"Doctorine~ Can I... really graduate?"
On the Grand Line, in the Sakura Kingdom—formerly known as the Drum Kingdom—Doctor Kureha's treehouse clinic was bustling with activity.
Hiriluk, Chopper, and Law, who had been studying here for more than half a year, were gathered alongside the kingdom's current ruler, Dalton, and the Isshi-20.
Chopper's large, watery eyes brimmed with reluctance as he gazed at Kureha, on the verge of tears.
"Ugh... but I don't want to leave you, Doctorine, or the doctors, or everyone else!"
"Silly child, you've learned all of my medical techniques, and even mastered the methods that the Isshi-20 painstakingly researched. To accomplish that so quickly... we're proud of you."
Kureha gave a satisfied smile and took a hearty swig from her bottle.
The eccentric "Witch" had been deeply moved by Chopper's innocence and kindness. The success of Hiriluk's "Panacea" research had also dispelled the lingering gloom from the hearts of the Sakura Kingdom's people.
At 138 years old, Kureha considered herself incredibly lucky to witness the redemption of an entire nation.
As for the former king, Wapol, both Kureha and Hiriluk had their suspicions about his fate—but in tacit agreement, neither ever spoke of it. Better for him to vanish silently from the kingdom's history.
"Chopper, you're the best! I've always believed in you. Now you can proudly tell anyone—you're a doctor!"
Hiriluk hugged Chopper's small body, his smile wide and unstoppable.
"Next, you'll go to a place with even more advanced medical knowledge. If you master those techniques, you'll be one step closer to your dream!"
"Mm... but..."
"Don't worry about the doctors, Chopper. I'll protect them—I promise!"
Dalton stepped forward. Once beloved as the captain of the royal guard, he had since become the kingdom's benevolent king, tirelessly developing the nation's medical infrastructure. The Sakura Kingdom had rightfully earned its reputation as a medical powerhouse.
The Isshi-20 watched Chopper with pride. This little reindeer had achieved what many humans could only dream of—truly remarkable.
After Wapol's disappearance, Hiriluk's inspiring words had driven the Isshi-20 to devote themselves to medical research. Together, they had trained many outstanding medical students and made great strides in the kingdom's medical advancements.
"Ah, Chopper... Graduation means you're outstanding. I never expected to meet someone so passionate about medicine."
Law finally spoke.
As a powerful doctor, Law could surpass most physicians—thanks largely to the Ope Ope no Mi. But from the perspective of pure medical skill, he couldn't help but admire Chopper.
After half a year of studying here, Law finally understood why Wright had recommended this journey.
The Sakura Kingdom's medical knowledge, refined through centuries of tradition, surpassed even the cutting-edge science of Germa.
Law felt himself growing stronger every day. And this little reindeer classmate reminded him of his own childhood dream—to become an excellent doctor.
"Idiot~ Even if you praise me like that... I-I won't be happy, you jerk~"
Chopper shifted into his trademark "bashful" mode, drawing laughter from everyone. The treehouse filled with warmth and joy.
More than six months ago, after returning from Watcher's Island, Law had set sail from the North Blue with his crew and headed for the Grand Line.
Upon arriving in the Sakura Kingdom, he met Kureha.
Hearing that Law was an "exchange student" sent by Admiral Wright, Kureha was initially suspicious of the pirate's identity—until Law demonstrated the power of the Ope Ope no Mi.
As a top-tier doctor, Kureha immediately grasped the fruit's significance. Law had revealed it without reservation—there was no longer any need to hide.
By now, Law had grown so strong that only an Admiral could truly threaten him.
After explaining his connection to Admiral Wright, Kureha—one of Wright's trusted allies—opened the kingdom's medical archives to him.
Thus, Law and Chopper became classmates.
Though Kureha flatly denied the existence of the "Immortality Surgery," Law remained curious about the secret behind her longevity—but she clearly had no intention of sharing it.
Not that she ever missed an opportunity to tease others about it.
Kureha also took great interest in Bepo.
A talking polar bear—even in her 138 years, she had only heard vague rumors of such a race, never seen one in person.
Though Chopper's case was more unusual, Bepo quickly became his closest friend.
The two cold-weather creatures hated the heat and often spent their free time playing with Lapahn rabbits in the snowy mountains.
Law's crew remained in the kingdom while he studied. When the time came to send Chopper to Germa, they would transfer via Alabasta.
"I'll take care of it, Doctor Hiriluk, Doctor Kureha."
Dalton stepped forward.
"Whether as the pride of the Sakura Kingdom, or as repayment for teaching me the Seven Forms*—I am the most suitable escort to Alabasta."
"You're the king now! How would it look for a monarch to escort Chopper personally?"
Hiriluk shook his head. He had intended to accompany Chopper himself, remembering his own days at sea.
"Hahaha! What does being king matter? I'll be visiting Alabasta with Isshi-20—a diplomatic mission, perfectly reasonable."
Dalton chuckled.
"Besides, meeting King Cobra will be easier if I go. This matter isn't something to make public."
As the only country outside the Navy to possess a Lightforged Beacon, Alabasta's strategic equipment was the envy of many nations.
But without Alabasta's strength, the World Government would never allow the Sakura Kingdom to hold such technology.
After a moment's thought, Hiriluk had to concede that Dalton's reasoning made sense.
"Then I'll leave Chopper in your care, Your Majesty."
"Just call me Dalton... After all these years, you still haven't changed."
"Hahaha... I call you 'Your Majesty' willingly!"
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TL/N:
Seven Forms or in literal translation—Seven-Stage Transformation.
Ugh... which technique or ability or skill is this? I can't seem to find it on internet. The latter sounds too chinese for me, lol.
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