Jobless Man’s Zombie Survival Life - Chapter 99: Ooki-kun’s Big Blow-Up

Chapter 99: Ooki-kun’s Big Blow-Up

In the spaceship hangar, a massive monster rampages.

A little girl, hiding under the floor, desperately conceals herself but is finally spotted.

One by one, the grate covers are ripped away by the creature.

Cornered, the girl screams as the monster closes in.

A buzzer sounds, and the isolation door slowly opens.

Emerging from it is the protagonist, clad in an industrial powered suit.

With a heavy thud, she faces the monster, glaring with fierce determination.

“Get away from her… you monster!!”

An alien beast and the protagonist.

The final battle between two “mothers” is about to begin.

※

I stroke Sakura’s back as the end credits roll.

Phew, no matter how many times I watch it, it’s a great movie.

Thrilling, a bit gory in parts, but it ends with a hopeful vision for the future.

I love it… my favorite in the series.

The final one, too.

Huh? 3? 4?

…Never heard of ’em.

In my world, this series ends at 2.

Due to adult circumstances, the third one treated past characters cruelly, and the fourth one, strictly speaking, had a different protagonist. I don’t know ’em!!

I don’t know!!

“First time watching, but it was a good movie… Do I really resemble the protagonist that much?”

“Well, it’s like… the strength and conviction in her core, you know?”

“Is that so? …A mother’s strength, hm?”

“That’s the deep part of this movie—both being mothers. That final ‘Mama…’ hug? Love it.”

“The android was a great character too… His last line, so sharp with irony. I liked it.”

I’m at home.

Watching a movie with Kanzaki-san, as promised.

After dropping off the Yamanaka siblings and fleeing from Gyaruko, I came straight back.

Thought about switching to the truck for scouting, but that last bit drained me, so I bailed.

By the way, Kanzaki-san’s mood, which was oddly sour, perked up fast when I invited her to watch a movie.

What’s up with that?

Maybe she needed a break too.

Anyway, a good movie recharged my energy.

Perfect chance to consult Kanzaki-san about Gyaruko.

“Um, Kanzaki-san, I’ve got something to discuss…”

“Inogami-san, right?”

Inogami… oh, Gyaruko.

…The SDF must be training ESPers.

“You’d have to be blind not to notice after that exit…”

Kanzaki-san gives a wry smile.

Yeah, I did bolt like my life depended on it.

Looking back, maybe I didn’t need to escape that hard.

“Y-Yeah… So, what should I do? I’ve been ignoring her, but after that…”

“Indeed, it’s likely to escalate if left alone. …I think it’s time to firmly say no.”

“Yeah, figured. Ugh, what a hassle. Why doesn’t she just go look herself? I just wanna stay hoooome!”

I roll around on the floor.

Sakura, mistaking it for a new game, pounces excitedly with a “wafu wafu!”

Stop it, Sakura! You’ll get caught up in it!!

If you turn into a flattened squid, what then?!!

“Tanakano-san…”

As I roll and Sakura yips, Kanzaki-san speaks up.

Oh? What’s up?

“You’re so clear about what you want and don’t want… I’m jealous.”

…? I’m just selfish, aren’t I?

Is something bothering her?

“Well, you’re SDF, Kanzaki-san. Must be way tougher than a carefree unemployed guy like me can imagine.”

Seriously, I respect her.

If I were in her shoes, I’d run for the hills.

“Heh, you say that, but you work pretty hard for a ‘carefree unemployed guy,’ Tanakano-san.”

…She’s got a point?

Urgh… Unemployed… Urghhh…

“Um, Tanakano-san.”

“Yes?”

Whoa, serious face.

Listening while rolling would be rude.

I sit up in seiza, holding Sakura.

“If I… had a problem and asked for your help to solve it, what would you do?”

“I’d help, obviously.”

Kanzaki-san’s face goes blank—a rare expression.

Oh, that’s kinda cute.

“Even though you’d refuse Inogami-san?”

( ＾ω＾ ) …?

What’s she getting at?

“Duh. You know how much you’ve helped me out, Kanzaki-san?”

“…But you just said you want to stay home.”

As if I’m the final evolved form of a shut-in…

“Home’s relaxing, sure, I love chilling, but that’s a separate issue, right?”

“S-So… it’s because it’s me?”

“Yeah, exactly?”

“…!!”

Kanzaki-san catches her breath.

…Why?

Did she think I was that heartless?

“…You really got a problem? For real?”

“Y-Yes, it’s real. I might… ask for your help. Is that… okay?”

This isn’t the usual decisive Kanzaki-san.

