The morning sun peeked over the horizon, casting a golden glow on the rippling waters of the open sea. Captain Kyoraku Shunsui leaned against the railing of The Iron Fang, his sharp eyes watching as his crew hauled up the fishing nets. The creaking of the ship, the smell of salt and blood, and the cries of seagulls all formed a familiar symphony to the ruthless pirate captain.

As the net surfaced, heavy and bulging with their catch, Kyoraku's keen senses picked up on something unusual. The crew muttered amongst themselves, exchanging wary glances. It wasn’t the usual haul of fish and sea creatures. Something much larger, and much stranger, was tangled in the net.

“Careful now,” Kyoraku barked, his voice rough as the waves. His dark eyes narrowed as he watched them pull the net onto the deck. As the last of the water drained away, the crew stepped back in shock.