Jobless Man’s Zombie Survival Life - Chapter 73: The Matter of a Jobless Guy and a Beauty’s Perfect Fishing Day

Chapter 73: The Matter of a Jobless Guy and a Beauty’s Perfect Fishing Day

“The sea is vast and grand~”

“Nice weather today, isn’t it, Tanakano-san?”

“Sure is, Kanzaki-san. Let’s make the most of it!”

“Yes!”

I stretch wide, breathing in the salty breeze.

The sky above is flawless, not a cloud in sight.

Mmm! Perfect fishing weather!

※

The day after those idiots invaded my home turf, I was beat.

Not physically—mentally.

Having enemies breach your sanctuary is more stressful than I thought.

Ugh, if this were an SF flick, I’d line the fence with laser sentry guns.

So, I’m taking a break from “work” today.

Not that it’s really work, but still.

…Maybe some fishing to chill out.

Great idea! Let’s get ready!!

As I prep excitedly, I remember inviting Kanzaki-san fishing the other day.

…Might as well ask her.

Gotta pack extra gear, though.

She might say no—she’s not a carefree slacker like me.

But, you know, better to be prepared and pleasantly surprised.

At Yurei, I spot Kanzaki-san right by the entrance.

No one else around.

Perfect timing.

“Good morning, Kanzaki-san. So, I was thinking about going fishing today—”

“Good morning! I’m in!!”

Instant decision.

…She really wanted to fish, huh?

I grab the request binder from Miyata-san.

We head out, all “time to work hard!” vibes.

Of course, I’ve got the fishing gear stashed in the truck bed.

※

On the way to the port, I spot a fishing shop.

Didn’t notice it last time since we took a different route.

…Yup, the stench here is brutal.

Rotten bait and seawater—quite the combo.

I told Kanzaki-san she could stay in the truck, but she followed, and even she’s wincing.

Let’s grab something quick and get out.

Looks like some rods and reels are gone.

Someone must’ve realized fishing’s key for food.

“Hup… Take that!!”

I knock out a zombie shop clerk with a punch, sending it to nirvana, then check around.

…Seems clear.

“Tanakano-san, are these lures?”

“Nah, those are jigs for boat squid fishing. Lures are over here.”

“I see. There’s so many… Which ones are good?”

“For now, shiny ones and worms should do…”

Kanzaki-san’s a total fishing newbie, apparently.

She mentioned, “I’ve hunted in the mountains, but…” SDF training’s wild, huh.

“What… Are these prices for real!?”

“They’re real, alright…”

Kanzaki-san’s eyes go wide at the rod and reel prices.

Shocking if you’re not into fishing.

No upper limit on this stuff.

But now? Everything’s free, gufufu!

I grab some high-end gear, floats, weights, and line.

…Fishing hooks could work for traps. Let’s take more.

Never too many of these!

Whoa… A portable fish finder!

Useless for shore fishing, but I’ve always wanted one.

I’ll take it.

Oh, restock vests too! Gloves as well!!

Someday I’ll try spearfishing—grab a speargun and harpoon!

What is this place? A treasure trove!!

“Hehe… You’re having fun, aren’t you?”

“Yup!”

Hmm… Freeze-dried worms, huh?

Dried-up worms in a bag.

Rehydrate in seawater, I guess.

Didn’t know about these.

Tech’s come a long way.

“Uh… Are those… bait?”

Kanzaki-san asks nervously.

Oh, she’s not good with bugs.

Unexpected weakness.

“Snakes are fine, but… slimy bugs are… kinda…”

…No need to force her to use them.

I’ll save these for solo trips.

“Alright, that’s enough. Sorry for the wait, let’s go.”

“Yes! I’m excited!”

Kanzaki-san clenches her fist.

…She’s got enough spirit to reel in a tuna.

※

We speed through the city.

There’s gotta be survivors out there, but it’s quiet.

Just zombies in the building windows.

