"It's too late now."
Robin chuckled softly, "Don't be so scared. We mean no harm. Didn't we just save you?"
"I didn't need your help, humans!"
The little reindeer clung tightly to the tree trunk, gritting his teeth, "I... I'm a monster! Aren't you afraid of me?"
"Where do you see a monster? You just look like a normal tanuki," Robin asked curiously.
"I'm a reindeer!!"
"Ah, my apologies," Robin said with a smile, "But no matter what, you're quite cute. How could anyone be scared of you?"
"Cu... cute?!"
The little reindeer was instantly furious, baring his fangs and growling, "I'm not cute! I'm a ferocious monster!"
Suddenly, his face turned bright red, and he started trembling shyly like a noodle, "Oh, even if you compliment me like that, I won't be happy!"
"Ah, no, I'm a monster, the kind that eats humans!"
He snapped back to reality, making a fierce face, but in his nervousness, accidentally bit his own tongue. "Oww—" he cried out in pain, tears welling up as he covered his mouth.
Robin facepalmed.
"Mm-hmm, got it, a monster that eats humans."
Xiano, on the other hand, nodded dismissively. Noticing Chopper's sunken stomach, he crouched down, pulled out a red bean bun from his pocket, broke it in half, and waved it in front of him, "Here, you must be hungry. Want some?"
A rich, sweet aroma wafted out.
Chopper's eyes were instantly drawn to it, wide and round, his mouth unconsciously opening slightly as the bun swayed.
It's sweets!
He absolutely loves sweets!
And after running around gathering herbs, he was really hungry, but...
"I-I won't eat it!"
He abruptly turned his head away, but his hooves involuntarily reached forward, "Don't try to tempt me! I'm a ferocious monster! Monsters don't eat human food!"
"Is that so? Alright then."
Xiano shrugged, pretending to put it away, "I was going to ask you where Dr. Kureha is, but I guess I'll have to find her myself..."
"Wait!"
Chopper panicked, darting forward but then abruptly stopping, eyeing him warily, "Wh-what do you want with Dr. Kureha?"
"To get treated."
Xiano shrugged, no longer suppressing the virus in his body. His complexion instantly turned a sickly green and purple, "See? Poisoned. I heard all the doctors on this island have been driven away, except for that old lady, so..."
"Don't call Doctoress Kureha an old lady!"
Chopper bristled instantly but then hesitated, sneaking a glance at Xiano's face, concern creeping into his voice, "...Is it serious?"
"Not too bad, I won't die," Xiano said with a grin, "But if it doesn't get treated, my body might stay like this forever."
Chopper stared at him for a few seconds, then suddenly snatched the red bean bun and stuffed it into his mouth, mumbling, "...Follow me!"
With that, he turned and ran toward the edge of the forest. After a few steps, he glanced back and added fiercely, "B-but if you dare hurt Doctoress Kureha, I really will bite you!"
"Don't worry."
Xiano followed with a smile, handing him another red bean bun, "If we had any ill intentions toward Dr. Kureha, why would we have helped you chase away those soldiers earlier?"
That's true...
Chopper felt a bit more at ease as he continued to lead the way, munching on his food and leaving a trail of small footprints in the snow that resembled plum blossoms.
Robin sighed, "Captain, you're quite good at handling children."
"Can't help it, I've been practicing since I was young."
Xiano shrugged and followed along with Robin, casually remarking, "But mainly, it's because this little guy is so kind. Even if he doesn't trust unfamiliar humans, he still wants to do his best to save them because they're patients."
The wind and snow were heavy, and Xiano didn't deliberately lower his voice. Chopper, who had been secretly pricking up his ears, heard everything clearly.
What strange humans...
Not only are they not afraid of me, but they also praise me so generously.
Hehe, so I have such shining qualities?
The corners of his mouth couldn't help but curl up, and a blush spread across his face, but he quickly returned to his usual stern expression.
...Even so, I won't be happy about it!
————
In the blink of an eye, the two humans and the reindeer had traversed the entire town.
