"Vivi-saaaamaaaa! I'm here to serve!"
Having secured the castle, Kureha directed them to bring Nami to her, declaring it the best-equipped medical facility. Luffy, Pedro, Chopper, and Sanji returned to the ship to retrieve her. As they approached, they witnessed a peculiar sight. A man knelt before Vivi, sobbing uncontrollably.
The Heart Pirates, who had remained behind, stared in bewildered silence. Vivi's face was flushed crimson as she frantically tried to console the blubbering man.
"Igaram! Everyone's watching! Please, wipe your tears and snot!"
"Sniff… My apologies."
The man, Igaram, with a mop of curly blond hair, accepted the handkerchief Vivi offered and stood up. He wore a formal suit, though a steady stream of snot continued to flow from one nostril. Unfazed, he bowed to Luffy and the others.
"I apologize for my outburst. I am Igaram, Vivi-sama's… ahem… mar-mar-mar… bodyguard."
Luffy, more interested in Igaram's hair than his words, muttered, "Dude, too many curls."
Pedro was still slightly disturbed by Igaram's earlier display, he thought they should inquire about the situation, but Nami's treatment was their priority. He suggested as much to Luffy, who readily agreed.
"Right. Sorry, but could you wait until we get our navigator to the doctor?"
"Of course. We just arrived ourselves. It's best to settle down first."
"…Are those two behind you your companions?"
"Ah, yes. Allow me to introduce them."
As if prompted by Pedro's question, a man and a woman stepped forward from behind Igaram.
"I'm Gem."
"I'm Mikita."
Gem, also known as Mr. 5, sported a spiky, sea-urchin-like hairstyle. Mikita, also known as Miss Valentine, was a striking blonde. They were Baroque Works agents who had betrayed the organization and escorted Igaram to Drum.
"Thanks to these two, I was able to reach Drum safely."
"It was my duty. Don't mention it."
Gem straightened and clasped his hands behind his back. Mikita seemed uninterested and shivered slightly in the cold. Gem, however, seemed knowledgeable about the surrounding islands. He spoke up.
"I've heard Drum is conducting a Doctor Hunt. Have you found a doctor willing to treat a pirate?"
"Yeah, we took care of Big Mouth."
"Big Mouth?"
"The king of this country."
Gem, upon learning they had sent the king of Drum flying, brought a hand to his forehead, wincing. He had assumed, since they had escorted Vivi safely, that they weren't particularly dangerous. Sending a World Government affiliated king flying was… unexpected, to say the least. He decided he needed more information and offered to accompany them.
"Sure, but… what about Vivi-chan and the others?"
"We'll come too. It's safe now, isn't it?"
"No enemies. For some reason, everyone's acting friendly now that the king's gone."
The king must have been truly terrible. Vivi looked down with cloudy vision.
Igaram noticed her distress, said gently, "You don't have to force yourself."
Vivi shook her head and looked up. "Let's go. Nami-san's treatment is our priority."
***
The Straw Hats and Heart Pirates gathered at the castle. Soldiers were busily carrying cannons from the armory and placing them outside. Some glared at Luffy and his crew with lingering hostility, but a single look from Dalton silenced them.
Pedro carried Nami to the infirmary, where Isshi-20 and Kureha waited. Law and Lami, carrying Nami's medical chart, followed. Kureha, having received the chart from Law earlier, scanned it, then examined Nami.
"…This girl, she's one of Straw Hat's crew, isn't she?"
"Yes, but…"
"Bring me someone who knows what happened. Anyone."
Sanji and Zepo were summoned and seated next to Chopper.
"This orange-haired girl's poison, it entered through a wound on her leg. Who inflicted the wound?"
"A woman named Alpha Maraptonoka. She uses Devil Fruit-enhanced weapons… animal weapons. We believe it was one of those weapons that poisoned her."
"I've never heard that name. Animal weapons…?"
Kureha scrutinized the chart and the poison analysis. It was an unusual toxin. Even with her extensive medical experience, identifying an unknown poison was difficult.
Zepo asked, "…So, even you can't treat her?"
"No, I can cure her. I know this poison."
"You've treated it before?"
While Law and Zepo considered it an unknown poison, Kureha had apparently encountered it before. It was an artificial toxin. Depending on when it was created, encountering it wasn't impossible, given Kureha's age.
"It was almost thirty years ago. A woman came to me with the same poison."
The woman's arm had been paralyzed, but Kureha's treatment and rehabilitation had restored its function. Nami would recover. The concerning aspect was the source of the poison.
