As Takeru and the others played, deep in the ocean, several massive creatures noticed them and began swiftly approaching.
Since Earth's mutation, the oceans, covering nearly 70% of the planet, contained the most mutated creatures. However, compared to land monsters, sea monsters attacked humans less frequently, or perhaps they usually eliminated witnesses, leaving fewer known cases.
As the massive creature drew closer, Takeru's constantly active 200-meter-range Observation Haki quickly detected its presence.
Upon clearly sensing its form, Takeru showed surprise, then began steering the water dragons to turn back.
"Is something wrong?" Seeing Takeru's slight change in expression, Tsumugi and Ui asked curiously.
"Hmm, there's a mutated creature in the ocean." Hearing them, Takeru said softly.
"Mutated creature?" Hearing this term, Nibutani and Miu looked puzzled.
"Is there any danger?" Mio asked worriedly.
"Don't worry. Looks like we're in for a treat." Hearing her, Takeru said with a light laugh.
"Eh?" Hearing Takeru, everyone was stunned.
Shortly after everyone returned to the beach, about a minute later, a gigantic crab surfaced, waving its enormous claws as it charged towards them.
Looking at the crab nearly twice Takeru's size, Takeru showed a dismissive gaze. Signaling everyone to stay back, he walked towards it. The moment before its claws could reach Takeru, its body rapidly froze.
Unbeknownst to it, the surrounding water had already been frozen by Takeru. Lifting the frozen crab, Takeru melted the ice beneath.
"Let's have grilled crab tonight. Something this big is sure to be delicious." Bringing the thoroughly frozen crab back, Takeru said with a smile.
"Grilled crab!" Looking at the huge crab, Yui swallowed her saliva after recovering.
"Mm, it's not dead yet. I'll thaw it tonight. For now, let's continue playing. There's no more danger." Seeing everyone examining the crab, Takeru said directly.
Hearing Takeru, everyone hesitated before resuming their fun.
Ritsu took numerous photos with the giant crab, and soon everyone joined in, making funny poses.
As time passed, they enjoyed themselves immensely. Mio accidentally discovered a cluster of barnacles on some rocks.
Seeing the dense barnacles, Mio, having experienced many battles, felt her heart race and ran back to the beach, clutching her head and muttering 'not scared'.
Ritsu wouldn't miss this chance, whispering scary descriptions in her ear: "When I went to the doctor, I found my knees covered in barnacles."
"Ah!" Hearing Ritsu's description and imagining the scene, Mio screamed.
Everyone else laughed at the sight.
In the blink of an eye, evening arrived. Sitting on the beach watching the sunset, everyone felt lazily relaxed.
"So much seawater got in..." Yui said dazedly.
"We've finally reached Golden Island!" Ritsu stretched and declared.
"It's not over yet!" At that moment, Mio and Ui brought over two large watermelons.
"Oh, fantastic!" Seeing the round watermelons, everyone cheered.
"Since we're at the beach, we have to enjoy it fully, right?" Hearing the cheers, Mio said with a smile.
"I'll help freeze them. And this!"
Takeru quickly created an exquisite ice table, used Conjuration to materialize some simple plates, formed an ice knife, and took out two vibrant, huge strawberries.
"Wow, so convenient!" Seeing Takeru produce these things like an omnipotent magician, everyone marveled.
Takeru quickly cut the fruits. Faced with the delicious strawberries, the watermelon paled in comparison but was still finished.
As superhumans, they had impressive appetites, so the fruit posed no burden.
As time passed, the sun set, replaced by the moon and twinkling stars.
On the beach, Takeru and the others built a simple bonfire. Takeru, Ui, Nibutani, and Mio busied themselves with grilling, while Ritsu, Yui, Miu, and others set up the pre-purchased fireworks.
"Onii-chan, everyone, let's take a photo together!" After arranging the fireworks, Miu and the others excitedly called everyone over.
"But the food still needs preparing..." Hearing Miu, Ui said hesitantly.
"It's fine, just for a bit!" Then, everyone was dragged to the seaside by Miu and the others.
"One, two, three!" Seeing everyone ready, they quickly lit the fireworks. Instantly, numerous fireworks shot beautiful lights into the sky. Watching the display, everyone smiled.
"Quick, the camera's ready! Everyone gather, ten seconds left!" Seeing everyone mesmerized, Ritsu shouted.
Seeing this, Takeru, Ui, and the others exchanged glances and quickly moved in front of the camera with the fireworks as the backdrop.
"Onii-chan, stand here!" Arriving, Miu pulled Takeru to the center.
After several camera flashes, the moment was preserved forever.
Then, dinner began. The aroma from the huge crab filled everyone with anticipation. Takeru got a crab claw larger than his head.
Easily cracking the hard shell revealed incredibly fresh, firm crab meat. Taking big bites, the delicious flavor exploded in their mouths.
"Thank you, mom, for giving birth to me!" Yui said gratefully, covering her cheeks.
"It's a shame Yukino and Umaru couldn't come." Tsumugi felt a bit regretful.
"Then let's gather again next time, all of us together." Hearing her, Takeru said with a light smile.
"Agreed!" Hearing this, Rikka, Sylphyn, and others said excitedly.
After dinner, everyone returned to the villa. Some went directly to the open-air bath.
Being the only male, Takeru was left alone outside, but he didn't mind. Sitting in the villa's courtyard, he enjoyed the moonlight with a drink.
In the spacious open-air bath, though nine girls were present, it wasn't crowded.
"Today was really fun!" Tsumugi said with a light laugh.
"Mhm. But is it okay leaving Takeru-kun alone outside?" Mio asked hesitantly.
"Oh? Does Mio want Takeru-kun to join us? How bold!" Hearing Mio, Ritsu instantly teased.
"Idiot, what are you saying?!" Hearing Ritsu, Mio's face turned red, then she angrily punched her. Instantly, a peculiar bump appeared on Ritsu's head.
Seeing this, everyone chuckled lightly, though Ritsu's words sparked some imagination.
"Today was so much fun! Thanks to Mugi-chan's idea and everything you provided. Thank you!" After some playful banter, Yui went to Tsumugi and held her hand.
"Yui-chan..." Seeing Yui's action, Tsumugi blushed.
"Thanks, Mugi-chan!" Seeing Tsumugi's expression, Ritsu and the others came over and hugged her.
After expressing thanks, Miu approached Ui, having noticed Ui's Teigu, Black Marlin, identical to Takeru's. Seeing Ui use it freely made her envious.
After more playful time, everyone returned to the changing rooms.
Ui, after changing into pajamas, went to the courtyard and saw Takeru drinking alone.