Chương 17: Tsuru is Moving Away
The tavern was a cozy and warm place, with low wooden beams overhead and a large stone hearth crackling with firelight. The walls were adorned with an assortment of nautical memorabilia, from old ship wheels to tattered maps. Sturdy wooden tables and chairs filled the room, providing ample seating for weary sailors and adventurers alike. The atmosphere was thick with the smell of roasting meat, fresh-baked bread, and the ever-present tang of salt and sea air.
Jack and Tsuru were sitting at a corner table, nursing their drinks as they spoke about their recent exploits. The dim, flickering light from the candles above cast soft shadows over their faces, highlighting the lines of fatigue and the traces of battle still visible.
Jack took a long swig from his mug, savoring the bitter taste of the ale as it slid down his throat. Tsuru, seated beside him at the bar, looked more despondent than usual. Her eyes, a piercing violet, were clouded with worry. Jack glanced at her and let out a low, rumbling chuckle.
"What's got you so down, Tsuru?" he asked, his voice deep and steady. Tsuru sighed and took a sip from her own drink, her gaze locked on the wooden surface of the bar.
"I'm being sent to North Blue soon," she said softly, the sadness in her voice unmistakable. Jack raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued.
"Why so glum? Sounds like a fine opportunity for you," he said, taking another swig from his mug. Tsuru looked up at him, her eyes pleading for understanding.
"You know I don't want to leave you and West Blue, Jack. But I have no choice. It's my duty," she said, her voice barely audible above the din of the tavern. Jack's gaze softened for a moment, his eyes taking on a shade of calm blue as he regarded her.
"I understand, Tsuru. But you've got to do what you've got to do. I've been thinking about leaving West Blue myself," he said, his voice low and even. Tsuru's eyes widened in surprise.
Jack remained calm, his cold demeanor only betraying a hint of emotion as he looked at her. "Well, it seems fate has decided for both of us. With you leaving, there's nothing holding me here. I've made up my mind. I'm going to the Grand Line."
His words caught Tsuru's attention, and she looked at him with concern. "The Grand Line? Jack, that's a dangerous place. Are you sure about this?"
A faint grin appeared on Jack's face, a rare sight that made him seem more approachable. "You know me, Tsuru. I'm always up for a challenge. The pirates in West Blue have become too weak, too predictable. I yearn for more excitement, more battle. It's time I moved on."
Tsuru's expression turned serious, and she glanced around to make sure no one was listening. In a hushed whisper, she shared a few secrets about the Grand Line. "Jack, I've heard tales of fearsome pirate crews that roam those waters. There's one in particular that's been making a name for themselves. The crew is merciless, and their captain... they say he's a force to be reckoned with."
Jack leaned in closer, his interest piqued. "Tell me more about this captain."
Tsuru shook her head. "I don't know his name, but the stories of his exploits are legendary. If you seek a challenge, Jack, you may just find it in him."
A spark ignited in Jack's eyes, their calm blue depths turning a shade darker as he thought of the potential battles that awaited him. "I'll keep an eye out for them," he said, his voice low and determined.
He then shifted the topic to a Marine officer he'd been hearing whispers about. "What can you tell me about this Garp fellow? Word has it he's quite the powerhouse."
Tsuru's face twitched at the mention of Garp, and she sighed, remembering her training days in Marineford with him and Sengoku. "Garp... he's a force of nature. He may not have the demeanor of a Marine, but mark my words, Jack, one day, he will become a name that spreads fear in the hearts of pirates in all seas."
Jack's eyes narrowed, intrigued by her words. "What has he done to earn such high praise?"
Tsuru took a deep breath and began recounting some of Garp's deeds. "He's taken down entire pirate crews single handedly. He's relentless, stubborn, and seemingly immune to fear. But he's also a bit... unorthodox, to say the least. There's a mischievous streak in him, and his methods can be downright unruly.
Jack's interest in Garp grew as Tsuru spoke, his cold demeanor giving way to a focused intensity. "You make him sound like a formidable adversary," he mused, his ocean-blue eyes locked on Tsuru. "And what of Sengoku? What can you tell me about him?"
Tsuru's violet eyes darkened, her lips pressed into a thin line as she thought of her former superior. "Sengoku... he's a strategic genius. He's not as physically imposing as Garp, but his mind is his greatest weapon. His tactical prowess is unparalleled, and he's the driving force behind many of the Marines' victories."
Jack leaned back in his chair, taking in the information with a measured gaze. "They both sound like worthy opponents," he said, a flicker of excitement in his eyes. "But tell me, Tsuru, do you think they'll be able to stop me once I reach the Grand Line?"
The question hung in the air between them, heavy with the weight of uncertainty. Tsuru hesitated, her eyes searching Jack's face for any hint of arrogance or overconfidence. But his expression was as impassive as ever, his eyes calm and steady.
"I can't say for certain," she admitted, her voice quiet and somber. "But I do know this: if anyone can give you a run for your money, it's them."
Jack's lips curled into a faint, almost imperceptible smirk. "Then I look forward to the challenge," he said, his voice low and resolute.
They sat in companionable silence for a few moments, each lost in their thoughts. Then Tsuru spoke up, her voice hesitant. "Jack, when you do reach the Grand Line, promise me you'll be careful. I know you're strong, but I also know you have a tendency to... underestimate your opponents."
Her concern touched him, and his eyes softened briefly as he met her gaze. "I promise, Tsuru. I won't let my guard down, not even for a moment."
As the conversation lulled and the shadows in the tavern lengthened, Jack and Tsuru became increasingly aware of the dwindling time they had left together. The flickering candlelight cast a warm, golden glow on their faces, and the air seemed to hum with unspoken emotions. Tsuru fidgeted with her glass, her violet eyes filled with a mixture of longing and uncertainty.
Jack, ever observant, picked up on her unease and decided to lighten the mood. He leaned in closer, his calm blue eyes sparkling mischievously. "You know, Tsuru, I've always admired your beauty. It's a shame we never had the chance to... explore our connection further."
Tsuru looked up at him, surprise and a hint of desire flickering across her features. "Jack, I—"
He cut her off with a chuckle, raising his hand in a placating gesture. "Don't worry, I'm not asking for anything. Just thought we could enjoy each other's company while we still have the chance."
Jack's words seemed to break through her hesitation, and she allowed herself a small, shy smile. "I suppose there's no harm in that."
Their eyes locked, and for a moment, they forgot about their impending separation. The tavern seemed to fade away as they focused solely on each other, the air between them crackling with an electric charge.
Jack leaned in even closer, his voice a low, sultry murmur. "You know, I've always been curious... How do you manage to look so composed and elegant even after a grueling battle?"
Tsuru blushed at the compliment, the warmth spreading across her cheeks. "Well, I... I suppose I've just always taken pride in my appearance, no matter the situation."
Jack smirked, his eyes roaming over her appreciatively. "It certainly shows. You're a vision, Tsuru. Even when we're surrounded by the chaos of a fight, I can't help but be drawn to you."
Tsuru bit her lip, her heart racing as his words washed over her. "You have a way with words, Jack. I never would have expected that from someone as... stoic as you."
He chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound that sent shivers down her spine. "I may not be the most talkative man, Tsuru, but I know how to appreciate beauty when I see it."
As the night wore on, their conversation took on a more flirtatious tone. Jack regaled her with tales of his daring exploits, his words painting vivid pictures of fearsome battles and heart-stopping escapes. Tsuru found herself drawn in, her eyes wide with wonder and admiration.
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