---
After their eventful departure from Little Garden, the Straw Hat Pirates set sail once again, their ship now equipped with the giant-crafted mast gifted by Brogy and Dorry. The Log Pose pointed them toward their next destination, but an icy wind swept through the ship as they entered colder waters.
"Brr! Why is it so cold all of a sudden?" Nami asked, wrapping a blanket around herself.
"This part of the Grand Line is unpredictable," Vivi explained. "We're nearing Drum Island, a winter island. It's known for its harsh climate... and its skilled doctors."
Chopper perked up at the mention of doctors. "Do you think they'll know advanced medical techniques? Maybe I could learn from them!"
"We'll have to see," Sabo said, looking out over the choppy waves. "But something feels... off about this place."
---
A New Enemy Approaches
As the ship drew closer to the snow-covered island, a smaller vessel appeared on the horizon. The crew tensed as it came into view, revealing a group of pirates with a menacing flag—a horned skull with a striped hat.
"That's the flag of Wapol!" Vivi exclaimed. "He's the former king of Drum Island, now a pirate who preys on the weak."
Before they could react, Wapol's ship opened fire, cannonballs whistling through the air. Luffy, Ace, and Sabo leapt into action.
"I've got this!" Ace declared, launching a barrage of fireballs that intercepted the cannonballs midair, detonating them harmlessly.
Sabo followed up with a lightning strike, sending a powerful current through the water and causing Wapol's ship to swerve off course.
"Cheeky brats!" Wapol shouted, his large mouth stretching unnaturally as he prepared to devour the ship's mast.
"Not today!" Luffy roared, transforming into his Nine-Tails form and leaping onto Wapol's ship. He delivered a powerful punch that sent Wapol flying into the icy water.
As the remaining pirates scrambled to retreat, the Straw Hats continued toward Drum Island, their spirits high despite the cold.
---
A Desperate Situation
When they arrived at Drum Island's main port, the crew was met with hostility. Villagers armed with makeshift weapons surrounded them, demanding they leave.
"We don't want trouble here!" an elderly man shouted. "Pirates like you only bring destruction!"
"Wait!" Vivi called out, stepping forward. "We're not here to harm you. We need medical help!"
The villagers hesitated but remained wary. "Our doctors are gone... except for one."
"Gone?" Nami asked, confused. "What happened?"
The elder explained how Wapol had ruled the island as a tyrant before being overthrown. In his anger, he had taken nearly all the island's doctors with him, leaving the people to fend for themselves. Only Doctor Kureha, a mysterious woman living atop a treacherous mountain, remained.
---
A Climb for Hope
Hearing this, Chopper volunteered to go. "I'll climb the mountain and bring her back!"
"You're not going alone," Luffy said firmly. "I'll go with you."
Ace and Sabo nodded. "We're coming too."
As the group prepared to scale the icy peak, Nami suddenly collapsed, her face pale and covered in sweat.
"She's burning up!" Vivi cried. "She must've caught something during our journey."
"Change of plans," Sabo said. "We're bringing Nami to the doctor no matter what."
Zoro stayed behind to protect the ship, while Luffy, Ace, Sabo, and Chopper began the perilous climb, carrying Nami with them. The icy winds cut through their clothes, and the rocky terrain was slick with ice and snow.
---
Reaching the Top
After hours of grueling effort, the group finally reached the summit, where a solitary castle loomed. The door creaked open, and an elderly woman with wild gray hair and a mischievous smile greeted them.
"Well, well, what do we have here?" she said, looking them over. "You lot don't look too good."
"You're Doctor Kureha?" Chopper asked, eyes wide.
"That's right," she replied. "And you've brought me a patient. Come inside before you all freeze to death."
The group entered the warm interior, where Kureha immediately began treating Nami. "She's contracted a severe fever from the Grand Line's unpredictable climate," Kureha said. "She'll need rest and medicine."
While Kureha worked, a small blue-nosed reindeer peeked out from behind her. Chopper's eyes lit up. "You're like me!"
The reindeer looked startled but didn't respond, retreating behind Kureha.
---
The Truth About Chopper
As Nami recovered, Kureha introduced the reindeer as Tony Tony Chopper, her assistant. She explained how Chopper had eaten the Hito Hito no Mi, granting him human intelligence and abilities.
"He's a bit shy," Kureha said, ruffling Chopper's fur. "But he's a good doctor in training."
Luffy immediately took a liking to Chopper. "You should join us!" he said, grinning. "We need a doctor on our crew."
Chopper looked flustered, his hooves tapping nervously. "Me? Join pirates?"
"You'd get to see the world," Sabo said, smiling. "And help people everywhere."
Ace nodded. "You're strong. We could use someone like you."
Chopper hesitated, torn between his loyalty to Kureha and his growing desire for adventure.
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Wapol's Return
Before Chopper could decide, a loud explosion shook the castle. Wapol had returned, seeking revenge for his earlier defeat. His cannons fired relentlessly, and his crew surrounded the castle.
"Come out, Straw Hats!" Wapol bellowed. "I'll crush you all and reclaim my throne!"
Luffy cracked his knuckles, his tails flicking in anticipation. "This guy again? Let's finish him for good."
As the crew prepared to face Wapol, Chopper stepped forward, determination shining in his eyes. "Let me fight too."
Kureha smiled knowingly. "It seems you've made your decision, Chopper."
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End of Chapter 15
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