Jobless Man’s Zombie Survival Life - Chapter 101: The Recon Mission Briefing

Chapter 101: The Recon Mission Briefing

“We’re here, Kanzaki-san.”

“Yes, let’s go.”

“Wafu!”

I step out of the car into the parking lot.

Before me stands the familiar sight of Akizuki General Hospital.

Yesterday was all about fishing to our hearts’ content, but today, I’m here for the briefing on the “long-term recon mission to Ryuugu City” I’ll likely undertake with Kanzaki-san.

Best to hear it early—gives me more time to prepare.

But there’s one problem.

“Even if she tells me to back off, I’m sticking close!”

“No way she’d say that. …Want a piggyback, Tanakano-san? Heh.”

“That’d shatter what little pride I have, so please, spare me!”

Yup, Yamada (probably a fake name).

Kanzaki-san checked via radio, and apparently Yamada won’t come after me anymore.

Apparently… but! Always assume the worst.

Honestly, if she attacks again, I’ll probably cut her down.

I held back once for Hanada-san and the SDF’s sake, but no second chances.

They say even a Buddha’s patience runs out after three strikes, and I’m no Buddha, so we’re good.

That’s why I’m fully utilizing Kanzaki-san, the ultimate barrier.

I mean, if she attacks, killing her shouldn’t be an issue… but the SDF’s done a lot for me, like treating my shoulder.

I bet Hanada-san would forgive me if I did… probably. But who knows how other SDF folks would feel?

It’s not like taking out some random thug.

I’ve got zero sympathy for Yamada herself, but this is about respecting the SDF.

I’m a wise guy, yup.

So, I’ll let the SDF handle her.

Hanada-san seems like he’d take care of it properly.

“Here we go! Leave Sakura-chan to me, okay?”

“Please take care of her… Sakura, don’t cause trouble.”

“Waon! Wan!”

Sakadown-obasan happens to be watering the flowerbeds, so I entrust Sakura to her.

Dogs shouldn’t go into hospitals unless it’s an emergency, right?

…Wait, isn’t this an emergency? Eh, whatever.

Sakura lets out a “How dare you!” bark as I hand her over, and we head into the hospital.

Sticking close but not too close to Kanzaki-san, I nervously make my way to Hanada-san’s office.

By the way, he’s on the top floor.

And the elevator’s out of service.

Grumbling inwardly, I climb the stairs.

“Why’s the command post on the top floor…?”

“It’s for physical training, I hear. Plus, the lower, more convenient floors are prioritized for refugees.”

I see, always battle-ready, huh?

That stoicism is something to admire… or not, yeah.

Finally reaching the top floor, we head to Hanada-san’s room.

Apparently, it used to be a private room for critical patients.

Right, Sakadown-obasan mentioned those patients are gone now…

Thankfully, no run-ins with Yamada on the way.

Phew, let’s keep it that way forever.

“Come in.”

Kanzaki-san knocks, and a voice responds.

We open the door and enter together.

“Second Sergeant Kanzaki, entering.”

“Pardon me.”

Kanzaki-san salutes, and I follow with a greeting.

Hanada-san sits at a desk by the window.

…His presence is as intense as ever.

Total boss vibes.

The room’s sparse—just the desk, a bed, a table, and two sofas.

Too plain for a commander, no?

“…You told him, Rin?”

“Yes, Uncle.”

“I see. If you’re fine with it, I’ve got nothing to say.”

Hanada-san’s aura softens briefly.

No other SDF members here, so this must be his normal mode.

“Tanakano-san, since you’re here… you’re going to Ryuugu City with Rin?”

His sharp gaze turns to me.

…No, that’s the look of a protective uncle.

I gotta answer sincerely.

“Yes, that’s right.”

“…This mission’s different from before, with much higher risks. It could be life-threatening…”

He exhales and continues.

“Given the situation, you’re a civilian. If you’re helping Rin out of sympathy or obligation, you should reconsider.”

“U-Uncle…”

I raise a hand to stop Kanzaki-san from cutting in.

This is my moment to speak.

“Hanada-san, ‘I shook hands with my right hand.’ …If you know my master, that should say it all, right?”

Kanzaki-san looks confused, but Hanada-san’s eyes widen slightly.

“…I’m afraid I don’t quite follow. Care to explain?”

…You know, don’t you!? That face!

You smirked just now!!

I thought I was being cool…!

What is this shame play!?

“…I-I mean, I’d be fine if Kanzaki-san took my dominant hand… so I shook with my right. It’s, uh, something my master said…”

Silence fills the room.

Just kill me now.

Piling on the embarrassment… Shouldn’t have tried to be cool…

“…Rin, go wash your face.”

“Y-Yes, sir!”

Kanzaki-san dashes out into the hallway.

I get the feeling I shouldn’t look back, so I don’t.

“…Pfft, haha, hahahahaha!!”

Hanada-san bursts out laughing.

What a commanding presence… like a demon king.

