Tsuru

Hello, my lovely readers! Did you miss me? I have some news for you! Can you believe that not everyone loves all three of my stories? Shocking, I know! But it was my bad, and it's totally fine if you don't like all three. Even supporting one of my stories means the world to me, and I truly appreciate all the love and support you show me (not the literal kind, I prefer virtual hugs). So, to make things easier for everyone, I've added some middle tiers to my Patreon account, where you don't have to pay for the whole shebang. Now you can pick one of the three novels and read 5, 10, or 15 chapters ahead! Thanks, and have a blast!

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Jack recognized this as an obvious ploy, the pirates likely having been under Lafet's command to put him in trouble for asking questions. But to unveil what was going on, he didn't resist and allowed the officers to cuff him.

As they led him away, Jack studied Lafet and Latiffe closely, trying to discern any clues about their abilities or intentions. It was clear there was something unusual about them, but he couldn't quite put his finger on what it was.

Once they arrived at the local jail, Jack was thrown into a cell, the heavy door slamming shut behind him. He sat on the cold, hard floor, his back against the wall, waiting for the right moment to confront Lafet and discover the truth.

The hours passed slowly, but eventually, Lafet appeared at the cell door, Latiffe in tow. Jack rose to his feet, his calm blue eyes focused on the two figures before him.

"So, you've been asking questions about me, eh?" Lafet sneered, his pale face twisted in a malicious grin. "What exactly do you think you're going to accomplish here?"

Jack's eyes narrowed, his voice steady and measured. "I'm here to find out why the people of this village are suffering while you live in luxury. And more importantly, why they seem to be under your control."

Lafet let out a harsh laugh, his cold eyes fixed on Jack. "You think you're so clever, don't you? But I assure you, you're out of your depth here."

Jack smirked, his gaze unwavering. "We'll see about that."

Lafet's grin turned into a snarl, and he gestured to Latiffe. The boy stepped forward, and suddenly, Jack felt an overwhelming sensation wash over him. His vision blurred, his limbs grew heavy, and his mind became foggy. He realized that Latiffe had some sort of hypnosis ability, and it was now being used against him.

Fighting against the oppressive force, Jack focused on his anger, his deep blue eyes raging like an ocean in a storm. He drew on his strength, resisting the hypnotic pull as best as he could.

Jack, using the Bead's ability, resisted the hypnosis but acted as if he had fallen into their ploy. He wanted to see what they would order him to do.

"So, you're under my control now," Lafet sneered. "Tell me, who are you, and why have you come here?"

"My name is Jack," he replied truthfully, his voice steady and measured. "I'm a bounty hunter."

"And who was your last target?" Latiffe asked, his eyes filled with curiosity.

"Jagged Jaws and his vice-captain," Jack replied calmly.

Both Lafet and Latiffe were shocked. The news hadn't gotten out yet, and they were surprised to realize that they had caught a big fish. They exchanged glances, clearly unsettled by the revelation.

"He must have underestimated us," Lafet whispered to Latiffe, believing that Jack couldn't hear them. "He didn't know about the hypnosis."

They turned back to Jack, their expressions filled with a newfound sense of urgency. "We want you to join one of the pirate groups that is about to attack a nearby island," Lafet ordered. "They're going after something important that the mayor has discovered – a Devil Fruit. You will assist them in retrieving it."

Jack nodded, pretending to be under their control, and left the jail cell. Once he was out of their sight, he contacted his Marine ally, Tsuru. Now 27 years old, she was still a trusted friend and a valuable source of information.

"Tsuru, I need your help," Jack said, his voice urgent. "There's a pirate attack planned on an island nearby. They're after a Devil Fruit that the mayor has found. I need you to meet me there."

Tsuru didn't hesitate. "Understood. What's the name of the island?"

"Marino Island," Jack replied. "I'll be waiting."

As Jack made his way to Marino Island, he couldn't help but think about the Devil Fruit and the pirate group he was supposed to join. He knew that Tsuru and her Marine crew would be crucial in stopping the pirates and securing the island. His face remained calm, but his deep blue eyes showed a quiet determination.

Upon arriving at Marino Island, Jack spotted a group of pirates waiting for him on the shore. Their faces were filled with anticipation and excitement, but when they noticed a white Marine ship approaching in the distance, fear crept into their eyes.

The pirates tried to run, but Jack, appearing unfazed, calmly stalled them. He engaged them in conversation, asking about their plans and their leader. The pirates, sensing his power and determination, hesitated and were unsure of how to proceed.

As Tsuru's ship drew closer, Jack decided it was time to take action. He attacked the nearest pirate with a swift, powerful strike that sent him flying. The other pirates, seeing their comrade taken down so easily, hesitated, their fear growing.

Jack's eyes flashed with anger as he engaged the pirates in battle. He moved with fluidity and grace, each strike delivered with precision and power. The pirates were no match for him, as he dodged their attacks and countered with his own.

As the battle raged on, Tsuru's ship finally arrived at the shore. She was a striking figure, her long, flowing blue hair and sharp, intelligent eyes leaving no doubt that she was a force to be reckoned with. She stepped off the ship, her face a picture of calm determination.

Tsuru joined the fray, her powerful abilities allowing her to control the movements of the remaining pirates. They struggled to move, their limbs locked in place by her power. Jack marveled at her skill and precision, his eyes never leaving her as she fought alongside him.

Together, Jack and Tsuru made quick work of the pirates, each one falling to their combined strength. As the last pirate crumpled to the ground, Jack turned to Tsuru, his eyes filled with gratitude.

Once the last of the pirates had been subdued, Jack and Tsuru stood side by side, their breathing heavy from the exertion of the fight. "We make a good team," Tsuru said, her eyes alight with satisfaction.

"We always have," Jack replied, a rare, genuine smile gracing his features.

Tsuru's gaze locked onto Jack's, her eyes dancing with a hint of mischief. "You know, Jack, it's been a while since we last fought together. I had almost forgotten how exhilarating it can be."

Jack looked at her, his eyes calm but attentive. "Yeah, it has been a while," he replied, a touch of warmth creeping into his voice.

As the Marines on Tsuru's ship began to disembark, they moved to apprehend the defeated pirates. Jack and Tsuru watched them work, but their conversation continued, an undercurrent of flirtation present despite the serious situation.

"You've grown stronger," Tsuru observed, her voice low and steady. "It's impressive."

Jack's lips curled into a small smirk. "I could say the same about you. You're even more formidable than I remember."

As the Marines continued to secure the area, Tsuru leaned in closer, her voice a soft whisper. "I've heard rumors about you, Jack. They say you've become quite the notorious bounty hunter. I must admit, I'm a little envious of your freedom."

Jack's eyes met hers, the intensity of his gaze never faltering. "Freedom has its perks, but so does working for the Marines. You've made quite the name for yourself as well, Tsuru."

She smiled, a hint of pride in her eyes. "Well, I can't let you have all the glory, can I?"

As their flirtatious banter continued, Tsuru's voice remained strong, and her character unshaken. The other Marines didn't notice the subtle dance of words between the two, their focus solely on the task at hand.

After a moment, Tsuru's expression turned more serious. "Jack, I have to ask – what's the deal with this Lafet character?"

Jack's eyes darkened, the calm blue of his irises shifting to an angry storm. "He's a dangerous man, Tsuru. He's using the people of the village for his own twisted purposes, and he has some sort of control over them. We have to stop him."

Tsuru nodded, her eyes filled with determination. "Then we'll put an end to his reign. Together."

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