3 idiot chapter 129

 Episode 129. Departure

Hey… what is even going on here?

The scene that spread out before me was so nonsensical I couldn’t help but think that.

"Salute!"

Was that the captain?
At his command, all the soldiers snapped to attention in perfect sync, saluting with a loud stomp of their heels.

Yeah, what?

The moment we arrived at the harbor, we were greeted with this incomprehensible situation.

What are we even supposed to do here?

"We’ve been expecting you! Provisions for the voyage, weapons, and the crew—everything is ready!"

"Uhh... and how exactly am I supposed to respond to that?"

The stern-faced captain finally let out a grin.

"You simply need to say the word—‘Set sail.’ Then we’ll take you wherever you need to go."

Well… that’s pretty reliable, at least.

But seriously—who are you people?

I was under the impression we’d just board a ferry with the general public and enjoy a relaxing boat ride.

"Haah… seriously, who arranged for this many people?"

"Oh? So you weren’t informed after all."

"I literally just said an emotional farewell to the Walker crew. So, uh, which ship are we getting on?"

There wasn’t a ship anywhere near the lined-up sailors.

A bit farther out was a large vessel boarding regular passengers… but that probably wasn’t it, right?

Would it be okay if we just rode that one?

"The ship was said to be ‘handed over’ to you. Would you happen to be holding onto anything?"

"Don’t say it. Don’t you dare."

A chill ran down all our spines as we turned to look southward.

The person in question was standing there trembling, mumbling something under her breath.

"Um… if my unpleasant hunch is correct, then… this is an incredibly high-capacity, expensive magic bag, right? Are you telling me someone just casually tossed this over to me?"

Letting out a dry laugh, Minami opened the magic bag toward the sea—
And then—

"Aaah, yeah."

"Thought so."

"Right."

That’s all any of us could say before—SPLAAASH!—a massive wave surged toward us.

And then, what appeared before our eyes was—

"Pull her in and drop anchor, nowww!! She’s drifting! Move it!! ...Ahem. My apologies. We’ll prepare immediately."

"Okay, so, like, I’d really appreciate an explanation here?"

The vessel now before us was a strikingly jet-black ship.

Was this... was this one of those fast ships you see in movies?

It looked even darker than Daryl’s ship. That’s how black it was.

"This is a ‘Black Ship’ built by a former visitor from another world. It was presented as a gift to the king. Its value is quite high... but its appearance is rather pirate-like, making it difficult to put to practical use. However, the current king seems to have a peculiar fondness for black objects…"

"A bit of a rebel, huh?"

"Yes, well... which is why the suggestion came up—why not entrust this ‘Black Ship’ to the Black Armor party?"

"So basically, you’re just offloading inventory?"

"I can guarantee the condition of the ship."

"Ah, right. Got it."

And just like that, the national soldiers—no, marines—started boarding the ship en masse.

All around us, people were shouting things like "Station check, good!" and whatnot, and it looked like they’d be ready to set sail any minute now.

"So what you're saying is, that old man we talked to earlier with the long beard… was actually the king of this country?"

"Well… he does tend to wander around freely. So yeah, that’s probably correct."

Oh hell. Are you serious?

I’ve gotten involved with royalty.

And not just “a little” involved, either.
The “Black Ship” currently being prepped for departure in front of me… this isn’t something you can brush off as a minor favor.

"Hey, can we give this back after we’re done with it?"

"If we did that, we’d be the ones getting chewed out. You’re scheduled to return via civilian ship."

The captain laughed heartily. I had nothing to offer in return but a dry chuckle.

…No, come on. Seriously?

That old guy earlier really was the king of this place?

"Minami, give the bag and ship back. I don’t want to owe anything to royalty."

"Understood. Got it."

"Wait, hold on! We’ve come this far—let’s just ride it! I mean, who wouldn’t at this point!? Don’t think of it as a favor—just treat it like a gift!"

"Shut it, dumbass! Like hell I’m getting on! There’s almost never a good outcome when you get involved with royalty! Now hurry up and return this thing to that bearded old man from earlier!"

