Chapter 32: Steeling Resolve for the Path Ahead
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May 3, 20XX – 9:30 AM
Takagi Estate, Living Room
The early morning sunlight filtered through the wide windows of the Takagi Estate’s living room, casting a warm glow on the group as they gathered once more. Blake leaned forward in his seat, elbows resting on his knees, while Saeko sat calmly beside him, her katana laid across her lap as she delicately ran a cloth along its blade. Takashi stood with his back against the wall, arms crossed, a pensive look in his eyes. On the opposite end of the room, Kohta sat cross-legged on the floor, inspecting the rifle he held carefully in his hands, his brows knitted in concentration. Shizuka and Rei sat together on the sofa, their faces etched with worry and contemplation. The room was heavy with an unspoken tension that had settled in like a thick fog since the battle the day before.
Blake cleared his throat, breaking the silence. “Alright, we need to address the elephant in the room. Last night’s fight was rough, and we made it through—barely. But it’s made one thing painfully clear: we can’t just sit here and pretend everything’s okay. We need a plan for what comes next.”
Rei nodded, her expression firm as she looked around at the others. “We’re safe here, but my dad is still out there. We can’t keep waiting. And besides, if anything were to happen here, we’d be without the resources we need.”
Shizuka, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke up, her voice uncharacteristically serious. “I know we’re all worried about our families, but it’s also about survival. Rika is the only family I have, and I have to believe she’s out there somewhere. I know we’re safe here for now, but I don’t think I can sit around waiting much longer.”
Their words hung heavily in the air, and everyone seemed to be grappling with their own thoughts. Kohta, who had remained silent, finally looked up, glancing at Blake. “We’re running low on everything,” he began, setting his rifle aside. “I was going over our supplies this morning, and it’s not good. We’re down to two magazines of 9mm rounds, a single shotgun shell, and no more .38 caliber rounds for the revolver. And oh, did I mention that we’re also all out of 7.62x51 mm? Our ammo supply is a joke, and if we get attacked again like last night, I’m not sure we’d make it through.”
Blake nodded grimly, running a hand through his hair. “And from what I’ve seen, the Takagi Estate’s resources aren’t exactly limitless either. It’s clear they’re rationing, especially with the way people were acting last night.”
Rei pursed her lips, her brows knitting together. “I can’t help but feel guilty for staying here while my father might be out there somewhere, fighting to survive. He’s a police officer, and I can only imagine the kind of danger he’s in right now.”
Saeko looked around the room, her voice calm but tinged with urgency. “We’ve all been fortunate to find refuge here, but we’re in a precarious position. If we want to help our loved ones, we need to be prepared.”
Shizuka placed a comforting hand on Rei’s shoulder, her voice gentle. “I know it’s hard, but we’re all in this together. We have each other’s backs, and we need to stay strong.”
After a moment, Saya, who had been quietly observing the conversation from her seat, spoke up, drawing everyone’s attention. “I may have a solution for us,” she began, leaning forward. “Earlier, I overheard one of my father’s men talking about a supply run that’s planned for tomorrow. They’re low on supplies too, but the problem is they’re short-staffed. They need people to take up positions as point men.”
Takashi raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Point men? Those are the first ones through the door when they’re clearing rooms, right?”
Saya nodded, looking around the group. “Yes. It’s the most dangerous position. You’re the first into every room and corridor, and it’s your job to clear the path for the others. Most of the men don’t want to take that risk, especially with their limited close-combat skills. But that’s exactly where we come in.”
Kohta let out a low whistle, clearly impressed. “So, you’re saying we could volunteer for this, take on that role, and in exchange, they’ll give us what we need?”
Saya nodded again. “Exactly. We’ve all trained ourselves to fight at close quarters; we can use melee weapons and are adaptable. We’ve been doing it since this mess started. If we offer to help, I think my father would agree to give us supplies—ammo, food, whatever we need. Besides, it’d show them we’re not just a bunch of freeloading kids hiding in their mansion.”
Takashi rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his eyes narrowing as he considered the idea. “It’s risky, but I think it’s a chance worth taking. And it might be the only way to get what we need to keep going.”
The group fell silent as they weighed the pros and cons of Saya’s proposal. Blake’s gaze swept across each of their faces, and he could see the steely determination growing in their expressions.
