Tsuru: Kane, You Deal with Doflamingo

As Tsuru spoke, enormous waves rose in Kane's heart.

He knew there would be a butterfly effect after crossing over, and that it might sweep him into this incident. But this was enough to prove that this butterfly's wings packed quite a punch.

"...So how do you think I should arrange things for you to play the greatest role in this operation?"

Kane fell into thought, his mind racing.

In the original story, Tsuru's operation to capture Doffy would ultimately end in failure.

After escaping, Doffy would plot to seize the Dressrosa Kingdom. Once his strength had surged, the Marines would recruit him as one of the Shichibukai.

In other words, if events followed the original plot, Tsuru would not only lose her chance to capture Doflamingo, but would also have to grit her teeth and grant Doffy legal pirate status, allowing him to continue his evil deeds.

Now that Tsuru had someone like him at her side, someone familiar with the plot, which direction would the final outcome turn?

The thought that he might have a chance to determine the course of the story made Kane's heart thump fiercely.

In an instant, countless thoughts flashed through his mind. After pondering for a moment, he frowned slightly. "Something feels strange."

Interest immediately flashed in Tsuru's eyes. "What is strange?"

"Since he knows the Op-Op Fruit is in Barrels's hands, wouldn't it be more efficient to go straight to Minion Island and take it?"

Kane organized his thoughts as he spoke.

"In my opinion, speed comes first if he wants to seize the Op-Op Fruit before the Marines.

"So there is absolutely no need for him to stop along the way. Going straight for the target would be the best choice.

"If he arrived early but stayed on Swallow Island instead, needlessly increasing the risk of exposure, was that really necessary?

"And you said this intelligence came from Fleet Admiral Sengoku's informant. Is that intelligence reliable?"

Everyone was startled. Kane's words were undoubtedly questioning Sengoku the Buddha, the Marines' fleet admiral.

Unlike the others, though, Tsuru wore an inscrutable smile. Without confirming or denying anything, she asked, "Anything else?"

Kane sensed encouragement in Tsuru's attitude and immediately gained confidence as he continued.

"The fact that Doflamingo learned about the Op-Op Fruit proves he planted a spy within our ranks, and that spy is deeply involved in this matter.

"Then is it possible that he even knows we planted a spy by his side, and deliberately fed that spy false information?"

"If that's the case, then wouldn't we..." Hina cried out, but she did not finish the sentence. Even so, the unspoken words exploded in everyone's mind.

"Indeed, that possibility cannot be ruled out." Tsuru nodded, deep in thought. "For nearly half a year, Sengoku has received almost no intelligence concerning Doflamingo.

"Now, intelligence has suddenly appeared. It is hard not to suspect that something has happened to the informant planted at his side.

"However, Sengoku personally arranged for that informant. Out of concern for the person's safety, it was not appropriate for me to inquire too closely.

"Looking at it now, it is indeed possible that Doflamingo has turned the informant to his own use.

"No wonder this information always felt somewhat strange. With that explanation, it makes much more sense."

Everyone stared at Tsuru in disbelief. Only then did they realize that she had already harbored suspicions, but had never shown them.

Kane immediately understood that Tsuru was using her conversation with him to break down the situation for everyone. Confusion appeared on his face. "Since you had doubts, why didn't you make some adjustments to the operation plan?"

Tsuru crossed her arms before her chest and shook her head in explanation.

"Sengoku is the fleet admiral, and he is completely convinced that the intelligence is real. I cannot disregard his orders, especially when all I have is a personal feeling.

"Now that you have the same feeling, it means there is a strong chance that we have been deceived. So I need you to come up with a reason to alter the operation plan."

"Me?" Kane looked stunned. "Shouldn't something like this be your..."

Tsuru blinked slyly. "I stood in the wind all day and my head is spinning. I cannot think of anything. Or are you... unwilling to share my burden?"

Hey, hey... A dignified Marine vice admiral and chief of staff was actually acting shamelessly!

Kane grumbled inwardly, only to see the favorability ratings on the light screen rise sharply.

[Tsuru, Favorability: 27]

[Kujaku, Favorability: 70]

[Cuckoo, Favorability: 53]

[Hina, Favorability: 41]

They all went up?

Had they been impressed by his intelligence and wisdom?

He no longer hesitated. A mischievous smile appeared at the corner of his lips.

"Doflamingo is determined to obtain the Op-Op Fruit, so he will definitely show up. The only difference is when.

"If someone suspected of being his subordinate appears on Minion Island and causes chaos by trying to seize the Op-Op Fruit, then I think..."

Kane did not finish his sentence, but everyone understood what he meant.

If such a person really appeared and caused a disturbance, not only would Fleet Admiral Sengoku order the Marines to move in, Doflamingo's hidden group would also emerge!

With the Marines fully prepared in advance, could they still fail to capture Doflamingo?!

"So there really is such a person, and he will appear at the right time, correct?"

Tsuru looked at Kane meaningfully, as if confirming something.

"Of course. He'll appear, one hundred percent." Kane nodded and made his promise.

Tsuru smiled, looking deeply gratified. She tossed Kane a Den Den Mushi.

"This is an anti-eavesdropping Den Den Mushi that can contact me directly. I'll give you three days to confirm that person's location.

"If you need any support or cooperation from my side, tell Cuckoo. I only want to see this operation succeed."

With that, Tsuru left the bow with a smiling face, feeling exceptionally pleased.

Kane watched Tsuru leave. Just as he turned toward Cuckoo, a soft, warm arm carrying the fragrance of orchids hooked around his neck.

"Little Kane, it has only been a few months, but your growth has truly surprised me."

Her bright, cheerful voice, accompanied by warm breath, slipped into Kane's ear and sent a shiver through his heart.

Before he could respond, Cuckoo's radiant, dashing face had already moved close to his. Several strands of pale golden hair teased the tip of his nose.

"Quick, let your big sister see whether you've grown beyond expectations in some hidden places?"

A soft, elastic sensation pressed against his arm, and Kane's arm went numb.

He looked down instinctively and saw an expanse of soul-stirring snow-white skin within Cuckoo's low-cut shirt collar. That abyssal view made his brain feel deprived of oxygen.

Just as his mind began to drift, Kujaku's petite figure suddenly squeezed between him and Cuckoo.

"Hey! Sister Cuckoo, let go! You're not allowed to tease Kane!"

Kujaku pushed Cuckoo with all her might, but she was too small and weak. Not only could she not overcome the abundantly endowed Cuckoo, she instead tugged Cuckoo's collar even farther open, making Kane feel the blood rushing to his head.

Irritation rose in Hina's heart. She grabbed the back of Kane's collar and yanked him away from Cuckoo and Kujaku, scolding, "Hurry up and tell Hina how she needs to cooperate with you!"

Cuckoo chuckled at the sight. She crossed her arms before her chest, pressing her magnificent curves together and making them appear even more prominent and expansive.

"Looks like Hina wants to join in too. Hehe, little Kane, you really are popular."