Jobless Man’s Zombie Survival Life - Chapter 93: Vaccinations and the SDF

Chapter 93: Vaccinations and the SDF

“Nice weather today, huh, Sakura?”

“Wan!”

“Really lovely, isn’t it, Sakura-chan?”

“Wafu!”

…My heart aches a bit.

The day after we fended off the raiders at Ooki-kun’s place, I’m driving the light truck with Sakura and Kanzaki-san aboard.

Our destination: Akizuki General Hospital, the SDF-run shelter in the neighboring town.

Yesterday, the three of us worked our butts off clearing rubble and human remains.

The organic bits were loaded onto the raiders’ trucks and burned in a nearby empty lot.

It was getting late, so we reluctantly gave up searching the bookstore and headed home.

Today, as I was thinking about going back, Kanzaki-san, who I picked up at Yurei, said she had something to discuss.

“It’s a good chance to take care of Sakura-chan too,” she said.

The topic? Rabies vaccination.

Apparently, the SDF has guard dogs, and today, they’re holding a mass vaccination at Akizuki General Hospital.

And get this—they’re willing to vaccinate Sakura too.

That’s honestly a huge help.

In this mess, if she got rabies, we’d be screwed—especially if it spread to humans.

I’m grateful… but still.

Is it really okay to use precious vaccine on an unemployed guy’s stray dog?

Sure, I’ve done my share of work, but vaccine’s a big deal.

It’s gotta be rare.

When I tried to decline, Kanzaki-san explained.

Due to the zombie outbreak, many guard dogs have gone missing, so they’ve got a surplus of vaccine.

Well, if that’s the case, I’ll take them up on it.

Not like there’s a ton of weirdos like me keeping dogs in this chaos.

So, here we are, on our way.

Seeing Sakura’s sparkling “We’re going on an adventure?” face makes me feel guilty.

I’ve got this image of dogs freaking out during rabies shots.

A friend’s dog was so scared it pissed itself.

“Kanzaki-san, how did… uh, Nobutsuna-kun handle shots?”

“…Nobutsuna was a girl.”

What!?

A shocking revelation.

“Oh, I was in second grade, so I didn’t think too hard… She had a fierce face as a puppy, so I assumed she was male…”

“I see…”

Kanzaki-san’s cheeks flush with embarrassment.

She knew about Uesugi Nobutsuna in elementary school? That’s a shock in itself.

“I kept calling her that, so by the time I realized she was female, she already thought Nobutsuna was her name…”

Yeah, no one’s at fault here.

“I feel bad for her…”

“Nah, if you loved her, it’s fine… right?”

As a kid, I’d probably have named Sakura something like Gin or Riki.

…Good thing I checked.

“So… about the shots? She didn’t make a fuss, but she’d faint every time.”

“Faint!?”

“Yeah, she’d sit perfectly, then pass out the moment the needle went in… Heh, I shouldn’t laugh, but thinking back…”

That’s some skillful fainting.

Guess it kept her from noticing the shot… Quite a talent?

But how’ll Sakura handle it…

Glancing at Sakura napping on Kanzaki-san’s lap, I press the accelerator.

※

At the hospital, I park in the lot as usual.

I tuck Sakura into her chest pouch.

It’s safe, but it’s her first time here, so better be cautious.

“Ichirouta-kun! And Kanzaki-san too.”

At the hospital entrance, Mayumi-obasan, watering a flowerbed (now a veggie patch), calls out.

“Sakashita-san, good morning.”

“Morning, Obasan.”

Approaching, she spots Sakura in the pouch.

“Oh my, what a cute stuffed toy! Looks so real.”

“Wafu!”

Like Miku-chan, Obasan mistakes Sakura for a toy, and Sakura barks cutely.

“Oh… Oh my goodness, how adorable~! Ichirouta-chan, can I hold her?”

“Sure. Sakura, this is Yukiko-oneechan’s mom~”

I lift Sakura from the pouch and hand her to Obasan.

Her face melts as she gently cradles Sakura, nuzzling her.

“Sakura-chan, huh? What a lovely name~ There, there.”

“Wafu… fafu…”

Obasan strokes Sakura tenderly.

Sakura closes her eyes, letting it happen.

