"So... what exactly did you two do last night...?"
Kouhei stared speechlessly at the two lying on the couch.
When he got up and came to the living room this morning, he found them fast asleep on the couch, occasionally mumbling, "Police, stay away!"
(;?＿?)
"We... just slept normally."
"Yeah..."
Their eyes darted evasively. That cop last night was way too persistent. The two had been locked in a mental battle with him the whole time. It wasn't until Shiro managed to lure him away that they finally escaped.
Completely exhausted, they collapsed on the couch and fell asleep right away...
Kouhei eyed them suspiciously, feeling like he'd missed something important last night.
Squeeze~
Two mischievous little hands pinched Shiro's cheeks~
"Shiro~ You didn't wake us up this morning~"
Azusa and Nanaka each pinched one of Shiro's cheeks and pulled. They were super upset to find their hugging pillow missing when they woke up.
"Or sowwy... Nex time I'll pwomise..."
Shiro mumbled with a mouth full of stretched cheeks, mainly because he was scared they'd ditch their "piggy" again!
After all, those two big sisters weren't going anywhere.
"I suddenly feel like killing him!"
"Same here. Want me to prepare the cement?"
Iori and Kouhei stared furiously at the three playing around, the cold water in their hands almost boiling from rage.
Why the hell does this scumbag get to live such a carefree life?! Two beautiful big sisters doting on him!
Filled with frustration, the two turned their gazes toward the two remaining girls.
Chisa and Aina~
Four eyes met...
Σ_(???」∠) Vomit ×2
"You two are seriously too rude!!!"
Tears welled up in Aina's eyes. Why did they look at the big sisters with such awe but act like they wanted to puke when looking at her and Chisa?!
Are you guys oppai maniacs or what?
Is that all you care about—just those two lumps of fat?!
Watching the group fool around, Tokita and Kotobuki also cracked amused smiles. But now wasn't the time for playing around.
"Alright everyone, settle down! We have to go take the diving license exam soon!"
"We'll bring the car around, and then we'll head out!"
!!!
At the seniors' words, the four exam candidates froze like statues and immediately sat properly on the couch like model students.
"It's just a simple diving license exam. No way any of us would fail, right, Kitahara?"
"Ahahaha... Of course. Kouhei, you're not gonna drag us down, right?"
"Hah? You and the Corpse Beast, both with 60-residual lung pressure, dare to talk smack about me?"
"Why are you dragging me into this?! If you guys can pass, then I can definitely pass too!"
Though they talked big, their trembling legs gave away their inner anxiety.
Seeing this, the seniors completely understood.
These four's only strength... was their mouths.
Five minutes later—
Because of the numbers, the nine of them split into two cars again.
Naturally, Shiro was forced to ride with Iori and the others...
All five newbies in one car, with Chisa driving, and the three boys squished into the backseat.
It was very cramped...
"Why the hell am I here?! I should be with Azusa-nee and the others, not squashed between you two!"
Shiro glared at the two. He had almost gotten into the other car when these two bastards shouted, "Newbies should bond more!" and dragged him back!!!
Bastards!!
"Give it up. Can't you feel a bit more nervous? This isn't the time to complain."
"Yeah, don't be the only one who fails later."
Dragging Shiro into their car instantly lifted their spirits. They mostly wanted to prevent this guy from secretly excelling behind their backs!
This bastard had a criminal record for that kind of thing!
＼(Δ)／
"As if! I'm the Sea God, damn it! Just a diving exam, no way I'd fail!"
Shiro struck a heroic pose, hands on hips. Being in the water felt like being home to him—breathing aside, it was no big deal!
(???)
"How can you still have a chuuni syndrome in college? Don't you feel embarrassed?!"
Iori cringed for him. Come on, you're already in college. Shouldn't you have graduated from this middle school phase by now?
And seriously, no other chuuni ever lived such a damn blessed life like you!
"What?! Are you that Sea God?! The one who helps Lalako-chan in the movies?!"
From the other side came a voice, and Iori looked over with a blank face—only to see Kouhei grabbing Shiro's hand with a look of pure worship, eyes shining bright...
(′?`)
In that moment, Iori questioned his entire life.
Why was he surrounded by such weirdos?!
College chuuni syndrome should be rare, right? Why did he meet two of them?!
Iori couldn't take it anymore. As the only "normal" member of the trio, he felt it was his duty to do something!
Suddenly pulling out a paper megaphone from who-knows-where, he took a deep breath—
"You two idiots, can you PLEASE graduate from your chuuni phase already?! This is a scientific world! Remember what major you're studying, damn it!!"
The sudden yelling startled Shiro and Kouhei. They actually paused and thought seriously.
"Science? Maybe Lalako's magic is some kind of biological mutation? Then magic..."
"Sea God could be an alien? Mysterious cosmic energy..."
