A gentle and sweet voice rang out, sounding like a young woman. Gin turned her head, what met her eyes was a gentle woman in her mid-twenties with black hair and black eyes.
The woman's eyes were bright, she had a slender figure. Her long hair flowed softly over her shoulders, she wore a white miko robe. Her demeanor was poised, her face carried a kind smile.
Gin gave her a quiet glance and said nothing.
Although he did not deliberately put on an intimidating or hostile expression, her years of experience living on the edge, combined with her naturally cold and aloof features, made him appear unapproachable.
The woman seemed startled by her indifference and took a small step back, but unexpectedly, she did not leave. Instead, she stood her ground and spoke cautiously, "You don't look like a local, do you? Mermaid Falls is just ahead. It's getting dark now, so please be careful on your way."
Her eyes held an unlikable sense of care and tenderness.
Gin lowered her eyes slightly.
What is your name?
Me.." The girl's voice sounded somewhat surprised, but she didn't seem very afraid. "My name is Shimabukuro Kimie.
The silver-haired youth's beautifully curved lips pulled into a gentle smile, his silver hair shimmering slightly under the moonlight, while the hem of his black trench coat fluttered in the evening breeze.
As expected—
"How about taking me for a walk around?" His voice was low and mellow, carrying a slight hint of enchantment in the night, though he himself was unaware of it.
The young Miko frowned slightly. She instinctively took a step back and then said softly, "Okay."
Shimabukuro Kimie was a gentle woman; she was intelligent, but she rarely showed her brilliance, every move she made was considerate of others.
Perhaps it was because of this that, after encountering all sorts of injustices in the future, she would finally reach her breaking point and strike with lethal force.
But even so, according to her plan, she would also kill Shimabukuro Kimie, willing to stifle her own prime years to play the role of a life that had already grown old.
To extend the Mermaid Island.
Of course, it was unsuccessful due to the interference of a certain Shinigami Elementary Student.
But a mistake is always a mistake; the waves could not hold back this woman's departure, she must still take responsibility for her own mistake.
Gin has a vast wealth of knowledge; he is not particularly talkative, but if the topic of conversation is something he finds interesting, he will ensure the conversation never goes cold.
Although Gin did not say much, Shimabukuro Kimie was an understanding girl who responded at just the right moments, she also benefited greatly from the Silver-haired youth's remarks.
After strolling around until the moonlight grew deep, Shimabukuro Kimie still felt somewhat reluctant to end the outing, she gave him an apologetic smile.
This girl was no longer very afraid of Gin's coldness.
I'm sorry.. for making you talk with me for so long, Gentleman.
The young Miko bowed slightly, the black hair at her temples falling down, she tucked it behind her ear with her hand.
"It's fine, I just wanted to walk around a bit more," Gin said nonchalantly.
That gentleman has come to participate in the Dugong Festival here, haven't you?" The woman's black eyes were bright, reflecting the gentle moonlight. "Have you already taken a number tag?
I'm here to eat seafood.
"Huh?" Shimabukuro Kimie didn't expect such an answer; her eyes widened in surprise, revealing a hint of playfulness she rarely showed.
Gin curled her lips into a wicked smirk. "My companion is interested in going; he has already taken a number."
I see.." Shimabukuro Kimie smiled, her eyes curving into crescents. "Even so, since you are participating in the Dugong Festival, I assume you are also hoping to receive the blessing of the Mermaid.
Gin paused, saying nothing.
He turned his head; the moon was very round today, casting down a scattering of silver light in varying shades of brilliance.
The Silver-haired youth's thoughts drifted aimlessly, like bubbles blown by a child, floating one after another into the sky—
It seemed that the moonlight on the island was no different from the moonlight anywhere else.
The bubbles floated lightly through the air before popping one by one.
He curled the corners of his mouth into a smile that lacked his usual mockery or indifference, revealing a hint of gentleness.
But deep within that gentleness, there was a trace of leaked loneliness.
I am not interested in the Mermaid's blessing," he said softly. "If there truly is a blessing from a Mermaid, I hope it can protect someone.
Who?" Shimabukuro Kimie spoke as if she were in a trance, then suddenly realized what she had said and hurriedly waved her hands. "I mean, this person must be very important to you, right?
.. You could say that.
The Black-haired girl fell silent for a moment, then spoke as if she had made a firm decision, "Can you tell me what your number is?"
Gin casually said, "Forty-seven."
Forty-seven?" Shimabukuro Kimie murmured, then looked toward the silver-haired youth. "You will receive the Mermaid's blessing.
Under the moonlight, the woman's smiling expression appeared exceptionally firm.
“??” Gin was somewhat bewildered.
..
Only after obtaining the Dugong Arrow, which symbolized the Mermaid's blessing, did Gin finally realize what Shimabukuro Kimie's words from that day had meant.
She received the Dugong Arrow amidst the envy and jealousy of the crowd—which included a somewhat childish Miyano Shiho—and gave Shimabukuro Kimie a long, deep look.
After the ceremony ended and they left Mermaid Falls, Miyano Shiho still appeared somewhat sulky, clutching her number tag tightly in her right hand and glancing at the Dugong Arrow in Gin's hand from time to time.
Gin did not notice her expression, or perhaps he noticed it but simply did not care; her entire focus was on the Dugong Arrow in her hand.