Seems she likes Obasan.

Maybe she senses something like Yukiko-chan?

“Mmm~ She smells like sunshine, and such nice fur. You’re well-loved, aren’t you… So, Ichirouta-kun, what’s up with her?”

“Well…”

I briefly explain Sakura’s story and why we’re here.

“Oh, poor Sakura-chan… You’ve been through so much…”

Obasan tears up, talking to Sakura.

“You’re safe now. Ichirouta-kun will raise you well, I’m sure.”

“Hyan!”

Sakura licks Obasan’s face and barks, staring at her.

“Hehe… It’s like she understands.”

“My girl’s smart!”

I can’t help but grin proudly.

Must be that parent-pride thing.

“My, you’re quite the dad already, hehe.”

“He’s a good one, isn’t he?”

Kanzaki-san smiles, amused.

I tuck Sakura back into the pouch.

“Well, Obasan, we’re off for the shot.”

“If she gets scared, comfort her lots. See you, Sakura-chan.”

“Wafu!”

As we start walking, Kanzaki-san gets called back by Obasan.

She tells me to go ahead, so I head to the courtyard.

Good thing I asked for directions earlier.

※

“Wow, lots of big brothers and sisters, huh, Sakura?”

“…An.”

In the courtyard, SDF members and their guard dogs are gathered.

About twenty dogs, all German Shepherds.

They sit neatly beside their partners.

At the front, a person in camouflage and a white coat—probably the vet—sits by a table lined with syringes.

…Quite a sight.

Sakura seems intimidated by the crowd of her kind.

Her ears are flat—poor thing, but cute.

I pet her head and line up at the back.

“Hello.”

I greet the male SDF member in front of me.

Gotta be polite.

“Hello… A puppy?”

The sharp-faced SDF guy turns, eyes widening at Sakura.

No surprise—a tiny puppy in a guard dog vaccination line?

Plus, I’m clearly not SDF, just some unemployed guy with a wakizashi.

“Oh, I’ve got Lieutenant Hanada’s permission.”

“I see…”

He looks puzzled but accepts it.

Being here means I’m cleared, right?

Intruders wouldn’t get past the gate.

“Um… can I pet her?”

“Go ahead.”

As expected from a guard dog partner, he’s a dog lover.

His tough face softens as he happily pets Sakura.

Sakura’s thrilled too—she’s super friendly.

His Shepherd, curious, stares at Sakura.

“Hey, you’re a cool guy. What’s your name?”

“Chase,” the SDF guy says.

Nice, even the name’s cool.

Sounds fast.

“Hey, Chase-kun… Can I pet him?”

“Sure.”

I slowly reach out, and Chase narrows his eyes, accepting it.

His posture’s steady, tail wagging slightly.

Well-trained…

Sakura sticks her nose out, curious.

“…Wafu.”

“…Voff.”

They touch noses, like a greeting.

Chase’s eyes seem kind.

I heard big dogs are gentle with puppies—maybe that’s it.

Sakura, you’ll be a kind dog too, right?

“…Sorry I’m late.”

Kanzaki-san joins us, head down, face red.

…What’s up?

“Kanzaki-san, you feeling okay…?”

“N-No… I’m fine!”

…?

If she says so, I guess it’s fine.

The SDF guy in front looks shocked.

Maybe he knows Kanzaki-san?

“Pardon… Are you Tanakano-san?”

He speaks formally.

“…Yeah, that’s me…”

He nods, like he’s figured something out.

What? Am I famous?

Or an old acquaintance I forgot?

“What’s that about…?”

“Tanakano-san! The line’s moving!!”

Whoa, Kanzaki-san suddenly pushes my back!

…Oh, it is moving.

I’m not satisfied, but whatever.

Come to think of it, I’ve done a lot here.

Even stayed briefly for my shoulder.

Probably that.

※

The vaccinations proceed from the front.

…These SDF dogs are something else.

No barks, no whines—just quietly getting their shots.

Maybe Sakura won’t be scared.

Or so I thought…

“Hey, Sakura, you okay?”

“Kyuun, kyuun.”

She’s trembling like a mini jackhammer.

Been like this since she saw the front.

She’s buried her face in my vest, refusing to look.

