Volume 1: In the Navy...

Chapter 1

November 13th, 1852. Orders received.

The plan for the expedition to Japan that I submitted in 1851 has been authorized. New directive was a sufficient stimulus to my sense of duty. The new order was a mandate that I had to fulfill: open the country and establish trade and alliances, especially a military alliance to counter the "issue" that was currently plaguing the world.


Chapter 2

It seems essential to bring a large steam warship on this voyage. When concluding military alliances, demonstrating the contrast in our military might will prove effective.

Fear, rather than friendship, is the driving force of the times.


Chapter 3
What a fortuitous opportunity to be able to search for "Zom-beings" in Japan. When I'm alone, I can't help but laugh.


Chapter 4

I must pay the utmost care to ensure the Dutch do not interfere. To avert the leaking of information regarding my arrival, negotiations at Dejima, Nagasaki should be avoided as much as possible.


Chapter 5

November 24th, 1852. I am departing Norfolk aboard the flagship Mississippi. A single-vessel voyage is a lonely affair, but at least we are headed to Aisa


Chapter 6

December 11, 1852. Reached Madeira Islands.


Chapter 7

January 1st, 1853. A new year begins, but we are still on the Atlantic Ocean.


Chapter 8

I wonder how many military personnel in the Navy are familiar with these mysterious sounding people, "Zom-beings." I first learned of their existance when I was a child from a notebook my grandfather had left me. They have since occupied a recess of my mind as an object of admiration, and I have spent half my life on their trail.


Chapter 9

January 10th, 1853. Reached Saint Helena Island.

Lemonade made with fresh water is always more thirst-quenching.


Chapter 10

January 24th, 1853. The ship reaches Cape Town.

After passing the Cape of Good Hope, the ship finally enters the Pacific.


Volume 2: When Matt met Zack..

Chapter 1

Reached Mauritius on February 18th, 1853.

Waves in the Indian Ocean are high.


Chapter 2

At first, I thought "Zom-beings" were some kind of demon. But it seems that this is not the case. It seems to be something fundamentally different from a demon that crawled out of hell, something closer to light rather than darkness.


Chapter 3

Reached Ceylon on March 10th, 1853.

Purchased tea from an English merchant.


Chapter 4

March 25th, 1853. The ship reached Singapore.

Although the currents in the Strait of Malacca were a handful, it was fortunate that the ship did not run aground.


Chapter 5

Reached Macau, Hong Kong on April 7th, 1853.

Joined the Saratoga and the Plymoth.


Chapter 6

What lunacy is this? The city is overrun with zombies. Some of the crew have been eaten, and if we don't do something about it, we'll be in trouble. I gave orders to set sail immediately.


Chapter 7

Reached Shanghi on May 4th, 1853.

Joined the Susquehanna.


Chapter 8

In a rush job, the Susquehanna and the Mississippi were combined and converted into the Mississippi Susquehanna. The number of cannons increased to a total of 73. As zombies, our inexhaustible stamina proves useful on such occasions.


Chapter 9

I look forward to the sailing.


Chapter 10

Departs Shanghai on May 17th, 1853.

Henceforth, the flagship shall be the Mississippi Susquehanna. Should the need arise, the firepower of this ship should be sufficient to burn Japan to the ground.


Chapter 11

Research report on Mumyo Joya.

As a child, he learned swordsmanship from "Zom-being, Metsudo." Aspirations that differed from those of his austere mentor led to their parting ways.


Chapter 12

Research report on Mumyo Joya.

During his nation-wide pilgrimage, he was taken on by many feudal lords as an instructor in swordsmanship. Although he attained wealth and fame, he also experienced emptiness and became ashamed of his shortcomings. This is when he took the name "Mumyo" at that time.


Chapter 13

Research report on Mumyo Joya.

It is widely believed taht he became a "Zom-being" in order to see his mentor again and cross swords with him.


Chapter 14

Mass production of zombies at Kahouin in Ryogoku has begun. A most suitable location.



Volume 3: Growing infection

Chapter 1

How many times does one have to kill a "Zom-being" before he or she truly dies? Definitely a subject worth experimenting with.


Chapter 2

On May 26th, 1853, the Ryukyu Kingdom is reached

Paid a courtesy visit to Shuri Castle and put zombies in charge.


Chapter 3

June 14th, 1853. Explored the Ogaswara Islands.


Chapter 4

June 23rd, 1853. Returned to Ryukyu Kingdom.


Chapter 5

Departed Ryukyu Kingdom on July 2nd, 1853.

Headed to Japan.


