Jobless Man’s Zombie Survival Life - Chapter 106: The Start of Scouting

Chapter 106: The Start of Scouting

With my right thumb, I cock the hammer with a click.

The cylinder rotates in sync.

Gripping the revolver firmly with both hands, I aim through the front sight.

Holding my breath, I pull the trigger.

“Bang!!”

“Yip!?”

Sakura, startled by my loud voice, looks at me.

“Haha, sorry, sorry.”

“Woof! Woof!”

I soothe the protesting Sakura while eyeing the revolver.

※

This is the rooftop of Takayanagi Transport’s office building.

It’s morning.

While basking in the morning sun, I’m checking the revolver.

Last night, Kanzaki-san gave me a crash course on how to use it.

It’s not that complicated.

Just loading the bullets, stance, and aiming.

Revolvers are simple, sturdy, and hard to break.

…All that’s straight from movies, though.

I can’t exactly fire live rounds here since the noise would carry.

But in a real fight, I won’t hesitate to shoot.

The rooftop we’re on had a key in the president’s office.

There’s a safe up there too, where I’m storing my ammo.

Can’t exactly carry it all jingling around.

The gun holds five rounds, so I’ll bring about fifteen.

If we get into a firefight, sorry, but Kanzaki-san’s on bullet-spray duty.

Unless it’s point-blank, I doubt I’d hit anything.

This gun’s barrel is short, too.

In that classic Western, the dandy bounty hunter in a black coat had a long-barreled one—different story.

No way I’m lugging that around.

The safe also holds my sword.

I’m no master swordsman, so I can’t carry three blades.

I’ll take the “Plum” rank one today.

The safe’s dial-and-key combo is nice and secure.

Alright, time for breakfast.

Today’s the start of scouting the neighborhood.

Let’s do this.

※

“Good morning, Tanakano-san.”

“Oh, Kanzaki-san, you’re up early. Morning.”

I head to the first floor, greeted by a delicious smell.

Kanzaki-san’s already prepared breakfast.

Man, I feel bad.

“Sorry, I’ll handle it next time.”

“Don’t worry, it’s no trouble.”

“Nah, we’re living together, right? Let’s make it a rotation.”

“L-Living together…!? Got it! Then, Tanakano-san, you’re on bath cleaning duty!!”

“Y-Yes, ma’am!”

“Waf!”

Whoa, Kanzaki-san’s suddenly fired up.

She’s got that go-getter vibe.

Sakura looks equally pumped… or so it seems.

※

Man, warm food is the best.

Even if it’s instant, miso soup’s a must for breakfast.

“We’re checking this area today?”

I savor the meal while going over today’s plan.

“Yes, specifically half of this district… the western settlement.”

This place is called “Ryugu City Harano.”

Harano Village was absorbed into Ryugu City about twenty years ago.

Being a former village, there aren’t many buildings here.

Honestly, the only thing bigger than this company is an elementary school that closed ages ago.

The sad reality of depopulated areas…

And the name Harano? Feels like they slapped “wilderness” on it without thinking.

Other notable facilities: a clinic, fire station, small town hall, and post office.

No way it could house a ton of evacuees.

If I were a local, I’d flee to Ryugu’s city center or Shiiya.

There’s one mom-and-pop supermarket and one chain store.

No restaurants, not even a convenience store.

Main industries are agriculture and forestry.

…Pretty desolate.

But with buses and cars, the city center’s just a twenty-minute drive.

That’s probably how people shopped.

Given the situation… it makes sense the SDF would pick this as a base.

It’s open, with good visibility and no dense housing to catch fire.

“Alright, let’s head out after eating.”

“Yes… Sakura-chan, you’re in charge of guarding the base, okay? It’s a very important job.”

“Kyuuun… woon.”

Sounds like, “…Got it,” from her tone.

Sorry, but until we confirm the area’s safe, it’s like this.

“We’ll take a walk this evening, okay? The northern fields have good visibility, so it’s fine.”

