Jobless Man’s Zombie Survival Life - Chapter 66: The Matter of Leaving the Shelter

Chapter 66: The Matter of Leaving the Shelter

“…So, that’s the deal. I want to take Misa-neesan, Miku-chan, Yukiko-chan, and Ogahara-san with me.”

“Hmm, I see…”

After the visit to Mondo-occhan’s place, I swung back to pick up Kanzaki-san, Misa-neesan, and Miku-chan.

The pickup truck wasn’t gonna cut it, so I took my dad’s sedan from home to the shelter.

Haven’t driven it in ages, so I was a bit worried, but Japanese cars don’t mess around—it started right up.

Sakurai-san’s staying back, as usual. Don’t want to stir up the evacuees any more than we have to.

At Yurei, Misa-neesan and Miku-chan went to pack their stuff.

They didn’t bring much, so it shouldn’t take long.

Miku-chan’s dead set on taking that bear… Can she stop calling it “Ichirouta,” though?

As for me, I headed to the staff room with Kanzaki-san and, lucky for us, found Miyata-san to drag into the principal’s office.

Moriyama-kun tagged along, giving me those eager puppy eyes, but I ignored him. Guy feels like he’d go off the rails if I gave him a chance.

And here we are.

“…That’s a wise call. I was about to bring it up, but we’ve been getting… well, complaints, or rather, gripes about you.”

“What!? You too…? Like what?”

“Pretty much what Kanzaki-san told you. Mostly stuff like, ‘Order him to find our families too.’”

And apparently some are saying, “Take his weapons.”

Huh? Why? I haven’t been swinging them around in here!

The shuriken, maybe, but my beloved sword? No way in hell I’m handing that over!

“No, no, we wouldn’t do that. We can’t take weapons from someone who’s provided us with pistols and hunting rifles.”

Miyata-san waves his hands hurriedly.

“I’ve told them over and over that Tanakano-san only helped his own people… but some folks just won’t listen. It’s like there’s no getting through to them.”

And lately, they’ve been telling the police to search for their families too.

Man, uh, sorry about that.

“Right now, we’re stretched thin just running and defending this place… It’s a headache.”

“Our main unit’s in the same boat. We can’t exactly go on solo searches like Tanakano-san.”

Sounds like the hospital in the next town’s getting similar complaints.

I’ve got nothing to do with that place, though.

But seriously, these people get free food, shelter, and clothes, and they still whine like that?

Just make them search themselves or kick them out—ungrateful jerks.

“Well, part of the issue is Tanakano-san’s attitude.”

Kanzaki-san hits me with a surprise attack.

No way!? Why!?

“…You’ve been through a lot, right? Gotten badly hurt too. So, what have you been doing all this time?”

“What do you mean…?”

“Exploring all over before your face stitches were even out, bringing back supplies, rescuing Miku-chan from the elementary school.”

Kanzaki-san glares at me.

“Then wiping out hostile groups, saving Misa-san from the next town, and promising Miku-chan in front of everyone that you’d go save her dad as soon as your shoulder healed.”

“Ugh, uhh…”

“See? It’s practically superhuman. I’ve been with you, so I know how hard it was. But to others, what do you think it looks like?”

“…Oh!”

…Got it. I understand now.

That’s what’s going on.

I’ve always looked up to movie heroes.

Talking tough, diving into danger, fighting enemies, and saving everyone.

Getting beat to hell but never whining, like it’s no big deal.

Tough, aggressive heroes.

I trained my body and learned martial arts because of them.

Those skills are keeping me alive now.

I’m not trying to be a savior or anything.

But I’ve always admired their attitude and wanted to emulate it, especially since the zombie outbreak.

But to some people, that attitude must seem infuriating.

“He can do all that, so why won’t he help us?”

“Damn it…! It’s all because Stall〇ne and Schwar〇enegger are too cool…!!”

“What’s that…? So, are you going to change your ways?”

“Not at all, not one bit, not even a little.”

I answer Kanzaki-san instantly.

Say what you will, I’m not changing a mindset I’ve had for thirty years.

“I figured. I actually like that about you, Tanakano-san.”

Kanzaki-san says with a smile.

That’s kinda embarrassing.

So, that settles it.

Getting Yukiko-chan and the others out of here is priority one.

And one more thing.

