NEKO X ZUMBIES (ENGLISH VERSION)

Chapter 1: The Last T3

Saigo’s Diary

"I was called Unit 77-T3. That’s what was written in the government reports and military records. But when the world turned into complete chaos, I decided I needed a real name. Call me Saigo. It’s fitting since I’m the last surviving human with T3 enhancements… at least, as far as I know.

The other survivors? They’re just ordinary humans. T1 and T2 enhancements? Transformed into the creatures you know as zombies. T1s are the typical ones you’d imagine: slow, some are fast, others jump like their legs are springs. They all have one goal: kill and spread the virus. T2s are worse. They evolve. Some have super strength, others control entire hordes and form clans. I’ve heard stories of T2s even using primitive weapons. Scary, right? But they’re rare… at least for now.

As for me, I’m just a 50-year-old man trapped in a body that still looks like it’s in its 20s. T3 did this to me. A gift and a curse. My mission? Survive. And, if I’m lucky, take down the Evil Doctor and his creations."

Saigo jumped across the ruined rooftops of the city, the setting sun painting the sky with a melancholic orange hue. Below him, the streets were infested with zombies. It wasn’t safe to walk at ground level, not even during the day.

"I better head back before it gets dark. If a T2 shows up, things will get complicated."

He landed softly on the rooftop of a nearby building, the sound of wind echoing around him. An underground subway tunnel was his entrance to the hideout. Descending quickly down the rubble-covered stairs, Saigo reached the heavy bunker door.

"Doctor! Doctooooor!" His voice echoed through the chamber.

"Stop yelling, idiot!" A hoarse and tired voice replied. "I’m here, obviously! You need to stop doing that. It’s distracting."

Saigo entered the makeshift lab, surrounded by old machines and cables humming softly.

"And the cats? Are they awake, or are they still sleeping?" he asked impatiently.

The Good Doctor, an elderly man, adjusted his crooked glasses and sighed.

"They’re reacting to stimuli, but they just won’t wake up. I’ve done everything I can. I don’t understand why they’re like this."

"Then leave it to me. I’ll handle it my way."

The Doctor hesitated but eventually nodded.

"Fine. I’m out of ideas. Do whatever you want."

Saigo grinned mischievously and approached the oxygen chambers where the NK1s, human-feline hybrids, were still asleep.

"Come on, you lazy bunch! I know cats are lazy, but it’s time to get to work!"

With a powerful punch, Saigo shattered the reinforced glass of one chamber, causing the liquid to spill out. The hybrid inside opened its eyes, quickly leaping back with agility.

"Are you trying to get yourself killed, you idiot?!" the NK1 yelled, still adjusting to its surroundings.

Saigo laughed, not hiding his satisfaction.

"About time you woke up, kitty. Welcome to the real world."

The NK1 Team

One by one, the other hybrids woke up. Each one had a distinct aura, a presence that mixed the best of both humans and felines.

Good Doctor: "Let me introduce them. This is Ligre, our most durable soldier. He’s a mix of lion and tiger."

Saigo raised an eyebrow.

"I thought they were just cats. That one looks like a war machine."

Good Doctor: "Next is Tigal, the smallest but the smartest. He’s a mix of tiger and Bengal cat. He’ll help you with strategies."

Saigo nodded.

"Brains and brawn. A promising combination. Keep going."

Good Doctor: "This is Parda. She’s lethal, fast, and an expert in combat. A mix of cougar and black-footed cat."

Parda looked at Saigo with a predatory smile, as if already planning a fight.

Good Doctor: "And this is Chita. He’s the fastest, with an androgynous appearance due to genetic modifications. A blend of cheetah and Egyptian mau."

Saigo laughed.

"I thought he was a woman. At least the speed makes up for it."

Good Doctor: "Finally, we have Nim. She’s the second-in-command in case something happens to you. She’s our most powerful weapon, with saber-toothed tiger DNA."

Nim crossed her arms, analyzing Saigo.