She examined the arrow over and over again; the Dugong Arrow was small and slender, yet it showed no signs of anything special.
Moreover, based on the description in the Spoilers, it would only be an ordinary arrow.
The flash of heat across her chest felt like an illusion, but he knew it wasn't—or rather, he hoped it wasn't.
Gin frowned deeply.
It seems it really was just a coincidence.
Madra maintained her usual expression; she didn't care much about the Dugong Arrow. Vodka, however, was very happy; his big brother seemed even happier about obtaining the Dugong Arrow than he was himself.
Gin had already snapped out of it, casting a half-smile at Miyano Shiho. "Unwilling to let it go?"
Not at all!" the Girl said fiercely, before pausing and struggling to maintain a calm, indifferent expression. "Just you hold onto this Dugong Arrow!
What about the Mermaid's blessing! Don't you dare lose it! You might actually achieve immortality! After all, the Long-lived woman has lived to be one hundred and twenty-seven years old.
She seemed to be talking to herself, using a volume clearly intended for the person beside her to hear: "Looking at your hair color, you might not even be able to tell when it turns white."
Although her tone was subtle, a hint of sour jealousy could still be seen in her expression.
It's exactly because she's unwilling to give in, isn't it?" Ignoring the girl's wide-eyed, sulky expression as she looked like she wanted to say something, Gin chose not to entertain her hypocrisy. After teasing her with a half-smile, she spoke, "It's time we head to Shimabukuro Kimie's house.
She pointed out with an ambiguous expression, "It's time to.. go see that Long-lived woman."
If we are any later, we might miss her.
..
Previously, they had asked Shimabukuro Kimie if they could visit her home and had received an affirmative response. Now, the group of four arrived at the Shimabukuro residence together.
They also saw the one hundred and twenty-seven-year-old Long-lived woman, Shimabukuro Mikoto.
After having some tea and snacks there, Miyano Shiho and Vodka were shocked by Shimabukuro Mikoto's Guinness World Record-breaking lifespan, while Madra and Gin exchanged a silent glance.
After leaving the Shimabukuro residence, Gin stopped in her tracks. "I have something to attend to. I'll find you all in a bit."
Are you planning to go to Shimabukuro's house again?" Madra suddenly spoke up. "There's no need, is there? You've already figured it out, haven't you?
It was obvious that this old woman was an impostor, using her knees to walk after having her legs bent by someone.
Gin herself possesses keen insight, with the prior 'Spoilers', she saw through it at a glance; Madra's research focuses on the human body, having been personally mentored by Brandy several years ago, it is not surprising that she saw through it as well.
In contrast, Miyano Shiho was young and lacked experience; furthermore, her field of expertise was unrelated, so she was clearly deceived.
Let's not mention Vodka.
Miyano Shiho looked at them with suspicion, her eyes filled with surprise: "What are you talking about?"
Gin's eyes were indifferent. "Have Madra explain it to you. I have something I need to go confirm."
She said nothing more and turned to leave.
..
"Mr. Kurosawa?" The black-haired Miko looked at the returning silver-haired youth in surprise.
This arrow might truly possess magical power." A flicker of light flashed through Gin's emerald eyes as she spoke words of ambiguous meaning, "Even if it was a coincidence, I thank you.
??" Shimabukuro Kimie was bewildered. He looked at the Silver-haired youth in surprise and said blankly, "What? I didn't do anything.
Perhaps.." Gin curled his lips slightly as the wind blew through the stray hairs at his forehead. The youth spoke nonchalantly, "The Long-lived woman is your Mother, isn't she?
It was like a sudden clap of thunder.
!!" Shimabukuro Kimie's eyes instantly widened, she gasped slightly with her mouth agape, "What?" Then she quickly reacted, "What on earth are you talking about.. how is that possible?
“Walking with your legs bent and using your knees, you look just like a short, elderly person,” Gin exposed maliciously. “By the way, your makeup skills are quite good.”
Shimabukuro Kimie's face turned pale, the usually gentle woman bristled, "Please, don't talk nonsense—"
Gin interrupted her, ignoring her wary and hostile gaze: "Don't worry, I have no intention of exposing you."
It hasn't been easy for you all either, but that has nothing to do with me, of course—" The Silver-haired youth stared at the Dugong Arrow in his hands, "Honestly, I didn't intend to meddle in other people's business.
That fleeting, brief flash of green light surfaced in his mind again, Gin continued, "Consider it a favor; I can help you with something."
"I don't need it!" the Woman said, her voice firm and decisive.
This is your business. If you need help, come find me—if you can find me.
A green, fleeting, yet infinitely joyful light.
It was the first time in all these years; he did not know whether what had been brought to him was hope, or despair.
..
Miyano Shiho played with her phone dejectedly. He checked the time again, then turned his head to ask Vodka, "Why hasn't Gin returned yet?"
Even though Madra was also a woman and a fellow Researcher, they should have had more in common, for some reason, Miyano Shiho did not want to have much contact with her.
Perhaps.. it was instinct?
Facing this woman, who acted with such composure and spoke with such poise, she always felt an inexplicable sense of panic.
Vodka was making instant noodles. Hearing this, he turned to look at his older brother's girlfriend, Feiwen, said, "I don't know either. Big Brother hasn't been in contact with me."