Untouched by the Outbreak

Ryo stood in the garage, listening to the low hum of the truck's engine as it roared to life, resonating in the enclosed space. He inspected every inch, checking the tires, fuel, and battery—anything that could become a liability on the road. The MP5 rested against his shoulder, and beside him stood Sayako, watching with silent attentiveness. Her posture was sharp, eyes forward, awaiting his next move.

Ryo planned every detail for the trip ahead, making sure both Sachiko and Yumi would be safe. Two of the strongest Striders were positioned in the back of the truck, where they'd stand guard throughout the journey. They were faster, deadlier—perfect for extra security on the road. Sayako, his trusted companion, would be seated next to him in the front, ready to respond at a moment's notice.

Behind her, Sachiko and Yumi settled in on the backseat, both quiet as they watched Ryo's meticulous preparations. For all of them, this outing was significant—a rare venture beyond the safe boundaries of his fortified zone.

Sachiko leaned forward from the backseat, her arms resting on the top of Ryo's seat as she peered over his shoulder. "So, where are we headed this time?" she asked with a hint of curiosity in her voice.

Ryo kept his eyes on the dashboard as he adjusted the settings, barely turning his head as he responded, "I want to see the sea."

Sachiko's eyes widened slightly with intrigue. "The sea, huh? It's been so long…" she murmured, a faint smile forming on her lips. Memories of the ocean—its vastness, the salt in the air, the sound of crashing waves—flickered briefly in her mind, distant reminders of a world before everything changed.

Yumi, sitting beside her, glanced between them, unsure yet intrigued by the idea. She hadn't known Ryo to be the type to seek out such a place, but maybe there was more purpose to this trip than simple curiosity.

Ryo gave a final check to the engine, revving it a bit louder before he shot a look back at the two women. "Get comfortable. It'll be a long drive, and I want both of you ready for anything."

Sachiko grinned, her eyes glinting with playful mischief. "But... I didn't bring a swimsuit," she said, leaning forward just a little closer, a teasing smile on her lips.

Ryo glanced at her through the rearview mirror, raising an eyebrow. "Swimsuit?" he replied with a smirk. "Who said you'd need one?"

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Yumi's face turned slightly red, glancing away in embarrassment as Sachiko chuckled softly. The playful banter seemed to lighten the atmosphere, a rare moment of levity in their world surrounded by chaos.

Sachiko settled back, crossing her arms with a satisfied smile. "Alright then, lead the way, Ryo. Let's see what this trip has in store."

Ryo shifted the truck into gear, the engine growling as it rolled out of the garage. Sayako sat calmly in the passenger seat, her gaze fixed ahead, her presence a quiet but constant reassurance. Behind him, Sachiko and Yumi were each armed, holding the guns he'd handed them earlier.

As they drove through the town, the zombies parting to make way for Ryo's truck, Sachiko leaned closer to Yumi, a faint look of excitement in her eyes. Yumi, still adjusting to Ryo's intense, protective nature, held her gun tightly, her expression tense but determined.

Ryo glanced in the rearview mirror, nodding approvingly. "Stay alert. This is just a trip to the sea, but we don't take any chances," he said, his tone firm.

They drove in silence, each preparing for whatever they might encounter.

Ryo maneuvered the truck with precision, expertly steering around every zombie that wandered onto the road. He had no intention of harming any of them; each zombie, whether part of his army or one of the lone stragglers outside the town, was valuable. His command over the undead extended beyond the town limits, and he took pride in knowing his influence stretched far.

Sayako sat beside him, motionless yet alert, her pale eyes observing the road ahead. In the back, Sachiko and Yumi were silent, feeling the weight of Ryo's careful control over every detail. As they passed groups of zombies, Ryo couldn't help but feel satisfaction at the sheer scale of his reach. Each one, obedient and passive, let the truck pass without so much as a twitch.

The ocean was on the horizon, and the thought of exploring its untouched shores stirred something in him. Whatever they found there, it would be his, just like everything else he'd claimed.

Ryo made sure to pack all the essentials for their trip, including a sturdy fish net, a crab trap, and a few basic tools he'd scavenged to make catching and cleaning seafood easier. He wanted to make this trip to the ocean count, aiming to secure a fresh food source for himself and his group. With the abundance of fish and crabs likely waiting by the shore—untouched by humans or overfishing—he was certain they'd have a plentiful haul.

