Gundam: Changing the World Even with a Mass-Produced Unit

Chapter 53: Attack of the Yashima Group!

When Eli and Amuro returned to the White Base, they were greeted by the sight of Mirai struggling to free her wrist from the grip of a man in a suit. Mirai was desperately trying to break free, but the most bizarre aspect was that Bright was standing nearby, frowning but not daring to intervene. His eyes were narrowed into slits.

Eli, being the more mature of the two, held back, assuming there was more to the situation and intending to question Bright about it. However, Amuro had no such patience. Instead of deliberating, he chose to act on what he saw.

"What do you think you're doing?"

Amuro strode forward and struck the man's hand with a sharp chop, freeing Mirai.

This is why fresh Newtypes can be such a handful… If it had been Kamille, that strike probably would have landed on the man's body—or even his face.

"I'm not going anywhere with you! Don't even think about it!"

Freed, Mirai shouted at the man before turning to run out of the hangar.

The man attempted to chase after her, but Amuro stepped in to block his path.

"Amuro, don't be rash!"

Eli quickly stepped in, stopping Amuro from taking any further drastic action.

"Apologies, sir. Amuro saw you bullying his teammate and got a little upset."

Eli positioned himself between Amuro and the man, cutting off the latter's line of sight as he tried to follow Mirai.

"I see. Well, under such circumstances, the young man's reaction is understandable... Allow me to introduce myself. I am Joseph Wagner, head of the MS division at Yashima Corporation."

The man shifted his attention to Eli and Amuro upon hearing Eli's words and Amuro's name.

He retrieved a business card from his suit pocket and handed it to Eli. Indeed, the card bore the Yashima Corporation's logo along with Joseph's name.

"My apologies, Mr. Joseph."

Eli carefully pocketed the card and saluted Joseph.

"Yashima? Isn't that Mirai's surname? Does that mean…?"

Amuro belatedly connected the dots and questioned Joseph.

"Exactly. Mirai is the daughter of the Yashima Corporation."

No wonder Bright hadn't stepped in earlier.

A flash of realization crossed Amuro's eyes.

"My apologies for acting impulsively and hitting you earlier."

Though impetuous, Amuro was not one to ignore right and wrong.

"It's fine. After all, you were merely concerned about our young lady. Besides, Mr. Amuro, as the pilot of the Gundam and the one who successfully escorted her here, we owe you our gratitude."

Joseph, clearly a man who understood the balance between personal and corporate interests, addressed the matter diplomatically.

"That's good to hear. So, Mr. Joseph, what brings you here today?"

Seeing that the misunderstanding had been cleared up, Eli took over the conversation.

"Ah, yes. Our company, Yashima Corporation, manufactures the weapons for ground combat Gundams. I'm here to discuss your thoughts on their usage and gather suggestions for improvements."

Joseph dabbed at the sweat on his brow with a handkerchief, his motions growing more frequent as the conversation continued.

The two moved to stand beside the Ground Gundam.

"Well… if possible, could the beam rifle's particle capacity be increased?"

Joseph's perspiration only intensified.

"Ah… my apologies. The beam rifle isn't our design, so that's beyond our capabilities."

Eli smirked slightly at Joseph's awkwardness.

He was fully aware of this fact.

Yashima Corporation's involvement with Mobile Suits was primarily documented with the Ground Gundam. However, with the Federation now mass-producing GMs and largely bypassing Yashima's weaponry, the company clearly felt immense pressure. Hence, they sought out Eli, a rising star among Federation pilots.

"In that case, could you make the 180mm cannon foldable? That would make it more portable."

As Eli spoke, he observed Joseph's expression carefully.

As the head of a major corporate division, Joseph ordinarily wouldn't need to come to the frontlines personally. This indicated that his visit was about more than mere suggestions.

Jaburo truly lived up to its reputation. In his short time here, Eli had already encountered two people attempting the same approach.

While pondering this, Eli invited Joseph onto the gangway, and they stood together in front of the Ground Gundam's chest.

"Is there an issue with our container transport system?"

Joseph misunderstood Eli's portability concerns, suspecting a problem with their product.

"No, not at all. The containers work fine. However, as the Federation continues deploying MS units and constructing compatible facilities, containers are unlikely to see widespread use."

Eli explained how, on the White Base, he rarely used containers.

In Southeast Asia, they had been necessary for frontline defense, but with the Federation's expansion of bases and MS-compatible warships, containers would become obsolete, reserved only for special operations units.

Joseph nodded, taking Eli's suggestion seriously and noting it on his tablet.

"Is there anything else? Ah, if not, I have a small request. Mr. Eli, would you hear me out?"

Eli gestured for him to continue.

"Our sources indicate that your unit will soon head into space. If possible, could you continue using Yashima Corporation's weapons in your battles? Of course, we would provide you with customized weaponry."

This did not surprise Eli.

"I understand your company's intentions. However, beam weaponry is far more practical in space…"

Eli's face adopted a calculating smile reminiscent of Char's. He neither agreed nor declined Joseph's request, making his thoughts clear.

Both men understood the stakes. If Yashima Corporation failed to secure additional Federation contracts for MS-related equipment, its MS division would have no reason to exist.

Realizing Eli was no pushover, Joseph gritted his teeth and finally made a genuine offer.

"We are willing to grant you a 10% stake in our MS division. Additionally, you would receive a share of the profits from all Federation contracts we secure."

This was an exceedingly generous offer, treating Eli almost like a brand ambassador and tying his success to Yashima's.

"I can see your company's sincerity… However, I have my own terms."

Joseph straightened his posture, awaiting Eli's response.

"I want 40% of your division's shares."