"El-sama—"
"El oniichan!!!"
Onboard the floating fortress 'Atlantis', El and the massive bird touched down together. Linlin, Gerd, and the others came forward to meet him.
"Hey, Moss..."
Seeing Moss in human form with a bundle slung across his back, the giantess Lily couldn't contain her curiosity and asked, "What Devil Fruits did the World Government bring for this exchange?"
"A Logia-type Cloud-Cloud Fruit and a Cat-Cat Fruit, Ancient Model: Saber-Toothed Tiger," Moss replied, glancing toward El for confirmation. When El nodded, Moss opened the bundle and revealed several strange-looking Devil Fruits for everyone to see. "Plus, a Paramecia-type Net-Net Fruit, Paramecia-type Wax-Wax Fruit, Dog-Dog Fruit: Dachshund Model, and two more unidentified Devil Fruits."
"A Cloud-Cloud Fruit?"
"An Ancient Model Saber-Toothed Tiger?"
"Wow, those guys are seriously loaded!"
Not just Tsuru, the former Navy Rear Admiral, but Linlin, Lily, Nef, and Rock were all impressed. The World Government certainly had deep reserves, casually bringing out such rare powers. Alongside the previously traded Smoke-Smoke Fruit and the incredibly rare Dog-Dog Fruit, Mythical Model: Okuchi-no-Makami, the World Government had exchanged two Ancient Models and about ten other known or unknown fruits. And there was still one more Mythical Model, another Ancient Model, and four additional Devil Fruits promised in the next exchange.
"With the Logia-type Cloud-Cloud Fruit, does that mean you can turn into clouds?" asked Lillian, the Three-Eye Tribe girl, her third eye blinking with curiosity. "Isn't that just like Zeus or Hera?"
"It does seem similar…" Lily mused, surprised as she inspected the Cloud-Cloud Fruit, which had patterns like little clouds on it. "So, it's not as powerful as the Soul-Soul Fruit?"
"Not exactly, Lillian…" Tsuru interrupted, crossing her arms as she explained, "In the hands of someone truly skilled, the Cloud-Cloud Fruit could unleash powers that far surpass Zeus or Hera. But if someone weaker has it, it might not even compare to them."
"That's because 'Homies' don't fear Haki," Tsuru continued. "Take Thundercloud Homies, for example. They're unaffected by typical physical attacks, and only specific Devil Fruit abilities can counter them."
"True!" Tsuru's explanation brought clarity, and Lily, Lillian, and Ily, the mermaid, all nodded in understanding.
"Actually, compared to the Cloud-Cloud Fruit, I think this one might suit you even better."
At that moment, El handed a Devil Fruit to Tsuru, an orange-colored fruit shaped like a persimmon.
Not only were Linlin and the others stunned, but Tsuru herself stood there, wide-eyed with shock.
"Are you giving this fruit… to me?"
Tsuru was taken aback, staring in disbelief at the tall, intimidatingly powerful figure before her. The fruit wasn't just any ordinary power—it was the one gained in the last exchange with the World Government, a Mythical Zoan, Dog-Dog Fruit, Model: Okuchi-no-Makami, which was said to be even rarer than a Logia.
"You're a smart woman," El said, his gaze steady as he looked at her. "Whether you choose to eat it or not is entirely up to you."
This wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision; he genuinely believed that this rare, high-tier Zoan fruit would suit Tsuru well, enhancing her already impressive potential far more than a Paramecia Wash-Wash Fruit or even a Logia Cloud-Cloud Fruit could.
After all, unlike the naturally monstrous power of someone like Charlotte Linlin, most women were born with slightly less physical resilience. A top-tier Zoan ability like the Okuchi-no-Makami would perfectly balance this, allowing her to reach new heights on the path of power. El felt confident that, with her talent, Tsuru could easily reach, if not surpass, the level of some of the world's greatest figures.
More importantly, though, El valued Tsuru's strategic mind even more than her potential strength. As he prepared for the upcoming "Totto Land Plan" and the founding of his new kingdom, someone like her, able to handle complex matters of governance, would ease his burden significantly.
"Can you really ensure you'll make good on what you're promising?" Tsuru asked, fixing El with a steady gaze, her tone serious. She didn't reach for the fruit right away.
It wasn't that she was wavering. Tsuru understood the tremendous value of this fruit; the Okuchi-no-Makami might not be the most powerful of Mythical Zoan fruits, but it was still among the top ranks. Eating it would certainly transform her abilities. Yet taking the fruit would be an official commitment to joining the Fallen Angel Pirates. She wasn't one to refuse an offer and still accept gifts from the group without feeling a sense of obligation.
"If the 'Totto Land Kingdom' I envision doesn't live up to your standards, you'll be free to leave whenever you want." Turning, El left her with the fruit in hand.
He didn't need to say more; he already knew her answer. With his special Observation Haki, capable of easily sensing the thoughts of others, Tsuru's internal conflict hadn't gone unnoticed.
"Tsk, tsk, El oniichan really does value you, doesn't he?" Linlin teased, watching as Tsuru stood there, silent and thoughtful. She didn't press her or exchange any more banter, choosing instead to follow after El. "Don't let him down."
"Come on, Tsuru, please stay with us…" Lillian wrapped her arms around her closest friend, looking up with a hopeful smile. "Then we could always be together!"
While Lillian got along well with the others like Linlin and Gerd, she felt a special bond with Tsuru. She admired this elder sister figure's knowledge and saw her as a dear friend.
"Tsuru," came Lily, Nef, and Gerd's voices. "The choice to be friend or foe is yours alone."
They each gave her encouraging smiles, though none of them urged her for an answer.
Tsuru looked at the rare fruit in her hands—the type that countless people would fight to the death over. Glancing at the eager Lillian, she finally broke through the chains of her own indecision.
"Then, everyone… please take care of me!" She smiled.
"That's great, Tsuru!" Lillian exclaimed, beaming.
"Welcome aboard, Tsuru!"