After they had their fill of food and drink, Tequila handed out Organization-issued mobile phones to the newly promoted codenamed members, saying it was to facilitate communication among colleagues.
Gojo took one and looked at it; it was an old-fashioned flip phone.
He almost forgot—it was currently the 90s, so using this was perfectly normal. By the time the "Conan Era" arrived and the timeline started turning into a mess, this flip phone would probably miraculously transform into an iPhone 16 Pro Max.
After exchanging contact information, everyone shared their respective assignments.
Gin was appointed as a member of the Action Group at the Organization's headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. Calvados would go with him as a temporary partner to handle missions together. Since they had just left the training camp and recently received their codenames, Gin needed to intern under the Organization veteran, Pisco, for a period. His future clearance level would be evaluated based on his mission performance.
"Huh? Jin... why does Gin have to go with Calvados?" Gojo protested unhappily. "We've been partners for three years!"
"This is the Boss's arrangement. I find it reasonable," Gin replied flatly, showing no emotion.
Thinking about parting ways with Gojo after three years of living together, he actually felt a bit uncomfortable and out of sorts. However, the Organization didn't really have a concept of permanent partnerships. If two members only worked with each other, what would happen during large-scale collaborative missions?
So... it was simply unavoidable.
Gojo also knew that Gin's destination was consistent with the original story. Otherwise, how could he become the Winery's "Top Killer" and the leader of the Tokyo Headquarters' Action Group ten years later?
"Tch~" He stopped protesting but pouted unhappily, grumbling, "Honestly."
He looked like a cat left home alone, wagging its tail listlessly.
Looking at that fluffy white head, Gin suddenly felt his hands itch. No, forget it—that's not something I would do.
[Impression Points from Gin increased by 200. Analysis: Good to pet.]
[Satoru Gojo: Meow meow meow???]
Suppressing his confusion over the strange impression points, Gojo recalled that the Boss had said he was still too "green." Even taking first place on the island meant nothing in the real world. He needed more field experience to temper himself.
Therefore, the Boss intended to send his foster son to the Mexico branch—the most remote and dangerous of all the Organization's outposts. But it didn't matter; the Boss had considerable trust and confidence in Satoru Gojo. Even if Mexico was famous as a paradise for gangs and drug lords, he believed Gojo would do well.
Gojo: ...Gee, thanks, old man!
Though, he certainly would do well. But since he was supposedly so important, wasn't the old geezer afraid he'd actually die?
Of course, the mission to find the Pandora Gem was more important. The Boss wasn't sure which country Pandora was in, so the plan was to start by collecting gems across North and South America.
Fortunately, Gojo could faintly feel that the Limitless technique in his body wasn't far from unlocking. This world had no Cursed Energy, only superpowers. He didn't believe those rare ability-users could be stronger than him.
By the way, did the Boss really plan to let him run off to Mexico alone?
Tequila sensed his doubt and smoothly changed how he addressed him, comforting him: "Don't worry, Kaiser." He patted the white-haired youth's shoulder and laughed. "How could the Boss let you be alone? He gave me orders long ago to go to the Mexico branch with you. I stayed there for six years and have a certain foundation; I'm the perfect choice to be your assistant."
Gojo remembered now. Tequila—the national liquor of Mexico, known as the "Soul of Mexico." It seemed his former instructor had quite a diverse resume.
"The situation there isn't great; many 'rats' have appeared recently. Heh..." A flash of ruthlessness crossed Tequila's eyes. "Once we arrive, we'll have to give them a proper... cleaning."
At this moment, the shy girl, Sake, cautiously raised her hand. "And me... the Boss told me to follow Gojo... no, Kaiser-sama."
Gojo indicated that was fine.
In other words, this group would soon go their separate ways.
Team 1: Gin, Calvados, and their lead, Pisco.
Team 2: Kaiser, Sake, and their lead, Tequila.
"So, when do we set out?" Calvados asked.
Tequila replied, "No time like the present. Tomorrow."
Tomorrow? Hey, hey, this is total employee exploitation! They just got off that crappy, isolated island where they had to wake up at six every day. No matter what, they should have some time to relax.
Gojo stood up abruptly. "No way, no way! A vacation! I want a vacation!"
Sake and Calvados were slightly tempted upon hearing this, and even Tequila didn't immediately object. Only Gin pulled the rug out from under him: "We just got our codenames. We should take missions immediately to prove our worth to the Boss."
"Oh wow~ you just love using the Boss to pressure people." The white-haired youth made a face, then pulled out his Organization flip phone. As he tapped away, he said, "I'll just ask him. It's not too much to want to rest for a bit, right?"
The keys clicked out the tune of "The Song of the Seven Children." (The Boss's email address tune).
Gojo didn't wait long before receiving a reply.
[Depart in one month. During this period, follow Vermouth's arrangements.]
"Whoa."
It went smoother than expected, and the vacation was so long!
The others were skeptical at first, but soon enough, they saw the vacation notice sent by their superior. Even the diligent and dedicated Gin had no further objections.
A vacation for everyone?! Ah, of course, it was only for the four new members. Who could blame the Boss for doting on his son? Tequila thought to himself, metaphorically biting his handkerchief: even an old employee like him didn't know the Boss's personal email address...
The envy and jealousy the other members had felt for Gojo back at the training camp was something he, the instructor, was now experiencing firsthand. Comparison is the thief of joy.
Knowing he could slack off for a month, a smile crept onto Gojo's face. Hehe... manga, games, desserts, snacks~ here I come!
"By the way, what did your messages say? Are you all under Vermouth's arrangements?" He snapped back from his beautiful fantasy and asked.
"Yes," Gin confirmed.
Tequila, being an Organization veteran, was naturally not included; he still had missions to do. Once he finished cleaning up the loose ends, it would be about time to head to Mexico with Gojo. As for Calvados, he had been in a daze ever since he found out he was going to see his goddess. Sake nodded, indicating she was also to follow Vermouth.
"Then where is she now?"
Just as Gojo was about to ask Tequila about the "Vermouth's" whereabouts, he heard the sound of high heels clicking on the floor.
A glamorous woman in black wearing sunglasses stood at the main entrance. Her golden curls complemented her jewelry perfectly, and her curvaceous figure was eye-catching.
"I'm right here, aren't I?"