Her problem must be huge… Yeah, it’s gotta be.

“Leave it to me. I’d follow you through fire or water.”

“…I-I’ll, um, borrow your sink…”

Kanzaki-san bolts to the bathroom at lightning speed.

Left behind, I lock eyes with Sakura in my arms.

“…What’s that about, Sakura?”

“Wafu… Fwaa.”

Big yawn, showing off those pristine canines.

Gotta give her bone chews regularly to keep those teeth cavity-free.

Kanzaki-san returns, looking refreshed.

“Um, so…”

“Wanna watch another movie?”

“Huh?”

“That one you and Ooki-kun were talking about. We’ve got time.”

“…Yes!”

I don’t mention her red eyes and grab a Blu-ray from the shelf.

…She’s got her struggles, Kanzaki-san.

She seems so perfect, probably hard to open up to anyone.

I wish she’d at least let her guard down with me.

We’re partners, after all.

※

“Is life… always this tough? Or just when you’re a kid?”

“…It’s always tough.”

A lonely assassin answers a wounded girl.

…God, this kid’s too beautiful.

Like, not even human.

Still gorgeous today—true beauties don’t fade, huh?

On-screen, the strange life of a lone girl and an assassin begins.

…Ugh, knowing the ending makes my tear ducts quiver.

Damn it, why can’t these two find happiness?

Kanzaki-san, watching it for the first time, is glued to the screen.

She mentioned she likes the actor playing the assassin.

I get it, totally.

He’s cool… different from my favorite action stars, with this hard-boiled charm.

Not about who’s better, just different vibes.

“I think… I’ve fallen for you. My first love.”

The girl confesses to the assassin.

He’s flustered, like their ages swapped.

…Reminds me of a high school fight with a senior who called the assassin a lolicon.

I got punched, punched back, and he passed out cold—one hell of a scene.

He was karate club, so it got brushed off.

I was kendo club, bare-handed, after all.

No, their bond isn’t some sleazy thing.

The girl had only the assassin; the assassin had only the girl.

It’s… pure, selfless love, or something like that.

Ugh, my vocab’s as bad as it was in high school.

Kanzaki-san’s eyes sparkle, totally engrossed.

Here comes the rough part.

Gotta watch, though.

Their quiet, tender life ends abruptly.

Police storm in, guns blazing.

The assassin tries to save the girl; she sobs, refusing to leave him.

“I don’t want to lose you!”

Tears stream down her face as he speaks gently.

“You showed me how wonderful life can be… I want to take root in this earth. I’ll never leave you alone.”

“…I love you.”

“…Me too.”

No, no, I’m done.

The screen’s blurring…

So sad… Too sad.

“It’s a gift… from her…”

“…Damn it.”

The assassin fulfills his life and meets his end.

The girl, left behind, carries only a potted plant from his room.

She stops, planting it firmly in the earth.

“…You’re okay now.”

She whispers his name lovingly.

The camera rises slowly, a mournful guitar melody playing.

It looks like a sad ending, but the girl will live on strongly.

Like that plant, taking root in the earth.

Still, my tear ducts are wrecked… Every time, no matter how many watches.

Pressing a towel to my face, I glance at Kanzaki-san.

Whoa… she’s bawling.

Her face is the usual Kanzaki-san, but tears pour as much as mine.

…She’s so beautiful, she looks like she’s in a movie.

Trying not to stare, I quietly offer a clean towel.

She snatches it and covers her face.

“So sad… such a sad movie, but… not just that. It’s a good movie. I’m glad I saw it…”

“It’s just… so… ‘good’ is the only word I’ve got. Damn my pathetic vocab…!”

We talk, drained.

Glad she gets how I feel…

Whoa!? Sakura, stop! No licking my cheeks!!

Now she’s charging Kanzaki-san!!

“Nya!? Sakura-chan!? Hold on!?”

We lock eyes and burst out laughing.

Sakura looks thrilled.

“…So many great movies out there, huh?”

Kanzaki-san muses, eyeing the shelf.

…Sorry, but 60% of those are action flicks.

People die, buildings explode, “Hell yeah! Done!!” kinda stuff.

Some tearjerkers too, though.

Like the gladiator who lost his family, the dragon and knight tale, or the dad blowing up a meteor.

Watching those back-to-back would kill my emotions, so not today.

“Let’s watch another sometime.”

“Yes, I’m looking forward to it.”

Next time, something light and satisfying.

※

Alright, great movie, mental energy restored.

Time to face Gyaruko.

Can’t keep stressing every time I go to Yurei.

