Nami was resting peacefully in Doctor Kureha's home, her fever finally abating after the crew's arduous efforts. The snowy winds outside the mountain cabin were growing fiercer, carrying the promise of an approaching storm. Yet, the true storm came not from the skies but from the sea-Wapol, the tyrant of Drum Island, had returned.
"Wapol is here," Chopper announced grimly, his hooves clenching tightly against the windowsill as he watched a massive, grotesque ship approach the shore below.
"Who's Wapol again?" Luffy asked, tilting his head.
Chopper's eyes narrowed. "He's the former king of this island. He abandoned us when pirates attacked, and now he's coming back to reclaim his throne."
"We're not letting that happen," Luffy declared, standing tall.
Doctor Kureha smirked. "You're going to fight him, huh? I hope you're ready. Wapol isn't just a coward-he's got tricks up his sleeve."
The crew exchanged glances. They didn't need to discuss it. This was their fight now.
The Battle Begins
Wapol's forces disembarked on the snowy plains below Drum Mountain, their imposing presence a stark contrast to the serene, white landscape. Wapol himself stood at the forefront, his enormous, round body and wide mouth making him look as ridiculous as he was dangerous.
"Bring me Doctor Kureha!" Wapol bellowed. "And destroy anyone who gets in my way!"
The Straw Hats confronted Wapol and his soldiers at the foot of Drum Mountain, the frigid winds swirling around them.
Zoro vs. Chessmarimo
Zoro faced Chessmarimo, a bizarre fusion of Wapol's two subordinates, Chess and Kuromarimo. The hybrid fighter wielded a flaming bow and razor-sharp projectiles, launching them with precision.
"You look ridiculous," Zoro said, unsheathing his swords.
Chessmarimo attacked with a barrage of flaming arrows, but Zoro deflected them effortlessly, his blades glowing faintly with Armament Haki. The intensity of the flames began to melt the snow around them, creating a hazardous battlefield.
"You can't touch me!" Chessmarimo taunted, launching an explosive arrow directly at Zoro.
Zoro dodged and countered with a powerful Rengoku Onigiri, his Haki-clad blades slicing through the flames and striking Chessmarimo directly. The hybrid stumbled, blood dripping from the deep cuts.
"Still want to fight?" Zoro asked, his voice calm but menacing.
With a final, devastating blow, Zoro sent Chessmarimo crashing into the snow, unconscious.
Sanji vs. Kuromarimo Soldiers
Sanji faced a group of Wapol's soldiers, their weapons ranging from crude axes to high-tech rifles.
"This is going to be quick," Sanji said, lighting a cigarette.
The soldiers charged, but Sanji moved with fluid grace, his kicks landing with brutal precision. He used the environment to his advantage, leaping off snowdrifts and cliffs to gain momentum.
As he fought, his Armament Haki began to manifest more clearly, his kicks leaving dents in the soldiers' armor.
"Diable Jambe!" Sanji roared, his leg igniting as he delivered a spinning kick that sent the remaining soldiers flying.
Luffy vs. Wapol
While his crew handled Wapol's subordinates, Luffy confronted the tyrant himself.
"You think you can just take this island back after abandoning it?" Luffy shouted, his fists clenched.
Wapol laughed mockingly. "Do you think a little brat like you can stop me? I'll eat you alive!"
Wapol used his Baku Baku no Mi powers to transform his body, swallowing chunks of metal from his ship and combining them into weapons. His arms morphed into cannons, and he began firing explosive shells at Luffy.
Luffy dodged with the help of Observation Haki, each movement fluid and precise. "You're slow," he said, grinning.
He closed the distance between them in an instant, landing a solid punch enhanced by Armament Haki. Wapol roared in pain but retaliated by enlarging his body and attempting to crush Luffy beneath his weight.
"Not a chance!" Luffy yelled, leaping into the air and delivering a devastating uppercut.
The fight escalated, with Wapol growing increasingly desperate. He swallowed chunks of his surroundings to gain new forms, but Luffy's speed and strength overwhelmed him at every turn.
"This is for everyone you hurt!" Luffy shouted, delivering a final, thunderous punch that sent Wapol flying into the mountainside.
Chopper's Decision
With Wapol defeated, the villagers emerged from hiding, cheering for the Straw Hats. Chopper watched from the sidelines, his emotions in turmoil.
"You're strong, Chopper," Luffy said, walking up to him. "And you care about people. That's why you should join us."
Chopper hesitated, looking at Kureha, who gave him a small nod. "Go," she said. "You've always wanted to see the world, haven't you?"
Tears streaming down his face, Chopper shouted, "I'll join your crew!"
End of Chapter