"There's a huge problem…"
"Yeah, it really is a huge problem."
"Is this for real?"
"Why would something like that be in the shallow waters?"
In the water, the four of them stared, bewildered, at a creature with a spindle-shaped torso, sleek streamlined build, smooth hairless skin, a distinctively featured head, a protruding forehead above its beak-like snout, and a hooked dorsal fin.
Why… why is there a dolphin here?!
And unless their eyes were playing tricks on them, was that dolphin wearing sunglasses?How was it even wearing them?!
Why the hell is a dolphin wearing sunglasses?!
"Hey hey hey! Let me introduce you—this is my good friend Titi!"
(T/N: Pfffftt)
From behind the four, Amuro swam up and wrapped her arm around the dolphin as she enthusiastically introduced it.
The dolphin, Titi, greeted everyone in kind. However... why was it tilting its head back like that?!
Judging from Amuro's excited expression, it was clear she really wanted to share her joy.
But still…
No matter how you looked at it, this sunglasses-wearing dolphin was just too much. It had the aura of a mafia boss!
Has marine life gotten this complicated now? Do dolphins run gangs too?!
This dolphin might actually be too smart for its own good!
"Hello, Titi～"
Nanaka wasn't even surprised. She had already met this dolphin yesterday, and today, Titi would be joining them on their dive.
Squeak squeak～
Upon seeing Nanaka, the dolphin instantly transformed—nuzzling up into her soft chest repeatedly, going from mafia boss to affectionate housewife in seconds.
(???)
The four stared in stunned silence. They didn't know just how smart this dolphin was, but they now knew one thing for sure—it wasn't normal!
Damn it!
They were actually less impressive than a dolphin!
At that moment, the three guys were full of envy. As for Aina?
She had already run off to cry—because the dolphin was interested in something she didn't have…
"Well then, everyone into the water!"
With that, Amuro swam a few meters ahead and dove underwater alongside Titi～
The four watched her graceful figure move through the water and suddenly understood why the dolphin liked her so much.
Why did her swimming style look exactly like a dolphin's?!
For a moment they even thought there were two dolphins—it was like she became one!
Though stunned, they couldn't afford to dwell on it.
At Nanaka's signal, everyone slowly submerged. Unlike Amuro, they didn't have the skills to dive in so smoothly…
As soon as he entered the water, Shiro felt like he had returned home. The warm sea surrounded him, and a few small fish swam close, as if welcoming him back～
As he gently stroked a nearby goofy-looking fish, he was reminded of Kitahara. Same kind of goofy ugliness.
Chomp!
Immersed in his thoughts, Shiro didn't notice a dark shadow darting past him.
By the time he snapped out of it, that goofy-looking "Kitahara No.2" had already been devoured… by Titi.
Σ(っ °Д °;)っ
Kitahara No.2!
Shiro stared at Titi in outrage. This thing would eat anything! Even something that ugly?!
Ptui～
Noticing Shiro's look, Titi actually spat and swam over to cuddle with Nanaka—clearly more interested in hanging with a beauty.
＼(`Δ')／
Unforgivable! Absolutely unforgivable!
Not only did it eat his new fish friend, but it even NTR'd him right in front of his face!
This dolphin clearly had it out for him. Damn it, was this one of the obstacles standing in the way of him becoming the Sea God?!
Without hesitation, he charged forward—today he would ride that dolphin into battle and defend his dignity as Sea God!
But just as he was about to grab Titi, Nanaka stopped him.
She pointed to the side, signaling where he should be going.
There, people were already lined up, waiting for the practical exam to begin.
Seeing the group waiting on him, Shiro had no choice but to glare venomously at that annoying dolphin one last time and swim to his spot.
Titi, meanwhile, let out a triumphant squeal and cozied up to Nanaka like a victorious villain.
(?????)
Damn that dolphin!
It was way too smart—something wasn't right. He suggested Izu University's research center take it in for study!
...
The diving license practical test was just the same as what Nanaka had already taught them—they had rehearsed it several times, so the process was familiar.
The four of them completed the first two tasks smoothly. Now it was time for Iori's biggest challenge!
Clearing the dive mask!
Aina and Kohei made a few minor mistakes but still passed. Now it was Iori and Shiro's turn.
Iori swallowed hard, his face serious, replaying the feeling of treating the pool like a bath.
That sensation…
He found it!
He closed his eyes and completely relaxed, as if soaking in a hot bath.
In that moment, he understood what that scumbag Kamishiro had said about feeling like he'd come home.
(???)
The others stared in confusion at Iori, who looked like he had fallen asleep with his eyes closed.
Nice. Comfortable. So relaxed.
Relaxed enough to forget he was even taking a test…
Thud!
Proctor Titi headbutted him, instantly snapping the dozing Iori back to reality.
He opened his eyes to see his friends' mocking stares and Shiro holding an underwater camera. For a moment, he almost wished he had just kept sleeping…
But as disaster often hides blessings, the socially dead Iori awakened in that moment—his robotic movements actually helped him pass his least confident test…
Now only Shiro was left.
Shiro wasn't worried at all. Judging by Iori and Kohei's performance, he was definitely going to crush them!
He hadn't forgotten—they still had a bet to settle.
The test was nearing its end. Sorry, guys!
Time to get ready!
He slightly opened his dive mask to let some seawater in.
At that moment, Iori and Kohei exchanged a glance.
'Commence operation!'
'Understood!'
(′｀;)?
'What are you guys saying?'
Aina was stunned to find herself suddenly part of Iori and Kohei's mental conversation!
But…
Why couldn't she understand any of it?! Was that short exchange supposed to mean something?!
Twitch twitch twitch～
Without warning, Iori started convulsing, which nearly made Aina spit out her breathing regulator!
Iori's sudden convulsions also drew the attention of Amuro and Nanaka, who gestured in concern and even tried to pull him up.
But as they neared him, he suddenly returned to normal and pulled out a goofy fish from behind, saying he was just playing with it.
Meanwhile, Kohei used the opportunity to approach Shiro and activate his secret weapon!
A few drops of red liquid mixed with seawater entered Shiro's mask.
?━=????(??? ????)
Still basking in dreams of victory, Shiro suddenly felt something was very wrong.
A searing pain spread through his eyes, like rubbing your eyes after eating spicy duck heads without washing your hands!
Fighting through the burning sensation, he forced his eyes open—only to see Iori and Kohei in Amuro's blind spot, shaking a small bottle.
On it were a chili pepper and a skull symbol…
Those two bastards!!!
Cheating again!
Fury surged through Shiro. He should've known—those two would definitely use dirty tricks!
Damn it!
He had let his guard down!
But there was still hope!
Shiro shut his eyes tight. The pain was intense, but manageable. If he could just endure it and clear the water from his mask, he could still win!
Exhaling continuously, the water in his mask began to drain. He would show those two idiots—
Against overwhelming skill, no amount of trickery would matter!
Now was the time to break through his limits!!!
Thud!
A stream of water hit the back of Shiro's head. It didn't hurt—but it did break his focus…
He turned around in despair—and saw a dolphin in sunglasses laughing at him.
(′?`)
Aaaaaarghhhh!!!
Why the hell was there even a dolphin in this test?!