Shido was an expert at deceiving people, a master of manipulation, or at least that's what his ego told him every morning.
'Huh? I was rejected?' Shido didn't understand.
His speech had been perfect, touching on important points and necessary topics. His words were crafted so that everyone would choose him. Of course, Shido wasn't so naïve as to believe he could win everyone's heart with a single speech, but he was confident that if they accepted him as leader, little by little he would make each of them fall into his hands. However, half of the students and teachers rejected him instantly.
He could understand the rejection from Saeko Busujima. Being a yakuza princess, she knew about her father's corruption and wouldn't trust him so easily.
Saya Takagi, though naïve about many things, was also smart, so he didn't believe she could be manipulated easily, especially since she was the daughter of Soichiro Takagi, a righteous politician who often clashed with his own father.
As for Hisashi and Takashi, it was also understandable that they would reject the idea of his being the leader. Both were friends of Rei Miyamoto, and they might have known his true nature.
Understanding that, Shido could accept some rejection, but he expected to have the majority's support so that they couldn't deny him—especially at this moment when Rei wasn't present and couldn't say anything to tarnish his reputation.
So the manipulation should have worked. No, to begin with, Shido didn't even need to try so hard. The students were in a vulnerable situation with fragile mentalities, feeling like the world was ending. They were stripped of hope after seeing their classmates devour each other.
He just had to take advantage of this moment of weakness to enter their minds, to convince them that if they followed him they would be safe—and it worked, but only for those who had been with him from the start.
"..." Shido's face darkened when he realized that no one was even paying attention to him anymore.
He couldn't even ask who "that leader" was because everyone had turned to look ahead.
He felt frustrated, angry, and also confused.
'Who?! Who is the leader they chose?!'
Shido clenched his teeth.
"I see, and may I know who this leader is?"
No one paid any attention to him.
Despite being ignored, Shido hadn't given up. The moment he learned who they had chosen, he would destroy him. One of his specialties was attacking people's weak points.
The bus began to slow down and then stopped behind the motorcycle.
....
Allen stopped his motorcycle and looked around.
Mostly, there were private houses, a couple of shops, a bridge, and speed-limit signs—it was the Japanese suburbs.
This was a fairly empty area, no people and only a few zombies in sight. Which made sense. Even though Allen didn't know exactly when the apocalypse began, if it started in the morning and not the night before, it was natural that most people were at work, leaving the suburbs empty.
Still, a few houses were burning, some cars had crashed into other cars or into walls, and bloodstains on the ground and walls.
The people here had lived through hell too.
"Looks like the worst is already over here..."
"Where is everyone?" Rei asked nervously, the last thing she wanted was a horde of zombies popping out of nowhere.
"It's easy to understand. The living fled from the dead, and the dead chased the living."
Allen got off his Hayabusa, then picked up the metal pipe Rei had been carrying on her lap since he couldn't drive while holding it.
Allen walked toward the bus with Rei following closely behind. Meanwhile, the atmosphere inside the bus grew tense.
"Shido-sensei?"
The students behind Shido sought his advice. They had accepted him as their leader, but apparently, the front half of the bus hadn't. This left them confused about whether they should say something.
They didn't want the bus to stop.
Shido calmed himself. 'Right now the trust of those who accepted me is fragile. If I let myself be pushed aside, if I appear weak, if I let everyone ignore me, I could lose their support. Damn it!'
"Wait, this is dangerous! Why are they stopping the bus?!" Shido demanded with a worried look, as if he feared something might happen to his precious students.
Hearing him speak convinced some students to support him.
"That's right, in fact, we shouldn't even be heading into the city, it's way too dangerous!" said a boy with dyed yellow hair and a delinquent look.
His name was Tsunoda, and he had a bad relationship with Komuro, which immediately made him hostile toward his group.
"Don't decide on your own, we don't want to die!" shouted another boy with long hair and a cigarette hanging from his mouth.
