As Dalton rushed outside, followed by the rest of the Straw Hats, he began questioning the villagers about the commotion.
"What's going on? What's all this noise about?" Dalton demanded.
A villager, catching his breath, pointed towards the sea. "Dalton-san! It's Wapol's ship! The massive vessel is approaching, but... it seems different!"
Dalton's eyes widened in shock. "What? Are you certain?"
"Yes, sir!" another villager chimed in. "We saw it clearly. That giant hippo-shaped ship is unmistakable!"
The Straw Hats exchanged glances, remembering their earlier encounter with Wapol.
"But that's impossible," Sanji said, taking a drag from his cigarette. "Our captain sent that fat bastard flying just a few hours ago."
Zoro nodded, his hand resting on his swords. "Yeah, there's no way he could have recovered and returned so quickly."
"I see," Dalton muttered, his brow furrowed in thought. "But if it's not Wapol himself, then who...?"
Suddenly, a loud, familiar laugh echoed across the village. "WaaHhhhhhWhhhhhh!"
The villagers gasped in terror as they saw a figure emerge from the approaching ship. It was indeed Wapol, looking battered but very much alive.
"How is this possible?" Usopp shrieked, hiding behind Zoro.
Robin spoke up, her voice calm despite the tense situation. "He might have good medication or a Devil Fruit ability that allowed him to recover quickly."
Dalton nodded grimly, turning to the Straw Hats. "Robin-san is correct. Wapol possesses the Baku Baku no Mi, or Munch-Munch Fruit. It allows him to eat anything and assimilate it into his body. He can even merge with weapons or machines he consumes."
As the ship drew closer, they could see that it had indeed changed. Wapol's face was now emblazoned on the sail, grinning maniacally at them.
"Surrender, you pathetic islanders!" Wapol's voice boomed across the water. "And as for you, Straw Hat bastards, come and meet your doom!"
The ship's deck suddenly transformed, revealing an array of cannons and other weaponry. It seemed Wapol had consumed parts of his own vessel, incorporating its firepower into his body.
"Behold the might of my Baku Baku Factory!" Wapol cackled, his body now a grotesque fusion of flesh and metal. "You'll regret ever crossing paths with me!"
The villagers cowered in fear, but the Straw Hats stood their ground, readying themselves for battle.
Sanji took a long drag from his cigarette before flicking it away. "Looks like our captain's unfinished business just caught up with us."
Zoro unsheathed his swords, a predatory grin on his face. "Good. I was starting to get bored anyway."
As Wapol's transformed ship approached the shore, some of the braver villagers began firing their rifles at him. The bullets merely bounced off his metallic body, serving only to further enrage the tyrant.
"You dare defy me? Your rightful king?" Wapol's face contorted with fury. "If you won't surrender, then you'll all die!"
His body now merged with the ship's weaponry, began to whir and click ominously. Multiple cannon barrels protruded from his form, and with a mechanical grinding sound, they started rotating at high speed.
"Baku Baku Factory: Rapid Fire Cannon!" Wapol roared.
A barrage of cannonballs erupted from his body, raining down on the village at an alarming rate. The projectiles whistled through the air, threatening to destroy everything in their path.
"Everyone, take cover!" Dalton shouted to the villagers.
Robin quickly crossed her arms. "Cien Fleur: Wall!" A barrier of arms sprouted from the ground, catching several cannonballs.
Zoro stepped forward, his swords glinting. "Three Sword Style: Dragon Twister!" He deflected another volley of projectiles, sending them harmlessly into the sea.
Sanji leaped into the air, his leg blazing. "We need to get closer to that ship!"
The situation became dire as Wapol's assault intensified, and the Straw Hats knew they had to act fast to protect the village and its people.
As the barrage of cannonballs rained down, Nami's eyes widened in horror. "This is insane! We need to evacuate the villagers!"
Usopp, his knees shaking, tried to put on a brave face. "D-don't worry! The Great Captain Usopp will protect everyone!" Despite his words, he was clearly terrified.
Vivi, her face set with determination, turned to Karoo. "We need to help get the injured to safety. Can you carry some of them, Karoo?"
The loyal duck nodded vigorously, quacking in agreement.
Nami quickly took charge of the situation. "Usopp, use your smoke stars to create a cover for the villagers! Vivi and Karoo, help the elderly and children get to higher ground!"
Usopp fumbled with his slingshot, his hands trembling. "R-right! Special Attack: Smoke Star!" He fired several projectiles that exploded into thick smoke, providing some cover from Wapol's assault.
Vivi and Karoo sprang into action, guiding frightened villagers away from the danger zone. The princess's voice rang out clear and reassuring, "This way, everyone! Stay calm and follow us!"
As they worked to protect the civilians, the other Straw Hats continued their efforts to fend off Wapol's relentless attack, the fate of Drum Island hanging in the balance.