Chapter 6

The plan to mass produce zombies using our country's technology to apply steam engine is well underway in this Mississippi Susquehanna. As soon as few problems to be solved, we can put it into actual battle. It should be ready in time for the invasion of Japan.


Chapter 7

Japan's isolation policy is troublesome, but we are not so cordial as to go to Dejima in Nagasaki. The closer we are to Edo, the sooner the zombies will spread.


Chapter 8

Apparently, Japan's national isolation was due to information brought by Dutch merchants and others through Dejima, Nagasaki. The Shogunate was apparently aware of the rapid spread of zombies overseas following the Second Industrial Revolution - the Industrial Zombie Revolution - more than 100 years ago.


Chapter 9

The isolation of the country due to the fear of the spread of zombies within the country is a very smart thing to do for an Oriental. Still, a natural response given the people and the Shogunate themselves were at risk. It appears the populace are unaware of the truth, however.


Chapter 10

We are set to arrive in Uraga around July 8th, 1853, or the third day of the sixth month of Kaei Year 6, according to the Japanese calendar. The uncharted Edo Bay aside, therre is no better place to dock.


Chapter 11

It turns out that zombies are also attracted to the cries of their friends.


Chapter 12

Research report on Mumyo Joya.

His former personality was greedy and self-centered. Now he is described as a responsible person who understands the pain of others.


Chapter 13

Research report on Mumyo Joya.

The sword he is carrying should be noted. The blade is much longer than the current Japanese swords, and is presumed to be called an Odachi.

This sword is capable of slashing several zombies at the same time, so one should refrain from approaching it easily.


Chapter 14

Research report of Raiden.

Unclear if he is related to the past Sumo Wrestler "Raiden Tameemon."

Owing to the existence of multiple graveyards, identification is not considered feasible.


Chapter 15

The number of zombies is steadily incresing in Nihonbashi. It seems that it was not a mistake to choose this place as the starting point of the infection explosion. Also, we owe much to our encounter with that thing.

Volume 4: The Decay Sets In

Chapter 1

At 17:00 on July 8th, 1853, the ship reached the coast of Uraga.


Chapter 2

Zombies and "Zom-beings" alike appear to exist outside of the traditional cycle of death and rebirth. Isn't this what Buddhism calls liberation? Have we not freed ourselves from the cycle of suffering
by feasting on the living? Thank you, God.


Chapter 3

The invasion will begin July 14th, 1853, or the ninth day of the sixth
month of Kaei Year 6.

Kurihama is thought to be the best landing site.


Chapter 4

There are two ways to become a zombie.

The dead can be revived and turned into zombies by applying and absorbing a black powdered chemical, a zombification drug - let's call it Zombie Powder - to the body. This method has been used in many countries for a long time.


Chapter 5

There are two ways to become a zombie.

By biting or eating a living person, the ingredients of a human zombification drug - tentatively called Zombie Powder - are fed into the body, causing zombification. However, the ingredients of the
zombie powder deteriorate in the zombie's body, increasing the probability of the creation of unintelligent zombies.


Chapter 6

After I became a zombie, I observed my progress and learned something.

Many zombies lose their intelligence upon resurrection and are unable to communicate. What does it take for a person like me to become a zombie while retaining my prenatal memories and intelligence?

This is just a guess, but I suspect that those with a strong sense of purpose and a strong will will become special zombies.

A "mighty soul" so to speak.


Chapter 7

Since becoming a zombie, I no longer feel pain. Wounds do not regenerate, but I wonder to what extent I will be able to endure the loss of my body.


Chapter 8

My hunger never went away.

I am free from biological hunger, but I can see that I am beginning to remember what I would call the hunger of the soul. I want something alive.


Chapter 9

I've come to realize that different senses have taken priority since losing my humanity. First hearing, then sight - I was surprised to find that this was happening without any discomfort.

Most surprising of all, I am now able to sense the existence of a soul in a person. It seems that all zombies, including myself, are subconsciously distinguishing between the living and the dead in this way.

Chapter 10

It seems that zombies come under the control of zombies that have bitten or eaten them. Is this due to some ingredient in their saliva?


Volume 5: Zen and Zom-beings

Chapter 1

Research report of Raiden.

Said to resemble the statue of a Sumo Wrestler at Suwa Shrine in Suwa District, Shinano Province, but this bronze statue has already been destroyed and is no longer extant.

However, it is puzzling that the statue appears to have been destroyed from the inside.


Chapter 2

Research report on Raiden.

Unclear if he is related to the lightning god worshiped in the Shin'etsu region of Northern Kanto.


Chapter 3

Research report on Raiden.