His name was Imamura, a delinquent who liked alcohol and smoking, and now, with the end of the world, he no longer bothered to hide it.
But, despite the complaints, no one paid attention.
"Did something happen?" Hirano asked, getting ready to fight.
"Maybe he remembered something..." said Saeko, arms crossed.
"Should I turn off the engine?" asked Shizuka, confused.
"Better wait for him to come so we can talk," decided Saya.
Hearing their conversation, Teshima, Takashi, and Hisashi understood who this so-called leader was. And, of course, Shido understood it too.
'Allen Walker?! That bastard who always skipped class, never listened to me, and I even tried to have him expelled more than once, but the principal never agreed. You're telling me that brat is the one standing in my way?'
Shido's eyes darkened. Allen Walker was by far the most problematic student he had ever had.
Shido's image of Allen was that of an introverted boy with no feelings, someone who didn't want communication. So Shido gave up, considering him just a river stone, something that simply existed there without mattering.
'Damn it!'
Koichi Shido was so angry that he nearly cracked the friendly smile on his face. Still, he stayed in character, already preparing arguments to attack Allen—from his age, to his character, even the fact that he wasn't Japanese. For Shido, this would be easy.
'I never thought you'd be an obstacle. Fine, I'll deal with you—'
Shido's thoughts, and those of his group, were interrupted when they saw a zombie approach Allen.
Allen didn't even look at it before swinging his metal pipe and smashing the zombie's head.
'Huh?'
Shido had been so caught up in his act, so eager to achieve his goal, that he had forgotten how the group had cut through the horde. Even if he hadn't seen much from afar, it wasn't like he hadn't noticed who had been at the vanguard of the fight.
'Fine, so what if you're strong? Those who rule are the intelligent ones...' Shido repeated those words in his mind, trying to calm himself, but he was nervous. Because in an apocalyptic world, the strong could also dominate. That was why he had tried to win Teshima over in the first place.
....
Allen reached the bus door without saying a word. Of course, Shizuka didn't hesitate to open it, smiling.
"Welcome, Allen-kun~"
*Step*
"...!" Shido's eyes widened.
As Allen boarded, the bus tilted slightly, as if a wrestler had climbed aboard—even though that clearly wasn't the case.
A strong metallic scent filled the bus. It was a smell they were already familiar with—blood. Lots of blood stained his clothes.
Some drops even dripped from the tip of the metal pipe Allen still held in his hand.
With an upright posture, a notable height, and an imposing, dominant presence, the young man stepped onto the bus.
At this moment, there were three types of reactions.
Shido and his group went pale. Teshima, Takashi, and Hisashi grew nervous. But Allen's group was different...
"You're covered in blood, you should clean yourself," grumbled Saya—not because it bothered her, but because she was worried Allen might get infected.
"Don't worry, as long as the blood doesn't enter the bloodstream, you'll be fine."
"Even so," said Saeko with a soft smile, handing Allen a handkerchief, which he used to wipe his face.
"Thanks," Allen sighed.
The sensation of being covered in blood disgusted him, but he had no choice. Using a blunt weapon meant every impact splattered, and he had fought too many zombies to worry about staying clean.
"Why did we stop, boss?" asked Hirano, who, without Allen ordering him to, was keeping watch at the bus door.
"Boss?" Allen chuckled under his breath. "I could sense something important nearby and I want to check what it is."
"Another weapon?" Kyoko blinked, clutching the suitcase in her lap as if her life depended on not losing it.
"I don't know." Allen cracked his neck, releasing some tension in his muscles. "I know you're anxious to find your families, but we need to think about shelter. I have a bad feeling about the night."
"That's true," Rei said. She was worried about her parents but knew moving around at night was an unnecessary risk.
"I want to return quickly too, but I understand," Saya added.
"What about you two?" Allen asked Yamada and Kawamoto.