“Wonder if it’s like this overseas…”

“In countries with lax gun laws, looters and mobs are a bigger issue than zombies.”

“Yup, humans are the scariest.”

Said that before, didn’t I?

Hope nobody’s crazy enough to launch a nuke.

That’d be way worse than zombies.

“Since zombies popped up everywhere at once, we’re barely holding the line.”

“Hmm… What’s causing this, anyway?”

“I hear national research labs are on it… Starting with the capital, probably.”

“So, a backwater like this is low priority… Guess we wait.”

Nothing I can do.

Leave it to the experts.

“…You’re really optimistic, Tanakano-san.”

“No point dwelling on the past, right? Gotta keep looking forward! Haha!”

Honestly, thinking’s a hassle, and this life suits me.

Total social misfit here.

“Watching you gives me courage… Maybe admiration too.”

Kanzaki-san suddenly gazes at me, eyes shining.

Her beauty catches me off guard.

“…D-Don’t copy me, or you’ll end up jobless!”

I floor the gas to hide my embarrassment.

Beauties are dangerous with every move…

※

We reach the fishing port without incident.

…Yup, looks the same as last time.

We scout a bit—no zombie signs.

Let’s fish at the usual spot.

Like before, we’ll start with lures, then use whatever we catch as bait.

I set up four rods.

Oh, can’t forget the straw hats.

Got one for Kanzaki-san too.

“Like… this?”

“Yup, that’s it! Nice job!”

As expected of Kanzaki-san.

I show her once, and she picks it up instantly.

Her rod handling’s solid.

Multi-talented, huh.

We stand side by side, starting with lures.

Let’s do this!

“Alright! FIIIIIISH!!”

“Wow…!”

With fewer anglers around, they’re biting like crazy.

Nice pull! This one’s big!

Kanzaki-san’s all eyes.

I reel it in and yank it up!!

“…Damn pufferfish!!”

A punchline!?

I don’t need this crap!!

I unhook it, swing back, and hurl it far.

Don’t come back, you!!

…If it was a boxfish, I could’ve eaten it…

“Kya! T-Tanakano-san!”

I turn—Kanzaki-san’s rod is bending hard.

“Nice! Keep the rod up and reel!”

“Y-Yes!”

Damn, looks like she’ll land the first edible fish.

“Uh… F-Fish!”

Cute.

…You don’t have to say it, you know.

What’d she get!?

A shimmering fish body in the sunlight!

That long, nasty shape!!

…Wait, long??

No, Kanzaki-san, don’t touch it!!

“…Damn goby!!”

Careful of the poison spines, I unhook it with tongs and toss it.

Don’t come back!!

…Threw it on reflex.

Whatever, plenty of better fish out there.

“Can’t you eat that?”

“Well, you can, but the poison spines are bad news. Could land you in the hospital.”

“That’s scary… Any way to handle it?”

“Heard sucking out the poison with your mouth or hands works. Or soak it in 50-degree water.”

“M-Mouth…! Tch, scary fish!”

Her eyes go wide.

Yeah, with medical care scarce, it’s a fair reaction.

…Wait, I heard goby venom stays potent even after death.

Could I use it for traps…?

…Nah, I’d probably screw myself over.

Let’s get back to it!

※

“Wow! I got one! It’s an ají, right, Tanakano-san!?”

“Nice size! Congrats!”

“Another one! I got another!”

“You’re on fire!”

“Tanakano-san, another! Kya!”

“CONGRATULATIONS!!”

…What’s going on?

Why’s Kanzaki-san getting all the bites…?

Wait!? Is this the power of that high-end carbon rod (retail 80,000 yen)!?

…No, that’s ridiculous and pathetic, Ichirouta.

Fishing’s all luck!

No sulking—I’ll keep at it!!

Roar, my rod! Run, my lure!!

“…DAMN SEA SLUG!!”

Why!? You’re nocturnal, aren’t you!?

