Chapter 75: Amuro's New Flame

Chapter 75: Amuro's New Flame

When Eli disembarked from the gangway, "Balta" had already been detained and escorted off the freighter.

The others, meanwhile, were still conducting inspections on the ship.

Eli glanced at the situation, instructed those escorting Balta not to be too rough and to follow the proper prisoner treatment protocols, then turned and headed toward Amuro.

At that moment, Eli saw Amuro standing off to the side, looking slightly troubled, his gaze fixed on someone wearing a spacesuit and directing the unloading operations.

"What's the matter, Amuro?"

Eli didn't rush to disturb the person in charge but approached Amuro first to inquire about his troubles.

"Nothing, Lieutenant. It's just... I feel a bit guilty toward her," Amuro replied.

Following Amuro's gaze, Eli saw a bulky figure encased in a spacesuit. Even so, it was enough to capture attention.

"It's fine, Amuro. Having such feelings is a sign you're growing into a man," Eli said, patting Amuro's shoulder in an understanding manner.

"Look at me—I've already moved on to a new one," Eli said proudly, puffing out his chest, feeling guilt-free and even a bit smug.

"...Eli-san, I feel like you always say these misleading things at just the perfect moment," Amuro muttered before turning on his heel and walking away, as if eager to escape the scene.

"?"

Eli tilted his head in confusion.

What did he mean by "perfect moment" and "misleading things"?

"Ahem. What do you mean by 'moved on to a new one'?"

A familiar voice suddenly rang out from behind.

"Sayla?"

Eli's voice cracked slightly as he turned around, only to see Sayla standing there, arms crossed and glaring at him coldly.

In an instant, Eli realized that Amuro had just saved him from a dire situation!

"I was talking about the mobile suit! Look, I've got a new one too," Eli explained hastily.

Seeing Sayla's frown, Eli stepped forward and gently nudged her shoulder, signaling her to look toward the freighter being unloaded.

There, NT-1 was just having its dust cover removed, revealing its bulkier frame, enhanced by additional armor, standing prominently in the White Base hangar.

"Seems like Amuro has developed quite an attachment to the Gundam over time, making it hard to part with," Eli said, pointing toward where Amuro now stood.

Amuro was at the foot of the Gundam, looking up at the giant machine that had been his companion for so long.

To Amuro, the Gundam was more than just a mobile suit. It was his father's life's work, poured into it with countless hours and effort. In some ways, the Gundam was as much his father's "child" as he was.

And now, he had no choice but to give it up.

With a sigh, Amuro gave the Gundam's leg one final pat before turning toward NT-1.

Eli extended his hand toward Sayla. After a moment's hesitation, she placed her hand in his. With a slight push of his legs, Eli brought Sayla along as they headed toward NT-1.

As if sensing their approach, the person in the bulky spacesuit turned around and removed their helmet.

"Ah, it's so hot!"

As the helmet came off, fiery red hair spilled out, slightly damp with sweat, which scattered into sparkling droplets under the hangar lights with the motion.

Out of the corner of his eye, Eli noticed this detail, as well as Amuro's dazed expression.

So, I was right after all, Eli thought to himself.

Perhaps Amuro's gaze was too obvious because the red-haired woman shifted her eyes to him.

"What's the matter, Ensign?"

Despite being stared at, the woman showed no anger.

Moreover, she didn't underestimate Amuro due to his youthful face but addressed his rank seriously. Of course, her tone carried a certain gentleness reserved for children.

"Ah, no, I just thought you were very beautiful," Amuro blurted out.

Bold. Amuro actually had such a bold moment!

Eli couldn't help but squeeze in next to Amuro, watching as the boy's face turned red upon realizing how daring his words were. Eli found it utterly amusing.

"Alright, Amuro, apologize quickly," Eli said, lightly ruffling Amuro's hair.

"S-sorry, I just... I just..." Amuro stammered, unsure of how to explain.

After all, he had blurted out his honest thoughts in the heat of the moment.

"It's fine. I'll just take it as a compliment," the red-haired woman replied, waving off the matter.

"Amuro-kun, just be more careful next time, okay?"

"Thank you..." Amuro murmured, though he realized he didn't know her name.

"Ah, my apologies! I'm Christina Mackenzie, Lieutenant. I've been assigned to the White Base as NT-1's support technician starting today!"

Christina stood at attention and saluted formally.

"No need for that. I'm Lieutenant Eli Lee of the 13th Independent Mobile Unit. This is Sergeant Sayla Mass. And this here..." Eli deliberately left Amuro to introduce himself.

"I'm Amuro. Amuro Ray, Ensign!" Amuro straightened his back, his not-yet-fully-developed frame trying its best to fill out his uniform.

After all, Amuro was still a straightforward young man who wore his heart on his sleeve.

But this wasn't mere infatuation or shallowness; rather, it was a budding, innocent admiration—much like how every young man holds a certain fondness for a senior they admire.

"Amuro? You're that Amuro? The Gundam pilot?" Christina exclaimed, surprised.

She suddenly recalled how, during earlier simulations, she had only been able to push NT-1 to 30% of its potential and had assumed that whoever could pilot it must be a monster.

And now, the "monster" stood before her—a mere boy.

"He's still... just a kid," Christina murmured, looking at Amuro's face.

Though he had started to grow a little facial hair, his youthful features reminded her of Al. The difference was that Al was still in the phase of finding war fascinating, whereas Amuro had been dragged fully into its horrors.

Stepping forward silently, Christina placed her hand gently on Amuro's head.

Though Amuro usually hated being treated like a child by anyone except Eli, this time, he said nothing.

Eli watched the two quietly.

It wasn't long before his gaze shifted past them to the figure standing beyond, arms crossed, face clouded with anger.

"Fraw?"

In truth, I once had an unforgettable senior, my first love—the one who broke up with me. Even now, three months later, the memory remains vivid.