As Dalton watched the villagers narrowly escape death from Wapol's assault, his anger surged. With a roar of fury, he transformed into his powerful bison form, charging towards Wapol's ship with the intent to attack.
However, before he could reach his target, Chess and Kuromarimo intercepted him. Chess fired a volley of arrows, while Kuromarimo launched his static-charged hairballs, forcing Dalton to halt his charge and defend himself.
"You won't get near King Wapol!" Chess sneered, nocking another arrow.
"We'll protect our king with our lives!" Kuromarimo added, readying more of his unusual projectiles.
Meanwhile, Robin, Zoro, and Sanji found themselves overwhelmed by Wapol's relentless barrage. They were forced to focus on defending themselves and the villagers, unable to mount a counterattack.
Robin's arms sprouted across the battlefield, deflecting cannonballs and shielding civilians. "There's too many!" she called out, strain evident in her voice.
Zoro slashed through the air, his swords a blur as he cut down projectile after projectile. "Tch, this bastard doesn't let up!"
Sanji's legs were a flaming whirlwind as he kicked away incoming attacks. "We need to find a way to get closer!"
The situation was growing increasingly dire as Wapol's assault continued unabated, and the Straw Hats struggled to find an opening to turn the tide of battle.
Through the chaos of cannon fire and smoke, a swift shadow darted between the explosions with incredible speed. Suddenly, a familiar voice rang out clear and determined:
"HOOFPRINT... ROSEO!"
The attack connected with devastating force as Chopper, in his Walk Point form, delivered a powerful kick straight into Wapol's face, sending the tyrant king staggering backward on his own ship.
As the shadow emerged from the chaos, revealing itself to be Chopper, most of the onlookers were confused by the sudden appearance of this strange creature. Only Dalton recognized him, his eyes widening in surprise and recognition.
"It's... it's you!" Dalton exclaimed, momentarily distracted from his fight with Chess and Kuromarimo.
The Straw Hat crew, Vivi, and the villagers looked on in bewilderment as the reindeer confronted Wapol.
"What is that thing?" Zoro muttered, his swords still raised.
"A reindeer? But it looks... different," Robin observed, her arms crossed.
Sanji's visible eye narrowed. "Whatever it is, it seems to be on our side."
Wapol, recovering from the surprise attack, glared at Chopper. "You... I remember you now. You're that freak who used to follow that quack doctor around!"
Chopper stood his ground, his resolve unwavering. "Dr. Hiluluk was not a quack! He was a great man who taught me the true meaning of being a doctor and protecting this island. I won't let you destroy what he worked so hard to save!"
Dalton, still engaged with Chess and Kuromarimo, felt a surge of hope. He knew the significance of Chopper's appearance and the strength the young reindeer possessed. The battle was far from over, but now they had an unexpected ally in their fight against Wapol's tyranny.
Seeing himself cornered, Wapol's face contorted into a desperate sneer as he played his last card.
"Fools! I am a king appointed by the World Government! Going against me means declaring war on the World Government itself!" Wapol shouted, his voice trembling with both fear and anger.
Some villagers flinched at the mention of the World Government, their faces showing fear. However, their expressions quickly hardened as memories flooded back - memories of loved ones dying without medical care, of Blackbeard's attack, and of their king fleeing when they needed him most.
Chopper's mind flashed to his time with Dr. Hiluluk - their experiments, their laughter, their dreams... and then that fatal day when Wapol's cruel deception led to his father figure's death. His hooves clenched tightly.
The Straw Hat crew remained unfazed, having faced similar threats before.
Just then, Dalton emerged victorious over Chess and Kuromarimo, their defeated bodies lying on the deck.
Seeing his last defenders fall, Wapol's eyes went wild with panic. In a desperate move, he activated all his weapons at once, including a mysterious device he'd stolen from the weapons researcher before abandoning the kingdom.
"If I can't have this kingdom, no one will!" he screamed, as the device began to glow ominously.
Zoro and Sanji moved instantly, their instincts telling them they couldn't let that device activate.
"A king who'd destroy his own kingdom?" Sanji's voice dripped with disgust as he launched himself forward. "Collier Strike!" His leg blazed through the air, aimed at Wapol's neck.
Simultaneously, Zoro dashed forward, his swords gleaming. "Two Sword Style: Rising Phoenix!" He unleashed a powerful cross-slash attack.
Their combined attacks struck Wapol before he could fully activate the device, sending him flying upward. However, as the smoke cleared, a strange mechanical whirring sound filled the air. What they thought was a weapon of destruction turned out to be something else entirely.
The device in Wapol's hands suddenly lit up with an intense blue glow, and using the momentum from Zoro and Sanji's attacks, it activated - revealing itself to be some sort of propulsion system. The force of their attacks combined with the device's power sent Wapol rocketing away from the island at incredible speed.
