"Fortunately I'm not on guard tonight. Aghh, my hands..."

The infection in my left hand was burning. It's hot.

"Ahhh, please..."

Please, someone, this hurts.

......

...

On Thursday, June 17th, Okata and I packed some things. Food, weapons and various other utility equipment. Today is a sunny day, although I'm not sure because the weather information service is turned off now.

"Have you brought this, Tanaka?"

Taki, she showed me something. It's like a cell phone, but not a walkie-talkie. It's a satellite phone. It was useful in case our walkie-talkie didn't work due to the long distance and uneven terrain.

"I don't think so… Yea, didn’t. How many cell phones do we have, Taki?"

"I think there are five. They all work and I have one of them. Shall we split it?"

"Yeah, for now, the ones who will be holding the satellite phone will be me, Okata, Yuki, Kanji and you. Makise, Haruka and Rai, you guys are close to three other people if you want to do anything outside. When I am out, tell me how each other's situation is!"

"Alright!"

Everyone in the place has heard it. Yes, we currently have eight members. This is a number I would say is quite a lot, subjectively, but it's still not enough if you take into account the vast area of my account camp.

"Makise, I'm out for a while. Take care of yourself!"

Those two people, Okata and Makise, really were a couple. The people around looked at them with a unique gaze. Well, it's normal human emotion to look at this unique event differently.

"Tanaka... This... For a protection talisman!"

Yuki, she held up some kind of bracelet. It is made of several precious stones. Well, their value has fallen and honestly became commonplace.

"Humu, thank you, Yuki. Take good care of yourself... By the way, I didn't see Haruka today. Is she awake?"

That's right, not everyone is here yet. The person who often calls me 'nii-chan' hasn't raised the bridge of his nose at all.

"She said she had a fever and was in her room. Well, she did have a high temperature. I wonder, you didn't make that girl work hard, did you?"

Taki explained while asking for information.

"No, no, we're both working normally. Well, maybe that sounds normal to me!"

I'm lying. Yes, maybe yesterday I went too far while playing with her. I'll apologize tomorrow.

"What's normal for you is probably too much for someone else. Huff, well, what more do you think you need?"

"Nothing, we're ready!"

Yes, after that, Okata and I got into the sedan which happened to be in good condition. I brought it this morning to prepare for this trip. Yup, I don't want to waste fuel by going far in a box truck. I'll just use that vehicle for looting around.

The journey has started. Okata, as a person who knows the place, the way and the direction guides me. What we thought was a safe road from obstacles turned out to be a road that was blocked by several vehicles colliding within each other. It hampered our time because I had to go out and shift or even throw these objects to the side of the road. There are two cars I threw into the river because they were on the bridge at that time.

"We got these things instead, Tanaka-sama!"

"Yes!"

Before throwing it away or shifting it, I checked the trunk of the cars. Most of the food in there was rotting or moldy, however, there were quite a few other items that were quite important. For example, a melee like a katana or a bat. There was also what appeared to be a police car or something in which there were pistols, ammunition and some handcuffs.

"Is this going to be long, Okata?"

"No, in a bit. Turn right when you see the shrine’s Torii. That’s it, it's over there, after that we just went straight until I said stop!"

Yes, this is a mountainous area. The winding road is the straight path here. Even so, the goal remains in that direction.

"Stop!"

And I stopped. It was a fairly quiet residential area. Well, devoid of humans and zombies. None of them were visible.

"This is weird, have they left around here yet?"

"Most likely yes... Well, that's good news since we can retrieve the weapon without any effort, right?"

Okata, this boy is holding back something. Yes, I know that he is worried about his parents. Most likely, Okata’s parents had joined the zombie troupe and the fact that he couldn't see them anymore was definitely something of an inconvenience. That's sad.

"We'll go around for a bit. You'll want to find your parents, right?"

Yes, this is what I have to do. Although I don't really remember how the relationship between parent and child feels, I do know that to normal people, they are very important.

"Ah, no... We have to hurry. If we take too long, the time will be wasted ineffectively!"

"Never mind of it, we have plenty of time. We'll be looking for your parents until eleven o'clock in the afternoon. If we don't find them, we'll continue!"

Yes, it's still 09:25 in the morning. There's more than an hour to find Okata's parents. Looking for something that is most likely not human anymore.

