Chapter 96 Even monsters! Will transform to protect.
Inside the castle, the firelight from the fireplace dispelled the mountain chill.
"Where are those... those two idiots?!"
When Nami heard Dr. Kureha say that Luffy and Victor had climbed a snow-covered mountain thousands of meters high with their bare hands to save her, her eyes widened instantly.
She threw off the thick blankets to get out of bed to check on the situation, but as soon as she sat up, a violent wave of dizziness hit her head.
"Hmm..."
Nami swayed and lay back down weakly.
"You've just recovered from a serious illness and still need time to repair your damaged body."
A little reindeer with a blue nose hid behind the door frame, only showing half its face, and whispered.
Nami sighed helplessly, nodded, and then asked weakly, "So, are there only the three of us now?"
"No."
Dr. Gureva took a sip of plum wine, crossed her arms with a carefree air, and pointed to a dark figure fast asleep in the corner:
"There's also a talking crow lying dead over there."
...
Meanwhile, outside the castle.
While Luffy and Victor were still fast asleep in their room recovering their strength, a group of uninvited guests arrived at the once quiet snow-capped mountain peak.
"Hehehe...Finally made it to the top! I'm exhausted!"
Former King Wapol of the Drum Kingdom, accompanied by his two trusted generals—Advisor Jess (an archer) and Cromarimon (an afro-haired boxer)—stood panting on the snow in front of the castle.
Yes, although they were kicked into the sea by Victor on the Going Merry, and even their ship was blown away by a cannon.
But thanks to the tenacious vitality of the "Gluttony Fruit" that allows it to eat anything, and the desperate rescue by its subordinates, this guy did not drown.
Instead, they followed along and climbed up this magnetic drum mountain.
"This is my castle! I'm going to take it back!"
Wapol opened his mouth wide and crunched on a snow brick, his eyes filled with malice:
"And teach those two arrogant pirate brats a lesson! Also, drive out that 'witch' who occupied my castle! Reclaim the country!"
"Who's making a racket outside?!"
Hearing the commotion, Chopper rushed out of the castle.
For Chopper, this place is not just a residence, but also the location of the tombstone of his benefactor, the "quack" Dr. Hiruluk.
It is also the place where the skull and crossbones flag, carrying the dream of "miracle cherry blossoms," flies.
No one is allowed to sabotage this!
"Huh? Isn't that the blue-nosed reindeer?"
Wapol saw Chopper and let out a harsh laugh.
His gaze then fell upon the banner fluttering atop the castle tower, adorned with cherry blossoms and a skull:
"That dirty, tattered flag, hanging on top of my castle? It's such an eyesore!"
"That's the doctor's flag! You're not allowed to insult it!!" Chopper shouted angrily.
"Hmph, this kind of trash should just disappear!"
Wapol completely ignored Chopper's protests. He opened his mouth wide, his arm transformed into a cannon, and fired a shot at the top of the tower.
"boom!!"
The shell hit the flagpole precisely.
The wooden pole supporting the skull and crossbones flag snapped instantly, and the flag, a symbol of faith, fell helplessly in the wind and snow.
"Ah!! The flag!!" Chopper screamed in terror.
Just as the flag was about to fall.
"Damn it!!! Who gave you permission to fire?!"
A furious roar erupted from within the castle.
The sound of gunfire woke Luffy from his slumber.
He was wearing only a thin red vest and no shoes, and charged out of the castle like an enraged lion.
At that critical moment, Luffy leaped high into the air and grabbed the falling flagpole.
He landed on top of the tower, using his own body as support, and forcefully planted the skull and crossbones flag back into the snow!
The cold wind howled, making Luffy's clothes flutter, but his eyes were more determined than steel.
"Hahaha! What kind of crappy flag is that? Is it from a One Piece game?" Wapol pointed at Luffy and mocked.
"Shut up!!"
Luffy gripped the flagpole tightly, his voice piercing the wind and snow, shaking everyone to their core:
"This flag wasn't just planted here for fun!!"
"This is a flag planted with a vow made with one's life! It is a belief that will never be broken, even in the face of death!"
Luffy glared at Wapol below and let out a deafening roar:
"It's not something you guys who only know how to laugh at others can break!!!"
This scene deeply moved everyone present.
And at the castle gate.
Viktor had woken up at some point.
He was wearing that black overcoat, his arms crossed, leaning against the door frame, his black hair fluttering slightly in the wind.
He looked at the captain atop the tower, shivering from the cold yet still holding fast to the flag, a smile playing on his lips, his eyes flickering slightly.
"What an idiot."
Below.
Chopper was deeply moved as he watched Luffy fight desperately for the doctor's flag.
He wanted to go up and help in the fight, but...
"Hehehe, you blue-nosed monster! You want to rebel against me too?"
Wapol looked at Chopper and said maliciously, "I remember now, you're that monster abandoned by the reindeer herd, aren't you? You're disgusting, with that blue nose."
"A monster..."
Chopper's body suddenly stiffened.
Past experiences came flooding back like a tide—being ostracized by others, shot by humans, and called a monster.
That deep-seated inferiority complex made him tremble and retreat, wanting to escape back to the castle.
Just then.
"Da, da."
Footsteps sounded.
Victor walked out of the door and went straight to Chopper, who was trembling all over.
