One Piece draws many menacing villains, but even the most pompous criminals have their breaking points. Donquixote Doflamingo, known as the “Heavenly Demon,” ruled through fear and manipulation, yet remained calm even when facing emperors and top-ranking admirals. His branded grin never stuttered when facing Luffy or facing Marine forces. However, mention Vice Admiral Tsuru's name, and this psychopathic Warlord would instantly retreat.
Doflamingo's terror of Tsuru originates from her Wash-Wash Devil Fruit power that literally purges evil from people's hearts. For someone whose entire existence in One Piece revolves around vice and malevolence, her ability represents the comprehensive annihilation of his identity. Beyond her frightening powers, Tsuru's strategic genius consistently outmaneuvered his schemes, making her the one opponent he could never predict or control.
Tsuru is one of the most honored Marines in history, having battled alongside legends like Garp and Sengoku during the peak of the pirate era. While these three Marines became known as the pillars of naval justice, Tsuru distinguished herself through her tactical genius and unwavering pursuit of criminals across the Grand Line in the One Piece series. Her reputation in One Piece extends far beyond her age or experience.

Tsuru possesses the Woshu Woshu no Mi, a Paramecia-class Devil Fruit that lets her “wash” and “dry” enemies like laundry, neutralizing them into flat and malleable fabric. This seemingly harmless ability becomes very devastating when applied in combat circumstances.
For someone like Doflamingo, whose entire existence circles around manipulation and evil plots, Tsuru's power illustrates his worst nightmare. This ability also lets her wash evil out of the target's soul, potentially robbing away the very core of their villainous identity.
Persistent Pursuit of Doflamingo in One Piece

Throughout One Piece, Tsuru exhibited excellent strategic thinking that invariably outsmarted Doflamingo's carefully laid plans. She kept insider information about his operations and used this understanding to corner him frequently. Her merciless pursuit propelled the Heavenly Demon to constantly look over his shoulder.
Unlike other Marines who might engage in straightforward confrontation, Tsuru used psychological warfare. She understood Doflamingo's weaknesses and manipulated them with a surgical strike. Her calm conduct and computed path made her an unexpected opponent who could strike at any moment.
Maybe in One Piece, the most frightening part of Tsuru's power for Doflamingo was the case of moral transformation. Doflamingo feared not just defeat, but the chance of becoming everything he hated- a force for good rather than doom.
Tsuru's path to dealing with pirates expanded beyond physical conflict. She understood that shattering an opponent's spirit could be more practical than defeating them in battle. Her existence alone was enough to make Doflamingo reanalyze his moves and withdraw from potentially dangerous troubles.
As such, Doflamingo's fear of Tsuru in One Piece symbolizes more than simple consideration for a powerful opponent. It emanates from her unusual blend of strategic cleverness, overwhelming power, and the existential threat her Devil Fruit poses to his very nature.
This vibrant portrayal of the complexity of relationships within the series often where dread and regard that often mesh up. Tsuru's estate as a Marine who could instill panic into the hearts of even the most dangerous criminals continues to impact the series' narrative.