Thanks to Hall Master ~The Child Who Hides His Sorrow~ for the 0000 tip! I kneel before you, boss.
More chapters, more chapters! Anything less won't satisfy the masses.
"You're staying this time, right?" Loa had the Marines collect the heads from the ground and pack them away, then pulled Tony over to sit on a rock and talk.
Tony nodded. "I'm staying. I've learned just about everything Red-Hair could teach me. The Blood Marrow Worms have mostly been cleared out too. The few left can't cause much trouble."
"It's been ages since I drank with everyone. Arudo will probably drink me under the table when I get back." Tony gave a wry smile. Knowing Arudo's bullheaded nature, he could already picture their reunion.
"Hahaha! Probably! But he's a Navy lieutenant now. If he does well, he could make major by the end of the year. I heard he botched two missions because he'd been drinking, and Fleet Admiral Sengoku gave him a tongue-lashing. He's trying hard to quit now, though I doubt that plan will survive your return!"
"Huh?! A lieutenant?!" Tony blinked in confusion and stared at Loa. "Have Simon and Minnie graduated too? It hasn't been that long!"
"They barely made it through alive," Loa said with a wave and a grin. "After all, not everyone's as talented as me!"
Ignoring Tony's accusation that he was shameless, Loa glanced at Tony's yellowed recruit uniform and teased, "You're one to talk. Simon's already a lieutenant, and with the Westin Family's help, he'll rise quickly. You haven't even graduated yet. You're falling behind!"
"Hmph! With my strength, I'd be embarrassed if I didn't come back a major after graduation!" Tony declared. Then his face fell. "I just don't know what Teacher Zephyr will say. I heard he formed the