Staying Down (Patreon)

The life of Eri Hayasui has always been at sea, she thought. Born and raised near the fishing port of Ominato, Aomori Prefecture, to a family of sea farers, she enjoyed watching the glimmering bonito boats and frigates sail in and out of the harbor, daring the dark, rolling waves of Mutsu Bay. Eri was a natural athlete, and felt at home with her friends and teammates, especially during  a long and arduous practice before a match. That taught, she thought, her perseverance and the power of will.  Joining the navy after high school seemed like a natural selection for her.

She was now a trainee beneath the 85,000 gallons of water the submarine escape tank at the Force's Underwater Medical Center. At the depth of 30 meters, the unofficial goal for the unit was beat the domestic static apnea record of 7'51.'' ....But why stop then? Submerged Eri had still managed to retain most of her air in her lungs, and the signs of chest convulsions - although slowly building - were still endurable. No problem. Eri closed her eyes and decided to go on. Perseverance, perseverance...  

海上自衛隊潜水医学実験隊（横須賀）での水中耐久訓練の様子。民間記録に負ける訳にはいかないということで、参加者に示された目標はスタティック日本記録の7分51秒。

青森県大湊出身。中学高校にはプールが無かったから、部活では10月になっても身震いするような陸奥湾のコースロープの間を泳いでいた。体力と才能の及ばない所は、気合と根性で補う。保守本道体育会系の速吸エリ三等海曹としては、周りの男子隊員になど何としても負けるわけにいかない。

（根性、根性っ！！）