It's impossible to kill someone outright, but causing trouble? That's a given.
Chopper, drenched in sweat from handling these medicinal ingredients, still followed Vir's instructions precisely.
Various containers on the preparation table soon began bubbling and frothing.
With smooth and skillful movements, Chopper quickly finished the concoction, pouring everything into a bottle before looking up at Vir, curious about the so-called "main ingredient."
Vir didn't keep him in suspense. Without hesitation, he pulled out a small bottle of Shenbao and tossed it to Chopper.
Chopper fumbled to catch it, staring at the bottle in confusion.
This… looks normal?
After uncorking it and taking a sniff, Chopper became even more convinced.
This stuff is completely normal!
Apart from some unreadable text on the label, it was just an ordinary supplement. Having practiced medicine for years, Chopper had no trouble making this judgment.
But then… what's the catch?
Chopper looked at Vir, still puzzled.
"Try it. This is some really good stuff. You should be able to tell, right? Just one sip, and you'll feel instantly refreshed."
Vir grinned mischievously.
Seeing that smirk, Chopper felt a little defiant.
There's nothing suspicious about this. Just like Vir said, it's got a stimulating effect.
But why was he smiling like that?
'I don't believe it!'
'I don't believe anything's wrong with it. I'll take a sip!'
Determined, Chopper brought the bottle to his lips and took a small sip. A very small sip.
Watching this unfold, Vir could only think: 'And you, my dear Chopper, you are the real hero. If Marvel doesn't include you, I'm not watching.'
Sure enough, not even two seconds after swallowing, the effect kicked in.
Chopper, who had been looking as innocent and carefree as ever, suddenly furrowed his brows. His face contorted with sheer agony, his body involuntarily curling up.
Cold sweat instantly drenched his forehead.
Pain and regret were written all over his tiny face.
I'm doomed! I'm going to die!
That was Chopper's first thought.
His second instinct was, of course, to call for help.
"Vir! Save me!!"
But the moment he said it, he regretted it.
Now he had two paths to death: one at the hands of his mentor, and the other from the excruciating pain. Which one should he choose?
Vir, seeing this unfold, burst into laughter.
Ah, how wonderful.
What a good disciple. Always thinking of his master.
Barely any time had passed, and here he was, already eager to give his teacher another gift. Truly filial.
Vir then stood up, took the now-open bottle of Shenbao from Chopper's trembling hands, and set it aside on the table.
Watching Chopper writhing in pain, Vir nodded in satisfaction.
Confirmed. This won't kill anyone, but it's definitely enough to ruin someone's day.
Chopper had only taken a sip, and he was already like this.
If someone were to down the whole bottle…
Vir couldn't even imagine it.
"Come, Chopper. Let's head to my VIP operating room. I'll fix you up."
With that, Vir grabbed Chopper by the antlers and lifted him up, carrying him toward a small room.
Chopper, tears streaming down his face, had no choice but to accept his fate.
'Why am I like this?! From now on, I'll never eat anything my mentor gives me again!'
Even though he was unwilling, the searing pain in his stomach left him no room for resistance.
As a doctor, he should've been able to diagnose himself, but he couldn't even figure out what was happening. The pain came out of nowhere…
Soon, Chopper was dragged inside.
With a loud *bang*, the door slammed shut.
What followed was an unrelenting stream of gut-wrenching screams from the so-called "operating room."
The agonized cries lasted for a full ten minutes before gradually dying down.
With a *creak*, the door opened once more.
Vir emerged with a satisfied expression.
His face practically radiated joy.
"Ahh, that felt great. Another easy 500 points! And I even gained the ability to communicate with animals. Not bad at all~"
"Today is a good day~"
Humming a cheerful tune, Vir returned to the preparation table and finished what Chopper had left incomplete.
After inspecting the finished product, he nodded in satisfaction and poured it into a small bowl before storing it in his medical kit.
Yes. Everything was set.
---
'Shenbao Deluxe'
Effect: No one in this world is immune to its effects. At most, they can endure a little longer.
(If the patient survives after drinking, they gain immunity to all poisons.)
---
Oh? This potion actually grants a benefit?
And such a simple requirement.
Survive.
Reading the description, Vir felt even more reassured.
This was foolproof.
With this, Ace won't die. It's practically a freebie—granting him complete poison immunity.
Yep, I'm such a good person~
Meanwhile, inside the "operating room," Chopper lay sprawled on the table, tongue hanging out, eyes filled with tears.
He looked like a cat that had just been neutered.
"I… I… will never eat anything randomly again… This is cruelty to reindeer…"
...
Under Nami's navigation, the ship sailed smoothly for an entire day without encountering any major storms or obstacles.
The journey had been relatively peaceful.
It was now early morning, just as the first rays of sunlight peeked over the horizon.
Everyone was already up, gathered on the deck.
In the distance, the land of Alabasta finally came into view.
A vast golden expanse stretched before them.
"Ahahaha! We're here! We're here! I'm starving! I need food! I need food!"
Luffy, unable to contain his excitement, was practically bouncing with hunger. The ship's food supplies had long been devoured by him.
This guy had been starving for three whole hours.
His eyes gleamed with desperation.
"Food… Food… Fo—"
*BAM!* With a loud thud, Luffy was sent flying with a kick.
"You still dare complain?! There was barely any food left, and I had already rationed it! Yet you went and stole all of it?!"
Sanji, fuming, grabbed Luffy's ear and yelled at him.
Vir lazily leaned on the second-floor railing, rubbing his sleepy eyes.
He yawned, looking like he hadn't gotten a good night's rest.
"What's wrong, Vir? Didn't sleep well last night?"
Chopper, ever the loyal follower, noticed Vir's tired state and asked.
"Not much, just someone kept kicking me in the back all night! Haa~ I only got kicked off the bed twelve times. Slept just fine."
Vir shot Chopper a sharp look. Chopper, feeling guilty, scratched his head awkwardly.
Honestly, even Vir had started suspecting that Chopper had been awake last night.
Those revenge kicks were too precise.
He had checked multiple times to see if Chopper was truly asleep.
But unfortunately… the reindeer was out cold.
The ship soon docked at a small town called Nanohana.
The crew planned to restock their supplies before heading to Yuba, where the Rebel Army was stationed. Vivi intended to persuade their leader.
Coincidentally, the leader was also her childhood friend.
Back on the ship, noticing Vivi hesitating to ask for help, Nami reassured her with a smile.
"Of course we'll help you! If your country gets destroyed, where will I go to collect my money? We had a deal!"
Hearing this, Vivi understood Nami's true intentions, feeling deeply moved. She softly expressed her gratitude and explained their battle plan.
Finally stepping onto solid ground, free from the rocking of the ship, Vir felt much better.
Although he wasn't seasick, nothing beat the comfort of dry land.
"We're off to buy supplies!"
With that, Vir hopped onto Chopper's back and rode off.
At the port, he had spotted Mr. 3's ship.
The crew decided to disguise themselves before taking action.
If they were recognized, a chase would surely follow.
After all, Vivi was a princess, and Baroque Works wouldn't simply let her roam free.
-----
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