“…Wau.”

Sakura looks up skeptically, like, “Really?” as I pat her head.

She’s getting expressive… or maybe I’m just used to her after all this time?

Either way, I gotta make it back safely for that walk.

※

After breakfast, I gear up.

Today’s scouting is on foot.

The settlement’s roads are narrow and winding, and the distance is short.

A truck would just get stuck.

…There’s tons of land, so why are the houses so crammed?

The target is the western settlement.

Facilities include the post office, clinic, and mom-and-pop supermarket.

They’re clustered along the prefectural road.

Wonder if there are any (sane) survivors…

On my left hip: a sword and wakizashi. On my right: the kama-yari.

In my vest: the loaded revolver.

Plus a handful of shuriken.

That’s my loadout.

…Pretty heavily armed, huh.

Maybe I could’ve left the wakizashi.

Since we’re not scavenging, I skip the backpack.

Kanzaki-san’s got her handgun, knife, and baton.

Simple is best.

She’s ready for anything.

“Alright, Chief Guard Sakura, we’re counting on you!”

“Woon!”

Sakura, with a red bandana around her neck, barks.

Her lunch is in the warehouse, and she can hide there if needed.

We’re just going nearby, so we’d notice any attack.

Feeling guilty under her sad gaze, we climb the gatepost and jump down.

…Unrelated, but I need a haircut.

I’m starting to look like a ‘90s galge protagonist.

Maybe I’ll raid a barber for scissors.

※

I walk the country road with Kanzaki-san.

Birdsong drifts from somewhere.

So peaceful.

Almost makes you forget the zombie mess.

“…This is a nice place, Tanakano-san.”

“I never paid it much mind, but the countryside’s great. I get why people want a slow life after retiring.”

I’m basically retired already.

…What now? I have zero desire to get a job.

Ugh, maybe I’ll find a stack of cash while scouting.

Hand it to Miyata-san, pick it up in six months—perfect crime.

If the world goes back to normal, I’ll live off that forever.

…If it goes back, I’m gonna struggle.

I’ve adapted too well.

Maybe I was always a bit of a misfit.

While pondering and plodding along, I spot clustered houses.

Old-school homes, facing each other across the road.

Let’s start here.

I draw the kama-yari from my belt, holding it in my right hand.

Judging by yesterday’s zombies, footsteps alone might trigger them.

That makes luring them with sound easier, though.

Reluctantly, I stop chatting with Kanzaki-san.

We move quietly, reaching the back of the first house.

I glance at Kanzaki-san and nod.

Our plan’s simple:

“Close range is me, long range is Kanzaki-san. If it’s mixed, we adapt.”

That’s it.

Long-winded rules just complicate things.

※

We circle along the fence to the front.

…A rotting smell hits me.

Not human…

“…”

In the yard, a dog lies dead, still tethered.

Starvation, maybe?

It’s too mangled to tell, but it clearly struggled to break free.

…Should I have let it go?

What’s the right call?

Poor thing, but this is a bad spot for burial.

Can’t risk shovel noise.

Sorry, buddy, find peace…

I clasp my hands briefly and move on.

I sense Kanzaki-san pause behind me.

…Tough sight for dog lovers.

…No signs of life in this house.

No car in the lot—probably evacuated.

Next house.

The one across the road… ugh, zombies visible through the glass.

An old man and woman.

No visible wounds.

…So people really do turn into zombies suddenly.

No clue why.

They won’t come unless provoked.

There are marks from hitting the glass, but it’s sturdy—no cracks.

First time seeing elderly zombies, come to think of it.

※

We check the surrounding houses.

Most are empty.

Only that one had zombies.

Looks like people evacuated.

Maybe the local fire brigade led them out.

…That suggests the closed school or fire station might be a shelter.

Shelters… ugh, no good memories.

If young, able-bodied folks like us show up, they’ll probably force us to work.

