The gates of the SMILE factory were swallowed by a localized blizzard. Nami and Rebecca, dressed only in light summer clothing, began to shiver violently as the temperature plummeted.
"Chopper! Take off your fur and give it to us before we freeze to death!" Nami pleaded, looking toward their small doctor.
Chopper nodded earnestly. "You're right, I'll just—wait, how am I supposed to take off my own fur, you idiot!". Despite the dire situation, the Straw Hat crew's classic banter remained intact.
The levity quickly faded as they watched Kyros struggle. Even with his masterful sword skills, the legendary gladiator was being suppressed by the combined might of Rao G and Baby 5. The constant interference from Monet's snow and the disadvantage of having only one leg made the fight nearly impossible for him.
Chopper couldn't stand to watch any longer. "Walk Point! Shave!".
The reindeer vanished in a blur of speed, reappearing behind Rao G to deliver a powerful hoof-kick to the old man's head. Rao G, a seasoned martial artist, tilted his head just enough to dodge and countered with a heavy "G" punch. Chopper reacted instantly, shifting into his Guard Point to absorb the impact with his enhanced fur, though the force still sent him tumbling backward.
"Damn it! If I'd known it would be this annoying, I would have let Law switch your hearts around!" Chopper grumbled.
The mention of the Surgeon of Death had a surprising effect. Both Rao G and Baby 5 flinched, visibly recalling the terrifying sensation of having their hearts held in Law's hands.
Nami jumped on the opportunity. "Chopper's right! You'd better behave, or we'll have Law crush your hearts into paste!".
For a moment, the two officers were paralyzed by fear. However, the elderly Rao G soon steeled his resolve. "As vassals of the Young Master, we must be fearless in the face of death! If you wish to crush our hearts, then do it! But we will fight you to our last breath!".
Chopper looked at the old man with newfound respect. "Grandpa, you're a real man. Because of that, I'm going to defeat you in a fair fight. I am the Straw Hat's doctor, Tony Tony Chopper! Remember the name that beat you!".
He reached into his bag, pulled out a Rumble Ball, and tossed it into his mouth.
Chopper's heartbeat thundered in his chest. Within seconds, the small, cute reindeer swelled into a towering, thirty-meter-tall behemoth. He let out a primal roar that shook the factory walls, using his massive body to shield Nami and Rebecca from the biting wind and snow.
At this moment, Chopper embraced the form he once feared. He was willing to be a monster if it meant protecting his friends. "Cloven Hoof: Coconut!".
His massive palm swept toward Rao G, forcing the old man to scramble out of the way. Monet and Baby 5 watched in horror. They had assumed the small creature was merely a pet, not a high-level combatant of the Grand Line.
"Chopper..." Nami whispered. She saw how much the shy little doctor had grown. He was no longer just a kid; he was a powerhouse willing to sacrifice his humanity for the crew.
"Ahahaha! Now that monster looks like fun!" Dellinger laughed, his bloodlust rising.
"Hey! Your opponent is right here!".
A fist the size of a sandbag slammed into Dellinger's face, sending the young officer flying. Usopp stood there, his face transformed into that of a red-faced Tengu.
"People think I can only snipe from a distance," Usopp said, adjusting his position. "They don't realize my close-quarters combat is just as dangerous. This Zoan Fruit gives me incredible physical strength, and I've been secretly practicing the Marine's Six Styles. I won't lose to a mere officer!".
Dellinger's excitement peaked. His body began to change; a dorsal fin sprouted from his back, and his teeth grew into jagged rows.
"You look like a Fighting Fish," Usopp noted, his eyes narrowing. "Is that a Devil Fruit, or are you just a freak?".
"Who knows? Let's just fight!" Dellinger screamed.
Dellinger vanished and reappeared at blinding speed, aiming a high-heeled kick at Usopp's ribs. This time, Usopp was ready. He twisted his body, narrowly avoiding the strike, and countered immediately.
"Finger Pistol!".
Usopp thrust his fingers forward in a rapid-fire boxing style. Dellinger dodged most of the blows, but Usopp's relentless pressure eventually found an opening. He managed to pierce Dellinger's shoulder and abdomen. The wounds weren't deep, but they began to bleed, driving Dellinger into a frenzy.
The officer lunged with a low tackle, aiming the sharp horns on his head directly at Usopp's stomach. Usopp didn't move. There was a loud CLANG, followed by the sound of bone snapping. Dellinger's horn broke off against Usopp's gut.
"Armament Haki? How?!" Dellinger gasped, clutching his head.
"It's a combination of Armament Haki and the Iron Body technique!" Usopp boasted, though he was secretly rubbing the sore spot on his stomach. "We have the best teacher in the world. Hardening my defense is easy for a talent like me!".
In reality, Usopp's Haki was still new and his Iron Body was far from perfect, but his bluff worked. Dellinger hesitated, looking at his broken horn with confusion.
Usopp seized the moment. He reached out and grasped the air, manifesting a bow made of pure wind. He pulled a feather from his back, nocking it as an arrow. The air grew heavy with murderous intent as he aimed directly at Dellinger.
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