At that moment, atop the snowy peak of Drum Island, fierce winds howled and swirled, carrying with them countless snowflakes that danced wildly through the freezing air.
A blue-nosed reindeer stood idly near the entrance of a towering castle, glancing around with boredom. He was waiting for the doctor inside.
Earlier that morning, Doctor Kureha had told him to prepare to head down the mountain. She mentioned that several villagers at the base of the mountain had fallen ill, and she intended to treat them while picking up some supplies.
As Chopper waited quietly, a strange light suddenly burst forth in the open space nearby.
Crack!
The sound of shattering glass echoed through the wind.
From the glowing air, a tall man materialized, carrying a young woman on his back.
The icy wind screamed around them, yet the swirling snowflakes seemed to part on their own as they neared the mysterious man and woman. The snow, rather than touching them, veered away as if recognizing their presence.
Chopper's eyes widened as the man landed and immediately dashed over.
"You must be Doctor Chopper! Please, can you help my friend? She's very sick—we need a doctor!" the man pleaded urgently.
Leo looked at the stunned reindeer standing in front of him. Supporting the unconscious girl on his back with one hand, he snapped his fingers with the other. A pink marshmallow popped into existence in his palm.
"This is your reward, okay?"
Chopper blinked in surprise. What kind of guy tries to bribe someone with marshmallows?
Also… did he just call me Doctor?
Flustered, Chopper hesitated. He didn't want to look happy, but he still carefully reached out and took the marshmallow.
After munching on the sweet, he turned his attention to the girl on Leo's back. Her breathing was shallow, and her complexion was pale.
She looked like she was in bad shape.
Seeing that Chopper didn't immediately run off, Leo smiled brightly in relief.
"Huh? Someone's up here?"
A voice rang out from inside the castle. Moments later, Doctor Kureha walked out, raising an eyebrow at the scene before her.
Despite the cold, she wore purple-patterned jeans and a short top that exposed her navel and petals. Two mismatched glasses—one black, one white—sat atop her gray hair. She looked oddly stylish for a mountain hermit.
Her eyes widened when she saw Nami slumped against Leo's back.
"This is bad! Quick, Chopper! Get her inside, now!"
Chopper glanced at the marshmallow still in his hooves, then at Leo, then stuffed the treat into his mouth. Without hesitation, he shifted into his larger form and gently lifted Nami from Leo's back.
Without another word, Kureha and Chopper hurried into the castle, leaving Leo standing alone in the snow.
Inside, Kureha examined Nami carefully. "It looks like a bite from something on Prehistoric Island… Chopper, can you confirm?"
Chopper nodded stiffly, glancing once at Leo before saying, "Caskia."
"Yep. That's it. I have no idea how this girl's held out for so long—Caskia venom is no joke."
Kureha stepped back and gave Chopper a pat. "Alright, I'll leave her to you. You've got this, Doctor Chopper."
Then she turned to Leo, beckoning him to follow. "Come with me. We need to talk."
Leo gave one last look at Nami, then followed Kureha into a nearby reception room.
As soon as he sat down, Kureha pulled a bottle of wine from seemingly nowhere and took a deep swig.
"Now then," she began, "how did you know Chopper's name? And that he loves marshmallows?"
Though she hadn't come out of the castle until after Leo arrived, she'd clearly overheard everything.
Leo took off his wide-brimmed hat and placed it on the table, smirking. "If I told you it was magic, would you believe me?"
Kureha gave him a long, skeptical look, as if deciding whether he was crazy or just messing with her.
"Let me guess. You're one of those 'special ability' types. Don't try to fool me—I've seen all kinds of weirdos in my day."
Leo chuckled. "You're sharp, old lady."
That seemed to please Kureha. She gave a proud laugh—then frowned.
"Wait… you called me old."
Realizing she was about to take offense, Leo quickly backpedaled. "Actually, you don't look a day over thirty. I meant wise. Wise!"
Kureha beamed. "Hahaha! Kid, I like you. Want to know the secret to eternal youth and beauty?"
Leo raised an eyebrow. "No thanks. I have enough lifespan problems as it is."
Kureha snorted. "Fine, be that way. But there's still one thing I'm curious about."
"You mean why Nami's symptoms didn't show up sooner?" Leo guessed.
Kureha's eyes sharpened. "Exactly."
Leo leaned back and thought for a moment. "I don't know the full details. But her physical condition is definitely stronger than before. Her resistance must have delayed the venom's effects."
Kureha gave him a look. "So, no doctor on board, huh?"
She took another sip from her bottle while watching him closely.
Leo sighed. "No. We're pirates. We could really use a real doctor."
His blunt honesty seemed to win her over.
"Well said, kid. I respect that. Don't worry—Chopper will take care of your little friend."
Then she began explaining the nature of Caskia venom. It originated from a rare prehistoric insect whose bites released a paralytic toxin that gradually shut down the nervous system. Most victims didn't survive without prompt treatment.
Just as Leo was processing the details, a loud thud echoed from the hallway.
Kureha and Leo exchanged glances and rushed back to Nami's room.
Inside, Nami had already sat up in bed, looking alert. Her feverish flush had mostly faded, and she was scanning the room with curiosity.
Over in the corner, Chopper was awkwardly hiding behind a cabinet, only half his face poking out. His blue nose twitched nervously.
He had antlers atop his head and wore his signature pink hat with an "X" on the front.
Kureha placed a hand on Nami's forehead. "38.2 degrees... That's not bad. Looks like your fever broke."
She poured herself another drink. "Now get some rest. That's your job for the next few days."
Before Nami could ask any questions, Kureha turned and strolled out of the room.
Leo moved beside Nami and knelt next to her. "How are you feeling?"
"I feel a lot better," Nami replied, stretching slightly. "But... what was that thing? That talking deer?"
Leo chuckled and gently touched her forehead. "He's the one who saved you. That's Doctor Chopper."
Nami blinked. "That... was a doctor?"
She turned toward the corner. "Thank you so much, Doctor Chopper!"
Chopper's ears twitched. His whole face turned red, and he stumbled forward with a flustered expression.
"Wha—humans thanking me?! Don't be ridiculous!" he yelled while dancing around in circles.
"And... and don't think I'll be happy just because you called me Doctor! Hmph!"
But the enormous smile on his face said otherwise.
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