He slowly crouched down, his gaze level with that of the little reindeer.
"Lift your head," Victor said softly.
Chopper looked up with tears in his eyes, only to see a pair of eyes that made him tremble, yet were incredibly beautiful.
Those are Viktor's—scarlet three-tomoe Sharingan.
In this snow-covered world, those red eyes looked particularly eerie, even more terrifying than the eyes of a monster.
"monster?"
Viktor pointed to his eyes, a faint smile playing on his lips:
"You mean... I, with these red eyes, am also a monster?"
Chopper froze, staring blankly at Viktor: "Huh?"
Those eyes... though scary, are so beautiful.
Moreover, this person did not show any disgust because of his blue nose.
"Listen up, Chopper."
Viktor reached out and gently touched Chopper's pink antler hat, his tone becoming serious and earnest:
"On this vast ocean, the word 'monster' is not an insult."
"That's... the highest title for the strong."
Viktor stood up, looked at Wapol and his gang opposite him, and his aura suddenly became fierce:
"Since you want to protect this place, since you want to protect that flag..."
"Then show them your fangs!!"
At the top of the tower, Luffy shouted, "I'm going to beat them to a pulp!!" and then charged towards Wapol like a cannonball.
"Jesus! Cromarimon! Take down that straw hat kid!" Wapol yelled.
Jess and Cromarimon were just about to gang up on Luffy two-on-one.
"Hey, your opponents are over here."
Victor didn't draw his sword. Instead, he reached out and gently pushed Chopper, who was still in a daze, towards the door.
"Go on, little raccoon."
Viktor stood behind Chopper, a figure like a mountain supporting him:
"Show them... your 'monster' form after you transform."
Feeling the push from behind, and looking at those two villains who wanted to destroy the doctor's cemetery.
The fear in Chopper's eyes finally disappeared.
Instead, there was a courage that had never been seen before.
He suddenly jumped out of the snow, took out a Rumble Ball and stuffed it into his mouth. His body instantly swelled and grew larger, transforming into a burly half-human, half-beast form!
Chopper brandished his massive hooves and roared angrily at the charging enemies:
"My name isn't Tanuki!!"
"I am—a reindeer!!!"Chapter 97 No matter what kind of king you are, fly!
On the summit of Cigu Mountain, where the wind howled and the air was thick with the smoke of gunpowder.
Chopper did not back down in the face of Wapol's greedy and fierce gaze.
"Victor, this is my secret weapon—the Rumble Ball."
"Oh?" Victor raised an eyebrow. "It looks like some kind of special drug."
Seeing that these "pirates" were ignoring him and continuing to chat, Wapol became completely enraged.
"You bunch of bastards! How dare you ignore me, the king!"
Wapol opened his mouth wide and let out a hysterical roar:
"Jace! Cromarimon! And the 20-man medic squad! Charge! Chop these arrogant bastards into mincemeat! Overwhelm them with numbers!!"
"Yes, Lord Wapol!!"
With a command given, the "20-member team of doctors" in white coats, who were supposed to be saving lives, set off.
At this moment, however, they all had ferocious expressions, holding sharp scalpels and spears, and charged towards the castle gate like a pack of wolves.
"Kill them!! For Lord Wapol!!"
Seeing the horde of people rushing towards him, Luffy clenched his fists, ready to make a move.
"Wait, Luffy."
Victor reached out and stopped Luffy. He stood in front of the castle gate with the skull and crossbones flag flying, looking at the twenty so-called "elite doctors" with an undisguised look of disgust in his eyes.
"doctor?"
Viktor shook his head helplessly, his handsome face filled with indifference.
"A soldier who only knows how to take a scalpel and follow orders to kill people... is not worthy of being called a doctor."
Before he could finish speaking...
Buzz—
Viktor slowly raised his head, and his eyes, hidden under the hood, snapped open.
The crimson three-tomoe Sharingan slowly rotated in the wind and snow.
A strange and powerful mental fluctuation instantly enveloped the twenty-odd people at the forefront.
There were no hand seals, nor was any large-scale ninjutsu used.
In the eyes of the doctors and guards, Victor, who had been standing there, suddenly transformed into a demon engulfed in black flames, his red eyes seeming to suck their souls into hell.
"Uh...ah..."
In an instant.
The charging troops came to an abrupt halt.
The twenty fully armed elite doctors, like machines whose power had been cut off, all rolled their eyes upwards, revealing the whites of their eyes.
"Thump, thump, thump..."
Like dominoes falling, the twenty people lay neatly in the snow, foaming at the mouth, convulsing, and instantly losing consciousness.
The entire room fell silent.
Wapol's jaw nearly dropped to the floor: "W-what happened?! Hex magic?!"
Viktor looked away, the red light in his eyes fading.
He leaned lazily against the castle wall and gestured with his chin towards Luffy and Chopper:
"Alright, the annoying trash is all cleared away."
"The rest of the main course... is up to you."
Seeing his subordinates instantly killed, Wapol was terrified, but the ferocity in his eyes intensified.
"Damn it! If that's the case... Swallow Factory!!"
Wapol opened his enormous mouth, capable of devouring everything, and swallowed Jess and Cromarimon whole!
"Gurgle... Fusion!!"
With a nauseating chewing and distorting sound, Walpo opened his mouth again.