“Miyata-san, how’s that thing we talked about?”

“Oh, that? I’ve briefed my team, and we’re good to start.”

“What’s that…?”

Kanzaki-san asks curiously.

It’s something I proposed to Miyata-san before.

The “Tanakano Search Guild”!!

…Okay, here’s the deal:

1. 1. Evacuees give the police info on people they’re looking for.

1. 1. The police compile it into a database.

1. 1. I go out searching based on that.

1. 1. No guarantees I’ll find anyone—super important!!

1. 1. I report back to the police, not the evacuees (direct meetings are a pain).

This groundbreaking plan will lower the hate directed at me!

What? Will I actually search?

…Well, if I’m in the area, I might think about it a little…

Besides, the evacuees won’t know if I’m really searching or not.

If they’re that desperate, they can go look themselves.

I’m not the bad guy here!

Oh, and for good relations, I’ll take police and SDF requests seriously.

It’s not favoritism—it’s repaying past help and ensuring future returns.

With that sorted, I wrap up with Miyata-san and head to the usual infirmary.

I asked Misa-neesan to bring Yukiko-chan and Ogahara-san here after packing.

“Tanakano-san, will you keep coming back here regularly?”

Kanzaki-san asks, sounding a bit anxious.

Oh, right.

If everyone leaves, she’ll be stuck here alone.

“No worries. I’ve got those… uh, not dummy, I mean requests to pick up. Plus, I’ll use the facilities here.”

“I… I see…”

“And I’ll need your help on searches. …Partners, right?”

“…! Right, hehe…”

No idea what’s so funny, but I’m starting to get that she’s into this.

It’s a pretty intense hobby, but to each their own.

I’m not complaining—her combat skills save my ass.

…Man, those four are taking forever.

Do they have that much stuff?

…Huh? Sounds like arguing outside…

No way!?

Kanzaki-san and I exchange glances and bolt into the hallway.

“Gaaaah!! GAAAAAAAAH!!”

“Come on, where’s all that bravado now!? Come on, come ON!!”

“GYAAAAAAAH!!”

In the hallway, Yukiko-chan and Ogahara-san stand with unreadable expressions.

Miku-chan looks worriedly at the scene.

And there’s Harada, sprawled on the floor.

Misa-neesan’s gleefully locking his arm in a joint hold.

…What the hell.

Whoa… she’s got his arm completely pinned.

One twitch, and it’ll snap.

That’s gotta hurt like crazy.

“Who’re you calling an old hag!? Who’s kid’s a brat, huh!? Say it again, I dare you!!”

“GIIIIII!!”

…Okay, I get what set her off.

“…For now, you three, over here.”

Kanzaki-san beckons them into the infirmary.

Time to get the full story.

“Good work, Yukiko-chan, Ogahara-san. …So, what’d that idiot Harada do?”

I ask Yukiko-chan, who looks exhausted, but she just blushes and stays quiet.

Huh? What happened?

“Tanakano-san! Over here…”

Ogahara-san pulls me to a corner of the infirmary.

Here’s what she whispers:

Misa-neesan and Miku-chan call the two over.

They talk in private about the move to avoid other evacuees overhearing.

Both agree readily. (Seems they’ve been getting complaints about me too… sorry.)

Yukiko-chan and Ogahara-san start packing.

Harada, with some wild instinct, catches wind of it.

He chases them to the infirmary, gets into a scuffle with Yukiko-chan, and shoves Miku-chan, who falls on her butt trying to stop him.

Then he spews some nasty insults, and Misa-neesan snaps, locking his arm in a flash.

Got it.

What!? He pushed Miku-chan!?

…That bastard… breaking one arm wouldn’t be a sin, right…!?

“Miku-chan! You okay!?”

I rush to her.

“Yeah, just got startled. But Mama…”

“It’s fine, it’s fine! Protecting my kid’s a parent’s job! Don’t worry!”

Phew, she’s okay.

Wait…

“…So why’s Yukiko-chan…?”

I start to ask why she’s quiet, but I’m dragged to the corner again.

“So, Harada chased us to the infirmary and… confessed to Sakashita-senpai.”

What!?

That useless coward confessed!?

“Of course, Sakashita-senpai shot him down. But he wouldn’t take no for an answer…”

Take no!?

It’s over when you’re rejected, isn’t it?

