The group sat on the second truck that had enough space left for them, while Sasuke's clone that was secretly left behind started emptying the heavy equipment in the left side of the Terminus.
Guillermo was driving with Felipe by his side, while Ghost sat in the back with them to keep an eye on the VIP.
T-Dog, who felt that the heavy silence was making things awkward, decided to break the ice. "So...who are you?" He asked the masked man.
"Ghost"
"You use codenames, huh? classic."
"Why the mask?" Otis asked him.
"To hide my face"
The obese man nodded awkwardly at Ghost's reply. "O-kaay."
"Where did he go?" This time it was Maggie who asked him.
"Him who?"
"Sasuke"
"Classified"
"Who is the woman who was with him?"
"Classified"
"Is there anything that isn't classified?" Shane glanced at the guy with the Halloween mask.
"There is, the state I can leave you at if you keep talking to me in that tone."
"What did you say?"
"You heard me." Ghost glanced at the guy he hate just as much as the sheriff asshole next seat, hoping from the depth of his soul that he would make a move so that he could proceed to wreck him up.
If not for the discipline that Sasuke had drilled into his soul... He would've already twisted that neck of his from how much he was getting on his nerves.
Rick talked to Ghost and glared at Shane, already tired from his uncalled-for manners. "Don't mind him; we just want to know more about the prison."
'Now I understand why he chose the other truck.' Merle didn't get it when Daryl told him he didn't want to deal with those people again, but now it has become clear how much of a headache they truly are.
He felt relieved someone took the troublesome matter of answering their questions, as William, who was leaning back beside Axel, turned and spoke to them.
"It's a prison; people are safe inside, helping each other to make life easy, and each doing their job, so far...there haven't been any major issue or casualties."
Eugene asked him, interested in knowing more. "So you guys took over the prison and cleared it? Is it... normal? Living there. I mean, it's a prison."
And it was Axel who answered this time, internally hoping to redeem the mistake he made before, which might have damaged the image of his friends.
"Sure it is; we got food, a roof over us, and we are safe. The boss made sure of it... I can bet it's better than any other place in this state; we never suffered a casualty, never lacked food, weapons, and clothes too, and we didn't have any big issue that threatened us." Axel stated, he was still kind of awkward, but he wasn't the type to stay shy all the time.
"Boss, do you mean Sasuke?" Abraham asked him, not much surprised, remembering the freak with glasses' attitude earlier.
"Yeah."
"All of them?"
"Excuse me?" William turned to the woman whose name was forgotten to him.
"Um, do all people in the prison follow his lead and agree with it?" Gloria rubbed her fingers, tensed as she felt the man with the mask turn to look at her, for a long moment making her shift slightly in her place.
William, who recalled her name, spoke with a shrug.
"Naturally, no one has any objection when it comes to that. He saved everyone, and did most of the work alone, when he wasn't alone, he was helped by few men and women that were trained personally by him...brought food and ammunition, organized the group's structure and workflow, trained all of us to handle guns and helped us become more fit physically, discussed his plans every time with us and worked harder than anybody.
And even when he got so many people wanting to help and take care of him so that he can relax, he didn't, Sasuke isn't in the base most of the time because he started going on missions all along the moment he saw the shelter was secured enough, just like now, he was away for some time and came home just one day before coming to save you, and he had already left for another place to deal with another thing as you saw. I don't know about others, but I'm sure as hell ain't calling someone else a boss; no one deserves it."
Hershel looked at the ground; a sad smile marked his face. He couldn't believe a youngling had much better vision than he did.
If only he wasn't that blind to the simple truth back then, none of his daughters would have experienced that nightmare; Beth, his daughter hasn't talked since then.
"You respect him that much...huh." Otis spoke, holding his wife's hand.
And Axel shrugged munching a cookie, "Never gave us a reason to not, and have all the right things for me to do so... I'm a simple guy; I want to live an easy life if possible, and he gave me that. I can work without thinking of hunger or death as long as I'm following the protocols. Can't ask for more."
"I heard you bring up the protocols thing pretty much; what are they?"
"Hmm, some rules, rules we follow to keep things steady." He answered Rosita feeling his face blushing, recalling the embarassing thing he did.
"That Uchiha was serious when he said he got a base, huh, even putting rules and all."
And that voice made the whole place silent, as every one from sasuke's group turned simultaneously looking at Shane.
Ghost spoke to him leaning forward from his seating position."You got a problem with that?"