A bizarre hybrid with two heads, four arms, and wielding a bow and arrow and gauntlets jumped out.
Jess Marilyn.
"Hehehe! Die! You lowly pirates! And that red-nosed monster!"
As soon as Jess Marleymon appeared, he sneered at Chopper, waving all four arms at the same time, unleashing arrows and punches simultaneously.
"monster..."
Upon hearing that word, Chopper's body instinctively trembled.
But the next second, Dr. Hiluluk's gentle smile appeared in his mind, along with Victor's words, "Monster is a term used to describe the strong."
Chopper raised his head, and in his large, moist eyes burned an unprecedented flame of determination.
"That's right! I'm a reindeer! And a monster too!"
"But to protect what I care about... I'd be willing to become a real monster!!"
"The effects of the Rumble Ball only last for three minutes!"
Chopper roared, and his body instantly transformed:
"I'm going to... take care of you all during this time!!"
"Leg strength enhancement!!"
Chopper instantly transformed into his slender deer form, his speed increasing dramatically. He became a blur as he moved at high speed across the snow, easily dodging all the poison arrows shot by Jess.
"Weight Enhancement!!"
Faced with Cromarimon's powerful punch, Chopper instantly transformed into his muscular human form, withstanding the attack without flinching.
"Jump Enhancement!!"
It transforms again, using its amazing jumping power to leap into the air, maneuvering nimbly in mid-air, making it impossible for enemies to lock onto it.
Seven transformations!
This dazzling change completely threw Jess Marilyn off balance.
Meanwhile, Viktor, who was watching the battle from the sidelines, activated his Sharingan again, watching Chopper's every change with great interest.
"Oh? It's not just a simple Devil Fruit ability..."
Victor looked at the fluctuating life energy within Chopper's body:
"Can a drug be used to forcibly alter the body's wavelength, thereby developing more forms on top of the original three transformations?... This kind of pill is very valuable for research."
At this moment.
A fragrant aroma of wine wafted over.
Dr. Gureva also arrived at the door at some point.
Holding a glass of plum wine, she looked at Chopper, who was displaying his prowess in the snow, and a proud smile curved her lips.
"snort."
Gureva glanced at Viktor and said smugly:
"How about it? My silly son... isn't he pretty good?"
Victor turned his head and looked at the "witch" who was over a hundred years old but still vigorous, and nodded with a smile:
"That's really impressive."
"However…" Viktor changed the subject, jokingly adding, "Given his age, calling him my grandson might be more appropriate, wouldn't it?"
"Bang!!"
Dr. Gureva's face instantly darkened, and she punched Viktor hard on the head without hesitation:
"Want to die? You rude brat! Want to know my secret to eternal youth?!"
Viktor rubbed his head and gave a wry smile.
That old woman has a really strong grip.
On the battlefield, the outcome is already decided.
"Brain Enhancement - Diagnosis!!"
Chopper transformed into a small, chibi-style form, his hooves brought together in front of him as if a scanner had been activated.
In its field of vision, the enemy's weaknesses are clearly visible.
"I saw it! The chin!!"
Chopper's eyes sharpened.
"Wrist strength enhancement!!!"
Its arms instantly swelled, muscles bulging, and its once adorable hooves transformed into iron hammers capable of crushing rocks.
Chopper leaped high into the air, gathering all his strength in his hooves, and slammed them down hard on Jess Marleymon's chin!
"Carved Hoof Cherry Blossom!!!"
"Boom!!"
The hoof prints bloomed like cherry blossoms.
The giant fused human didn't even have time to scream before it was blasted away by the attack, crashing heavily into the snow and falling unconscious with its eyes rolled back.
"Jace!! Mariemont!!"
Wapol was terrified when he saw his last man killed.
"Damn it...damn it!! Since that's how it is, I'll destroy you all along with this damned flag!!"
In desperation, Wapol unleashed his last trump card.
He devoured the cannons and steel on the castle, and his body instantly expanded and deformed, transforming into a "Walpo House" form that resembled a mobile fortress!
"I am the king!! This country is mine! I can destroy whatever I want!!"
Wapol extended a huge cannon barrel from his head, aiming it at the skull and crossbones flag and Luffy atop the castle.
"Go to hell!!"
"Don't even think about it!!"
Luffy shouted and used his rubber powers to bounce back and forth on the castle's outer wall like a nimble monkey, toying with the clumsy Wapol.
Wapol was furious and opened his huge city gate mouth, trying to swallow Luffy whole.
"Rubber rubber—shield!!"
Instead of retreating, Luffy advanced, stretching out his arms and legs to firmly support Wapol's jaws, pushing his large mouth to its limit.
"Ugh! Ugh! Ugh!!" Wapol struggled in pain.
Inside Wapol's mouth, Luffy stared at this tyrant who only knew how to plunder and destroy, his eyes turning incredibly cold:
"You have absolutely no idea what a country is! Nor do you understand what a doctor is!"
"Anyone who doesn't want to save lives doesn't deserve to be a doctor!!"
Luffy released his grip and used the reaction force to stretch his body backward to its limit, accumulating the elasticity of the rubber to its maximum.
"And he has no right... to be king!!!"
"Rubber, rubber—"
Luffy slammed his palms forward, carrying all his anger and conviction.
"...Rocket launcher!!!"
boom----!!!
He slammed both palms heavily into Valbona's steel-like chest.
