Chapter 32: Earth — Follow My Lead

As an experienced veteran squad, the Falcon Team—composed of Tsukamori, Yoneda, and Hayuki—all hovered around thirty years of age. Steadiness and reliability were their hallmarks.

The Lightning Team had frequently conducted drills with the Falcons, but Okawara and Kitada always seemed to lag behind. With Kajio leading while carrying two underperformers, they usually lost more than they won, or barely managed a draw. Of course, Kajio was never content with this, but every time, victory slipped just out of reach.

Hearing Yoneda’s words, Kajio let out a cold snort. “Hmph, our Lightning Team will never let Mimu get hurt!”

He pulled the control lever, ensuring Lightning One was at the forefront, while admonishing his team, “Kitada! Okawara! Pull yourselves together!”

“The new era’s sky holds no stage for the elderly!”

“Yes, sir!” came the twin replies.

Kajio’s words carried a hint of brash pride, as if he feared Mimu might be snatched away by the Falcons.

The three Lightning Team fighters formed an aggressive formation, heading towards Oilfield Town.

Yoneda paid little mind, thinking Kajio was as spirited as ever. But he wasn’t about to lose in terms of momentum, so he responded, “See? Always in such a hurry.”

“Hayuki, Tsukamori, let’s move our fighters in.”

“Understood!” the two replied.

The Falcon Team exchanged brief words, their three fighters keeping pace with Lightning Team.

When both squads arrived, they saw Mimu blocking Bokuragu’s advance.

Though the goal was to dissuade the creature, Mimu was no fool—he wouldn’t run right up to Bokuragu’s feet. The distance between them remained considerable.

Lightning Team and Falcon Team hovered above Mimu. If not for the risk of crossfire, they might have surrounded Bokuragu completely.

Looking up at the six fighters overhead, Mimu felt a surge of safety.

The advantage was his.

Seeing Bokuragu’s steps falter at the arrival of the two teams, Mimu seized the moment and shouted, “Hey—Bokuragu! Stop advancing!”

Bokuragu, puzzled, looked down. The monster possessed self-awareness and intelligence, able to understand human language.

Because Mimu carried the Azure Jewel, Bokuragu saw not only Mimu, but also the radiance of Gaia.

Mimu equaled Gaia equaled Earth.

Bokuragu, grasping the situation, actually stopped in place.

Inside XIG’s command room, the scene was broadcast on the big screen. Staff Officer Chiba’s eyes widened. “They’re really communicating!?”

Earth was changing too fast; Chiba felt as if he were dreaming. He blinked, but nothing changed—the scene remained reality.

Shishitsu spoke cautiously. “We can’t be certain yet. Chief Dike, have Lightning Team and Falcon Team stay alert!”

As he spoke, his suspicions grew firmer.

On the Peace, Dike reminded the squad via the comms channel, “Lightning Team, Falcon Team, stay vigilant! Keep a close eye on Bokuragu’s movements and ensure Mimu’s safety!”

“Understood!” the three replied.

“Received!” echoed three more voices.

It was only because Mimu bore Gaia’s radiance that things went smoothly. If anyone else had tried, Bokuragu would have ignored them outright.

At the moment, Bokuragu’s mind was muddled.

Created by Earth to eliminate invading enemies, but now Gaia—Earth’s representative—was stopping him.

Earth: “Bokuragu, follow my lead.”

Bokuragu: “Huh?”

Should he go or not?

Unable to decide, Bokuragu opened his fish-like mouth and let out a roar towards Oilfield Mountain: “Woooo!!”

This action made both teams tense up, nearly pressing their attack triggers.

But seeing Bokuragu had no intention of advancing, they eased their thumbs off the buttons.

Watching Bokuragu, Mimu recalled what Joze had said and began to comprehend its intent.

“You want to take on Enzan, right? We’ll help you find it! Stay here!”

“If you enter the city, your size will cause massive destruction. You mustn’t proceed!”

“Roar?” Bokuragu heard Mimu’s words and lifted its huge pincers to scratch its fish-head.

Human cities can’t be destroyed?

But those buildings are blocking the way.

Yet since Gaia said so, Bokuragu decided to stay put. “Roar! (I’ll do you this favor)”

“It worked!” Though Mimu didn’t understand Bokuragu’s words, its gestures showed acceptance.

Perhaps a double blessing, his wrist communicator beeped.

He looked down and flipped it open, Joze’s figure appearing on the small screen. “Mimu, how’s it going over there?”

“Bokuragu’s stopped at the shore!” Mimu’s face was alight with joy.

Knowing Earth had monsters to defend against enemies, if possible, he didn’t want to harm Bokuragu.

“Very good.” Joze noted Mimu’s decision, then gazed toward Oilfield Mountain. “I’ve already located Enzan. Now I’ll dig it out and toss it over!”

Their communication channel was one Mimu set up privately, unheard by others.

“Wait!” Mimu stopped him, suddenly serious. “We can’t rely on Ultraman’s power for everything!”

“Earth belongs to humanity! It should be protected by human hands—leave it to XIG!”

“Is that so…” Joze was surprised, thinking Mimu had grown after learning of those matters, and agreed. “Alright, how do I contact them?”

“There’s a button in the upper left corner of your communicator.” When Mimu modified it earlier, he’d only removed XIG’s locator, not the communication channels.

“Press that button, and you can contact the Air Base directly. The lower left is for field squad communications.”

Following Mimu’s instructions, Joze pressed the upper left button.

The screen shifted instantly, connecting to XIG’s command room.

The unexpected communication startled Atsuko. “Who are you? How did you connect here?”

“I’m Joze, Mimu’s friend.” Joze wasted no words, stating his identity directly.

Shishitsu came over. “What’s going on?”

“A stranger has connected to the base,” Atsuko turned to Shishitsu and reported, “He says his name is Joze.”

“Transfer the communication feed to the main screen.” Following Shishitsu’s orders, Joze’s image appeared on the big screen.

Tall and powerfully built, with a handsome face, he immediately stood out.

“Atsuko, that’s Joze,” Joki nudged her elbow, whispering gossip, “He’s really handsome!”

Shishitsu, after sizing up Joze, inquired, “Joze, have you found Enzan’s location?”

Joze found the address odd—how had he become a team member?

Had Mimu sold him out?

Alright, if that’s how it’s going to be…