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

Chapter 54: Agreement Reached

"F-Forty percent? Forgive me, but this is truly…"

Joseph's posture hunched again as he resumed wiping away his sweat.

"No, no, hear me out first," Eli said to Joseph, who looked visibly disheartened.

The moment Eli mentioned 40%, Joseph likely believed the closure of the MS Division was inevitable. However, Eli quickly elaborated on why he made such an audacious demand.

"I assume the biggest issue facing Yashima Group right now is the lack of any foundation in MS manufacturing technology, right?"

This was a fact that hardly required verification. Currently, apart from the Federation and Zeon, no one else possessed a comprehensive MS manufacturing system.

In fact, the Yashima Group's ability to develop a series of MS-related equipment in such a short time already demonstrated remarkable strategic foresight.

"That's true. But are you suggesting, Mr. Eli, that you can somehow acquire the full set of technology?"

Joseph's tone was more rhetorical than serious. After all, how could a mere lieutenant gain access to MS manufacturing technology? Even Yashima Heavy Industries had been denied entry to the GM production facilities.

"Of course, I don't have the means. But isn't Zeon already in possession of the complete MS technology set?"

"What are you implying?"

"After the war, why not consider acquiring Zeon's MS manufacturing companies?" Eli smiled as he presented his proposal.

Naturally, Joseph scoffed at the idea. After all, Eli was just a lowly frontline soldier. If such an opportunity existed, Yashima wouldn't need to rely on MS equipment manufacturing contracts for its future survival.

"I understand that you probably don't trust the words of a mere lieutenant."

"Not at all. I wouldn't dare to be so impolite."

"Enough. Let me be direct. This clause won't be finalized right now. However, based on the current terms, I'd like to add one condition," Eli stated plainly, tired of Joseph's corporate formalities.

"After the war, if I can help you acquire Zeon's MS manufacturing company, you must grant me a 40% stake in the MS Division. What do you think?"

Hearing the change in Eli's tone, Joseph put away his handkerchief.

The handkerchief was merely a facade for negotiations; no seasoned corporate executive would be so timid.

He squinted, sizing up Eli. Whether or not Eli could deliver, 40% was no small stake. However, given the MS Division's decline, Joseph had enough authority to make this decision. If things continued as they were, the division would likely be shut down and absorbed into the weapons division.

Since it was a no-risk gamble, why not take a chance?

"Fine. However, I also have an additional condition: no matter what, you must prioritize the safety of the young lady above all else."

Joseph lowered his head and began revising the terms on his tablet.

Eli suddenly understood. This was likely the true purpose behind the negotiations and the reason for the generous terms.

With the MS Division struggling, Yashima's patriarch, Mirei's grandfather, saw no harm in discarding it in exchange for his granddaughter's safety.

As for why Mirei wasn't simply taken away, it was because she had already severed ties with the Yashima Group—a situation her grandfather chose not to force.

Under the dim lighting of the hangar, the two signed their names on the tablets.

Afterward, Joseph bowed to Eli and prepared to leave with his tablet.

At that moment, however, a transport truck entered the hangar.

"Is Lieutenant Eli Lee here? General Revil has sent a gift for you, and you need to sign for it personally!"

A major accompanying the transport shouted loudly in the hangar.

"Here!" Eli quickly leaned out from the boarding ladder and waved.

He then turned and prepared to head down.

"Excuse me," Eli said, passing by Joseph. Noticing Joseph's slightly stunned expression, Eli felt a small sense of satisfaction and quickened his pace.

"I'm Lieutenant Eli Lee," he announced, saluting as he approached the major. He then accepted the receipt with both hands and signed his name.

"Lieutenant Eli Lee, General Revil has a message for you: he hopes you will serve as a Federation ace and defeat all enemy invaders on the battlefield. That is all!"

After exchanging salutes to express their respect for General Revil, the major quickly drove away.

Meanwhile, Eli, under the watchful eyes of the maintenance crew, examined the "gift" before him.

It was a square object, roughly the size of…

"Is that the head of a Gundam?" Amuro's voice suddenly rang out.

He had been about to leave but returned upon hearing about a gift from General Revil.

He pointed at the cloth-covered object, which had a conspicuous V-shaped antenna on top.

Eli's face twitched. He had initially hoped the gift might be a mobile suit and even considered how to accept or decline it if it turned out to be a Gundam.

To his surprise, it was merely a Gundam fragment.

Eli stepped forward and yanked off the cloth. Sure enough, it was a Gundam head.

With a glance, Eli signaled the maintenance crew to inspect it. They examined it carefully before delivering their verdict, which left Eli feeling faint.

"It's the head of a Ground Type Gundam, though it's been modified in some areas."

As Eli clutched his chest dramatically and leaned on Amuro for support, the maintenance crew connected a computer to the head.

"Hmm… It's equipped with Vulcan cannons, advanced targeting systems… and an EXAM system? What's that?"

Despite his theatrics, Eli's body jolted upon hearing the term. He immediately appeared beside the maintenance technician.

There was no mistaking it. The screen displayed four unmistakable English letters: E.X.A.M.

The system could forcibly overclock the reactor via enhanced pulse signals, boosting the suit's mobility and output.

Its operation relied on using the pilot as a radar, transmitting neural signals through a brainwave feedback device to command the suit to attack targets in the pilot's line of sight.

However, for those without NT (Newtype) abilities, the system required heightened sensitivity in the brainwave transmitter, increasing the risk of malfunction. This could lead to the suit going berserk, attacking indiscriminately.

Moreover, the system's creator harbored deep hostility toward NTs, viewing them as a potential threat to Oldtypes.

What was General Revil's intention in giving him this system?

Eli's expression grew unusually grave.

Equipping such a system meant that teammates would have to remain constantly vigilant against potential attacks from behind.

Eli didn't believe General Revil was unaware of the risks. The BD-1 had likely already undergone testing.

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