The wind and snow were fierce, and they moved quickly along the way. Xiano only stopped briefly at a clothing store to buy a winter coat for Robin.
As the Captain, Xiano had intended to pay for it as a welcome gift for the new crew member.
Unfortunately, the Berry he had brought with him had been completely burned to ashes by Akainu, not a single hair left.
In the end, Robin had to pay for it herself.
After leaving the town and entering the forest on the other side of the river, after winding through the paths, they suddenly saw a treehouse in the distance with its door lit up.
"We're almost there. That's Doctoress Kureha's home. Remember one thing: although Doctoress is very old, she maintains a youthful mindset and hates being called old, so..."
Chopper suddenly stopped talking and halted in his tracks.
Xiano looked up and saw that their movements had disturbed a nearby herd of reindeer. Upon seeing Chopper from afar, they immediately let out low, unfriendly growls.
It seemed like they were about to charge at Chopper the next second.
However, wary of the two tall humans, they hesitated for a moment before finally turning and leaving.
Watching the reindeer disappear into the distance, Chopper's face fell.
"..."
He lowered his head, his blue nose twitching, and his voice was as faint as a mosquito's whisper, "...They don't like me."
"Why, because of your blue nose?" Seizing the rare opportunity of the little guy opening up, Robin immediately asked.
"Yeah..."
Chopper's voice grew even softer, "Ever since I was very young, I stopped looking like a reindeer or a human... Everyone said I was a monster. Later, when I learned to read and write, I found out that I had accidentally eaten the legendary Devil Fruit, which turned me into this detestable form..."
So it was a Devil Fruit?
Robin finally understood. Along the way, she had been wondering if this little reindeer was from the Mink Tribe and why he had ended up here...
"To be precise, it's the Zoan-type Human-Human Fruit."
Xiano suddenly spoke up, "Because of this fruit, you've suffered a lot, haven't you?"
Chopper instinctively nodded.
"I can probably guess the specifics."
Xiano crouched down, gently patting Chopper's head, his voice soft and warm. "Being rejected by your herd as a reindeer and then driven away by humans after transforming into a human form... such double loneliness must have been painful, right?"
His palm was warm and firm, causing Chopper to unconsciously relax his tense body.
"But hey, little guy."
Xiano looked directly into those big, teary eyes. "This pain isn't the fault of the fruit, and it's certainly not your fault. The blame lies with those narrow-minded views and the ignorant prejudices of this closed-off winter island."
"Did you know? Out on the sea, the Devil Fruit is a treasure that countless people dream of. The fact that you received such a gift proves that you're a lucky one favored by fate. So many people would be envious and jealous of you..."
He suddenly burst into laughter:
"Of course, I don't know what effect the Human-Human Fruit would have on an ordinary person, but anyway..."
He poked Chopper's forehead.
"Look at you now. If you were just an ordinary reindeer, would I be talking to you like this? Even if I did, you wouldn't understand, right? You can feel joy and sorrow, understand human emotions, and even learn how to heal and save lives, pursuing your own dreams... Aren't these all gifts the fruit has given you?"
Chopper looked up in a daze, meeting Xiano's smiling gaze.
—Those eyes held no pity, no false comfort, and certainly no fear. Only pure admiration and sincerity.
Just like... just like the way Doctor Hiruluk used to look at him when he was still alive.
"A lucky one favored by fate?"
Chopper repeated the phrase softly, lowering his head and unconsciously rubbing his hooves against the snow. "Me...? A monster like me, do I really deserve such a description?"
"Why are you still seeing yourself as a monster, you idiot!"
Xiano pinched Chopper's cheeks, forcing his gaze upward. "In the end, you're just someone who can switch between human and reindeer forms. What's so special about that!"
"If that's enough to call someone a monster, then my ship is full of them. There's someone who can turn into smoke, someone who can turn into flames, someone who can summon thunder and electricity, and there's even a new member, see..."
He turned his head.
Robin smiled faintly and raised her hand at the right moment, activating her ability.