"This poison… it was used by a former Marine Admiral."
"W-what?! A Marine Admiral?!"
Law, Lami, Zepo, and Sanji stared in shock. While the admiral in question was deceased, the poison's composition was undeniable. Kureha was never wrong.
"Why would a Marine Admiral use poison…?"
"I've heard he was a scorpion Zoan user, capable of generating and utilizing poison. But he died almost forty years ago."
While the poison's composition might be documented, replicating it was another matter. And if Maraptonoka was indeed utilizing it, another question arose. Access to such classified information was restricted. Even Law, with the Revolutionary Army's extensive intelligence network, knew little about Maraptonoka. She was a disturbingly enigmatic figure.
The origin of the poison was a concern, but there was nothing more to be gained here. Kureha began Nami's treatment. The antidote itself was quick to administer, but she instructed Zepo to observe Nami for at least three days, preferably a week, then dismissed him and Sanji.
***
With Nami's treatment underway, Luffy and the others shared information with Gem. About Baroque Works, and about Gem's true affiliation with Twilight.
"I infiltrated Baroque Works as a spy. I hired Mikita."
Mikita was a freelance courier, transporting goods between islands. Shipping, however, was Twilight's domain. She made a living transporting urgent or illegal goods, but it wasn't lucrative. She had met Gem by chance, who hired her as his partner for the infiltration mission. He promised to recommend her for a position in Twilight once this was over, so she was committed to completing the task.
"Miss All Sunday… Robin, told me about you. I'm grateful you brought Princess Vivi here safely, but you should withdraw now."
Robin had told him about Luffy and his crew. While Maraptonoka's attack had been unexpected, Vivi's safety was their primary concern. From here on, they would be facing a Warlord, someone who had built their own power base. A handful of pirates with bounties around 30 million wouldn't be much help.
"No."
Luffy flatly refused Gem's suggestion.
"…Why? You're just caught in the crossfire. You know you're facing Crocodile, right? You can't defeat him with your current strength."
"I don't care. We're nakama now. I won't abandon my nakama."
Despite the short time they had known each other, sharing meals and travelling together on the Merry Go had forged a bond. Luffy wouldn't abandon his nakama simply because their opponent was strong.
"…I see."
"Luffy-san, but it's really dangerous… I don't want to put you in harm's way…"
"Don't worry, Vivi. He's always like this. And we don't feel like we're just caught in the crossfire."
No matter how strong Crocodile was, they would eventually have to face him. Zoro, having experienced Mihawk's overwhelming strength, knew he couldn't become the world's strongest swordsman by avoiding strong opponents.
"If that's how you feel, I have nothing more to say. Choose your battles wisely."
Gem had offered them a chance to withdraw out of concern for their safety. If they insisted on getting involved, he wouldn't stop them. As long as they weren't a hindrance, having more allies wasn't a disadvantage. He pulled out an Eternal Pose. "This will lead you to Alabasta," he said. Following this compass would guide them to their destination. However, time was of the essence.
"Alabasta's in turmoil. The rebel forces now outnumber the royal army. We don't have time for a leisurely voyage. We need to leave immediately. What about you?"
"Nami-san's treatment will be finished soon, but she needs to be observed for at least three days."
Sanji, who had just returned, answered Gem's question. Three days. An agonizingly long time for Gem, who wanted to reach Alabasta as soon as possible. The war could begin at any moment. It was an unacceptable delay.
"Can't we do something?"
"We don't have a doctor…"
Sanji understood the importance of completing Nami's treatment. But he also understood the urgency of the situation in Alabasta. What should they do?
He looked at Luffy. Ideally, Nami would receive proper medical care, but Zepo, despite his limited medical knowledge, wasn't a doctor. He couldn't handle any complications that might arise during their voyage to Alabasta. They couldn't disturb Kureha now, but perhaps, once Nami's treatment was finished, they could ask her for a solution.
***
A few hours later, Kureha, having returned from her house with more medicine, administered it to Nami. Nami now slept in a separate room, with Vivi and Zepo watching over her. Luffy, sitting next to Kureha, attempted to recruit Chopper.
"Hey, Chopper. Why don't you come with us? You're interested in pirates, right?"
"Trying to poach my assistant right in front of me? You've got guts."
"You said you wouldn't come."
He had been punched for calling her "old hag," but Luffy, being a Rubber Man, was unharmed. With Kureha refusing to join them, he had set his sights on Chopper.
"…I can't go with you."
"Why not? Being a pirate is fun! Come on, let's be pirates together!"
