"Combat" Speed Shifter

The blonde mermaid girl rested her chin on her hands, listening to Ginny and the others discuss things with great enthusiasm. Her amber eyes were full of amusement.

Lin Nuo rose to his feet and walked over to her.

"Kokoro, come outside with me for a moment."

Kokoro froze, not even having time to ask why.

Lin Nuo had already grabbed her wrist and hurried out of the tavern with her.

"?--Wait?!"

By the time Kokoro reacted, Lin Nuo had already pulled her out of the tavern.

Behind them, Ginny blinked.

"Where are Brother Lin Nuo and Sister Kokoro going?"

Brook wore an ambiguous smile.

"Yohohoho~ Children shouldn't ask too many questions about grown-up matters."

"Though I don't count as a human anymore, yohohoho!"

Ginny:

66

Outside the tavern, in a quiet alley.

Calling it an alley was generous. It was really just a narrow passage between two coral buildings.

Above them was Fish-Man Island's enormous bubble membrane. Beyond it, glowing schools of fish occasionally swam through the deep blue seawater.

Lin Nuo pulled Kokoro here and stopped.

Kokoro stood before him, her heart pounding.

He—

Why had he suddenly pulled me out alone?

Why did he look so anxious?

Could it be—could it be—

Her face instantly flushed bright red.

No, no!

She frantically shook her head in her mind.

I'm not even thirty yet! I haven't become an official mermaid yet!

I—I should be scared of what?!

Lin Nuo turned around to face her.

Kokoro lowered her head instinctively, not daring to look at him.

"Kokoro."

Lin Nuo spoke.

Kokoro's heart beat even faster.

It's happening, it's happening, it's happening! Is it finally coming?!

"Regarding Fish-Man Island's future plans," Lin Nuo said, "I want to discuss something with you."

Kokoro: "—?"

She raised her head. The blush had