The reason why we did this in the first place is because we still have a long way to go. Yes, this is a busy area of houses and the last time Okata had contact with his parents was when they were inside the house of one of the residents here. They did not come back with a logical enough reason, Okata's mother was being treated at a local midwife's house. Yes, Okata should have a new sister or brother soon.

Okata's house jutted out a bit from this area. His house, for some reason, is in a remote part of this forest. The existing road can only be passed by pedestrians or just cyclists. Well, his grandfather used to be a hunter as well as a guardian of the environment. I think this is the house passed down from him.

Something sounded.

"There is a message!"

It's from a satellite phone. Message from Taki Shirokami.

[Tanaka, the folks want to practice using your firearms. I also want to re-train myself actually, will you allow it?]

Hmmm, that's right. I gave the weapon to Yuki before. The ability to shoot is important nowadays. Obviously I'll allow it.

I sent it to Taki. Messages that contain about permission to allow practice as well as bullets that can be used. For now, ammo is a problem. This camp of mine has no ammunition intake. Well, in my area, there is no weapon shop. Or maybe I was the one who didn't know where the weapon shop was.

"Tanaka-sama, what's that message?"

Okata, he's still by my side. Right now, the two of us are in the middle of the forest following the trail of a crowd that looks like a zombie horde's footsteps. Most likely, Okata’s parents also went through this.

"Just a message about asking permission to practice shooting. Wait, why is your face like that?"

"Well, I dunno, but I feel like it's a waste of bullets!"

"Yeah, to be honest it's like that. But they still have to be able to shoot and obviously they need practice... You're not jealous, aren’t you?"

"No, I've also practiced a lot before. Also, I've managed to get a deer too!"

"Wait, are there deer here?"

"Of course, even my grandfather said, there are still tigers roaming around here!"

This is great news.

"Hey, do you want some meat?"

"Wait, you weren't thinking about hunting deer, were you?"

"That's what I wanted to say. After this, we'll hunt the deer. Well, but we'll follow this trail and find your parents first!"

That's right, back to the focus of the goal. It's still 10:24 in the afternoon, and we've arrived at a place full of blood.

"This is terrible!"

There's a big hole, it's likely that this place was because of the source of a big explosion.

"There are a lot of body parts stuck in the tree. Was this place a mining conflict in the past?"

"No, I think this place is perfectly safe. There are no mines or dangerous conflicts like that... Wait, I know the person with the mine--"

I subconsciously pushed Okata from his position. Yes, somehow.

The sound of something flashing was heard. It was a kind of arrow which then pierced the ground.

There's someone else here!

"We are humans!"

Most likely this person thought of us as zombies or danger. If he thinks of us as zombies, then it can be solved with my shout. But, if he thinks of us as a danger like criminals, then this will be difficult.

"Isamu-san! Isamu-san, you're still alive, right!"

Okata suddenly stood up and shouted someone's name. Isamu, I think he knows this guy.

"It's me, Okata Takaru. The grandson of Igarashi Takaru!"

"Okata!"

Suddenly a fairly loud sound was heard from the direction the arrow was launched. Yes, they seem to know each other.

"Yes, it's me. I'm still alive!"

"Wait a minute, I'll be there!"

The voice sounded like it was moving. Movement down, he was on the tree.

"Tanaka-sama, he is an old man named Isamu Kimura. He is a friend of my grandfather and he also has several weapons such as mines and explosives. He is a hunter in our territory!"

Ah, so that's it. This explains the reason why there was an explosion in this non-strategic area. So that's his job.

"That's a relief. I thought we'd be under constant attack. Lucky you know him!"

"Yes!"

Not long after, from the bushes, an old man dressed in the style of Rambo came out.

"Hello, boy. Wait, who is he?"

Could it be that he didn't see me? Ah, maybe because from that direction I was covered by the trunk of that big tree.

"Hello, old man. He is Mr. Tanaka Hijimori, he saved me from school and I can still be like this human because of him. He is my savior!"

"Hello, Mr. Isamu!"

I lowered my head slightly, paying respect to the elder.

"Oh, oh, that's great. It's good to see you alive... Both of you, come here. It must be tiring to walk all the way from the city!"