“Haha… Sorry about that. Haven’t seen Rin make that face since she was in elementary school.”

What kinda face?

Curious, but I’ll pass.

“Please, have a seat. Let’s take a break.”

Hanada-san stands and sits on a sofa.

I take the one across the table.

A glass ashtray lands with a thud in front of me.

“The hospital’s non-smoking, but… commander’s privilege makes this a smoking section. Go ahead.”

“Excellent perks… I’ll take you up on that.”

I light a cigarette, Hanada-san a cigar.

…Man, cigars suit him.

We both exhale plumes of smoke.

“No working sinks on this floor, so Rin’ll be a while.”

Tough to even hit the bathroom, huh?

Wait, does that mean he’s got something to say to me alone?

“Let’s make this quick.”

Hanada-san locks eyes with me.

“Please… take care of Rin.”

He bows deeply.

“N-No, no! I’m more likely to be the one needing help…”

I hurriedly respond.

If anything, I’m the burden, especially with Sakura coming along.

“…Have you heard about her position?”

“Yeah, she told me the other day.”

Yesterday, actually.

“Due to her unit, Rin’s highly skilled in solo ops and recon. No nepotism here.”

“I get it. Even without you dodging her unit details, it’s obvious.”

We’ve been through a lot together.

You’re not the nepotism type, Hanada-san.

“We value group action, so Rin’s exceptional skills often leave her isolated.”

Makes sense, being over a thousand kilometers from her unit.

She’d probably shine in the capital, but rejoining’s tough.

“Thanks to you, she’s been a lot brighter lately.”

“Nah… I think it’s just ’cause she’s been chilling and having fun, right?”

Like fishing.

We’ve been slacking off plenty.

“Haha, let’s leave it at that for now.”

He laughs, puffing his cigar expertly.

Not convinced.

“Oh, right. …Tanakano-san, what’d you do if Rin was in danger?”

That came outta nowhere.

Well…

“She’s my precious partner and an unmarried young lady. I’d sacrifice an arm, a leg, anything to save her.”

“…Can I trust those words?”

Whoa, scary glare.

Like a wolf.

But I can’t back down.

It’s about his dear niece.

No dodging this.

“Even a dropout like me is a Nanumo-ryu disciple. Old-fashioned, but… I’d protect Kanzaki-san, even at the cost of my blade.”

I draw my wakizashi slightly, letting it clink back into its sheath.

The kintetsu, a samurai’s oath.

Used since ancient times for unbreakable promises.

“Good sound… I’ll trust you. But.”

What now?

“Don’t you die either. If you die and she survives, it’ll scar Rin deeply.”

“…That’s a tall order.”

I give a wry smile, and he presses on.

“You’re going with my precious niece, so I’ll make tough demands.”

“Fair enough.”

We both laugh.

…Hope I passed his test.

“I-I’m back!”

Kanzaki-san returns, out of breath.

“Sorry for taking so long…”

“No worries. We were just talking about your high school days…”

“U-Uncle!!”

“Haha, Tanakano-san was thrilled to hear it.”

Gyrin, Kanzaki-san glares at me.

Then grabs my shoulders and shakes me.

Stop, I’ll die!

“Wh-What did you hear!? What!?”

“Just, y’know, dropkicking a purse-snatcher’s bike… No wonder you had a fan club.”

“Nooo! Forget it! Please forget!!”

What a story.

No wonder Yamada types popped up.

…The women at her high school must’ve had sky-high standards for partners.

“This time, I’ll dig into your past with Nakamura-sensei!”

“No, please, have mercy!”

A black history flea market’s gonna open!!

It’s all cringe-worthy stuff!!

Hanada-san watches us with amusement.

“Now, since you’re both here, let’s start the briefing.”

He grabs a large sheet from his desk.

A map of Ryuugu City, spread out with a flap.

“I need you two to scout the southern outskirts of Ryuugu City first.”

He points to the area.

“Right as you enter from Shiiya, yeah?”

“Yes.”

Shiiya City borders Ryuugu City, the prefectural capital.

You can get there from the north in no time.

From my place, it’s a 20-minute drive.

But I don’t recall anything special there…?

“You said ‘first,’ Uncle. What’s the plan after securing it?”

“Right, first scout. Then secure a base and move into full-scale recon of Ryuugu City.”

So, set up camp there, huh?

“…Couldn’t we go a bit further? This area, maybe—it’s got more stuff, like convenience stores and supermarkets.”

I point about five kilometers north.

I remember it being handy with lots of shops.

“Actually, every soldier sent to scout beyond there has gone missing…”

What.

We’re not the first?

“…How many?”

“Twelve in total.”

That many!?

What’s going on in Ryuugu?

“That’s why we’re up, Tanakano-san!”

Kanzaki-san looks kinda smug.

No way… They wouldn’t send duds, so those missing soldiers were likely skilled.

All gone?

Gotta stay sharp.

