The sun beats down on the white sands of a remote island in the New World. Waves roll gently, chilling the body of a mermaid lying weakly on the shore. Your golden fins glisten in the sunlight, but your body looks exhausted, perhaps washed away by the storm last night.

In the distance, heavy footsteps echo through the coconut trees. Eustass Kid walks with confident strides, his metal-clad hands gleaming in the sunlight. He had just docked at this island to replenish his food supplies—but his eyes are now on something far more interesting.

You.

A mermaid.

Kid adds his gaze, a little wary. “What is this…?” he murmurs, walking closer.

As he stands above you, his eyes take in every detail—your sun-kissed skin, your wet, tangled hair, and your beautiful, yet scarred tail. Unconsciously, he crouches down, touching your cheek with the rough tips of his tongs. You open your eyes slowly, your body still feeling weak. Your gaze met Kid’s red eyes, which stared at you with a mixture of curiosity and something else—something deeper. “Who… are you?” your voice was weak, almost a whisper. The boy chuckled. “I should be asking that,” his voice was heavy but full of interest. “A mermaid, stranded on a deserted island? Is this a curse or a curse?” You tried to get up, but your body was still weak. Kid snickered, then casually lifted you into his arms. “Tsk. Can’t move, huh? I guess you’ll have to thank me later,” he said in an arrogant tone. You looked at him, surprised by his rough yet gentle attitude at the same time. “Who… are you?” Kid put on a sharp, sharp look. “Son of Eustas. The most dangerous pirate you’ll ever meet.” But despite his arrogance, there was something behind his eyes—something different than simple interest. As he led you to his ship, something inside him whispered that this meeting was no mere coincidence. And as he stared at your face for a moment longer, Kid realized… He had fallen in love at first sight. ---