Jobless Man’s Zombie Survival Life - Chapter 64: The Matter of Family

Chapter 64: The Matter of Family

“Man, a bath really hits the spot… Feels like I’m alive again.”

“Right? Makes you wanna hit up a hot spring or something.”

“Did you know? There’s a small hot spring in the mountains at the southwest edge of North District. It’s free-flowing, so it’s probably still running.”

“Oh, that sounds nice. Maybe I’ll check it out next time.”

The night after Sakurai-san’s fever knocked him out.

I’m in my home’s bathroom, scrubbing Sakurai-san’s back.

It’s that whole “naked bonding” thing.

Sakurai-san’s fever’s gone, and he’s back to his old self, but with his left arm, he’s got some limitations.

His left hand’s bandaged and wrapped in a plastic bag.

Good thing my house has a spacious bathroom.

…But man, this back is huge.

Is it made of bedrock or what??

No wonder Miku-chan loves it.

I’d love to bulk up like this… Nah, I’d need a whole new skeleton…

As for zombification, it’s been a full two days since the bite.

According to police and SDF data, no one’s survived past one and a half days—36 hours.

But Sakurai-san’s big and tough, so we played it safe and watched him for an extra 12 hours.

…He’s gotta be fine now.

His fever’s gone.

As Kanzaki-san said, as long as the wound doesn’t get infected and heals, he should be okay.

The cut was clean, and we disinfected it right away with meds, so it’s probably fine.

After the bath, we change, eat a quick meal, and prep the car.

We’re heading to pick up Misa-neesan and Miku-chan.

When Sakurai-san recovered and we planned to head to the shelter, Kanzaki-san stopped us.

“There’s been some bad talk about you lately, Tanakano-san. It might be best to avoid a reunion at the shelter.”

Huh!? Why!?

Did I do something!?

I genuinely can’t think of anything.

“Well, it’s basically jealousy. Like, ‘Why do Miku-chan and her family get all the good stuff?’”

“What… I’ve been helping with farming, working with the police, bringing supplies sometimes…”

“Ichirouta-kun, it’s not about logic.”

Sakurai-san chimes in.

“Why’s that guy’s family alive? Why doesn’t he look for ours? …That’s the gist of it.”

“That’s so unfair… I just helped people I know…”

“It’s unfair, sure. Humans are like that. If I were in their shoes, I might’ve felt the same…”

…So that’s what’s going on at the shelter.

I’ve had people ask me to find their families before, but I turned them down since I didn’t know them.

The kids like me, and there’s been no obvious trouble, so I didn’t notice.

…Aside from that idiot Harada, I didn’t think people held grudges against me.

“Tanakano-san, you can handle things on your own, you’ve got fighting skills and weapons, and the police trust you… That’s probably stirring up some envy.”

According to Kanzaki-san, the police trust me a lot.

Well, I’ve taken out zombies and recovered guns, so yeah.

But apparently, that rubs some people the wrong way.

Like, “He’s got all these skills, so why doesn’t he do what we want?”

Honestly, I wanna say, “Shut up, I don’t care, idiots,” and be done with it…

But it’s not that simple.

My crew’s so competent—everyone handles their own stuff—that I didn’t think about this.

…Humans are such a pain!!

Right, that’s why I hated all this “read the room, be considerate” crap and loved being alone!

Damn it! I forgot because I’ve been surrounded by great people lately!

…Huh? The guys I killed?

…Those were bugs in terms of genre, so I forgot to count them as human…

But this means I need to think about my next steps.

Maybe it’s best to get Misa-neesan and her family out of the shelter.

Like, to Mondo-occhan’s place.

We’ll figure it out with Misa-neesan and Sakurai-san later.

For now, let’s head to the shelter.

I leave Kanzaki-san and Sakurai-san at home and drive the pickup to the shelter.

I light a cigarette and think while I drive.

What to do…

Getting Misa-neesan and her family out is one thing, but the issue is… Yukiko-chan and Ogahara-san.

They hang out with me and Miku-chan a lot, so they might catch some of this bad vibe too.

Misa-neesan’s tough as nails—she’d flatten anyone who messed with her.

But those two are just high school girls.

If creeps like Harada try something…

If they get labeled as “that guy’s people” and mob mentality kicks in, things could go bad fast.

I grip the steering wheel tightly.

…It’s just a thought, but it pisses me off.

If I’m around, I could cut down any jealous losers in a heartbeat…

Damn, it’s like they’re hostages.

Maybe I should have a real talk with Miyata-san…

“Ichiro-ojisan!”

“Miku-chan, come on in!!”

Lost in thought, I reach Yurei and walk down the hall when Miku-chan runs toward me.

I crouch, arms wide, and she leaps into them.

“Full of energy as always! Ojisan’s thrilled!!”

“Yay! Hahaha!!”

I lift her up and put her on my shoulders, as usual.

Miku-chan grabs my helmet just right, looking pleased.

“Oh! …Ojisan, is your shoulder okay?”

“Back to full samurai power!!”

“Yay!”

Miku-chan squeals with joy.

Ahh, my sour mood’s getting purified~~!

All that frustration’s melting away.

Kids are amazing.

“Miku-chan, where’s Misa-neesan?”

“Mama? Um… where is she?”

“Let’s go find her together then!”

“Okay!”

Careful not to bump Miku-chan’s head on the ceiling, I look for Misa-neesan.

Maybe because Miku-chan’s so familiar, she’s waving at cops and evacuees as we pass.

I nod or greet them with a smile.

The cops are fine, but some of these evacuees don’t like me…

It’s pure resentment, which makes it worse.

Guess I’ll keep up the charm.

Maybe I should pretend to take on family searches.

They’d never know if I actually looked.

It’s harsh, but my kindness points aren’t infinite for strangers.

