- Hey! - We get it, already!
- Let go! - We give up!
Sorry for picking on his dog!
We won't do it again!
Damn it! What the hell? He's just a kid!
Let's get going, already!
Thank you, Akira!
The evils of the world can't stand up to me!
The superhero of justice!
Just leave it to Akiraiger!
35. REMEMBER MY CHILDHOOD DREAM
Hey, Akira, this is really bad. All of Japan's like this, for real!
I don't think there are any urban areas, or rather,
anywhere in the country that's safe anymore.
It seems the Self-Defense Force managed to isolate them in Hokkaido!
And a number of villages in the mountains were able to seal off access tunnels!
That means my family might still be safe.
They're in Gunma, "Kanto's best kept secret!"
So, why did you decide to go blond?
Seeing how you're doing what you've always wanted,
I figured I needed to do the same.
Kind of like my way of saying I'm exiting the grind.
Besides, if I'm gonna become a comic, this should make an impact, right?
Hey, Kencho...
I'm...
thinking of becoming a superhero.
- I said, I want to become a-- - I heard you the first time.
By "superhero," do you mean like Spider-Man?
That's right!
This morning, I remembered something from my childhood.
And that was...
Go! That's it!
...to fight danger and save those in need in a kickass costume, for no reward.
That was the kind of hero I dreamed of becoming!
Good idea, right? You only live once, right?
A hero of justice who saves people from zombies!
Would it be all right if I do it?
Sure, if you want. But you can't fly or shoot webs.
Good point!
I've been doing research on ways to fight zombies!
That's how I discovered this!
Now I get it.
So, that's it.
Come on, let's go, Kencho!
Let's begin preparations!
What? Right now?
Hey, at least let me get something to eat!
36. BECOME A SUPERHERO
BRED IN CAPTIVITY FOR THE FIRST TIME!
I haven't been to one of these since I was a kid.
Yeah!
The aquarium, huh?
It's in pretty bad shape, isn't it?
I'd be pissing myself right now if this was still day one of the outbreak.
Doesn't it feel strangely exciting walking in the back rooms of the aquarium?
I know what you mean!
That feeling you're doing something you shouldn't is kind of thrilling.
Is it here?
- This is... - Yeah!
As long as I have this, then starting today,
I'm a superhero!
It's no good! We can't go any further!
For now, let's wait until the zombies around us go away!
No way!
I don't want to die.
Are you all...
No!
Someone, help...
I don't want to die. I don't want to die.
I don't want to die!
GREAT WHITE BRED IN CAPTIVITY
If I can make it over there, I'll be safe!
I'll definitely be safe!
No. I don't want to die.
I don't want to die just yet.
Are you all right, miss?
Get going while you still can.
It's the end of the line, zombies!
Akiraiger is here!
How was that, Kencho?
Well... I guess you could say you kind of have the look down.
- So, this is what you were talking about? - Yeah!
Shark suits are diving suits designed to protect your body from shark bites.
They're used when cleaning shark or crocodile tanks!
It's made from a mesh of titanium and high-strength steel fibers
that act like chain mail.
Even large sharks can't bite through it.
I see.
In other words, as long as I have this suit,
I'm invulnerable to zombie bites!
I've become an invincible superhero!
Invincible, huh?
More people in need of help!
This way!
It's safe inside the aquarium.
It's her.
Miss Risk Analyst!
I didn't think I would run into her here. It's a miracle.
This must be fate.
Is he cosplaying?
Akira!
This is the best chance to show off!
I'm going to show her how cool--
That hurts!
- Okay, right this way. - Why does it hurt so much?
Ouch! No!
I get it.
It's puncture proof. It blocks teeth, but you'll still feel the bite.
It hurts! Save me, Kencho!
Not happening. There's only one suit, after all!
Don't worry about us.
Sorry, but you'll have to handle that on your own! Bye!
No way!
Kencho!
Ouch! Stop struggling!
It's over.
We should be all right for a while.
That look...
She was definitely turned off by that.
Being a superhero is hard work.
I'm safe! I thought it was all over!
We're safe for now,
Kencho.
Hey, well done, hero.
You're horrible.
Don't be like that.
You ended up being a decent hero!
Something going on with her?
Well, I met her once before.
Go talk to her.
What?
What a coincidence, running into you again.
Oh, umm!
We met at the convenience store before!
Oh, yeah. Back then...
Yeah.
My name is Akira Tendo.
I feel like this must be fate.
- Maybe we should exchange contact-- - Akira, was it?
Not that it's my business or anything,
but in what way do you benefit from saving people?
Bene...
That getup... Yes...
Psychologists call it identification.
An inferiority complex or low self-esteem
often causes people to adopt the look and mannerisms of their heroes.
It's a psychological defense mechanism.
In short...
It's what makes men
who are typically unvalued by society and lack self-worth
wish they could become heroes.
Harsh.
Hold on, how could you say such a thing?
Akira saved everyone here from those zombies.
He managed to save complete strangers from zombies this time.
I don't intend to deny the fact that he saved people.
But... Did you consider the danger to those truly important to you
when you leaped into action to mollify your low self-esteem?
Additionally, "hero" isn't a title you can claim for yourself.
What one person considers justice...
What...
She's super argumentative and difficult to please!
- What? The outfit's got nothing to do-- - But, she's right.
- Being a hero will put Kencho in danger. - We're just trying our best here!
What exactly is a hero?