"But… I'm a reindeer! I have antlers and hooves… and a blue nose… I'm not even human, I'm a monster…"
Luffy pointed at Pedro, standing by the wall. He had animal features too. And if being a Devil Fruit user made someone a monster, then Luffy, also a Devil Fruit user, was a monster too. No matter how many excuses Chopper came up with, he couldn't hide his true feelings. He had been overjoyed when Luffy invited him, and heartbroken when he said he couldn't go.
"Chopper, what do you want?"
"What do I… want…?"
"I want to be King of the Pirates. I'm going to sail around the world, and I want your help."
Sailing the sea was exciting, but also dangerous. Luffy lacked navigational skills, culinary talent, swordsmanship, and the ability to lie convincingly. He knew he couldn't survive on his own. He needed his nakama. He needed Chopper, a doctor, to join his crew.
"I…"
"How many times do I have to tell you, young man? Chopper is my one and only assistant. I won't allow him to leave."
Kureha stood up.
Luffy stared back.
"Being a pirate is nothing special. That useless reindeer will just end up dead at sea!"
"He won't die! It doesn't matter if he's not strong! I'll become stronger!"
"Don't be impertinent! Everyone dies eventually! Even the most feared pirates!!!"
Kureha knew this all too well. The pirates she had known were all dead. Only a handful were still alive. Whether Chopper would join their ranks was uncertain. The odds were stacked against him. If death was the most likely outcome, then staying in this kingdom, no matter how boring, was the better option.
"Get out!"
"Whoa?!"
Kureha threw a knife, which embedded itself in the wall next to Luffy, who quickly retreated from the room. Chopper opened his mouth to speak, but Kureha's glare silenced him. Luffy left the room defeated… and Law entered.
"…It's quite noisy. Did he do something again?"
"…It's nothing. Just brought back some unpleasant memories."
"Unpleasant memories?"
"That poison the orange-haired girl received. I've treated it before."
He recalled a woman he had known long ago. She had terrorized the seas with her monstrous strength, but her pirate crew had been defeated by the Marines. She had come to Drum, seeking treatment for the poison. Kureha had cured her, and she had vanished. Caterina had told him the rest of the story. No matter how strong someone was, death eventually claimed them all. Even monsters with bounties exceeding three billion berries.
"Caterina… she's with Twilight, isn't she?"
"You know her?"
"She's fairly well-known. She's responsible for various technological advancements within Twilight, in architecture, medicine, and other fields."
"Heh heh heh. A precocious little thing, but I suppose my lessons weren't wasted."
Kureha laughs as she took a swig of sake directly from the bottle. Pedro, however, caught something in her words.
"…You taught her medicine? Was Caterina your apprentice?"
"I don't usually take apprentices, but I've made exceptions twice. Caterina and Sukura."
"Wait, wait, wait! Sukura?! You were that person's teacher?!"
Law stared at Kureha in shock. He hadn't expected to hear the name of the doctor who had saved his life.
"It was almost thirty years ago."
It had been before Kanata and her crew had adopted the name Twilight. Sukura had come to Drum solely to study medicine, begging Kureha to take him as an apprentice. He had been a brilliant student, eager to learn. Their time together, however, had been cut short by a Marine raid.
"Kanata fought against five Marine ships, including an Admiral, and now she's known as a notorious pirate."
"Kanata-san was a monster even back then…"
Pedro was impressed. Kanata had been sixteen at the time, younger than Luffy. Repelling a Marine Admiral at that age just goes to show her extraordinary abilities. As Pedro stared off into the distance, lost in thought, Law approached Kureha.
"Do you know about Amber Lead Syndrome?"
"Yes. Twilight sent me the medical records for research. Why are kings always such scoundrels?"
"I had Amber Lead Syndrome."
Kureha stopped drinking. Law bowed his head.
"I'm alive because of her. And that means, in a roundabout way, I'm alive because of you."
"Heh heh heh. So, I saved myself. I don't usually take apprentices, but I suppose it was worth it."
It was a small world. Kureha's apprentice, Sukura, had saved Law's life. And now, Law had stumbled upon Kureha in her time of need. While Kureha didn't believe in fate, she acknowledged the strange turn of events. Sukura and Caterina. The two she had taught medicine had saved countless lives. He was glad he had chosen to help Kureha, despite the risks. A debt of gratitude lasted a lifetime, but… this, he felt, had repaid a small portion of it.
"Sukura and Caterina… they were your apprentices before me?"
"That's right, Chopper. Your older brother and sister, so to speak."