"Damn it," Zoro growled, watching as Wapol became a distant speck in the sky. "That coward had an escape plan all along."
"He's running away again," Chopper said quietly, watching his former king disappear into the distance, just like he had done when the island needed him most.
As Wapol was propelled into the sky, his voice could be heard fading into the distance:
"You haven't seen the last of me, you peasants! I'll be back, and when I do, I'll have the full might of the World Government behind me! This kingdom will be mine again!"
His maniacal laughter echoed across the snowy landscape, growing fainter as he disappeared into the horizon. The threat hung in the air, a chilling reminder that their troubles might not be over yet.
Sanji scoffed, lighting a cigarette. "Big words from a man running away with his tail between his legs."
Zoro's grip on his swords tightened. "Let him come. We'll be ready."
the villagers who were starting to gather around. Despite Wapol's ominous words, there was hope and determination in the air. For the first time in years, the people of Drum Kingdom felt free.
As Wapol disappeared into the distance, Chopper's attention quickly shifted to the aftermath of the battle. His keen eyes scanned the area, spotting numerous injured villagers scattered about. His instincts as a doctor kicked in, urging him to help those in need.
Without hesitation, Chopper began walking towards the closest injured person, his medical bag at the ready. However, as he approached, the villagers finally took notice of him. Their eyes widened in shock and fear at the sight of the strange creature.
"A... a monster!" one of the villagers exclaimed, his voice trembling.
The word hit Chopper like a physical blow. He froze in his tracks, his eyes wide with hurt and his body trembling. The pain of rejection, a feeling he knew all too well, washed over him once again.
But before the situation could escalate, a flying scalpel suddenly whizzed through the air, embedding itself in the ground near the villagers' feet. They jumped back in fright, gasping in surprise.
"Who dares call my son a monster?" Dr. Kureha's voice rang out, sharp and clear. The old doctor emerged from the crowd, her eyes blazing with anger. "Whoever it was, you'll have to pay triple the medical fee!"
The villagers looked at each other nervously, no one daring to speak up.
"No one?" Dr. Kureha continued, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Well then, I guess everyone will get triple the fees for their treatment!"
This announcement caused an uproar among the villagers, who began protesting and arguing amongst themselves. Dr. Kureha ignored their complaints and made her way to Chopper's side, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Don't let their ignorance get to you, Chopper," she said softly, her usual gruff demeanor softening for a moment. "You're a doctor, and right now, these people need your help. Show them what you can do."
Chopper looked up at his mentor, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. He nodded, determination replacing the hurt in his expression. With renewed purpose, he turned back to the injured villagers, ready to prove himself not as a monster, but as a skilled and compassionate doctor.
As the events unfolded in the village below, Luffy was making his arduous journey up the mountain. His breath came out in visible puffs in the freezing air as he continued his climb, his determination unwavering despite the increasingly difficult conditions.
"Man, this is harder than I thought," Luffy muttered through chattering teeth, his straw hat swaying in the bitter wind. He was still wearing his usual vest and shorts, completely inappropriate for the harsh mountain climate.
The strain of maintaining his armament Haki was beginning to show. The black coating on his arms flickered occasionally, like a candle in the wind. Each time his Haki faltered, the biting cold would immediately seep into his rubber body, causing him to shiver violently.
"Just... gotta... keep going," he grunted, pulling himself up another ledge. "I wanna meet this awesome doctor reindeer! And then... he'll definitely join my crew!"
Despite his optimism, his body was starting to show signs of severe cold exposure. His fingers were becoming numb, making it harder to grip the rocky surface. Sometimes, when his Haki failed completely, parts of his body would begin to freeze, his rubber properties making him particularly vulnerable to the extreme temperature.
But Luffy's eyes remained fixed upward, filled with the same unwavering determination that had carried him through countless battles. The thought of meeting Chopper and adding a new nakama to his crew gave him the strength to push forward, even as his body protested against the harsh conditions.
"A little cold... won't stop me from... finding my new nakama!" he declared to the howling wind, forcing himself to take another step upward on the treacherous mountain face.
Back in the village, the Straw Hat crew watched as Chopper methodically treated the injured villagers, his skilled hooves moving with practiced precision despite the earlier tension.
Zoro crossed his arms, observing the reindeer's movements. "So this is the doctor Luffy was talking about. No wonder he was so excited."
"A reindeer that can transform, fight, and heal people..." Sanji mused, taking a drag from his cigarette. "That idiot captain has a good eye for interesting crew members, I'll give him that."
Robin watched with particular interest as Chopper switched between his forms to better treat his patients - using Heavy Point for carrying injured villagers, Brain Point for precise medical procedures, and Walk Point to quickly move between patients.
"He's quite remarkable," she commented. "A Zoan fruit user with such control over his transformations, and medical expertise to boot."
Nami smiled, remembering Luffy's enthusiastic description. "Luffy said he was 'a cool transforming reindeer doctor.' I thought he was exaggerating as usual, but..."
