As Kaku said, Enel returned in just over ten seconds.
His speed left Cathy, Camie, and Med dumbfounded.
"It's already... done?" Camie asked, her disbelief evident.
Enel threw the remote back to Kaku, a look of disdain on his face. "The efficiency of Thunder God is something you ignorant mermaids can't compare to."
"As long as it's done," Cathy smiled, trusting Takumi's companions. "Mr. Med, their ship is properly docked now. If there's nothing else, we'll head off."
Med, his face wet with tears, nodded weakly. As he watched Cathy and Enel leave, he returned to the shore. Sure enough, Takumi's ship had indeed moved back on land, yet he felt no relief.
Staring at the wreckage scattered across the lake, Med sighed deeply. "Looks like I'll need to retire early..."
On the other side, Takumi hadn't walked far when Enel and the others caught up.
Cathy and Camie sped up, hovering in front of Takumi, buoyed by their bubble floaters.
"We're close to where we live," Cathy smiled, "It's past mealtime, but why don't you come over and have something to eat? I'll cook something tasty for you."
"Cathy's cooking is delicious! You'll love it," Camie agreed.
"It's not about whether we want it or not," Kaku looked towards Takumi. "We need our captain's approval first."
All eyes turned to Takumi.
Takumi shrugged indifferently, "Whatever."
"So 'whatever' means you'll come, right?" Cathy beamed, "But, just a heads-up, my place is a bit messy since I haven't tidied up recently—hope you don't mind."
"As long as there's food, I don't care," Enel said nonchalantly. "I've had enough of Long-nose's cooking. A change in flavors sounds good."
"You…" Kaku laughed dryly, "Alright, then I won't prepare your share anymore—I'll just make more for the captain."
Enel: "..."
"Haha!" Camie laughed heartily. "You guys are really close. By the way, what do you guys do? Are you pirates?"
"Pirates?" Enel chuckled. "We're travelers. Don't compare us to those chaotic pirates."
"Travelers?" Camie exclaimed. "Then you must have traveled to lots of places!"
"Of course," Enel said proudly.
"What's that thing on your back?" Camie pointed at the drums on Enel's back. "It looks pretty impressive."
"Yahahaha! Of course," Enel laughed loudly, "These are thunder drums, used to summon lightning."
"Lightning?" Camie's eyes shone, filled with curiosity. "You mean electricity? I've never seen lightning before! Could you show me? Please, please~"
Enel enjoyed the praise. To Camie's delight, he raised his hand, and a few bright lightning bolts sparkled in his palm.
Camie clapped her hands in awe. "Wow, is this lightning? It's beautiful! Can I touch it?"
"You'd best drop that idea," Enel withdrew his hand, the lightning disappearing instantly.
"Why not?" Camie asked, a bit disheartened.
Kaku smiled, "His lightning could fry you like a fish. You should be careful. Before coming to Fish-Man Island, this guy was thinking if mermaids are edible."
"Huh?" Camie shrank back, her face showing a hint of fear. "Are you going to eat us?"
"Camie, don't think like that," Cathy reassured her with a smile, "His companions are good people. They won't hurt us, don't worry."
"Oh..." Camie muttered, her gaze falling on the egg Kaku was holding. "Long-nose guy, what's that in your hands?"
"This? It's a pet egg entrusted to me by the captain," Kaku replied casually. "Also, it's Kaku—thanks."
Camie lit up at the mention of a pet egg. "It's my first time seeing an egg like that. What kind of pet will it hatch into?"
"No idea," Kaku shook his head. "The captain doesn't know either, but if it's from him, it won't be weak."
"Wow, I can't wait!" Camie smiled. "If only it hatches before you leave. I hope it's a cute little creature."
"Camie," Cathy called, "They're our guests—you're talking too much."
Camie playfully stuck out her tongue. "Alright, alright, I'll stop asking. But really, you've been doing all the talking, and Mr. Takumi hasn't said much. Is he really that shy?"
Takumi: "..."
You all carry on with your conversation—why drag me into this?
"Hahaha, shy?" Enel laughed. "You think he's shy? He's just lazy—he's the type to take action instead of talk."
Takumi glanced at him.
Enel immediately shifted into his elemental form. Seeing Takumi stay put, he returned to normal and complained, "Can you not scare me like that all the time?"
Takumi: "..."
"Haha!" Kaku laughed. "Enel, you're hilarious."
Enel fumed, "Shut up, Long-nose! Want to fight?!"
"Haha," Camie cheered, "Fight, fight! Let's see who's stronger."
Cathy sighed, covering her face in exasperation, shaking her head.
Kaku then raised the pet egg and said, "See this? The captain put me in charge of it. If you make it break, be ready to face the captain's wrath."
Enel's mouth twitched. Suddenly, he realized that Kaku now had another way to restrain him...
This couldn't stand. How was he supposed to rise up the ranks on the ship like this?
With that thought, Enel stretched his hand towards Kaku, his tone irritated, "Hand over that pet egg. I'll take care of it."
"Pfft!" Kaku laughed. "In your care, it'd probably end up fried in a few days."
Enel: "..."
"Captain," Enel turned to Takumi, complaining, "I protest! Long-nose is bullying me!"
Takumi replied bluntly, "Protest denied."
Enel continued, "I request that we take on another crew member!"
Takumi: "..."
Kaku stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I actually wouldn't mind getting another crewmate to help share the workload. But with the captain's attitude, I doubt he'd let anyone on board easily. Even if he's in a good mood and agrees, he wouldn't bring just anyone onto our ship."
"We'll talk about that later," Takumi said, picking up his pace.
Neither Cathy nor Camie found this strange.
But both Enel and Kaku were shocked.
"Uh, wait—what?" Enel asked, surprised. "Long-nose, did I hear that right?"
Kaku shook his head, "No, you heard correctly."
Enel asked again, "So does that mean he's open to adding a new crewmate in the future?"
Kaku nodded. "From my understanding of the captain, that's what he meant."
"What's up with you two?" Cathy asked, confused. "Did Mr. Takumi's comment mean something unusual? You both look really surprised."
"It's nothing," Kaku waved it off. "Anyway, you're supposed to be leading the way, right? Let's keep moving."
Cathy and Camie exchanged glances and cheerfully resumed leading the group.
It didn't take long for the two mermaids to bring Takumi and his companions to an area known as Mermaid Cove.
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