Chapter 25: The Passing Pink-Haired Whale
The oppressive atmosphere of the corridor did not seem to affect the two walking through it.
Perhaps due to their earlier conversation, while Kanna curiously glanced around and observed her surroundings, she refrained from asking questions or speaking loudly. This allowed Blue Poison to relax considerably—though, of course, if Kanna would just let go of her tightly held hand, it would be even better…
As they continued, they finally reached the other end of the passageway. Just as they were about to leave, a towering figure suddenly blocked their path.
Kanna looked up. The massive twin greatswords, the cold expression, and the flawless figure—it was none other than the cheerful orca, Skadi, whom she had been eager to meet.
Skadi stared at the small figure before her, a trace of confusion in her gaze.
Despite her small stature, Kanna gave off an overwhelming presence, as if a giant beast was standing before her. That eerie, reality-distorting sensation nearly made Skadi reach for her sword.
Fortunately, in the next moment, Kanna extended her hand.
"Hello! I'm a new operator of Rhodes Island, Kanna Kamuy. You can just call me Kanna!"
Skadi hesitated briefly, then reached out her own hand with a serious expression.
"Skadi. I'm a Hunter of the Deep Sea."
The moment they made contact, Skadi felt as though countless terrifying fish were suddenly swarming around her. A sense of suffocating unease filled her chest, making her instinctively want to draw her weapon and eliminate these creatures. But just as she was about to react, a dragon's roar echoed in her ears. The oppressive sensation vanished in an instant, leaving her feeling incredibly light, as though a weight had been lifted from her shoulders.
When she came back to her senses, she saw Kanna looking up at her with a sweet smile.
Skadi gave a small nod.
"It's nice to meet you."
"Kanna is happy to meet you too! You seem busy, so Kanna won't bother you. See you next time! Bye-bye!"
As she spoke, Kanna stepped aside to let Skadi pass.
"Thank you. See you next time."
After Skadi left, Blue Poison couldn't help but let out a long breath.
Though she wasn't particularly close with Skadi, she knew enough about the Deep Sea Hunters to be wary. When Kanna reached out her hand to Skadi, Blue Poison had been on edge, afraid that something unexpected might happen. Fortunately, though their interaction had been strange, it ended without incident.
"You scared me half to death! Good thing Skadi didn't take offense. You really shouldn't go up to strangers so casually—what if you run into a bad person?" Blue Poison sighed, patting her chest to steady her nerves.
"Skadi is a good person," Kanna replied, glancing toward the alleyway where Skadi had disappeared.
Though she was aware that Skadi's body likely harbored a mysterious entity from the Abyss, she lacked the means to expel it. So, all she could do was offer a simple greeting.
As they left the alley, Blue Poison suddenly had an idea. She was worried that Kanna might drag her into another unexpected encounter—especially considering how many odd people lived on Rhodes Island—so she quickly came up with a distraction.
"Kanna, do you like cake? I have connections in the cafeteria. I can make you something delicious!"
At the mention of food, Kanna instantly perked up.
She remembered that Blue Poison was known for her talent in making pastries. The mere thought of it made her mouth water.
Seeing her reaction, Blue Poison smirked. Yep, kids are still kids. There's always a way to divert their attention.
Holding Kanna's hand, she led her confidently to Rhodes Island's cafeteria and into the pastry kitchen, stretching her arms in preparation to show off her skills.
Before she started, she sat Kanna down at a small table nearby. Seeing that Kanna was sitting quietly and patiently, Blue Poison smiled softly and began baking.