“It’s okay, Sakura-chan,” Kanzaki-san soothes, rubbing her back.

But the closer we get to the vet, the worse she shakes.

Poor thing, but she needs this shot.

Gotta tough it out.

Finally, Sakura’s turn.

“Oh, what a cute little one.”

The vet, maybe in their fifties, smiles warmly.

“It’s her first time. She was a stray, so I don’t know her exact age…”

“Hmm, let me see.”

I take Sakura out as the vet reaches over.

She’s freaking out, ears and tail flat, yipping wildly.

“Haha… It’s okay, little one. It won’t hurt.”

The vet calms Sakura, placing her on the table, checking her gently.

“About… less than six months old, probably.”

They pick up a different syringe.

“I got word from Lieutenant Hanada. I’ll use the puppy dose.”

With that, they swiftly inject Sakura.

She’s still shaking.

…Did she not notice?

“Hey, Sakura, it’s done.”

“All over, Sakura-chan.”

I pick her up, and after a bit, she stops trembling.

She looks at us like, “Huh?”

“Got any heartworm or tick medicine?”

“Yeah, I do.”

“Good, but take some extra. It doesn’t spoil.”

Talk about service.

My already high opinion of the SDF hits the roof.

“You did great, little one. Here’s a treat.”

The vet pulls a bone-shaped snack from their coat, holding it to Sakura’s nose.

She stares, confused.

“It’s okay, Sakura.”

“Wafu!”

With my okay, she happily chomps it.

“Puppies can get sick easily, so bring her back if anything’s off. I’m stationed here.”

“Thank you so much… Even though I’m just a random guy…”

I bow, and the vet waves it off.

“I love dogs, so don’t worry. And you’re… Never mind.”

They smile, glance away, and trail off.

Why do people keep doing that?

What’s my rep around here!?

※

After getting the medicine, I remember Yukiko-chan gave me a letter for Obasan.

I got it when I stopped by Occhan’s place this morning.

Forgot earlier, distracted by the vaccination.

“I’ll watch Sakura-chan,” Kanzaki-san offers.

I take her up on it.

Can’t bring a dog inside a hospital—not a guide dog, after all.

Some folks might be allergic or dislike dogs.

I hand the letter to Obasan, chat briefly, and part ways.

Hope Yukiko-chan can move freely soon…

The SDF and police need to keep at it.

Heading downstairs, almost at the exit, someone calls out.

“Excuse me, are you Tanakano-san?”

A semi-long-haired female SDF member steps from the hallway shadows.

Sharp face, kinda like Kanzaki-san.

Maybe all capable female SDF members are like this.

She seems younger than Kanzaki-san.

“Yeah, that’s me…”

I’m getting known around here.

My rep’s seriously bugging me.

“I thought so. I’m Yamada. Could we… talk?”

“A talk? Sure, what’s up?”

Hmm, what’s this about?

A message from Hanada-san?

Then I feel it.

• • Killing intent! *

Yamada suddenly unleashes a sharp front kick with no wind-up.

Too late to dodge!

I throw up my arms, catching the kick aimed at my solar plexus.

Ouch! It reverberates to my bones!

What power and speed—for a woman!?

Before I can protest, Yamada switches her kicking leg to pivot, launching a low sweeping kick.

I leap back, dodging, and take a stance.

My arms throb, but it’s bearable.

“What the hell!? Stop messing around!”

Her response is a right straight punch.

Terrifying reach and speed—I deflect it with my arm.

Damn, if I’d missed, that’d hurt!

“Alright, if that’s how you want it, I’ve got my own ideas!”

Yamada preps another front kick, silent.

No clue what’s going on, but I’m not into getting beat up quietly.

“Shi!!” “Gu!”

I step diagonally, deflecting her kick before it gains power, and slam my elbow into her shin.

An elbow to an extended joint’s gotta hurt.

As she flinches, I tackle her, driving my shoulder into her chest.

“Guh…!”

She stumbles back, coughing… but doesn’t fall.

Nice balance.

That shin hit should’ve hurt, though.

Against looters, I’d press the attack, but she’s SDF.

Can’t kill her.

Plus, this is basically an SDF base.

But getting jumped like this? Unacceptable.

