Nene

**Nene** (ネネ) is a secondary character featured in Yuto Sano's oneshot, *Gokurakugai Sanbandori No Ken.* She is a mermaid who by chance encounters Alma and assists her in rescuing her older sisters from being abducted by beastmen.

## Appearance

Nene, characterized as a mermaid, presents a human upper body complemented by a fish-like lower body. In their initial encounter with Alma and Tao, Nene skillfully conceals her tail by wrapping it in bandages. This adaptation permits her to move on land without revealing her distinctive tail, as her time in human form approaches its end. During this encounter, Nene is dressed in a loose-fitting cheongsam that extends slightly beyond her knees. Below her torso, particularly evident in her mermaid form, her lower body takes on the semblance of a fish tail, adorned with scales and equipped with fins that facilitate movement in water.

## Personality

Nene is depicted as a compassionate and empathetic individual. She shares the struggles her family faces and pleads for assistance to rescue her sisters, showing a deep emotional connection to her family's well-being. She reveals her vulnerability as a mermaid facing financial struggles, mistreatment, and separation from her family. Her emotional distress is evident as she recounts her family's hardships. Despite her vulnerable situation, Nene displays courage when she intervenes to thwart an attack on Tao, showcasing a determination to protect those who are helping her.

## Plot

 ***Main Article: Gokurakugai Sanbandori No Ken***
As Alma attempted to figure out the firearm's operation, a passerby seized the opportunity to snatch a purse from his pocket. Reacting swiftly, he intervened just in time, admonishing her not to steal Tao's purse. The girl, however, responded that she lacked money and burst into tears.

Alma found himself somewhat flustered and attempted to console the distraught girl by offering a tissue pack branded with the agency's details. The tissue pack contained information about their services and the agency's problem-solving abilities. Alma directed her to their establishment for assistance. However, a recollection of Tao's advice not to distribute tissue packs to those unable to pay triggered caution. Despite his intention to retract the tissue pack, the girl clung tightly to it, beseeching Alma for help.

Upon his arrival at the agency, Alma was met with Tao's disapproval due to the gun he had obtained. He clarified the source of the firearm, to which Tao insinuated that he had acquired it through theft. Recognizing the potential dangers, Tao confiscated the weapon, emphasizing the potential for accidental harm given Alma's lack of familiarity with firearms.

Inquiring about the presence of a young girl seated in their office's reception area, Tao prompted Alma to explain the situation. He conveyed his apprehension about leaving the girl on the streets, as she had implored him for assistance. Tao then instructed him to return the girl to the location where he had encountered her, a prospect that unsettled the girl in light of Tao's stern demeanor.

Unexpectedly, the girl proceeded to remove bandages from her feet, urging them not to disclose this action. This revelation unveiled her identity as a mermaid. Introducing herself as Nene, she began recounting her narrative. She divulged her family's financial struggles, having expended all she possessed and turning to her sisters for support. Nene detailed her life as a mermaid, dwelling beneath the sea with her mother and older siblings, Yona and Yuma. A shift occurred when they consumed a potion that enabled them to ascend to the surface. Settling in an unfamiliar town at a decrepit house, they encountered a man previously unknown to them, who became their new father figure through their mother's affection.

Over time, the cost of the potion to assume human forms escalated, draining their finances. Their stepfather turned abusive as their resources dwindled. The situation escalated when their mother was taken away by a man. Nene's older sister sought employment to sustain them, leaving Nene subjected to mistreatment by their abusive stepfather. Unable to afford the expensive potion, they reverted to their mermaid forms in seclusion at home. While discussing their predicament, Nene revealed that they were visited by beastmen one day, demanding repayment of their stepfather's debts. Unable to satisfy the debt, her older sisters concealed her hurriedly in a cabinet as they were taken away.

As Nene narrated her heart-wrenching story to Alma and Tao, she wept and implored for assistance to rescue her sisters, pleading against being left alone. These words triggered a poignant memory for Tao, recalling her own past where she endured abuse. Fueled by empathy, Tao made the decision to aid Nene.

According to the information provided by Mr. Prez during his recent transaction with the Gokurakugai Troubleshooter Agency regarding mermaids, Tao is currently using forceful means to question him. Mr. Prez attempted to negotiate a reduction in payment for a future transaction, using it as leverage to prompt disclosure. In response, Tao feigned aggression, prompting him to reveal the location of the mermaids he had been in contact with. These mermaids are currently located at Club Therian on the third avenue.

Following the interrogation, Tao proceeded to the agency's vehicle where Alma and Nene were waiting. Nene received medication to help her have her human form in a bit longer, along with provisions of buns and shoes to wear. During their journey to Club Therian, with Tao driving and Nene seated on Alma's lap, Nene expressed gratitude and disbelief at finding individuals willing to aid in her mission to rescue her sisters. Tao conveyed her disdain for the unsavory characters that inhabit their city, emphasizing her commitment to standing against those who exploit the vulnerable. Alma echoed this sentiment, supporting Tao's stance and assuring Nene that they would take action against those responsible for abducting her older sisters.

