Even if some of the pirates (first mate included) did not agree with Kisa's decision, they all followed their Captain's orders and did not tell Ritsu of their brief encounter with the strange siren that had not attacked them. They joked among themselves about how they could all say they survived an encounter with a siren now, but there was an unaddressed tension in their smiles and laughter. It was difficult for the crew members not to glance at the teen every so often with a new sense of wariness. Having relatively solid proof that Ritsu's siren story was true and knowing that said siren was looking for Ritsu and knowing that their Captain had lied to a siren was a little nerve-wracking, to say the very least. They could not even begin to imagine what that siren might do if he discovered that Kisa lied and was currently harboring the human he was looking for.

Although they were normally used to such dangers considering the way of life they had signed up for, this was unknown territory. They were all playing a possibly life threatening game by having Ritsu on board their ship and none of them even knew the rules.

Ritsu had certainly taken notice of this change. Men who had not particularly liked him were now a little less gruff with him and crewmates who had warmed up to him now seemed to regard him cautiously. It was as if people were suddenly afraid to offend him, which certainly wasn't something he would expect from blunt, crass, and often rude pirates. He didn't understand what caused this shift in behavior, but it wasn't drastic enough for him to be extremely concerned. It wasn't like anyone was treating him worse, after all, so he must have been doing something right. Right?

Still, the general mood ever since the raid was...odd. Ritsu could tell that much. He wondered if something had happened that Kisa had not told him about. Or perhaps it was always like this after they successfully stole from another ship: a sort of collective rush of adrenaline leaving everyone now that the deed was done resulting in a drop in the atmosphere.

Ritsu, however, did not experience the same drop. If anything, he became even more determined during his training, if that was possible. He wanted to be ready for the next raid, which was meant to be relatively soon. This trade route was rather busy with ships and the pirates would have to commit a number of thefts to make the journey worth it before they went back to land to deal with their fence. Although being in the middle of the action would be scary, being below deck with no idea of what was going on was scarier, Ritsu had discovered. Besides, it wasn't as if Ritsu would suddenly be front and center, expected to lead others into a battle. All he had to do was stand his own ground and he was almost completely confident in his capability to defend himself. Almost. The only thing standing in his way was the one person who was trying to help him: Kisa. Ritsu wouldn't be able to feel okay entering a real fight until he managed to successfully take on the Captain. He had still yet to defeat him in a fight and he couldn't even tell whether or not he was getting close. He didn't feel like he was making any progress, but Kisa kept assuring him that he was. Ritsu hoped those weren't just nice words.

I can't beat him, but I can try to outlast him, Ritsu thought in the middle of training as he parried an attack. All of his past attempts to disarm Kisa had failed, but if Ritsu could successfully continue to defend himself until Kisa got tired then maybe, just maybe, he would have a chance. The problem was Kisa did not seem to get tired, even after several matches between the two of them. Ritsu was equally spry due to his young age and continuous training, but this didn't appear to give him any sort of advantage.

Until Ritsu saw it: a breath that was taken a little too deeply, a little too quickly and desperately. Kisa was getting tired, he was just really good at hiding it. The sight of it renewed Ritsu's energy and the ex-prince doubled his efforts. He came at Kisa aggressively with his attacks, but kept his movements tight so as to not become sloppy and vulnerable. He wouldn't give Kisa the opportunity to turn the tides of the fight, not when he felt like he might actually have a chance at victory.

Kisa managed a smile as he dodged an attack. "Really coming for my neck today, aren't you Richan?" He asked, a playful glint in his eyes, but Ritsu did not respond. Normally the young teen might participate in conversation with Kisa in the middle of their sparring, often enjoying the back and forth, but right now he would not allow himself to get distracted by any banter of any kind.

Instead, Ritsu pushed forward with an attack that Kisa managed to block, but the Captain had underestimated the amount of strength Ritsu put behind his swing, causing Kisa to lose his balance ever so slightly as he backed up. It wasn't a life or death mistake, it could barely even be classified as a 'stumble', but it was Ritsu's best chance, it was his only chance and there was no time to think about it, there was only act, act now or lose the opportunity, keep pushing, keep the advantage, keep the adrenaline going, keep attacking, don't let up, don't lose-!

There was a loud clatter as a sword fell onto the deck of the ship, naturally causing a few of the crewmates to look over toward the source of the sound, all of them expecting to see Ritsu disarmed. However, instead Kisa stood there frozen and weaponless as Ritsu pointed his own sword toward the Captain. Ritsu held it up for only a second more before he dropped it, all his energy leaving him at once upon realizing he no longer needed to keep up the fight. Kisa rushed forward with an excited exclamation of, "YOU DID IT!" and hugged the teenager. Ritsu was hardly able to resist the show of affection, the exhaustion catching up with him quickly, but he smiled anyway.

"I-I did it." Ritsu parroted him in disbelief.

