A busy day

The move to the new dock began right away.

One might assume that relocating a company with multiple destroyers would be a major undertaking, but that's not the case.

Veteran crew members, including Shinnosuke, had been living aboard the ships of Fubuki and Tsukikage, so their personal belongings were already on board each vessel.

Since Ash and the other three newly recruited members have only brought along the bare essentials so far, moving won't be much of a hassle.

Moreover, since the previous dock only had an office that was hardly used, once the office is cleared out, the move will be complete simply by transferring the ships to the new dock.

Shinonsuke entrusted Milena and Andy with organizing the transfer of the ships Fukuki and Tsukikage to the new dock, then accompanied Marks and Seyla to Saikouji Industry.

"Welcome, Mr. Kashimura."

"Hanks, thank you for your help today."

The three were greeted by Hanks and led into the reception room.

Today's agenda is picking up the Yatagarasu, now that data collection is complete, and discussing the ship wreckage retrieved by Tsukikage.

"Regarding the Yatagarasu, thank you very much for collecting such valuable real-world data. Our engineers were overjoyed."

"That's good to hear."

"For now, we'll consider the Yatagarasu data collection complete and hand it over to you, Mr. Kashimura. Going forward, please provide data during routine inspections and maintenance, and whenever any unusual data is collected."

"Understood. Thank you for your continued cooperation."

The data collection was completed significantly earlier than scheduled, meaning the Yatagarasu can now be returned to normal operations.

With that, we've concluded matters regarding the Yatagarasu.

Now, regarding the ship wreckage recovered by Andy's Tukikage. We examined the engine wreckage and exterior components you handed over, and they are undoubtedly from the EZ25 Heavy Electronics Corporation of the 6325 Star Union. It's likely an advanced stealth vessel still in development.

"You're right, I see. I'm sorry, but given the circumstances, I couldn't limit supply to just Psychoj Industries alone, so I've decided to sell to other companies as well. I apologize."

Hanks shook his head in response to Shinnosuke's apology.

There's no need to apologize at all. Given what I've heard, selling all the debris exclusively to our company would be too risky. We're planning to sell some exterior components and the master system to Slake Electronics, and also some exterior parts and communication systems to Pirenee FC, among others. Honestly, I would have preferred to handle everything ourselves, but that's simply not possible.

If we sold the highest secrets of foreign companies exclusively to SAIKOUJI Industry, later on, EZ25 Heavy Electronics might come up with excuses and cause trouble.

Although Shinnosuke thought it would be better to spread out that risk, other companies, including Sai Kouji, had eagerly jumped on Shinnosuke's proposal, fully aware of the risks involved.

Moreover, Shinnosuke believes the likelihood of that risk actually materializing is low.

"I don't think it'll turn into any real trouble, though."

Hanks agrees with Shinnosuke's assessment.

"That's probably true. After colluding with high-ranking officials from another country, losing a valuable ship containing top-secret data, and having its wreckage and various other data fall into the hands of multiple companies in that country— if this becomes public, EZ25 Heavy Electronics could collapse even without any wrongdoing on their part. They'd undoubtedly want to keep this hidden at all costs... But just thinking about how many heads might roll over this incident, even though it involves foreign companies, gives me chills."

Hanks said such things, but there was no real seriousness in his tone as he checked the acquisition price he was offering Shinosuke—almost as if he were just going through the motions.

Later, Hanks announced the price for purchasing the wreckage, but apparently having coordinated beforehand with the other two companies, both of them also submitted their acquisition offers through Hanks.

The total amount was astronomical—so high that Ceyla, listening nearby, nearly lost her senses.

Although the ship had been attacked, Shinnosuke had merely salvaged the wreckage from a justified counterattack, making it an enormous profit. He felt no inclination to negotiate the price, so the deal was finalized at the offered amount.

As Shinosuke's group returned from concluding their transaction at Saikouji Industry, heading back to the new dock, Milina's team had already completed the rerouting of Yatagarasu, along with the relocation and, incidentally, the move of Rina and Iris as well.

Shinonsuke and Marks gazing up at the three ships—Yatagarasu, Fubuki, and Tsukikage—docked side by side, their expressions tinged with nostalgia as everyone tended to their personal belongings.

"Amazing, Marks."

"Yes, Master."

"Two of us, starting out like this... It feels like it was just yesterday."

"Yes... indeed."

"Going forward..."

"Master, please wait a moment."

"Hmm? What is it?"

"There's a record of a similar conversation... about 134 chapters ago."

"Wait... 134 chapters? What's that supposed to mean? Marks, did you just glitch out or something?"

"No... That's not it. It's just that the flow of this conversation... I don't know, it feels like the ending is near, or like we're setting something up..."

"What are you even talking about, Marks?"

"Who knows? Even I don't understand what I'm saying..."

A pointless, fruitless exchange between Shinnosuke and Marks.

Behind them, watching silently, are the three girls—Milena, Seira, and Rina.

"What on earth is going on with Shinnosuke and the others?"

Rina tilting her head.

"I don't really get it, but whenever Shinnosuke is alone with Marks, they just keep having pointless conversations that don't make any sense."

"Exactly. It's impossible to get in between the two of them. It's kind of creepy."

The voices of the three girls go unheard by Shinnosuke and Marks.

"Anyway, our story isn't over yet!"

"That's right..."

Not only was Shinnosuke's story far from over, but today itself had not yet ended.

The intercom at the new dock rang out, signaling a visitor.

"Hey! It's me, Glen!"

Glen's face filled the intercom screen.

The busy day was far from over.