"But he was actually spot on this time," Usopp finished, watching in awe as Chopper expertly stitched a villager's wound.
Meanwhile, Vivi noticed how the villagers' initial fear was gradually being replaced by gratitude and amazement as Chopper treated them with gentle care and professional skill.
"Look how the villagers are changing their attitude," she pointed out. "They're starting to see him as a doctor rather than a monster."
"That rubber brain is probably halfway up the mountain by now," Sanji said, glancing at the towering peak. "Freezing his ass off just to recruit this guy."
"Typical Luffy," Nami sighed, though there was fondness in her voice. "He always has to do things the hard way."
The crew continued watching Chopper work, now understanding exactly why their captain was so determined to make the reindeer their newest nakama.
As the situation in the village calmed down and Chopper continued treating the injured, the Straw Hats gathered around Dalton with concerned expressions.
"Dalton-san," Nami began, "we need your help. Our captain is climbing one of these mountains looking for the reindeer doctor, but he doesn't know Chopper is already here."
Sanji exhaled a cloud of smoke, looking irritated. "That idiot is probably freezing himself half to death up there in his shorts and sandals."
"He's using armament Haki to try to keep warm," Zoro added, "but knowing him, he's probably struggling with maintaining it in these conditions."
Dalton's eyes widened with concern, his voice echoing the urgency of the situation."Climbing the mountain in this weather? That's extremely dangerous, even for experienced climbers!"
"That's Luffy for you," Usopp sighed. "Once he sets his mind on recruiting someone, nothing can stop him."
Unknown to them, Dr. Kureha had approached silently and was listening to their conversation with growing interest. Her eyes narrowed when she heard them mention recruiting Chopper.
"Oh? So that's what this is about?" she suddenly spoke up, making several of them jump in surprise. "You want to take my apprentice away?"
The crew turned to face the elderly doctor, who was taking a long drink from her bottle.
"Dr. Kureha!" Dalton exclaimed.
"Doctorine..." Chopper, who had just finished treating a patient nearby, looked up with surprise.
Dr. Kureha's eyes gleamed dangerously. "And what makes you think I'd let you take my son away to become a pirate?"
The tension in the air was palpable as the crew faced the intimidating doctor, while somewhere on the mountain, Luffy continued his determined but misguided climb.
Dr. Kureha took another swig from her bottle, her eyes sharp despite her seemingly casual demeanor. "So, you're telling me your rubber-brained captain is freezing himself stupid up there just to recruit my Chopper?"
"That's right," Zoro replied bluntly, unfazed by her intimidating presence. "Luffy's decided he wants Chopper as our doctor."
"Kehehehe!" Dr. Kureha laughed. "And what makes you think Chopper would want to be a pirate?"
Meanwhile, Chopper had stopped his medical work, his ears perked up as he listened to the conversation. His eyes widened at the mention of becoming a pirate doctor.
"Because that's what Luffy does," Nami explained with a slight smile. "He sees something special in people, even when they don't see it themselves."
"Yeah!" Usopp chimed in, gaining courage. "He's got this weird ability to know exactly who belongs in our crew!"
Sanji lit another cigarette. "Besides, we've seen how skilled Chopper is. Both as a doctor and a fighter."
Dr. Kureha's expression became more serious. "Chopper has suffered enough rejection in his life. What makes you think he'd be accepted as a pirate?"
"Because we're not just any pirates," Robin spoke up calmly. "We're the Straw Hats. And to us, being different isn't a weakness - it's what makes each of us special."
As they spoke, a distant "YOSH!" echoed from somewhere on the mountain, followed by what sounded suspiciously like someone bouncing off rocks.
"That idiot..." Nami facepalmed. "We really need to find him before he hurts himself."
Dr. Kureha took another drink, a knowing smirk forming on her face. "Well then, why don't we see what Chopper thinks about all this?"
All eyes turned to the reindeer, who was trying (and failing) to hide behind a barrel the wrong way around.
"I-I don't want to be a pirate, you bastards!" Chopper yelled from behind the barrel, though he was clearly hiding the wrong way with his body completely exposed. "And I'm not happy that you want me to join your crew either, you jerks!"
Despite his words, Chopper was doing his happy dance, his body wiggling with obvious joy while trying to maintain his 'hiding' position.
"He sure looks like he doesn't want to join," Usopp whispered sarcastically to Nami, who giggled at the reindeer's contradictory behavior.
"WAHHHHHH!" A familiar scream suddenly echoed from above, followed by the sound of something rubber bouncing off the mountainside.
"GUM-GUM... ROCKET!"
Luffy came crashing down into the village square, covered in snow and shivering violently. His teeth were chattering, but he still managed his signature grin.
