After the trip to his family tomb, Shuichi decided it was time to cross one of those things off his list since he had the time for it. With the lights of Tsuran City in the distance, Shuichi perched himself on a cliff with Kiyoni and Botan nearby where the perspective was similar to that of the view from the Hollywood hills to Los Angeles. Sparkling shades of blue, pink, green, and yellow shone like water-hued diamonds in the distance including the tower of firefly squid and the Imperial Palace. As he sat there in silence, Shuichi actually took a moment to get better acquainted with his subaquatic body, paying close attention to the way water circulated in and out of his gills the same way air does to lungs.

Kiyoni was still in disbelief of it all, "This is so…surreal. Ningyo and an underwater city with royalty and life and… And then there's you as you are…and me! I'm a mermaid, Minamino! A real mermaid. I mean I don't think I'll ever watch either version of Ariel and not think about this anymore. Holy crap, what if Misaki finds out about this? Wait, could you do this with Misaki? I mean how would that work out? Better yet, how is this working out? How did we get here?"

Shuichi watched in admiration as Kiyoni opened herself up like an emotional geyser. Despite everything that's happened up to this point, this is what he wanted. A taste of life underwater with at least one of his friends.

"I'd be glad to tell you whenever you're ready to listen," he said.

Kiyoni was all over the place, made evident by her hair standing on end. Add some electricity to her and she could pass for a plasma ball. Reaching for a more tranquil state, Kiyoni finally sat down next to the sea prince with her hair flailing around her as if she was back on land.

"In short, it's called a psychic link," Shuichi informed, "One that was established between us some time ago."

"How long are we talking?"

"I'm not sure."

"Wait, you said 'psychic', right? Wait, so does that mean you can read my mind? Quick, tell me what I'm thinking about."

Botan quietly snorted. This young ningyo is quite hilarious. Definitely reminiscent of Botan's younger days.

"I don't think telepathy is a part of it," Shuichi awkwardly disclosed, "Then again…I could be wrong."

"Okay so how does it work?"

"Well, it's a bit unusual to explain."

"Shuichi, you and I are a couple of…mer…people hanging out as if we were back in school under the cover of a dream. What could be weirder than that? Oh, wait. My hair." Kiyoni gasped, "My hair! I can wear my hair any way I want to and no one would give a crap!"

"Hm, you have a point. That is a unique trait. Nevertheless, I can't exactly…pinpoint the precise moment that it happened but I know for certain the link was made before the day I told you and Misaki about my previous dream. The one where…I told you more about Lady Botan and…the first sighting of you."

"So…how did it happen, this link?"

"Again, I don't know when but…well my best guess would be…" Shuichi froze right then and there, admiring Kiyoni's eyes. Those same eyes that brought them both to this maritime dance.

Unlike how they were seen in school on a bright, sunny day, Kiyoni's eyes were much deeper in color due to her aquatic surroundings. That's not to say it's a bad thing. There was a reflective sparkle in those eyes due to the "city" lights. In fact, despite the color, those eyes were easy to read. They spoke of curiosity, enthusiasm, and bewilderment. The same feelings that come up whenever Kiyoni's instinct is front and center.

"It happens when… whenever we're doing…what we're doing…right now." He admitted.

"You mean whenever I ask you to…?"

"...Yes."

Kiyoni was taken aback by that. Most, if not, every time she made her request to Shuichi, she only did so just for his attention and honesty. That and she got a little kick from how he listened and behaved from that. A stare down wasn't really necessary to activate her gift. All she needed was a hunch and a ringing ear or two. Because of that revelation, Kiyoni quickly changed her behavior from what could be deemed outspoken and assertive to calm and apologetic.

"Allow me to apologize then."

"For what?"

"For…my actions towards you. Misaki was right. I guess I am a bit of a bully."

"Kiyoni, you have nothing to be ashamed of. I understand. Really, I do. You're just…protecting yourself the best way you know how. As far as using your gift is concerned, that's not your fault either. In fact, I'm the one who should apologize for my behavior. You always provided a listening ear even when I wanted to keep my mouth shut and I thank you for that. It's helped me…come to terms with who and what I am a bit better. It's why we're here. This is…consider this a token of my appreciation."

"...Really?"

Shuichi assured with a smile, "Really."

Kiyoni smiled as well, her hair bundling itself into two-strand twists as an extension of her flushed feelings. This was a sweet moment. Kiyoni will give Shuichi that.

"So…what happens now?"

