Section 84: Getting Soaked in the Wilderness

Perhaps because there are few people, the Small Island's residents all know each other, and the bus driver clearly recognized Rena and the Quintuplets.

But perhaps due to his quiet personality, or perhaps out of professional ethics, the driver simply nodded to Rena without speaking to her.

The Quintuplets clearly didn't recognize the driver and paid him no attention whatsoever.

A short while later, the bus quickly arrived in the city, Rena got off the bus with the Quintuplets and Shuya.

Once we got to the city center, it was indeed a bit more lively.

There are several hotels on the outskirts of the city near the beach, where many tourists walk around.

Many young men and women, dressed in swimsuits, chatted and laughed as they walked towards the sparkling sea and beach, beginning to enjoy themselves and revel in the summer.

Just as Shuya was beginning to fantasize about Rena wearing a swimsuit and playing tag with him, Rena had already chosen a direction and called to her daughter and Shuya to move forward.

Shuya had no choice but to postpone his delusions.

He followed along, and soon the traces of the modern city began to fade, replaced by trees and grass.

After walking a little further, you'll see a hot spring hotel surrounded by trees.

Tiger Rock Hot Spring.

This is the name of the hotel.

Just standing at the entrance, you can feel the tranquil atmosphere.

The hotel is surrounded by trees on both sides, and the wooden hot spring hotel seems to be hidden among the trees, bringing a touch of tranquility in the summer heat.

It's a good place.

Shuya sensed a strong aura here, similar to that of Rena, which he had felt outside.

He breathed a sigh of relief, realizing that this was indeed the reason for the strange feeling, as this was Rena's hometown.

Rena didn't stand in front of the door for long; she just reminisced for a while with a sense of nostalgia before entering the inn.

The Quintuplets went inside with their mother, Shuya naturally followed as well.

Upon entering the hotel, Shuya one man.

An old man sat behind the reception desk.

His hair was almost completely white, but a few strands of black stubbornly resisted the erosion of time.

Rena walked up to the old man at the front desk and bowed deeply. "Dad, I'm back."

The old man slowly raised his head, his eyes, which were hidden by his overly long bangs, were now fixed on Rena.

"Yes, welcome back."

The old man answered in a steady voice, Shuya noticed that his hands were trembling slightly, showing his inner turmoil.

Shuya knew that Rena only brought her daughters home once a year.

Rena's mother died several years ago.

I imagine this old man must feel lonely being here all by himself.

The touching reunion between father and daughter did not last long.

Five huskies had already gathered around, calling out "Grandpa!"

Even the seemingly silent old man couldn't help but smile.

After the family gathering, Rena introduced Shuya to her father.

"Dad, this is Inoue Shuya, the neighbor's son, and also Ichika's good friend. I brought him along to play today."

Shuya cooperated by flashing a perfect smile:

"Hello Grandpa, this hotel has such a traditional feel to it!"

"Hehe, have fun."

A kind smile flashed in the old man's eyes, and he accepted Shuya in an instant.

Putting everything else aside, Shuya's face has a very approachable quality.

Moreover, Shuya speaks very pleasantly.

For the old man, who had lost his wife and whose daughter and granddaughter were away from home for most of the year, it's not hard to imagine that he would find solace in a hotel.

Shuya's flattery hit the mark perfectly.

It instantly boosted my favorability rating.

Next, Rena's father personally led his daughter and granddaughter to their room, while Shuya's room was next door.

"Shu-chan, you go play with them. I'm going to talk to my father."

Rena Shuya that she wanted him to help take care of the Quintuplets.

"Okay, let's go out for a walk and then come back."

Shuya nodded, knowing that it was normal for her to have a lot to say after not seeing her father for so long.

He took his impatient Quintuplets and was about to head out.

Before leaving, Rena's father slowly spoke, saying:

"Be careful, and be careful not to go to the back mountain. It's a big area with wild animals, and it's very dangerous."

"...?"

A strange feeling washed over Shuya.

His Power of Will was warning him that Rena's father was lying.

But it doesn't seem like he's lying all of it.