It was true that Ritsu had only managed to beat Kisa after wearing him down during several fights, it was true that it could have just been luck, it was true that one victory was hardly anything compared to several failures, it was true that Ritsu was still hardly anywhere near surpassing or even equaling Kisa's skill and experience, but somehow those negative thoughts didn't reach Ritsu. For once, he actually felt pride in himself and nothing would be able to take that away from him. Ritsu had successfully beaten a pirate captain! That wasn't something even his self-deprecating attitude could ruin.

Kisa still hadn't let Ritsu go, hugging him tightly. "I'm so proud of you, Richan, you did it, I knew you could do it, you're going to be such a great pirate, you already are a great pirate, we have to celebrate!" He rambled excitedly.

"Does that mean I can finally have a drink?" Ritsu asked jokingly.

Kisa shook his head with a smile. "Ask me again after you beat me a second time. Then we'll see!" He said with a laugh. "Don't think you're done training just because you beat me once! I still need you in the best shape possible." He said, clapping Ritsu on the shoulder, not trying to hide how absolutely giddy he was.

Ritsu nodded. "Of course, Captain." He said, unable to fight his own smile. He was trying his best not to beam with pride, wanting to be humble, wanting to remind himself that there was still a lot of work to be done, but he couldn't contain the positivity he was currently buzzing with. Being around someone like Kisa certainly didn't help either.

"But let's stop training for today! You've worked so hard and definitely deserve a break." Kisa said. "Besides, we've got to brag to the whole crew about your victory!" He added, trying not to bounce on his heels.

"Captain, that's not necessary." Ritsu said with a sheepish laugh. His face was already turning a little red with embarrassment at the mere thought.

"Well, you don't have to brag, but I'm definitely going to brag about how well my star pupil is doing." Kisa said with a bright smile.

Ritsu shook his head in amusement. Star pupil? I'm your only pupil, Captain, he thought to himself, but he didn't want to bring down Kisa's good mood. He doubted he could if he even tried. Rather, Ritsu allowed himself to be dragged all around the ship as Kisa excitedly recounted their fight to everyone they came across, Hatori included.

The first mate nodded approvingly after Kisa finished telling him before he looked at Ritsu. "Does this mean you'll join us during the next raid?"

Kisa turned to look at Ritsu as well, attempting to contain his excitement at the potential answer, but he didn't do so very successfully.

Slowly, Ritsu nodded. "Yes. I will." He said.

"Yay! I can't wait to see you in action, Richan, I just know you'll completely wipe the floor with any sailor stupid enough to step up to you." Kisa grinned. "You'll be underestimated because of how young you are, I definitely was and still am, but that's all the more to your advantage. Besides, it'll be fun proving them wrong, don't you think?" Kisa threw an arm around Ritsu to lead him off, still talking excitedly about their future exploit and telling passing crew members about Ritsu's victory.

Ritsu just listened to him ramble with a smile, Hatori watching the two of them walk off with a shake of his head.

Hatori liked Ritsu fine, he didn't have a particular problem with him. Ritsu was hard working and more than willing to learn their ways, but he worried Kisa was getting a little too attached to the kid. Hatori had suspected that this would happen since the very beginning. Hatori didn't need Kisa getting distracted by Ritsu, especially not during a fight. Sure, Kisa preached self preservation and looking out for yourself, but seeing how Kisa interacted with Ritsu, Hatori didn't doubt that Kisa would put himself at risk to help the teen. The Emerald couldn't lose their Captain for one kid, no matter how nice that kid was.

Additionally, now there was the complicated and strange issue of the siren. Kisa didn't seem concerned at all, which made Hatori concerned even more. Someone had to worry about these things after all, and if the Captain wouldn't make it a priority of his then Hatori would fret over it enough for the both of them. It was easy to tell that the rest of the crew was rather worried about it too, which was affecting their morale. Being on the sea and facing countless dangers required high spirits to get through, so although Hatori knew how they felt, he did not speak about it with them or encourage their fear. He did not want to cause any panic, after all.

What could Ritsu have done to upset a siren so much that now he's being hunted down by one? Hatori wondered. From the story Ritsu had told them it didn't sound like he had done anything terribly offensive to the siren. Perhaps there were parts that Ritsu was leaving out? It didn't make any sense for a siren to hold a grudge against one specific human and forgo the option of taking down not one, but two ships.

However, as worrying as it was, it was also...interesting. As a pirate, Hatori was always looking for the potential profit in every and any situation. A siren who was willing to participate in conversation, a siren who was willing to befriend humans, it could certainly be of use to them. If there was one siren who did not immediately kill upon contact, perhaps there were others. It was not something they could pursue now, what with Ritsu currently being searched for by a siren and the intentions of said siren being unclear, but it was something to be considered for the future. Pirates were feared, but pirates allied with a siren (or, multiple sirens in a best case scenario) would be completely unstoppable.

I'll have to discuss it with the Captain, sometime, Hatori thought. Kisa might care about Ritsu and wish to protect him, but at the end of the day Kisa was still a pirate and he would not be blind to the amazing potential that having a siren on their side would bring.

