"Joining the Navy, of course, is to uphold justice, protect civilians, and strike down pirates." Vice Admiral Tsuru gave what sounded like a textbook answer before softening her tone. "I've heard a bit about what you've done recently. It seems you have the will to protect people. If so, joining the Navy would be the best path for you."
Hearing her mention their recent actions, Zhang Da Ye felt a flicker of guilt. But after a moment's thought, he realized she must be talking about their capture of the fake Straw Hats. He shrugged lightly. "You may be giving me too much credit. I only pick fights when I know we can win. If I thought we couldn't, I'd be halfway to the next island already. Honestly, you could say I just had my eyes on the bounty."
"That assumption doesn't matter," Tsuru replied evenly. "What I know is that you defeated pirates and prevented civilians from suffering. That alone is enough."
She studied him carefully, then added, "It sounds as though you don't quite trust the Navy. But you needn't worry—once you join, you won't be forced to face enemies you have no hope of defeating."
I don't believe that for a second! Zhang Da Ye thought. After all, he'd heard what happened to Rear Admiral Kadar, though he wisely kept it to himself. That man had let slip some truths after one too many drinks, and repeating them now would only land him in trouble.
At that moment, a paw reached out from the side, trying to swipe a piece of pastry.
Zhang Da Ye grabbed Tom and hauled him into his arms, giving him a few rough pets. He glanced at Artoria, at Rui Mengmeng, and finally at the laughing, gossiping guests around the tavern before turning back to Tsuru. Instead of answering her, he said, "Compared to joining the Navy, I prefer the life I have now. A home, a cat, a few… friends. On quiet days I listen to my guests spin tall tales. When trouble comes knocking, I throw the brawlers out myself."
"The Navy isn't nearly as rigid as you make it sound," Tsuru said, her lips curving slightly. "Even at headquarters there are plenty of eccentric types. With your abilities, if you joined, no one would stop you from keeping pets, drinking, or chatting with friends." Over her long career, she had seen her share of oddballs—so long as they had real strength, their quirks hardly mattered.
Just then, three swaggering men entered the tavern, eyes immediately locking on Artoria, Rui Mengmeng, and the female Marines accompanying Tsuru. "Well, well, didn't expect so many beauties in a dump like this. Perfect timing—come drink with us!"
The other guests perked up instantly, grins spreading across their faces. Trouble in this tavern was always worth watching, and with a Vice Admiral present, the show promised to be spectacular.
The three newcomers, far from nervous, seemed to bask in the attention.
"Hey, you there! Bring us some wine!" one of them barked, slamming the table. He glanced at the woman seated by the counter—Tsuru herself, though he failed to recognize her profile—and sneered. "What's an old hag like you doing in a tavern anyway? Careful you don't chip a tooth on your cup!"
The other two burst into raucous laughter.
Artoria cast a questioning look at Zhang Da Ye, silently asking who should handle them.
Zhang Da Ye only shook his head, his eyes sliding toward Tsuru with an expression that clearly said: let's see what happens.
One of the female Marines behind Tsuru tensed, ready to move, but Tsuru simply chuckled and muttered, "Brat."
It was unclear whether she meant Zhang Da Ye or the thugs.
Either way, in the blink of an eye, a laundry line appeared in the tavern. The three troublemakers were flattened and strung up like garments, each pinned in place by pink clothespins.
Now dripping wet, they dangled helplessly in the air, groaning.
"We've been washed!"
"We've been hung out to dry!"
"Sorry! We were wrong!"
Tsuru's Wash-Wash Fruit ability allowed her to scrub anything clean as if it were laundry. Those caught in her power often found even the evil in their hearts lightened. For many pirates, she was a more terrifying foe than even an admiral.
It was for this reason that Doflamingo would bolt at the mere sight of her—having his wickedness cleansed was worse than losing flesh.
Zhang Da Ye poked at one of the "garments." "Incredible."
Artoria prodded another curiously. This was her first time witnessing a Devil Fruit ability, and to her it looked no different from magic.
The three of them felt exactly like soft, damp clothes.
Would they return to normal after drying?
Tom wriggled free from Zhang Da Ye's grip and padded over, batting at one of the hanging men like a toy.
The tavern guests stared wide-eyed. Ordinary people didn't often encounter Devil Fruit users—such a strange power was like a marvel to them.
Tsuru, unfazed by the chaos, ignored the occasional cries of pain from the dangling men Tom was tormenting. She continued, "You say you like this life. Well, one of the Navy's reasons for fighting is to let more people live in peace. Isn't that something you'd also want to see?"
"I have nothing but respect for those like you, Vice Admiral, who devote their lives to justice. And for the Marines who sacrifice themselves to protect civilians. But I'm not there yet." Zhang Da Ye spoke openly, admitting he wasn't so noble.
"As for justice… I've heard different admirals have their own interpretations. If it were me, I'd call it 'justice within my reach.' If neighbors or friends of mine were ever unlucky enough to cross paths with pirates, I couldn't just stand by."
…
When Tsuru finally left, she had a clear picture of Zhang Da Ye: a man who put his own safety first, yet was willing to help others if he had the power to do so.
In other words, someone who lived by the principle: if poor, tend to yourself; if capable, help the world.
This world didn't have that phrase, but his stance made it obvious.
Tsuru didn't dislike people like him. At least he wasn't the type to commit evil. On the battlefield of morality, he'd count as an ally.
She didn't bother pressing the other two—Artoria and Rui Mengmeng—since they had shown no interest in the conversation at all, making it clear they'd follow Zhang Da Ye's lead.
She couldn't help but wonder, though: how had such an unremarkable tavern-keeper managed to find companions like them?
As she departed, she took the three "garments" with her—she had to. Otherwise, the cat might strip them down further. In fact, Tom had already pulled one down, spread it out on a table, and fetched an iron as if preparing to do chores.
For lowlifes like these, a little discipline and some re-education were enough. They hadn't done anything that warranted torture. And with Tsuru's cleansing touch, they might even reform.
Still, as they were carried away, the three men sobbed miserably. That cat was the devil itself—they never wanted to commit another crime again!
"Justice within your reach, hm?" Tsuru murmured as she glanced back at the modest tavern, a small smile on her lips. "As long as it's justice, that's enough."
A/N: Tsuru was taller than I had realized—204 centimeters, though she never seemed imposing. Perhaps that was only because her old comrades Sengoku and Garp towered at 278 and 287 respectively.
TL/N: Tsuru is 204 cm (6'7) ???? Watafak?!