“There’s a building here to use as a base.”

Hanada-san points to a red circle on the map.

“It’s a company called Takayanagi Transport.”

Oh, I’ve seen their trucks around.

A transport company—big lot, perfect for a base.

“But is that okay? What about the people involved…?”

“No worries, we got permission from the president.”

It’s a family-run business, and their home is here in Akizuki Town.

They were at home on a day off when the zombie outbreak hit.

Couldn’t get back, so they took shelter here.

No contact with employees either.

Got it, we can use it freely then.

They’ll give us a letter from the president in case we run into employees.

Talk about thorough.

“So, we use this as a starting point and gradually scout deeper into the city, right?”

“Yes. We have no info on Ryuugu City, so any new details would help.”

Hmm… Maybe weirdos set up checkpoints?

Or a ton of zombies…?

All we know is we know nothing.

“…Uncle, when do we start?”

“Whenever works for Tanakano-san. …You’ll need to prepare, right?”

“Yeah… I should probably tell some people too.”

Vanishing suddenly would worry folks.

Gotta say hi to Miyata-san at Yurei, Arata-kun and crew, Mondo-occhan’s family, and Ooki-kun.

…Wait, my social circle’s kinda small…?

It’s just next door, and I’ll be back regularly, so maybe no big farewells needed.

“How about final confirmation here in three days?”

That’s enough time to wrap things up.

Not much to bring anyway.

Load the truck, and I’m set.

“No need to rush that much… You sure?”

“I’m a bachelor, don’t need much. Got plenty of food stockpiled too.”

“…Alright, three days for final confirmation. But no need for food—we’ll supply everything.”

Wow, really thorough.

No reason to say no, so I’ll take it.

Things are gonna get busy.

An unemployed guy with work—ironic.

No point overthinking.

Just do what I can.

If I refused, Kanzaki-san would go alone.

If she went missing, I’d never sleep easy again.

She’s helped me tons.

I’d be dead without her in plenty of situations.

I owe her too much—time to pay it back.

“Tanakano-san, mind heading down first? I need to discuss weapons and ammo with Rin.”

Oh, yeah, I’d be useless in that talk.

All that jargon’s gibberish to me.

I’ll play with Sakura downstairs.

“Got it. See you in three days.”

“Yes, please.”

I leave the room.

Weapons and ammo, huh… Maybe mount a machine gun on my truck?

Like some developing nation’s guerrilla, haha.

・

・

・

“He’s a good young man.”

“Yes, he’s putting up with my selfishness… Tanakano-san’s a really good person.”

“Rin, he says he’d protect you at the cost of his blade.”

“…What!? Really!?”

“Said he’d give an arm or leg to save you.”

“…!”

“You know, but he’d do it. Like Tamiya-sensei, Nanumo-ryu disciples above a certain level are cut from the same cloth.”

“…”

“They casually put their lives outside the equation. Achieving their goal, even if it kills them… That’s the kind of unique mindset he has.”

“…Yes, I understand.”

“I warned him, but… be careful. I’m not letting you become a widow.”

“U-Uncle! W-We’re not like that…!!”

“…You’re just like your mother, wearing your heart on your face.”

“Ugh…”

“Haha, go on. He’s waiting.”

“…Then, in three days. Excuse me, First Lieutenant Hanada.”

“Go get ‘em, Second Sergeant Kanzaki.”

・

・

・

I pick up Sakura from Sakadown-obasan and get a message for Yukiko-chan.

Perfect, I’ll visit her to say hi.

I’ll greet Sakadown-obasan in three days.

While playing with Sakura in the parking lot, Chase-kun the shepherd and his SDF partner show up.

Still as sharp-looking as ever.

Out for a walk?

“Kyun!” “Woff!”

The two seem to be greeting each other.

…If I spoke dog, life’d be even more fun.

“Hey, long time no see… By the way, the guard dogs aren’t in the hospital, right?”

“Yes, they’re in another building. Some people don’t like dogs.”

Apparently, they’re in a former pediatric ward on the grounds.

I don’t mind, but some folks hate the noise or smell.

Or have pet allergies.

That’s the tough part.

SDF, you guys are champs.

“Sorry for the wait.”

Oh, Kanzaki-san’s back.

The SDF guy nearby tenses up.

…I get why now.

An unfamiliar Lance Corporal from another unit.

With skills way above her rank.

…Yeah, you’d suspect something’s up.

“Let’s go. See ya, Chase-kun!”

“Won!”

Chase-kun barks back like he’s replying.

Good boy.

I nod to the SDF guy and hop in the car.

“For now, let’s swing by Miyata-san’s and head home. Gotta prep the house too.”

“Yes, understood.”

First, greetings to Miyata-san and crew.

I won’t be able to do searches for a while, so sorry about that.

But if it’s choosing between strangers and Kanzaki-san, it’s Kanzaki-san, hands down.

To those still missing… blame the world and zombies.

With that thought, I hit the gas.