It would have to be carefully considered and planned if they decided it was a course of action they wanted to take. They would need a way to abandon ship-metaphorically speaking, none of them would literally abandon the Emerald-if they came into contact with a siren that was not willing to converse with them. It would also be wise if they waited until the siren currently pursuing Ritsu lost interest in him.

Being a pirate was all about risk and reward, after all. The risk was high, but the reward would be even greater.

"I will do all of the talking, Richan and no one will attack until I give the order or the enemy makes the first move." Kisa explained to Ritsu, properly preparing him for the upcoming robbery that was sure to happen in the next few days. "I'm not opposed to fighting, obviously, it comes with the job." He said with a smile. "But it's so much easier when we just scare them real good. Less risk of losing any of our men." And less crime to weigh on anyone's conscience, if any of his men still had their consciences remaining.

Ritsu nodded along to show that he was listening, but he was struggling to maintain his focus as his nerves attempted to get the best of him.

A number of things could go wrong: he could get severely injured or he could die. Those were the two main concerns, of course, but those were risks that Ritsu had come to accept when he decided to stay on the ship. Then, of course, there was the very real issue that Ritsu might have to hurt someone else. Now that such a possibility was nearing, it was beginning to freak him out. Ritsu had never hurt someone before and he didn't exactly love the idea of it. Ritsu wasn't suddenly some pain-loving sadist that wanted to pursue cruelty. He was still an inexperienced, overall innocent kid.

"You alright, Richan?" Kisa suddenly asked.

Ritsu's face must have looked distressed enough for the Captain to take notice. "Just nervous." He admitted. "I'm...I'm a little worried."

"You'll be just fine, Richan." Kisa said with a reassuring smile. "I know you'll be able to hold your own."

"That's not what I'm worried about." Ritsu said. "I...I've never been in a real fight. I've never...hurt anyone." He frowned. "And I don't know if I can."

Kisa for once appeared serious as he nodded. "I understand, Richan. I won't lie, that can be difficult to get past. But...if it's you or them, you've got to put yourself first." He said. "Hopefully you won't have to hurt anyone this time around, but it's not something you'll be able to avoid forever if you stay on the sea."

"I know." Ritsu said, trying to put on a brave face. "I just hope for my own sake that I don't freeze up." Or worse, turn tail and run. Ritsu would never come back from such humiliation.

"My advice? Try not to think about it, just treat it like training." Kisa said. "But still make sure to give it your all. I don't think that part will be too hard for you, since you always do." He added, smiling a bit as he attempted to lighten the mood.

Ritsu nodded. "I think I can do that." He said. I hope I can do that.

"It'll be okay, Richan. Most people tend to surrender anyway. Usually they're not willing to give their lives for something like cargo." Kisa said.

Ritsu nodded again. "How long do you think until we come across another ship?"

"Not long. Maybe a day or two." Kisa answered. "You're sure you're ready?"

"Yes." Ritsu replied without hesitation. If he allowed himself to hesitate then he would second guess himself and possibly back out.

Kisa smiled. "I'm glad. I'll be happy to have you fighting beside me!" He said before leaning in, whispering. "I have a lot more confidence in you than some of the other men on this ship." He winked.

Ritsu smiled, not believing such flattery, but finding it amusing nonetheless. "Right, thanks Captain." He chuckled. "But don't rely on me too much. I won't save you if you get in a sticky situation. Self preservation, right?" He added, playfully nudging him.

"Yes, yes, you've learned so well, Richan!" Kisa praised with a wide grin.

Ritsu laughed at Kisa's excited reaction and for just a moment his worries were dispelled.

Ritsu's worries ended up being completely uncalled for.

Mostly because he did not get the chance to set foot on another ship.

No, instead he had much, much bigger problems.

It was early in the morning when Ritsu came above deck. He was still waking up and he did not notice right away that something was off. He glanced around, searching for another ship on the water or for a friendly face on the deck to say good morning to. There were no other ships nearby, but the sun had just risen not that long ago. There would be plenty of time to continue their search. Ritsu felt conflicted as he both hoped they would find another ship and dreaded the thought of it. He took a deep breath and leaned over the railing, listening to the sound of the waves and the whistling wind before realizing that was all he heard. Normally mornings were quite busy with preparations for the day and excited conversation. Ritsu frowned and looked toward the crew and realized they were all completely still and staring off into the distance. The only person moving was the one at the helm, who was currently turning the wheel. Ritsu frowned in confusion and approached Kisa.

"Captain, is something wrong?" Ritsu asked, trying to get Kisa to look at him or say something, anything. Ritsu was trying not to panic. Maybe this was some sort of joke or prank? Some sort of form of hazing? He hoped that's what it was otherwise he had no idea what the hell was going on!

Much to Ritsu's disappointment (and terror) he did not receive a response as Kisa continued to stare ahead. Ritsu followed his gaze and saw cliffs not too far in the distance. If he squinted he could see some humanoid figures at the top of them, but something was strange about the people. Their silhouettes certainly weren't fully human.

Then Ritsu heard it:

Singing.