Jobless Man’s Zombie Survival Life - Chapter 103: Making the Rounds (Part 2)

Chapter 103: Making the Rounds (Part 2)

Beaten to a pulp by Occhan, I slump onto the porch, exhausted.

“Ow… That’s gonna bruise.”

Every breath brings a dull ache to my solar plexus.

Ugh… No amount of ab training could block this kind of pain.

It’s like Master’s strikes—somehow piercing through the surface to hit deep inside.

Maybe it’s like the hakkei in martial arts.

If only I could pull that off… I’d take down anything with a bokken.

Come to think of it, I’ve never seen Occhan use a real sword.

Even holding back in practice, his strikes pack this much power.

If he hit like he did on Nakajima, bones would be nothing.

Gotta step up…

Muscle training… probably won’t help much.

It’s not about brute force.

“If strength alone decided victory, martial arts wouldn’t exist,” Master said once.

“You okay? Your stomach…”

A voice snaps me out of my thoughts.

“Oh, Takanotsume-san… Yeah, I’m fine.”

I turn to see Takanotsume-san looking at me with concern.

“That was amazing… like an action movie.”

“Haha, glad you enjoyed the show.”

…She’s brightened up a lot.

Good for her.

Forget that scum and live it up.

“Settling in okay here?”

“Yes, everyone’s been so kind… Thanks to Ojichan and you, Tanakano-san.”

“Nah, it’s mostly Occhan’s doing.”

Don’t make me blush.

“Oh, right. Dinner’s ready, Tanakano-san.”

“Got it. I’ll wash up and head in.”

“Okay.”

Takanotsume-san heads inside.

I’d check my solar plexus, but… can’t exactly strip in front of her.

I’ll look when I hit the bath.

“Hey, Tanakano-kun. Looking lively.”

A bear—no, Atsushi-san appears before me.

He’s got a massive log on his shoulder.

…It suits him terrifyingly well.

“Yo, Atsushi-san. Dinner’s about ready, I hear.”

“Got it. I’ll chop this up and head in. Can you tell Mother-in-law to eat without me?”

“Sure thing.”

With heavy thud-thud steps, Atsushi-san disappears to the back of the house.

Chopping firewood, huh?

Green wood’s got too much moisture—needs drying first, right?

…Whatever, that log’s huge.

No way I could lift that.

Atsushi-san’s back in top form.

With Occhan, Atsushi-san, and Misa-nee, this place is a fortress against zombies.

I can leave with peace of mind… Right.

My stomach’s growling, so let’s wash up and eat.

“Paw!” “Wafu!”

“More!” “Fwan!”

“Down!” “Wau!”

“Wait!” “…Kyun.”

“…Good!” “Waon!!”

Sakura wags her tail and chows down on her food.

Haha, she finally learned “more” and “down”!

…Well, she picked them up instantly.

Isn’t she too smart?

I barely trained her at all…

“Sakura-chan’s so clever~”

Yukiko-chan, sitting beside me, is impressed.

“…She might be a genius, my kid.”

“You’re such a doting dad, Oniisan~”

“It’s fine! She’s so cute, I have to be!”

I get how parents gush over their kids now.

Alright, time to dig in.

Today’s menu is Obachan’s special tonjiru, salad, and white rice.

Man, hard to believe we’re in a zombie apocalypse… Wait, meat!?

No way!? Meat, actual meat!!

“Obachan, w-w-where’d this meat come from!?”

“O-Oniisan’s vibrating…”

Of course I am! It’s meat, meat!

Thought I’d never eat it again…!

“It’s boar.”

…Boar?

Like, mountain boar?

“Yup, Kaori-chan and Atsushi-kun went hunting in the mountains. Eat up, Bouzu.”

…Takanotsume-san!?

Hunted a boar!?

…Oh, right, her bow.

She’s a national champion archer.

Got it… Hunting, huh…

Never thought of that.

Too steeped in modern life, I guess.

“I’ll eat, I’ll eat, gratefully! Thank you, Takanotsume-san! Angel! Archangel!!!”

“P-Please, don’t worship me…”

I bow to a flustered Takanotsume-san and dive into the tonjiru—er, boar-jiru.

First, a sip.

…Ohhh, delicious… Too delicious… The meaty aroma!!

I could scarf rice with just this.

Now, the main event—meat!

“Ojisan’s crying… Mama, is he okay?”

“It’s fine, Miku. Ichirouta’s always been a crybaby. He’s crying ‘cause it’s too good.”

The peanut gallery’s talking, but who cares.

Ohhh… The more I chew, the more the meat’s flavor spreads…

Wilder than pork, but that’s perfect.

The veggies soaked up the broth—delicious… Isn’t this the ultimate food?

Can’t stop! The rice! Can’t stop!!

I thought I’d never eat meat till this mess ended!

I’m beyond moved.

“Tanakano-san, you’re eating like a storm but not messily… Weird!”

“Ichirouta-chan’s always eaten so eagerly. Makes cooking for him worthwhile.”