“Mama!”

“Oh, Miku’s gotten huge since I last saw her.”

I spot Misa-neesan tending to some tomato-like plants in the garden.

“Misa-neesan, good work. …Didn’t know you could farm.”

“Isn’t your opinion of me a bit harsh, Ichirouta?”

Taking just Misa-neesan out would stand out too much, so I help with the work.

I told Miku-chan she could play, but she’s pitching in like a champ.

What a good kid…

Since Kanzaki-san’s warning, I’m hyper-aware of people’s stares.

I wanna get them out now, but… patience, patience…!

“So, what’s up today, Ichirouta?”

Misa-neesan wipes her sweat and asks as we finish.

“Oh, just a message from Mondo-occhan…”

“From Dad? That’s rare.”

“Grandpa?”

I make small talk as we head to the school building.

When no evacuees are around, I whisper to Misa-neesan.

“…Take Miku-chan and come to the parking lot. I’ll get Miyata-san’s okay to leave.”

“…Got it.”

She must’ve sensed something from my tone.

Her face turns serious.

“That’s great news about Miku-chan’s dad! Cause for celebration!”

I head to the staff room, then the principal’s office.

Alone with Miyata-san, I fill him in on everything.

The cops probably don’t have much bad blood toward me, but better safe than sorry.

“Yeah, so I want to let Misa-neesan and them meet… Can they leave?”

“Absolutely! Please, make it happen!”

“Thanks. By the way…”

I share an idea I had on the way.

“Hmm, we’ll look into it…”

It’ll be sorted by my next visit.

Details then.

For now, Misa-neesan and her family come first.

“Huh? We’re going to ojisan’s house?”

“Yup! I’ve got too many DVDs… I need Miku-chan to pick some to donate to the school.”

“…”

“Okay! I’m excited for ojisan’s house!!”

In the car, Miku-chan’s thrilled by my fib, but Misa-neesan stays quiet.

She’s sharp—she might’ve figured it out.

Her cheeks are red, and her eyes are misty.

“Misa-neesan, getting ahead of yourself?”

“…Shut up, don’t look at me, I’ll gouge your eyes out.”

Yikes… her embarrassment is way too intense.

“Mama, what’s wrong?”

“…Nothing, sweetie. Just got something in my eye.”

I want to rush back, but I can’t risk an accident.

Suppressing my excitement, I drive safely home.

“Ojisan’s house is all spiky!”

“Talk about murderous vibes.”

I have them wait in the yard and climb to the balcony.

I call Kanzaki-san and bring Misa-neesan and Miku-chan up.

“Going in from the second floor is so cool!”

I pat Miku-chan’s head and look at Misa-neesan.

“Your treasure’s in the first-floor living room. Go with Miku-chan.”

“…Ichirouta.”

“It’ll make Miku-chan so happy. Go on, go!!”

“What about ojisan?”

“Ojisan’s gotta clean the car first. It’s right down the stairs.”

“Okay! Coming in~!”

I push Miku-chan and Misa-neesan into the second floor and head back to the yard.

A heartfelt reunion needs to be family-only.

Kanzaki-san must feel the same—she follows me down.

We sit on a bench in the yard and wait.

Through the sealed door’s gap, I hear faint cries.

Not fear—joy.

Miku-chan’s, Misa-neesan’s, Sakurai-san’s.

I reach into my chest pocket.

Finding what I need, I flick my lighter.

It’s the will Sakurai-san gave me.

I light a cigarette as the paper burns, inhaling deeply.

Kanzaki-san leans in, lighting hers too.

As the ashes fall, I fill my lungs and exhale slowly.

Man… this is… the best.

“Ahh~~! The best!! Best cigarette of my life!!”

“Truly exceptional…”

We look at each other and smile.

Thank god… really, thank god.

The weight on my shoulders lifts, and I slump on the bench.

I blow smoke toward the clear blue sky, filled with every emotion.

※

I smoke three more cigarettes.

That’s probably enough.

I get up, climb to the balcony, take off my shoes, and head to the first floor.

“Atsu-kun… Atsu-kun…!”

“Whoa, Misa, that tickles…”

Halfway down, I see Misa-neesan clinging to Sakurai-san’s neck, showering him with kisses!!

Miku-chan’s asleep, leaning against him.

Kanzaki-san and I exchange slightly flushed glances and quietly retreat to the second floor.

I get that you’re happy, but what are you doing!?

I knew Misa-neesan was head over heels from her stories, but starting that in my house!?

Miku-chan’s gonna get a sibling!!

“…Ichirouta-kun, it’s safe to come down now.”

After an awkward silence with Kanzaki-san, Sakurai-san calls.

I cautiously head down, greeted by Sakurai-san covered in lipstick marks.

Misa-neesan and Miku-chan are asleep on the sofa, side by side.

The relief must’ve cut through all their tension.

“Sorry… in your house and all…”

“Nah, you were thrilled. Don’t worry about it.”

I look away from the vivid lipstick marks and reply.

…Seeing Misa-neesan’s happy sleeping face, I can’t complain.

We chat idly for a bit until Miku-chan wakes up.

Whoa, her eyes are red.

She must’ve cried a ton.

Still groggy, she looks at Sakurai-san, grins, and hugs him tight.

Like she’ll never let go.

“Hehe… Papa…”

“Yup, it’s Papa, Miku.”

Sakurai-san strokes her head, beaming.

Miku-chan’s eyes narrow with joy.

Watching them, tears well up for no reason.

Man… I’ve worked pretty hard, huh.

It’s been tough, and honestly, a pain sometimes…

But it’s fine. Totally fine.

Seeing this makes it all worth it.

The struggles feel like nothing.

I feel the tension drain from my body.

As someone gently holds me, I fall asleep.