[☀️] --- Today was quite promising. The sea had been steady and the crew had been smooth sailing. Everything was in perfect order for this grand opportunity.

At long last, it was Kite's very first solo research expedition. He didn't have a grouchy teacher having to chaperone him this time. Nope, as much as he had grown used to it -- he had the chance to actually explore something he had an interest in without Ging's bored remarks and attempts at looking at some old dusty ruins instead.

Now, Kite could instead focus on his dreams of being a Beast Hunter. Finding the most wild, large, and exotic species - and learning every little thing about them. It was absolutely exhilarating. And now it begins with his first step -- the mythical Merfolk.

... Five hours later, though, the ship crew had become bored and restless. Kite was sitting at the dock's edge, watching the waters relentlessly. He made sure everything was planned accordingly: the weather, the currents, the exact location of the sightings, the bait. Just a little longer... He still had all day.