I shoved the magic bag into the captain’s hands. He looked up at the black ship with a face full of sorrow.

"But… to think the day I could finally board her would arrive…"

"Huh?"

Suddenly switching to a dramatic tone, the captain began to speak.

"I was very young when this ship was completed. Among the many vessels in the harbor, there stood one black ship. The reactions were mixed—‘Why would you give that to the king?’ ‘Just looking at it is scary.’ But this ship, born from the idea of a visitor from another world, held immense value. It couldn’t simply be scrapped. And above all… to me, it was more beautiful than any other ship. I dreamed of sailing on it… and I climbed the ranks to get to this very point…"

"You’re a real weirdo, huh? So, what’s your point?"

"I really, really want to ride it. Like, right now."

The captain flashed a smile so wide it almost looked gross.

Yup, he’s a ship otaku.

Not that we’re in any position to judge.
Back on the other side, we were full-blown otaku ourselves, so I can’t really fault him.

I mean, we’re guys.
Big stuff, cool stuff… who doesn’t dream about that kind of thing?

"So if we return this thing?"

"Then we get heavily scolded and possibly have our pay docked. Also, the ship will be dismantled. The queen is very angry about using such a large magic bag for personal hobbies. She’s already ordered it to be taken apart."

"She’s like a wife yelling at her husband to throw out his model kits or something..."

"Oh, and of course, the magic bag is yours too! The queen doesn’t like seeing rare items go to waste. If you’ll actually put it to good use, she’s happy for you to have it."

What is this country?

Compared to the last one we were in, it’s insanely laid-back.

The king goes on solo strolls.
He uses this massive-capacity magic bag for hobby storage.
And their national marines are ship maniacs.

I guess that just means it’s a peaceful place.

But seriously, the cultural difference is so big I might catch a cold.

“Haahhh…”

“What will you do, Master?”

When I let out a heavy sigh, it wasn’t just Minami—everyone around me turned a worried look my way.

I mean, come on. What the hell are we supposed to do with this?

“I’ll say it again—it’s just a case of clearing out old inventory.”

“Yes.”

“The King was getting rid of it, and we just happened to take it off his hands. So I don’t feel any sense of obligation or debt, alright? If anyone comes later saying we owe them for the ship or whatever, I’m not hearing it.”

“That is perfectly acceptable. In fact, the King himself hopes for that kind of relationship. He wishes to remain equal.”

“Equal, my ass. We’re just bottom-tier civilians.”

“Hahaha, you jest. But if bottom-tier civilians can casually take down massive magical beasts, then we military folk might be out of a job.”

“Oi.”

“Apologies. I’ll be sure to report to the King that he shouldn’t get too friendly with you.”

“Good. But if he changes his mind, let me know. We’ll be hitching a ride back with the regular folks and taking it easy. Seriously.”

“Hahaha, you jest.”

“I’m not joking, seriously.”

And so… we ended up taking it.

The ship.

And not just any ship—this thing’s big. And black.

It was the same kind of creeping realization I had when I borrowed that magic bag from the Princess and later realized just how valuable it was.

But this one—this one’s all impact. Just wow. Overwhelming.

And we also got a brand new magic bag. I don’t know what all it can do, but the one thing I do know is it can hold some pretty huge stuff.

Are we seriously allowed to have this?

“Well then, let’s get going. Right this way.”

The “ladder” we were guided to looked like it was made of rope and pipes.

We boarded Daryl’s ship the same way, so it’s not exactly unfamiliar.

“You’re sure this is okay?”

“Of course. In fact, I’d rather we boarded quickly. As soon as possible.”

“…Sigh.”

Letting out a sigh at the overly giddy-looking commander, I started climbing up to the deck.

While I stared at the armor of the endlessly black ship, I finally reached the top when—

“Salute the Captain!!”

“…Hah?”

Every soldier on board, who had been going about their duties until now, stopped what they were doing and snapped a sharp salute in my direction.

Getting saluted like this by this many people all at once? Yeah, it kinda makes your knees weak.

Seriously… what am I supposed to do?

As I was thinking that, Nishida, who had climbed up behind me, gave me a solid kick in the back.

