Here's a small 'side story' if you will, since it's indirectly tied into the main story (for now). I'll be putting a few of these in sporadically through the series so you know what's happening with Makoto and crew before they all meet up. I'll probably also use these to spark new questions in you guys, so if by the end of the chapter you end up with questions about the characters and their backstories, I'll know I've done my job well!

The light rocking of the ship against the waves was soothing, with the constant motion of the vessel heaving back and forth gently along with the soft hush of the water as it moved within the bay. Night spread the moon's pale light across the harbour, silhouetting itself against the skeletons of ships that sat abandoned at the docks, their owners in town drinking and soliciting with prostitutes. One such ship stood out amongst all the rest, its gargantuan size dwarfing the rest of the ships surrounding it. It was a beautiful piece of architecture with its darkly-stained oak wood, large billowing sails, and majestic wooden dolphin carved onto its bow, like a silent guardian angel.

The captain's cabin beneath the helm was dark except for the small glow of an oil lantern that sat at the corner of a desk situated in the center of the room. A large, ancient nautical map was splayed out over the surface with various objects pinning down the corners, including a worn sextant and compass. Sitting in the large chair facing the desk, arms stretched outwards so he could hunch forwards over the map, was the young captain himself.

Makoto Tachibana: he was what you would call a buccaneer-turned-privateer. He had become a pirate captain at a very young age, and while he had been praised by many as a good and fair leader, he had never become one of the greats. Perhaps it was because of this lack of violence to stain his history that the Royal British Navy had offered him a contract to work under their ward, rather than send him to the gallows where he would have been hung for his crimes of piracy. His contract had been officialised only a few months ago, and now he was equipped with his very own ship and crew, about to embark on his first official mission.

His emerald eyes squinted to adjust to the dark light as they traced over the dark outlines on the map that represented when sea turned to land. The young captain's focus was so intent over his map that he didn't even hear someone come into the cabin. He was alerted to their presence only when they finally spoke.

"I am here, sir, as per your request," a soft, airy voice broke the silence and caused him to jump slightly. Giving an embarrassed chuckle, Makoto rubbed the back of his neck to calm his momentary beating heart before returning his attention to his map. He didn't need to look up to know who it was that stood before him.

"Excellent. In the morning I want you to introduce yourself to my other important officers: Rei Ryugazaki, my Navigator, and Nagisa Hazuki, my Boatswain," he spoke, the flickering of the lantern's flame creating chaotic shadows across the paper.

"I understand," the newcomer replied, their voice trailing off with only the sound of soft waves to break the silence. Their presence lingered for a moment longer before they turned back towards the open door, boots clicking in their wake as the person made to exit the cabin.

"Hey..." Makoto suddenly whispered in a hesitant tone, making the other privateer stop in their tracks just before they had exited through the door. "Are you certain this mission is something you wish to accompany me on?

"Sir?"

"You know what this mission is about, correct?" he began to speak louder now as he finally turned his head upwards to look at the one he was talking to, their small body silhouetted in the door by the moonlight. "My mission is to capture the Shark of the North and bring him back to be hung for his crimes of piracy. If I am unable to capture him, I am to kill him at sea." He paused for a moment, and seeing no reaction from them, he continued hesitantly. "No matter the end... It is either his death, or ours."

"I understand," the privateer answered in a breathy tone, only after a small moment of hesitation. Releasing a low sigh, they slowly began to walk back towards the captain and into what small light the lantern offered. "Do you think I would jeopardize the mission?"

"Well, I-"

"Because he's my brother?"

Makoto looked into the woman's crimson red eyes, covered by equally red bangs that flowed down across her face. Her head remained held high, determined eyes glistening with confidence. Her stiff shoulders, however, betrayed the sting of anger that gnawed at her from his hinted accusations. She leaned forwards suddenly, her long hair flowing down around her shoulders as she looked at him with a level stare.

"I found you, remember? I joined because I-" she paused momentarily to bite at her bottom lip before continuing, "I have my reasons."

"Gou-"

"Kou."