What is a hero?
Anyway...
If you still can't analyze risk, you'll only lower my survivability.
I'm afraid I must decline your request to exchange contact info yet again.
What's that noise?
I'll go check it out!
- Kencho! - What? Me too?
I guess I have no choice!
What I should be doing now is...
What is this? The water's...
Hey, Akira!
Over there...
A... shark?
Wait, but it has legs.
I see.
In that case...
What is it?
What's that?
What's that noise?
Everyone, run away!
It's a shark!
No!
What should I do? What would a hero do at a time like this?
At a time like this...
What?
For now, we just need to make a tactical retreat, right?
What the hell is that?
It's a great white shark. Lamniformes Lamnidae!
That's not what I'm asking!
Why is it walking on human legs?
The divers it ate probably turned into zombies
and are moving it.
Hold on, now! How does that make any sense?
How am I supposed to know?
What's that?
Why aren't we running?
Zombies? There are some inside, as well?
We can't go this way!
I'm pretty sure there was a different emergency exit...
You're joking, right?
This way! Hurry!
- Everyone, this way! - Hurry!
I don't want to die!
Hey! Calm down!
I can't take it anymore!
Hurry!
We're safe, somehow.
Huh?
Where's Miss Risk Analyst?
It's not my fault, it's not my fault...
It's not my...
No way, is she still out there?
Are you serious? Damn it!
It's no good! It's warped and won't open!
Akira! Help me out--
Hey...
Akira?
Honestly...
This is why I hate working in big groups.
Panic spreads like wildfire. I should've thought this through more.
Incoming!
Why you... Stop struggling!
Akira?
Why?
What are you doing here?
Isn't it obvious?
I'm here to save you.
There's really something wrong with you! Why would you go so far as to do that?
Enough with all the reasons!
When you're hungry, you want to eat your fill.
If you see a cute girl, you try to get to know her.
If I see someone who needs help, I want to be a hero!
Do I need a reason for everything?!
Even so...
If you die, it's all over.
Why do you go so far to go straight for the things you want to do?
What's your strategy?
I don't have one in particular!
I thought so.
- It's coming! - Okay!
This is bad!
I came here without thinking, but we aren't getting any chances.
- What should we do? What should-- - Akira!
I have a plan!
This is such a ridiculous idea that I can't believe it myself.
Do you want to risk it?
Sure!
Hold on. What are they doing?
I need to save them.
I need to do something.
Damn it.
I...
I knew it. It's not here. Akira...
Okay! You want me to buy some time, right?
Come at me!
That was close.
The Ampullae of Lorenzini?
That's right! Sharks have sensory organs in their heads
capable of detecting electric charges as small as one millionth of a volt.
They use them to capture smaller fish based on the electrical field
that their muscles generate.
A jolt of current to that sensitive organ from direct contact with a human's muscles
should confuse them enough to take it out!
So, if we focus an attack there...
Yes! But it's still a bit unreliable.
I'd prefer to have something that can deliver a stronger electric current.
All right!
I still need to buy more time.
Damn it.
My body can't...
Hey!
Look over here, sharky bastard!
Does this ass look tasty or what?!
Grab a bite if you can!
Kencho.
No! On second thought, don't eat me!
What is a hero?
What is...
a hero?
A hero is...
Akira!
My target is the Ampullae of Lorenzini!
Discharging a battery for maximum effect!
Will it work on a zombified shark?
I have no idea, but...
We just have to test it out!
Crackle Thunder...
Punch!
How was that? Miss! Kencho!
You nailed it! You're a total superhero!
Not that it's my business or anything...
But you've got bad taste in names.
Why are you leaving without saying anything?
Today, you were a real hero.
36. BECOME A SUPERHERO
It's fine. Heroes don't need rewards.
What about you?
You okay not going with them?
We were only sharing a bus to the harbor.
Besides, I'm done with big groups.
What? You made a great team with Akira.
What will you do? Will you take this opportunity...
Out of the question.
I figured not!
You idiot! Why are you pulling back?
Listen, the real attempts come after you're rejected.
It's just like doing sales!
I was never in sales...
That's not what I meant.
What's the matter?
Did you forget something?
100 THINGS I WANT TO DO BEFORE BECOMING A ZOMBIE
My top priority is to do things to avoid becoming a zombie.
But you two just want to do things before becoming a zombie.
Our methods are incompatible.
One more thing.
Despite all my warnings,
you still risked those precious to you to save a stranger like myself.
I don't have enough lives to work together with--
Yeah, but...
You're someone precious to me now, Miss.
I'd save you even if I wasn't trying to be a hero.
Hey, Miss?
What's the matter?
Where will you be going now?
Let's see...
Wherever I can find a place that's safe and sustainable.
Who knows if a safe place really exists.
I almost forgot.
Here, this is my QR code.
I'm sure we'll never meet again.
There isn't much risk in sharing contact information with you.
SHIZUKA MIKAZUKI ADD FRIEND
Shizuka Mikazuki.
I hope I can see her again!
So, what will we do now?
Let's see...
Before I've realized it, it's been seven years since I moved here.
I met Kencho in college
and tasted intense despair working at an exploitative company.
I came here, awed by the glitz and glamor of the big city, but...
Yeah! I think I've had my fill of Tokyo.
I want my parents to see that I'm doing okay.
Well then, let's go!
Yeah! To Kanto's best-kept secret! Gunma!
Next time: RV of the Dead.