After a day and a half of sailing through the icy waters surrounding **Drum Island**, the Straw Hat Pirates finally approached their destination. The island was a stark contrast to the tropical climates they had grown accustomed to. Snow-covered mountains loomed in the distance, and the air was crisp and cold. The crew bundled up in whatever warm clothing they could find, their breath visible in the frosty air.
As the Going Merry neared the island, the crew noticed a group of armed men waiting on the shore. These were members of **Drum Island's militia**, led by **Dalton**, a former royal guard who had taken charge of the island after **Wapol's** tyrannical rule. The militia was wary of outsiders, especially pirates, and they were prepared to defend their home if necessary.
As soon as the Straw Hats' ship came within range, the militia launched an attack. Arrows and cannonballs rained down on the Going Merry, forcing the crew to take cover.
"Hey! What's the big idea?!" Usopp shouted, ducking behind the railing. "We haven't even done anything yet!"
Nami, clutching her Log Pose, glared at the shore. "They must think we're here to cause trouble. We need to explain ourselves before they sink the ship!"
Luffy, however, was unfazed. He stood at the front of the ship, his straw hat shielding his eyes from the snow. "Don't worry, guys. I'll handle this."
With that, Luffy leaped off the ship and landed on the icy shore, his hands raised in a gesture of peace. The militia immediately surrounded him, their weapons pointed at his chest.
"Who are you, and what do you want?" Dalton demanded, his voice firm but not hostile. He was a tall, muscular man with a calm demeanor, and his presence commanded respect.
Luffy grinned. "I'm Monkey D. Luffy, and these are my crewmates. We're not here to cause trouble. In fact, we brought you a gift."
He gestured toward the ship, where **Wapol** and **Chessmarimo** were tied up and unconscious. The militia's eyes widened in shock as they recognized their former king and his lackey.
Dalton lowered his weapon, his expression softening. "You captured Wapol?"
Luffy nodded. "Yeah. He tried to attack us, so we dealt with him. We figured you might want him back."
The militia exchanged glances, their hostility fading. Dalton stepped forward, his tone now more respectful. "You have our gratitude. Wapol's tyranny caused great suffering on this island. Capturing him is no small feat."
With that, Dalton ordered his men to stand down. The Straw Hats were allowed to dock their ship and come ashore. As they disembarked, Luffy handed Wapol and Chessmarimo over to Dalton.
"What are you going to do with them?" Luffy asked, his tone casual but curious.
Dalton's expression hardened. "This time, I will not show mercy. Wapol will be publicly executed for his crimes against the people of Drum Island."
The crew nodded in approval. They had no sympathy for Wapol, and they understood the need for justice.
With the immediate threat neutralized, Luffy turned to Dalton. "We're here to recruit a new crew member. Do you know a doctor named **Kureha**?"
Dalton's eyes widened in surprise. "You're looking for Doctor Kureha? She's one of the best doctors in the world, but she's... difficult. I doubt she'll join your crew."
Luffy grinned. "I know she won't. But her apprentice might. Do you know **Chopper**?"
Dalton's expression shifted from surprise to disbelief. "Chopper? You mean Tony Tony Chopper? The reindeer?"
Luffy nodded. "Yeah. He's the one we're here for."
Dalton crossed his arms, his tone cautious. "Chopper is a skilled doctor, but he's also shy and wary of humans. Convincing him to join you won't be easy."
Before Luffy could respond, **Sanji** suddenly appeared, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Wait, did you say Doctor Kureha is a lady? Captain, we have to recruit her! A beautiful, intelligent woman like that would be a perfect addition to the crew!"
Luffy sighed and grabbed Sanji by the collar, silencing him with a firm shake. "Shut up, Sanji. We're here for Chopper, not Kureha."
Sanji pouted but didn't argue further. He knew better than to challenge Luffy when it came to crew decisions.
As Dalton guided the Straw Hats to **Kureha's Castle**, he shared Chopper's tragic yet inspiring backstory with the crew.
"When Chopper was younger, he ate the **Hito Hito no Mi**, a Devil Fruit that gave him human intelligence and the ability to transform," Dalton explained. "But because of his blue nose and his hybrid form, the other reindeer rejected him. He was an outcast, alone and misunderstood."
The crew listened intently, their hearts heavy with sympathy for the young reindeer.
"One day, Chopper was shot by hunters and left to die," Dalton continued. "He was found by **Dr. Hiriluk**, a quack doctor who was trying to cure the people of Drum. Despite his eccentric methods, Dr. Hiriluk had a kind heart. He treated Chopper's wounds and took him in, becoming the first person to show him kindness."
Luffy's eyes softened as he listened. He could relate to Chopper's feelings of loneliness and the desire to find a place where he belonged.
"Dr. Hiriluk inspired Chopper to become a doctor," Dalton said. "But their friendship was cut short. Dr. Hiriluk was dying, and he knew it. To protect Chopper and the people of Drum, he kicked Chopper out of his home, pretending to reject him. Chopper didn't understand why, but he later discovered the truth. Dr. Hiriluk sacrificed himself for the sake of Chopper and his country."
The crew was silent, their respect for Dr. Hiriluk and Chopper growing with each word.
"After Dr. Hiriluk's death, Chopper stayed with **Dr. Kureha**, who taught him the art of medicine," Dalton concluded. "But Chopper has always been wary of humans. He's been hurt too many times to trust easily."
Luffy's expression was determined. "That's why we're here. Chopper deserves a family, and we're going to give him one."
After hours of climbing through the snow-covered mountains, the crew finally reached **Kureha's Castle**, a massive structure perched atop the highest peak of Drum Island. The castle was imposing, with its icy walls and towering spires, but Luffy didn't hesitate. He marched up to the front door and knocked loudly.
The door creaked open, revealing **Doctor Kureha**, a tall, elderly woman with a sharp tongue and an even sharper mind. She glared at the crew, her hands on her hips.
"Who the hell are you, and what do you want?" she demanded.
Luffy grinned. "I'm Monkey D. Luffy, and I'm here to recruit Chopper!"
Kureha raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. "Chopper? That idiot? What do you want with him?"
Before Luffy could respond, a small, reindeer-like creature peeked out from behind Kureha. It was **Tony Tony Chopper**, his eyes wide with curiosity and fear.
"Who... who are you?" Chopper asked, his voice trembling.
Luffy's grin widened. "I'm your new captain. Join my crew, Chopper. We're going on an adventure!"