(′｀;)?
?????
＼(Δ)／!
Iori couldn't take it!
Science?!
Well, technically... yeah, but—
"Did you completely forget what your major is?! You're mechanical engineering students! Why do you sound like a biologist and an astronomer?!"
"Get your heads straight about your actual profession!!!"
The sudden yelling scared everyone. Even Chisa, who was driving, almost swerved into a ditch...
"You idiots, keep it down!"
Aina was clinging to the car's handrail for dear life. She never thought she'd actually use the safety handles. This was more thrilling than a roller coaster!
"Car!!"
"Truck ahead!!"
"Chisa, turn the wheel!!"
"I KNOW!"
The car narrowly avoided the oncoming truck, wobbling crazily down the road—
In the car behind—
The seniors stared wide-eyed at the chaos unfolding in front of them.
"Why do they look like they're having so much fun..."
"Hahaha, well, they do have Shiro."
"But... are they going to be okay?"
Nanaka looked ahead worriedly. This was practically a real-life Fast and Furious...
How the heck were they reenacting Fast and Furious while only going 60 mph?!
…
At the beach—
A short-haired girl with emerald green hair eagerly waited for her students~
Today was her first day officially working as a diving instructor! She was determined to do a great job!
Hanging from her tanned neck was her diving instructor certification—Ninagawa Amuro.
.....................…..
Σ_(°△°」∠) Ugh—
"Chisa... your driving skills are really lacking. Next time, just let me handle it..."
Shiro clutched his mouth in pain — that last bit seriously made him want to throw up. They were driving at 60 km/h, but somehow it felt like 180 km/h...
"Yeah, exactly! Σ_(°△°」∠) Ugh—" ×2
"You three better reflect on whose fault this really is!"
Aina swung her weapon — a paper megaphone — at them furiously. It was that thing that almost caused them to crash!
How the hell did that idiot Iori pull a paper megaphone out from behind him anyway?It was even more absurd than those TV shows where the heroine pulls a weapon out of her chest!
Smack!
A loud clap interrupted their conversation.
"Over here, over here~!"
Azusa was clapping to signal them over — the seniors had already met up with their assigned diving instructor.
It was a girl with short, greenish hair, wearing baggy clothes, with a huge "?" hairpin on her forehead. Her sun-kissed skin gave off a vibrant, lively vibe!
!!!
The moment Shiro and Iori saw her, their whole aura completely changed!
Their previously sickly faces instantly turned serious and dignified!
Aina and the others even saw Shiro somehow pull out a rose from behind him!
Did this guy's body have some kind of Doraemon-style four-dimensional pocket or something?!
And... these two idiots were weirdly in sync...
They rushed toward Amuro Ninagawa at the same time! Right now, Shiro and Iori were exchanging intense glares!
'You bastard! What are you trying to pull?! That's your instructor!'
'You piece of trash! First of all, put down that rose! You're being completely inappropriate!'
'Bullshit! I'm just trying to make friends, that's all!'
'Like hell anyone would believe that!!!'
"You two can actually communicate with just your eyes, huh,"
Tokita said, a little envious.
He wished he had a skill like that too.
"Wow, so pretty! Is this for me?"
Amuro's eyes sparkled as she looked at the rose in Shiro's hand. Nobody had ever given her flowers on a first meeting before.
"Of course! I picked it out just for you. Hope you like it~"
Seeing her delighted reaction, Shiro showed a triumphant smile!
Step One of relationship-building: Complete!
With this, even if there were a few "accidents" during the exam, the examiner might be a bit more lenient~
Hah!
Foolish Kitahara and Kohei, they're no match for me!
Right, this was a golden opportunity. Maybe he should set up a little wager later...
Those two idiots were easy enough to bait into anything with a few provocative words!
Already preparing his plan, Shiro was plotting how to maximize his gains. Meanwhile, Iori stared furiously at that rose — that scumbag was getting ahead again!
"Hold up! That flower came from Shiro's a—mmmph!"
Before he could spill the truth, Shiro ruthlessly clamped his hand over Iori's mouth!
"Ass...? His butt?"
Amuro looked at them suspiciously, her lively eyes full of confusion.
"Ahaha... you misheard! This idiot meant to say... it was freshly picked!"
"Really?! Thank you so much!"
"Haha... you're welcome."
Seeing the pure, innocent look on the green-haired girl's face, Shiro suddenly felt a wave of guilt.
He shook his head.
This won't do! I need to train my mental fortitude better!
Dragging Iori back to the group — and snatching Kohei along the way — Shiro left Chisa and Aina behind, looking at each other in confusion.
What were those three idiots plotting now?
"You scumbag!"
"Hmph, you're just not smart enough!"
(???)
"What are you two even talking about?"
Honest Kohei really had no clue. He hadn't even thought about "buttering up" the exam instructor.
