Jobless Man’s Zombie Survival Life - Chapter 97: The Yamanaka Siblings

Chapter 97: The Yamanaka Siblings

“There, there!”

“Wafu! Wan!”

I glance at Arata-kun playing with Sakura while looking at his sister… Yamanaka-san.

We’re in the Yamanaka family’s living room.

They gave the okay for Sakura to come in, so I wiped her paws clean and brought her up.

I leave Sakura to Arata-kun and turn to talk.

“So… what’s the plan, Yamanaka-san? If you’re out of food, staying here’s not the best idea.”

“With my leg like this… we don’t have anywhere to go. The nearby elementary school was a shelter, but it seems it got overrun…”

That’d be… Kawakita Elementary, right?

From the shelter list at Yurei, it was one of the first to fall.

“Hm… Where’s your mom?”

“She works as a vet at Ryuugu Park. We haven’t heard from her since…”

Oh, the county’s only zoo and amusement park.

It was a weekday when the zombies hit, so no clue if it’s gone or not…

Still, it’s not a distance you can just walk back from—two hours by car.

Trains are down, and the roads are a mess.

“Got it… For now, leave a note for her and come to my place. I’ve got food, and I can connect you with the shelter.”

“N-No, we couldn’t possibly trouble you…”

“I saved Arata-kun, so I can’t just say ‘See ya’ and walk away. It’s my nature… Once I’m involved, I see it through to a point.”

If I left them here, these siblings would starve together soon enough.

If I didn’t know, fine—but knowing? I’d sleep poorly.

“Besides, if things stay like this, you’ll both starve. Is that okay?”

Judging by that convenience store, this area’s been looted hard.

Things’ll only get worse from here.

“…Um, could we… ask for your help, then?”

Yamanaka-san speaks hesitantly.

Must be a tough call, with her brother to think of.

“Sure, leave it to me. Let’s get ready to move.”

“…Thank you so much!”

I call to Arata-kun to pack essentials.

Yamanaka-san’s leg and recent fasting have left her weak.

She’s likely been cutting her share for Arata-kun for a while.

Walking long distances would be rough.

“Money’s useless now, so focus on clothes and must-have items.”

“Got it! …Sis! Which underwear should I grab!?”

“Arata! …S-Sorry, I’ll be right there…”

Yamanaka-san, red-faced, stumbles toward Arata-kun.

…Yeah, expecting that much tact from an elementary school boy is asking too much.

I’ll wait here with Sakura.

“Sakura, wanna play tug-of-war with the rope?”

“Waon! Wafu!”

※

Soon, the two return with two large backpacks.

Hm… that amount should be fine.

We write a note for their mom, placing it prominently on the table.

It says they’re heading to my place, with my address and Yurei’s.

If Yurei doesn’t work out, I’ll add other shelter addresses later.

By car, it’s a quick trip via another bridge.

They had a travel wheelchair, so we’ll use that for Yamanaka-san.

Good—I was worried I’d have to carry her the whole way.

Arata-kun carries one backpack; the other’s strapped to the wheelchair.

One more thing: I’m posing as their uncle.

If word got out I’m taking unrelated kids home, people might cling to me.

This is my selfish choice—I’m not some all-loving philanthropist.

I can’t care for the whole complex; there’s no food, and Yurei wouldn’t take them.

Other families here will have to chalk it up to bad luck.

…Checked quietly, and no search requests match anyone in this complex.

“It’s not heavy, is it, Tana… Ojisan?”

“Not at all… Honestly, it’s so light it’s making me tear up. Once we’re home, I’ll feed you till your stomachs burst.”

Stairs are too risky for the wheelchair, so I princess-carry Yamanaka-san down.

She’s too light… Poor thing…

“Wow! You’re strong, Ojisan!”

“A man’s worth is in his strength and kindness, Arata.”

Arata-kun’s sparkling eyes follow me as I trudge down to the first floor.

Phew, gotta grab the wheelchair.

I leave them and Sakura on a bench and head back to the fourth floor.

Grabbing the wheelchair by the door, I hear voices as I descend.

“No way, just ask for us…”

“He’s nice enough to come all this way, right?”

“Just asking’s free…”

The Yamanaka siblings are surrounded by three adults.

Two old guys and a woman.

What’s going on?