The immense impact instantly caused Wapol's metal body to cave in deeply.
"Aaaaaaah!!!"
Wapol let out a piercing scream.
His massive body, like a cannonball, instantly broke the sound barrier, transforming into a bright meteor that pierced through the long-standing dark clouds over Cigu Mountain.
Accompanied by that fading roar of resentment:
"Long live the unknown country!!!"
"bite!"
The meteor disappeared into the distant horizon.
As Wapol was sent flying, the thick, dark clouds that had been hanging over Drum Island seemed to be dispersed by the punch, revealing the long-lost azure sky.
At the foot of the mountain.
Dalton and countless villagers looked up at the mountaintop, in the direction where the tyrant had disappeared, tears streaming down their faces, embracing each other and weeping.
The nightmare... is finally over.
...
In front of the castle.
Viktor gazed at the shooting star on the horizon, and a pleasant system notification sounded in his mind:
[bite!]
[Defeat the main force of the White Iron Pirates, assist Luffy in defeating Wapol, and slightly alter the plot.]
[Gained Ninja Points: 1500.]
"Another huge sum of money."
Viktor was in a great mood.
He slowly walked to Chopper, who was slumped on the snow, panting heavily after just reverting to his original form.
At this moment, Chopper was so tired that he couldn't move, but his big eyes were shining with excitement.
It did it; it protected the doctor's banner.
Viktor crouched down, reached out and patted Chopper's pink hat, a gentle smile spreading across his face:
"Well done, Dr. Tanuki."
Chopper was about to retort, "It's a reindeer," when he heard Viktor's next words.
Victor looked at it with a smile and said softly:
"Welcome to...the world of monsters."Chapter 98 The Miracle of Cherry Blossoms! The Fifth Companion Boards the Ship!
Inside the guest rooms of Drum Castle, the fireplace crackled and popped, dispelling the chill of the mountains.
Nami slowly opened her eyes in the warm bed.
The heaviness in my body has disappeared, and the intense heat that felt like it was burning my internal organs has subsided, replaced by a long-lost sense of ease.
"Hmm..."
She propped herself up and sat up, looking around.
The room was quiet, with only one person sitting in a chair by the window.
Victor was standing by the bedside, holding a thick medical book in his hands (actually, he was looking at the system store).
Hearing the noise, he closed the book and turned around.
"woke up?"
Viktor didn't seem too excited; he simply asked in a calm tone.
"Where are the others?" Nami rubbed her temples.
"They're making a ruckus outside; they're probably throwing a party to celebrate your recovery."
Victor stood up and walked to the bedside.
He looked at Nami's face, which had regained its rosy hue, and a smile appeared on his lips. Then he pulled out a long piece of parchment from his pocket.
"Now that you're awake, let's settle the score, Miss Navigator."
"Dr. Gureva's consultation fees, heating costs, medicine costs... and compensation for my emotional distress, and the cost of carrying you up the mountain..."
"A total of 50 million Berries, thank you for your patronage. Installment payment is available, interest will be calculated separately."
"ha?!!"
Nami instantly bristled, her earlier weakness vanishing completely.
She transformed into a fierce-looking kitten with sharp teeth, gripping the blanket and howling:
"50 million?! Are you a monster?! Why don't you just rob someone?!"
"And you expect me to pay you for digging my companion out of the snow?! You bastard!"
Viktor couldn't help but laugh as he watched Nami's energetic and unrestrained cursing.
"Ah, that's great. It seems like I'm completely healed. I even have the energy to swear now."
Victor put away the bill and sat back down in his chair.
The atmosphere in the room suddenly became quiet.
Nami looked at Viktor's face, which still wore a smile but whose eyes betrayed an undeniable weariness, and her anger suddenly vanished.
She remembered the warm figure before she lost consciousness, and the embrace that held her tightly when the avalanche struck.
Nami bit her lip, suddenly shedding her usual tough and greedy facade.
She leaned forward, stretched out her arms, and gently hugged Victor.
"...Thank you."
Nami buried her face in Viktor's chest, her voice soft and trembling slightly:
"If it weren't for you... I might be dead now."
Viktor paused for a moment, his body stiffening slightly.
Then, he smiled helplessly, raised his hand, and gently touched her soft orange hair with the back of his hand.
"Don't talk nonsense."
"If you die, who will I ask for my hundreds of millions of Berries?"
"Can't you say something nice?" Nami complained in his arms, but the corners of her mouth couldn't help but turn up.
"Then… say something else?" Victor's voice softened: "Welcome back, my navigator."
The air in the room seemed to become thick and sweet at that moment, and the firelight illuminated the two figures embracing, creating a warm and tranquil atmosphere.
...
If we don't count the reindeer peeking in from outside the door.
"Squeak—"
The door was pushed open a crack.
A little blue-nosed reindeer was trying to come in to check on the patient when it happened to witness this scene.
From Chopper's simple, instinctive perspective, a man and a woman are embracing, their scents mingling...
"ah!!!!"
Chopper covered his eyes in terror, his face turning as red as a tomato, and hurriedly backed away, only to land on his bottom with a thud.
"I'm so sorry!! I didn't know you were mating!! Sorry to disturb you!!"
The next second, a pillow hit the door with pinpoint accuracy.