And why’d you bite a lure!?

Is the god of comedy possessing me or what!?

“Hyaa!? W-W-What is that!?”

The sea slug, dealing splash damage to Kanzaki-san, sails into the horizon via tong-assisted throw.

Yeah, it’s gross.

And poisonous.

It’s like nature’s prank.

Memories of accidentally touching one night fishing haunt me…

Anyway, I start catching too.

Man, ají are biting like crazy.

Great for bait and eating—perfect.

Thought we were doomed for a bit, but all’s well.

We’ve caught plenty—time for a break.

The bucket’s packed again.

Brought a bigger one this time, and it’s still full.

The sea’s the best!!

I pull out iced tea from the battery-powered cooler.

Sealed drinks last a year, so they’re gold in this mess.

“Kanzaki-san, let’s take a break. Here.”

“Thanks. Fishing’s so fun, Tanakano-san.”

“Glad you’re enjoying it.”

Kanzaki-san takes the tea with a bright smile.

She looks her age, all feminine, unlike her usual cool vibe.

She’s always helping me out, so I’m happy she’s having fun.

“You can fish in seas or rivers—best hobby ever. Doubles as food now.”

“Totally! I wanna try river fishing too!”

She’s hooked on fishing’s charm.

Rivers are trickier, though—fewer edible fish.

And the main bait’s worms.

I’ll bring some paste bait if we go.

After a breather, we process the ají.

Gotta do it quick for eating or bait.

Kanzaki-san watches me and helps out, super efficient.

…That Rambo-style knife of hers is something else for filleting.

We check with a blacklight and decide to eat some sashimi.

Gotta get those minerals!

Kanzaki-san loves sashimi, so I pick two good-sized ones.

Brought tube ginger this time.

Wasabi’s great, but I’m team ginger for ají.

“Mmm! Delicious!! Too damn good!!”

The ginger’s aroma cuts through the fishiness but keeps the flavor.

I could eat this forever!

“Mmph! Delish! Sho delish!!”

Kanzaki-san’s eyes sparkle with joy.

…You’re stuffing your face a bit much, huh?

Beauties make everything look good…

Eating fresh-caught fish—pure luxury!

Oh, we’ve got the cooler.

I’ll bring some to Mondo-occhan and crew.

Fresh fish is rare now.

Time to fish like crazy for their share!!

※

We cut bait from the ají and switch to float fishing.

A slower pace, watching the floats.

“…I might like this style better.”

“Me too. Waiting’s nice… Though catching anything’s fun.”

“Hehe, true…”

We sit on the pier, chatting about nothing.

Moments like this are great.

Mackerel and young yellowtail bite like before.

Awesome haul today.

Big fish have such a strong pull—makes it worth it.

Guess it’s time to wrap up.

Any more, and we’ll have too much.

Taking fish to the shelter would scream “we were slacking,” so no souvenirs for Kanzaki-san.

Instead, I’ll make dried fish, and we can eat it next time we’re out.

Need a fishing boat to feed the whole shelter, and I’m not that generous.

Would love to share with the cops, though…

“Your homemade fish…! Something to look forward to!”

She’s really into fishing now.

Man, it feels good to see her this happy.

We pack up and process the fish quickly.

Dried fish go in a seawater case; the rest in the cooler.

Two people make this fast.

Oh, wonder how those fishermen ossans from before are doing.

Didn’t see them today—hope to catch them next time.

※

“Hey!! Someone!! Help!!”

As we finish packing, a scream echoes.

I look—those ossans are sprinting toward us.

Behind them… zombies!?

Ugh, it was such a nice leisure day!

But those guys are good people.

No choice!

“Kanzaki-san, I know those guys…”

“Let’s go, Tanakano-san!”

Kanzaki-san switches to combat mode in a flash.

…Love how quick she is!

“Come here! This way!!”

I yell to the ossans, grip my bokken, and charge.