“Alright, I’ll talk to Mr. Takagi,” Blake volunteered, standing up. “He needs to know we’re serious about pulling our weight. We’ve survived this long because we trust each other and work as a team. If we can show him that, he might be willing to let us join in tomorrow’s mission.”
Saya stood up beside him, her face set with resolve. “I’ll go with you. He’ll listen to me, especially if I’m the one who brings this up.”
Blake nodded, offering her a small smile. “Thanks, Saya. I think it’ll make all the difference if we do this together.”
Rei and Shizuka exchanged knowing glances, and Shizuka giggled softly, leaning in to whisper to Rei. “They’re cute, aren’t they?”
Rei stifled a smile, nodding in agreement. “It’s nice to see him stepping up like that.”
Takashi shot them a confused look. “What are you two whispering about?”
“Oh, nothing,” Rei replied with a smirk. “Just some girl talk.”
Saeko, meanwhile, remained quiet as she watched Blake and Saya leave the room, her hands methodically cleaning the Murata-tou’s blade. She couldn’t help but feel a slight pang of something she couldn’t quite name. She shook it off, focusing instead on her work. She knew the path ahead would be challenging, but she was ready for whatever came next.
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May 3, 20XX – 10:00 AM
Takagi Estate, Hallway Outside Mr. Takagi’s Office
Blake and Saya walked side by side through the long corridor, the silence between them comfortable, yet charged with unspoken thoughts. Blake glanced down at Saya as they walked, noting how her petite frame barely reached his chest. He knew he was tall, but standing next to Saya, he felt like a giant.
Saya seemed to notice his sidelong glances and huffed. “Alright, what’s so funny?”
Blake smiled, slowing his pace slightly to match hers. “Nothing, really. I was just thinking about how intimidating I must have looked when I first got here. I probably towered over everyone, didn’t I?”
Saya rolled her eyes. “Please, I had to strain my neck just to look at you every time we talked. It was like talking to a skyscraper.”
He chuckled, enjoying the banter. “Sorry about that. I’ll try not to be so tall next time.”
Saya gave him a playful shove, her expression softening. “You’re not that scary, you know. A bit annoying, maybe. But not scary.”
Blake raised an eyebrow, pretending to be wounded. “Ouch. Here I thought I was just being friendly.”
Saya crossed her arms, a smirk playing on her lips. “Well, friendly can be annoying too.”
They shared a laugh, the tension between them easing as they continued down the hallway. After a moment, Blake glanced at her, a more serious question lingering on his mind. “Can I ask you something?”
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“Sure,” Saya replied, curiosity flickering in her eyes.
Blake hesitated, then finally spoke. “Do you think your father will actually let us join the mission? He doesn’t strike me as the kind of man who’d trust a group of teenagers with something like this.”
Saya considered his question, her gaze thoughtful. “He’s a hard man, but he’s practical. If he sees that we’re serious and willing to help, I think he’ll listen. He may not like it, but he knows we’re capable.”
They reached the door to Mr. Takagi’s office, and Saya gave Blake a reassuring nod. “Just follow my lead.”
Blake gave a small nod, squaring his shoulders as Saya knocked on the door. A moment later, a voice from within granted them entry, and they stepped inside.
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May 3, 20XX – 10:15 AM
Mr. Takagi’s Office
The interior of Mr. Takagi’s office was imposing, with dark wood paneling and a large desk that seemed to command the room. Seated behind it, Mr. Takagi looked up from his papers, his sharp gaze settling on his daughter and Blake.
“Father,” Saya began, her voice steady and respectful. “We have a proposal.”
Mr. Takagi leaned back in his chair, watching them closely. “Go on.”
“We want to join tomorrow’s supply run,” she said. “Our group is willing to take on the role of point men. You’ve seen what we’re capable of. We’re not just a bunch of kids hiding behind your men—we’re fighters, and we can contribute.”
Mr. Takagi’s expression didn’t change as he listened, but Blake could sense the skepticism in his gaze. He waited a beat before responding. “You’re asking me to trust a group of teenagers with a task that even my seasoned men are reluctant to undertake. Why should I agree to this?”
