After resting one night on Taro's Island, the three of them took a boat and left the Land of the Sea.
Since the mission had been completed in less than a day, Anko didn't want to just return like that, she wanted to spend a few more days having fun outside.
Aoba thought that he might have less time to accompany her in the future, so he agreed to Anko's request.
The three boarded a boat together bound for the Land of Hot Water.
That place was well-known for its entertainment industry and had many natural hot springs, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and vacation.
Aoba also had the idea of scouting the place. If it was good, in the future he could bring other girls there too.
As for Isaribi, naturally, wherever the two went, she followed.
On this medium-sized boat, there were only the three of them.
Because Amachi and his men had often raided passing ships in the area before, at this time no one else dared to go to sea.
But Aoba, when he had been bored in the past, had studied the skill of sailing. With the help of a few wood clones, he was more than capable of controlling the boat.
As for Amachi and the others, who knew which sea territory they had drifted off to.
And all the valuable things from the research base had naturally been sealed into Aoba's scrolls.
Unlike in the original story, their mission had been to destroy the base. The lives of the researchers had not been considered.
"Didn't think you could even sail a boat?", In the cockpit, Anko leaned against Aoba, her eyes sparkling.
She had really struck gold.
Aoba smiled and explained, "I studied it when I was bored before. But this is the first time actually trying, and it feels pretty fun."
Anko blinked, "Since it's your first time sailing, won't there be danger?"
Aoba found it a little funny, "Don't worry. Even if there really were danger, I'd just use Flying Thunder God to get all of us out."
"Really? That's quite reassuring."
Anko smiled sweetly. She didn't feel much worry after all.
Then her eyes shifted mischievously, "Sailing requires a lot of focus, right?"
Aoba nodded, "More or less. You need to watch the weather, wind direction, and keep the boat from drifting off course."
"Is that so?", Anko narrowed her eyes, showing a mischievous expression.
Her hand was already reaching toward the control lever.
Aoba's expression changed slightly, "What are you doing?"
"Doing it."
Anko answered decisively.
"…"
Aoba was speechless, "I still have to sail."
Anko gave a sly grin, "Don't worry. You do yours, I'll do mine."
———
On the boat's kitchen.
Isaribi looked at the hearty lunch she had prepared, a happy smile on her face.
She had received too much kindness from Aoba and Anko, and wanted to do something within her ability to repay them.
So she had taken on the job of cooking.
She glanced at the clock on the wall. It was already lunchtime.
Placing the dishes on the table, she headed toward the cockpit.
But just as Isaribi carefully reached the cockpit door, right as she was about to knock, the girl's hand suddenly froze.
Through the thick wooden door, despite its good soundproofing, she could still hear the almost hoarse sounds from inside.
"!"
The noises inside continued without pause.
Isaribi stood stiffly at the door, her finger hovering just short of knocking.
Though she had no experience, she wasn't ignorant. On merchant ships passing through the Land of the Sea, sometimes such reading material could be found.
But hearing it so closely was the first time.
'Those sounds…'
She didn't know if Anko inside was in pain or doing something else.
She had never thought the two of them would have this kind of relationship. She had thought they were just close companions, especially given the big difference in their ages.
Isaribi's mind was in chaos. Hearing those sounds, she bit her lower lip, not knowing what to do.
She knew she should leave now, but out of curiosity, she stayed where she was.
Turning around, she leaned against the doorframe, sliding down weakly until she sat on the floor.
The girl tilted her head up at the ceiling, her eyes full of confusion.
Behind her, from inside the door, the voices rose wave after wave.
Gradually, her once confused eyes grew misty with moisture…
Who knew how long it had been before silence finally returned inside the cockpit.
———
Behind the control console, Anko's purple hair spilled down her smooth back as she straddled Aoba's waist, holding him tight.
Their chests pressed together, breath heavy and ragged.
Slight panting, seductive and stirring, Anko hugged him tightly, unwilling to let go.
"I'm hungry…"
Rubbing her cheek against his ear, her warm breath brushed his earlobe as she spoke.
Aoba felt a ticklish sensation and suddenly said, "Isaribi was outside earlier. Lunch is probably already ready."
Anko's lips curved up, "Didn't you set up a barrier?"
"Did you give me the chance to?"
Aoba looked helpless, "Wasn't this intentional on your part?"
Anko giggled.
Aoba rolled his eyes, holding her waist, "Time to eat."
"Mhm. Dress me."
Anko still wouldn't let go.
"…"
Aoba didn't argue further. In just a few swift motions he helped her put her clothes back on.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
"Sis, Aoba, lunch is ready."
Isaribi's voice came from outside the door.
She had accepted Anko as her sister. And since Aoba was younger than her, they addressed each other by name.
Aoba thought her voice sounded a little off, but he quickly answered, "We're coming."
Outside, hurried footsteps gradually faded.
"Anko-neesan, if you don't get down, I can't get dressed."
Aoba said to her as she clung to him like a koala.
Anko pouted, then jumped off him, "Go eat first. I'll take a bath."
She left the cockpit.
Aoba didn't intend to bathe. He hadn't really broken a sweat just now, changing clothes was enough.
But as he left a wood clone behind and headed out, he glanced down unconsciously.
And saw, at the floor by the cockpit door—
———
Aoba walked into the dining room, where Isaribi was still busy in the kitchen.
She looked at him with a somewhat awkward expression, "The food got a little cold. I'll heat it up again."
Aoba sat down, "No problem. No rush. Anko-neesan went to bathe."
"Mhm."
The air fell silent again.
"Aoba, what's your relationship with Sis?", After a pause, Isaribi broke the silence.
"Anko-neesan is one of my girlfriends," Aoba spoke honestly.
"Eh?", Isaribi instinctively lifted her head, "O… one of?"
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