Jobless Man’s Zombie Survival Life - Chapter 89: A Battleground’s Fine, But Curry’s Nice ToO

Chapter 89: A Battleground’s Fine, But Curry’s Nice ToO

“Man, I’m beat, Bouzu.”

“Totally drained, Occhan.”

In the truck on the way back to Occhan’s place, we let out heavy sighs.

Of all the people I’ve met, that Nakajima guy was the least reasonable.

Compared to him, even Voldem-Harada or Harem Kamimori seem tolerable.

Killing someone’s messed up, I know, but I feel a strange mix of exhaustion and relief.

As a human, it’s questionable, but if I got hung up on guilt or trauma every time, I wouldn’t last.

“Satoko-san, Daisuke’s ex-wife, remarried that guy… Heard he had a good rep, so I thought it was fine. Never imagined he’d be that kind of scum…”

“We hit him hard and fast this time, so it worked out, but in normal times, his mask wouldn’t have slipped so easily…”

Even if his love for Satoko-san was twisted, it was real in its own messed-up way.

Not that it’s any less of a nuisance.

“Damn it… If I’d at least kept her bow, it wouldn’t have been thrown out…”

“Nah, c’mon, who throws out a kid’s keepsakes just because they remarried? Even tossing them without permission is already a crime.”

I dodge a dormant zombie on the road while humoring Occhan’s grumbling.

…Zombies really don’t rot, huh.

What’s up with that? Do their blood turn into naphthalene or formalin or something?

Still, I haven’t seen another moving car out here…

There’s gotta be plenty of working vehicles, so maybe it’s just timing.

“That championship photo too—he threw it out. That was her moment of glory at nationals… Wait a sec…?”

Occhan freezes, like he’s just remembered something.

What’s up?

“…Bouzu, let’s get home quick. Step on it.”

“Got it. It’s getting dark anyway.”

I press the accelerator a bit harder.

※

“Found it! It’s here, Kaori-chan!!”

Occhan emerges from the shop’s dusty warehouse.

He dove in there the moment we got back—what’s he digging for?

By the way, we agreed to tell everyone we just warned Nakajima to “never mess with Kaori-chan again” and left it at that.

No way we’re telling Kaori-san about his insane rant.

Since she’s not going to the shelter, there’s no risk of the lie getting exposed.

“Mof!”

“Whoa, sorry, Sakura!”

Sakura, rope in mouth, smacks my knee with her front paws like she’s saying, “Get serious!” I apologize and resume our tug-of-war.

She loves this game.

Gotta time it right, though, or she’ll burn out and flop.

I left her alone a lot today, so I’m making up for it with some solid playtime.

“Just remembered this! Take a look!”

While Kaori-san watches me and Sakura’s tug-of-war with a warm, “Oh my” smile, Occhan hands her a flat square box.

It’s pretty big but thin.

“Ojichan, what’s this… Oh!”

Kaori-san’s eyes widen as she opens it.

What’s in there? I can’t see from this angle— “Mofun!” Oh, sorry, sorry!

“With my line of work, stuff comes in from all over. Thought there might be something, so I rummaged through the warehouse.”

“This… It’s that photo…”

Kaori-san sinks to the floor.

She flips through what looks like a thin booklet.

Is that a newsletter or something? It says “All Japan Kyudo Federation.”

“Ugh… Dad, it’s Dad…”

“It’s not the real commemorative photo, but better than nothing, right?”

“They deleted all the data… I thought I’d never see it again… Thank you, Ojisan.”

Kaori-san stares at the booklet, tears spilling.

No way, that jerk was that thorough?

What a monster.

Sakura, still “mofun-mofun” protesting in my arms, I quietly stand to peek.

There’s Kaori-san, smiling with a certificate and medal around her neck.

Next to her, a slender man beams proudly.

So that’s Daisuke-san, huh.

He looks like a really kind guy.

“Mof.”

Sakura suddenly hops out of my arms, trotting to Kaori-san’s lap.

“Kyuuun.”

She drops the rope in front of her and looks up, whining.

…Is she trying to comfort her?

“Sakura-chan… No, I’m not sad. I’m really, really happy…”

Kaori-san wipes her tears, smiling, and gives Sakura a gentle pat.

Sakura tilts her head, then licks her hand.

“Thanks, though.”

Setting the newsletter aside, Kaori-san hugs Sakura tightly.

Sakura looks puzzled but snuffles happily, content.

※

“Heh, unlike her owner, she’s one sharp pup.”

“Can you not make it sound like I’m some clueless bum? I’m pretty considerate, you know!”

“…”

What’s with that “Is this guy for real?” look?

C’mon, Occhan, say something!

“Ichiro-ojisan, I cut these carrots myself!”

