"I'm sorry, but G-5, as an important base in the New World, can't offer you proper hospitality for now. I must stabilize G-5 as quickly as possible."
"The Marines at G-5 may seem rough, but once you get to know them, you will realize they're not that bad."
"If you need any help, you can come to me. G-5 was recently attacked, and I have things to attend to, so I'm leaving now."
"..."
Ain nodded to Binz, then watched the departing figure with the bowl-cut hairstyle.
Only after the figure had disappeared from their sight did Binz breathe a sigh of relief.
Then he lazily sprawled onto the couch while muttering irritably: "Why did that guy tell us to watch out for Rear-Admiral Vergo? He seems like a good person to me, and his reputation at headquarters is excellent."
Rear-Admiral Vergo had also been transferred from Marine Headquarters to G-5. He was not only extremely talented but also a kind person.
To this day, Vergo's reputation is still well-known within Marine Headquarters. "He hasn't explained anything clearly, and we don't know where he's gone. What should we do now?"
"He might have something else to take care of."
Ain pondered for a moment, then said: "Let's start investigating first."
"He just came out of the West Blue. What could he be up to? I think he's deliberately trying to trick Zephyr-sensei and join in the fun."
Binz lazily lounged on the sofa and said: "How should we investigate?"
"We will investigate the pirate attack and the circumstances surrounding the former base commander of G-5."
Ain said, pausing for a moment as her eyes flickered with light.
"And also... We will look into Vergo."
"Ah? Why is it so troublesome? I thought it was just a formality."
Binz covered his head with a headache. "I don't think there is anything wrong with the G-5 branch. And do you really believe what that guy said?"
"It's just an investigation."
Ain glanced at Binz and said flatly: "Remember to check what's weird about Vergo and be careful not to be discovered. When the sun goes down, let's meet in front of the gate of the town!"
After saying that, before Binz could say anything, Ain turned around and walked out.
"This is so troublesome. We were just supposed to follow the procedure."
Looking at Ain's departing figure, Binz sighed helplessly and then frowned: "And Ain trusts that guy way too much."
But after saying that, he stood up helplessly and moved his body: "Forget it, I want to see if there is anything wrong with Rear-Admiral Vergo!"
If there is no problem, he must report to Zephyr-sensei; this guy is here to trick them!
After saying this, he walked out with a melancholy look, but instead of heading towards Ain's direction, he changed direction and began his investigation.
Originally, it was just a formality, just to check on the G-5 branch, but now, because of Ian's words, the two of them were forced to get busy.
It wasn't until sunset that Binz dragged his exhausted body in front of the gate of the town.
Seeing Ain, who had also come from another direction, he couldn't help but sigh and said irritably: "So what did you find?"
"You first."
Hearing Binz's words, Ain came back to her senses, but she didn't answer directly.
Instead, she looked at Binz and said: "What did you find out?"
"Hey, I asked you first, fine, I'll speak first."
Binz looked at Ain, who was frowning, and could only put on a serious expression. "G-5 really was attacked, and the marines there are as rough as Rear-Admiral Vergo said. They look more like pirates than marines, but that's not really strange. They still uphold justice just fine."
Then he spread his hands while looking at Ain. "And Rear-Admiral Vergo doesn't seem to have any issues. In fact, he's quite the model officer. Otherwise, the Marines at G-5 wouldn't trust him so much."
Vergo's reputation at G-5 was exceptional. Even those rough marines listened to him completely.
Binz then looked at the frowning Ain and said: "What about you?"
"I..."
Ain was silent for a moment, then sighed and said: "I didn't find anything either. My investigation turned out the same as yours."
"I was saying it. How could someone as good as Rear-Admiral Vergo have any problems?"
Hearing Ain's words, Binz suddenly became more assertive and said casually: "Besides, that guy has been staying in the West Blue and probably doesn't know Rear-Admiral Vergo. How could he know about Rear-Admiral Vergo's situation? He must be talking nonsense. We have to report this to Zephyr-sensei when we get back!"
He snorted coldly: "Who knows where he's run off to now? He hasn't done a damn thing. Don't tell me he's planning to wait for us to finish the investigation and then just tag along back with us?"
"Maybe we just haven't found out yet."
In response to Binz's complaint, Ain raised her delicate eyebrows and said expressionlessly: "Otherwise, why would Ian say that?"
"Who knows? Maybe he's just trying to fool us to keep us busy."
Binz shrugged casually, then looked ahead with a grin.
"It's time to rest now. We will investigate the pirate situation tomorrow, and then we will probably be able to go back. I don't know if there's a tavern in this town. I'm going to have a drink. Do you want to come?"
Without waiting for Ain's answer, he happily headed toward the center of the town.
Ain: "..."
Ain looked at Binz helplessly, but followed him anyway. As they walked, she said: "Perhaps we could investigate the town's residents?"
"More investigations? Give me a break!"
Hearing Ain's words, Binz, who just wanted to rest, said with a hint of resignation.
Then, as if seeing something, he hurried forward. "I found the tavern. I need to get some beer!"
Ignoring Ain behind him, he pushed open the tavern door and walked in.
Ain could only sigh and follow him inside.
The two walked to the tavern together and sat down.
But after they sat down, Ain's voice rang out again. "I'm telling the truth."
Ain said expressionlessly while looking across at Binz. "Even though we haven't found anything, I have a feeling something's off. Perhaps we can uncover something in this small town?"
"Maybe it's just that guy's words that have affected you. Honestly, Ain, you seem to trust him too much."
Binz grumbled unhappily, then turned and shouted: "Boss? Where's the waiter? What kind of drinks do you have?"
After calling out, he looked back at Ain.
"That guy ran off on his own, and we're still busy here because of his casual remark!"
Just as he finished speaking and Ain opened her mouth to reply…
"Welcome, guests."
A familiar voice rang out, causing Binz and Ain to freeze in their tracks.
They spun around and stared at the bartender who had appeared across from them.
The bartender, dressed in a tight suit and tie, smiled at them and said: "Good evening. What drinks would you like?"
What the hell! It really was that bastard!