Nanashi finally arrived at the Takagi mansion together with Saeko. It had taken them many hours to choose the safest route, and they were utterly exhausted; even with the help of grenades to clear paths and lure zombies away, it had been an extremely draining task.
Saeko's wooden sword was cracked and looked like it could break at any moment.
Nanashi watched as Kohta ran wildly toward him, which honestly startled him a bit, but Takashi quickly stopped him. Everyone was excited and eager to ask questions, but Saya interrupted the gathering and asked everyone to move to another area. Saeko was summoned by Souichiro and returned after exchanging a few words.
"His Excellency Souichiro has asked to meet with me. I'll be back shortly."
Everyone nodded. The others, upon hearing Saeko's words, knew she was Souichiro's disciple, so they assumed he wanted to ask about her father. Only Nanashi knew she would receive an extremely valuable katana. That thought brought back an unpleasant memory of the sword still stored in his ring; he smiled bitterly at the irony of possessing a weapon he couldn't even use.
As he entered the mansion, Nanashi was struck by the luxury of Saya's home. In his memories, he hadn't been able to admire it like this; now, it felt as though it had been taken straight out of a fantasy.
In the room, after explaining everything that had happened, Kohta looked quite satisfied. Nanashi saw Takashi smiling and remembered. He tried to think about escaping—running away, distancing himself from the situation—and realized that the suffocating feeling that had bound him to these students was gone. Though frustrated at having to take such risks, at least no one had died and he had managed to survive; in a strange way, he felt grateful. Now, however, something else worried him.
When they arrived, he had also seen the teacher's bus disappearing into the distance; even running, they wouldn't have caught it. Even with Saeko, they hadn't arrived in time, nor could they do anything about the teacher who had caused the loss of that place.
Takashi explained to Nanashi what Saya's parents were planning to do. After listening, Nanashi thought it was the best course of action: electricity and water were the most important resources now. Takashi agreed; only Saya's expression changed.
Nanashi looked at Takashi and asked,
"Takashi, what do you plan to do now? You're our leader, after all."
"L-leader?" Takashi was taken aback and replied, "Don't say nonsense, Nanashi. I'm not the leader of this group."
Even though he felt that everyone followed him, Takashi didn't see himself as a leader. He just wanted to save Nanashi and Saeko, then try to find out what had happened to his mother and Rei's parents. He thought Nanashi or Saeko would be better suited for that role.
Nanashi shook his head and spoke encouragingly. He remembered everything that had happened and thought that maybe that was why Takashi felt so uncertain—but the Takashi from his memories was extraordinary, and he didn't want him to die just because events had changed.
"Takashi, you really are the leader. You acted first, together with Kohta, to push back the zombies. I'm sure that if I hadn't stepped in, you would have drawn their attention so we could escape. The difference is that I would be dead without Saeko's help… and you would have pulled it off on your own."
Takashi wanted to argue, but when he saw Nanashi's eyes—full of trust, without a hint of doubt—he was stunned. He tried to remember and couldn't think of anything exceptional he'd done to deserve such blind faith.
"I was reckless… maybe I should have died."
Nanashi thought that if it weren't for that stupid sense of impending death, he would have waited for Takashi to act.
Kohta, Saya, Rei, and Professor Shizuka all nodded.
"When I saw how heroically Takashi-kun acted, I thought the same as Nanashi-kun," Professor Shizuka said with a smile.
That made Takashi blush.
"But I don't know what to do now," he murmured, revealing his doubts. He only wanted to check on his mother and Rei's parents, but risking his friends' lives for that felt selfish.
"What's bothering you?" Saya asked, noticing his expression.
"I just want to know what happened to my mom… and Rei's parents," Takashi said remorsefully.
Kohta interrupted confidently.
"Then let's go look for them, Takashi. We've got enough firepower to do it."
Kohta grinned and raised his weapon again, boasting about how invincible he felt.
Everyone nodded. Saya spoke as well.
"You helped me get here, so I'll help you find them. Once everyone's safe, we'll figure out what to do next."
Saya felt conflicted about staying with her parents, but she couldn't risk her friends' families' lives—even if they chose to follow her parents' group. She clenched her teeth.
Seeing everyone support him, Takashi smiled.
"Then I know what to do. I'll go back."
With renewed determination, he ran off to find Takagi Souichiro.
Everyone voiced their acknowledgment.
"Oh."
Professor Shizuka also had an epiphany and ran toward Saya; she wanted to borrow a phone—she had just remembered her friend's number. Saya sighed and led the excited teacher away.