Glancing at Sayako beside him, he knew she'd be ready to follow his every command, even if it meant diving into the water. Sachiko and Yumi, seated in the back, seemed intrigued by the idea of a fresh catch, but he caught Sachiko's playful smirk in the rearview mirror, a reminder of her earlier comment about forgetting a swimsuit. Ryo's smirk matched hers as he navigated through the winding roads leading toward the coastline, ready to test the uncharted waters with his loyal crew.

Ryo's mind was already racing ahead, formulating plans to create a self-sufficient haven for his group. Fresh food wasn't just a luxury; it was a necessity for survival, and he wasn't about to let Sachiko or Yumi go without. He'd make sure they had fresh fish and crab from this trip, but beyond that, he envisioned a future with vegetables and fruits to diversify their meals and keep them healthy.

If he could find a way to grow vegetables, he'd transform the area around his base into a miniature farm. Tomatoes, carrots, maybe even peppers—anything that could thrive in the soil he'd scout for. And if he stumbled upon fruit trees, like bananas or citrus, he'd make sure to bring back seeds or young trees. With his zombies acting as sentries, he could protect and nurture crops without fear of anyone intruding or stealing from his efforts.

This wasn't just about survival; it was about reclaiming control over a world that had fallen to ruin. For Sachiko and Yumi, he would ensure they had not only security but also the chance to live with some comfort, with fresh food from his hands alone.

Ryo's thoughts turned to Ken—the strange, unsettling "zombie whisperer" who'd somehow earned the loyalty of his own group of zombies. Ken's presence in town had always grated on him, but the man's unusual bond with zombies could actually come in handy for once. If he could leverage Ken's skills to help him establish a farm, he could finally put the guy to practical use.

Clearing land would be easy with the brute zombies. Their sheer strength was perfect for tearing out stubborn tree roots and leveling any rough terrain. Ryo knew the brutes could handle the heavy lifting, and Ken could do the grunt work, planting and tending crops under close watch. He smirked at the idea of Ken laboring in the fields, knowing full well Ken wouldn't dare defy him with Ryo's zombie army close by.

This way, Ken could contribute something worthwhile to the community—or at the very least, serve as another pair of hands to help transform this land into a place where Ryo's plans for fresh food, protection, and survival could finally take root.

Ryo figured he'd give Ken certain freedoms, but there were strict boundaries. He could enjoy the company of any of the female zombies wandering around, except for one line he dared not cross—any of Ryo's women were strictly off-limits. That included Sayako, his special, loyal zombie who followed his every command, and of course, Sachiko and Yumi. Ryo's possessiveness was fierce, and he wouldn't hesitate to unleash his wrath if Ken ever even glanced at them.

Ken had his amusements, sure, but Ryo's word was law in this town. Any breach of loyalty or respect would mean facing the full force of Ryo's authority—and his army of zombies.

For now, Ryo set his mind firmly on the ocean trip ahead. The thought of fresh seafood—fish, crabs, clams, anything the sea had to offer—fueled his determination. He imagined catching enough to feast on for days, with plenty left over to prepare for later. Making salted, dried fish and preserved clams or oysters sounded perfect, ensuring he could stockpile fresh-tasting food even when supplies ran low.

He looked over at the fishing nets and capture tools he had brought along, ensuring everything was in place. With Sachiko, Yumi, and Sayako by his side—and the truck loaded up with essentials—Ryo was more than ready to face whatever lay ahead at the coastline.

Ryo smirked, knowing the town near the coast would likely have untouched supplies. With most survivors too terrified to face the zombie hordes, many stores remained abandoned, shelves still stocked with canned food, instant noodles, and other non-perishables. He could almost see it: aisles full of preserved goods just waiting for him to collect.

His plan was clear—first, the fresh catch from the ocean, and then a quick stop to scavenge the nearby town. Soon, he would have enough provisions to last, bolstering his supplies with both fresh and preserved food. It was all there for the taking, thanks to the obedient zombie horde that kept him, his women, and his supplies secure.

Ryo knew the importance of stockpiling essentials, especially staples like rice. Even with bags of it stored in his main base and the additional reserves he'd hidden in nearby houses, he wasn't about to overlook any rice he might come across in the coastal town's stores. Every bag added to his sense of security, knowing he could sustain his small group without relying on anyone else.

The thought of his growing stockpile, from rice to canned goods to fresh seafood, reinforced his drive. This wasn't just about surviving—it was about creating a self-sufficient stronghold, where he could live on his own terms, his authority unquestioned.