“Hey~ What’s up with my niece and nephew?”

I set the wheelchair down with a thud and call out.

One guy turns, face twitching at the sight of me.

I’ve got a bokken on my backpack, ken-nata and wakizashi at my hips, and a flashy scar on my face.

Must look terrifying.

…Huh? The siblings didn’t comment on it.

Whatever.

“Sh-Shiho-chan’s uncle?”

One guy asks nervously.

“Yep, Yamanaka Shikanosuke. Their mom’s brother… So, what’s up?”

I toss out a fake name in 0.2 seconds.

…Maybe a historical hero was a bad choice?

If they question it, I’ll say it’s a namesake.

“You’re here to take Shiho-chan and them?”

“Yeah. Can’t reach their mom, so I figured it’s safer than leaving them alone.”

“Good uncle you are…”

“Ha, yeah…”

What’s this about?

I wanna go home.

Another guy steps closer.

“Got any food? We’re running low…”

“Nope, don’t have any. I don’t live around here…”

Whoa, bold begging.

“It’s in that backpack, right!? You’ve got a dog, so you must have plenty!”

The woman joins in.

Yeesh… desperation makes people shameless.

“It’s just dog food in here… and clothes in the other one. Can you move? I need to get my niece in the wheelchair.”

Talking’s getting annoying, and we should leave.

These types get worse if provoked.

Their eyes are bloodshot—probably desperate.

Gotta separate the siblings from them.

I set up the wheelchair and push it to the bench.

“Here, Shiho-chan.”

“R-Right…”

I lift her into the chair and strap her in.

Now, let’s put the spare pouch on Arata-kun… Whoa!?

“Hey! What are you doing!?”

“It’s in here, isn’t it!?”

He grabs my backpack!

Too bad, it’s got a locked zipper!!

“…Let go. I won’t say it twice.”

“Shut up! Hand over the food!!”

Oh, really?

I lean into his grip with a body check.

He tumbles to the ground, letting go.

“Arata, get behind me with Sakura.”

Arata-kun, holding Sakura, hurries behind me.

The woman helps the fallen guy up; the other glares at me.

…What’s with those eyes?

Wanna get smashed?

“Let us go, and I do nothing. But…”

I draw my wakizashi and ken-nata, striking a stance.

“Eek!?” “O-Okay!!” “Please, spare us!!”

The ken-nata, still bloody from the zombie fight, must look menacing.

They bolt back to the complex.

Sighing, I sheathe my weapons.

They didn’t stop when I told them.

If I were alone, I’d have knocked them out, but I don’t want to traumatize a kid and a teen with human gore.

“They… didn’t share food with us.”

Arata-kun mutters.

Hm, karma, then.

Fine if they don’t share with other kids, but begging their “uncle” (fake) is shameless.

“Alright, let’s move! Arata, watch Sakura.”

“Just call me Arata, Ojisan. I got her!”

Can’t stay here.

More beggars might show up.

Let’s get out.

※

I push the wheelchair across the bridge.

Arata holds Sakura’s leash, walking happily beside us.

Sakura’s thrilled too.

Arata’s got the spare pouch, so we’re set if Sakura tires.

“Arata, you play baseball? No wonder you’re so tanned.”

“I was a pitcher! …Ojisan, you do kendo?”

“Kendo, kenjutsu, and iaido. Haven’t been to the dojo lately, though.”

“Wow, cool! If I train, can I get strong?”

Arata’s eyes sparkle again.

“Strong for what?”

“Duh! To protect Sis! From people like that and zombies! …Can I?”

What a good kid…

I was way dumber in elementary school, probably.

This world made him like this… or maybe he’s just naturally good.

“You will… way stronger than me.”

I murmur, dazzled by him.

…Glad I saved this kid.

Hope he grows up this straight.

“So, Shi… Yamanaka-san, what high school did you go to?”

“Call me Shiho, Tanakano-san. Ryuuzen High.”

Ryuuzen High… that’s a prestigious school in the next prefecture.

She’s smart, Shiho-chan.

“That day was our founding anniversary, so I came home for once.”

“Huh, lucky or unlucky? Wait, then Arata…?”

“I played hooky!”

“Haha, bad kid.”

Great smile.

Bet he stayed home to be with his sister.

Hope he doesn’t turn into a sis-con…

Shiho-chan’s pretty cute, after all.

