On Drum Island, there has been circulating folklore for several years that tells the story of a snow monster. This snow monster is described as having a large humanoid body and horns on its head that are similar to those of a deer.
This monster had tried to enter the village multiple times, but the villagers could drive it away each time. The villagers were concerned that the monster would try to enter the village again, so they asked King Wapol for help, but the cruel king didn't care about their plight at all.
It is said that Hiriluk, one of the most well-known doctors and thieves in the Drum kingdom, took the monster on as his student. However, since he lives alone in the middle of the forest, far away from society, no one can confirm this news.
There is a massive shadow that can be seen at this time hiding behind the bushes close to the unconscious bodies of Vivi and Mr. 9. The shadow initially gave the impression that it was hesitant to approach them, but eventually, it emerged from the bushes, revealing its true form.
Its physical characteristics are identical to those described in the folklore frequently passed down amongst the villagers. When the monster saw the two unconscious people, he pulled a rope from his small bag and tied Vivi's body to his back.
Mr. 9, who was still slightly conscious, slowly opened his eyes, and when he saw the unknown creature that was binding his body, he immediately screamed hysterically, but his mouth immediately closed again when the monster punched his head in surprise.
Mister 9's misfortunes did not end there because his body was now being dragged roughly over piles of snow, and his head was also occasionally hitting rocks or wood as if the monster had done it on purpose.
Vivi, who was tied to the monster's back at the time, continued to feel excruciating pain in her head. She would occasionally groan out in pain, which caused the monster to treat her with more caution.
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Drum Island is an island covered in snow to an extreme degree and has temperatures so low that they can be felt even from the surrounding seas. There's a river that cuts deep into the island and where a waterfall of snow flows into. The terrain is always covered in deep snow, making locomotion difficult for those not adapted to it. Furthermore, the local flora has the potential to set off avalanches.
In one of the drum-shaped mountains stands a castle home to Wapol's family, who is also a royal family. But nobody really knows what went wrong after the previous king of the Drum Kingdom passed his throne on to his son. Since then, everything has been a complete and utter mess.
Wapol, who held the position of king, cruelly rules his kingdom and will not hesitate to kill anyone who stands in his way. He was aware that his kingdom was renowned for the large number of skilled doctors it produced, so he devised a crafty strategy.
A year ago, he assembled a special team consisting of twenty exceptionally skilled doctors in order to make his subjects dependent on him for the provision of medical care. But recently, he has announced that he plans to add 80 more doctors, which will result in a significant increase in the number of people who are dissatisfied because they are having difficulty getting treatment.
"What kind of idiocy are you spouting! Do you seriously believe you can use my doctor however you like!" In one of his throne rooms, Wapol stood up from his chair with a furious expression on his face. The veins on his forehead were visibly twitching.
Luffy, Captain Hina, Uta, and Makino were sitting before him at that moment. It seemed as though they did not take King Wapol, whom all of the people living in the Drum Kingdom were terrified of, seriously, given the relaxed expressions on their faces.
"All I want to know is whether or not the stories that I've heard about the doctors in your kingdom are true-"
"Be quiet! I don't want to listen to you blabber on any longer, kid!" After making that remark, Wapol could immediately sense a shift in the mood. Captain Hina, who had been looking at him with an elegant smile before, was now staring at him with a cold expression.
"I am aware that you, as a king, have your own sense of pride. However, you must keep in mind that you are currently speaking in front of two captains. If you cannot keep your manners, I will not hesitate to report all of your actions to headquarters."
Wapol most likely did not anticipate that their unannounced visit would spoil one of his glorious days as king. Even more so, after learning the arrogant goals they had for themselves, he felt even more annoyed. However, it was true what she said. He couldn't act rashly.
"Chess! Kuromarimo! Show them around. I want to think about their request on my own!"
Soon, two of King Wapol's most trusted subordinates walked through the door. They had a strange appearance that was not much different from their king. Especially their haughty attitude that continued to irritate Uta the most. After that, they were gently kicked out, and King Wipol was left alone in his throne room.
"Is it okay to leave Nami and Nojiko alone?"
Luffy just smiled as he looked at Nami and Nojiko playing in the snow on the palace grounds before responding to Captain Hina's question, saying, "They won't be able to get off this island alone, and that also applies to Igaram."
Luffy and the others were on their way to Arabasta when he decided to take a trip to Drum Island. Since they were in no hurry, he took advantage of the opportunity to question some of the local doctors about their medical practices. In addition to that, he also takes Nami and Nojiko, though he instructs them to leave Igaram tied to the ship.
"Guests, this way, I'm sure you will be astounded to see the glory and prosperity of the Wapol-sama family, which has been hereditary in this castle."
Luffy did not immediately follow Wapol's two subordinates. Rather, he whispered something in Makino's ear. She merely nodded before walking away to join Nami and Nojiko.
When they had just entered the museum, which was filled with the history of the Wapol family as well as antiques, mostly weapons, suddenly a palace soldier came and informed them of the critical situation.
"What! Hiriluk? What other havoc has he wreaked?" After that, Chess and Kuromarimo hurriedly returned to King Wapol's side. Luffy, Captain Hina, and Uta also followed in their footsteps.