“I’m a light eater, so I’m jealous!”

“It’s okay, Hina-chan. Eating happily is what matters.”

Hina-chan’s nibbling like a small animal is cute too.

Obachan looks pleased.

Hina-chan’s settled in nicely.

That’s great.

“Ichirouta-chan, tons of seconds, so eat up.”

“Mother’s tonjiru is the best in the world! Don’t hold back, Bouzu!”

Mouth full, I nod vigorously.

To Occhan, all of Obachan’s cooking is world-class.

What a great couple.

…Ugh, ate too much.

Dinner’s done, and everyone’s chilling.

“Mama! Let’s bathe with Sakura-chan!”

“Hyan! Hyan!!”

“Sure thing~ Let’s make Sakura-chan all shiny! …Atsu-kun, you’re out today.”

“…It’s the end of the world…”

Miku-chan, with my okay, heads to the bath with Misa-nee and Sakura.

A sorrowful bear is left behind.

Such melancholy from missing bath time with his daughter.

Will Atsushi-san survive when Miku-chan starts bathing alone?

…Well, he can join Misa-nee.

Perfect chance to talk to Occhan.

Miku-chan would be awkward to tell directly.

“Occhan, gotta talk.”

“…Figured. You’ve had that look since you got here.”

…He saw right through me.

My face is an open book.

“…So that’s the deal. I won’t be around much for a while.”

I tell Occhan about the plan.

Obachan’s listening too, at some point.

“…Ryuugu’s like that now, huh? Been too caught up here to notice.”

“You sure you gotta go, Ichirouta-chan?”

Obachan asks, worried.

“Yeah, not sure how useful I’ll be… but I can’t let Kanzaki-san go alone.”

“Right… That’s the kind of guy you are, Ichirouta-chan.”

If I bailed, Kanzaki-san would scout solo.

If she went missing, I’d regret it forever.

Occhan, silent till now, stands and heads to the shop.

Wonder what’s up.

Maybe fetching the sword I left with him?

“Oniisan…”

Yukiko-chan speaks from behind.

She was listening?

“Don’t push too hard, okay? If it’s dangerous, run.”

Her eyes glisten as she puts a hand on my shoulder.

“Don’t worry. I’m gonna live long and loud—no dying here.”

I pat her hand, joking lightly.

“…Really? Really?”

“…Is it true?”

…Hina-chan too, when’d she get here?

A hand on my other shoulder.

What is this?

Feels like an aikido demo setup.

I’m no modern jujutsu founder!

“Yeah, this scar on my face is enough… Hey, Hina-chan, no crying.”

Their cute faces are ruined.

I gently wipe Hina-chan’s tears.

Reminds me of my sister… Hope she’s okay.

“I… I owe you so much, Tanakano-san, and haven’t repaid anything. I’ll make it up, so come back safe!”

“Me too! You helped me find Mama—I gotta repay you, so…!”

“Oh my, Ichirouta-chan, you can’t die easily now.”

…What a包围網.

Crushed by gratitude.

They don’t need to think like that… Well, I’m hung up on debts too, so I can’t talk.

“Don’t worry, I’m fine. Look, your cute faces are messed up! Sakura’s here, and I’ll come back alive—after all, I’m Papa!”

I ham it up.

What else can I say?

“Both arms full of flowers, huh? Quite the lord.”

As I calm them, Occhan returns, arms full.

…Don’t make it sound weird.

“Your sword. Slimmed it down, but it’s sharper than ever.”

He hands me my beloved blade.

I step away from Yukiko-chan and Hina-chan, drawing it.

…The blade’s down from two shaku two sun to just over two shaku one sun.

But like Occhan said, it gleams differently—razor-sharp.

…Damn, Occhan.

You’re no amateur.

Lighter means better handling.

I’ll test it later.

“Whoa, this is amazing… Thanks, Occhan!”

“No biggie… I owe you plenty. Take this too.”

He sets down a cloth bundle from his other arm.

What’s this?

Looks like a rod…

He nods, so I unwrap it.

An iron rod, about 80% the length of my bokken.

Same weight, maybe a bit heavier.

Curved like a sword, but no edge.

A hook protrudes at the guard.

…Wait, I’ve seen this in period dramas.

“It’s a kabutowari. Real deal from the Bakumatsu era.”

Yup, that’s it.

Meant to subdue without killing.

…But it’s solid iron.

Sounds more destructive than a bokken.

“Your fighting style doesn’t suit heavy stuff. Tougher than a bokken—should come in handy. Don’t you dare refuse.”

…He beat me to it.

Ugh…

“If it stays here, I won’t use it. Neither will Misa. Atsushi-kun’d be better with a six-shaku staff.”

…Fair enough.

“…Alright, I’ll take it gratefully.”

Between Miyata-san and Occhan, I’m getting spoiled.

“Got a matchlock too…”

“Nah, I’m good on that.”

What’d I do with gunpowder or bullets?

…If I asked, he’d probably have some, so I won’t.

“And this.”

He hands me a notebook.