Presently at Club Therian, the Beastman previously subdued by Alma is presently dictating orders to the establishment's staff, recounting Alma's prior actions against him. Yona and Yuma currently inside a sizable aquarium, taking on their mermaid forms. The Beastman is demanding double payment from the staff, and while they're in the midst of their discussion, Alma and Tao make an entrance into the club. Alma introduces themselves while entering, prompting the Beastman, still aggrieved by Alma's earlier actions, to reprimand them for disrupting his business. Nene, positioned behind Alma, interjects and demands the return of her older sisters. The Beastman dismisses Nene, asserting that her sisters are merely tools to him.

Shifting his attention to Alma and Tao, he warns that he won't go easy on them. However, Tao points out Alma's main role which more on physical and negotiates an arrangement where she would fulfill Alma's preferences for dinner. Alma eagerly agrees and starts on subduing the Beastman's associates one by one.

Meanwhile, the Beastman watches his associates being defeated and attempts to reach for his firearm, which Alma had taken earlier and Tao had confiscated. Tao playfully flaunts the confiscated firearm while engaging with the Beastman. Amid Tao's distraction, one of the Beastman's associates prepares to strike her from behind, but Nene intervenes just in time, thwarting the attack. This heroic act surprises Nene's older sisters, who observe the ongoing battle from the aquarium.

Tao swiftly dispatches the aquarium with a single shot, freeing Nene's older sisters. Alma then aids them in exiting, and an emotional reunion unfolds as they embrace Nene. Tao and Alma bear witness to this poignant moment.

While lying on the ground, the Beastman expresses his refusal to allow the situation to conclude in such a manner. He contemplates an explanation for his superior, referred to as "Big Bro," who likely leads their group. Tao approaches the Beastman, gripping his head and conveying a menacing ultimatum, hinting at a notorious saying "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth." She also hints that, since her client lacks the means to pay, she proposes a form of recompense—selling the Beastman to a specific location known to purchase individuals like him. Tao asserts her lack of sympathy for those compelled to trade their livelihoods to settle debts.

Tao handed a small envelope to Nene containing the money that the Beastman had taken from them, surprising Nene with the amount exceeding what she had given. Yona and Yuma expressed their gratitude, and Nene embraced Tao tightly while conveying her thanks. She then warmly hugged Alma as well. Wondering about their motives for rescuing them, Yona and Yuma couldn't help but inquire, especially considering their lack of funds and their non-human nature. Tao and Alma playfully addressed the question, with

Tao later giving a concise explanation. Tao shared that, when she was young and struggling, a Beastman had helped her. She humorously mentioned the part about taking Alma under her wing and not even out of sympathy or anything which made Nene laughed. In essence, they act on their own desires, Tao stated before departing the area.

## Relationships

* **Alma:** Alma is introduced as Nene's initial contact in the story. She encounters Alma while he is on an errand for Tao and from then on, he becomes involved in Nene's predicament and decides to help rescue her sisters. Nene expresses gratitude towards Alma for his assistance during their journey to Club Therian. He aids Nene's older sisters in escaping from the aquarium, leading to an emotional reunion. Nene hugs Alma and Tao warmly after being rescued.
* **Tao:** Tao is initially portrayed as Alma's partner at work in the Gokurakugai Troubleshooter Agency as well as Alma's guardian. Tao expresses frustration with Mr. Prez and uses veiled threats to ensure payment. As she sends Alma on errands, setting the stage for his encounter with Nene. Tao learns about Nene's situation and decides to help rescue her sisters. She plays a crucial role in interrogating Mr. Prez for information about the mermaids. She then provides Nene with medication and provisions for the journey to Club Therian. Tao negotiates with the Beastman at Club Therian and issues a menacing ultimatum. Nene embraces Tao and Alma tightly, expressing gratitude after the successful rescue mission.
* **Yona** and **Yuma** (Nene's older sisters): Yona and Yuma are introduced as Nene's older sisters, both mermaids. They are initially seen confined in an aquarium at Club Therian. Alma aids them in escaping from the aquarium, leading to an emotional reunion with Nene.
* **Mr. Prez**: Mr. Prez is a client of the Gokurakugai Troubleshooter Agency, seeking assistance with his extramarital affairs. Nene's connection to Mr. Prez is indirect, as he provides information about the mermaids' location during his transaction with Tao.

## Etymology

* The name **"ネネ" (Nene)** is a Japanese given name that has several possible origins and interpretations. In Hawaiian, "Nene" refers to the Hawaiian goose, a symbol of the Hawaiian Islands. The name might have been influenced by Hawaiian culture or borrowed due to its unique and gentle connotations. In Portuguese and Spanish, "Nene" is a colloquial term for "baby" or "infant." It's conceivable that this linguistic connection might have played a role in the name's adoption.