"Who's mating?! You perverted deer!!" Nami's furious roar echoed throughout the castle.
...
Nami has fully recovered from her illness. Although she is still a little weak, she is already able to walk.
The group stood outside the castle, getting ready to leave.
"Hey! Reindeer! Come with us!"
Luffy chased Chopper all over the snow, extending a sincere invitation: "Be our crewmate!!"
Chopper stopped in his tracks.
It had its back to everyone, its head bowed, and its small body trembled slightly in the wind and snow.
"No...no..."
Chopper's voice trembled with tears as he spoke the reason that had been troubling him all along:
"I am a reindeer! But I have a blue nose, I can talk, and I can walk on two legs..."
"I'm a monster!!"
Chopper turned around, tears streaming down his face, and shouted:
"Although I long to be with you all... I have no human companions! A monster like me... is unworthy of having companions!"
"You can go now! I'll see you off here..."
Chopper cried and wanted to push away the group of friends he had finally made.
However.
"Stop talking nonsense!!!!!"
A deafening roar interrupted Chopper's feelings of inferiority.
Luffy stood on the snow, mouth agape, and roared out that unreasonable declaration with all his might:
"Let's go!!"
No reason or explanation is needed.
Since I've taken a liking to you, then you're my partner!
Chopper was stunned by the shout and stared blankly at Luffy.
At that moment, Victor slowly walked up to Chopper, who was stunned.
He stretched out his hand and pointed to the group of friends behind him who were smiling at him—
Rubber Man Luffy, Three-Sword Style Zoro, Curly-Eyebrowed Chef Sanji, Long-Nosed Usopp, Navigator Nami, and a talking crow.
"Look at this ship, Chopper."
Viktor crouched down, his deep eyes looking directly into Chopper's tearful eyes, and said with a smile:
"In this kind of 'monster park'..."
Victor extends his hand:
"Wouldn't it be perfect to have another blue-nosed reindeer doctor?"
"We are all... monsters, you know."
Hearing those words and seeing those sincere, unpretentious smiling faces...
Chopper's last line of defense completely collapsed.
"Waaaaaah!!!"
Chopper opened his mouth wide and let out a heart-wrenching cry, not of sadness, but of the joy of finally releasing years of pent-up loneliness:
"That's...that's despicable!!"
"I...I'll go with you!! Dr. Kureha!! I want to be a pirate!!"
...
Parting is always sad.
To prevent the sadness from spreading, Dr. Gureva pretended to be angry and brandished various weapons to drive everyone out of the castle.
"Get out of here, you annoying brats!"
When the Straw Hat crew took Chopper on a sled and rushed down the mountain along the cable car...
Standing atop the castle, Dr. Kureha watched the departing figure, a gentle smile playing on her lips.
"Go on, you stupid son."
"After all these years, someone is finally willing to take you out to sea..."
"Since you're leaving, let me give you the grandest farewell gift."
She suddenly pulled down the lever next to her.
"Bang! Bang! Bang!!"
All the cannons around the castle opened fire simultaneously.
But what was fired was not a cannonball, but rather a special pink powder that Dr. Hiluluk had dedicated his life to researching.
The dust exploded in the air and adhered to the snowflakes that were flying everywhere.
A miracle happened.
The once cold and desolate winter island was transformed in that instant into a giant cherry blossom tree standing tall in the snow country!
Pink snowflakes fell, turning the entire Cigu Mountain red.
Those are cherry blossoms called "Miracle".
"Wow!! So beautiful!!" Nami and Luffy exclaimed as they looked at the sky.
Chopper sat at the back of the sled, gazing at the pink expanse, and recalled Dr. Hiluluk's dying vow—
[I want cherry blossoms to bloom in this white country!!]
Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably.
"Waaaaah... Doctor..."
Chopper cried his eyes out and shouted at the sky:
"Did you see that?! The cherry blossoms are in full bloom!!"
"And... I have a partner now!!!"
...
They took Chopper back to the Going Merry.
As soon as he boarded the ship, Chopper was fascinated by everything on board and was soon taken to a banquet by Luffy and Usoppra.
Victor stood on the deck, watching Drum Island recede into the distance; it was a pink snow-capped mountain.
"So beautiful."
A crisp system notification sounded in my mind.
[bite!]
[Completed story milestone: The Miracle of Drum Island.]
[Recruiting an important partner: Ship's doctor Tony Tony Chopper.]
[Gained 1000 Ninja Points.]
"Adding what was left before, now we have another 2500 points..."
Viktor stretched, in a great mood.
At this moment, Nami changed into a thick set of clothes, glanced at the permanent pointer in her hand, and shouted loudly to the group that was still fooling around:
"Alright everyone! Enough with the fooling around!"
"Next, full speed ahead!"
"Next stop... escorting Vivi back to Alabasta!"
"oh!!"Chapter 99 More Than Just a Hug! A Night Scented with Orange!
The Going Merry sails on the sea away from Drum Island.
Although it was still cold around us, the atmosphere on the deck was as warm as midsummer.
To celebrate Nami's recovery and the arrival of her new friend Chopper, a grand banquet is in full swing.
"cheers!!!"
"Meat! Meat! Delicious meat!!"
Luffy's hands were full of meat with bones, and his mouth was stuffed full.
He is having a pointless "eating contest" with Chopper and Clay, who have also become big eaters.
