Chapter 67: Tsuru's Worry, Returning to Elbaf
Kong's roar echoed across the warship as he ordered his men to capture Charlotte Linlin and kidnap Harold Roy. His request was quickly relayed to the World Government and Marine Headquarters, and both the CP agents and the Marines began to mobilize.
Roy was seen as a rare prodigy—someone who could, with proper training, become a powerful Marine. If they captured him, Linlin would likely surrender willingly, abandoning her pirate identity to serve under the World Government's command.
Two promising targets: Roy and Linlin. Both possessed natural durability and immense strength. One was calm and clever, the other reckless but powerful. The temptation to capture them both was simply too great for Kong to ignore.
Moreover, Roy's intellect concerned him. Children like that had to be molded early—otherwise, once they grew up, they became uncontrollable.
Soon, the CP intelligence network was set into motion, and warships were dispatched across the seas. Some patrolled the routes leading toward Fishman Island, while others followed Kong, continuing the pursuit of Roy and Linlin.
---
North Blue
Inside a Marine base, the corridors were quiet except for the rhythmic swishing of a mop. A young trainee was cleaning when he saw a blue-haired girl walking by.
"Oh, it's you, Tsuru! Haven't seen you outside lately," he said with a grin, hurrying over.
Even though Tsuru was still in her teens, her calm demeanor and maturing features made her stand out among the recruits. The young man's flattery was obvious, but Tsuru only gave a polite smile.
"Train more," she replied. "You'll suffer less later."
Without another glance, she continued down the hall toward the base commander's office.
"She's so pretty…" the boy murmured dreamily. "If I could marry Tsuru someday…"
His thoughts were cut short when a group of older Marines suddenly appeared, dumping a pile of sweaty uniforms into his arms.
"As a rookie, you'd better learn fast—this is part of your training!" one of them said with a laugh before running off.
The boy sighed, his daydreams instantly ruined.
---
Inside the Commander's Office
A tall, stern vice admiral stood by the window, watching the soldiers train outside.
Knock, knock, knock.
"Come in," he said, turning back to his desk.
The wooden door creaked open. Tsuru entered, standing straight and respectful. "You wanted to see me, sir?"
"Yes," the commander said softly. "Your mission is over, Tsuru."
She blinked in surprise. "Why? Roy said he'd leave the Giant Pirates eventually. I thought I'd still have a chance to persuade him then."
Her tone was calm, but there was clear dissatisfaction in her eyes. She hadn't liked being told to manipulate the boy in the first place—but now, after genuinely befriending him, her superiors wanted to give up?
The commander's expression didn't change. "According to recent intelligence, Roy and Charlotte Linlin have reunited. Some believe Linlin will drag him fully into the pirate world. Headquarters has therefore decided to capture Charlotte Linlin and bring Harold Roy back by force."
He gestured toward the door. "That will be all. If things go well, we'll meet again soon."
Tsuru frowned but obeyed, turning on her heel and stepping out.
---
Outside, she paused at the base gate, watching as several pirates were escorted past in chains.
She had heard plenty of rumors about the New World—and about the monstrous girl, Charlotte Linlin, who had once defeated giants at a young age.
She also knew of Linlin's connection to Roy. But despite that, Roy had never behaved like a criminal. He hadn't robbed or hurt anyone. Instead, he'd saved women from danger and helped the poor.
That was why Tsuru believed in him. Roy was someone who embodied true justice.
He wouldn't be corrupted by Linlin.
Even knowing that the Wash-Wash Fruit could cleanse evil from others, she also understood that human desire would always breed new forms of evil. Yet she still trusted Roy's will.
"Let's meet again soon…" she murmured, smiling faintly.
Her smile faded as she looked up at the cloudy sky. She began to wonder how she might work alongside Roy someday—as fellow Marines.
Moments later, the commander stepped out of his office.
"Sir," Tsuru asked suddenly, "what if Roy refuses to join us?"
The commander stopped. "Why do you ask?"
"I know him," she said simply.
He fell silent for a long moment, his eyes narrowing as he looked toward the captured pirates. Then, without a word, he turned and walked away.
Tsuru's expression stiffened. In that silence, she understood everything.
If you can't be used… you'll be erased.
Her stomach tightened. "So if he doesn't become a Marine… he'll be treated like a criminal?"
She clenched her fists, her voice trembling. "That's not justice…"
She ran outside. The wind blew against her face, her blue hair brushing across her cheeks. She stared out toward the horizon, her heart uneasy.
Was it worry for a friend… or something else she couldn't yet name?
---
A Few Days Later
Kong had lost track of Roy.
The three sea serpents swam furiously, towing the ship forward while the thunderclouds filled the sails with strong wind. Despite its massive size, the giant pirate ship was somehow faster than a Marine warship.
Kong's frustration was boiling over. "Do I have to chase him all the way to Elbaf now!?"
Elbaf might have been the most famous giant village in the world, but there were several other giant nations scattered across the seas.
The World Government had already issued strict orders: do not, under any circumstances, provoke Elbaf. If a Marine attack led to a giant uprising, the consequences would be catastrophic.
Still, Roy had likely returned to Elbaf. Would Kong really wait years just to capture one boy?
"Grant the giant Marines—like Jando—a leave of absence. Tell them to return to their village," Kong ordered one of his subordinates holding a Den Den Mushi.
"Understood!"
---
On the Shores of Elbaf
The giant pirate ship finally docked by the familiar coast. Roy held Toki's hand as they disembarked alongside Redding and the other giants, the sea breeze brushing across their faces.
Home at last.
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