…Don’t wanna go.

Let’s just scope it from a distance.

Shelter candidates are on the other side of the district, so tomorrow or later.

We clear the residential area.

We’re not short on supplies, so this is fine.

“That dog was heartbreaking.”

“Yes, but… if it escaped and went feral, it’d be a threat. It’s tough, but it’s a complex issue.”

Yeah, that’s true.

Damn, it’s a hard problem.

We walk, grappling with uneasy feelings.

Oh, that’s… the post office.

Beyond it, probably the clinic.

More houses farther out.

Post office first.

Staff would’ve been here on a weekday, so stay sharp.

I check the parking lot.

Two delivery bikes, one red delivery van.

Three other cars—probably staff.

Damn, no signs of movement…

There they are.

Inside the post office.

At least two zombies visible.

Unlike the house, the windows are smashed.

They might notice us.

Kanzaki-san’s already aiming her gun.

I’ll leave this to her.

Two suppressed shots.

The zombies convulse and drop.

Both headshots.

Impressive as always.

But ammo’s limited.

We’ve got a ways to go, so we should conserve.

Gotta pull my weight.

“Uuuuuh…”

Another moan from deeper inside.

…Reacting to the bodies hitting the floor?

I signal Kanzaki-san to hold and pick up a stone.

I toss it into the post office, and it clangs against something metal.

“AAAAAHH!! AAAAAAAAAAHH!!”

A young male zombie in a familiar uniform—a delivery worker—charges from the darkness toward the sound.

Looks like the last one.

No other voices respond.

I step forward and smack the kama-yari against a parking lot curb.

A loud kon rings out, and the zombie turns toward me.

“AGAAAAAHH!!”

It runs.

…Yup, faster than normal.

I take a side stance.

“GAAAAH!! AGYAH!!”

As it charges, I swing the kama-yari sideways with centrifugal force, smashing its knee.

With a crack, the knee bends unnaturally, and the zombie falls.

I bring the kama-yari down on its head.

The skull crumbles, and it stops moving.

No dodging.

Good, their heads are still the same.

I throw another stone—no response.

Post office cleared.

Let’s move.

※

“Whoa…”

“We shouldn’t get closer.”

The “Harano Clinic” sign comes into view, along with the clinic itself.

It’s packed.

Even from here, it’s crawling with elderly zombies.

Over ten in sight.

Quite the hot spot.

And the front entrance is wide open.

If they spot us, it’s zombie carnival time.

Our job’s scouting, not extermination.

“The machine gun or explosives in the warehouse could handle this… Should we grab them?”

“Nah, we don’t know what’s ahead. Let’s save them and detour to check further.”

“Sounds good.”

We quietly veer off the prefectural road, taking a wide detour.

…Wait.

“Kanzaki-san, I want to try something. It shouldn’t be dangerous, but stay ready for a fight.”

“Understood.”

I pick up another random stone.

Winding up, I hurl it.

The stone arcs and smashes through the clinic’s second-floor window.

“AAAAAHH!!” “OOOOHH!!” “GIIII!!”

Zombies react to the noise and start moving.

Moving… but…

“Slow.”

“Very slow.”

They’re barely faster than a brisk walk.

Their voices are loud, though.

“No clue about strength or defense, but elderly zombies are sluggish.”

“Younger zombies have better physicality… just like humans.”

All the visible elderly zombies move slowly.

Can’t get cocky, but they seem easier to handle than regular ones.

…With osteoporosis and all, their defense is probably low too.

Got what I needed.

Let’s hurry.

※

We pass through a residential area and spot a quaint, old-school supermarket.

The previous houses had no survivors or zombies.

Everyone either fled or is at the clinic.

Just a few carefree cats roaming around, living free.

I’m jealous.

I’d love to live like a cat… well, I kinda am, huh.

I scan the supermarket.

The massive rural parking lot has a decent number of cars.

I check the surroundings, pull out a monocular, and peer inside.