“No wonder they’re so good! First time I’ve ever tasted carrots this delicious! Right, Sakura?”

“Hyann!”

Why can’t I ever say no to dinner invites here?

Pondering that, I bring the spoon to my mouth.

…Damn, this curry’s good.

Tonight’s menu is Obachan’s special curry rice.

The roux is from their stockpile, the rice is alpha rice, and the veggies are from Occhan’s garden.

These vegetables are amazing—fresh produce is rare.

Wish my garden would hurry up and grow.

Sakura, of course, can’t eat curry, so her dinner’s dog food topped with boiled carrots.

I wasn’t sure if she’d eat veggies, but she’s chowing down.

No pickiness—good girl.

According to the book, too many raw carrots aren’t great for dogs, so it’s just a bit.

Sakura makes these weird “kyurun” or “gukyuu” noises, happily munching away.

I glance at her, savoring my curry.

Curry always tastes better in big batches, doesn’t it?

I’m a solo guy, so I stick to instant, but…

I mean, I can cook decently, but no veggies, and portions are too much for one.

“This is so good, Obachan. Even with the same roux, mine never turns out like this…”

“Why, thank you, Ichirouta-chan. It’s all about experience.”

“Mom’s curry is the best in Japan… no, the world!”

“Oh, you…”

Wait, why’s the curry getting sweeter all of a sudden??

“Akkun, you’ve got some on your cheek… Here.”

“Misa, look at you.”

Nghhh, is this kids’ curry or what??

It’s already mild for Miku-chan, but now it’s too sweet.

“So nice, so nice, two lovey-dovey couples, Oniisan.”

“Ugh, I’m getting heartburn. Need some shichimi or Tabasco for this curry.”

Next to me, Yukiko-chan, eating curry with Miku-chan, stares off into space.

Hina-chan, beside her, watches with sparkling eyes.

“My parents were like that too… Makes me nostalgic…”

Her sparkles dim in an instant!

I heard before—Hina-chan’s parents live out of prefecture, a five-hour drive away.

She must be worried, but checking on them is too risky…

“Mine too. It’s nostalgic…”

Kaori-san murmurs softly beside Hina-chan.

From when Daisuke-san was alive, huh…

Oh no.

There’s this super lonely aura between those two…!

What do I do? It’s dinnertime, so I can’t launch the ultimate healing missile, Sakura…

“So, Bouzu, that line was golden.”

( ,,`・ω・´)?

What’s that out of nowhere, Occhan?

“‘You call Kanzaki-san ugly, you bastard!? Got eyes or should I rip out your tongue, you maggot!!’”

( Д )゜゜

“W-W-Wait! T-That was… that was, uh!?”

“Rin-chan was blushing, staring right at you~”

No, stop, don’t bring that up!

It’s embarrassing!!

“Ehh!? What’s that? Ichirouta, saying cool stuff now!?”

Don’t jump in, Misa-neesan! Back off!!

Stay with your bear husband!!

“I’m curious!!”

“Tell us, Oniisan!!”

“Miku too!!”

AHHHHHHHH!!

This is a total mess now!!

“Waf! Wan!!”

What’s wrong, Sakura!?

No, this isn’t playtime!!

Look, eat your food… Oh, you finished? Good girl!!

The heavy mood’s gone.

The girls are staring at me, eyes gleaming.

Even you, Sakura and Miku-chan!?

No… those are “play with me” faces, especially Sakura’s.

“Uhmm…”

I act like I’m about to speak, then shovel the rest of my curry down!

Curry’s a drink!!

“Thanks for the meal! So good!! Gotta step out for a smoke!!”

“Hey, no deserting in the face of the enemy, Ichirouta!!”

Ignoring the girls’ questions, I bolt.

Obviously, you flee from the enemy!

I dash to the kitchen with my plate, gently place it in the water bucket, and escape through the back door.

※

“…Phew, that was close.”

“Kyuuun.”

“No, Sakura, you can’t come out here—secondhand smoke’s bad!!”

Escaping the chaos, I’m puffing a cigarette out front when Sakura appears at my feet!

I shut the door—how’d she get out!?

I quickly stub out the cigarette, rinse my mouth with bottled water, and spit into the gutter.

After a few deep breaths, I pick her up.

“Jeez, Occhan’s such a pain.”

“Hyann.”

“Right? That timing was slick, but c’mon, there were other topics…”

“Wafu.”

“You’re such a good girl, Sakura…”

I lift her to my face.

Her round eyes sparkle, so pretty.

I hop into the truck bed, lying flat on my back.

Sakura, probably full, crawls onto my chest.

Let’s chill.

The sunset sky’s gorgeous… Looks like clear weather tomorrow.

But rainy season’s coming soon—kinda late this year.