The two of them had barely exchanged words with Allen, but he already considered them part of his group after crossing the horde with him.
"I want to see my family. As long as you can help me, I'll do what you say... boss," Yamada said nervously. Even though Allen had saved him, Allen's strength was so terrifying that it intimidated him.
"I... I'm fine... I'll obey you," Kawamoto said, cheeks flushed, which earned her several hostile glares from the other girls.
"Alright."
Allen wasn't a saint. If she chose to follow him, she'd have to work when the time came. That included the non-combatants. They might not fight, but if necessary, they'd help with other tasks.
"This bus is spacious, but I'm worried about its structure. The windows aren't reinforced... a mutant could break them." Allen frowned. "We don't have many options, but if you see any useful vehicles or know of one, let me know."
"Understood!" replied Shizuka, Hirano, Kazu, Saya, Saeko, Rei, Kyoko, Yamada, and Kawamoto.
"What about you guys?" Allen asked Teshima and his group.
Teshima felt pressured for a moment, unable to believe Allen had changed so much in such a short time. He had been a rude, quiet student, but now he seemed like a completely different man. He even doubted whether he should treat Allen as someone younger. After all, this young man was already leading a group of survivors who seemed to have absolute confidence in him.
Teshima took a deep breath and bowed. "First of all, thank you for saving me."
Teshima knew very well that regardless of positions, Allen had prevented him from dying, and for that, he deserved his sincere gratitude.
Allen slightly widened his eyes before responding with a half-smile and a mocking tone. "Don't worry, protecting the weak is my duty, Teshima-sensei."
"Tsk, forget what I said!" Teshima regretted showing Allen respect. This brat had become even more insolent and annoying.
Allen turned his attention to Rei's friends. "And you two?"
Takashi and Hisashi didn't know how to respond. Their gazes shifted between Allen and Rei. Neither of them wanted to leave their friend with this dangerous senpai.
"My mom works at an elementary school near the police station. If you're taking Rei there, we can cooperate," Takashi said, keeping a firm look, though the sweat on his cheek betrayed him. "Besides, I have a good relationship with Rei's parents, so I'll take her to them."
"Oh, that's responsible." Allen turned to Rei. "Looks like you don't need me anymore."
"...!" Rei immediately grabbed Allen's arm. "Takashi, Allen already promised to rescue my parents. You don't need to worry about that. You'd better focus on the aunt."
Rei's words left Hisashi and Takashi in shock. Since when were these two so close? And why did it seem like Rei was trying to draw a line between herself and them, as if she were afraid Allen would misunderstand their relationship?
"I... I have a sister. I don't know if she's okay. If possible, I want to help her," Hisashi said. He was sharper than Takashi. Even though he felt hurt by Rei's attitude, he chose not to argue with Allen and decided to talk to her later to figure out what kind of relationship she had with him.
"That sounds fine..."
"Wait!"
Shido, still in shock from Allen's appearance, had let the conversation drag on too long. He felt terribly frustrated, realizing he had lost half the group without being able to do anything.
'No, I still have time!'
Shido regained his composure and confidence before stepping forward.
"Allen-kun, I'm glad you're safe—no, what I mean is, thank you for giving us this chance to survive. You're an exceptional YOUNG man, and it makes me proud that you're MY student."
Shido's smile was that of a teacher looking at Allen with appreciation and respect, but from a position of superiority, like that of an elder.
"Allen-kun, you understand that a bad decision can cost someone their life. Leading others is a very heavy burden."
Shido appeared afflicted, as if saddened by what Allen had gone through, yet proud of him at the same time.
"I'm not saying you did badly. Thanks to you, we're all safe, and I hope we can have you with us from here on..."
Shido finished his words with a look of appreciation, as if he were allowing Allen to stand by his side.
Rei gave Shido a glare filled with murderous intent, but she held back since Allen hadn't said anything yet.