Shattered glass everywhere.

Several cars crashed into the store.

And a horde of elderly zombies packed inside.

“No good.”

“Seems so.”

Exploring inside would be tough.

More zombies than the clinic.

The clinic and supermarket are like amusement parks for old folks.

“There’s probably no survivors, but let’s check the houses beyond to be sure.”

“Roger.”

We walk together.

Even if elderly zombies are weaker, no need to linger.

※

The last residential area in the western settlement.

Newer houses—almost brand-new.

A new development?

Why here in the boonies?

No U-turn rush either.

Wait, this is still Ryugu City.

Maybe it’s a good commute distance?

Whatever, let’s check.

I scan the parking lots from the road.

Some houses have cars, some don’t.

Most have one empty parking space, so maybe the dad’s at work?

Or evacuated.

In a place like this, one car per person’s standard.

No body parts or bloodstains on the road.

No sounds.

Like a model home exhibit.

We move deeper, checking both sides.

Looks empty.

Man, I wanna go back.

While thinking that, the view suddenly opens up.

At the end of the residential area, a wide space.

Fenced in, with swings and a jungle gym.

A park—perfect for kids with no traffic worries…

“Ah…”

Kanzaki-san lets out a breath.

In the park… a hollow concrete play structure.

Something’s visible behind it.

I toss a stone from my pocket.

It clangs against the jungle gym, but no reaction.

Yeah, I know.

That’s not a zombie.

We step into the park.

As we approach, it becomes clear.

“…What the hell, damn it.”

Deep in the park.

A pile of corpses.

Young women and kindergarten-aged kids.

Roughly ten bodies.

Signs of decay.

Human corpses.

Dead for a while.

※

No, murdered.

All the bodies have arrows pierced through them.

Metal ones, like for archery.

On closer look, the arrows vary.

…Multiple shooters fired at once?

“How… how…”

Kanzaki-san trembles, struggling to speak.

She’s too angry to form words.

I’m the same.

My guts are boiling.

…Looks like Ryugu City’s got some Grade-A scum.

Bastards who’d gleefully kill women and kids.

“…Monsters…!!!”

Glaring at a motherly corpse, skewered through the back while shielding a child, I clench my fists tight.

※

We return in silence.

I wanted to bury them, but there were too many, and we lacked tools.

…Forgive me.

No survivors in the western settlement.

The eastern one’s probably a long shot too.

“Woon! Wan! Wan!”

Sakura greets us as we climb the gate.

“Hey, Sakura, we’re back.”

“Kyun! Hyan!!”

She leaps at me as I jump down, like she was waiting.

Her innocence is a blessing right now.

“Kyun, kyuuun.”

Sakura whines worriedly, approaching Kanzaki-san.

“Sakura-chan, I’m back…”

Kanzaki-san crouches, hugs Sakura, and stands.

She holds her for a while, then her back starts trembling.

“Ugh… ugh, ah, ahh…!”

She stifles sobs.

Sakura looks startled but soon whimpers, letting Kanzaki-san hold her.

This is probably the first time Sakura’s seen her like this.

Reminds me of the hospital.

…No wonder.

Even with the fake cops, there were remains but no kids.

We saw bodies torn apart by zombies, but none were children.

This level of cruelty is probably a first for her.

Same for me.

This wasn’t killing an enemy.

Or zombies feeding.

It was slaughtering defenseless kids and mothers.

Pure, malicious evil.

Seeing it so vividly…

My chest tightens, and I hug Kanzaki-san, Sakura and all.

“Why… why, something like that…”

She wraps one arm around my back, squeezing painfully hard.

Burying her face in my chest, she chokes out.

“Why, Tanakano-san, why, why something so cruel…”

“…”

I don’t know.

I don’t want to.

It’s hard to believe humans did this.

…I don’t want to believe it.

“Why, why…!”

Holding Kanzaki-san as she sobs like a child, I grind my teeth until they creak.