As for what is real and what is fake, Shuya wouldn't know.

He then thought that perhaps Rena's father was just trying to scare him because he was a child and afraid he would run around.

Lying is not surprising; what adult hasn't lied to their child?

But whether I'm lying or not, there's something wrong with the back mountain.

It's probably too big. After all, getting lost in the mountains is terrifying, especially at night.

Shuya said, "Understood, we won't go to the back mountain."

Seeing this, Rena's father added, "Actually, it's fine as long as you don't go too deep into the forest; the edge of the woods is quite beautiful."

"Okay, thank you, Grandpa."

Shuya nodded politely, then left the hotel with the jubilant Quintuplets without giving it any further thought.

Although Shuya was supposed to take care of the Quintuplets, he wasn't familiar with the area, so he decided to let the Quintuplets decide where to go.

Then, as soon as they left the hotel, the Quintuplets immediately took a Shuya to the back mountain to play.

Shuya: "???"

You guys are really naughty, aren't you?

Didn't your grandfather tell you not to go to the back mountain?

Luckily, I always carry a knife with me.

Moreover, he's ruthless and doesn't talk much.

Shuya mentally recounted an old joke.

Seeing that the Quintuplets were in high spirits, he didn't say anything to refute them or spoil their fun, and simply followed behind them.

Anyway, the old man said that as long as we don't go too deep, it'll be fine.

Then I'll just rub against it without going in.

Shuya successfully convinced himself, and he followed the Quintuplets who were running around happily ahead, all the way to the edge of the back mountain.

Once you step out of the path, you'll no longer see only trees.

There is a clear river here.

Beyond the river lies grassland, and beyond the grassland are mountains and forests.

It turns out there's such a secluded and beautiful spot at the foot of the mountain behind the hotel. No wonder the Quintuplets came here to play as soon as they arrived at the hotel.

I suppose the old man was referring to at the edge of the back mountain, and that's where it is.

Shuya was relieved.

There's no need to worry about the river's depth; the water only reaches about an adult's calves, making it completely impossible for anyone to drown.

It's perfect for playing in the water.

Hey! x5

The Quintuplets took off their shoes and jumped in in unison, creating a splash of sparkling water.

Chapter 97, Section 84: Getting Wet in the Wild (Seeking First Subscription)

"It's so cool!"

"It's cool!"

"It's hopeless!"

They were shouting and playing together, and some Shuya to join in, but Shuya wasn't interested.

He wandered around the area with a knife, admiring the scenery. Although he wanted to go into the woods to see what was inside, the adults told the children not to go in.

But he couldn't abandon the Quintuplets, otherwise things would get really complicated.

In the end, Shuya had no choice but to give up on exploring the area.

He looked at the Quintuplets; they were catching fish and playing, their pure white dresses already mostly wet.

But what's so interesting about a kid getting wet?

Shuya turned his gaze back to the river, feeling rather bored.

Looking at the water, he suddenly recalled a classic training scene from a certain migrant worker manga.

He walked to the riverbank, took off his shoes, put down the knife, and carefully... no, he gathered his breath on the soles of his feet before stepping onto the water.

The balanced breathing allowed Shuya to successfully step onto the water's surface, but his movements were not stable.

Shuya had a feeling that he might fall at any moment.

He immediately perked up and began practicing his control over his qi on the water's surface.

He is making rapid progress.

A few minutes later, it was able to run around on the water with ease.

But in reality, he was cheating, constantly using the Snow Without Trace lightness skill to make his body lighter.

Only after he had truly mastered the skill did he release his lightness technique, and his body suddenly became heavy, making it impossible for him to stand easily on the water.

He practiced repeatedly and finally succeeded in running around steadily on the water again.

Shuya was not satisfied with this.

"Hey, Quintuplets over there, one of you come over here!"

"Here you are, Shu-chan!"

Shuya, and Yotsuba, who happened to be the closest, ran over into the water, creating a splashing sound.

"Hey!"

"Ah!"

He picked up Yotsuba in one swift motion.

Yes, this is indeed weight training! There's absolutely no ulterior motive involved!