Chapter 24: Takagi Estate - Tainted Unity

Name:HOTD: Tōshiro Nagi Author:
Chapter 24: Takagi Estate - Tainted Unity

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(A/N: Is that a Power Stone I'm sensing? You should leave it here for safekeeping. Don't worry, I'll take good care of it.)

Word Count: 2892

Author's Note: Although I personally found this chapter to be a bit dull, I must admit that I struggled with motivation due to a severe case of imaginative burnout. School is starting back up once more and it's gnawing at me.

However, I won't dwell on it; instead, I've decided to take a brief break to refresh my mind by exploring some new scenery, away from the confines of my computer screen. This break should aid me in recovering from this creative slump. Hope you guys understand. Peace.

The spectacle left the onlookers both frightened and disturbed, with Takashi wearing a dark expression of shock and disbelief. Meanwhile, Saeko and Nagi remained composed as ever, while Saya winced at the sight.

The group observed the scene, each wearing a different expression until Kohta spoke up. "Katana blades aren't efficient enough..." However, before he could elaborate on his statement, Saeko interjected. "Don't make comments about things you don't fully understand, Hirano."

"But a Japanese sword's blade becomes dull when it strikes bone, and after three or four strikes, it loses its effectiveness," Kohta insisted, his voice filled with conviction.

Nagi observed the exchange, his confusion growing as he tried to comprehend Kohta's sudden claim and his unwavering stance on the matter. Saeko intervened, addressing Kohta's concern. "Listen," she began, her voice steady. "The path of the sword encompasses various aspects."

"It involves a warrior's skill, their proficiency with a sword, and most importantly, their focus. By honing these elements to a high level, one can execute multiple beheadings without compromising their combat strength," Saeko explained, her chin resting in her hand as she observed the scene below. The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

"But you'd get blood and grease on the sword," Kohta countered. Saeko responded with a compelling argument. "It's similar to cooking. A skilled chef would never leave unnecessary grease on a quality kitchen knife. The same principle applies to swords."

"But... but," Kohta stammered, his mind racing to make sense of the situation. Takashi reached out, attempting to calm him down, saying, "Hey, Kohta, it's okay"

However, before Takashi could finish his sentence, Kohta slapped his hand away and turned to glare at him. "Don't butt in! You can't even fire a gun properly!" he retorted, his frustration evident in his voice.

"Kohta, you need to relax," Nagi interjected, understanding the source of Kohta's agitation. "Reacting impulsively won't lead to a resolution. Take a moment to calm down before rejoining us."

Exhaling a sigh of exasperation, Nagi couldn't help but feel frustrated by the tension that had arisen. Kohta's outburst was a result of Takashi's attempt to grab Saya by the collar, which agitated him.

It was evident that Kohta held feelings of admiration toward Saya, and this incident sparked his anger toward Takashi and the rest of the group. Without wasting any time, Takashi swiftly dashed past Nagi, accompanied by Alice, as they hastily left the room in search of Kohta.

Resting his hands behind his head, Nagi began walking towards the door, indicating his intention to leave. Saeko, filled with curiosity, asked him, "Do you plan to assist Kohta in his current situation?"

Shaking his head, Nagi responded, "No, I have no intention of doing so. Takashi is accompanied by Alice, and even if it means seeking advice from a seven-year-old girl, he will find a way. In any case, I will be returning to my room."

With his departure, Nagi quietly exited the room, closing the door behind him.

***

Location: Nagi's Room

Using his foot, Nagi closed the door behind him and placed the tray on the table near the balcony doors. He settled himself comfortably at the table, taking a sip of the tea from the tray while flipping through a mystery book.

The silence and tranquility enveloped Nagi, offering a much-needed escape as he delved deeper into the story. Taking a macaron from the tray, he popped it into his mouth, savoring the sweet delight.

A muffled sound escaped him, a mix of pleasure and confusion, as his gaze caught sight of a shadowy figure lurking in the corner of the building, their presence inconspicuous.

Swallowing the last remnants of tea, Nagi reluctantly rose from his seat, his movements controlled and quiet. With deliberate action, he opened the balcony doors, the hinges creaking softly.

Intrigued by the enigmatic presence, Nagi's agile form leaped over the balcony, his grip secure on the platform ledge. Gracefully descending to the ground, he landed silently, his feet absorbing the impact without a sound.

As he stood upright, Nagi's eyes caught sight of Saeko and Saya engaged in a conversation near a serene Koi pond. Ignoring it at the moment, Nagi crept up to the figure using the shadows of the looming mansion and bushes. However

Shido's masterful manipulation unfolded with meticulous precision. He orchestrated an atmosphere of heightened sexuality, encouraging intimate activities among the students, setting the stage for his grand entrance, and the revelation of his "important news" from their lone comrade.