"Follow me."
"Hai, hai!" Shizuka raised her arms enthusiastically as they left.
Kohta went to find the mechanic to check the vehicle he had been working on. While talking with him, Kohta knew it would be handed over to Saya and wanted to make sure everything was ready so they could leave quickly.
Only Rei and Nanashi remained in the room. Strangely, the atmosphere felt tense. Nanashi thought about the information he had, resting his chin on his arm as he pondered deeply. He didn't notice his surroundings—or how intently Rei was staring at him.
Nanashi was thinking of how to tell Takashi that he wouldn't go with them and wanted to stay there. He wasn't crazy enough to risk his life searching for family.
The zombies!
Nanashi jolted as he realized he had completely forgotten the greatest threat to his survival. He wanted to run and warn the gatekeepers, the guards outside. It was still possible to survive if they blocked access or sealed the entrance with trucks. That would keep the zombie horde at bay, and with some effort, they could clear the area.
Yes! He could still save the situation.
Excited, Nanashi tried to stand and run for the door—but a blade pressed against his neck.
He looked up and saw Rei holding her weapon. It was a rifle Kohta often praised, fitted with a sharp blade—almost like a spear.
Rei stared at him with fury and disgust, leaving him speechless.
Again? What's the misunderstanding this time?
But Rei's next words stunned him completely.
"You think you fooled everyone, but I know who you are," Rei said venomously, holding back her rage. "You slipped into our group, pretended to care about us, deceived Takashi. You disgust me."
Nanashi was frozen by the sudden turn of events. He didn't know how to respond or defend himself. Rei continued glaring at him with contempt.
"I had my suspicions when you told us your name, and when I saw used handcuffs on the patrol car seat. I thought it was just a coincidence—until we arrived here. I confirmed who you are. The sketches of you aren't that far from reality, are they? A criminal wanted by justice, whose real name is still unknown: Nanashi."
The mansion of the Tokonosu Prefecture chief held not only an extensive library, but also classified documents and information on Japan's most wanted criminals. If Takagi Souichiro had reviewed that data again, he would have identified Nanashi instantly—and likely executed him publicly.
"Using that name… were you mocking us while waiting to gain enough trust to commit your crimes?"
Nanashi tried desperately to think of a solution. They wouldn't believe him. If he claimed amnesia, said he knew nothing about the charges—or that this wasn't even his original body—Rei would stab him without hesitation. Looking into her eyes, he could only remain still. He prayed Saeko would arrive and interrupt—at least she owed him something for how he had treated her before.
"Still…"
Rei pulled the blade away from his neck.
"You helped us escape. You saved my life and Takashi's. Takashi might have done something stupid back then—but you acted first."
Rei remembered how she had grabbed Takashi's hand to stop him from doing something reckless. She knew him—he would have done it anyway, and her intervention only delayed him long enough for Nanashi to take action. That act had earned her respect for him… until she learned what kind of monster he truly was.
"Because of that—only because of that—you have one hour to disappear. In one hour, I'll inform Takagi-sama of your identity."
Rei left. She didn't want to owe anything to a criminal. She hoped he'd die quickly, torn apart by zombies. She wouldn't dirty her hands.
SLAM.
The door shut violently.
Nanashi lowered his head. Silence filled the room. All his plans had fallen apart.
He wandered aimlessly through the mansion, lost in thought.
Should he take advantage of the chaos and escape? Where would he go? What would he do?
Nanashi didn't even know how to survive. He sighed softly, remembering the bento box—at least he wouldn't starve. But that was only one of many problems. The biggest one was simple:
If he ran into a large group of zombies… he would die instantly.
…
Saeko walked through the halls of the mansion, carrying an ancient sword she had received for protecting Takagi Souichiro's daughter, Saya. She recalled the moment clearly: even after refusing, Souichiro had smiled knowingly, understanding what kind of person his master's daughter was. Without a word, he stepped closer and grasped Saeko's wooden sword. With a single squeeze, it shattered into pieces.
"Who do you plan to protect with a weapon that's already on its last legs?"
Saeko had known it too. With a bitter smile, she watched her wooden sword fall apart. She had thought it would last a little longer, but Souichiro wasn't wrong. If it broke in the middle of battle, it would only become a liability. In the end, she accepted the sword—for the sake of protecting her companions.
Takashi saw Saeko walking beside Souichiro, the two speaking quietly. He steadied his ragged breathing and, gathering his resolve, spoke to Souichiro.