Makoto stared at her for a moment before correcting himself for her. "Kou, it's not that I don't trust you. I just can't imagine having to follow orders that would ultimately bring about the death of my sibling..." he muttered sadly, eyes moving back and forth between her eyes and her mouth, hoping to get some explanation through her facial expressions. However, she did not provide him any answers, her face remaining determined but otherwise stoic.

"Captain... Do you have any siblings?" Gou asked quietly, averting her eyes to look downwards at the small lantern and the dancing flame inside.

"No," Makoto murmured, eyes downcast.

"Then you couldn't possibly understand how I'm feeling. Sometimes... You must do what's right, for both you and your sibling, no matter what the end result may be. Sometimes, not even blood relations can stop you from doing your duty," she sighed softly, before straightening herself out into a standing position once again. Her eyes closed as she took a deep breath before opening her eyes once again with a strained smile on her face. "That reminds me, I've recently been hearing tales of the port of Verbena being destroyed almost a week ago. I believe it's the work of my brother."

Makoto flinched visibly when he heard the name of the town, his eyes wide and mouth open in shock. Gou scrunched her brow and leaned down to look at him, worry in her eyes.

"... Sir?" she asked, and her voice seemed to snap him out of it.

"Are you sure?" Makoto asked, regaining slight composure over himself.

"Yes, I am. He's my brother after all, I know him better than anyone," she smiled reassuringly, before backing away from the desk and back towards the door. "I better be off. You have a good night Captain, see you in the morning," she whispered solemnly before she turned and vanished from sight, closing the door in her wake. The captain was left leaning back in his chair, eyes staring uselessly at the ceiling above.

Rin Matsuoka, also known as the Shark of the North, was a scourge that pillaged ships and towns alike no matter what affiliation they had. He was a terror that roamed the seas and turned them as red as his eyes; a pirate that many sought to see answer for his crimes. Makoto, now contracted by the Royal Navy, had been given the grave mission to deal with him. His superiors believed his own history of piracy would help him search for the pirate captain better than any born privateer could. Once given the mission, he had gone out to search the neighbouring islands to find the best crew around to help him deal with the murderer. It had been a miracle when Gou had found him one day, claiming to be the sister of the infamous pirate... And with one look at her, he had instantly known she was telling the truth.

Sighing, the man rubbed his face with one of his hands, exhaustion eventually getting the best of him. He knew it would be pointless to continue trying to chart a course to take with his mind now fogged with exhaustion, especially now that Gou had given him a clue to her brother's previous whereabouts. It was a clue he planned to immediately take action on, only hoping her hunch was correct.

Leaning forwards again, his eyes searched around on the map for a moment before he brushed his fingers across a dark mark on the map. In cursive it said Verbena.

Makoto stayed hunched over his map for a long time before finally pushing himself into a standing position and heading to a corner of his room where his small bed was. Looking outside at the moon that hung high in the sky, he knew that his men wouldn't be back until well into the next day, most likely not even until later in the afternoon. After all that drinking and sleeping around with women... He could feel his ears grow slightly hot as he shook the thought out of his head, pushing off his boots and climbing into the bed.

He lay on his back for a while, staring up at the ceiling, the lantern still lit so it would provide him with a small amount of light.

Tomorrow they would head out on a mission that would only end when one of them met their demise. Captain Matsuoka needed to be killed, and the only way Captain Tachibana would stop hunting him was if he himself was killed. He wondered for a moment if he would be brave enough to send his crew into a battle they may not come out alive from... But quickly shook the thought away. He need to be optimistic. Turning over onto his side, he finally closed his eyes and let sleep take him.

The hunt of a lifetime was soon to begin.

Bow: The front end of a vessel

Buccaneer: A pirate

Privateer: A pirate that was sanctioned by a government to attack enemy vessels; a legal pirate

Navigator: Responsible for navigation, sailing the ship, and occasionally chart new maps

Boatswain: Supervised maintenance of the vessel and its supplies; also in charge of deck activities such as setting the sails

Thank you everyone for your favourites and reviews thus far! I'm happy to know everyone's enjoying the concept and the story so far! I was very apprehensive at first about what people would think about it, so it's good to know people do like it. Gives me great inspiration ^-^; Also thanks to everyone else for the follows!