Shuichi glanced over at Botan who was encouraging him to spill everything. She was enjoying this moment too and felt that Kiyoni was trustworthy enough to know.

"Well…I'm afraid some things may happen in due time," he said.

"Such as?"

"There's a reason why I've been exposed to this."

"And that is…?"

"Considering all of the changes that I'm going through, it's possible that I…may have to return here…for real."

"What? Why?"

"Kiyoni, I'm a ningyo. I have to know about everything that entails. Another reason is because I'm royalty. Not only would I have to come back to essentially reunite with my birth father but…possibly prepare for a life on the throne."

"You look like you don't want to."

Botan disagreed, "What?! What do you mean he doesn't want to? Of course he does!"

"Lady Botan, please," Shuichi urged, "She has a point."

"I do," Kiyoni asked.

"You do. As of right now, I don't want to do that. Reason being is because I'll have to leave a lot of things behind. School, my parents, Misaki…you…"

"Me? You don't have to worry about me. I'm not that special."

"Yes, you are. I consider you a friend just like Misaki. Even still, those are some important things to leave behind."

"Well, is there a date or something? How much time do you have?"

Shuichi glanced at Botan again who simply shrugged her shoulders, "I'm not sure. Perhaps until I've learned everything Lady Botan can teach me."

"Well, there's no telling how long that'll take. There's no need to rush."

"Maybe. Maybe not."

"Eh?"

"Remember what happened at regionals? That was caused by me."

"Seriously? Minamino, do you realize you may have–?"

"I didn't."

"What?"

"I didn't. They'll survive. Lady Botan made sure of it. In fact, she was in the pool with me."

"You're kidding!"

"...No. However, I'll still find a way to visit any of them to pay my respects."

"Oh, man," Kiyoni exhaled, "I really thought that–"

"So did I. That's why I must learn everything there is to know about me. Whether it's with Lady Botan or…from personal experience."

"So you are going to go through with it."

"I have to. Whether I truly want to or not."

"...Now that you mention it…" Kiyoni contemplated, her hair releasing itself from its twisted entanglements, "I think you should go. Perhaps you could…learn a lot."

"You think so?"

"Yeah," Kiyoni nodded, "Think about it. How has humanity benefited from the seas and oceans?"

"Oh, there's sustenance from seafood. Drinking water. Something to wash our hair and clothing with. Water for plumbing. The rains we get to water the forests and other plants. Promising studies of algae as a renewable energy source. Hydroelectric dams and facilities as a renewable energy source…"

"Uh huh and how has sea life benefited from humanity?"

"Well there's…well, there are teams out there to clean up the oceans, cater to creatures caught up in oil spills. There's…"

"Uh huh. While at the same time there have been oil spills like you said, toxic and radiation spills, tons of plastic and garbage all over the place. I just learned there's a fake coral reef made of tires, Minamino. Tires. Like the ones you see on cars and trucks that are killing sea creatures left and right. Dead bodies are getting dumped left and right, people scattering a person's ashes in these waters. What else…? That thing with the billionaires…the…The Titanic or that old…decrepit ship we saw at the border…"

"Yes and in return we have been rewarded with tsunamis, typhoons, and other water-related natural disasters. Think about all of the land the oceans have destroyed, the lives that were lost."

"And while the surface cleans up from that while mourning the lost, where does most of the garbage and debris go, huh? Right back into the ocean. A cycle that has yet to die ever since forever. What do you have to say to that?"

"Alright, alright. I see your point. Perhaps I could play the role of a diplomat and establish a bridge between worlds. There's some good news though. I think."

"What's that?"

"I'm allowed to find a partner."

"Ha…! Well, of course you are. You're a freaking prince! The whole 'continue the bloodline' thing. Of course you have to find a…partner and I'm sure you will once you're settled here."

"You don't think it could be you?"

"No way it could be me. I would have to…leave the same things you'd have to. Not only that but if my parents found out that I would be sailing off into the ocean with a boy, they'd freak out. You're better off partnering up with a native."

"There's your mom. She seems nice. What if you told her you'd be a mermaid, a real mermaid like Yemoja?"

"My mom may be spiritual but she's not delusional or zealous. Meaning seeing is believing, Minamino. I'd have to literally present myself to her like this just for her to even consider me leaving. That's too much work for me."

"Despite all of that, I guess the question remains. Would you?"

"Would I what?"