If he truly is Raiden Tameemon, the key point to determine whether or not he uses the forbidden Sumo techniques in battle.


Chapter 4

Research report on Raiden.

It appears that his wife and children are buried at Kohouin Temple in Ryogoku. Should hostilities arise, it is strongly advised to exhume and zombify them.


Chapter 5

Research report on Raiden.

He prefers not to use "Purifying Salt" as it conflicts with his beliefs.

Considering the fact that he does not use flying weapons, an effective strategy would be to overwhelm him at close range.


Chapter 6

It is said that in order to become a "Zom-being," it is essential to undergo a "Reincarnation Ceremony."

It is said that a heretic monk of the Zen sect of Buddhism created this secret technique using the "Three Mysteries," but the details are unclear.

Continued research is needed, especially regarding the "Three Mysteries."


Chapter 7

The name "Zom-being" refers to the ability to return to life following death, and continue "being" beautiful as human.

To witness such a miracle of resurrection from the dead was well worth the long trip to an island nation in the Far East.


Chapter 8

Though none have witnessed it, rebirth is said to be possible only for those with a firm grasp of Zen teachings.

Namely, the notion that all things, including God and goodness itself, are empty and exist as mere natural phenomena.


Chapter 9

I once heard the word "liberation" from a Japanese monk who had been rescued from drifting.

It posits that "body and mind are one, and can neither be distinguished nor exist independently." Are the mind and soul one entity too?


Chapter 10

The goal of Zen is to "look within oneself and search for the path of liberation." Thought it seems contradictory that breaking free of the cycle of life and death should enable rebirth.

Buddhist teachings are sometimes beyond the scope of my understanding.


Chapter 11

Am I too late to aspire to the path of Zen - to become a "Zom-being?"

No. If rebirth truly exists, timing should not matter.


Chapter 12

Damn it! Does this mean it's impossible for me?! And to think how far I've come!



Volume 6: Zom-beings and the Tree of Life

Chapter 1

There exist many "Zom-beings" now, but it seems there were only ten to begin with.


Chapter 2

I have learned that a certain tree is indispensable in becoming a "Zom-being." Where could it be?


Chapter 3

It is said that when a person succeeds in reincarnation, a "Reincarnation Mark" appears somewhere on the body.

A "circle" shape akin to a bruise. I think I have seen it somewhere before. I can't remember where it was.


Chapter 4

It seems that the "Reincarnation Mark" gets darker with each successive reincarnation. Should we look for someone who has it first?


Chapter 5

Research report on Mumyo Joya.

Given how slight his "Reincarnation Mark" is, it is unlikely he has been a Zom-being for long.


Chapter 6

Research report on Raiden.

It is said that he ws reincarnated for the sixth time in 1825.

Therefore, his "Reincarnation Mark" is still vivid.


Chapter 7

Research report on Matoka.

Much is unknown. Widely seek information.


Chapter 8

Research report on Matoka.

A Kunoichi or Ninja who is faithful to her duty. Nimble, and adept at Ninjutsu. Caution advised.


Chapter 9

Research report on Matoka.

A cold and cruel character. She does not seem to like to get involved with others.


Chapter 10

Research report on Matoka.

Occasionally referred to as "Number 10." Reason unknown.

Volume 7: Matt got Thirsty...

Chapter 1

Research report on Matoka.

Uncertain information.

It seems that her father is a Western fisherman and her mother may be Japanese. Likely true given her turquoise eyes. Her parents' posthumous footsteps are unknown.


Chapter 2

Research report on Matoka.

Her real name is rumored to be "Matreshka," but the truth is unknown.


Chapter 3

Research report on Matoka.

She is said to be skilled in making kokeshi dolls. Unnecessary information.

Chapter 4

Research report on Matoka.

Since her "Reincarnation Mark" is completely black, it is impossible to estimate the number of reincarnations.

The executives were notified as the most alarming "Zom-being."


Chapter 5

Research report on Matoka.

Poor sobriety. Unnecessary Information.


Chapter 6

Research report on Matoka.

Coincidentally, "Korori" which was the source of the zombie infestation in Nihonbashi was apparently closely associated with "Matoka."

I hoped to incur psychological trauma by killing the monster, but no luck. For the first time, I feel fear of mankind.


Chapter 7

What is the "Tree of Eternal Life?"


Chapter 8

I could not find the "Tree of Eternal Life" in my homeland. The trees had all been dug up from the roots and died.

What a pity. What a bunch of fools who ran after immediate profit.



Volume 8: Death, Reincarnation, and an Undead World

Chapter 1

I was deeply fond of Kabuki while alive.