Rows of arms instantly sprouted from behind her head and all over her body, causing the little reindeer to jump up with a startled "Wah!"
"There's a monster!!" Chopper hid behind Xiano, looking at Robin in terror.
"Me too!"
A sinister chuckle came from above. Chopper looked up in confusion, only to find that the big brother who had been so warm and friendly just moments ago had somehow transformed into a muscular giant four meters tall.
"...Ah, ah..."
Chopper's mouth hung open, his entire body trembling violently, as if he was about to faint at any second.
"Don't scare him too much," Robin reminded.
"Got it, got it."
Xiano's voice suddenly returned to normal, and with a soft poof, he instantly reverted to his original slender, youthful appearance.
"See? It's all just an illusion~"
He spread his hands cheerfully. "Just a little trick with Life Return. So, how about it? Doesn't your ability seem a lot less impressive now?"
Chopper stared blankly at the ever-changing figure before him, his blue nose twitching as his eyes gradually reddened.
He then turned to look at Robin—the elegant lady was retracting her extra arms and gave him a gentle wink.
At that moment, the accumulated grievances suddenly burst forth, and tears rolled down like broken strings of pearls.
"Wuwu... wuwu..."
The little reindeer's hooves tightly gripped the medicine basket, his whole body trembling uncontrollably.
He wanted to say something, but could only let out intermittent sobs.
So... so he really wasn't a monster? In this world, besides the two kind doctors, there were really people who would treat him so gently?
Xiano crouched down and gently rubbed his furry head: "Why are you crying, little guy?"
This touch made Chopper cry even harder. Tears soaked the fur on his chest, and like a child who had finally found solace after enduring so much, he buried himself in Xiano's embrace, smearing snot and tears all over his clothes.
"Wah—!!!"
He wailed loudly, as if trying to cry out all the loneliness, fear, and resentment he had accumulated over the years. So this was the warmth of being accepted, the sweetness of being understood...
Robin smiled gently from the side.
Meanwhile, Xiano helplessly patted his back: "Hey, hey, you're getting snot all over me... Alright, alright, I know you're happy..."
Hiruluk and Kureha really didn't handle this well, letting the little reindeer suffer so much. They should have helped him resolve his inner turmoil earlier.
But then again, there was no other way.
After all, those two were just ordinary humans, completely incapable of demonstrating like he and Robin could.
"Does it feel like we share the same pain?"
Xiano glanced up at Robin and snorted, "Too bad I didn't notice the poison on my face yesterday, or I would have made you cry like this too."
"..." Robin shook her head helplessly.
Was it because they were getting more familiar that he started spouting nonsense? Or was it that she shouldn't have brought up that matter back then? Before the atmosphere was ruined, the Captain had been quite concerned about his image...
Share the same pain?
Chopper vaguely heard this and looked up with wide eyes: "Big brother, were you also bullied and called a monster like me back then?"
Huh?
Xiano was stunned. Did the little guy misunderstand?
Has anyone ever called me a monster?
Xiano tilted his head and really thought about it.
Many somewhat blurry images flashed through his mind.
The latest novel is first published on 69shu!
"Not good! That monster is chasing us!!" The terrifying figure dragging Arlong's corpse rapidly closed in, and the Fish-men let out shrill screams, "What are we waiting for? Run!"
"Boom!" A fierce kick sent Garp's body crashing into the cliff, causing the entire mountain to rumble. The old man looked astonished, "Where did you come from, you monster?!"
"Cough..." Crocodile struggled to turn over, covered in blood, "Even this can't stop you? What kind of monster are you...?"
Snap.
The memory flashback ended.
So he really had been called a monster so many times. For a moment, Xiano suddenly felt a bit melancholic.
"Indeed, so I too had a similar experience to yours back in the day."
Robin once again held her forehead.
Wuwu... Chopper immediately hugged Xiano even tighter.
Big brother is such an incredibly warm and kind person. Despite having suffered greater grievances himself, he doesn't mind at all and even comforts me instead...
When will I ever be that amazing!
"Alright, we've long moved on, and you should have moved on by now too."