"Come with me. For real. Look at it this way. We just discussed how the seas and oceans are seemingly getting the short end of the stick in terms of environment so it needs suitable representation from this world to speak on their behalf. My tenure here may be the start needed to find a connection between this world and the surface but…that's an extremely large task to handle alone. Especially when I'm simultaneously trying to understand all I can about what I am and the role that I could play. I could use some help, some trusted help. Why not yours?"

Kiyoni thought about it. The chance to spend some time outside of Japan, the opportunity to meet and engage with real ningyo from around the ocean, learn their culture, speak their language, meet their extremely attractive emperor while roaming the halls of the imperial palace with their prince. The freedom to hang out with a prince and possibly cosplay as a princess. Wait, what?

"You're not…you're not really thinking about seeing me as that partner…are you?"

The jig was up once again for one Minamino Shuichi, "I…I guess I…I am."

While Botan grew as excited as someone watching a special scene from their favorite Asian drama, Kiyoni excused herself to gather some thoughts.

Whooooooooooa! I was not expecting this at all! I mean, Minamino is nice and cool and all but me?! A princess?! A mermaid princess?! I mean I just…I just never thought… I-I thought that…it would be me and, and, Jimin or Jungkook or, or, Felix of Stray Kids or, or, or even, even Stellvester of SB19! Okay, Kiyoni, you may sound a little delusional but dammit! A girl can dream! Wait, am I dreaming? Is this still a dream…?

"Was that too forward," Shuichi asked Botan.

"I don't think so," Botan answered, "A bit unconventional but not too forward."

"Is it possible? That's the better question."

"To convert a human to a ningyo? It is. There have been plenty of humans who willingly gave up their lives on dry land to be one of us. Voyagers traveling far and wide as the deep blue sea to find the ones responsible for stealing their hearts. It's romantic. It takes a small sacrifice but it's possible."

"Tell me."

Finally able to calm down, Kiyoni returned to her previously conducted personality already in progress, "Okay…I'm okay."

"Good. You had me worried for a second."

"I'm sorry. That was just…I didn't expect that! Honestly."

"Well, fortunately, neither of us have to make a decision right now but…I hope you accept. I could…" Shuichi could see bubbles forming around Kiyoni's face and hair. That only meant that it was time to go.

"Shuichi, what's happening? Why are you bubbling up?"

"It's nothing serious. It just means that we're about to wake up. I appreciate you spending this time with me."

"Can we do this again…sometime?"

Upon glancing downward, Shuichi noticed Kiyoni's hands on top of his left. From his perspective, Kiyoni had the same look on her face as a child experiencing Disneyland Tokyo for the first time. Why wouldn't she? This world, this Tsuran City, was unlike anything of the surface world and it's mainly because no average human would even think of its existence. Why not ask for more? Not only that but the way the forefingers of Kiyoni's right hand seemingly instinctively gripped Shuichi's hand felt…reassuring, comforting. He couldn't say no. He didn't want to.

"Of course," he avered, "So long as we remain connec–"

Once again, Botan took action in collecting as much sea foam as she could. That was such a sweet moment and Botan hoped Kiyoni would accept Shuichi's offer. It seemed like he could really use a friendly outlet throughout this transitional period.

Students of Meiou Academy couldn't wait to sing their praises to their regional swimming champions the following morning. Yesterday was exciting, riveting. A baseball game between rival teams would be a better comparison. And then, there was talk about the swimmers that got caught up in that incident with rumors quickly spreading concerning death. No one could survive in an electrically-charged pool. It's impossible.

"Oh, bro, bro," Kuronue incited, "I managed to find one of the guys."

"Which one," Shuichi asked, walking with his friend to school.

"Duh! The guy that got caught up in the pool. He survived! They all survived! Can you believe it? Look," Kuronue showed Shuichi a TikTok photo montage belonging to the username, Kaiswimsbetterthanyou. In it and to an acapella version of Destiny's Child's Survivor, "Kai" shows off his time at the hospital ER including the scarring Botan talked about. An electrically-shaped burn mark was seen extending from the heel to the mid calf. The nerves that govern that area are completely disabled but since his team is out of the tournament, "Kai" can take the necessary time to heal. The video ends with "Kai" wearing a face mask, giving a thumbs up.

"Lady Botan really came through," Shuichi commented.

"Eh?"

"She was there that day. She managed to get him out before there was any more damage."

"Your mom? Your birth mom was there? I thought she only shows up in your dreams."