Oh, better talk to Ooki-kun first, since he’s technically involved.

He’s not really, but just saying “Ooki-kun said this” won’t satisfy her.

Maybe get a video message.

Decided, let’s head to Ooki-kun’s place.

“Let’s go to Yurei.”

“Huh?”

I visit Ooki-kun, explain the situation, and he says that.

“No, um… a video message would do…?”

“No, I should’ve rejected her clearly back then. …I’m done. I won’t let those sisters mess up my life anymore!!!!”

“Whoa…”

Darkness… I see darkness.

A deep shadow rises from Ooki-kun’s back.

Sakura’s terrified.

She’s okay in Kanzaki-san’s arms, not panicking.

…Sakura, Ooki-kun’s a good guy, promise~

“Take me with you, Tanakano-san. To end my dark past.”

“…Got it. Let’s settle this.”

“Yes!!”

Ooki-kun’s resolve is ironclad.

As the one who brought it up, I’ll steel myself too.

To the battlefield!

※

We switch to Dad’s sedan and head to Yurei, the three of us.

Ooki-kun stares straight ahead, silent.

A warrior’s eyes.

He’s ready to close a chapter of his life today.

“Good work, Tanakano-sa—HIEE!?”

“Sakura’s all yours, Moriyama-kun. Her snacks and toys are in this pouch… She loves tug-of-war with the rope.”

“H-Hai!! Leave it to me!!!”

I quietly hand Sakura to Moriyama-kun, spooked by Ooki-kun’s intensity.

Things might get intense, so she’s better off out of it.

I explain to Miyata-san, asking him to call Gyaruko to the music room.

It’s soundproof enough to keep voices from leaking.

Miyata-san agrees to be a witness.

…Good call. A third party ensures no false claims later.

After a wait, the door opens, and Gyaruko enters.

Ooki-kun stands in the room’s center.

Kanzaki-san and I lean against opposite walls, Miyata-san behind Ooki-kun, silent.

“Ooki-san! You came!!”

“…”

Gyaruko’s thrilled, but Ooki-kun stays silent, glaring fiercely.

“Sorry about last time. I was upset and said awful things… I’ve regretted it so much.”

Tearing up, Gyaruko steps closer, talking on.

Too caught up to notice Ooki-kun’s demeanor.

“Hey? I know it was hard for you, Ooki-san… but she’s my only sister! I’m sorry for everything, so… please find her!!”

…“Find her,” huh?

Not even going herself.

“You still love her deep down, right, Ooki-san? That’s why you said such harsh things, isn’t it?”

“…”

“They say the opposite of love is indifference… Getting mad means you still care, right?”

She sure can talk nonstop.

Ignoring what her sister did.

“Sure, she did bad things, but was it so bad you’d abandon her? …Her job fell through because you sent that, didn’t you?”

“…”

“Screwing up her job like that… that’s too much, right? She’s been punished enough—more than enough! So…”

A creak sound.

Ooki-kun grinds his teeth.

“…What?”

“Huh?”

Ooki-kun’s voice seethes through clenched teeth.

He opens his mouth, facing Gyaruko’s question.

“Is that all you’ve got to say?!?!?!”

His shout shakes the air.

…Is this room soundproof enough?

“Listen!!”

“Eek!?”

Gyaruko finally notices his eyes, letting out a short scream.

“I’ve been quiet, but you’ve got some nerve spouting that nonsense!!”

Ooki-kun unleashes like a dam bursting.

“Engaged!! Sleeping with another man!! How’s that pitiful?!?”

“~!?”

“With a married man!! Willingly!! How’s that pitiful?!?”

“H-Hic… B-But—”

“Yeah, I loved her!! I adored her!! So who betrayed that in the worst way?!?”

“Hitomi, that’s who!!!!”

Ooki-kun kicks a desk hard, away from Gyaruko.

Panting, catching his breath, he shouts again.

“Hey!? What more do you want from me?! Go back to her?! Hell no!!”

Gyaruko collapses to the floor, face pale.

“I’m not that nice!! After all that, should I just grin and take it?!?”

“Don’t!! Screw!! With!! Me!!”

He kicks another desk.

“And you!! You hate me, don’t you?! Always with the snide remarks and harassment!!”

“N-No, that’s—”

“Saying I’m not good enough!! Just a childhood friend!! She only dated me out of pity, right?!?”

“…!”

“We finally agree!! I’ve hated Hitomi since then!! But I’ve hated you for way longer!!”

Ooki-kun bends over, panting, drenched in sweat.

Pouring his soul into this.

“No day has made me gladder I didn’t marry her!! Because I’d be stuck with your harassment forever!!”

