Chapter 15: New Crew member
After their withdrawal from an intense and unknown battle with Dracule Mihawk, the Silverhair Pirates set sail for a new destination: the island where Monkey D. Luffy met his doctor, Drum Island. As they sailed, Arthur took the time to review the statuses of his crew members who had recently received upgrades.
Arthur called out, "Status," and the panels of his vice-captain and swordsman appeared before him.
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Status Panel: Alex D. Grey
- Armament Haki: Level B+
- Observation Haki: Level B+
- Conqueror's Haki: Unawakened
- Sharpshooting: Level S
- Body Level:S
- Combat Competence Level: Vice Admiral
- Potential Level: SS
---
Status Panel: Rei D. Hiroshi
- Armament Haki: Level B+
- Observation Haki: Level C
- Conqueror's Haki: Level E+ (only used when it was awakened)
- Swordsmanship: Level A+
- Body Level:** A
- Combat Competence Level: lieutenant General
- Potential Level: SS
---
Arthur smiled at the improvements. He then checked the statuses of the other crew members.
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**Status Panel: Ventic Lisa**
- Armament Haki: Level C+
- Observation Haki: Level -D
- Conqueror's Haki:None
- Body Level: C
- Combat Competence Level: Lieutenant Colonel
- Talent: Navigation Level B
- Potential Level: A
---
Status Panel: Ventic Surv
- Armament Haki: Level C
- Observation Haki: Level -D
- Conqueror's Haki: None
- Body Level:C
- Combat Competence Level:Lieutenant Colonel
- Talent: Cooking Level A
- Potential Level: AA
---
Status Panel: Rathor K. Rio
- Armament Haki:Level B
- Observation Haki:Level B+
- Conqueror's Haki:Unawakened
- Body Level: B+
- Combat Competence Level: General
- Talent: Sharpshooting Level S+
- Potential Level: SS
---
Arthur felt a sense of pride and satisfaction at the growth and potential of his crew. Their recent training and upgrades had significantly strengthened them, and he knew they were on the right path.
After a few hours, the island of Drum Island came into view. The island was covered in snow, with tall mountains and thick forests. The chilly air was a stark contrast to the warm and sunny weather they had left behind.
As they docked and disembarked, the crew noticed the vibrant yet chilly atmosphere of the island. The village they arrived in was bustling with activity, and the people were friendly but reserved. Arthur led his crew through the town, gathering information and supplies.
In the marketplace, they overheard a conversation between two villagers.
"Did you hear about Dr. Megulus? Poor guy, he's been struggling ever since that incident," one villager said.
"Yeah, it's a shame. He's a good doctor, but nobody trusts him anymore," the other replied.
Arthur's interest was piqued. He approached the villagers. "Excuse me, who is Dr. Megulus, and what happened to him?"
The villagers looked at him, surprised. "Dr. Megulus, also known as Clover D. Megulus, was a respected doctor on this island. He was once a Marine doctor, but he was kicked out because of a misunderstanding. Now he lives alone in a corner of the island, trying to prove his innocence."
Arthur nodded, intrigued. "Can you tell me more about him?"
The villagers shared what they knew. Dr. Megulus was a skilled doctor who had saved countless lives. However, a few years ago, he was accused of poisoning a high-ranking Marine officer. Despite his protests of innocence, he was dishonorably discharged and ostracized by the community. Since then, he had been living in isolation, struggling to clear his name.
Arthur felt a deep sense of empathy for Dr. Megulus. He turned to his crew. "Let's find Dr. Megulus and see if we can help him."
They made their way through the snow-covered landscape, following the directions given by the villagers. After a long trek, they reached a small, rundown cabin at the edge of the forest. Smoke billowed from the chimney, indicating someone was home.
Arthur knocked on the door, and a moment later, a short man with a weary expression and tired eyes opened it. He had short black hair and wore a simple, tattered coat. Despite his small stature, there was a resolute strength in his gaze.
"Who are you?" Dr. Megulus asked, his tone cautious.
"My name is Sergio D. Arthur, captain of the Silverhair Pirates. We've heard about your situation and wanted to help," Arthur replied.