"Wow! Delicious! Is this a pirate feast?!"
Chopper was so moved that snot streamed down his face, and he grabbed a piece of cake bigger than his face and started munching on it.
In the corner, Zoro, holding a huge barrel of sake, had already entered a "man and sword as one" sake-drinking mode.
In the center of the banquet, Nami, in high spirits, was standing on a wooden crate, boldly raising a huge beer mug.
"Come on, you green-haired one! I'm having a great time today, let's drink until we drop!!"
The joy of surviving the ordeal, coupled with the disappearance of the pain that had been weighing on her heart, allowed Nami to completely let go of herself.
She drank glass after glass, her face flushing with a charming rosy hue.
"Tch, don't get too cocky, witch." Zoro retorted, but still raised his glass in a toast.
After several rounds of drinking contests.
"Hiccup... I... I can still drink..."
Nami's wine glass swayed, and finally, unable to hold her liquor, her body went limp, and she fell backward without warning.
"Nami-san!!!"
Sanji, who had been keeping a close eye on the goddess's every move, suddenly turned his eyes into hearts, let out a shrill scream, and charged over like a whirlwind:
"Let my warm embrace catch you... Wow?!"
"Bang!"
A foot wearing a green boot "inadvertently" peeked out.
Sanji tripped hard, landing face down and sliding several meters across the floor.
"You damn green-haired moss! Do you want to fight?!" Sanji roared as he got up.
"Sorry, I slipped." Zoro calmly took a sip of his drink.
And in that brief moment of emptiness.
A pair of strong hands had already firmly embraced Nami's slender waist.
Viktor caught the drunken navigator, looked at the flushed, dazed girl in his arms, and shook his head helplessly.
"Honestly, why is he drinking so much when he's just recovered from a serious illness?"
Viktor scooped Nami up in his arms and said to Zoro and Sanji, who were still arguing:
"Alright, stop arguing. I'll take this drunkard back to his room to rest."
"Ah! That kind of job should be done by me, a knight..." Sanji was about to protest.
"Alright, alright, Chef, hurry up and grill the meat! Luffy's going to eat the whole plate!"
Viktor smiled and dismissed Sanji, then carried Nami towards the second-floor cabin.
...
Leaving the noisy deck, the corridors of the ship's cabins were unusually quiet.
Inside Nami's room.
The orange light was dim and ambiguous, and a faint orange scent filled the air—Nami's unique fragrance.
Viktor poured a glass of water and placed it on the bedside table. Looking at the blushing girl on the bed, his gaze softened.
"Get a good night's sleep, Miss Navigator."
"Viktor said softly, then turned to leave."
Just as he turned around...
"Don't go..."
Suddenly, a small, hot hand reached out from under the covers and grabbed Viktor's wrist tightly.
Viktor stopped and turned around.
Nami had opened her eyes at some point.
Those big eyes, which were usually filled with images of money, were now misty and looked at him with a wet look.
"Nami?" Viktor paused, taken aback. "Isn't she dead drunk yet?"
"I don't want you to leave..."
Nami, fueled by alcohol, possessed astonishing strength in her hands.
She sat up, the blanket slipped off, revealing her shoulders clad in a thin nightgown.
"Starting from Cocoa West Village... to Rogge Town... and then to that snow-capped mountain..."
Her short, orange hair was slightly messy and stuck to her cheeks.
Nami's voice choked with emotion as she looked into Viktor's eyes.
"You're always there for me whenever I'm in danger. You always stand in front of me when I'm in despair."
"That snow-capped mountain...it's so high...so cold..."
Nami recalled the warmth of his back, like a fireplace, that she had felt while she was unconscious, and tears streamed down her face.
Why are you so good to me?
"Because you're my partner," Viktor said softly, trying to brush it off with a standard answer.
"fraud."
Nami bit her lip, staring intently at him, her wildness and straightforwardness, characteristic of a little thief, completely erupting under the influence of alcohol:
"Just a partner? Would a partner look at me like you do?"
"Victor…look into my eyes and tell me."
Nami sat up in bed and wrapped her arms around Viktor's neck. They were so close, their breaths mingling.
"You...like it, right?"
"Don't go...stay tonight."
Looking at the courageous girl before him, Viktor's sense of reason snapped completely.
A red light flashed in his eyes, and a smile appeared on his lips.
"Oh..."
Viktor reached out and gently pinched Nami's chin:
"What a greedy little thief cat!"
"Since you've already put it this way... I wouldn't be a man if I pretended to be stupid."
The moment the words fell.
Viktor lowered his head and kissed those lips that carried a faint scent of wine and the sweetness of oranges.
"Hmm..."
Nami's body trembled violently, then she closed her eyes and responded awkwardly yet passionately.
The light and shadow in the room seemed to become hazy.
Victor then pushed her down onto the soft bed.
"Wait... for the lamp..." Nami pointed somewhat flusteredly to the desk lamp between breaths.
Victor remained silent, only staring intently at Nami.
The sound of clothes slipping off was particularly clear in the quiet night.
Nami trembled slightly, a mixture of nervousness and anticipation.
She clung tightly to Viktor's shoulders, completely surrendering to his gaze.
"Victor…"
"I am here."
The waves gently lapped against the hull, and the Merry swayed tenderly in the waves, as if the sea itself were singing a lullaby for the lovers.