**Flashback to before Luffy arrives...**
As Luffy reached the snow-covered peak, his breath came out in ragged puffs, his Haki flickering dangerously. The bitter wind whipped around him as he looked around the empty mountaintop, his usual grin replaced by confusion.
"Eh? Where's the reindeer doctor?" he muttered through chattering teeth.
His vision started to blur, the extreme cold seeping into his rubber body whenever his Haki failed. Small cuts began appearing on his skin as the freezing temperature made his rubber properties brittle.
"So... cold..." Luffy's eyes started to droop. "Maybe... a little nap..."
But then, memories flashed through his mind - of Ace scolding him for falling asleep in the snow as kids, of his crew waiting below, and most importantly, of the amazing reindeer doctor he was determined to recruit.
"No... can't sleep..." Luffy forced his eyes open, his trademark grin returning despite his condition. "Gotta find... my new nakama!"
Looking down the mountain, he could barely make out the village through the swirling snow. His arms were covered in small cuts from the cold, but that didn't stop him from stretching them back.
"Shi-shi-shi! If he's not up here..." Luffy's grin widened despite his shivering. "Then I'll just have to check down there!"
"GUM-GUM..." he called out, his voice echoing across the mountain. His arms stretched far behind him, frost forming on his skin.
"ROCKET!"
Luffy launched himself off the mountain peak, tumbling through the air like a rubber snowball. The wind howled around him as he bounced off rocks and snow banks, leaving a chaotic trail in his wake.
"WAHHHHHH!" his scream echoed down the mountain as he pinballed his way toward the village, completely out of control but somehow still laughing through his chattering teeth.
"This is gonna be... AWESOME!" he shouted, right before crashing into the village square where his crew and the very reindeer he'd been searching for were gathered.
**Flashback End**
"Shi-shi-shi! I f-f-finally found the v-village again!" he stammered through frozen lips. "Hey, where's the cool doctor reind—" His eyes landed on Chopper, and they immediately turned into sparkles. "SUGOI! A TRANSFORMING REINDEER!"
"AHHH! A WEIRD HUMAN!" Chopper screamed, now hiding behind Zoro (still the wrong way).
Dr. Kureha watched the scene unfold, taking another swig from her bottle while muttering, "Well, this should be interesting..."
"Oi, Luffy!" Sanji called out. "You're supposed to use Haki to stay warm, not bounce around like an idiot!"
"But it was faster this way!" Luffy replied, still shivering but grinning widely as he stared at Chopper with stars in his eyes. "Hey, reindeer! Join my crew!"
Chopper's eyes widened in a mix of shock and excitement at Luffy's direct invitation. He frantically waved his hooves, trying to maintain his facade of disinterest.
"N-no way! I don't want to be a pirate!" Chopper stammered, his voice cracking slightly. "I'm a reindeer! I can't live with humans!"
Luffy, still shivering but undeterred, marched right up to Chopper with his trademark grin. "Eh? Who cares if you're a reindeer? You're an awesome doctor, and that's what matters!"
"B-but I'm a monster!" Chopper protested, tears welling up in his eyes. "Humans will never accept me!"
Luffy tilted his head, confusion clear on his face. "Huh? You're not a monster, you're a Chopper! And my crew already likes you!"
The Straw Hats nodded in agreement, smiling warmly at the flustered reindeer.
Dr. Kureha watched the exchange with a knowing smirk, taking another swig from her bottle.
Chopper's resolve was visibly wavering. "But... but I can't just leave Doctorine and the village..."
Luffy's grin widened. "Sure you can! We're going on an adventure! There are lots of sick people out there who need a great doctor like you!"
"I... I..." Chopper stammered, clearly torn.
"Shut up and come with us already!" Luffy declared, grabbing Chopper's hoof. "You're our nakama now!"
"Ehhh?!" Chopper exclaimed, shocked by Luffy's forcefulness.
"Yosh! It's decided!" Luffy laughed, ignoring Chopper's protests. "Welcome to the crew, Chopper!"
The other Straw Hats couldn't help but laugh at their captain's typical recruitment method.
"But I didn't agree yet!" Chopper wailed, though he made no move to pull his hoof away from Luffy's grip.
"Shi-shi-shi! Details, details!" Luffy grinned, already dragging Chopper towards the ship. "Let's go on an adventure!"
As they walked away, Chopper's protests gradually turned into excited questions about their upcoming journey, his eyes shining with poorly concealed enthusiasm.
Dr. Kureha watched them go, a bittersweet smile on her face. "That boy," she muttered, "he's just like you, Hiluluk. Taking my idiot son on a grand adventure..."
And so, despite his initial protests, Chopper found himself swept up in Luffy's pace, embarking on a new chapter of his life as the doctor of the Straw Hat Pirates.
Just as Luffy was celebrating his successful recruitment of Chopper, his body suddenly went rigid. The adrenaline that had kept him going finally wore off, and the full effects of his reckless mountain climb caught up with him.