Dr. Megulus eyed them warily. "Why would pirates want to help me?"
Arthur smiled gently. "Because we believe in justice and second chances. We know what it's like to be misunderstood and judged unfairly. Let us help you prove your innocence."
Dr. Megulus hesitated, then stepped aside, allowing them to enter. Inside, the cabin was sparse but clean. Medical supplies were neatly organized, and a small fireplace provided warmth.
As they sat down, Arthur asked, "Can you tell us what happened?"
Dr. Megulus sighed and began his story. "I was a Marine doctor, dedicated to saving lives. One day, a high-ranking officer came to me, complaining of severe pain. I did everything I could to treat him, but he died suddenly. They accused me of poisoning him. I tried to explain that it was a rare illness, but they wouldn't listen. I was discharged and shunned by the community."
Arthur listened intently. "Do you have any evidence to support your claim?"
Dr. Megulus nodded. "I kept detailed records of the officer's symptoms and treatment. I've been researching the illness ever since, trying to find proof of my innocence."
Arthur leaned forward. "Let us help you. We have resources and connections that might be able to clear your name."
Dr. Megulus looked conflicted. "I've been trying to do this on my own for so long. I'm not sure I can trust anyone anymore."
Arthur placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You don't have to do this alone. We believe in you, and we're willing to fight for your innocence."
Dr. Megulus took a deep breath, his resolve wavering. "Alright. I'll accept your help. But I don't want any direct assistance. If you can gather the evidence I need without drawing attention, I would be grateful."
Arthur nodded. "We can do that. Tell us what we need to do."
Dr. Megulus explained that the key evidence was stored in the Marine base on the island. He needed medical records and a specific file that detailed the rare illness he believed had caused the officer's death.
Arthur turned to his crew. "Alex, Hiroshi, and Rio, we'll handle this covertly. Lisa, Surv, stay with Dr. Megulus and make sure he's safe."
With their plan set, Arthur and his team made their way to the Marine base under the cover of darkness. Using their Haki and stealth skills, they infiltrated the base, avoiding patrols and security measures. Arthur's Observation Haki guided them to the records room, where they found the files Dr. Megulus needed.
As they gathered the documents, a Marine patrol spotted them. A fierce battle ensued, with Arthur and his crew fighting to escape. Despite the odds, they managed to secure the evidence and return to the cabin.
Dr. Megulus examined the documents, his eyes filling with hope. "This is it. This proves my innocence."
Arthur smiled. "Now we just need to present this to the right people."
Dr. Megulus hesitated. "There's one more thing. The illness is extremely rare, but there's a doctor on this island who might recognize it. His name is Dr. Kureha. If we can get her to verify the illness, it will strengthen my case."
Arthur nodded. "We'll find Dr. Kureha and bring her here."
The next day, Arthur and his crew made their way to Dr. Kureha's clinic. The eccentric, elderly doctor greeted them with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. After explaining the situation, Dr. Kureha agreed to examine the records.
"Well, well," Dr. Kureha said, after reviewing the documents. "It seems Dr. Megulus was telling the truth. This rare illness could easily be mistaken for poisoning by someone who doesn't know what they're looking for."
With Dr. Kureha's testimony, Arthur and his crew returned to Dr. Megulus. The young doctor was overwhelmed with gratitude. "Thank you. You've done more for me than I could have ever hoped."
Arthur placed a hand on Dr. Megulus's shoulder. "You deserve justice. Now, let's present this evidence to the Marines."
They approached the local Marine commander, presenting the evidence and Dr. Kureha's testimony. After reviewing the documents, the commander agreed to clear Dr. Megulus's name and restore his honor.
Relieved and grateful, Dr. Megulus turned to Arthur. "I don't know how to thank you."
Arthur smiled. "There's one way. Join our crew. We could use a skilled doctor like you."
Dr. Megulus hesitated, then nodded slowly. "Alright. I'll join you. But I'll need to finish my work here first."
Arthur extended his hand. "Welcome to the Silverhair Pirates, Dr. Megulus