---
As the crew descended Drum Mountain to bring Nami to Doctor Kureha, the tension aboard the Going Merry was palpable. Nami's condition had worsened—her breathing was shallow, her skin clammy, and her fever relentless. Vivi, who had been tending to her, looked visibly relieved when Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, and Usopp returned with news.
"She's agreed to help?" Vivi asked, her voice hopeful.
"Yeah," Luffy said, nodding. "We just need to get her to the top of the mountain."
"That's easier said than done," Sanji muttered, glancing at the steep, snowy cliffs they had just climbed.
Kuro, who had been silent, stepped forward. "I'll carry her."
The crew exchanged surprised looks, but no one objected. Kuro's calm demeanor belied his concern for his crewmates, and he lifted Nami gently, cradling her as if she were fragile glass.
---
The Ascent with Nami
The second climb up Drum Mountain was even more grueling. The added weight of carrying Nami, combined with the biting cold, pushed everyone to their limits. Luffy offered to take over carrying her halfway up, but Kuro shook his head.
"She's light," he said simply, though the strain in his voice betrayed his effort.
Zoro, walking ahead, scouted for potential threats, his hands never straying far from his swords. Usopp, who lagged behind, muttered complaints about the cold but kept an eye out for dangers as well.
Despite the hardship, the crew made it to the summit again, exhausted but determined. Doctor Kureha stood waiting for them, her reindeer companion, Tony Tony Chopper, at her side.
---
Meeting Chopper
Luffy's eyes lit up when he saw Chopper. "A talking reindeer? That's awesome!"
Chopper's cheeks flushed as he waved his hooves dismissively. "I-I'm not just a reindeer! I'm Kureha's assistant!"
"Enough chatter," Kureha said briskly. "Bring the patient inside."
The crew watched anxiously as Kureha examined Nami, her movements efficient and deliberate. After what felt like an eternity, she turned to face them.
"She has a severe case of Kestia Fever—a tropical illness common in certain Grand Line islands," Kureha explained. "If left untreated, it can be fatal."
"Fatal?!" Usopp exclaimed, his face pale.
"Calm down," Kureha said sharply. "She'll be fine if we treat her immediately. But I'll need your help to prepare the medicine."
---
The Search for Ingredients
Kureha handed the crew a list of rare herbs and materials required to make the cure, all of which were scattered across Drum Island.
"Chopper will guide you," Kureha said. "But be careful. Wapol's forces won't sit idly by."
"Wapol?" Luffy asked, tilting his head.
Kureha's expression darkened. "The tyrant who used to rule this island. He's nothing but a greedy, cowardly glutton—but he's dangerous nonetheless."
The crew nodded, understanding the stakes. With Chopper leading the way, they split into two groups to cover more ground:
1. Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper went to search for a rare herb found near a frozen lake.
2. Zoro, Sanji, and Kuro headed toward a cave where the last ingredient, a luminous moss, was said to grow.
---
Team Luffy: Frozen Lake Confrontation
The icy wind howled as Luffy's group approached the frozen lake. Chopper explained that the herb they needed grew beneath the ice, and they would have to break through to reach it.
Before they could begin, they were ambushed by Wapol's forces. A towering man wielding an enormous mallet stepped forward, flanked by soldiers armed with rifles.
"Wapol's orders: no one is allowed to touch the lake!" the man bellowed.
Luffy cracked his knuckles, grinning. "Guess we'll just have to fight!"
---
The Battle
The mallet-wielding man charged at Luffy, swinging his weapon with immense force. Luffy dodged with ease, his Observation Haki alerting him to the attack before it landed. He countered with a powerful punch, enhanced by Armament Haki, sending the man sprawling.
Meanwhile, Usopp used his slingshot to disarm the soldiers, his budding Observation Haki allowing him to predict their movements. Chopper, though hesitant, transformed into his Horn Point form and charged at the remaining soldiers, scattering them with a single strike.
With the enemies defeated, the group retrieved the herb and began their journey back.
---
Team Zoro: Cave of Trials
Zoro's group reached the cave, only to find it guarded by a fierce snow wolf pack. The luminous moss they needed glowed faintly at the back of the cavern, but the wolves snarled, their fangs bared.
"I'll handle this," Zoro said, stepping forward.
Sanji lit a cigarette, smirking. "Don't get too cocky. We'll take them together."
Kuro remained silent, his claws gleaming in the dim light.
---
The Battle
The wolves attacked in unison, their speed and coordination overwhelming at first. Zoro fought with relentless determination, his swords cutting through the air in precise arcs. His Armament Haki flickered as he blocked a wolf's claws, countering with a devastating slash.
Sanji, meanwhile, used his agility to outmaneuver the pack, delivering powerful kicks that sent the wolves flying. His attacks began to show traces of Armament Haki, the force behind them increasing with each strike.
Kuro moved like a shadow, his speed and precision unmatched. With a single swipe of his claws, he incapacitated multiple wolves, his killer instincts honed to perfection.
The battle ended with the wolves retreating, allowing the group to collect the moss and return to Kureha's home.
---
Chopper's Decision
With the ingredients gathered, Kureha prepared the medicine and administered it to Nami. The crew breathed a collective sigh of relief as her fever began to subside.
"You did well," Kureha said. "But don't think your troubles are over. Wapol won't let this go."
Luffy turned to Chopper. "You're amazing, Chopper. Why don't you join our crew?"
Chopper's eyes widened. "Me? Join you?"
"You're strong, and you're a great doctor," Luffy said. "We need someone like you!"
Chopper hesitated, torn between his loyalty to Kureha and his growing admiration for the Straw Hats.
"Think about it," Luffy said with a grin.
As the crew prepared to face Wapol, the bond between them and Chopper began to deepen, setting the stage for the next confrontation.
---
End of Chapter
This chapter delves deeper into the crew's struggles and interactions while introducing Chopper's abilities and internal conflict. Let me know how you'd like the upcoming fight with Wapol to unfold!