They were both members of Twilight. Perhaps, he would meet them someday. While Sukura's whereabouts were unknown, Caterina, as an engineer, travelled extensively. He listened to their stories, learning they were pirates… and Chopper looked at his hands. Reindeer hooves. But Pedro, a jaguar, fought with swords.
Chopper was a Zoan Devil Fruit user, capable of transforming into a human. But Luffy, also a Devil Fruit user, had invited him to join his crew without hesitation.
So, it was a matter of choice. Making a decision could change the world. Chopper clenched his fists, remembering the doctor who had called him "son." The man who embodied unwavering conviction, symbolized by the Jolly Roger he had raised.
"Doctorine."
"What is it?"
"I've decided. I'm going to be a pirate! I'll go with them!"
"…Didn't you hear what I said? You'll just end up dead at sea!"
"I don't care if I die! I want to go to sea!"
"Don't be impertinent! I've never heard of a reindeer going to sea!"
"I'm a reindeer! But I'm also… a man!!!"
"…!!"
Chopper, usually obedient, defied Kureha for the first time. His eyes shone with the same determination he had shown when Hiriluk died, the day he decided to become a doctor, a panacea. Kureha, surprised by his defiance, nevertheless refused to let him go.
"Don't talk back! If you want to leave so badly, then you'll have to go through me!"
Kureha threw another knife, and Chopper, flinching, tried to reason with her, but she threw more knives, forcing him to flee the room.
"A crybaby like you, calling himself a man?! I won't allow it!"
"Gyaaaaaaaa?!"
They both left the room, leaving Pedro and Law alone. Law wanted to hear more, but the citizens, surprisingly, weren't hostile towards the pirates who had defeated Wapol. He could ask again tomorrow. Pedro understood Kureha's intentions, went to inform Nami, who was resting in the next room, and Luffy and the others.
***
"Leaving the castle so suddenly? Are you sure?"
"We have no choice."
Pedro answered Usopp's question.
With Chopper fleeing through the castle, Pedro had found Luffy and the others, urging them to return to the ship.
There was no time for explanations. Zepo, carrying Nami, had already boarded the ropeway. Luffy and the others followed, exiting the castle.
Ideally, Pedro thought, farewells should be quiet affairs, but that wasn't what Chopper wanted. He had exchanged glances with Chopper as he fled Kureha's room. He understood.
"Even in a final farewell, sometimes words are unnecessary."
"…Is that so?"
"You'll understand someday, Usopp. Some people are like that."
Usopp, still puzzled, nodded and hurried towards the ropeway. Chopper emerged from the castle, just as everyone else boarded. They were ready to depart.
"Hurry, Chopper!"
"Okay!"
"Wait!"
Ignoring Kureha, who continued to throw knives, they quickly started the ropeway. Zepo and Pedro pedaled furiously, sending the ropeway hurtling down the mountain. Kureha watched silently.
"Are you sure about this?"
"Yes… I dislike… sentimental farewells."
"If that's how you feel, I won't say anything."
It was Gem, who had remained behind. Not because he had been left behind, but because he had a message for Kureha. He held a backpack filled with Chopper's medical tools.
"It seems an odd time to mention this, but… Kanata-san asked me to pass on her regards. She said to tell you she'll be visiting Drum soon. Sukura-san and Caterina-san are doing well."
"I see… If they're doing well, that's all that matters."
"…Then, I'll take my leave."
Gem bowed and leaped from Drum Rock, soaring through the air. Kureha watched him go, wiping a tear from her eye, then turned back. Farewells should be grand affairs. Pirates, she knew, loved theatrics.
***
Having descended the mountain at breakneck speed, the Straw Hats raced towards the ship. Despite the darkness, Zepo guided them.
A loud boom echoed from the castle which made them stop and look back. Wapol was gone. There was no reason for cannon fire. They had seen the cannons being placed outside. The booming stopped, and a brilliant light illuminated the summit of Drum Rock.
"Whoa…!"
"Beautiful…"
Even Nami, who had regained consciousness during the descent, stared in awe.
"That's…"
–A while ago.
A certain quack doctor created a red powder. When mixed with the falling snow, it turned a vibrant pink. He created it before his death. Kureha continued to produce the powder while teaching Chopper medicine.
"Woooooaaaaaaaaaah!"
Chopper cried out. The pink snow, illuminated by the spotlights, resembled cherry blossoms blooming in the winter night.
Go now… my foolish son…
To Chopper, who continued to cry with big tears falling, it felt as if someone was saying that from somewhere far away.