It was no coincidence that the first Japanese I encountered upon landing were a father and son Kabuki actors. The two Renjishi lions moved me so strongly that it was impossible for me not to take a bite.

I ate a Japanese for the first time with the sole intention of keeping it close at hand. To my credit, I only ate the father.

Father ate his son.


Chapter 2

I am confident that here in Japan I will find the "Tree of Eternal Life."

The small size of this country will hasten its discovery.


Chapter 3

The "Reincarnation Ceremony" requires plenty of precious sap, a drop of which takes a day to produce.

I had no idea that it was necessary to soak in a fountain filled with that sap for the duration of the moon's waxing and waning cycles.

I finally got here, but as a zombie I no longer need this information.


Chapter 4

Our country is finally beginning to see the end times with the spread of zombies. Borders are no longer meaningful; they are just lines.

Some resist, but for how long can they endure?


Chapter 5

If I can find the "Tree of Eternal Life" and become a "Zom-being," would there be hope? Isn't the restoration of my country possible?


Chapter 6

The main ingredient of Zombie Powder is the dried and ground root of the "Tree of Eternal Life," but this alone can only produce zombies.

A "Zom-being" can only be born through the "Reincarnation Ceremony," one of the Zen Secret Arts.


Chapter 7

The "Trees of Eternal Life" were once found in sacred places all over the world. Perhaps the name "zombie" is derived from the word "Zom-being?"


Chapter 8

The "Tree of Eternal Life" of Japan is to be incinerated to solidify the zombie rule.



Volume 9: Industrial Zombie Revolution Results

Giant

Mutant Individual Report 1:

A zombified individual of a man who is known as the most powerful man in the village. His overwhelming attack power and durability are unmatched by ordinary zombies.

It will not stagger by ordinary attacks, but like other zombies, it will fall asleep when drunk, so it will be a means of escape when it begins to rampage.


Screamer

Mutant Individual Report 2:

A zombified individual of a beautiful woman.

If left unattended, she will continue to attract zombies with her piercing voice, so it is necessary to find her and defeat her as soon as possible.

Since she flees from you with her instantaneous movement whenever she takes damage, it would be helpful to have a floor plan of the mansion to help you find her.


Steam-Powered Giant

Mutant Individual Report 3:

A bio-weapon created by the Industrial Zombie Revolution.

It boasts a powerful steam engine and a steel body that can defend against frontal attacks.

Its weak points are its back, where its armor is torn, and its head.

When it gets serious, it burns fuel in a furnace and enters a state of reinforcement, but there is a risk of malfunction if poison or explosives get mixed in with it.


Crow Tengu

Mutant Individual Report 4:

A bio-weapon modified by applying steam engine technology.

Unlike the Giant type, it emphasizes flight and mobility.

When previously confronted with a samurai holed up in a mountain village, I witnessed him struggling as his shock waves were repelled as his heat waves were passed off behind rocks, but the operation might have failed if he had been folded into the gap between his periodic descents to the ground.


Five Routes Control Plan

I sent a large number of low-level zombies with a low level of consciousness to Nihonbashi, the starting point of the Five Routes to Edo, which will be the key to the attack on Edo.

They aim to break through the bridge in a straight line unless they are attacked. If there is a fence in front of them, they will destroy it.

They are low-ranking soldiers with only that level of intelligence left.


Korori

Mutant Individual Report 5:

A large beast confirmed in the Sea of Trees at Fuji.

It seems to be a kind of phantom beast, not an animal, and is assumed to have been mutated by the noxious air released by the zombies.

It is a plague beast that sprinkles poison, so countermeasures against abnormal conditions are essential when investigating.

If you can avoid the roar of fear that follows a major attack, you may be able to get close enough to observe it. The current policy is to keep an eye on it.


Renjishi

Mutant Individual Report 6:

The father and son of the Kabuki actors who were the first to be eaten by the Commodore in Japan. Even after they became zombies, they continue to protect the stage by creating illusions with dances representing the four seasons.

Try to nullify their illusions by using the flower of the four seasons. If one is defeated, the other will dance during which they will be defenseless.


Commodore Perry

Commodore's Combat Capabilities:

Since his zombification, the Commodore's fighting ability has improved dramatically.

Even if someone had built up a body that would not be intimidated by the Commodore's swordsmanship, there would be no element of defeat against a Commodore who can manipulate a giant tentacle zombies at will.

If the cannons on deck were to shake the tentacles and cause the Commodore to fall to the deck, maybe there is a slight chance in defeating the ultimate zombie being...

Would the crossover of this and Steelrising look cool? 1850s era French robots vs. swarms of zombies chewing their way through Europe. One can dream....