That night, the navigator of the Going Merry not only found a cure for her illness.
She also found the harbor where she could always find peace and security on the vast ocean.
In that intoxicating scent of oranges, their two hearts finally came together without reservation.
More than just hugs
...
The next morning.
Bright sunlight streamed into the room through the round porthole.
Nami's eyelashes trembled slightly as she slowly woke up. She instinctively reached out to touch the side beside her.
The place was empty, but the sheets still held the warmth of that person.
"That bastard..."
The hangover headache had disappeared, replaced by a feeling of soreness all over my body, as if my body had fallen apart.
Memories of last night flooded back like a tide.
An orange ocean, scorching breaths, and that man who, though not gentle, was utterly captivating…
"ah!!"
Nami abruptly pulled the blanket over her face, looking at the ambiguous marks on her collarbone and arms, feeling as ashamed and indignant as a boiled shrimp.
"What...what is this?! That bastard!!"
Just then.
"Click".
The door was pushed open.
Victor walked in carrying a tray with a steaming hot breakfast on it.
He looked refreshed and energetic, his face still sporting that same smug, cheeky grin, showing absolutely no embarrassment.
Good morning, Nami.
Viktor placed breakfast on the bedside table, looked at Nami who was huddled under the covers with only her eyes showing, and grinned mischievously:
"What? Still reminiscing?"
"Reminiscing about it, my foot!!"
A pillow flew over with pinpoint accuracy.
Viktor easily caught the pillow, walked to the bedside and sat down. Seeing Nami's awkward movements, he solemnly raised his hand, his palm glowing with green chakra.
"You look like you're in a lot of pain? Do you need my help?"
"This is my unique skill, [Palm Immortal Technique], which is specially used to treat sprains, bruises, and back pain. The effect is immediate!"
"Who needs your treatment?!"
Nami was filled with shame and rage, her face flushed crimson: "It's all your fault! Pervert! You lecher! Get out!!"
Although she was cursing, when Victor leaned in and gently placed a good morning kiss on her forehead...
Nami's cursing stopped.
Her face flushed, and she turned her head away, but didn't look away. She just muttered something under her breath:
"...The porridge is getting cold."
This moment.
After the veil of secrecy surrounding their relationship as "first mate and navigator" was finally lifted, a closer bond was established between the two.
However.
This warm and romantic world for two did not last long.
"Ahhhhhh!!!! What a huge fish!!!!"
A vibrant roar instantly shattered the morning's tranquility.
Then came Luffy's excited, booming voice, which pierced through the door:
"Hey!!! Everyone come out and look!! A super huge fish!!"
"Meat! It's all meat!!"
"Hey! Zoro! Go down there and catch him right now!! We want grilled fish!!"
From the deck came Zoro's grumpy voice, still carrying the grumpiness of someone just woke up:
"Huh?! Why me?! Can't you go and catch it yourself?!"
"I want to eat! Hurry up, hurry up!!"
Inside the room.
Viktor and Nami exchanged a glance and chuckled helplessly.
"Seriously... these guys."Chapter 100 The Path of Humans and Demons? Proof Unique to My Companions!
Shortly after leaving Drum Island, the Going Merry entered a sea area shrouded in dense fog year-round.
The thick white fog, like a heavy curtain, obscured the view and made the route ahead uncertain.
on deck.
"So boring—"
Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper were lying side by side by the ship's railing, holding fishing rods and staring idly at the calm sea.
Suddenly, the fishing rod in Chopper's hand sank sharply downwards.
"Ah!! There's a noise!!"
Chopper shouted excitedly, gripping the fishing rod tightly with his two little hooves, trying to pull it up.
But the force was so great that it almost dragged it into the sea.
"I caught one!! It's a big one!!"
"Whoa! Luffy!! Help!!"
Seeing this, Luffy quickly stretched out his arms and hugged Chopper's waist, and Usopp also rushed over to help pull Luffy back.
"Heave-ho! Heave-ho! Pull it up!!"
The two people and the deer worked together to pull backward with great force.
"Splash—!!"
With a loud splash, a huge figure burst out of the water, tracing a graceful arc in the air before landing steadily on the deck.
"Oh? What kind of fish is this?" Luffy asked curiously as he leaned closer.
However, this is not a fish.
Instead, it was a strange person wearing a pink swan dress, with two large wings on his back, extremely exaggerated heavy makeup, and ballet shoes...
"I...have been resurrected!!!"
The strange man struck a difficult ballet pose, making a sound that sent chills down everyone's spine.
This is Mr. 2 von Clay, a senior agent of Baroque Works.
Although their identities were those of high-ranking agents from the opposing camp, at this point, no one knew anyone else's background.
Moreover, Mr. 2's extremely forthright, even "goofy" personality...
Instantly, a wonderful chemistry developed between him and the Straw Hat Pirates' bumbling trio.
Only ten minutes had passed.
"Ready—Go!!"
"Turn left! Turn right! Kick your leg!!"
On the deck, Luffy, Usopp, Chopper, and Mr. 2 stood arm in arm, lined up, and danced the mesmerizing "Can-Can" in perfect unison.
"Hahaha! This is so funny, Bon Clay!" Luffy laughed until tears streamed down his face.
"This is friendship, little straw hat!" Mr. 2 was also moved to tears.
On the second deck.