“Addresses and names of martial arts shops in Ryuugu City. If you’re in a pinch, use my name. Last page has some business cards.”

Nice, that’s super helpful.

Great for maintenance supplies.

Gotta log these in the map app later.

“Bouzu.”

Occhan’s voice turns serious.

“Don’t die… or I’ll kill you myself.”

“Getting that a lot lately.”

“Exactly, Tanakano-kun.”

Whoa, Atsushi-san’s back too.

“Misa and Miku would be heartbroken… You’ve done so much for me, saved my life. Can’t die before I repay you.”

He pats my shoulder with his huge hand.

“Everyone’s waiting, Tanakano-san.”

Even Takanotsume-san.

My personal space is crowded.

“Got it, I’ll do my best, Atsushi-san, Takanotsume-san… Occhan, I’ll try.”

“You’ll be fine, Bouzu… You seem more fired up than usual.”

Occhan pats my head.

I’m turning into a percussion instrument.

“But tell Miku yourself.”

What.

“She’ll figure it out quick. Your face is an open book. And Miku’s sharp.”

…Ughhh.

“Occhan… Got any menpo masks lying around?”

“Don’t be dumb. Only got heavy Sengoku ones. You’d make Miku cry.”

…Yeah, too bulky.

“Sakura-chan’s all clean!”

“Wau! Wau!!”

“She hates the hairdryer…”

Time’s up.

Miku-chan’s back.

Gotta steel myself.

“Miku-chan, can we talk…?”

“So that’s it! Be careful, Ojisan!”

“…Y-Yeah, I will.”

…Not what I expected!?

Thought she’d cling like at Yurei!!

“With Rin-oneesan, I’m not worried!”

Oh, that’s why.

Got it.

“Sakura-chan, take care of Ojisan!”

“Woo~ Ooon!!”

Sakura barks like, “Leave it to me!”

So reliable…

“You’ll come back sometimes, right?”

“Yeah, not staying there forever. I’ll be back.”

“Okay!”

Phew.

“Easier than worrying,” as they say.

Now I can head to Ryuugu without regrets.

Miku-chan’s grown… Or had to.

Kinda sad, when you think about it.

Next time, I’ll bring tons of souvenirs.

“Well, you’ll be fine. Do your best, Ichirouta. Say hi to Rin-chan.”

“Thanks, Misa-nee.”

Misa-nee’s her usual self.

Grateful.

“You’re our family’s savior, so don’t die out there, or I’ll kill you again.”

Parent and child!

Identical threats!!

That’s two deaths, guys!!

Terrifying…

After, we chill as usual and head to bed.

I’m in my usual room.

Sakura, worn out from playing with Miku-chan, is already asleep, looking adorable.

…Like Kanzaki-san, I gotta protect Sakura.

Zombies are no issue, but humans… gotta watch out.

Her mom was killed by scum like that.

Killing animals for no reason… Bastards are everywhere.

Harmful beasts are one thing, but still.

Tomorrow’s house prep.

Better sleep early.

Something wakes me.

Probably midnight.

…Hey, the sliding door’s opening slowly.

No ghosts, please… I’m useless against non-physical foes…

What do I do?

Chant sutras—Gahhh!!

Something’s in my futon!!

“…Ojisan.”

Phew, phew, it’s Miku-chan, right? Knew it from the start.

“Hey, what’s up, Miku-chan? Can’t sleep?”

I call into the futon.

“…”

Miku-chan’s silent… Wait, is it really her!?

Not something wearing her form!?

“…!”

She hugs me tight.

Warm… Seems human.

Relieved.

“Ojisan… Ojisaaan…”

She’s trembling.

…Crying?

Yup, my chest’s wet.

She’s crying.

“There, there, Ojisan’s right here.”

I pat her back gently.

“Come back… safe…”

…Her bravado before bed was an act.

Didn’t want to worry me, so she played tough.

Such a good kid.

“Has Ojisan ever broken a promise?”

“…N-No…”

“See? It’ll be fine, Miku-chan.”

I gently hold her as she buries her face in my chest, tears flowing.

“I’ll bring back tons of souvenirs, with Sakura and Rin-oneesan.”

“Okay… Okay…!”

She clings tighter.

“Kyuun, kyu~n.”

“…Sakura-chaaan…”

“Kyu~n.”

Sakura, sleeping behind me, crawls out and licks Miku-chan’s face.

Woke her up.

“…Alright, time to sleep. If ghosts show up, you two protect me.”

“Wafun.”

“…Okay, goodnight… I love you, Ojisan.”

“Yup, I know.”

“C’mon… Hehe.”

“Kyan! Hyan!”

“Alright, alright, I love you both, Miku-chan and Sakura.”

With Sakura between us, we sleep in a row.

So warm…

My circle’s full of good people.

The next morning, everyone sees me off.

In the rearview mirror, Miku-chan waves, eyes red.

“…Ryuugu City, you think you can beat me!?”

“Woon!!”

Swallowing something welling up, I hit the gas.