“What’re you doing, Kou-chan? You already decided we’re taking it, right? That makes you the captain.”

“Yeah, just say something to fire everyone up. You’re the leader now, after all.”

Azuma came up right behind Nishida with a tired smile and gave his two cents.

I mean, yeah, but still...

“Hmm…”

“Why not just be your usual self?”

“Kitayama-san always sounds intense when he yells, so it’ll probably be fine no matter what you say.”

[How about something like, “This ship is mine now! GWAHAHA!”]

You two-at-once speaker types—I'm remembering that later.

When I glared at them, the dragon girl gave a tiny scream and hid behind Minami.

Well… I guess they’re right. I’m not one for big speeches anyway.

Might as well keep it simple.

“All crew members are aboard, Captain.”

The commander, who had just climbed up last, turned to me with a crisp salute and a beaming smile.

It was hard to believe this was the same guy who’d been grinning like a fool under the ship just moments ago—he looked like a perfectly respectable soldier now.

Ah, screw it. Let’s say something.

Even if it’s embarrassing.

“I’m Kitayama, leader of the clan ‘Hearty Eater’! Good to meet ya! I’ll be relying on all of you during our voyage, so let’s work together!”

Yeah, just a nice, safe intro like that.

Or… that was the plan, but then someone tugged at my leather coat from the side.

[Kitayama, you have to say it. You absolutely have to, for the hype!]

A thumbs-up from one idiot. And a few more idiots giving me expectant eyes.

Damn it… don’t tell me… I really have to say it after all?

“...Damn it, fine! This ship is mine now! Starting today, I'm the captain of this vessel! Alright, you lot, get ready! Raise the anchor! We're setting sail!!”

“Raise the anchor!!”

“Prepare for departure!!”

Maybe this is exactly the kind of clear, rousing language the sailors were hoping for.

With grins spreading across their faces, they all echoed my words and sprang into action.

And within just a few minutes, the ship began to move.

Slowly but steadily, we started advancing toward the endless horizon.

“Captain, your orders.”

“Spare me... For now, head to that island nation that's on the way to our destination. We'll stop there to resupply.”

“Understood!”

With a crisp salute, the commander returned to his duties.

Man, his whole vibe changes the moment he's on board. I honestly don’t know how to deal with him.

“Good job, Kou-chan.”

“Hahaha, in the end you made a big ol’ speech after all, huh, Kita-kun?”

With smug little chuckles, the two idiots gave my shoulders a hearty slap from either side.

I thought about saying something sarcastic, but settled for a single deep sigh instead.

It’s fine. The sailors were fired up, and more importantly—we've got a reliable way to cross the sea now.

“Still, it’s gonna be a long ride, huh? Kinda worried I’ll get bored along the way.”

“Yeah, once we’re out at sea, the only thing to do is probably fishing or something.”

“That’s why you should go ahead and praise me, Nishida-san, for preparing in advance.” (Nishida called himself Nishida-san)

“”Oh?””

The two of us turned toward Nishida, who responded with a sly chuckle and beckoned Minami over.

Then, from the magic bag, he pulled out—

“No way. Are you serious?”

“They actually sell these, huh... We really owe the people who got summoned here before us.”

Playing cards. Mahjong. A whole spread of board games and more.

All familiar stuff, lined up neatly like some sort of nostalgia exhibit.

Was this what Nishida was buying when he went off on his own the other day?

You damn genius. Well done.

I was starting to feel like a high school kid on a class trip, but hey—we’ve got the time.

No harm in playing around a bit.

And if we bring them back, the kids will definitely enjoy them too.

“Let’s bust them out tonight.”

“Let’s invite the sailors and have everyone join in. I’ll whip up some snacks.”

“Yeah, now you’re talking. We’ve got the time anyway—might as well make some smoked meat and other stuff in advance.”

And just like that, our long, long journey by ship had begun.

We had plenty of expectations. And seeing a new world wouldn’t be so bad either.

But still—

“Well, either way... We better hurry up and get back.”

Standing on the deck of the steadily advancing black ship, I stared out at the distant horizon—toward the home we still couldn’t see.

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