The old man Isamu signaled us to follow him in the direction he was coming from. I looked at the back, the man's white hair was tied up. The hair that comes out of the red hat.

"Tanaka-sa

ma, let's just follow him. He's not a bad person!"

I nodded, agreeing to follow.

"Ummm, old man, did anyone else survive?"

Okata, while walking, asked Mr. Isamu. Implicitly, the answer to that question would also validate the information of safety of Okata's parents.

"No, it's just me. They all became those cannibal monsters... Including your parents!"

And not only validation, but also the information is justified by him. I guess this old man doesn't hesitate to speak the truth.

"Well, that's to be expected. Damn, hehe..."

Okata, he was sobbing.

"... I buried your parents near here. I'll take you there!"

Mr. Isamu immediately turned right from the straight road. We both followed. The atmosphere suddenly changed. Yes, the atmosphere followed Okata's suppressed sobs.

Not so long after, the three of us arrived in front of a place that looked like a mass grave. The mounds are sorted and lined up into about four rows.

"Your parents are here... I'm so sorry!"

Slowly, the sobs turned into real tears. Although it sounded a bit stifled, it was still the sound of crying. Old man Isamu hugged Okata while looking at me.

Yes, I am a foreigner. I'd better go first.

Entering the bushes, where I had passed earlier, I lit a cigarette that Okata said was expensive.

"Bitter taste!"

It's bitter.

For some reason, seeing Okata's condition reminded me of the past. Huh, I remember when I cried non-stop until finally there was one of the family members, no, my distant relative who comforted me. The only memory that sticks in my mind until now is when I was a kid. It was my parents' funeral. Honestly, at that time I still didn't really understand what was going on.

What followed was a debate over who would take care of me. At that time, damn, who is it, I forgot. In short memory, he is my great-grandparents' uncle after my father. It was only a month that I was treated at that family home and in the end I was enrolled in an orphanage by him.

No, he's not a bad person, yes, on the contrary he is a good person. It's just that his wife and some other people in the house don't really like me for some reason. I remember that I was always scolded by his wife when uncle was not around. At that time, she even threatened me with a broom. Come to think of it, uncle actually saved me from his wife haha. It's ironic to think sending me to an orphanage was an act of rescue. But, that's the fact.

Yes, my memory of being with my parents is practically non-existent because I am still too young. But clearly the feeling of longing with them remains.

"Come to think of it, how is that uncle doing now?"

Since I entered the orphanage, once a few weeks he would come to the orphanage to check. However, two years later he was gone. From the information I got, the family moved to another place for several reasons. At that time, I thought that it was because of me. Well, going without saying goodbye like that would definitely make me think negatively. Even I still think about it like that to this day.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Tanaka-sama!"

"It's okay, I'm not in a hurry either... I'm sorry for your loss!"

"Humu, thank you. By the way, Mr. Isamu said that he wanted to help us get weapons!"

"Yes, you two come to my place first. I'll make some tea for you!"

And we ended up in a tree house. It was a fairly wide and tall tree house. I wonder what kind of tree can withstand that weight.

Currently, Mr. Isamu and I are in the room. Okata was outside to see what he might be looking for. I don't know what he wants, but I think it's important to him.

"Tanaka-boy, right? Thank you for saving Okata!"

"Ah no, it's just my humanity. Yes, helping each other is important!"

That's right, at that time, I was moved by my moral sense. Luckily, at that time Haruka told me.

"Still I'm indebted... I'll tell you, that boy's grandfather and I were close friends. Yes, we were both from the army and we happened to be in one platoon. He and I went out together and decided to live as hunters. Where we were then became the village you see today!"

"That's really great. You two must be famous people in the village!"

"Yeah, I'm notoriously terrifying and Igarashi is notoriously mystical. Well, that's because we both live in a deep area. No wonder we're considered that way even if I may say so, the land they built as a home before is mine... Some belong to Igarashi!"

Igarashi, he's most likely Okata's grandfather.

"Hey, old man. Can I get some chickens in the coop?"

The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

"Hey, hey, I thought you were just going to take some gun, damn brat! How much do you want to take?"

"All of them!"

"You, crazy brat!"

"Ow, ow, ow, ow!"

They really get along. Maybe their relationship was like this before the apocalypse.