“Mom went to work, and three hours later, it got noisy outside… then it just happened.”

Hm, zombies popped up all at once.

What’s the deal?

“The more I learn, the less I get why zombies appeared…”

“Ojisan! It’s gotta be aliens! Invading Earth!”

Haha, aliens…

With no clear cause, that’s not impossible.

Or maybe ancient evil spirits… getting Shin-Den-Ki-ish.

“Maybe. I saw a UFO as a kid.”

“No way!? Really!?”

“Yup, during a club camp at Ryuugu Mountain. A white light zigzagged across the sky…”

Chatting away, I notice something odd near the bridge’s end.

Footsteps behind us.

I check with a hand mirror from my chest pocket—three people approaching.

Young, two guys and a girl.

The guys have bats.

“(Arata, push the wheelchair. Put Sakura in the pouch… walk slowly.)”

I whisper, slowing down behind the wheelchair.

Probably just passersby, but better safe.

We’ll let them pass.

Can’t outrun them with the wheelchair.

They’re getting closer.

When they’re near, I turn and speak.

“Oh, hey… Konnichiwa.”

Like I just noticed them.

“Hi.”

The lead guy returns the greeting.

The other two nod.

“Nice weather, huh? Out for a walk?”

“We’re heading home. You?”

“Just a stroll. Gotta get the kids some sun, right?”

“Totally.”

Hm, they don’t seem shady.

Let’s let them pass.

I ease to the sidewalk’s edge, making way.

The three wave at us and Sakura, who barks cheerfully, and move on.

…Good, just rare normal survivors…

“Nice people!”

“Yeah, good stuff.”

“Are… dangerous people common?”

Shiho-chan asks quietly.

“You were… different just now, Tanakano-san. Like your vibe changed.”

Sharp kid.

“Well… Sad to say, people who attack out of nowhere are more common now.”

“Your… scar, is that…?”

“Haha, got careless. Went zaku.”

Bitter memory.

“But, cool, right? Huh, Arata?”

“Yeah! Looks tough!”

“Right?”

It’s a funny story now.

“I got off easy… but generally, don’t trust people you meet out here. …Says the guy you just met.”

“No way! You’re good, Ojisan!”

“Glad you think so… Why’s that?”

“Sakura-chan loves you! Mom said puppies and kittens know bad people!”

“Vet’s seal of approval, huh? That’s reassuring.”

We laugh and resume our normal pace.

Those kids went straight after the bridge.

Good, opposite direction.

We can head home safely.

※

Sakura got tired midway, but we made it home without issue.

“Welcome to Casa Tanakano!!”

“Awesome! Like a secret base!!”

“It’s… a lovely home!”

It’s fine, I know it’s not girl-friendly.

Only Kanzaki-san would approve.

Arata’s excited, so that’s enough.

“Alright, Arata, hold tight.”

“Yeah, Sis, you got this!”

“S-Sorry…”

My place’s entrance is on the second floor, tough for Shiho-chan.

I steady the ladder while Arata, up top, pulls her up.

The wheelchair goes on the truck bed.

We enter and head to the first-floor living room.

Arata eyes my DVD-packed bookshelf curiously.

“Wow… like a store.”

“Got electricity here, so watch whatever later. I’ve got four portable players.”

“Everything… Sorry, Tanakano-san.”

“Kids shouldn’t hold back. C’mon, Sakura, let’s wipe your paws.”

“Wafu! Kyuun!”

Must’ve tickled.

I fill the tub and toss in the heater.

It’s… 2 p.m.

Weird time, but let’s eat.

Ramen it is—got tons.

I fill a big pot from the udon days with well water and set it on the large gas stove.

“Hey, miso, salt, or soy sauce—which one?”

The two, playing with Sakura in the living room, pick miso.

Miso’s great.

I toss in dried veggie mix from the supermarket.

It’s something for nutrition.

Once the veggies rehydrate, I add noodles.

Lazy, so five portions—some are near expiration.

When the noodles loosen, I add the soup base, stir, and done.

I set a trivet on the table, place the pot, and add bowls, chopsticks, a ladle, and serving chopsticks.

Miso ramen’s smell never gets old.

I prep Sakura’s meal, and we dig in!

“““Itadakimasu!””” “Waun!”