"Well, Kohei, don't worry about it. But seriously, just taking the diving exam is boring, right? Why don't we add a little bet to spice things up?"
(´・ω・｀)?
"Bet?"
Both of them looked puzzled at Shiro.
The diving certification exam was already tough enough — why throw in a bet?
"Rejected!"
"Nothing you offer could possibly tempt us!"
They immediately turned him down. Iori knew Shiro had already boosted his favorability with the instructor, and Kohei, trusting his ultra-accurate instincts, sensed danger!
"What's wrong? Are you two scared? Or is it that you have no confidence in passing the exam?"
Shiro sneered, relentlessly needling them with his words.
"You damn bastard! You already bribed the instructor with a flower! We're not even starting from the same line!"
????!
"What?! Shiro, you actually bribed the examiner?!"
Finally catching on, Kohei was stunned.
Damn it — bribing an examiner?!
And with a flower, no less?!
Has bribery in Japan gotten this cheap?!
Shiro raised his hands innocently,
"(??ω??) Can't help it — just my natural charisma. Besides, this bet doesn't require anything serious. Whoever ranks last at the next drinking party has to drink alcohol that's at least 80% proof."
"80%?!"
"You might as well drink pure ethanol!"
They were terrified — 80 proof alcohol? Even medical alcohol is lower than that!
They usually drank...
Uh...
...Oolong tea and plain water...
Thinking about it, they decided —Actually, maybe they could handle it!
Seeing their hesitation, Shiro knew he had them hooked!
His forum popularity had been dropping recently. He needed some new spicy photos to reignite things. Two idiots chugging 80% liquor would surely produce some "quality material."
And once they were drunk and collapsed —he could "arrange" their poses, take some pictures...
(??ω??)
Forum hype, secured!
Though if Iori hadn't seen him give the flower earlier, he would've outright proposed something like taking embarrassing pics of the loser instead~
Oh well~
Meanwhile, where Shiro couldn't see, Iori and Kohei were secretly communicating.
They realized something.
The forum only had their embarrassing photos!
Totally unfair!
But getting Shiro's naked photos wasn't easy —his underwear was like it had been welded onto him, and stripping him during strip rock-paper-scissors was impossible!
Plus, he always held his liquor better than them.
But not this time!
With 80% alcohol, they had a real shot at knocking him out!
Then they could finally snap some glorious revenge pics!
Maybe even headline the forum:
"Scandalous! High-Quality Newcomer's Shocking Night—"
And finally, they wouldn't be the only ones humiliated anymore!
As for Shiro being a better diver than them?
Hah!
Two versus one. No way they could lose!
Thus, amidst their lively plotting, the bet centered around the diving exam was officially made!
.....................…..
"You three are definitely plotting something bad again!"
Aina pouted, glaring at the three of them. She felt completely left out; every time something like this happened, they never included her!
She thought it was about time she crashed their little eye-signal meetings to figure out how they communicated silently. She had caught a glimpse of it before, but the opportunity had been too brief.
"Just don't mess up the diving license exam," Chisa said casually, already used to these three troublemakers.
Moreover... she was just grateful if they didn't bother her!
"Don't worry, we definitely won't!"
"I'm going to ace it with the highest score!"
"Hmph, the winner will definitely be me!"
(-ι_- )
Chisa and Aina fell silent. These three were competing over the weirdest things again.
Seriously, do boys just have to compete over everything? What was even the point?!
At that moment, Amuro curled up, snapping out of her blissful daze surrounded by the scent of flowers, and remembered why they were here today.
"Everyone! Time to change clothes!"
Her lively voice echoed across the beach~
Sunshine, beach, energetic girls~
This was exactly the life they had imagined!
However...
The words "change clothes" were like a magic switch.
"UURAAAH!!!" ×n
In an instant, five naked guys appeared in front of everyone!
(;'A`)!!!
"What the hell are you five doing?! There are still strangers around here!"
Aina couldn't take it. What if they scared off the examiners?!
However...
"Whoa!!!!"
Rather than acting embarrassed, Amuro was looking at them wide-eyed and sparkling, almost unable to resist reaching out to touch them.
Then, without hesitation, she whipped off her large outer clothes—
"AAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!"
Aina immediately jumped to shield Amuro. Why was she stripping too?! This wasn't normal at all!
(′｀;)?
"What's wrong, Aina?"
Azusa asked, tilting her head in confusion. Looking around, all the girls had already stripped down to their swimsuits underneath.
(′?`)
Aina nearly coughed up blood. She had forgotten—these people never needed changing rooms! They always wore swimsuits under their clothes!
But why was the examiner like that too? Was this habit contagious, or did all diving enthusiasts just wear swimsuits under their clothes by default?!
Turning around, sure enough... Amuro was now standing there, wearing only her swimsuit, looking at her with innocent curiosity.
