In Takumi's mind, Law was supposed to be someone who was sharp, cold, calm, and defiantly independent.
But now? What's going on?
This guy doesn't even know his name and is already inviting him to join his crew?
Takumi shook his head, finding the situation almost comical. "I'm going to have to pass on that."
Law blinked in surprise and quickly said, "You should really think about it. I'm serious about this."
Takumi's answer was still the same. "I'm just a traveler. Becoming a pirate isn't on my to-do list."
"A traveler?" Law frowned, clearly skeptical. "If you're going to brush me off, at least come up with something more believable. 'Traveler' sounds like an excuse."
Takumi glanced at him, unfazed. "Brush you off? Why would I need to do that?"
With that, Takumi let out a small chuckle and kept walking forward.
At that moment, a voice rang out in Takumi's mind, startling him for a second.
[Ding ding! You've refused Surgeon of Death Law's invitation to join his crew. Sign-in progress increased by 20%. Current total progress: 30%. Reward: Master-level Palm Healing Technique.]
Suddenly, more advanced knowledge about the Palm Healing Technique flooded Takumi's mind, and he paused to process it.
Meanwhile, Law's stomach growled again, loudly this time.
Takumi looked back at him.
Blushing slightly, Law turned his head away and muttered, "What are you looking at? Fine, don't join if you don't want to. It's not like I absolutely need you in my crew."
Takumi couldn't help but smile. He reached into his pocket—actually, he was pulling something out of his system storage—and tossed a small pouch of Beli toward Law.
Law caught it out of instinct.
Looking down at the money bag, Law's brow furrowed, and he snapped, "What's this for? Are you trying to insult me?"
"Turning down free money—are you sure you're cut out to be a pirate?" Takumi chuckled softly and walked out of the ramen shop.
Takumi had a couple of reasons for giving Law the money. First, it was a small way to say thanks for helping him progress in his sign-in mission. Second, if Law was anything like Zoro or others he'd met, he might keep pestering him. And since Law was clearly hungry, it made sense to leave him in the ramen shop with something to eat.
By the time Takumi stepped outside, night had fully fallen.
Drum Island was always covered in snow, and the streets were blanketed in a thick layer. It made more sense to head back to the warmth of the inn rather than wandering around in the freezing cold.
So.
Takumi didn't stick around in the town. He stopped by a convenience store, bought all the bottles of liquor they had, and then headed straight back to his inn.
The next couple of days were quiet. Takumi mostly stayed in his room, only going out when it was time to eat.
On the third day after arriving on Drum Island, Takumi woke up early, left the inn, and started heading toward the island's most prominent feature—those towering mountains that looked like giant drums.
The weather was brutal, with the wind and snow battering him as he walked.
Takumi pressed on, leaving deep footprints in the snow behind him.
He was on his way to find Chopper.
Based on his past experiences with sign-in tasks, Takumi was pretty sure that whatever he needed to do on Drum Island would involve Chopper.
Chopper was still a young reindeer, probably about five years old at this point.
He was born with a blue nose, which made him an outcast among the other reindeer. They bullied him, and eventually, after eating the Hito Hito no Mi (Human-Human Fruit), they drove him out of the herd.
Chopper just wanted to find friends, so he used his newfound ability to transform into a human in an attempt to blend in with people.
But his transformation wasn't perfect—he still had a blue nose and other features that weren't entirely human. People mistook him for a monster, just like the reindeer had, and drove him away. Some even tried to shoot him.
Chopper had no idea what he had done wrong. He didn't know who to be angry at. He just wanted friends, but everyone treated him like a monster.
He was no longer a reindeer, but he wasn't a human either. He was alone in the world, at least until he met Dr. Hiriluk.
Hiriluk was a quack doctor who spent the latter part of his life researching the miracle of cherry blossoms. He never charged for his services, even though Drum Kingdom had driven out all the other doctors, leaving the townspeople without anyone to treat them. Despite that, no one wanted Hiriluk's help.
That's because his so-called miracle cures didn't heal people—in fact, they often made their conditions worse.
At this point, Chopper probably hadn't met Hiriluk yet.
As Takumi continued walking, lost in thought.
Suddenly, from the snow-covered forest beside him, a creature with the body of a bear and the head of a rabbit—a Lapahn—burst out at lightning speed, charging straight at him.
Lapahns were fierce predators native to Drum Island, known for their aggression and pack behavior. They were definitely not friendly.
As this lone Lapahn was about to strike Takumi with its sharp claws.
Before Takumi could react.
A shadowy figure suddenly appeared. With a swift slash, the Lapahn was taken down just a meter behind Takumi.
"Takumi, are you alright?" Law asked, panting.
Takumi stopped in his tracks, turning to look at him.
How did he know his name...?
Seeing the confusion on Takumi's face, Law explained, "The innkeeper told me."
Since Takumi had registered at the inn, the innkeeper knew his name.
Talk about loose lips...
Oh well, no big deal.
Takumi didn't say anything and resumed walking.
Seeing him leave, Law quickly caught up, asking as they walked, "The townspeople said you have some strange technique that can heal people. Is that true?"
Takumi didn't respond.
Law wasn't deterred and kept going, "I came to Drum Island to learn more advanced medical techniques. I'm really interested in this technique you have. Could you teach me?"
"No." Takumi finally answered, flatly turning him down.
Law hesitated but continued following Takumi. "I know you don't have to teach me anything, but I have a reason to learn advanced medical techniques."
Law touched his chest, his expression serious. "I won't let anyone important die in front of me again. If I had known more back then, maybe Corazon wouldn't have died..."
As he spoke, Law began to tremble. The memory of Corazon's death was still raw, and in this cold, snowy landscape, his frail frame seemed even more fragile.
It looked like a strong gust of wind could knock him over.
Takumi didn't respond.
What could he say, really?
Even if he wanted to teach Law, it wouldn't help.
The Palm Healing Technique required chakra, something that people in this world didn't possess.
So, there was no way Law could ever learn it.
Takumi continued walking.
Law watched Takumi's back, deep in thought, before catching up again. "Takumi, are you really not going to teach me?"
Takumi sighed, "That's right!"
Law frowned. "Why not?"
Just as Law asked, the forest around them suddenly came alive with the sound of howls.
Several agile shadows darted between the trees, and in moments, a pack of fierce Lapahns surrounded Takumi and Law.
********
Support me on Ko-fi at ko-fi.com/gered to read up to chapter 90!