Does he think begging changes anything?

This isn’t a gacha rerun.

“He said, ‘You’re sleeping with that old man, right!? You’re gonna live with him, huh!?’ …Um, bringing you up, Tanakano-san…”

Ogahara-san, you don’t have to say it if it’s embarrassing.

Your face is beet red.

But that little punk… saying that crap.

If Yukiko-chan and I were like that, I wouldn’t leave her at the shelter in the first place.

Makes no damn sense.

I wasn’t that stupid as a teen, was I…?

“Sakashita-senpai yelled, ‘Oniisan’s way cooler and more reliable than you, Harada-kun! Stop saying awful things! I hate you!!’ and slapped him…”

No way!

Gentle Yukiko-chan slapped him!?

Harada’s really hated now.

Not like he’s got any likable traits.

“So, senpai’s kinda shaken up… please give her some space.”

Got it.

I’ll leave this to Kanzaki-san and check on Misa-neesan.

“Take care of things here, Kanzaki-san.”

“…Understood.”

I’m a bit curious about her blank expression but head to the hallway.

“You’re late, Ichirouta! I’m tired, take over!”

Misa-neesan’s still got the joint lock on.

Harada’s out of steam, barely whimpering.

He’s sweating buckets, trembling.

…Yup, he’s passed out.

“Dad warned me about virgins with a chip on their shoulder—this is the guy! Pathetic, getting rejected like that!!”

Merciless follow-up.

Well, he hurt Miku-chan.

Any mom would lose it.

“Not that I wanna defend him… but ease up, Misa-neesan. It’s a hassle if he dies.”

“My control’s perfect! If I wanted, I’d just knee his spine and end it.”

“Fair enough.”

Good.

She’s pissed but not out of control.

I glance at Harada on the ground.

What to do with this guy?

This is a big scene—cops’ll show up soon…

“Gu… guh…”

Oh, he’s coming to.

Someone get here quick.

“Ugh…! You, it’s your fault Sakashita—”

“SHAA!!”

He’s about to spew more nonsense, so I kick his chin, knocking him out.

I’m done. Listening to his drivel feels like my brain cells are dying.

Reminds me of that harem idiot from before.

Gotta shut morons up.

Just then, Miyata-san runs up.

“Tanakano-san! You okay!? What happened… Oh, him. Sakashita-related, huh?”

Good thing I gave him a heads-up—makes this quick.

“Yeah, here’s what went down…”

I give him the rundown.

“What a… unmanly mess. We’ll keep him in a separate room until you all leave.”

“Thanks. …Why not just toss him out?”

“I’d love to, but he hasn’t done anything that bad yet.”

Miyata-san says with a wry smile.

“Maybe once she’s gone, he’ll calm down. If not…”

“Send him back to nature, 〇scar-style?”

“Police work’s tough.”

Thank god I’m unemployed!

Harada’s hauled off by a few cops.

We’re at the entrance, chatting with Miyata-san.

“Thanks for everything, Miyata-san!”

“We’re grateful too!”

Yukiko-chan and Ogahara-san bow.

“Take care, you two. Nakamura’s place is safe.”

“We owe you a lot, me and my girl! Catch you later, Gou-niichan. It’s tough, but hang in there! Use Ichirouta as much as you want!”

“Take care, Misa-chan. Say hi to Atsu-kun. …I’ll talk it over with Tanakano-san.”

Oh, they know each other.

Makes sense—Mondo-occhan connection.

But treating me like a tool… it’s a joke, right?

…Right?

“Miyata-ojisan! Thanks for everything! …Here!”

Miku-chan hands something over.

What’s that… a drawing?

It’s Miyata-san’s portrait with “Thank you” written next to it.

“Thanks, Miku-chan. I’m so happy—I’ll treasure it. …Stay safe.”

Miku-chan beams as Miyata-san pats her head.

“Well, Miyata-san, I’ll head out. I’ll be back in a couple days…”

“Tomorrow, right?”

“…I’ll be back tomorrow.”

…Kanzaki-san, that eager to go exploring?

“Haha, we’ll be waiting.”

We say goodbye to Kanzaki-san, pile into the car, and leave the shelter.

Miku-chan waves at Miyata-san until he’s out of sight.

Alright, off to a new chapter!

…In the same city, but still.