“Hng!”

“My life?! You gonna give it back?! If not, stay the hell out of it!! Forever!!”

It’s almost a scream.

A blood-curdling scream.

“Even a clueless idiot like me can make it clear enough for you!!”

“Don’t decide my heart for me!! Opposite of love is indifference?! Hah!! For me, it’s hatred!!”

Finished, Ooki-kun rests his hands on his knees, gasping.

He wipes sweat from his brow roughly.

“…That’s my heart. Not your disgusting assumptions. My heart.”

His tone shifts, almost calm.

“Now I’ve said it… You still gonna ask me? To find your sister? Are you sane?”

He leans close to the pale, teary Gyaruko, spitting with icy venom.

“Not even in death.”

A moment later, Ooki-kun turns to me.

His face is as clear as a midsummer sky.

Must feel good to let it all out.

“…Tanakano-san, I’ll be with Sakura-chan in the parking lot.”

“Sure, she loves tugging the rope.”

“…Can I record her?”

“Make her look extra cute.”

“You got it!”

Thumbs up, Ooki-kun leaves the music room with a grin.

“I’m freeeeeeeeeee!! Hyahha!!”

His video-shooting energy and light footsteps echo.

…Damn, he’s fast. Sub-10 seconds for 100 meters?

※

The music room falls silent.

Gyaruko, slumped on the floor, covers her face, trembling and sobbing.

Her hopes are crushed—her own fault, though.

“…Sorry to pile on while you’re down, but search assignments are random. Don’t come whining to me.”

Gotta make that clear.

I’m not her crutch.

Don’t wanna go to that nowhere place anyway.

“So…”

Gyaruko mutters, voice nasal.

“So what do I do…?”

“…? Do it yourself or wait your turn.”

Probably last in line, though.

Dunno, but probably.

“I can’t do it myself… No way I could…”

“Don’t tell me that. Then wait.”

Feel bad… not at all.

I’m Team Ooki-kun, so I’m biased.

Even if not, I’m not nice enough to jump for a brat who can’t even ask properly.

“Tanakano-san’s searches are purely voluntary. We can’t force him, nor do we intend to.”

Miyata-san speaks slowly.

His tone is gentle, but his stance is firm.

“…That’s unfair! Then the police should do it!!”

Pretty sure your head’s the unfair one.

“We’re stretched thin defending this place. Joint SDF operations are planned, but they prioritize shelter safety, not missing persons.”

Oh, joint ops are moving forward.

Makes sense—living people come before missing ones whose status and location are unknown.

To families, their own matter more, but then handle it yourself.

It’s not peacetime.

Honestly, the police and SDF protecting refugees like this is a blessing.

Each shelter runs on its own goodwill.

With no contact from higher-ups, they’re still working hard for others.

Respect, truly.

I couldn’t do it.

“Well, that’s that. Kanzaki-san, Miyata-san, I’ll head out.”

“Good work, Tanakano-san.”

“Thanks, see you later… right?”

I nod to them and leave the music room.

Gyaruko never even glanced my way.

That’s your problem, kid.

※

Phew, my heart’s light.

A sound mind makes for a fun life.

Keep it chill, keep it chill.

“Hey! Ojisan!”

“Yo, Arata. Looking lively.”

Arata’s at the stairwell, carrying a basket of laundry.

Good kid, helping out already.

“Hey, just now! Someone was sprinting, arms raised, super fast!!”

…Sounds like a new kind of yokai.

“They were yelling, ‘Freedom rules! Freedom rules!!’ …Something good happen?”

“…Yeah, something really good.”

I pat Arata’s head, giving a wry smile.

…Here’s to Ooki-kun’s bright future.

Parting with Arata, I step outside to find…

“Good, good, Sakura-chan! That angle’s perfect! Angel! Fuuuu!!”

“Wafun! Waon!”

“Love that tail! Love it! Wanna shove your nose at the camera? Perfect!!”

Ooki-kun, shrieking and filming at wild angles, plays with a happy Sakura.

Moriyama-kun and the female officers nearby are… well, pretty freaked out.

“T-Tanakano-san… is he okay?”

“He had a really good day… Just let it slide today. He’s not a bad guy.”

“Well… Sakura-chan seems to like him, so… Must’ve been a great day, haha.”

“Yeah, haha.”

Yup, adulting matters.

Truly felt that.

※

In the end, Ooki-kun stayed over, and we had a movie marathon.

Felt weird leaving him alone.

He chugged Dad’s gifted whiskey, gleefully ripping into Z-grade flicks.