Chapter 48: Chapter 48: Shido's Death

Creak--

The bus screeched as it slid across the ground, leaving two deep scars on the asphalt, narrowly avoiding slamming into the wall.

Zombies were taking over the city at an alarming rate. At noon, everything was still business as usual—people heading to work, students going to school. But by afternoon, chaos had erupted as a sudden biochemical crisis engulfed the world.

When Shido had driven the bus out of the school, he'd naively thought things would be better outside.

But as they saw the streets flooded with rotting corpses and terrified citizens running for their lives, the grim reality set in. This crisis wasn't just limited to the school—it had spread everywhere.

Originally, the students inside the bus had formed small groups, each arguing to change course and head to different locations.

Even Shido had his own selfish plan—he wanted to drive to his own house, seeking refuge in a place he thought would be safe. But his plan was cut short when Saeko gently pressed the cold edge of her katana against his neck.

Right away, the bus fell silent, fear suppressing all further complaints.

With no room for argument, a unanimous vote was made. Shido hit the gas, and the bus accelerated through the sea of dead bodies, leaving behind a gory path as they headed toward the Busujima Dojo.

"Saeko, I don't think Master Busujima is here!"

Shizuka, looking at the dismembered bodies outside the dojo's entrance, spoke with a hint of confusion.

It was clear that the zombies had arrived at the dojo. The blood splattered across the road, as well as the mangled corpses strewn around the entrance, were evidence that the place had been attacked.

"My father will wait for me."

The purple-haired girl declared without hesitation and gracefully jumped out of the bus.

Without a second thought, Shizuka followed her.

Despite her big breasts and naturally stupid behavior, Shizuka knew one thing for sure—in this world that suddenly turned chaotic, it was wise to stay close to those who could fight.

Master Busujima and his daughter both had unparalleled strength, so it was safest to stay with them.

Seeing Saeko and Shizuka disappear into the dojo, the other students began to murmur among themselves anxiously.

"We should leave… I want to go home!" one of them whispered.

Now that the intimidating presence of Saeko had left the bus, many of the students felt emboldened. Her ruthless aura had kept them in line, but with her gone, the fear and desperation to flee and go home flared up.

However, before the situation could escalate, Shido opened his mouth.

"Master Busujima is the top kendo master in the country. Under these circumstances, seeking his protection is our best bet."

Shido pushed up his glasses and spoke disdainfully to the group of chirping quails. Although he was an annoying villain in the plot, he wasn't someone without common sense and judgement.

He knew that taking such a group of helpless guys across half of the city would be a death sentence. Seeking protection under Master Busujima was the only rational option.

When Shido got out of the car, many students looked at each other, unsure what to do.

.….

"You're back!"

Enzo sat in the courtyard, basking in the warmth of the sun. His gaze landed on the two women—one tall, one shorter—who had just walked in, and he greeted them with a satisfied smile.

"I've returned, Father!"

Saeko drove her katana into the ground, kneeling respectfully before him.

"Ale, Busujima-san, enjoying some sun?"

Shizuka was much more casual and greeted directly with a bright smile.

"Mm... Anyway, let's get going."

To be honest, if it weren't for waiting for Saeko, Enzo would have left for Henggou Mountain's base long ago. The zombies weren't a real threat to him, but fighting through hordes of the undead still took a toll on his energy.

As for using guns to cut through the hordes? It wasn't an option.

Zombies were drawn to sound like moths to a flame. Sure, he could slice through the undead near the dojo with ease, but the moment he fired a gun, there'd be no telling how many more would come swarming.

"Wait for us, Master Busujima!"

At this time, Shido also rushed in, looked at Master Busujima, who was standing, and quickly called out to him.

Behind him were a group of students who completely followed him blindly.

"Hm, quite a crowd you've brought."

Enzo's eyes flickered with interest as he looked at the group of students Shido had led inside. His gaze sharpened, appraising each one.

Originally, he only expected Saeko to bring back the cow, Shizuka, and some key figures, such as Rei Miyamoto and Saya Takagi.

