Chapter 46 - Investigation
"Forgive me. Because G-5 is one of the New World's key bases, we can't properly host you for now. I must stabilize the situation here as soon as possible."
"The Marines at G-5 may seem rough and unruly, but once you spend time with them, you'll find they're not as bad as they look."
"If you need anything, you may come to me. But the base was attacked not long ago, and I still have matters to handle—so I'll take my leave first."
"..."
Ain and Binz nodded, watching the man with the bowl-cut haircut walk away.
Both of their eyes flickered with thoughtful suspicion.
Only when Vergo's figure disappeared did Binz finally exhale, flopping lazily onto the sofa.
"And why did that guy—Eiger—tell us to watch out for Vice Admiral Vergo?"
Binz muttered irritably.
"I think Vergo seems pretty nice. His reputation in Headquarters is excellent too."
After all, Vergo had originally been an elite from Navy HQ before being transferred to G-5.
Strong, capable, respected—his name was still known throughout Headquarters.
"He didn't explain a thing and vanished like smoke. What are we supposed to do now?"
"He might have his own matters to settle."
Ain considered for a moment.
"We'll begin our investigation first."
"He just came from the West Blue. What 'matters' could he possibly have?"
Binz groaned, stretching across the sofa.
"I bet he's just messing with Teacher Zephyr and came along to enjoy the excitement.
So how do we even investigate?"
"We investigate the pirate attack, the death of the former G-5 base commander, and…"
Ain paused briefly, a strange glint flashing through her eyes.
"And we also investigate Vergo."
"Huh? That complicated? I thought we just needed to go through the motions."
Binz held his head in both hands, looking pained.
"I don't see any problem with G-5 at all. And you really believe what that guy said?"
"It's only an investigation."
Ain shot him a sidelong glance.
"Look for anything suspicious about Vergo. And be careful—don't get discovered.
Meet me in the small town outside the base when the sun sets."
With that, she turned and walked out before Binz could protest.
"Why did this suddenly become so troublesome…? We only needed to file a report."
Binz sighed helplessly as he watched her leave.
Then he frowned.
"And is Ain trusting that guy a bit too much…?"
Still, after a moment of hesitation, he pushed himself to his feet and stretched.
"Forget it. I'll take a look too.
Let's see if this Vice Admiral Vergo really has anything wrong with him."
If Vergo really had no issues, Binz swore he would personally report back to Teacher Zephyr—
because that brat Eiger was clearly trying to mess with them!
Muttering to himself, he walked out the door, though deliberately taking the opposite direction from Ain. And just like that, the two split up and began their investigation.
What was supposed to be a simple, routine check—
Look at G-5, confirm it exists, go home—
had somehow turned into a full day of exhausting work because of one sentence from Eiger.
By the time the sun set, Binz finally dragged his tired body into the neighboring town. He spotted Ain approaching as well—walking slowly, eyes deep in thought.
Binz let out a long sigh.
"So? What did you find?"
Ain blinked back to reality, but instead of answering, she asked:
"What about you? What did you find?"
"Hey hey hey—I asked you first."
Binz grumbled, but relented.
"Fine, I'll go first."
Seeing her frown deepen, he straightened up and reported seriously:
"G-5 really was attacked. And the Marines here are exactly like Vergo said—rough, loud, practically bandits in uniform. They look more like pirates than Marines.
But… they still uphold justice properly."
He shrugged.
"Vergo also checks out. Or rather—he's a model Marine. If he wasn't, these rough-types wouldn't trust him so much."
In G-5, Vergo's reputation was sky-high. Even these unruly Marines listened to him without hesitation.
"So?" he asked, looking at Ain.
"Your turn."
"I…"
Ain paused for a moment, then sighed quietly.
"I didn't find anything either. Same as you."
"See? Told you!"
Binz puffed his chest proudly.
"Vice Admiral Vergo is a good man. How could he possibly be suspicious? And that brat from the West Blue—there's no way he even knows Vergo! How could he know anything about him?
He was totally bluffing! When we get back, I'm definitely telling Teacher Zephyr."
He snorted.
"Who knows where that guy even ran off to? Didn't do a single thing. Probably wants to appear at the end like he worked the whole time and go home with us."
"Or maybe…" Ain raised an eyebrow, voice calm.
"…we simply failed to uncover anything.
Otherwise, why else would Eiger say such a thing?"
"No idea."
Binz waved dismissively.
"Probably just wanted to mess with us. Keep us busy so he can relax."
But then his face lit up as he looked ahead.
"Anyway! It's rest time now. Tomorrow we investigate the pirates, and we'll probably be done after that. I wonder if this town has a tavern—I'm going to grab a drink. You coming?"
Without waiting for an answer, he strolled happily into the town.
"..."
Ain stared helplessly, then followed him.
"We could ask the townsfolk too," she suggested as they walked.
"More investigating? Have mercy…"
Binz groaned dramatically.
But then he suddenly brightened.
"Oh! Found the tavern!
I need a drink, now."
He ignored Ain completely, pushed open the tavern door, and stepped in.
Ain could only sigh again and follow.
They sat down at the counter.
But before Binz could relax, Ain spoke again:
"I'm serious, Binz. Even though we didn't find anything, something about all this feels… off. Maybe the townsfolk know something."
"Or maybe you're thinking too much because of what he said."
Binz rolled his eyes.
"Honestly, Ain, you're trusting that guy way too much."
He turned toward the counter and raised his voice—
"Oi! Boss? Anyone here? What drinks do you have—?!"
He glanced back at Ain.
"That guy ran off to god knows where, and we're the ones working ourselves to death because of one random comment—"
Before he could finish, just as Ain opened her mouth to respond—
"Evening, dear customers."
A familiar voice cut in.
Both Ain and Binz froze.
Then, in perfect synchronization, they snapped their heads toward the bartender—
Only to see:
A man in a fitted suit, neatly tied tie, smiling politely behind the counter.
"Good evening. What would you like to drink?"
Their expressions went completely slack.
Because the bartender was—
Eiger.
Holy crap—
It really IS this bastard!