"I'm starting to have one with you. You don't believe that mask you are wearing is deceiving me, do you?" Ghost tilted his head just slightly, partially thinking that Shane may have already figured out his real identity.
"That mask isn't intimidating anyone, other than the kids around." But he suppressed a chuckle hearing the taunt and knowing he was just overstimating this cop's insights.
"Believe me, it's the thing keeping you alive right now. One more word, I dare you. Say one more word and I'll blast your head right here." He took his Beretta from his holster, switched the safety off, and held it lazily between his knees, pointing it down.
His eyes locked on the tensed Shane, who was glared at by Rick and others. They couldn't believe this man was creating problems with the people who are helping them now.
Shane looked the other way and then closed his eyes, leaning back. Knowing any more, and things will spiral out of control; he didn't want his actions to compromise Lori's safety.
"Bro, take my word, you won't like to be on his other side." Axel whispered to T-dog. Only a few know how ruthless this guy in the mask is when serious.
William went on, ignoring the rising tension and answered Abraham's question.
"We follow simple protocols. Nothing strange, really. After getting checked, rested, and familiar with the place. Everyone will start doing their parts on duties. You do your share, you get your rights—food, water, a bed, and protection.
Anyone who breaks a rule faces the consequences. Either from phantoms or department leaders. Sasuke made sure everything worked fair and square. So you don't have to worry about anyone abusing another; we just do our job and live our days." He shrugged, not getting why all the tension was about mere protocols.
"Phantoms?" Kurisu asked, curious about that part.
And William tilted his head toward Ghost, who was debriefing Daryl on the situation on his comms and whether things are clear up ahead.
"You guys got a knack for naming."
"They keep things separated and have their weights." Oscar, who was silent till now spoke; he himself was ready to join their squad and didn't mind what name he will be called.
Then William answered Rosita, who asked about the department heads' thing.
"Yeah. Each section has a leader figure—food, defense, medical, maintenance, and logistics. They meet every few days to report. Sasuke doesn't control every breath you take, but..." William chuckled. "Let's just say no one wants to disappoint him either."
Guillermo honked twice as they drove off the cracked asphalt, the faded •Prison Grounds—Restricted Area• sign coming into view.
The trucks took turns and slowed down before coming to a halt.
Ghost stood and signaled for everyone to follow and get off the truck, followed by William, Rick, and others.
When they turned, the scene of the prison welcomed their sight.
There was a tall wall in some distance, with watchtowers visible on the corners.
The land between the wall and where they stood was uneven with many spikes around, save for the road designated for the vehicles to march.
"We'll go by foot from here."
"Can't we ride with the trucks?" Ghost didn't answer Eugene.
They walked, following the trail of the truck.
Rick looked around, noticing some things.
First, the area close to 500 feet {150 m} around the wall was all cleared from any trees and the like, giving a clear vision, and the ground was so uneven that it made it difficult, impossible even, for most vehicles to drive through.
There were many holes, spikes, and wires...some even having bodies of walkers entangled on them already, dead.
He looked under his feet, the only passage that wasn't uneven, it was crafted from wood, sturdy wood. And wasn't a part of the ground.
"It's retractable, controlled by the base, and the ground under it is the same as around." Daryl spoke from his side, clarifying the doubts he knew he was having.
This whole trail will be retracted and deployed when the vehicles of the base are either leaving or coming back, otherwise...it's all the same, uneven ground that isn't suitable for cars to drive through.
"That's...smart."
They walked, the double steel gate now looking much clearer, and their eyes turned to the watchtowers reinforced with solid plating and covered by steel mesh. Solar panels lined the roof, gleaming faintly under the darkening gray sky and the bulbs light, with a few watchguards looking at them from atop the wall and guard posts.
Daryl tapped his comms, and two sentries leaned over the tower railing; one of them blinked red flashlights in specific sequence.
Daryl made two hand seal, and it flashed blue.
There was a rumble coming from the huge gate upfront, and seconds later the small side door on its side unlocked.
Ghost pushed it open and told others to follow.
The view changed entirely, from the ruined and desolate outer side of messed ground, spikes, and traces of blood to liveness.
The space behind the great walls was layered with three fences separating the area.
"...Well, I'll be damned," T-Dog murmured, his eyes wandering all over the place, taking in the scene.
Crops grew in repurposed containers; pipes ran along the wall carrying filtered water; and rows of stacked crates marked with faded numbers stood by a loading dock.