"Aren't you going to take yours off too?"
Those pure eyes were full of puzzlement.
"..."
Faced with that pure gaze, Aina didn't know how to explain that she wasn't wearing a swimsuit underneath and needed to find a changing room!
"Looks like the zombie-beast still hasn't completely opened up to us,"
"Yeah, definitely the senpai's problem,"
"Well, you can't blame her entirely; she's just too shy. Should we bring her into one of our betting games?"
The three naked boys folded their arms and discussed. After recalling Aina's drinking capacity, though, they quickly gave up on that idea.
They were scared she'd pass out before the game even began.
Thankfully, there weren't many people in this exam area. Otherwise, three naked guys standing around hugging themselves would definitely go viral.
Meanwhile...
Aina realized something serious!
There wasn't even a changing room here!
(*?????)
She stared at Amuro in disbelief. "Amuro-san, there is a changing room here... right?"
"Changing room? Why would there be one? It's standard to wear your swimsuit under your clothes when diving. Sometimes I don't even wear anything. Skinny dipping feels amazing! Want to try it together after the dive?"
=????(??? ????)
No clothes!
Looking at Amuro's radiant smile, Aina's expression turned extremely unnatural.
This girl... this girl was a wild beast wrapped in pure innocence!
She was even more outrageous than Azusa! Who in their right mind would agree to go skinny-dipping with someone?!
"Sounds great!"
"Let's swim over there later!"
"Kitahara, need me to get you a swim ring~?"
"Damn it! I'm going to learn how to swim!"
"…"
Aina clutched her face in despair. She had forgotten—her entire club was full of weirdos. She fit in perfectly among them.
And Azusa—you're a girl too! Why are you happily agreeing to skinny-dip?! This... this is way too much!
Her mind inevitably drifted into a daydream of herself and Iori skinny-dipping, snuggled together as the waves splashed around them, sharing a romantic kiss in the colorful sea.
Kyaaa!
Just imagining it made Aina's ears burn bright red, her head spinning.
Unfortunately—
Her beautiful fantasy would never come true because Iori couldn't even swim (??ω??).
Chisa quietly backed away from Aina. She seemed infected... better not risk it!
"So there really isn't a changing room? Then how did the previous examinees change clothes?"
Despite her disgust, Chisa couldn't just abandon her friend.
"Ah... about that, there's actually a changing room far away. I thought everyone would just come prepared. As for previous examinees... you're my first group!
Ehehehehe～"
Amuro's words left Chisa stunned. She had thought today's examiner would be experienced, but it turned out she was brand new...
This might be trouble for Kamishiro and the others. Everyone knew that rookie examiners tended to be very strict!
Pfft—
Nanaka hugged Chisa from behind, adding a splash of sunny orange energy~
"Chii-chan, don't underestimate Amuro-san~ She's amazing! She ranked first in all her exams and is the only person I know who can free dive without equipment in shallow waters!"
Nanaka's words shocked Chisa. Free diving without gear?
Even in shallow waters, they usually wore full gear to protect themselves.
Had she learned diving incorrectly?!
"Ahahaha, it's just because I've been diving since I was little. But seriously, don't imitate me, okay!"
Amuro's lively voice took on a serious tone. She knew very well that free diving was dangerous and not for everyone.
Of course, for someone who grew up by the sea like her, it was simple.
Looking at everyone, who had now finished preparing (with Azusa dragging Aina off to change without using the distant changing room (??ω??)), she beamed with excitement!
"Alright, let's put on our equipment and get into the water!"
The diving gear was already set up nearby. Amuro and Nanaka would serve as examiners, while the others waited onshore.
"It's finally starting…"
Shiro's eyes glimmered with a hint of anticipation.
For some reason, his nervousness had faded, replaced by calmness.
Maybe it was because he was about to see that beautiful scenery again?
It felt so wonderful～
"Oh, by the way! To thank you for the flowers, I'll give you extra attention during the exam, okay? Good luck!"
(′?`)
Looking at the energetic girl beside him now dressed in a diving suit, Shiro's pupils began to dilate.
Thank you my ass!!!
There was no trace of human common sense in this girl!
Complaint! I want to file a complaint!
No, he had to cancel that bet, or he was done for!
SLAP!
Just as he was thinking that, two hands clamped down on his shoulders.
"Hey, sounds like you said something pretty interesting just now,"
"Those flowers sure were beautiful. We're really looking forward to seeing your drinking skills, Kamishiro～"
Two demon-like faces loomed behind him—Iori and Kouhei had heard everything.
So this was the "special attention" he was getting, huh～
Seeing the two devils grinning wickedly at him, Shiro felt his soul leave his body.
They definitely weren't going to let him cancel the bet!
Damn it!!!
(*?????)
.....................…..
"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!"
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?!
.....................…..
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~"