Unexpectedly, she brought such a large group, including several chattering, wide-eyed girls who were clearly out of their depth, which surprised him.

While they weren't as appealing as the main cast, they were enough to be background entertainment or tea and water servers!

"Master Busujima, please help us and escort us to a safe area. We will be forever grateful for your kindness!"

Shido crawled in front of Enzo and begged.

"What would I need your kindness for?"

Enzo smiled coldly, eyeing the bespectacled man groveling at his feet.

"Master, you are the idol for all Japanese kendo practitioners! You can't let these young students die without doing anything!"

Shido quickly stood, pointing toward the group of frightened students crowded behind him.

Enzo's brow arched slightly at the display.

Shido was no fool, and he knew that when faced with different people, one must use different methods. He believed that appealing to Enzo's public persona was his best shot at survival.

After all, a man like Enzo, famous and admired across the nation, couldn't afford to tarnish his reputation. For people of his stature, fame was the ultimate currency, and failing to act would leave an indelible stain on their carefully crafted image.

"You're right!" Enzo nodded.

If he were the real Master Busujima, he would indeed be bound by honor to protect these students.

But unfortunately for Shido Koichi, Enzo was not Master Busujima.

Originally, Enzo had thought about sparing Shido's life. The boy showed potential—perhaps even enough to be useful in the future.

But now it seemed that this kid had a reckless habit of dancing on the edge of death, tempting fate without regard for his own safety.

In that case, there was no need to keep such an impulsive guy who didn't respect the elders!

Completely unaware of the storm brewing over his fate, Shido was about to flash a humble smile and offer more pleasantries. However, as he lifted his head, he found himself staring down the massive fist heading toward him.

'Who am I? Where am I? What am I doing?'

Bam!

Shido flew back seven or eight meters, his neck audibly cracking as he soared through the air.

Thump!

His body smashed to the ground in an unnatural, twisted posture, his head making first contact with the earth. Anyone with even a shred of common sense could tell he was beyond saving.

Dead.

"Ahhhhh—!"

Screams erupted from the students who had just witnessed the brutal execution, some immediately trying to flee the dojo in sheer terror.

"Saeko," Enzo said calmly, as though nothing had happened.

"Hai!"

The purple-haired girl responded without hesitation, and her body shot like an arrow loosed from a bowstring. In an instant, she approached the fastest fleeing student and swung her sword.

Choke—

A fountain of blood erupted from the headless corpse, splattering across the floor. The sight and scent of fresh blood made Saeko feel a rush of excitement and satisfaction.

In no time, she slaughtered all the fleeing students, and an eerie silence fell over the dojo.

"Well done, now let's leave for the Henggou Mountain."

Just as Enzo believed there would be no more surprises and was ready to leave, a loud scream coming from the crowd of students broke the uneasy silence.

"Ahhh—!"

"Master Busujima, you missed this person."

The scream was soon followed by the clear voice of a light orange-haired girl who stepped forward from the crowd.

"Master, he was also among Shido's group and was earlier planning to emotionally kidnap you to escort them out."

She pointed toward a short, black-haired boy kneeling on the ground beside her, clutching his groin in pain.

It was clear from the boy's situation that the girl had kicked him in the nuts, likely hoping to use him as leverage to curry favor with Enzo.

Witnessing this, Enzo's eyes flicked with interest toward the girl. She had a sultry, charming face, and it didn't take him long to recall exactly who she was.

Still, he feigned ignorance.

"Hoo, is that so?" He waved a hand dismissively, signaling for Saeko to finish off the groaning boy, then turned his attention back to the girl. "What's your name?"

"Master, I am Miku Yuuki. I've always been a big fan of yours. Please allow me to follow you, and I'll do anything you ask, to the best of my abilities."

Her voice was submissive, mixed with a subtle charm, though she was careful not to act too provocatively in front of Enzo, fearing it might disgust him.

But in fact, she didn't need to say much at all—Enzo already knew everything about her.

Miku Yuuki, one of Shido Koichi's followers. The most overtly sexual girl in the school, notorious for her rampant exploits and lack of modesty.

In three words: 'The school's whore.'

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