Blake stepped forward, his tone calm but firm. “With all due respect, sir, we’ve survived on our own this far. We know how to fight, and we’re willing to prove ourselves. We won’t be a liability.”
Mr. Takagi’s gaze shifted to Blake, his expression unreadable. He seemed to be sizing him up, measuring the conviction behind his words. Finally, he turned back to Saya. “And what about you, Saya? Do you understand the risks you’re asking to undertake?”
Saya straightened her back, meeting her father’s gaze unflinchingly. “I do. I know it’s dangerous, but I can’t sit around and do nothing. Not when there are people out there who need our help.”
For a moment, Mr. Takagi said nothing, his eyes narrowing as he considered her words. “Very well,” he said finally. “You have my permission. However, Saya, you will stay here. I cannot risk losing my daughter on a supply run. My decision on this is final.”
Saya opened her mouth to protest, but Blake placed a hand on her shoulder, giving her a subtle nod. She took a deep breath, calming herself before speaking again. “Please, Father. I know what I’m asking for, but you need to understand that I want to be there for my friends. I need to be part of this.”
Mr. Takagi remained silent, his gaze never leaving hers. The room seemed to grow heavier with the weight of their unspoken words. After what felt like an eternity, he finally relented with a small sigh. “Very well. But you’ll take orders from my men. If they say retreat, you retreat. Understood?”
Saya’s eyes lit up with relief, and she nodded. “Understood. Thank you, Father.”
Blake felt a surge of relief as well, and he couldn’t help but let out a small breath. “Thank you, Mr. Takagi. We won’t let you down.”
Mr. Takagi nodded, reaching for the intercom. He pressed a button and spoke into it. “Send word to the armory. Prepare supplies for our guests.”
As they turned to leave, Blake caught a flicker of a rare smile on Saya’s face. He couldn’t help but smile back, feeling the weight of their commitment settle on his shoulders. They were far from safe, but at least now they had a plan. And together, they’d face whatever came next.
May 3, 20XX – 10:45 AM
Takagi Estate, Living Room
As Blake and Saya returned to the living room, they found the group in the midst of a quiet conversation. The atmosphere in the room immediately brightened as the two entered, and everyone turned their attention to them, curiosity and anticipation evident on their faces. Blake met Saya’s gaze and gave her a quick nod, indicating that she should break the news.
“Alright, everyone,” Saya began, clasping her hands together. “I have good news. My father has agreed to let us join tomorrow’s supply run.”
The group’s initial response was a mix of surprise and relief. Takashi stepped forward, his eyebrows raised. “Really? He actually agreed?”
Blake nodded, leaning against the back of a chair. “Yep. It took some convincing, but we managed to get his approval. However, we’ll be working under the guidance of his men. If they tell us to pull back, we have to follow their orders.”
Saya shot him a grateful glance before continuing. “We’ll be acting as point men, clearing rooms and providing support. It’s risky, but it’s also the best chance we have to get the supplies we need. This way, we won’t just be using resources—we’ll be earning them.”
Rei let out a sigh of relief, her shoulders visibly relaxing. “That’s great news. I was worried he’d try to keep us here indefinitely.”
Shizuka clapped her hands together, beaming. “Yay! Now we can finally help out more!”
Kohta, who had been inspecting his rifle, perked up at the mention of supplies. “Did you say supplies? Are we talking about ammo?”
Saya nodded. “Yes, and that’s why we need you and Takashi to come with us to the armory. We’re going to need all hands on deck to carry everything back to the Humvee. My father’s men are already preparing the ammunition and other gear for us.”
Takashi grinned, giving Blake a slap on the back. “Sounds like things are looking up.”
Blake returned the smile, his voice carrying a note of determination. “Let’s hope they have what we need. Between the zombies and the instability out there, we’re going to need all the firepower we can get.”
Kohta eagerly rose to his feet, his eyes alight with excitement. “I’m ready when you are!”
Takashi chuckled, picking up his gear. “Guess it’s time to go shopping.”
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May 3, 20XX – 11:00 AM
Takagi Estate, Armory
Saya led the way as they made their way to the estate’s armory, the walls of the hallway adorned with various family artifacts and decorations that reflected the Takagi family’s storied past. Blake, Kohta, and Takashi followed closely behind, with Kohta unable to contain his excitement at the thought of finally restocking their depleted arsenal.