Guess I’ll claim self-defense and go all out.

No wakizashi or shuriken unless she pulls a blade.

Fist for fist.

I’m fighting back… with everything!

I shift my mindset, adjusting my fists.

From clenched to open palms.

Weight forward, leaning slightly.

• • Nagumo-ryu, Unarmed Stance: “Kawasemi” *

The name’s a bit lame, but it’s an old term for kingfisher.

Basically, a counter-focused stance.

I’m not as skilled as with a sword, but Master drilled it into me, so I know the form.

Easier than offensive stances.

I close in with small steps, stopping just outside her range.

Yamada, wary of my stance change, holds still.

Come on, I’m good at waiting games.

Plus, another SDF member could show up anytime.

Time’s on my side.

“…!”

Yamada moves, impatient.

She steps in, throwing rapid jabs.

I slap them aside with minimal palm movements, redirecting.

Keep swinging, I’ll play along.

Ouch! One grazed my face!

That hurt!!

Is she holding a weapon!?

Amid her jabs, Yamada steps in.

Big move coming!

Jabs to distract, then a sharp hook!

But I saw it coming!

She’s skilled but too straightforward.

She’s got nothing on my cunning!

I dodge her right hook, stepping in close.

Now!

“Haa!!” “~~~~!?”

I slam my right elbow into her side, feeling bones creak.

No punches at this range, but elbows pack a punch.

“~~~~Ugh!!”

She staggers back, throwing a desperate left straight.

Trying to create space? Not happening!

I step in, slamming my left elbow into her arm, knocking her fist upward.

“Sei… Yaa!!”

I drive my right elbow into her solar plexus, then my left into her chest.

• • Nagumo-ryu, “Futawa” *

A double elbow strike, weight behind both hits.

Normally, both target the sternum, twisting for max damage, but I hold back.

Not for Yamada’s sake—for the SDF behind her.

A clean hit could kill.

She can’t take it, collapsing, writhing, vomiting.

Sorry, but Nagumo-ryu doesn’t discriminate.

Be glad I didn’t kill you.

The Kawasemi stance uses palms to deflect, then slams hard body parts—elbows, knees, shoulders, forehead—into weak points.

Master said the ideal is to chain hits to cause a brief heart-stopping shock.

No way I’m pulling that off.

…Master probably could, though.

“Guu… Uuuu!!”

Incredibly, Yamada stands.

What toughness!

Spitting, wiping her mouth, she glares with murderous intent.

…I seriously don’t know why she hates me.

Harada or Nakajima’s relative?

No, that stuff didn’t reach here…

No clue.

“…To a guy like this…?”

Muttering, she reaches for her waist.

A large knife’s holstered there.

“Stop. With your injured arm and body, my wakizashi’s faster. I don’t want to kill an SDF member, even if I hate you.”

I ready my blade, loosening the scabbard.

I’m faster, with longer reach.

She’s got no chance.

“If you’re that desperate, quit the SDF and jump me in town. I’ll happily take you out then.”

Her hand doesn’t stop, unfastening the holster.

…No good.

Hope I don’t get shot for this.

I can’t disarm a knife-wielder her level without killing.

…Should’ve crushed her knee earlier, bad press be damned.

Her hand grips the knife reverse-style.

I slide my hand to my wakizashi, pulling my left hip back to draw…

“Ga!?”

…I stop short.

Yamada clutches her hand, trembling.

A rod shuriken’s embedded deep.

At the entrance, backlit, stands Kanzaki-san.

No Sakura—must’ve left her with someone.

“…”

Her boots click as she approaches quickly.

“Guu…! Ah… Senpa—”

Yamada’s face softens, but—

Spang! She collapses, eyes rolling back.

…A right palm strike?

Barely visible speed.

Terrifying… Leagues above Yamada’s skill.

“Let’s go, Tanakano-san.”

Kanzaki-san glances at Yamada like she’s an insect, not meeting my eyes.

“But… what about this?”

“No issue. I’ll explain later.”

“Shouldn’t we call someone…?”

“No issue. Let her sleep.”

“But…”

“Let’s go, okay?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Following Kanzaki-san’s clicking boots, I swallow my unease.

…She’s scary right now.