Every pirate, even one so great and mighty as the dread pirate Kid, needed a crew. A ship couldn't be run without one; there was just no way.

Kid had a crew. They served him out of equal parts worship, fear, and greed. All save one.

Kid's first mate, Issei Ryudo. An unassuming young man not suited to be on a pirate ship, and the only possible candidate for the position.

He didn't fear Kid. He knew better than that.

He didn't worship Kid. He saw his faults as well as anyone.

What he did was love Kid, and completely.