Jobless Man’s Zombie Survival Life - Chapter 31: The Birth of Captain Jobless

Chapter 31: The Birth of Captain Jobless

A few days have passed.

Mornings, I return home; around noon, I head to the shelter to help with farming, cooking, or laundry; nights, I stay there.

That’s been my routine.

The player I brought from home keeps nights fun.

Still, it’s not my house, so I can’t fully relax.

My left shoulder’s long healed, and the face wound stopped bleeding.

Kanzaki-san says stitches stay in a bit longer, but I can finally ditch the bandage.

It was so stuffy.

Couldn’t wash my head properly—worried I smelled.

So, with Kanzaki-san watching, I unraveled the bandage.

“Whoa.”

My face, familiar for over 30 years.

Now with a big diagonal scar.

Stitches out, it’ll fade some, but this is permanent.

Good thing I’m not a pretty girl.

It’s kinda…

“Like a certain famous space pirate captain.”

“That’s… a bit too vague, isn’t it…?”

It’s a shock, sure, but my eyes are fine, and I won’t die of tetanus.

If someone else caused this, I’d be pissed, but it’s my own carelessness.

Getting mad at myself is pointless.

“Channel your anger into your legs to support you.”

My favorite manga hero said that.

Don’t repeat the mistake.

If I’m alive, I’ll manage.

It’s a big scar, but let it be a reminder.

Every mirror glance will jog my memory.

Yukiko-chan saw it and cried again.

Hina-chan was teary, trembling.

Both worried like crazy—am I okay, does it hurt?

So sensitive.

Such kind girls.

Kanzaki-san said it makes me look like a seasoned warrior, cool.

Points for style…

She probably said it ‘cause I’m not hung up on it.

Being treated like a delicate case would be awkward.

But it’s growing on me.

Makes me wanna sing, “The SEA of space is my SEA!”

The scar adds intense flair, but I’m back.

Time to plan ahead.

Miyata-san mentioned a favor.

Clearing it evens the score.

…In my head.

Miyata-san and them would say don’t sweat it, but it’s my heart’s issue.

For a full life, I need no burdens.

Gotta prep thoroughly.

So, I’m at a bike shop near the shelter.

My phone’s offline map app led me right here.

No internet or calls, but this app’s a lifesaver.

Goal: replace my busted helmet and grab some armor.

Weapons are set, so defense is next.

Bikes are gone, and oil and stuff are mostly looted.

Must’ve been a hot spot.

I can’t ride bikes anyway, so no loss.

Entered the shop, found one zombie inside, and smashed its head quick.

Staff were here, but already corpses.

First, helmets.

My old one was half-type, but I want more protection.

Full-face is too heavy, though.

Whoa! What’s this system helmet!?

Chin part lifts to the forehead, snaps down to full-face…!

So cool… like Iron Boss!

Checked the weight—heavier than full-face.

Awesome, but no go.

Hmm, this jet-type’s practical.

Has a shield that opens and closes.

My light might interfere, but I can mod it with screws to fix the case on the side.

Tried it on—guards the neck better than my old one.

Pretty cool.

Weight’s okay, so this is it.

Next, protector corner.

Lots here—sleeveless supports to full armor.

Want defense without losing mobility.

Swordplay’s key, so upper body range matters.

Need both, but that’s rare, so I might sacrifice one.

What’s this?

“Hardens on impact! Latest inner protector!”

Looks like a bulky long-sleeve inner layer.

Bit heavy, but manageable.

Tried it on.

Pads in chest, abs, shoulders, arms, elbows, back.

Tested by hitting the shoulder with my bokken.

Holy crap! It hardened! No pain!

Modern tech’s wild…

Moved around—no issues.

Taking this.

Wearing one, grabbing three spares.

…These are crazy expensive!?

Three cost as much as my sword…!

Wouldn’t touch these normally…

Also grabbed two knee protectors, catcher-style, high-end.

Short enough not to hit my boots.

Tested them—sturdy, fit well, don’t hinder much.

Expensive stuff’s worth it.

Found a tough thigh pouch—perfect for a shuriken holster.

Stood in front of a mirror, fully geared.

Damn… I look badass.

Feels way safer.

Headed back to the shelter to test movement.

Scared the gate cop.

Sorry.

Should’ve taken it off.

Didn’t wanna spook the refugees, so I went to the schoolyard’s edge.

Got Miyata-san’s okay, so I’m good.

Swung my bokken lightly.

Upper body moves smoothly, as expected.

Tougher now, with the helmet, so no zombie bite worries.

Only my fingertips are exposed.

Still, no slacking.

I swear on this scar to stay sharp.

Next, sword forms.

Unlike brute-force bokken, a real sword needs finesse.

Misaligned cuts don’t slice.

Moved a ton to adjust to the new gear’s feel.

Draw, upper stance, middle, lower, side, double-handed, and more.

This inner layer’s insane.

Barely any drag.

But no matter how great the gear, my heart’s key.

Relying on equipment’s foolish.

My master only ever praised one thing.

My stubborn practice till I got it.

I was a lousy student, but I loved that.

Whoops, got too into it.

Sweating buckets.

Took a breather, then tested shuriken and kicks.

These cross shuriken are solid work.

Even sloppy throws stick.

Real ninjas used poison on these.

Poison… nicotine’s all I got.

That detective’s grandson novel had a killer using poisoned spikes… would it work?

I’d probably stab myself, so no.

These are for distraction.

Some drag, but I’ll adjust.

Good enough for today.

“I’m back, so I’ll take that request you mentioned!”

“…You sure you’re good?”

“Stitches are still in, but Tanakano-san’s recovery is kinda freaky. He’s fine.”

“Mmph…”

Went straight to Miyata-san.

But he checked with Kanzaki-san, not me.

What gives!?

Freaky!? What’s freaky about me!?

“If you’re sure…”

Miyata-san reluctantly turned to me.

“I need you to check the status of nearby shelters.”