Chapter 44 – Welcome to the Island
After a long walk beneath the blazing sun, the group finally arrived at the mansion nestled on their private island. The luxurious beach house, built with modern architecture and surrounded by towering palm trees swaying in the breeze, stood proudly atop a small hill overlooking the vast expanse of crystal-clear blue ocean. The scent of saltwater mixed with the warmth of the sun created a dreamlike atmosphere.
Everyone entered the house with excitement, their footsteps echoing on the polished wooden floor as they explored the spacious rooms. Each person darted from door to door, eagerly claiming their favorite quarters with enthusiastic chatter and laughter filling the air.
Shoto and Natsuo were the first to finish changing into their swimwear. Without wasting a second, they bolted toward the beach, barefoot and laughing, their feet kicking up bits of sand as they raced to see who would reach the shoreline first.
"Shoto! Natsuo!" Rei called out from the top of the staircase, already wearing an elegant one-piece swimsuit that complimented her graceful figure. Her voice carried a tone of motherly concern. "Be careful! Don't run too fast or you might get hurt!"
Aoi stood nearby, watching the scene unfold with a quiet smile. He turned his gaze toward Rei and gave a small nod of acknowledgment.
"Mom, I'm going to change too," he said casually.
"Of course, sweetheart," she replied with warmth in her voice. "I'll be waiting for you on the beach with Fuyumi." She then began descending the wide staircase, her daughter walking gracefully by her side, both of them chatting softly.
Aoi walked down the hallway and entered his room, closing the door gently behind him. The room was cool and comfortable, with soft white curtains billowing slightly in the ocean breeze. He stood in front of a full-length mirror, his reflection staring back at him.
He observed himself for a moment, taking in the contrast between his muscular frame and his short height — only one meter and forty centimeters tall. Despite that, there was a determined gleam in his eyes, a sense of pride that was hard to miss.
"In my past life… I always wanted a body like Gohan's during the Cell saga…" he muttered under his breath, a nostalgic smile forming on his lips. "And now, I finally have it."
He ran a hand down his chest, admiring the toned lines of his physique, the result of countless hours of training and effort. Taking a deep breath, he adjusted his swim trunks, ran his fingers quickly through his hair, and stepped out of the room with a spring in his step.
As he walked down the hallway toward the exit, he let his thoughts drift. I wonder if Mirko and the others already headed out to the beach... The anticipation grew with each step, his heart beating just a bit faster. The sounds of waves crashing and distant laughter echoed faintly from outside.
But as he turned the corner, time seemed to slow to a crawl.
Standing directly in his path was Mirko. She was wearing a white bikini that contrasted beautifully with her bronze skin. Her defined thighs, sculpted abs, and strong posture radiated raw power and fierce confidence. The sunlight danced across her body, highlighting every curve, every muscle, every confident stride.
She looked like a goddess from a myth — untamed, radiant, and completely unforgettable.
Mirko noticed Aoi staring and raised an eyebrow with a sly, teasing smile. She took a step closer, her movements casual yet deliberate.
"Hey, you okay, Aoi?" she asked, tilting her head slightly as her red eyes locked with his. "You're kind of... drooling."
Aoi blinked rapidly, startled by how entranced he had been. He tried to compose himself, clearing his throat and looking away for a brief moment, though his eyes were inevitably drawn back to her.
"I... I definitely made the right decision buying this island..." he mumbled under his breath, barely realizing he'd said it out loud.
Before he could catch himself, two more figures entered his field of view. Midnight stood with her usual mysterious charm, wearing a sleek black bikini that enhanced her elegant, seductive aura. Next to her, Ryuko wore a deep red bikini that perfectly matched her reserved beauty and well-toned curves. Their presence added to an already overwhelming scene — like three elemental forces standing side by side.
Aoi could feel the heat rising in his face, but Mirko didn't give him time to process it all.
"Come on! Let's enjoy this day while it lasts!" she exclaimed, grabbing his arm with surprising gentleness and pulling him toward the shoreline, her laugh echoing playfully.
Meanwhile, Midnight and Ryuko opted for a more relaxed approach. They made their way to a pair of shaded lounge chairs under a large beach umbrella. With practiced ease, they popped open two chilled beverages, the cans hissing softly as they began to sip and chat, their conversation light and filled with quiet laughter.
The beach was alive with vibrant energy. Waves lapped gently at the shore, and the scent of sunscreen, salt, and fruit drinks mixed with the ocean air.
By the water's edge, Aoi stood awkwardly with a surfboard under his arm. Mirko stood beside him, giving pointers and showing him how to balance. Her instructions were energetic, her voice filled with enthusiasm, but also patient.
"Keep your knees bent more—yeah, like that! Now shift your weight forward—no, not that much—whoa!" she laughed as Aoi toppled into the water.
He emerged sputtering, laughing along with her as she helped him up again. Despite the struggle, there was a genuine joy on his face — the kind that comes from being fully present in the moment.
Farther down the beach, Shoto and Natsuo continued their sibling rivalry, taking turns diving into the waves and challenging each other to swim farther and faster. Their excited shouts and playful splashes echoed across the coastline.
Back near the shaded area, Fuyumi and Rei sat in comfortable beach chairs under a swaying palm. They each held a coconut with a straw, sipping slowly as they watched the others.
"They look so happy..." Fuyumi said softly, a gentle smile on her lips.
"Yes..." Rei replied, her gaze lingering on her sons. Her expression was calm but thoughtful. "It's been so long since I've seen them this peaceful."
The sound of the sea, the laughter of loved ones, the golden sunlight, and the gentle breeze combined into something almost magical — a perfect moment frozen in time.
But what no one knew... was that silent forces had already begun to move. And some of them were about to bring an end to this fragile calm.
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