His arm strokes and leg movements were smooth, propelling him rapidly through the warm water. He had splendid tattoos of marine animals on his body—a tiger shark on one bicep and a bottlenose dolphin on the other, with a giant octopus tattoo adorning his back, and the image of a moray eel that looked as if the animal was draped over his shoulders. One leg bore the tattoo of a hawksbill turtle, and the other a Portuguese Man-of-War. Even the backs of his hands were tattooed—a marlin on one and a starfish on the other.Following Kimo Pohaku were immense white sharks, spotted stingrays, barracudas, and swordfish, all thick in a “vee” formation, turning whenever he did, staying with him. He thought it was strikingly beautiful in this underwater realm, where sunlight filtered down from the shimmering surface above, and he had his aquatic friends.Kimo often felt like a child when he swam, filling his eyes and other senses with the wonders of the sea. But he felt great responsibilities as well, and had learned many important things.