"Shi-shi-shi! Now we can go on adven—" Luffy's signature laugh cut off abruptly as he collapsed face-first into the snow.
"LUFFY!" The Straw Hats cried out in unison.
"Captain-san!" Robin rushed forward.
"That idiot!" Sanji growled though concern was evident in his voice.
Chopper immediately switched to his doctor mode, kneeling beside Luffy. "His body temperature is dangerously low! And these cuts from the cold..."
"AHHH! LUFFY'S DYING!" Usopp screamed, running in circles.
"SHUT UP AND HELP!" Nami shouted, smacking Usopp on the head.
Dr. Kureha calmly walked over, taking a swig from her bottle before examining Luffy. Her experienced eyes quickly assessed his condition.
"Kehehehe!" she laughed. "Your captain's quite the reckless one, isn't he? Climb the mountain in shorts and sandals..."
"Will he be okay, Doctorine?" Chopper asked anxiously.
Dr. Kureha smirked. "Of course. He just needs some proper medicine and warmth. His rubber body is more susceptible to cold, but nothing we can't handle." She turned to the villagers. "Get him inside! And bring plenty of blankets!"
As they carried Luffy into a nearby house, Dr. Kureha glanced at Chopper. "Well? Are you going to stand there, or are you going to help treat your new captain?"
Chopper's eyes widened, and then he nodded firmly. "Right! I need hot water, clean bandages, and my medical bag!"
"That's my apprentice," Dr. Kureha smiled proudly, watching as Chopper took charge of the situation.
Zoro crossed his arms, looking at his unconscious captain. "Only Luffy would freeze himself half to death just to recruit someone."
"And succeed," Robin added with a small smile.
As they worked to treat Luffy, his face remained peaceful, his signature grin still visible even in unconsciousness. Somehow, even while passed out, he managed to keep a firm grip on Chopper's hoof, as if making sure his new nakama wouldn't get away.
The scene shifts to Luffy waking up after a day of sleeping, with Zoro sleeping in the corner and Chopper dozing in a chair beside the bed. Just then, Nami enters the room.
"Nami!" Luffy grins weakly. "I thought I was gonna die! Shishishi! Climbing that mountain was harder than I thought!"
A vein pops on Nami's forehead as anger flares in her eyes, remembering how worried they all were when Luffy ran off without telling them about the villagers being attacked by pirates.
"YOU IDIOT!" she explodes, her fist raised threateningly. "Do you have any idea how worried we were? You just disappeared without saying anything!"
"Eh? But I had to find Chopper!" Luffy replies innocently.
"THE VILLAGERS WERE ATTACKED BY PIRATES!" Nami continues, her anger building. "And where were you? Off climbing mountains in shorts!"
"Pirates?" Luffy's eyes light up. "Did I miss a fight? That's not fair!"
"THAT'S NOT THE POINT!" Nami's fist comes down on Luffy's head, leaving a comical bump.
The commotion wakes both Zoro and Chopper, who jump up in doctor mode.
"Ah! Nami, don't hit him! He's still recovering!" Chopper panics.
"Shishishi! Sorry for worrying you, Nami!" Luffy grins despite the bump on his head. "But look, I got us an awesome doctor!"
Nami sighs in exasperation, but can't help the small smile forming on her face. "You're impossible, you know that?"
"Yosh! Now that I'm awake, let's go on an adventure!" Luffy declares, trying to jump out of bed but getting tangled in the blankets instead.
As the commotion from Nami hitting Luffy continues, the rest of the crew begins filing into the room, drawn by the noise.
"SANJI! MEAT!" Luffy shouts immediately upon seeing the cook, his eyes sparkling with hunger.
"Shut up, you rubber idiot!" Sanji retorts, though he's already pulling out some dried meat from his pocket, knowing his captain's appetite. "You just woke up from nearly freezing to death!"
"Luffy-san, you should rest more," Vivi says worriedly, with Karoo quacking in agreement beside her.
"The Great Captain Usopp agrees!" Usopp declares, striking a pose. "After all, I once survived three weeks in the snow with nothing but my—"
"Liar," Nami interrupts flatly.
Robin chuckles softly, "Fufufu, Captain-san certainly knows how to cause a commotion."
Just then, Dalton enters the room, ducking slightly to fit through the doorway.
"BULL-OSSAN!" Luffy greets him enthusiastically, bits of meat flying from his mouth as he speaks. "Thanks for taking care of my crew while I was being stupid!"
"SWALLOW BEFORE YOU SPEAK!" Nami yells, hitting him again.
"It was no trouble," Dalton replies with a smile, watching the crew's interactions with amusement. "Though I must say, you have quite an interesting group here."
"Shishishi! They're the best!" Luffy grins, already reaching for more meat from Sanji. "And now we have Chopper too!"
Chopper, who had been trying to maintain his doctor's composure, breaks into his happy dance. "Shut up! Calling me the best doesn't make me happy at all, you bastard!"
