Episode 345: Deception Tactics

"Parade," huh?

I recognize that term.

I remember hearing that there was quite a commotion on the Land side when I cut down the nuclear missile, right?

"What exactly does that entail?"

"Well, let's put it simply—more like a form of 'negotiation technique' when dealing with large groups?"

"Negotiation technique...?"

That skill was also something the Gambler had learned.

That said, it seems you can easily push back on it with a certain level of willpower.

"What good is that supposed to do?"

"Parade—well, rather, Negotiation Technique—is fairly effective even against 'hostile lifeforms'."

"Oh? Really?"

"Calling it 'Negotiation Technique' might make it sound a bit weak, but it's basically close to mind control. Parade is just the large-scale version of that."

So, does that mean it's a technique to brainwash every living being within its range?

Huh.

"Truthfully, the only thing《Parade》can do is subtly boost everyone's mood or ease irritation."

"Hmm."

"It can't turn ordinary people into murderers or reform dangerous extremists. But it's easy to encourage someone who already has dangerous thoughts to act on them."

It's not much different from an actual parade, really.

You could probably even start a revolution if you wanted to.

"So if we use that to heighten the enemy's hostility toward the 'zombies'..."

"You're sharp. It means we can conduct broad-scale diversionary tactics."

Which means...?

"Are you saying Nanami-san will be the bait?"

"Looks like it."

Right now, our lives don't have equal value.

It'd be best if Nanami-san were the sacrifice, ensuring everyone else could return safely.

"But... are you sure about this?"

"Of course I'm not planning to die on purpose. I'll just retreat at a random moment. Besides, the cost of revival isn't exactly negligible."

"……………"

I still have lingering doubts—can she really slip past that massive group on her own?

Still uncertain, I trace my finger along the map spread out on the table.

"If we go with that plan... we'll head north along Aoyama Dori right in front of us, pass through Omotesando Station, and we'll be in Shibuya right away."

Indeed, it was an extremely easy route—one even a child couldn't mistake.

It would take about an hour on foot.

"And I'll walk the opposite direction along that route, leading the 'zombies' along."

"Hmm…………"

He makes a grimace.

Nanami continued, pressing her point as I hesitated.

"Besides, I think if Hamada's bastard sets a trap, it'll probably be along the route following the buildings. He knows your abilities... but at least my 'Parade' hasn't been exposed yet."

I see. That does make sense.

So there's a chance—maybe—we could avoid Hamada's trap.

"I also agree with Nanami-san's plan. The longer we stay in this place, the greater the danger becomes. It would be best if everything could be resolved quickly, in a short amount of time."

That was Inukakushi's statement.

Following that, the two representatives of the refugees also nodded in agreement.

"That's right. We also support Nanami-san's proposal."

That was said by Mr. Shiba, a former company executive.

"However, —"

"Miss, we're not helpless toddlers. We don't need to be looked after for everything like that."

Grunting.

"We were originally sent here from Tokyo Station as an exploration team. We know how to defend ourselves."

"…If you truly say so… then I suppose it's fine."

"But even if she could come back to life, I can't accept sacrificing Nagatsu like that. Isn't there any way to increase her chances of survival?"

At that moment, Mayoi quickly raised her hand.

"Then I'll be Nanami's guard. That way, even if we get attacked by a few weak enemies, it'll be fine."

"Good. That's the best plan."

As expected, having once worked in a position of leadership, Shiba-san quickly brought the discussion to a close.

"Then, the thirty-one of us and 'Nameless' and Dogbite will head to Shibuya Station.

Nanami and Sotoda will lure the 'zombies' while moving south, and they must return no later than one hour from now....Is that acceptable?"

I was the only one who had continued to maintain a hesitant stance regarding Nanami's plan until the very end.

After all, I still believed that this wasn't something that could be resolved simply by me doing my best alone.

Of course, I couldn't be sure that the ever-prepared Hamada hadn't set some trap...

But it was Nanami who cut through my hesitation.

In truth, her secret strategy was actually one more than I had known.