We spent some time at that grandpa's place. Okata and Mr. Isamu are so close that I can't bear to interrupt their time. For that reason, I came out with the excuse of looking for animals to hunt. That's right, wil

d animals are still abundant in this area. I'm quite confused about this area, but if I get lost, old man Isamu tells me to light a flare. He will pick me up later.

"It's one o'clock. There's still time!"

Currently, I carry two weapons. Katana and rifle with scope. These are the two weapons I've always wanted. I never thought that I could get it.

Check by the bush I passed. I think the distance I have traveled has reached two kilometers from Mr. Isamu's tree house. I found traces of an animal. Footprints similar to deer.

"I've never done this, but I think it's a good experience to have!"

I was determined to follow the trail. Even with my minimal experience, I can guess which path the deer took. Sometimes the traces disappear, sometimes they are clearly visible. It's like I can actually think like that deer in terms of movement.

"There!"

I found it, it's not one, but three. And they are not deer, but goats!

"I guessed it wrong!"

But, still they are good prey animals... No, wait. Why am I thinking of killing the goats!

They can be kept!

"That's right!"

If I'm not mistaken, I just got something like a mute from Mr. Isamu. Yes, it's a stun-dope bullet that somehow uses it. If I'm not mistaken, this must use that blow pipe, right?

"Can I do it just by throwing?"

All right, I'll try. Three at once!

Everything darted from the three sides of my finger. Yes, the dart-shaped stun-dope bullet hit the three goats and one of them hit right in the middle of the stomach.

"Baaaa!"

All the goats ran.

"Oh shit!"

They scattered. Two of them ran in the same direction, the other in a different direction. I chose the direction in which the two goats ran.

Trace after trace I watched. It was seen that later the two of them separated. However, just a few meters from their separate position, I found the one goat lying. He wasn't dead, he just couldn't move. He's stunned.

"One is caught!"

I tied his four legs and put him on the grass. If he wakes up, he can eat the grass if he is hungry.

I got another one, which was separated earlier, by the water. It was a kind of clear pond, but somehow a bad feeling came over me as I approached it. I don't really believe in ghosts, so let's just assume there's a crocodile or something.

I lifted him and put the goat close to the goat I tied before. Now, I return to the place where I found these farm animals. Yes, I tracked another one running in a different direction. I followed his trail. I continued to explore until I realized the time I had taken was long enough.

"Could it be that he was up and running?"

Most likely so. Yes, the effects of anesthesia vary. From my estimation, this one goat managed to escape and run away from where he fainted. It's a bit late, at 02:44 PM, it would be bad if I continued the search.

"Well, it's kind of fun. Finding the prey animals alive is a whole new challenge!"

Maybe I can live in the wild. Yes, I believe with this body strength, I can become the king of the jungle and be free from the dangers that exist in the cities. I don't need to meet mutants or zombies anymore.

"But I can't leave Yuki and the others. I have to go back!"

......

…

"I told you, I need it more than you!"

"What needs more. I live here in the wilderness. If you really want to go, then go with those weapons!"

"I'm back!"

Tanaka-sama is back.

"Tanaka-sama, you're finally back!"

Yes, he is Tanaka-sama with something behind his back. Wait, isn't that a goat!

"Baaaa!"

"I got two live goats!"

"Th-That's a goat? Impossible, how could you possibly get them in such a short time?"

"Well, I guess this is called beginner's luck. Would you like to raise one goat?"

"Ahh, of course it's beginner's luck. Yeah, forget about how you got them, what do you want? I'll trade them for those two goats!"

This old man, he was shocked when he saw the goat. Wait, I think he said something about goats.

"Ahhh, I have an idea. Tanaka-sama, don't let Mr. Isamu take the goat!"

"Huh, wait, why?"

"What are you saying, brat!"

Yes, this is the key to the deal.

"Hehe, before that, we should straighten out the negotiations first, right?"

That's right. I can win.

"I don't understand, I will put the goat here. It's a pity if you have to carry it all the time!"

Me and old man Isamu finally agreed.