"So did I but remember, she saved me five years ago. She's essentially a ghost who still has some work to do with me. Did you find out more about this person? I want to see if I can visit him."

"Yep. Takeda Kai. Third year student of Uwajima. Supposed to leave the hospital today."

"Today?! But I…"

"I wouldn't worry about it. Look, if you did decide to do that, you'll only plant more suspicions. How would you be able to explain being the one responsible for nearly electrocuting three people to death? You already have one student set on exposing you. Do you really want another?"

"I guess you have a point," at that moment, Shuichi spotted Kiyoni approaching the entrance gate with Mei and Alana in tow. The second she caught on, Kiyoni froze, displaying a nervously playful smile while brushing a few braids behind her ear upon crossing the threshold.

"Hello," Kuronue called, "Earth to the soon-to-be national champion."

"Hm? Oh…! What did you say?"

"My god, Minamino, could you be any more obvious? You like her! And by the looks of things, she likes you too."

"Don't be ridiculous. Things between us are purely platonic. Wait, how do you know? Has she said anything to you or anyone?"

"Dude, if I know anything about girls, it's that whenever they like a guy, they do that hair-behind-the-ear thing and she totally did that hair-behind-the-ear thing. Now that I think about it…she did it once before…either at the qualifiers or that Sarayashiki game… How on earth do you do it, bro?"

Before Shuichi could say anything, the entrance gate was about to close, "Not sure what you're referring to but I think we should hurry. We're going to be late for school."

"Oh, shit. Wait up!"

In an enclosed hallway that separated the school gymnasium from the classrooms, Karasu stood by alone waiting for Yuu to show up. Yuu had an idea and felt the need to share it with Karasu. Since nationals was a couple of weeks away, Karasu decided to keep his hair as dark as it is which personally pleased his parents. Colored hair wax can be quite messy when washed out. Yuu entered the space from the gymnasium end, still cocky and confident in his plans.

"You showed up," he said, "Good."

"I'm not a fucking pet and don't you dare address me as such," Karasu retorted, "So…what's this plan of yours?"

"Consider this a covert mission."

"Eh?"

"Tell me something. Is there anything Minamino does before practice or competition? I notice that he tends to get himself acquainted with the water before competing."

"So? Ever heard of a warm-up? If you spent more time with athletes instead of Internet crazies, you'd know that."

"That may be but I'm only speaking from an…outsider's perspective. You're the vice captain. That means you get to see Minamino before and after practice and competition. So tell me. Are there any…rituals, habits Minamino gets into before getting in the pool?"

Karasu thought about it. He's seen Shuichi get into swimming mode plenty of times from last minute shaving to stretching. Even the way he applied his swimming cap was habit forming. Bundle the hair into a ponytail, apply a mesh cap to keep the hair in place then the swim cap, and adjust to fit, making sure any and all flyaways are tucked in.

"Hm…" Karasu thought, "Now that you mentioned it, there is…something that he does that's…somewhat new."

Yuu grinned, "And that is?"

"He carries two bottles with him in his bag. One is lotion, the other a water canister. Ever since the prefecture round, he always puts those two things to use."

"Any idea why?"

Karasu shook his head, "Couldn't tell you. I thought it was for luck. It's gotten us this far."

"Hm… When's your next practice?"

"After school. Chances are the coach will be on us like a hawk now. Why?"

"See if you can grab at least one of those items. I like to test it for something."

"And then what?"

"You leave that to me. I'll be here once practice is done," Yuu claimed before heading off to class, "I presume you won't be late."

A quizzical look overcame Karasu's face. If he is successful in obtaining one of the items, just what was Kaito going to do with it?

Just as Karasu said, practice immediately took place after classes. As a matter of fact, the swim team was granted a fifteen-minute early dismissal from class just to get some extra training in. Shuichi was a little bummed about that. He really wanted to get Kiyoni alone just so they could talk about last night. It wouldn't work either way, Kiyoni has volleyball practice today as well. Kuronue was dumbstruck. During lunch, both Kiyoni and Shuichi talked about their shared dream from returning to Tsuran City to seeing Emperor Yoko to learning more about Shuichi's future. Like Shuichi, Kuronue also didn't want his best friend to leave, especially when high school is on the horizon. That gave the sea prince an idea.

As the boys filed into the locker room to change for practice, Karasu covertly watched Shuichi get undressed. Lotion was applied to the arms and torso first.

"Hey, Minamino," Karasu summoned.

"Yes?"