Viktor and Nami sat in chairs, watching the chaotic scene of demons dancing below. Viktor, holding a cup of tea, activated his three-tomoe Sharingan and observed everything with a smile.
"To commemorate our meeting, let me show you my special skills!"
Mr.2 suddenly stopped dancing and gave a mysterious smile.
He raised his right hand and gently patted his cheek.
"Smack!"
The next second, that heavily made-up face instantly changed and turned into Luffy's face!
"I am Luffy! I want to eat meat!" Mr. 2 imitated Luffy's voice and expression perfectly.
"Huh?! It's me?!" Luffy's jaw dropped in shock.
Then, Mr.2 transformed into Zoro, Usopp, and even the non-human Chopper.
Except for the nose, which is still a human nose, the appearance is almost identical.
"Smack!"
Finally, he touched his face with his left hand, and instantly reverted to his original transvestite face.
"This is me after eating the 'Imitation Fruit'! I can transform into someone else's appearance, including their body, just by touching their face with my right hand! And I can return to my original state by touching my face with my left hand! How about that? Isn't that amazing?"
Wow!! What an amazing ability!
Nami, witnessing this, gasped in astonishment, covering her mouth: "It's a perfect disguise! There's no way to tell!"
"Gah!!"
Just then, a black crow landed on Nami's shoulder.
Clay flapped his wings, staring at Mr. 2 with disdain, and said arrogantly:
"Big Sister, don't make a fuss. That's just a very low-level ability, nothing compared to the great Lord Clay! Cough cough cough cough!"
Victor ignored his pet's boasting.
Curious, he activated his Sharingan, and under its gaze:
"Oh? Not just appearance..."
Viktor watched the energy flowing within Mr. 2 and thought to himself:
"Even the flow of energy within the body and the structure of the bones changed instantly? They even imitated the voice and vocal cords."
"Truly a perfect stealth ability."
"but..."
Victor's gaze fell on Mr. 2's hands.
"The activation condition must be 'touching the face with the right hand,' while the deactivation mechanism is 'touching with the left hand.'"
Once this point is seen through, this seemingly unsolvable disguise will have a flaw.
Not long after, Mr. 2's men arrived to pick him up in his iconic swan boat.
Before leaving, Mr. 2 stood at the bow of the ship, tearfully shouting to Luffy and the others, his deep regret at not having met them sooner touching everyone's hearts.
"Although our time together was short, friendship knows no bounds!!"
"This is—the path of the human-demon hybrid!!!"
"Waaah! Bon Clay! Goodbye!!" Luffy waved goodbye.
Until the swan boat disappeared into the mist.
Weiwei, who had been hiding in the cabin and dared not come out, finally emerged, her face pale.
Her body was trembling slightly, and her eyes were filled with fear.
"That person..."
Vivi took a deep breath and said in a trembling voice:
"The man who was dancing with you just now... he's a senior agent of Baroque Works, Mr. 2 Von Clay!"
"What?!" Everyone was shocked. "He's an enemy?!"
"Yes...and his abilities are terrifying."
Vivi clenched her fist: "If he becomes the king of a country... he could easily start a war and destroy the entire nation!"
Upon hearing this, everyone's expression turned serious.
If enemies can easily disguise themselves as allies and infiltrate their ranks, then there will be no way to trust each other in subsequent battles.
It could even lead to a situation where they kill each other.
We have to think of a way.
Zoro frowned, his hand on the hilt of his sword: "Since we're going to Alabasta, we have to be wary of this. We need to make a mark that only we know about."
"A mark..."
Viktor stepped forward and took a black waterproof pen out of his pocket.
"Zoro is right, but it's not just a simple mark."
Viktor uncapped the pen, recalling the information he had just seen with his Sharingan:
"That guy's ability relies on touching his face with his right hand to activate it, and he can't use that 'transvestite fist technique' while maintaining the transformation."
"In order to prevent him from turning into one of us to deceive everyone, this mark must be hidden in a place that is not usually visible."
Victor pulled Luffy's arm and drew a large black "X" on his left wrist.
Then he took out a white bandage and wrapped the "X" tightly, leaving only the white bandage sticking out.
"In this way, everyone drew this mark on their left arm and then wrapped it with a bandage."
Victor marked everyone.
Looking at the somewhat conspicuous white bandage around his arm, Sanji exhaled a smoke ring and couldn't help but mutter:
"What is this? It's so ugly! It doesn't fit my aesthetic at all."
"ha?"
Zoro finished bandaging himself, glanced at him, and sneered:
"I think it looks pretty good. Is there something wrong with your aesthetic sense regarding curly eyebrows?"
"What did you say?! Green algae head!"
Just as the two were about to start arguing again.
Hehehe!
Luffy looked at the "X" hidden under the bandages and a bright smile appeared on his face.
He raised his bandaged left arm high, facing the sea shrouded in mist, and shouted:
Listen up, everyone!
"No matter what happens! No matter what this arm becomes!"
"This is proof of our comrades!!!"
"oh!!!!!"
Everyone raised their left arms at the same time, and a cheer that shook off the gloom erupted aboard the mist-shrouded Going Merry.
Viktor watched this scene, and his smile deepened.
He glanced at the bandage on his left arm, then looked ahead.
"The fog is about to dissipate."
"Alabasta...we've arrived."