Earlier, when Tanaka-sama came out, the old man and I talked about the distribution of weapons and chickens. Old man Isamu had previously taken all the weapons including the ones my grandfather had hidden and that weapon is currently being used by this old man. It was a sniper rifle that had the same bullet as most pistols. Sniper whose ammunition is easy to get and sniper whose voice is not too loud. Old man Isamu was reluctant to give me the weapon and told me to take his other five weapons. Well, four of them were my father's rifles, so it would be a little strange to say they were his. Thanks to the goat that Tanaka brought, the old man agreed to give me the sniper my grandfather inherited.

Then, on the chicken distribution agreement. Honestly I didn't have any chickens before, it's just that it would be advantageous if the Fire-Nebula Camp had pets that included livestock. Yes, it's a chicken and this old man has about twelve chickens available. He was only willing to give me two chickens, all of them female. However, thanks to the goats that Tanaka brought, I managed to force this old man to give me six chickens where one of them is a male.

"Ahh, so you two made a deal. I thought you two were arguing about something else!"

"That's so, thanks to your blessings, Tanaka-sama, our camp will have sufficient livestock as well as weapons!"

"Ahhh, for the sake of you two, Flores, Falentina. But, I'm fine... You, brat, get your chicken later and let me get the module on my rifle first!"

"Kay!"

Perhaps Tanaka-sama thought that me and this old man were close relatives or blood relatives. Well, you could say we are actually close, it's just that about an agreement like this, we are really serious and can't use the context of kinship.

"Hey, Mr. Isamu, why don't you just join our camp?"

Wait-- Agh, I forgot to say. Mr. Isamu, he doesn't like it when someone says he has to go out of this mountainous region. I don't know what kind of demon is in this old man's body, but anyone who says something that will definitely be severely scolded.

"..."

"Ugh, Isamu-san, don't think about it. We didn't really want to take you!"

"What are you saying, Okata! I actually asked him to join!"

Ah, it's over. This is going to be serious.

"... Boy!"

He had started talking. Tanaka-sama, who still doesn't understand the nature of Mr. Isamu, can only chuckle like that. Please, I don't want Tanaka-sama to get into trouble.

"Thank you!"

Ha?

"Alright, then welcome to--"

"Not that. Thanks for the offer, but I have to refuse!"

Haa?

"But why?"

"Look, well, there are some things that you young people don't know. The matter is a bit complicated to explain. However, I would never want to leave this place in the slightest!"

"Wait, but why? Do I have to catch another goat to get you to join?"

"No, even if you give me a thousand goats, I will still not agree. I can't leave this place!"

"... Does that mean I can if I offer a thousand and one goats?"

Ah, Tanaka-sama, even though Mr. Isamu was being serious, he actually answered it like that. This is my first time hearing this too. I just found out.

"Haha, that's the connotation, boy. What I mean is, even if you give me a lot, I still won't go. There's a complicated reason why I can't leave these mountains!"

The atmosphere became calm. Old man Isamu lit his cigarette and for some reason the smoke caught to my eye.

Tanaka-sama looks confused, he is scratching his head.

"Okay, I understand. We will give these two goats according to the agreement you and Okata made. I also won't force you to say the reason why you can't get out of these mountains. Just one thing. If you don't have a place to live, come to our camp!"

Tanaka-sama pushed the two goats away. Yes, it shows that Tanaka agreed to not invite the old man into the camp.

"Haha, you're quite an interesting young man. However, if this place doesn't exist, then in a nutshell, I don't exist either. It's as simple as that… Well then, I know you must have someone waiting at the place you call the camp. Just take the things you need here!"

"Well, thank you, Mr. Isamu!"

After that incident, Mar. Isamu and I collected the chickens to be brought. Five hens and one rooster. These cattle will then be able to reproduce and the Fire-Nebula Camp will get a stock of meat food. Tanaka-sama, beside us, was lifting two sacks of quality chicken food. To be honest there is quite a lot of food in Mr. Isamu's warehouse, but the car we brought was not suitable for carrying a lot.

Next up for weapons. They were all ordinary weapons except for my grandfather's sniper rifle. Well, there are also shotguns that are of sufficient quality, but Tanaka-sama and I agreed to just take the snipers and weapons my parents inherited. Shotguns, pistols and other arguably better firearms, we stayed out of them. Well, after all Mr. Isamu also lives in this wilderness without anyone else to accompany him. He must of course have his own weapon.

