Morning sun crested the horizon, gilding Middle Island's seashore. Narcissus unpacked a wooden fishing rod."Today we catch fish. Get ready."

  Reo"glaive slung over his shoulder Reo scratched his head. "What about training? Why this all of a sudden?"Narcissus grinned, baiting the hook. "Working without fun is useless. Let's go.”

  They reached the shore and cast lines, waiting and waiting—but no fish bit. Reo shot up. "Let's go. We have to train—we can't waste time."Narcissus waved him off. He set his large katana down and leaped into the sea.He surfaced, massive tuna thrashing in his grip. "Bingo."He flung the fish onto land, then grabbed Akime and Reo, yanking them into the water.They splashed in. Reo flailed, choking

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  Narcissus hauled Reo out, water streaming off them both. Reo coughed, furious yet grinning—first cold sea rush ever, blind world's wild gift.He laughed with Narcissus, shivering thrill cutting panic.Akime snapped. "Stop this bullshit. Let's train.”

  Narcissus wrung out his hair with a bright smile. "We're going to chill and relax today.”