"Sir, my companions and I have decided to search for our families."
"We'll only stay here for two days, until the preparations are finished. Then we leave. Do you understand?" Souichiro said, watching Takashi closely.
"Don't worry, sir. I promise we'll be back within those two days. If we fail… please don't delay your plans for us."
Souichiro met Takashi's determined gaze and said nothing more. He had known this would happen and had no right to stop them. At the very least, having his master's daughter with them increased their chances of survival.
"Very well, boy. Just remember this—I won't wait for anyone."
He turned and walked away without looking back.
"Saeko-san… I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner," Takashi said, lowering his head.
Saeko smiled at his embarrassed expression and shook her head.
"We already agreed to look for their families, so it's fine. Do you know where Nanashi is?"
Takashi felt relieved. Now he understood—Saeko had been the most understanding of all. Smiling, he walked with her toward the room. When they arrived and found it empty, he said,
"They must be getting ready."
Saeko smiled.
"I'll go look for him. You have more important things to do right now, Takashi-kun."
Takashi nodded. Feeling the pressure of time, he ran off to find Saya—he needed her advice and access to maps. They had to choose the best possible route.
Saeko continued down the halls and soon spotted a lone figure wandering aimlessly. Relief washed over her when she recognized him.
"There you are!"
She ran over and grabbed his hand. She had been searching for Nanashi, and when she didn't find him in the room, she checked the surrounding corridors until she found him near a window overlooking the dense forest behind the Takagi mansion.
"I was looking for you. Takashi-kun told me we're going to search for his missing family."
She spoke with a gentle smile, squeezing his hand tighter when Nanashi didn't pull away. That simple acceptance filled her with happiness, a deep crimson blush coloring her cheeks.
"Do you have family too, Nanashi? Once we rest a little, we can look for them as well."
She knew how exhausting the journey had been, but they had to hurry if they wanted to leave before Takagi-sama's group departed.
Her eyes remained fixed on their intertwined hands. Her blush deepened, but she didn't notice Nanashi's vacant expression.
Her concern snapped Nanashi out of his stupor. He saw the sincerity in Saeko's eyes, and for a brief moment, it touched his heart—only to be crushed instantly by a bitter feeling. His mind cursed Rei, yet he understood her as well. Someone with a criminal history like his was impossible to trust.
Then—
Pop! Pop! Pop!
The floodlights illuminating the mansion and the hallway began to explode one by one, plunging the area into darkness, though the orange glow of the sunset still faintly lit the surroundings.
A disturbance erupted outside. Footsteps and shouting echoed through the halls. Saeko startled and turned to Nanashi.
"Stay here. I'll see what's going on."
She ran off, gripping the sword's hilt tightly. Saeko knew Nanashi wasn't a fighter; she had only noticed his incredible agility—the reason he had avoided being bitten by zombies. If something serious happened, she could return quickly and try to escape with him. Strangely enough, her plans didn't include anyone else.
Nanashi watched her leave, frustration etched across his face. He knew exactly what was about to happen. He wanted to speak, but no words came out. He wanted to shout at her to stay, to stop her, to tell her they should run.
But would Saeko listen?
Nanashi was sure she wouldn't. The Saeko from his memories would never act that way.
Damn it! Damn it!
He cursed helplessly. Thoughts flooded his mind—Should I hide and wait until they leave? Did Rei already tell them? Will Saeko kill me if she finds out?
Gunfire erupted, roaring violently—and then something happened that stunned him.
"Nanashi! Nanashi!"
He heard Takashi and Kohta shouting his name. Their voices sounded frantic, worried. Hearing them made his body tremble, and he bolted, trying to get away from them.
Damn it!
He ran toward the forest behind the Takagi mansion, sprinting across the garden, drawing closer to the dense wall of trees. He tried to ignore the shouting and the chaos unfolding behind him, but just before crossing into the forest, he stopped.
A bleak realization froze him in place.
He had changed the story so much that there was now a real possibility that everyone could die right there. Ever since he had shaken off that constant sense of impending death, he had completely forgotten that outcome. A bitter lump rose in his throat; he could do nothing. The thought of everyone dying in that mansion, combined with his already exhausted body, nearly made him vomit.
He tried to think, but nothing came to mind. He collapsed to his knees, staring at the dirt slipping through his fingers. Then a faint glint caught his attention—the ring on his finger.
He knew what it contained.
The only thing that might still save them.
That sword… that sword was so special that it might be able to do something—anything.