When they reached the armory, a man in his mid-forties stood at the entrance, clipboard in hand, wearing a practical yet sturdy-looking jumpsuit. He looked up as they approached, his gaze settling on Saya before offering a polite bow. “Lady Takagi, I was informed you would be stopping by.”
Saya returned the gesture with a nod. “Thank you for waiting, Nakamura-san. We’re here to collect the supplies my father mentioned.”
Nakamura nodded, stepping aside to reveal the fully-stocked armory behind him. The room was lined with shelves and racks, each neatly organized with weapons, ammunition, and tactical gear. The metallic glint of firearms and rows of ammunition boxes immediately caught Kohta’s eye, and his face lit up with barely-contained excitement.
“Holy…,” Kohta breathed, his eyes darting around the room. “This is a dream come true.”
Blake chuckled, clapping him on the shoulder. “Easy there, soldier. Let’s get what we need and get out.”
Saya walked over to a shelf lined with ammo boxes, her fingers lightly tracing the labels as she inspected the contents. “Alright, let’s prioritize. We’ll need shotgun shells, 9mm rounds, and some 7.62×51mm for Kohta’s rifle. Anything else?”
Takashi looked over a stack of grenades, raising an eyebrow. “Do you think they’ll let us take a few of these?”
Nakamura, overhearing the question, stepped forward, his expression serious. “I can authorize a few grenades, but remember—these are last-resort items. We need to preserve as much as we can.”
Blake nodded, gesturing toward a stack of 12-gauge shells. “We’ll take a couple of those, then. Kohta, you see anything else you need?”
Kohta grabbed a few boxes of 7.62×51mm, inspecting them closely. “This should do for now. But if we could get a couple of those rifle scopes, I think they’d come in handy.”
Nakamura nodded and began pulling items from the shelves, efficiently packing them into bags for easy transport. “You’ve got two magazines each for the handguns, four for the rifles, and two dozen shotgun shells. I’ve added three grenades as well. As for the scopes, feel free to take your pick.”
Blake, Takashi, and Kohta each grabbed a bag, carefully distributing the weight of the ammunition and supplies. Saya, who had been surveying the armory, finally selected a handgun from one of the shelves, examining it with a critical eye.
Nakamura looked over, noticing her choice. “A fine selection, Lady Takagi. That’s a Sig Sauer P226. It’s reliable and has a solid track record.”
Saya nodded, slipping the handgun into a holster and fastening it securely. “It’ll do. Thank you, Nakamura-san.”
As they made their way back toward the Humvee, Blake glanced at Saya, a small smile on his face. “You know, for someone who didn’t want us to leave, your father sure is generous with his arsenal.”
Saya gave a light chuckle, her voice tinged with pride. “He knows what’s necessary. If we’re going to be useful to him, he wants us well-equipped. And, well, he knows I wouldn’t let you all go unprepared.”
Blake exchanged a knowing glance with Takashi, the weight of the upcoming mission pressing down on him. Despite the danger, he felt a newfound sense of readiness, bolstered by their freshly acquired supplies.
May 3, 20XX – 11:30 AM
Takagi Estate, Humvee
Back at the Humvee, the group loaded their supplies into the vehicle, organizing the ammunition and gear with practiced efficiency. Blake double-checked the bags, ensuring everything was secure before turning to the others.
“Alright, we’re stocked up and ready for tomorrow. Let’s head back inside and go over the plan one more time.”
Kohta adjusted his bag, his face flushed with excitement. “I can’t wait to put this gear to use. It’s been too long since we’ve had a decent stockpile.”
Saya nodded, crossing her arms with a satisfied smile. “And now we’re better prepared. Tomorrow’s going to be tough, but we’ve made it through worse.”
Takashi nodded, his expression serious. “Agreed. Let’s regroup with the others and get ready. We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us.”
The group filed back into the estate, each member carrying their own sense of determination and anticipation. They knew the road ahead would be fraught with danger, but they also knew they were as prepared as they could be.
For the first time since the outbreak began, Blake felt a surge of optimism. They were finally making progress, taking control of their fate instead of being at the mercy of the chaos around them. And as they walked back toward their friends, he couldn’t shake the feeling that, together, they might just have a fighting chance.