Xiano gently patted Chopper's back, but out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a fleeting figure in the distant treehouse.
Is that Kureha?
No, that old hag has been sneaking a peek for a while now, hasn't she? Just watching me here helping to comfort the kid, and not even bothering to come out and greet us!
He stood up, walked to the treehouse door, and knocked loudly on the wooden door, shouting:
"Hey, old hag, stop sneaking around. It's time to open the door and welcome your guests. The beautiful Master Swordsman has brought meat!"
"Who are you calling an old hag, you rude brat!"
Amidst the furious shouting, the wooden door opened, and a foot flew towards Xiano, who easily caught it. The two of them tumbled around in the background, kicking up a flurry of snow.
"Big sister, so you're a Master Swordsman too?" Chopper wiped away his tears and asked Robin softly.
"No, I'm not." Robin smiled gently. "The Captain's words were completely separate."
So it's beautiful, Master Swordsman, and meat?
Chopper suddenly understood, then his expression froze: "Huh?"
————
The highest peak of Drum Island stands at an altitude of five thousand meters.
At the summit of this highest peak sits a grand castle, which is the palace of the Drum Kingdom.
Outside, the wind and snow rage, but inside the castle, it's as warm as spring.
"Fi... Five hundred and forty million Berry?!"
Wapol, as round as a ball, was lounging on his throne, munching on gilded tableware. Upon hearing the soldier's report, metal fragments immediately spilled out of his gaping mouth.
"Are you sure you didn't misread? That big Pirate named Xiano has really come to our country?!"
"Absolutely true, Your Majesty!"
The one-armed squad leader knelt on the ground, wailing, "Look at my wrist! That guy's nickname, the Blade Swordsman, is truly well-deserved! His sword moves so fast it's impossible to see, and with just one slash..."
"Shut up!"
Wapol suddenly flew into a rage, flipping the dining table over and pacing back and forth in front of his throne, his metal boots clanging loudly on the floor:
"Damn it! Damn it! Why would someone of that caliber set their sights on a small country like ours!"
"Your Majesty!"
His trusted minister Chess hurried forward, "The top priority is to strengthen the castle's defenses! We can't be careless. I've heard that even a Navy Admiral personally went after that guy and still..."
"Defenses? Defenses my ass!"
Wapol slapped him, "Idiot! Do you think a Pirate of that level would be as easy to deal with as those quack doctors?"
"Go!"
He suddenly turned and pointed out the window, "Prepare to head to the port immediately. Everyone, follow me. We're all setting sail and hiding out at sea for a while. We'll come back when this island is safe again!"
"Huh?!"
Several of his subordinates were completely dumbfounded.
"What are you all standing around for? Weapons, food, doctors... take everything you can! We can't leave anything for those lowly commoners. Hurry up and do as I say!! Everyone gather at the castle gate within an hour!"
The soldiers snapped out of their daze and sprang into action, causing the entire hall to descend into chaos.
Once only a few of his most trusted ministers remained in the hall, Wapol suddenly turned around and swallowed the throne he had been sitting on in one gulp. Then, with a kick, he opened a hidden door behind the throne.
"That guy must be after the treasures I've been hoarding! Mwahahaha... Luckily, I was prepared!"
He rushed into the treasure vault behind the hidden door, his bulky body bouncing like a ball among the piles of gold and jewels. With his modified iron-plated mouth wide open, he voraciously devoured the mountains of coins and precious gems.
"Your Majesty!" Chess clung to the doorframe, shouting in horror, "Are you planning to eat the entire national treasury?"
"Mwahahaha! Of course!"
Wapol roared through mouthfuls of treasure, "My Munch-Munch Fruit can even digest a castle! What's a little treasure compared to that? I'll just spit it all out once we're at sea, and not a single coin will be missing!"
In no time at all, the entire treasury was completely devoured.
"Your Majesty!"
Finally unable to hold back any longer, Dalton, the head of the royal guard, stood in front of the castle gate, his burly frame blocking the way:
"You can't just abandon the people and flee! As the king, even if we can't defeat the invading Pirates, you should at least help the citizens first—"
"Get out of my way!"