With a thought, the sword Murasame appeared in his hand. Nanashi held it carefully and slowly placed it on the ground. He knelt, adopting the same posture Saeko used when apologizing, and pleaded.
"Please… please, help me save them. I'll give you anything—even if I'm not worthy of wielding you. I'll find a way to become worthy!"
It was unclear whether it was Nanashi's desperate plea, or if Murasame itself understood that this world was doomed—and that if this human died, it would remain sealed inside the ring forever, forgotten along with the purpose for which it was created: to kill.
Or perhaps it was all of those reasons combined.
But it worked.
Nanashi lifted the sword, pleading silently. He drew it from its sheath. A metallic-black blade emerged, gleaming faintly, radiating a sinister aura of pure danger.
He stored the sheath in his ring and stared at the blade in a daze. It was light in his hands, yet unbearably heavy in his mind. It wasn't just a danger to his enemies—it was a danger to him as well, infused with deadly poison, as if he were holding countless lives, including his own.
He wondered how he could possibly help his companions.
He didn't notice that the hand gripping the sword twitched.
"Huh?"
A pull—one he was certain he hadn't made. His wrist twisted, the blade swung, and it sliced his forearm, leaving a shallow cut. A thin line of scarlet blood emerged.
Nanashi went pale.
I'm finished… I'm finished… I'm done for.
He tried to drop the sword and reach for a bean immediately—but he couldn't.
"AAAHHH!"
A searing pain flooded his entire body. Unable to endure it, he collapsed to the ground. His hand remained locked around Murasame, as if the sword itself was forcing him to hold on. Small inscriptions began to appear across his body, racing upward to his face before vanishing.
Nanashi writhed on the ground. In desperation, he smashed his head against the floor, trying to knock himself unconscious. Blood trickled down his forehead—but it didn't work.
A dark, malignant black miasma began to pour from his body. Deep crimson markings slithered across his skin like serpents, spreading from his legs and arms to his face. The pain should have been unbearable—yet Nanashi lay motionless.
A violent torrent of information invaded his mind, pinning him in place like a red-hot knife driven into his brain. It hurt—and yet he couldn't stop it. It was absolute torture.
Visions followed.
People he had never seen before—yet all of them shared one thing in common: Murasame as their weapon.
To a mind experiencing this for the first time, the difference between a worthy wielder and an ordinary person was immediately clear. Murasame's wielders weren't merely elite assassins—they were genocidal monsters. They killed without mercy, possessing superhuman abilities.
Every possible method of killing flooded his brain—honorable or depraved, it didn't matter. The goal was always the same: to kill. That was their only creed.
Knowledge of swordsmanship from those killers poured into his mind. And among it all, he saw the final wielder.
A beautiful woman with black hair and scarlet eyes, dressed in a strange uniform resembling armor. She stared at her enemy with indifference, and when cornered with no other choice, she sliced the palm of her hand.
Nanashi understood then—this was the final secret Murasame wanted to show him: its trump card, the "little war horn."
Tattoo-like crimson inscriptions spread across the woman's body as she fell to her knees. An inhuman scream tore from her throat, and the whites of her eyes darkened. A small horn emerged from the side of her head.
She raised her sword, ready to strike.
The wielder of Murasame vanished. She was impossible to see—only when her blade cut through the air could her silhouette be perceived, before disappearing again to attack from another angle.
A beautiful woman with blue hair and a white uniform smiled as they clashed in a battle to the death. The entire area was frozen solid by her power. Even with this overwhelming boost, the fight remained evenly matched.
Then everything stopped.
The memories ceased, and Nanashi regained consciousness. He stood up—the pain was gone. His arms were covered in red markings. Instinctively, he reached up and felt something sharp.
A small horn.
At that moment, an unfamiliar emotion surged through his mind. It wasn't the calm indifference of Murasame's former wielder.
No.
It was a premonition.
His body screamed with exhilaration as black miasma seeped from the sword, demanding lives. The emotion was overwhelming—far beyond his control. He struggled to calm himself, but his body had already moved.
Like a gust of wind, he vanished—and reappeared standing atop the mansion, observing the scene below.
They were trying to eliminate the zombies—but it was impossible. The two roads leading to the mansion were completely flooded with them—far more than he had ever seen. The road coming from the city was especially overwhelmed compared to the one from the suburbs.
Nanashi bit his lip, trying to regain control.
This was bad. Very bad.
He bit down so hard that blood filled his mouth. The metallic taste helped suppress his emotions—for now. But it was only a matter of time before he lost control completely.
He had to act before that happened.