The room fills with laughter at the reindeer's contradictory behavior, the warm atmosphere a stark contrast to the cold mountain air outside.
As the laughter dies down, Nami's expression turns serious. "Luffy, we need to leave the island as soon as possible. Alabasta is waiting for us."
"Yosh! You're right!" Luffy nods, his face lighting up. "Now that we've got Chopper, it's time to set sail!"
However, Chopper's expression becomes hesitant, his eyes darting between his new crew and Dr. Kureha.
Robin, ever observant, notices this and speaks up. "Captain-san, there's something you should know. Wapol escaped and threatened to return with World Government backing."
The crew's faces grow serious at this news.
"That bastard," Sanji growls, lighting a cigarette.
"We can't just leave the island like this," Usopp adds, his knees shaking slightly.
Nami's eyes suddenly light up. "Luffy, why not ask your grandfather or father for help?"
Zoro, Usopp, and Sanji nod in agreement, knowing the power Luffy's family holds.
"Eh? Luffy-san's family?" Vivi asks, curiosity evident in her voice.
Robin and Dalton also look intrigued, wondering what kind of family could help against a threat from the World Government.
Just as Luffy opens his mouth to respond, Dr. Kureha bursts into the room, her eyes gleaming dangerously.
"What's this about leaving?" she demands, taking a swig from her ever-present bottle. "Who said you could take my apprentice?"
"Doctorine!" Chopper exclaims, caught between excitement for his new adventure and guilt about leaving.
"Shishishi! We're pirates, old lady!" Luffy grins. "We don't need permission!"
"LUFFY!" Nami scolds, smacking him on the head. "Don't antagonize her!"
"Kehehehe!" Dr. Kureha laughs. "You've got guts, boy. But what about this World Government threat?"
"Oh, that?" Luffy says casually, picking his nose. "I guess I could ask Gramps or Dad for help. They're pretty strong!"
"THAT'S AN UNDERSTATEMENT!" Usopp shrieks.
"Luffy-san," Vivi asks hesitantly, "who exactly are your grandfather and father?"
Before Luffy can answer, Zoro cuts in with a smirk. "His gramps is a Marine hero, and his dad's the most wanted man in the world."
The room falls silent for a moment before erupting into chaos.
"EHHH?!" Vivi, Robin, and Dalton exclaim in unison.
"Kehehehe! Interesting family you've got there, boy!" Dr. Kureha cackles.
"Shishishi! Yep!" Luffy grins, oblivious to the shock he's caused. "So, can we go now? I want to start our next adventure!"
"Hold it right there!" Dr. Kureha commands, her eyes fixing on Nami and Usopp. "You two, come with me."
"Eh? Why us?" Usopp squeaks, hiding behind Nami.
"Don't question me, brat!" Dr. Kureha snaps, already walking out. "Just follow!"
"B-but..." Nami starts to protest.
"NOW!"
"YES MA'AM!" Both Nami and Usopp scramble after her, leaving the others behind.
In the room, Robin, Vivi, and Dalton are still trying to process the bombshell about Luffy's family.
"Most wanted man in the world..." Robin mutters her historian's mind racing. "Dragon the Revolutionary?"
"And Marine Hero Garp?" Dalton adds, looking pale. "That's... quite the lineage."
"No wonder Luffy-san is so strong," Vivi whispers, remembering all the incredible things she's seen him do.
"Shishishi! They're both crazy though!" Luffy laughs, still picking his nose. "Gramps tried to throw me off a cliff once for training!"
"WHAT KIND OF TRAINING IS THAT?!" Vivi shrieks.
"Fufufu, your family certainly sounds interesting, Captain-san," Robin comments, trying to hide her amazement.
Sanji takes a drag from his cigarette. "You don't know the half of it."
Zoro just smirks, watching the shocked expressions with amusement while wondering what the old witch wants with Nami and Usopp.
In the meantime, Dr. Kureha leads Nami, Usopp, and the villagers up the winding path to the castle, her eyes gleaming with mischief. The makeshift cart creaks and groans under their weight, but manages to make it to the top.
"Oi, oi," Usopp whispers to Nami, "What do you think the old witch is up to?"
"Shh!" Nami hisses back, eyeing Dr. Kureha nervously.
As they enter the castle, the group comes to a halt in front of a massive, ornate door. A complex lock system adorns its surface, looking both ancient and impenetrable.
Dr. Kureha turns to Nami and Usopp, a sly grin spreading across her face. "You two," she says, pointing at them with her bottle, "You look like the type who know how to... shall we say, 'creatively open' things like this."
Nami's eyes widen in surprise, while Usopp's knees start shaking.
"W-what are you talking about?" Usopp stammers, his nose growing slightly longer. "We're just innocent pirates- I mean, travelers!"
