High above Drum Island, Leno held Chopper in his arms, silently gazing down below. After a long while, Chopper finally spoke: "Let's go, Captain Leno."
"Don't worry, Chopper. When we return from the Four Seas, we'll pass by here again. By then, you'll be able to see Dr. Kureha once more."
"Really?"
"Of course. I never lie!"
Above Reverse Mountain, on board the Gale.
"Look, Carmen, another pirate ship just crashed into the wall! Ahh, that's terrible!" Nami munched on sunflower seeds, calling Carmen over, bored as she watched yet another pirate ship sink below.
"S-so dangerous… is going out to the sea always like this?" Carmen's legs trembled.
"Don't worry. Our ship would never face that problem." Nami reassured her.
"Y-yes, of course… ours is a ship of steel. Definitely safe, absolutely safe…" Carmen muttered, trying to convince herself.
"Speaking of which, why isn't that idiot Leno back yet? It's been days! I'm so bored," Nami said, yawning.
Suddenly, from the distant sky came a scream. Everyone snapped to attention.
"Ahhh! Save me! Damn it, Leno, didn't I tell you to slow down? Are you trying to kill me?!"
In a flash, Leno appeared on deck, Chopper perched on his head. Everyone immediately rushed over.
"Leno, you finally came back!" Nami cheered.
"Huh? What's with this raccoon dog?" the others asked curiously.
"Morons! I'm a reindeer, a reindeer! Look! Have you ever seen a raccoon with antlers?" Chopper shouted angrily. After realizing what he had done, he instantly "whooshed" and hid behind Leno's leg—but he hid on the wrong side.
"Alright, let me introduce him. This reind—no, this doctor—is our new crewmate: Tony Tony Chopper. Chopper is a reindeer with superb medical skills. After eating a Devil Fruit, he can talk and even understand animals. From today, he's our new companion. Everyone, welcome him!"
"Kawaii¹⁰!" Nami was instantly melted by his cuteness. She scooped up little Chopper, hugged him tightly, and began fiercely cuddling him.
"Waahhh! Help me, Leno!"
"Hahaha, so cute, Chopper!" Nojiko's eyes sparkled as she watched him struggle.
Breaking free from Nami's clutches, Chopper's face flushed red when Nojiko called him cute. His little hooves smacked together as he twisted shyly, muttering: "B-baka yarou… even if you praise me, I won't be happy at all!"
'No, you look very happy,' everyone thought silently.
Carmen circled around Chopper, muttering: "Hmm, deer meat replenishes blood—nice, nice."
"Aaaahhh! Save meee!"
"Hey, hey, Carmen, don't say such terrifying things so casually!" Nami facepalmed.
Chopper trembled in fear.
Soon, the crew held a banquet.
"Welcome, Doctor Chopper! You are now part of our crew—cheers!" Leno raised his glass.
"Cheers!" ×5
"Stupid Leno! Don't steal my meat! Carmen made this especially for me!" Nami shouted.
"Don't be stingy, I only took one bite."
"One bite? You ate the whole thing, you big fool!"
"Hahahaha!" The table filled with laughter.
Nojiko leaned over and whispered to Chopper: "From now on, we're all crewmates. You'll get used to life on the ship soon enough."
"Crewmates…?" Chopper murmured, staring at the lively table.
"Hey, Chopper, don't just sit there. Try this lobster! It's Carmen's specialty!" Leno called out.
Chopper glanced at the large lobster, then at his companions fighting over food. Slowly, a smile spread across his face. Before long, he joined in the battle for dishes.
After dinner, Chopper lay back in his chair, clutching his round belly. "Today… today is the happiest day of my life."
"This is just the beginning. There will be plenty more happy days ahead," Leno assured him.
"Mm!"
The next morning,
"Alright, today we officially enter the West Blue. Unlike the East Blue, the West is ruled by the gangsters, and pirates are far more numerous and dangerous. So everyone must stay vigilant. Even though we're strong, we can't afford to be careless. That's all." Leno concluded.
"Hehe… strong? Not really," Nami said bashfully.
Smack! Nojiko slapped her butt. "Nami, focus! We're setting sail, watch the course!"
As the ship gradually descended, Chopper gasped: "Sugoi! We've been flying in the sky this whole time?!"
"You just noticed?" Everyone sweatdropped.
"Sugoi! A flying ship—amazing! Fantastic!" Chopper hopped around excitedly, beginning his first exploration of the ship.
"Chopper, this is the medical room prepared just for you. It's full of the most advanced equipment—you'll love it," Leno said, leading him inside.
"Sugoi! Sugoi! Thank you, Leno!" Chopper's eyes shone with excitement. Leno leaned casually against the doorframe, smiling at the overjoyed reindeer as he inspected everything.
Once they entered the West Blue, pirate encounters increased sharply. To hone her skills, Kuina volunteered to take the front line in battle.
Leno and Chopper leaned over the railing, watching Kuina and Nojiko clash with the pirates. Chopper looked worried.
"Leno, is it okay to let them fight so many pirates alone?"
"Don't worry, Chopper. Kuina and Nojiko are very strong. Those pirates don't stand a chance.
By the way, Chopper, watching them kill—does it bother you?"
"No, not really. I just think they're amazing! Besides, pirates are murderers and criminals. Last night, Nojiko told me lots of stories about your adventures." Chopper shook his head.
Leno relaxed. He'd feared that Chopper's pure heart might be troubled by seeing his companions kill, but it seemed fine.
"Hey, Kuina, Nojiko—don't sink the pirate ship! We haven't searched it yet!" Leno called out.
"Nami, come on, set a good example for Chopper. He's new here!"
"Hmm? Do you have a problem with me?" Nami glared fiercely at Chopper.
"N-no problem at all!" Chopper squeaked, darting behind Leno.
"Leno, Nami is scary~!" Chopper trembled.
"Hahahaha!" Leno burst out laughing. Looks like Chopper is definitely afraid of Nami.
After the fight, Nami immediately dashed onto the pirate ship. Soon she returned, beaming with joy—clearly with a good haul.
Chopper hurried to check Kuina and Nojiko for injuries.
"We're fine, Chopper. Thank you," Nojiko said, patting his head.
"You're really okay? That's great! You two are amazing—so reliable!" Chopper cheered, hooves waving excitedly.
Leno looked at him with a grin. "Alright! Chopper, if you want to be strong like them, if you want to be a real man, you'll need to train hard.
So, are you ready? Training starts tomorrow."
"┗|｀O′|┛ Roar~~!"