People moved about their workstations—some sorting ammunition, others welding a section of fencing on the east area.
A small group trained in formation with wooden spears; they were mostly under 20, a mix of boys and girls from the recent addition from Woodbury.
And then there were the mischievous.
Two of them—Sophia and Ciri. Who were wearing thick warm jackets.
They were drawing chalk lines on the concrete near a stack of sandbags. Their laughter echoed in the place in contrast to the monotony of boots and shouts of workers around.
Carl, who has been silent, glanced at them with longing while he stood by his mother's side.
"Well damn, that's...much better than I thought." Rosita whisteled, the atmosphere here felt nice.
"You people turned a prison into a goddamn fortress."
"Cool, isn't it?" Axel grinned as if he was the one who created all of this.
Three men in gear moved toward them; one of them stepped forward and glanced at all of them before speaking to Daryl.
"Welcome back, sir. We already got instructions. Anything I can do?"
"Ramy, good to see you. Not at the moment; we'll deal with them. Did anything happen in our absence?"
"The usual, small horde walked by at night; Butcher and Morgan led a group and dealt with them, and Lady Katniss took the reins after that. I'll go back to my post since you've got things handled," Ramy answered and went back to his post with others.
"Let's go."
Eugene was already absorbed walking beside Abraham in the middle, his eyes darting between the solar array, the generator stack, and the hydro filters.
"Who's your engineer?"
"Combination of a few," William told him not getting to details.
They passed through the second fence, glancing at the cattle; few men were taking care of them. Then they advanced until they reached the inner wall.
The guard opened the gate for them, and the smell of cooked food welcomed them.
Daryl and Ghost led them toward another section. And the group halted in front of the secondary yard. It was cleaner and much quieter.
flanked by two gates marked by •E-Block• written in black paint.
Fresh scaffolding ran up the side of the building, with floodlights angled toward the towers. The place smelled of fresh metal and oil, marking it as a recent work.
William motioned toward the double doors. "This'll be your section—Block E. Still smells of paint, so don't complain."
No one had any issue, and as they moved through, they caught sight of few people working.
Carol passed by carrying folded sheets with another woman, her slightly grown hair tied back and face flushed from work.
She turned and was surprised to see the group. "You are here," Carol smiled, put her basket aside, and walked to them, hugging Jacqui, Lori, and other women while Mia stood some distance away watching.
"Good to see you safe," Carol said quietly. She nodded at Mia, telling her she'll follow soon and turned to them. "I believe you'll find things better here; you are safe now—" someone shouted her name near the kitchen area, and she turned to them. "I still get things to do; I'll go tell others...dinner will be ready soon; let's meet there." She waved goodbye, took her basket, and left.
'She looks different.' That was the thought of all women who knew Carol; the woman no longer seemed timid and...weak.
Now even when she was taking care of chores, the gear and long blade strapped to her hip belt gave her a different feeling altogether, especially when she looked them straight in their eyes with clear confidence.
They followed the path deeper, the sound of metal striking metal growing louder and attracting their attention. In one corner at some distance away, Jim was kneeling beside an open generator, his hands black with grease; he didn't notice them due to how much he was focused on working on it.
Glenn walked out from the building on the other side holding a set of keys. He greeted them, ignoring Shane like he didn't exist.
He heard a briefing about what happened and thus he didn't find it in him to gloat about their misfortune or something, but he still didn't forgave them for what they did.
Still, he did his job, Glenn just walked and unlocked Block E; the chart on the wall beside the building made few heads focus on it, as it was listing assigned duties: maintenance. Agriculture. Defense. Medical. Education.
Inside, they found something they hadn't seen in a while—beds aligned in straight rows, shelves made from welded rebar, and curtains dividing sections for privacy.
Each room was marked by stenciled numbers.
"Everything's labeled," Glenn muttered, looking at them; taking care of this part was his new duty after all. "Even the broom closet. If you need something else, reach for me."
Abraham stepped forward, testing one of the doors. "Solid weld. Whoever did this knew what they were doing."
Cole's voice called from the outside as he was passing through, "You're welcome!" inciting some chuckles from Daryl and William.
Hershel processed all he saw and sighed; every small doubt lingering in his heart dissipated. "You've built something beautiful."
William nodded; only those who came here with Sasuke the first time know how much this place has changed and the effort it had taken.