"Kehehehe!" Dr. Kureha cackles. "Don't play dumb with me, brats! I've been around long enough to spot a thief and a liar when I see them."
Nami sighs, realizing there's no point in denying it. "Fine, fine. But what's in it for us if we open this door?"
"Nami!" Usopp yelps, shocked at her easy admission.
"Oh ho!" Dr. Kureha grins wider. "A negotiator, eh? I like you, girl. How about this: you open the door, and I'll forgive all the medical bills your crew has racked up."
"Deal!" Nami's eyes turn to Beli's signs, already calculating the savings.
"And," Dr. Kureha adds, "I might have a little treasure in there for you as well."
"Treasure?!" Nami exclaims, her hands already reaching for her lockpicks. "Why didn't you say so earlier? Stand back, everyone! The master thief Nami is on the job!"
"Oi, oi," Usopp mutters, "Aren't we supposed to be turning over a new leaf as pirates?"
But Nami is already hard at work, her fingers dancing over the lock with practiced ease, while Dr. Kureha watches with an amused glint in her eye.
As the lock clicks open with a satisfying sound, the heavy doors slowly creak apart, revealing a vast chamber filled with ancient weapons and military equipment.
"Whooooaaa!" Usopp's eyes sparkle at the sight of the weaponry. "This is amazing! Look at all these cannons!"
"Kehehehehe!" Dr. Kureha walks in, her boots echoing against the stone floor. "This is the royal armory of Drum Kingdom. That fool Wapol took the key when he ran away."
Nami looks around, slightly disappointed. "Where's the treasure?"
Dr. Kureha's eyes twinkle mischievously as she responds to Nami's question. "The treasure, my dear, is helping me of course!"
"EHHHHH?!" Nami's jaw drops comically, her eyes bulging out. "That's not treasure at all!"
Usopp facepalms, muttering, "I should've known..."
Dr. Kureha cackles, "Kehehehe! Did you really think I'd just hand over gold and jewels? The real treasure is the experience, brats!"
Nami slumps to the ground, a gloomy aura surrounding her. "I've been tricked... My precious Beli..."
"Oi, oi, Nami," Usopp tries to console her, "At least we're not paying those medical bills, right?"
Suddenly, Nami springs back up, fire in her eyes. "You're right! We're still saving money!"
As Dr. Kureha opens the armory, she turns to Nami and Usopp with a mischievous grin. "Alright, you two can head back now. I've got some business to attend to with the villagers."
"Eh? But what about-" Nami starts to protest, but Dr. Kureha cuts her off.
"Kehehehe! Don't worry, girl. A deal's a deal. Now scram!"
As Nami and Usopp reluctantly leave, Dr. Kureha turns to the villagers with a glint in her eye. "Alright, you lot! Let's get these cannons into position. And be careful with that pink powder - it's the result of that quack doctor's research."
Back at the ship, the Straw Hats are preparing to set sail. Luffy is bouncing around excitedly, while the others are loading supplies.
"Yosh! Time for our next adventure!" Luffy grins, stretching his arms.
Chopper, however, looks hesitant. "Wait! I... I need to say goodbye to Doctorine first."
Just as Chopper turns to head back to the castle, a loud explosion echoes across the island. The crew looks up in surprise, their eyes widening at the sight before them.
The sky above Drum Island is suddenly filled with a spectacular display of pink cherry blossoms, floating gently down from the clouds. The snow-covered landscape is transformed into a sea of pink, creating a breathtaking contrast against the white mountains.
Chopper's eyes fill with tears as he realizes what Dr. Kureha has done. "Doctorine... Dr. Hiluluk..." he whispers, his voice choked with emotion.
The rest of the crew stares in awe at the beautiful scene, their faces a mix of surprise and wonder. Vivi gasps softly, her hand covering her mouth. Robin's eyes widen slightly, a rare look of genuine amazement on her face. Zoro and Sanji, usually so composed, can't help but gape at the spectacle.
Nami and Usopp, having just returned from the castle, are equally stunned. "It's... it's beautiful," Nami breathes.
While Luffy is impressed by the sight, there's a hint of recognition in his eyes, as if he's seeing a memory come to life. His usual grin is replaced by a softer, more contemplative smile.
Chopper, meanwhile, is openly weeping, his eyes fixed on the castle where he knows Dr. Kureha is watching. "Doctorine... thank you," he sobs.
Luffy puts a comforting hand on Chopper's shoulder. "You've got some amazing people looking out for you, Chopper! Shishishi!"
The crew stands in silence for a moment, allowing Chopper his emotional farewell and marveling at the beauty of the scene.
As the last of the cherry blossoms fall, Luffy's grin widens. "Yosh! Now we've all seen it together! Time for our next adventure!"
The others nod in agreement, ready to set sail with their new nakama, leaving behind a Drum Island forever changed by the Straw Hats' visit and Dr. Hiluluk's dream finally realized.