Before long, Tanaka-sama and I finished packing. Even though I already know that Tanaka-sama is strong, it still amazes me to see him carrying two sacks of heavy objects along with other things which I would say are quite troublesome to carry. Well, it's a chicken coop as well as tools for taking care of other chickens. To be honest, it's a bit funny to see Tanaka-sama lifting things that, if piled up high, are equivalent to Tanaka-sama's height.

"Then, old man, I will go first!"

"Yeah, be careful on the road, brat!"

I said goodbye to Mr. Isamu. Well, my place and his place are different now. However, for this reason doesn

't mean I can't visit him again.

"Are you sure we can visit again?"

"Of course, Tanaka-boy. You are most welcome. Especially if you need anything about fodder or something. There's more than enough here for you to take!"

Tanaka-sama made sure to return. Well, he's the one that thinks that this place is quite interesting. If I'm not mistaken, he once said that he liked hunting games. I guess a wilderness place like this fits his favorite game.

"Yeah, maybe I'll come back here once in a while. Ah, just to make sure. How to do for you to keep yourself from shooting all of a sudden like before?"

Pfft, I just remembered. I almost died back then, but still it's a bit funny to hear Tanaka-sama ask like that.

"I'm not going to repeat it again. I was hunting earlier and happened to see a zombie-like figure. Yes, a cannibal monster that eats others. So I immediately reflexed to shoot. If you come, you don't need to worry. I already know your body's shape clearly, so I'll be more careful!"

"Well, it would be dangerous if I came with the rest of my camp . Oh yes, Okata, take out your satellite phone. Give it to Mr. Isamu!"

Tanaka-sama suddenly called me and told me to give Taki-sensei's satellite phone. Well, since it was Tanaka-sama's possession in the first place, I didn't ask any more. Anyways I also initially thought like that.

"Wait, isn't this an expensive item that costs four hundred thousand yen?"

"It's not worth the money anymore now. However, it's still an important item. There are already stored contacts of our camp members, including me, Tanaka Hijimori. With this thing we can communicate with each other without having to stick to the cellular network! "

I don't know how this phone works, but I think it has something to do with satellites. That's right, it exists in outer space and is probably the safest electronic item from a zombie invasion in this world.

"I understand a little about how to use it. Thank you, Tanaka boy. I'll take it!"

Well, with this I can contact him in case something happens. That's right, he's like my grandfather even though we're not blood related.

"Well, then, let's say goodbye first!"

"Be careful on the way!"

We then walked downstairs to where our car was. We left old man Isamu behind. For whatever reason, he would never get out of these mountains. Well, it was already something we both knew.

After a few minutes of walking, we finally got to the car. It took quite a bit of time to get all the stuff into the car. Guns were placed under the back seat, chickens were placed in the back seat and other items in the trunk. I don't know why, but it feels like this car is not strong enough to hold the load in the trunk. Maybe if these were normal times, we'd prefer to reduce the load. However, not for now.

At 04:56 pm we started our journey back home. It was a very happy and sad day at the same time. Yes, both my parents and the baby who was supposed to be my younger brother died and became a zombie. However, on the other hand, there was another person important to me who still managed to live.

"Hey, this is just out of curiosity, can I ask a question?"

Tanaka-sama suddenly opened his voice while the atmosphere was quiet.

"Yes, of course, Tanaka-sama!"

"Did Mr. Isamu do it with goats?"

"Hmmm?"

I do not understand.

"Ahh, I mean... how to say it. Does he have a fetish for goats or something?"

Ah.

"No, no, he's not like that. He just likes goats because they've been his favorite animal since he was a kid, he said. He also had a wife, back then. Well, he's normal when it comes to things like that. Goats are just his favorite animal and honestly, he's too fanatical about goats!"

I didn't think that this misunderstanding could come to that. Well, I guess it's normal for an unknown person to suddenly express their 'love' form towards a strange object or creature in an exaggerated manner.

"Is that so? Well, I was just feeling a little weird... By the way, try checking the chicken on the back. Somehow the air taste suddenly became smelly!"

"Yeah, they poop!"

"Why don't you find the smell annoying?"

"Well, maybe because I'm used to it!"

~~~

Tanaka and Okata arrive at night. The items that were brought were not only weapons, but also livestock as well as several other objects and tools.