We’ve got enough supplies, so no worries.

Zombies get crazy aggressive in the rain… Why is that?

Once the rainy season hits, walking Sakura’s gonna be tough…

Oh, there’s that big dog park in the suburbs.

Maybe a trip there’s an option.

“Sorry, Sakura, for leaving you alone so much… Your dad’ll do better…”

“Kyunn.”

“I’ll raise you into a fine bear dog… I mean, a fine adult dog.”

Sakura yawns big and dozes off.

She falls asleep so fast.

“Today, I saw the ultimate bad example… I’ll never be that kind of scum.”

I declare to the sky.

Oh, that cloud looks kinda like a dragon—cool.

That one… a lion, maybe?

That’s… a comet? Nah, comets are more… whoosh, shiny…

“Ojisan, Sakura-chan, wake up!”

“Vweh!?”

“Kyawan!?”

I open my eyes to Miku-chan’s beaming face peering over the truck bed’s edge.

Sakura, startled, tumbles off me and somehow spins in circles.

The sky’s already deepening into dusk.

…Crap, I fell asleep.

It’s night already.

“They heated the bath! Can I bathe with Sakura-chan?”

Oh no, it’s sleepover mode again.

“Yeah… Sure.”

“Then you too, Ojisan!”

“…Yup.”

No escape.

I might dodge a demon king, but not Miku-chan…

Her heart’s too pure.

Hope she grows up this true… I brought dog shampoo just in case.

“Bath time, Sakura?”

“Wan!”

She totally reacted to “bath.”

Her eyes are sparkling.

She loves baths.

“…‘Dryer’…”

“Kyuuun! Kyuuun!”

Whoa, her ears and tail tucked in instantly!

“…‘Bath’…”

“…Wan!”

“…‘Dryer’…”

“Kyuuun!”

Haha, what’s this?

My kid’s too smart!

“Don’t bully Sakura-chan, Ojisan!”

“Ah, yes, sorry!”

“Waoon!!”

Alright, bath time.

This place’s tub is huge—Sakura’s gonna love it.

※

Kapoon—that sound they always draw in manga, what’s it supposed to be?

“Here, next is your ears~”

“Kuuuur…”

I watch Miku-chan diligently scrubbing Sakura with bubbles while soaking in the tub.

I was gonna do it, but Miku-chan wanted to try, so I let her.

Yup, trying new things is important!

“Mokko-moko~ Haha, mokko-moko~”

“Uuu~ An, on.”

Haha, Sakura’s singing too.

Nothing beats the harmony of kids and animals.

“Miku… You’ll bathe with Papa tomorrow, right…?”

“Uoh!? You’re still here, Atsushi-san!?”

Atsushi-san’s sulky voice echoes from the changing room.

He tried to join earlier but got shot down:

“I can’t wash Sakura-chan properly with Papa, so not today!”

He looked like the world ended.

Has he been in the changing room this whole time…?

“Kyaa! No shaking, silly~”

“Afun.”

She’s not listening at all.

After a thorough rinse, Miku-chan soaks up to her shoulders.

Sakura gets a bucket of warm water, floating like a little boat, warming up nicely.

As expected, Sakura’s still terrified of the dryer.

She’s better than before, but still scared.

“If you don’t dry off, you’ll catch a cold, okay?”

“Kyuuun.”

Miku-chan’s persuasion (sort of) gets her to grudgingly accept it.

Afterward, we—plus Atsushi-san, still in the changing room—praise her tons to cheer her up.

“Akkun’s so cute when he’s sulky~”

“Whoa, Misa, hold up!?”

“Zui-zui-zui~”

Misa-neesan comes in, and they end up bathing together.

Oh no! This is heading into R-15, maybe R-18 territory!!

Bad for education—let’s go, Sakura, Miku-chan!!

…I pretend not to see the two blushing, curious high school girls.

You’re young, aren’t you?

“Goodnight, Ojisan, Sakura-chan.”

“Night, Miku-chan, Sakura.”

“Wawaf… fa…”

As I suspected, I’m sleeping with Miku-chan.

She probably wants to snuggle with Sakura.

“I’m sleeping with Ojisan and Sakura-chan tonight~”

That declaration turned Atsushi-san into a mummy, not just a zombie, as Misa-neesan, eyes heart-shaped, dragged him to their bedroom.

By the way, the Sakurai couple’s room is the farthest back in the house (nudge nudge).

…Miku-chan might become a real big sister soon.

Misa-neesan loves her, but she’s in love with Atsushi-san.

“Ehehe, just like before~…”

Like at the shelter, Miku-chan nuzzles my chest and starts snoring softly.

Sakura’s already dreaming.

Wrapped in indescribable happiness, I close my eyes.