Chapter 145: Epilogue (Amuro Gets Banned)

Chapter 145: Epilogue (Amuro Gets Banned)

"Alright, next up is a mock battle. Amuro, you're sitting this one out."

The instructor on the podium wrapped up today's lesson on MS mechanical structures and prepared to have the trainees enter their mobile suits for a simulated battle.

But before that, it was necessary to ban the guy who was on a completely different level from the rest of the trainees.

Neither the other trainees nor Amuro found this surprising anymore. Still, Amuro stood up along with everyone else and floated toward the hangar.

At this point, their training was nearing its end, and by May of next year, they would graduate and officially enter the military.

"Man, it's back to piloting GM trainers again."

The person floating next to Amuro grumbled.

"If possible, I'd really love to see a Gundam up close—or even pilot one."

This guy was named Kou Uraki, a decent fellow.

Both his straightforward personality and his piloting skills made Amuro consider him a worthy friend.

After all, he could dodge three of Amuro's beam shots or parry two of his saber strikes.

Granted, he achieved this through sheer physical prowess and extreme angle maneuvers, but Amuro still saw great potential in him.

There were some high-speed maneuvers that even Amuro himself couldn't guarantee he could follow up with an immediate attack—but this guy could. Even if his movements were stiff, he still pulled them off.

"You'll get your chance someday, for sure."

"Oh, right! Can you get me an EZ-SR Gunpla? The production run was so small they sold out instantly—I couldn't get one at all!"

Uraki clasped his hands together, pleading with Amuro.

"Alright..."

Amuro chuckled and agreed to the request.

The Gunpla he had built with his father back then had now entered mass production—it was almost unbelievable.

Although other manufacturers also produced MS models, DAIBAN, the company founded by former Federation engineer Tem Ray, was the only one officially licensed by the Federation military. Even Anaheim Electronics could only make them as toys, whereas DAIBAN was allowed to create realistic designs.

Of course, there were strict oversight measures in place to ensure the technical expert didn't accidentally—or deliberately—leak classified information.

Thanks to this, the Gunpla business had started making money for Amuro's family.

—

"Hey, Amuro, that kid is here to see you again."

Just as the group was leaving the base and heading toward the Federation military port in this colony, they spotted a blonde figure waiting across from the base gate.

"Go on, Amuro."

"Don't bully the kid, alright?"

Most of the trainees were around twenty years old. At first, some had resented Amuro's special privilege of skipping certain classes, but after getting wiped out in two minutes during training, they had quickly set those feelings aside.

Besides, this guy was highly knowledgeable about mechanical structures and MS engineering. His skills in command, however, were just average—somewhere in the lower-middle tier.

"Urusai!"

Amuro grumbled but still got out of the vehicle.

"Hmph, make sure you're back on time," the one-armed instructor said.

Well, he wasn't exactly one-armed anymore. A month ago, he had been fitted with a mechanical prosthetic from Yashima Group. While the technology wasn't perfect yet, it allowed for some finger movements. After getting used to it, he could at least pilot an MS well enough to bully the trainees.

"Yes, sir!"

Amuro saluted the instructor, then turned toward the waiting figure.

"Betty, you're here again?"

Since their last interview, Beltorchika had visited several times—no longer using the excuse of an interview but instead engaging in what could only be described as a rather childish pursuit: testing their strength.

Well, in reality, they were just chatting about all sorts of things. But somehow, the topic always drifted back to Eli.

At first, Amuro had no real reason to entertain this girl's whims, but after seeing her show up multiple times, standing at the gate with expectant eyes, he realized something—

This girl was stubborn beyond belief... just like he had been.

Not that Amuro had changed much since then.

Regardless, he was willing to spare some free time to keep her company—her parents were away, after all.

Amuro saw a reflection of his younger self in her.

"Amuro, can you promise me something?"

Her first words immediately put Amuro on guard.

"At least add a 'san' to my name."

"No way! Amuro!"

Amuro lowered his head in exasperation and sighed. "Alright, what do you want?"

"The White Base is docking today! Can you take me on a tour?"

Amuro blinked in surprise.

The White Base was scheduled to enter port after their practical training, which was why he had just been riding in the jeep with the others.

"So why stop me?"

"Because I don't want to be around those other people."

As she spoke, the two had already started walking toward the port.

"What about me?"

"You're Eli's good friend, so it's fine!"

Beltorchika flashed a bright smile.

—

"So this is why you brought her onboard?"

Bright Noa folded his arms, looking down at the apologetic Amuro, a mix of amusement and exasperation in his heart.

This guy had really grown up.

Seeing how much taller Amuro had gotten since the One Year War, Bright's frustration quickly faded.

"Relax, I'm not scolding you. As long as it's just the hangar, it's fine."

Bright turned to look at the little girl, who was tapping away at the modified GM stationed on the ship.

"She's quite energetic. So, is she a Newtype too?"

Amuro looked at Bright, who had matured significantly—no longer carrying the restless air of their wartime days. That was when he truly felt the passage of these past two years.

"I don't know. At least, she isn't one yet. But I believe she has the potential."

"Potential, huh? That's a pretty vague answer."

The two shared a knowing smile.

—

"After graduation, will you join my unit, or...?"

"Heading to Eli's side?"

"…I could really use more pilots. Last time, we didn't even have a suitable Gundam pilot."

Bright sighed in frustration.

"Hah, if I join, I'm taking the MS team leader position."

"That goes without saying."

Amuro had always planned to carve out his own path to prove he had grown into a capable adult. Now, he seriously started considering rejoining the White Base team.

—

"Hey, Amuro! Can you teach me how to pilot an MS?"

"Absolutely not!"

Amuro flatly rejected Beltorchika's annoying request.

The war was over—there was no need for kids to be piloting mobile suits.

Unknowingly, Amuro had come to share Eli's mindset.

(Support me and read additional chapters on my Patreøn: patreøn.com/craxxtranslation. Thanks for your support! Don't forget to send your Power Stones!)