Wapol's face was filled with impatience, and he casually slapped Dalton:
"Months ago, when that quack doctor died, you defied me once. Wasn't being thrown into the dungeon enough for you? Now you dare to stand in my way again?"
Dalton staggered back a few steps, blood seeping from the corner of his mouth, but he stubbornly spread his arms:
"Please, at least leave half of the doctors behind! You've already driven away all the doctors in the country. If you take away the last of the Doctor 20 as well..."
"What does that have to do with me?"
Wapol sneered and raised his boot, delivering a harsh kick to Dalton's abdomen.
"Are the lives of these lowly commoners worth comparing to my health? Hey, Chess, and Cromarty! Teach this disobedient fool a lesson!"
[To the left is Chief Advisor Chess, and to the right is Royal Affairs Officer Cromarty.]
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Chess and Cromarty immediately began to pummel Dalton. Even though Dalton transformed into his Bison Form as quickly as he could, he was still no match for them.
He groaned and fell to his knees, his vision darkening. He could only watch helplessly as Wapol's figure strode out of the castle gates.
In his daze, he heard the fawning voice of the one-armed squad leader:
"Your Majesty is wise! This ungrateful traitor who can't even tell the difference between commoners and Your Majesty deserves to be—"
"Shut up!"
Wapol suddenly turned around, grabbed the squad leader by the neck, and lifted him up. "Useless! With so many men, you couldn't even catch that Blue-Nosed Monster, and now I still haven't captured that old hag Kureha!"
"Y-Your Majesty..." The squad leader kicked his legs in terror.
"Go die with your broken arm!"
Wapol tossed him toward the cliff like garbage. "What use is a fool who can't even hold a gun? I don't keep useless things on my ship!"
"Ah—!!!"
The scream pierced through the snowstorm, gradually fading into the abyss.
The soldiers were deathly silent, silently speeding up their tasks as they escorted large quantities of food and weapons, following Wapol onto the cable car descending the mountain.
Stop it, all of you...
Please, stop...
Dalton struggled with all his might but still couldn't stand up. In his blurred peripheral vision, those figures gradually faded away. Overwhelmed with grief and anger, tears streamed down his face.
To abandon the country and lead the escape was one thing, but to not even leave a single doctor or a single weapon for the people...
This hopeless, despicable king!
————
"Mwahahaha!!!"
At the port, Wapol stood on the deck, patting his bulging belly as he laughed heartily.
Inside it was the wealth of the entire kingdom. Even if he drifted aimlessly at sea, it would be enough for him to squander for a long time!
"Hurry up, move faster!"
Chess and Cromarty continuously urged the soldiers to load the cargo.
Suddenly, a uniformed doctor stopped in his tracks and looked around in confusion. "Did you all hear something?"
A sound?
The deck fell silent.
Everyone listened intently. Amid the howling snowstorm, there was indeed a strange noise, growing louder and closer, rapidly approaching—
Bang—thud!
"It's coming from the sky, look up!" someone shouted.
This time, including Wapol and his two ministers, everyone looked up.
They saw a massive black shadow descending from the sky at an astonishing speed. Each leap was accompanied by the sound of air exploding, as if space itself was being compressed and released by some kind of strength.
"What is that thing?!" Wapol shouted in terror.
The black shadow eventually slowed down and landed lightly on the shore opposite the deck. The snow stirred up by the strong wind gradually dispersed, revealing its true form.
—It was an exceptionally tall man.
Dressed in black, wearing a furry bear-eared hat, and holding a thick Bible in his hands, he stood about six or seven meters tall, as sturdy as a mountain, yet exuding a gentle calmness.
"As expected of a medical superpower, isn't it?"
Looking at the group of uniformed doctors on the ship, the burly man seemed quite pleased. He lowered his head and gave Wapol a friendly smile:
"Just arriving at the port, and I already run into so many doctors. This is truly wonderful."
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