Drawing upon their emotions, Shido skillfully delivered a speech that evoked feelings of superiority and exceptionalism. He exploited their youth, resilience, and experiences of loss, casting them as divine beings destined to reshape the world.

By portraying himself as a tainted adult desperately seeking their guidance and aid, Shido deftly manipulated their empathy, fostering a sense of responsibility towards him and solidifying their unwavering loyalty to him as their leader.

The strategic display of tears and emotional vulnerability further deepened the students' admiration, cementing their bond with Shido.

Through his self-appointed leadership role, Shido ensured their dependence on him for direction and protection amidst the encroaching undead and the chaotic world surrounding them.

However, not everyone was swayed by Shido's words, as evidenced by a lone student named Yamada, who sat near the window. Shido directed his attention toward Yamada and asked, "What's wrong, Yamada-kun?"

With a suspicious look on his face, Yamada responded, "It's weird. What you're saying is weird." His nervousness was palpable, casting a dark expression on Shido's face. The teacher let out a noncommittal "Oh?" in response.

"I don't care about this new world or whatever! Right now, I just want to make sure my family is okay!" Yamada declared, firm in his decision.

"Families? Who gives a shit about them?!" Tsunoda aggressively challenged, rising from his seat and gripping the seat in front of him as he glared at Yamada. His face contorted with madness as he taunted, "You've been quiet this whole time! You haven't even been playing around with any of the girls!"

Yamada, his voice trailing off, responded with a hint of reluctance, "Yeah, but still..." He hesitated to voice his concerns about the group's dynamics, aware of the tension and the potential consequences.

"Shut up!" Tsunoda's voice was harsh as he draped his arm over Miku Yuuki, the girl renowned as the sexiest student at Fujimi High School. "You think if you were with your parents, you'd be able to do shit like this?"

With a forceful tug, he unraveled Miku's blazer, causing the buttons to scatter and her chest to spill out from her shirt. His touch was invasive as he caressed one of her covered breasts, eliciting a moan from her.

"Haha, I love this! Shido-san lets us do whatever we want! He's fucking awesome!" Tsunoda exclaimed, expressing his admiration for Shido. "I'd follow him anywhere!"

Yamada, with tears threatening to spill from his eyes, countered as he shifted uncomfortably in his seat and turned to face Tsunoda. "That's exactly my point! It's weird! I want to see my mom and dad!"

Shido let out a sigh, observing Yamada with a hint of disdain. "What a predicament," he remarked, his frown deepening. "What should we do with you? I just don't know. Everyone, how should we handle Yamada-kun's concerns?"

"Everything he's saying is tainted. Should we cast him back into the world that seeks to rob us of our freedom? Or... must we guide him towards the right path and our new world of freedom?"

Miku, comfortably reclining in her seat with crossed legs and hands behind her head, wore a sinister smile as she fixed her gaze upon Yamada, her eyes resembling those of a snake. "Why don't we just kick him out?" she suggested, her voice dripping with malice.

Grinning like a maniac, Tsunoda eagerly agreed, adding, "Yeah, let's kick him out and leave him on his own!"

"Kick him out! Kick him out! Kick him out!" The repetitive chant filled the bus, surrounding Yamada and cornering him in his seat.

Gritting his teeth and with tears welling up in his eyes, fear consumed him as he turned to look out the window, only to realize that outside awaited a horde of undead, ready to engulf him.

"Sensei, please! At least let me stay until we're near my house!" Yamada pleaded, his fear of the approaching undead evident in his voice. Shido, placing a finger on his cheek in thought, replied, "I'm afraid that decision is up to everyone else. What should we do?"

Grinning maliciously, Tsunoda seized Yamada by the scruff of his neck and arm, forcefully dragging him toward the bus's door. "Shido-san, open the door!"

As the doors swung open, Tsunoda shoved Yamada in front of him, delivering a harsh kick to his stomach, propelling him out of the bus. Collapsing onto the ground, Yamada gasped for air, slowly rising to his feet, only to be greeted by the looming presence of the approaching undead.

Summoning every ounce of desperation and fear, Yamada forced himself to his feet and sprinted towards the departing bus. He pounded on the window with trembling hands, his voice filled with anguish, "I'm sorry! I was wrong! Please, please let me in!"

But all he received in response were the twisted grins and amused expressions of his former classmates. As the bus accelerated, Yamada's pleas grew more frantic, his voice filled with desperation.

"Help me! Help me!" His words fell on deaf ears as the bus continued to move forward, leaving him behind. Yamada chased after it, his cries growing more desperate by the second.

However, it was too late. The horde of undead closed in on him, surrounding him from all sides. Panic washed over Yamada as he turned his head, only to find the gnarled hands of the undead closing around him in a vice-like grip.

"Ah!" The sound escaped him unconsciously as the inevitable fate engulfed him.

Author Words:

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