Even Shane admitted that it was decent, better than any place they had after the CDC.
Not long after Carol returned with Mia and Tara, holding trails of steaming mugs. "Soup," she said simply, and they distributed them. "Eat something before you unpack. You'll need your strength."
The two girls left shortly while Carol walked to Daryl.
Rick took one, looking around at the others—the lights, the people, the faint hum of working machines and the voices of people, the peace...
Everything he dreamt of achieving was done here, work done thanks to the effort of people led by a young man.
He smiled faintly in relief seeing his son devouring his share and he tasted his, the warmness and taste felt heavenly, he hadn't eaten a warm meal in a week, Rick truly wished from the depth of his heart that this will be the real home he was looking for.
That he won't have to face another disappointment, from himself and others.
Rick looked toward the far end of the corridor, where Ghost stood watching them.
The masked man just leaned on the wall glancing between Daryl who was chatting with Carol and then at the group who were eating.
' what a man,' in the end, Sasuke did all of this just as he said he'll do one time, with or without them...he will make it work. And he did.
Rick truly regreted not being here from the start, part of him envied Morgan and others...they were building something real while he was out there chasing after an illusion and putting his own son at risk.
He shook the thoughts and emptied the plate putting it aside.
Rick turned to Ghost about to ask something when the sound of boots echoed closer, they turned and saw Katniss entering the building, a bow slung over her shoulder.
The beautiful lady just looked at them one by one and waited seeing few still eating, as unlike Carol, she didn't care about those people...those same people who let kids leave the farm without any guilt, not even sharing something at that time.
Ghost straightened from his leaning position and walked to her. "Lady Katniss" his altered voice still making Gloria flinch instinctively.
"Ghost, Daryl, guys" she greeted them and turned to the group seeing them all finished with the simple warm soup.
"You can leave your things here, your bed placements can be discussed between you later, and we'll distribute new clean clothes for you, you can also bath.
But first I would like you to seperate according to your gender for physical screening. It's mandatory, nothing dangerous we will check if any is ill or something, we have doctors so if any of you isn't feeling well or suffering something, tell them and they will see to it, those who don't have the cure will be injected with it, I believe William explained what cure I'm talking about"
"I did" William nodded his head.
"Good, so... if anyone still refuse, they will be escorted outside the shelter,"
She took a breath and glanced at the redhead who was observing her, Katniss smiled and walked forward to shake her hand.
"Hello, my name is Katniss, nice to meet you, Kurisu, Sasuke has asked me to be your guide." she then turned to the women who stood at one side after brief hesitation and gestured for them to follow her.
Daryl and Glenn doing the same to the men and Carl while Ghost and William left to their quarters happy to have their rest and bath, it was a long day filled with blood and gore, thus, it was finally time to relaxe and enjoy.
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
At the same time.
Sasuke leaned back watching the fire pit, his thoughts wandering to the trip and the kills, he closed his eyes feeling the chakra on his body.
'213'
His eyes opened to reveal red eyes gleaming in the darkness, reflecting the fire, two tomoes rotating slowly around his irises.
And a new ability, he smirked looking at the side, on the wall, he saw the outlines of the feminine silhouette bending forward to take her dirty pants off, belonging to the woman on the other side.
Only her body outlines were seen in shape of red lines, but it was something way too good considering it worked for 20 meter around him as the center bypassing any solide materials.
=========
Author here:
Yep, I gave him new ability for his second tomoe just like I did for the first tomoe, nothing crazy at the level of a mangekyu ability but something useful.(non canon ofc but I'm the author so...hehe).
Well sorry for the late update, something come that is requiring my full attention, man, how I missed my teenage years when my biggest concern was my crush...dammit.
Oh, and I would like to say thank to all of you who supported this ff, it really made my day seeing your comments and all {didn't even delete that review after I saw you commenting, no way I'm gonna delete the thrashing I saw you giving him😂😂 I almost felt bad for him...almost.}
Ps: webnovel was blocked this morning, I couldn't see or upload anything, for a moment I thought it's something going wrong for my account, but I saw someone saying he also had the same problem. Any one knew what happened?.
Overall: hope you liked the chapter, and you are doing well in your lives.
Share your ideas and suggestion.
There will be a poll next chapter for the second summon.
Raw chapter word count: 3500.
Unrelated: any suggestions for a pc game?. (Mid specs if possible,my PC ain't a potato but it's not that good too)
Take care and see ya next chapter.