"Eh…since when have you felt the need to do that?"

"Do what? Lotion? Well, temperatures have been fluctuating lately. Best to prepare for it. Why do you ask?"

"Oh, nothing, it's just… Mind if I use it?"

"This? Oh…sorry. It's not meant for you."

"Why not? Chlorine can dry anyone's skin. What makes you so special?"

"Well, the thing is…(you better come up with something quick…) I've been noticing some really bad irritation along my arms lately."

"Irritation? You mean that thing back at the prefecture round?"

"Y-y-yes…that. After a quick checkup, doctors think it could be eczema at the very least so this lotion is more or less a prescription," satisfied with his own lie, Shuichi pulled out his water bottle and ingested another two shots of saltwater.

"Uh huh. And the other bottle? You haven't been doing that for very long either."

"I've been hearing some things about the positive effects of alkaline or electrolyte water lately. Figured I'd try it for myself and since we're going to nationals, I guess it works. Perhaps you should give it a try."

"Yeah…sure." The moment Shuichi headed towards the bathroom stalls to finish changing was the same one Karasu took action. Yuu asked him to grab one of these two items, either the water canister or the lotion. He decided to try the former. It tasted disgusting. Nothing but saltwater. He's seen a thing or two about people adding salt to their water but Shuichi's sodium intake was ridiculous. Could it be possible that Shuichi drinks this stuff just to remain human? That's what Karasu wanted to know. Dumping out whatever that remained in his own water bottle, Karasu refilled it with water from Shuichi's, stuffing the container back in his captain's bag before anyone could notice.

"Here," Karasu offered, "I did what you asked."

Both he and Yuu met just outside of a science classroom as scheduled for today. Yuu really expected to see the container Shuichi actually uses for DNA testing but the contents that were found in a plastic bottle in Karasu's possession will do.

"It's saltwater," Karasu informed.

"Saltwater?"

"Yeah. I managed to taste it when Minamino wasn't looking. It's horrible. And he takes two shots of that stuff every time he has to go for a swim."

"Hmm. And the other bottle?"

"Didn't think much of it. He says it's a prescription cream for eczema. Though I can't shake what went down after the prefecture competition…"

Deadpanned, Yuu asked, "Eczema? Really? After you just mentioned the prefecture round…"

Karasu shrugged, "Like I really care."

"Anyway, if this is saltwater, what would Minamino really need it for?"

"Oh, he said something about electrolytes."

"Electrolytes…yes… Sodium chloride as a solid wouldn't be able to conduct electricity by itself. It needs an additive…like water…"

"Eh?"

"That incident back at regionals. It's possible–no. I know for certain Minamino was responsible."

"How so?"

"Because out of everyone that was in the pool when it happened, only Minamino left unscathed."

"What about everyone else? Now that you mention it, I heard they all survived. Some dude even walked away from it with a pretty sick burn on his leg."

At this point, Yuu was seen facing a wall that displayed test scores from a recent exam coming from all third year students. Both he and Shuichi were in the top five.

"Yes. Takeda Kai of Uwajima. I'm going to speak with him later today," Yuu said with little to no emotion, "Other than that, who cares about the rest? What matters is our goal. I'm going to need that other bottle just to be sure."

"What the hell are you getting at?"

"I have another hunch. While we didn't see any scales or fins that day, chances are the reason is because of the sodium intake of our fishy friend. So if we take away these disablers…"

"There's a chance we could see…"

"Now you get it."

"So what's the plan?"

"The next time you have practice, I'll need for you to grab that lotion. Better yet, replace it. Replace them both. Do you remember what brand he uses?"

"Yeah. Suave unscented body lotion for men with olive oil."

"That's…suspiciously specific. Anyway, try to find a substitute bottle and make the switch when Minamino isn't looking."

"What about the water? I'm pretty sure he'll be able to tell the difference between regular water and saltwater."

"That's the thing. Yes, he'll be able to catch that but that won't be the case with the lotion. If everything goes well, he'll jump into that pool unarmed and we'll be right there to catch him. He'll have no choice but to back down."

Now it was Karasu with an idea, "Hm. I think I know a way to get that lotion."

"Do you, now?"

"Yep. Just need a long enough distraction. Leave that to me."

"Very well. I'll hang on to this in the meantime. Best of luck to you."

Karasu walked off with a devilish grin on his face, "I don't think that'll be necessary."

All the while, Yuu had some work of his own to do. Find the connection between saltwater and mermaids.