Chapter 58: Tsuru's Invitation
A user of the Wash-Wash Fruit cleansing her own soul?
Roy was stunned.
It was almost like one of those fanfictions where Uchiha Shisui stared at himself in the mirror and cast Kotoamatsukami.
Amatsuki Toki was equally shocked. Was this girl really so determined—so ruthless—to purify herself just to be friends with Roy?
A wave of respect rose in her heart. Tsuru truly was a girl of justice. For the sake of what she believed in, she was even willing to cleanse her own soul.
But for Tsuru, this wasn't a problem. She simply wanted to approach Roy sincerely, to let down her guard and earn his trust.
Only through genuine friendship could she hope to draw him toward the Navy's cause.
That night, Tsuru made up her mind: everything I do is for pure justice.
When she briefly explained her actions to Roy and Toki, Roy regarded her with quiet admiration.
The World Government was corrupt and cruel, but there were still righteous people within the Navy—people worth respecting.
Of course, that didn't mean he wanted to become one of them.
"Can we be real friends now?" Tsuru asked earnestly. "I truly want to be your friend—from the heart!"
Her eyes were pure and full of hope.
[Intimacy with Tsuru +15!]
Roy smiled faintly. "Of course. As long as it's sincere, we can be friends."
"Then… can I ask you something?" Tsuru said curiously.
Roy nodded.
"Why do you fly a pirate flag if you're not a bad person?"
"Because it scares away trouble," Roy said calmly. "It saves me from unnecessary fights. I prefer freedom—and I want to explore the world with the people I care about. The Navy's discipline doesn't suit me, but that doesn't mean I hate them."
"Freedom… is that really so important?" Tsuru frowned, glancing at Toki. "If you joined the Navy together, you'd have security, freedom after retirement, and you'd always be together."
Stay in the Navy? You're kidding me! Roy nearly laughed aloud.
"Sister Tsuru, I'm not that selfless," he said, shaking his head. "I just want me and the one I love to live happily."
He had no intention of dedicating his youth to the World Government. If he had time to serve, he'd rather bring home a few wives instead.
"Sorry, I was too pushy," Tsuru apologized, then raised her hand. "Can you give me your hand?"
"No," Roy said instantly. Who knew what she defined as "evil"? That range was far too broad.
Everyone had some dark thoughts. He could restrain his actions, but he'd never allow someone to interfere with his mind.
To Roy, Tsuru's Wash-Wash power was dangerous—not in strength, but in how subtly it could alter one's thinking. It reminded him of Princess Otohime's Observation Haki, capable of touching hearts.
"What's wrong? Do you really have evil thoughts?" Tsuru asked, genuinely confused. She was still young and naive.
"Would I still be me afterward?" Roy asked evenly. "Or just a puppet?"
Toki frowned slightly beside him. This girl's obsession with purity is… unsettling.
Tsuru froze. His words hit harder than any blade.
Her power could wash away guilt, but only for a moment. People changed with time, with their choices. Could anyone truly remain pure forever?
"I think people should experience life themselves," Roy said gently. "Only then can they understand what's right or wrong. Truths can't be washed into you—you have to earn them."
He stood and turned away.
"I… I understand. Thank you," Tsuru said softly, bowing before leaving. As she walked away, she called over her shoulder, "I won't give up!"
The next day, when Tsuru returned to the beach, she found the pirate ship gone.
"Do you hate me that much? Are you afraid of my power?" she whispered bitterly, staring at the horizon.
She waited all day on the shore, but the ship never came back.
As night fell, she sat alone, hugging her knees beneath the fading sunset.
Was I really reaching out with pure intentions? she thought. Roy's words echoed in her mind.
Her ability could cleanse evil, yes—but people's hearts weren't static. Their thoughts evolved with every choice they made.
She couldn't wash away everything forever—not even from herself.
"Then how can I truly cleanse the evil in people's hearts, Roy? Tell me…" she murmured to the empty waves.
When the ship finally returned under the moonlight, Tsuru sprang to her feet. She ran toward Roy the moment she saw him.
"You're still here!" she said breathlessly. "Tell me—how can someone be sincere and free from evil thoughts?"
Roy blinked, a little taken aback. "I'm just an ordinary, selfish person. How would I know that?"
There was no such thing as complete purity. No one could live without selfishness—it was what made them human.
"I'll figure it out myself," Tsuru said, her voice full of conviction. "I believe I can."
"Maybe…" Roy said quietly, unwilling to crush her determination.
"By the way," he added, "we're leaving the North Blue tomorrow."
"You still don't want to consider joining the Navy?" Tsuru asked, her tone tinged with hope.
"Not considering it," Roy replied. "This isn't my home, and it's far too dangerous."
"I see…" Tsuru's voice softened. Then, after a pause, her eyes lit up. "Are you free tonight? No training, no sparring. Let's go—" she turned toward the lively town behind them "—have some fun?"
Toki's expression instantly stiffened, her instincts screaming danger.
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