost dead eyes.
Kage glanced back at the pair as Takashi sighed. "What was that about, Komuro-kun?"
Takashi paused for a minute before speaking, "In the battle…well…you see I killed their thirteen year old son."
Kage frowned, "How do you know this?"
"I was rear guard for my squad. He came out of the bushes on me and did not drop his rifle when I told him to. I shot him when he started to take aim at me. It depresses me when I see them, they don't know I'm the one that did it, and I feel I need to apologize to them, but I have been forbidden to do so by…well pretty much everyone above me."
Kage thought about this for a minute, "I have to agree. You are not responsible for their son's actions. He or his parents allowed him to pick up the weapon and they have paid the price for it. Put it out of your mind as best you can."
Kage clasped his hands behind his back as they walked on. "I have had to kill several times since this started," the older man said. "At first it was those who had been bitten and wanted to die before turning, but the last couple were some zealots that tried to assassinate the Emperor. I am glad to see you concerned with the taking of life. Too many are now becoming indifferent to it."
"With all that's happened I cannot comprehend someone wanting to do that," Takashi said.
Kage shrugged, "There are always going to be some that would rather have chaos rather than order. The two assassins were aides of former Diet members that made a power grab when they thought the Emperor had died at the palace. When the Emperor took control of the government, they were set aside with hopes we could use them in ministerial roles, but that proved not to be."
They had reached the end of the street and stood looking over the ditches and open drawbridges. Kage turned to Takashi and looked in his eyes, "Komuro-kun I will ask you directly. Do you love my daughter enough to give your life for her?"
Without hesitation Takashi nodded, "Yes Busujima-sama I do. At first I admired her for her level headedness and skill. As we grew to know each other that admiration turned into affection. Then we were separated from the others for a night and spent it together in a shrine. We talked about our pasts and she admitted her affliction to me. It was a rough time for her and she almost walked into the horde to end it all. I couldn't allow that. I told her she was special to me and I would take responsibility for her no matter if she had a dark side or not. I think that is the moment I fell in love with her. I didn't understand it at first, I can be a little slow about matters like that, but…well…we are where we are today."
Takashi suddenly knelt down and bowed, placing his closed fists on the ground spread wide apart, "Busujima-sama, I formally request your permission to ask your daughter for her hand in marriage!"
Kage watched the boy for a minute before clearing his throat, "A-hmm, get up Komuro-kun."
Takashi got up to face the man who would be his father-in-law.
Kage reached out and placed his hand on Takashi's right shoulder, "Yes, if she agrees to the idea. Also, after this you may call me father in private."
Takashi smiled, "Thank you…father…"
Kage chuckled, "We better head back or she will be thinking I killed you and buried you somewhere!"
000
They arrived back at the gate to the house to find Saeko standing, waiting on them.
"It's about time you two showed up. Everyone else has already had their baths," she said.
The pair stopped in front of her and stood smiling for a moment before Takashi spoke up, "Saeko-chan, I have asked a boon of your father and he has said yes. Will you marry me?"
She just stood there. Her eyelids blinked, once, twice, three times before she lowered her head and covered her mouth with her hand. She nodded quickly several times and leaned against Takashi's chest.
"Yes!" she murmured.
Kage snorted as he walked on towards the house. "I wonder if anyone has any sake?" he said out loud. "Tonight would be a good night for a drink!"
A/N: I had to take a break to clear my mind once I finished Courtship, but I'm back on this story now.
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