Even after chocolate bars, hot food’s a treat.

They’re teary-eyed, slurping away.

Yup, hunger’s the worst for humans.

“No holding back—five portions here. Eat up, both of you.”

“Yeah! I love ramen!”

Never met someone who doesn’t. Me neither.

“Delicious… so delicious, Tanakano-san… It’s been so long since I had something warm…”

Ugh, I’m tearing up too.

Gotta stop, or it’ll turn into salt ramen!

After eating and cleaning up, I return to find the siblings leaning on each other, asleep on the sofa.

The tension’s finally broken. No wonder.

I gently drape a blanket over them and carry Sakura to the second floor.

“They’re sleeping, so let’s chill here, girl.”

“Wafu!”

I flop on the bed, Sakura eyeing my room curiously.

Whoa! What’s this fluff!?

Oh, right, the bedding I grabbed when I got Sakura.

Been sleeping with her in the living room, so I forgot… Damn, luxury bedding’s amazing.

I call Sakura, and she jumps on, sinking to her belly.

Her shocked ‘!?’ face is adorable.

Panicked, she swims through the fluff and crashes into my stomach.

Kinda hurts.

Two hours till the bath’s ready… Nap time.

Patting Sakura’s back, I close my eyes.

※

The alarm wakes me.

…Man, this bedding even makes waking up feel great.

So refreshed.

Downstairs, the two are still asleep but stir at my noise.

“Ah… S-Sorry, we fell asleep.”

“Nmyuu… Fwaaa~”

“No worries, my bad for waking you.”

I smile at Shiho-chan’s red-faced apology and chuckle at half-asleep Arata.

“Bath’s ready. Careful, the heating rod’s hot.”

I hand over bath towels.

“N-No, we can’t go first…”

“Don’t worry, I’ll bathe with Sakura later. Right, Sakura?”

“Hyan!”

Shiho-chan resists, but I have Arata drag her to the bath.

Girls need their baths, after all.

I tell her to use my sister’s shampoo and conditioner.

Cheerful voices echo from the bathroom.

Reminds me of Uncle’s place.

While they’re in there, I’ll sort our stuff and check the loot.

Oh, right.

I should skim the missing persons file.

Maybe there’s a request for these two in another area.

I pull the file from my backpack.

Let’s see… Yamanaka… Yamanaka…

Common name, pops up a lot.

This is an old man, this an old lady, this… close, one character off!

…Bingo!

• • Client: Yamanaka Tomoko (山中朋子)

• • Name: Yamanaka Arata

• • Age: 11

This is it.

• • Relation to Client: Nephew

So, their aunt.

Good they’re found.

Why’s it in this area’s file…?

• • Affiliation or School: Shiiya City Kawakita Elementary

Oh, she filed it in Arata’s school district!

He was skipping, so he wouldn’t know…

Good, we can take them to Yurei… Wait.

With the Nakajima mess, I should confirm with them first.

If they don’t get along, it’d be bad.

“Great bath~! I’m revived!!”

“Arata, dry your hair properly!”

Perfect timing.

Let’s ask.

“Hey, you two, about Yamanaka Tomoko-san…”

Turns out, they’re close with her.

When their vet mom couldn’t come home, they often stayed at her place.

She’s their mom’s younger sister, younger than me.

Right… people can have nieces and nephews at this age…

“Good… Tomoko-neesan’s okay. Tanakano-san… thank you, really.”

Shiho-chan tears up.

“Thanks to you, Ojisan!”

Arata’s full of gratitude.

“No biggie… Knocks one job off my shelter list. Been struggling to find people lately.”

The last part’s my laziness—I haven’t been trying hard.

Not struggling either.

Adults are liars, after all.

I bathe with Sakura and return to the living room.

After a light dinner, we decide to watch a movie and sleep.

Arata picks an action flick.

Most of my collection’s like that.

It’s about a CEO in a powered suit—not quite steel, but close.

The first in the series.

I love this one… Powered suits are so cool.

Great for scouting or fighting.

We three and one pup enjoy it, then I let the siblings use my parents’ bedroom.

They must be exhausted.

I snuggle into my luxe bedding with Sakura.

So soft…

Sakura’s out instantly.

This bedding’s the real deal…

Feeling Sakura’s warmth and her “wafuwafu” sleep-talk, I close my eyes.