Miyako Island Airport –
"Mm~ We're finally here. That was really far~"
Azusa stretched lazily. Even though it's all within the same prefecture, taking a plane still felt like something novel.
"This place seems closer to Taiwan than to Japan."
"Ah, no wonder we had to fly."
"Thinking of it that way, it makes sense."
Pshh~
The three guys of the group spoke with relaxed expressions as they unknowingly popped open cans of beer.
Whack! Whack! Whack!!!
Chisa and Aina unleashed a flurry of slaps!
The male trio collapsed to the ground, twitching.
"Sorry…"
"It just sort of happened…"
"It's the beer's fault…"
Watching the three on the floor, Azusa smiled awkwardly. These guys really picked up all the bad habits from PaB. But drinking before diving is absolutely not allowed!
(And no spicy pepper water either. Iori and Kouhei already got scolded big time!)
"Hey!"
"Over here, over here!"
At the roadside, a mid-sized passenger van was parked.
Two other PaB seniors stood in front of it, waving to the group—they were the ones who had arrived earlier, tasked with picking up Shiro and the rest.
"Oh?"
"They came to pick us up!"
Tokita and Kotobuki were a bit surprised. They didn't know about this plan, but hey, at least they didn't need to rent a car now. Plus, it was a big van.
Everyone grabbed their luggage and boarded the vehicle. The trio sat behind the two seniors who had arrived early.
"Sorry for making you guys come out of your way to get us."
Shiro expressed his gratitude, having half-expected another ridiculous walk.
"Haha, don't worry about it. We got here first after all."
"It's only natural."
The two seniors were easygoing. When not drinking, all the seniors from PaB always had gentle, smiling faces.
"By the way, how long ago did you guys arrive?"
"Oh, just last night."
"Wow, that's early."
"Haha, no choice. We're diving this morning after all. Gotta come early to prep."
They laughed heartily. Everything felt harmonious, just like a couple of seniors excited for a diving trip.
"I see. I thought maybe you were interested in round drinking and came early for that."
Shiro said casually. The three of them had already figured out the real reason for the trip to Miyako Island!
It wasn't because the seniors were generously fulfilling a freshman's dream—but because they wanted to experience an exotic way of drinking!
"Round drinking? Is that some kind of Miyako Island specialty?"
"We've heard about it and were kind of looking forward to it, but honestly, we don't know much."
The group chatted and laughed all the way to their booked inn.
As they were unloading the luggage, Kouhei suddenly remembered a post he had seen online.
"Apparently, some izakayas have put up signs saying, 'No Miyako locals allowed.'"
"Huh? That intense?"
"Shouldn't bar owners be happy with more customers?"
Iori and Shiro were curious. What kind of drinking behavior would scare owners so badly? Isn't more drinking good for business?
"Sounds like an urban legend."
"Yeah, who drinks that excessively anyway?"
The seniors kept smiling… until they passed by a certain izakaya.
Shiro spotted something unbelievable.
A sign reading: "PaB members not allowed."
(???)
"What the hell did you guys do yesterday?!" ×3
They didn't need to say anything aloud—they all knew who was responsible for that sign.
Had PaB's infamy already reached Miyako Island?!
Was this really how they wanted to be remembered here?!
They should've realized it from the start—there's no way the seniors would hold back from exploring Miyako Island's drinking culture after arriving a day early!
And it wasn't just one place. As they looked down the street, every izakaya had the same sign!
They couldn't help but wonder if all the bars on the island had been completely devastated…
What on earth did those guys do last night?!
Didn't they say they weren't familiar with round drinking?! Had they just drunk themselves into selective amnesia?!
But if that's the case… does that mean their drinking party might be canceled?
The two seniors turned around with completely unbothered expressions, showing no signs of shame.
"Well, let's not dwell on that for now."
"Your first dive is coming up—are you ready?"
Faced with their seniors' question, Iori and Kouhei both looked a little awkward.
During the evaluation, they had done something unsafe, and both got a serious scolding.
They had accepted the criticism sincerely and realized that safety in diving is the number one priority!
After hearing the story, the seniors patted them on the shoulders.
"Yeah, that really was dangerous."
"Even if it was just a prank with your dive masks, and even though there was a proctor present, stunts like that aren't allowed. It could've gone badly!"
Iori and Kouhei lowered their heads, clearly understanding the gravity of their mistake.
At that moment, Shiro slung his arms around their shoulders.
"Haha, it's fine. Let's just not do anything dangerous next time. Let's enjoy the dive together! I brought my precious camera this time!"
Seeing Shiro's cheerful smile, Iori and Kouhei were stunned.
Maybe… maybe they had misjudged this guy all along?
"Shiro…"
"But since you screwed up, you'll have to take the penalty, right? You two are footing the bill for the drinks!"
(???)
Yup…
They definitely hadn't misjudged this jerk.
"Can't you think about something else for once?!"
"You bastard! Give me my tears back!"
"Hah! This is your punishment! My eyes still sting from earlier!"
"No way! We used the safe stuff!"
"..."
Watching the boys bicker, the two seniors smiled warmly.
Diving is a team activity—one you share, one where you can laugh and play—but… safety must never be forgotten!
And more importantly, never forget the people diving with you.
"You jerks! You're leaving me out again!"
Tears in her eyes, Aina grabbed Chisa and charged in!
Dammit! You're not leaving me out of this youthful moment!
This memory has to be in my album of youth!
Be brave, Aina! Go for it!
Σ(っ °Д °;)っ
"Wait a second!!"
Chisa looked terrified—why drag me along just because you want a youthful memory?!
I was taking landscape photos just now!
The seniors watched their five newbies with fond, affectionate smiles.
Originally, they had worried they'd have no new recruits again this year.
Who would've thought they'd get five such wonderful juniors?
"This is really great~"