...

Excuse me...

Huh? You're that person from earlier...

I'm sorry, but another turtle told me about what's been going on with you.

Your dream is to carry people across the river on your back, but you're too scared to swim in the water, right?

Oh...

I see.

...

(Wh-What do I do now...?

I didn't really think about how this conversation would go...)

Don't worry.

Huh...?

Just say what you feel, Nene, and everything should be fine.

Oh...

(Just say what I feel...?)

The thing is, I think I know what you're going through right now.

What...?

I also have a dream.

I want to become a world-class musical actress...

But... There was a time when I didn't think I could.

You didn't think you could...? Why?

So...

I ended up ruining our show...

Everyone was so sad and disappointed.

After that, I became too scared to stand on stage...

But you're okay now?

Yeah, I'm not afraid of standing on stage anymore, but I still feel scared about a lot of things...

Huh...?

The thought of performing in places I've never been before alongside people I'll be meeting for the first time is kinda scary to me...

And I've met some people who are so good that I've worried that I'll never be able to do what they can, even if I try.

But whenever I feel that way, I'm able to muster enough courage to keep moving forward...

Courage...

Where does that courage come from?

Where? A few different places...

My friends, for one, because of all the support they've given me. But also...

I think about my hero... The person who gave me my dream. The person who showed me what I wanted to become.

And then I can keep moving forward, even when I'm scared.

By thinking about your hero...?

I understand that you're scared.

But I'm sure you'll get closer to achieving your dream if you find the courage to take the next step forward.

So, please...

If you still want to make your dream come true...

I'll help. So why don't we make it happen together?

...

You're such an amazing person.

If I can be just like you—

Thanks for the ride!

Riding on the back of a turtle was so much fun! I'll be back again soon!

Oh...

Sure thing! Come back soon!

Those plushies look so happy...

Yes, they and the turtles all seem to be enjoying themselves very much.

I wish...

Huh?

I wish I could be like them...

I want to carry everyone across, and have them feel happy like that...!

You do...?

I... I...!

I'll try. I'm still scared...

But I'll give it a try...!

...!

*Nod*

I know you'll do great.

You can do it.

The edge of the water is just right there.

R-Right...!

I-I'm not afraid. I can do this...

*Gasp*

N-Now, just dive in...

You can do it...!

H-Here goes nothing!

Oh...!

He did it! He is in the water.

I did it...! Look! I'm in the water!

Yeah, congratulations!

He looks stable in the water.

I believe he should have no trouble carrying the other plushies across.

O-Oh, about that... Can I ask you for a favor?

A favor?

So, I'd like to try carrying someone across. If possible, would you be willing to ride on my back...?

Okay.

Let's go for a ride.

Wh-Whoa...

We're gliding across the water...!

Eep. The water's so cold...

Yeah, but it feels really nice...!

I never realized just how much fun it is to swim at full speed while carrying someone on my back...!

Hehe. I'm so glad for you.

Thanks! Anyway, hang on tight...!

I'll take you wherever you want!

Welcome back, you two.

You both seemed to enjoy yourselves very much.

We did. That was my first time riding on a turtle's back, but it was really fun...

That was incredible.

This means you should be able to carry everyone across to the other side now♪

Thanks. I wouldn't have been able to work up the courage to do that if it weren't for you...!

So, I should be fine now...!

I feel like I can carry anyone across.

That is wonderful to hear.

Oh, that reminds me...

You guys wanted to go to the other side, right?

Why don't I take you all across?

I promise to do a good job!

You will? Thank you...

That'd be incredibly helpful.

Actually, while we're at it, can we ask you for something else?

Sure, what's up?

Would you also be willing to carry our friends across? There's quite a lot of us, if that's okay...

No problem!

It'd be great to carry so many people across!

Thank you very much.

Then, I shall go let them know.

I'm so happy that our turtle friend's back in the water.

Me too...

And thanks, Luka.

Oh? Did I do something worthy of being thanked?

You gave me the push I needed to help him.

I did?

I honestly just said what I felt...

But I'm glad to hear that I was able to help you, Nene♪

*Yawn*

Seeing everyone smile so much is making me sleepy for some reason...

Would you mind if I used your lap as a pillow, Nene?

Huh...? My lap? You plan on sleeping here?

Yes. Also, I'd like to sleep on our turtle's back as he swims. I have a feeling that I'll have a wonderful dream about swimming in the sea...

Zzz... Zzz...♪

Huh? She fell asleep while standing...?

(Still... I'm really glad that I could help him.)

Alright, I'll practice swimming while we wait for your friends to get here!

I'm still a little scared of the water... But I'm gonna keep trying my best...!

(Right.)

(The future's full of scary and not-so-nice things...)

(Not just the turtle's... Mine as well...)

(But...)

(I just have keep remembering my dream. My hero...)

(I have to maintain this courage and keep moving forward.)