"So, you’re our commander? I just hope you know what you’re doing."

Field Training

Saigo explained the first mission.

"You see, Doctor? We don’t have time to waste." Saigo crossed his arms, staring at the newly awakened hybrids with a challenging expression. "The initial training is simple: stay out there for a week. Kill every type of zombie you come across. Don’t come back before that."

"That’s ridiculous!" the Good Doctor exclaimed, shaking his head in frustration. "They’ve barely left the chambers, and you already want to throw them to the wolves?"

"Remember who’s in charge now." Saigo stared at him firmly, determination radiating from his posture. "My tips are simple: sleep in buildings to avoid surprises, be careful with what you eat, because not everything is edible, and... avoid zombies at night. T2s might show up, and if that happens, things will get complicated."

The Good Doctor sighed deeply, adjusting his glasses as he murmured:

"You don’t have to worry about being bitten. You’re immune to the zombie virus. I’ve run all the tests. Of course, you could still die if you overdo it, but your advanced regeneration should prevent any tragedies."

"Got it?" Saigo turned to the NK1s, giving a thumbs-up to Nim. "When I’m not around, she’ll be your leader. Don’t disappoint me. Now, go!"

"Enough discussion.

"Alright, team. Let’s do this." Nim said with a confident smile, her imposing posture commanding respect.

Without hesitation, the five NK1s took off at high speed, still wearing their thin patient robes.

As Saigo watched the corridors grow silent, he rubbed his chin and gave the Doctor a thoughtful glance.

"So, Doctor, what do you think? Do you think these guys can do what I couldn’t?"

The Good Doctor adjusted his glasses again, staring off into space.

"Saigo, it wasn’t you who failed back then. Not me either. It was the old government… and my old friend."

"Your friend?" Saigo frowned, confused. "What are you trying to say?"

"Fifteen years ago, when the last big battle was fought, it wasn’t you who lost. It was the Evil Doctor who won because he knew the T3s. He turned them into zombies." The Doctor pulled out a bottle of liquor and poured two glasses. "That’s how the war was lost."

"Wait… you never told me that." Saigo took the glass, staring at the amber liquid as if processing the revelation.

"It wasn’t something you were supposed to know." The Good Doctor took a sip from his glass. "But you deserve to hear it now, and since I’m dying, no one else will tell you. Back then, no one knew his plans. You and your comrades fought with everything you had, but… how do you fight something that was already designed to be unbeatable?"

Saigo clenched his fist, setting the glass down.

"And now you’re telling me you’re… dying?"

The Good Doctor let out a bitter laugh.

"Saigo, age comes for everyone. Even for a stubborn old man like me. Don’t worry. My dream was to help humanity. I did what I could. You, at over 50, still looking young, are proof of that. But the project was ruined when it became a military weapon."

"Doctor… you’ve always been the closest thing to a father I’ve had." Saigo tried to hold back his emotions, but quickly laughed to ease the tension. "I promise, I won’t stop until I take down the Evil Doctor."

"Don’t live for revenge. Live to help." The Good Doctor placed a hand on Saigo’s shoulder. "And remember: kill every zombie you can."

"Got it. I won’t spare any of them."

They stood there, talking and reminiscing, as time passed, eagerly awaiting the return of the NK1s. The fate of the world was now in their hands.

Glossary:

T1: The first stage of human transformation. T1 enhanced general health, making individuals more resistant to extreme climates like cold and heat, and reduced the need for food and water. The project initially aimed to improve the quality of life on Earth and enable future space explorations.

T2: An evolution of T1, aiming to increase efficiency. T2 modified humans to have multiple vital organs, such as two hearts or three lungs. It also made the human body more resilient and accelerated the healing of minor injuries.

T3: The most advanced version, combining the benefits of T1 and T2 with significant improvements. T3 offered much faster regeneration, allowing for the healing of deep and severe wounds. It also enhanced reflexes and combat agility. T3 was used exclusively on highly trained military personnel selected to fight T1 and T2 zombies.