Saya, on the other hand, was boiling with rage at this blatant attempt at manipulation and tried to get up, but Saeko placed a hand on her shoulder and winked, signaling her not to.
Shizuka puffed her cheeks in annoyance, Kyoko gave Shido a cold look, Hirano sharpened his gaze, and even the calm Kazu looked irritated.
Yamada and Kawamoto paled at Shido's words. Was this guy an idiot?! Was there really someone as stupid as Shido?! They had seen up close how Allen crushed skulls and sent zombies flying with ease. God, they had even seen him tear zombies apart with his bare hands.
What kind of suicidal fool would dare pick a fight with someone like that?!
Allen's group, who had listened to Shido's earlier speech with indifference, now felt angry and turned hostile. Unfortunately, Shido didn't notice, too focused on discrediting Allen.
Meanwhile, the rest of the students behind Shido had bright eyes and smiles, as if he were some kind of idol in their eyes.
Allen, for his part, stayed calm while listening to Shido talk. He only opened his mouth after Shido had finished.
"What are you talking about?" Allen asked with no reaction. "No, before that—who are you?"
"Huh?"
Shido had prepared answers for any argument Allen might bring. He had even prepared to calm him down if Allen grew angry, making him seem unreasonable and irascible.
In the worst-case scenario, Allen would take Rei, Saya, and Saeko with him and leave. Shido regretted the thought of the three most beautiful students being taken away, but there was nothing he could do now. If he were lucky, he might have them in the future. After all, he knew where each of them would end up.
But what he hadn't anticipated was not only that Allen wouldn't give him a chance to debate, but that he wouldn't even recognize his existence.
'Walker!'
Shido felt like he had just eaten shit. What was wrong with this brat? Of course, Allen knew him! Even if he skipped half the time, even if he didn't care about class, Shido had been his teacher for two damn years!
"Allen-kun, you say the funniest jokes. I'm your teacher, Shido-sensei."
"I see."
Allen's response was so utterly disinterested that it felt like a slap in the face.
"Hahaha!" Saya couldn't hold back and burst out laughing.
Saeko turned her face away, covering her mouth, clearly holding back her laughter. Shizuka smiled while sticking her tongue out at Shido. Kyoko stifled a small laugh.
Kazu had a relaxed look, pitying Shido. Hirano smirked and gave a thumbs-up.
Rei went even further, speaking mockingly. "Allen, you shouldn't be so cruel. This creepy guy, with snake eyes, hair gel, and cheap speeches, is a respected teacher at Fujimi."
"Miyamoto-san," Shido barely managed to hide his disgust for Rei.
"Bitch! How dare you speak like that to Shido-sensei!"
Tsunoda, impulsive and encouraged by Shido's speech, even forgot the fear Allen inspired in him and stepped forward, intending to slap Rei. The world had ended—nobody would arrest him for teaching a bitch her place.
Rei didn't show the slightest sign of fear. She even prepared to strike Tsunoda with her "staff," but before she could, and before he could react, a hand grabbed his face, stopping him.
Tsunoda's eyes shifted to Allen, who remained calm.
"Hmmh!" Tsunoda tried to break free, but Allen's hand felt like an iron clamp.
"Allen-kun, release your classmate immediately!" Shido tried to assert authority. Even if it didn't work, at the very least he could paint Allen as the villain—but that plan was doomed to fail.
"Looks like... I should give you a dose of reality..."
With an indifferent gaze, Allen looked at Shido and the rest of the students, making them tremble. Especially Tsunoda, who realized too late the abysmal difference in strength.
The atmosphere in the bus seemed to freeze. Allen knew it was better to cut off these problems before they had a chance to grow.
Meanwhile, a mysterious drone was watching everything that happened inside the bus from a distance.
====
A/N: What's scarier than a fast zombie? a fast zombie at night. 🗿
If you want to read more, there are up to ten chapters ahead on Patreon.
Patreon.com/_Aizen