"…"
"…"
Shirogai and Dr. Kureha exchanged glances.
They both could tell from Nami's breathing that she was awake, simply pretending to sleep. But with mutual understanding, neither of them exposed her little secret.
"The sniper in our crew is a very timid guy," Shirogai began, his tone casual.
"He's terrified of anyone stronger than him and wouldn't hesitate to toss away his pride just to survive. But that same coward, when his friends are in danger, will risk his life without hesitation. He'll stand between them and death, just to protect their dreams."
Dr. Kureha raised an eyebrow thoughtfully. "That long-nosed guy?"
She remembered how, earlier during surgery, despite being the one with worse injuries, he'd begged her to treat the curly-browed cook first.
Clutching his arm, the sniper had sobbed, "Wuwuwu! If Sanji hadn't saved me, he wouldn't have lost to that mushroom guy! Sanji got hurt protecting me! How could I get treated first?!"
Eventually, fed up, Kureha had knocked him out cold just so she could get on with the treatment.
Shirogai set his empty milk tea cup down with a smile. "Our cook is a strange one. You must've noticed something unusual with your expertise, right?"
Dr. Kureha gave a slight nod. "That curly-browed kid's recovery is remarkable. His body seems... altered. Someone once asked me to help with research like that. Tried to recruit me. I refused."
Nami, still under the blanket, was shocked.
Sanji was modified?
Shirogai crossed his fingers, leaned back in the chair, and said calmly, "He might be a bit more perverted than most, but he's never crossed a line. His family... dragged him into the dark early. But instead of sinking, he lit himself up—became a beacon for others lost in that same darkness."
Dr. Kureha glanced at him with a grin. "You've gone on about everyone else. What about you, Shirogai-san?"
He closed his eyes briefly, then opened them with a soft smile. "Compared to them, I'm plain. No grand origin, no impressive power. Just an average guy from an average home, dreaming of adventure.
By some twist of fate, I ended up meeting the people I'd only imagined, and when the chance came, I stepped aboard their ship without hesitation."
From the bed, Nami silently grumbled:
Ordinary? If Shirogai calls himself ordinary, then there might not be a single exceptional soul left in this world!
Shirogai's voice remained light. "They don't know where I came from, but from the day they accepted me, they've never doubted me. Even blindly trusted me. Truth is… I'm not as warm as they think I am."
Dr. Kureha stood, fetched a bottle of unopened wine from the cabinet, then returned and sat. "So, after all this talk, what is it you're really trying to say, Shirogai-san?"
He spread his hands, straightforward. "I'm saying that Chopper's kindness isn't rare. Many of us carry that same pure heart.
If you want him to grow into a proper doctor, let him come with us. Trust him to make his own way."
Dr. Kureha snorted, then looked him dead in the eye. "So you want me to hand over the child I treat like a son… to a Pirate Crew? Would you give your son to a bunch of thieves?"
Nami, under the blanket, flared up in silent anger.
How dare she scold Shirogai like that!
Yet, Shirogai simply smiled, unmoved. "We're not saints. Just people drawn together by chaos and coincidence.
We joined this crew and set sail because of one man's invitation—Luffy's. He's a reckless Captain, but genuine.
Pirates are still Pirates. A thief doesn't suddenly become a hero.
We don't think of ourselves as heroes. Just adventurers doing wild things under a Pirate flag.
Luffy would never allow us to rob the innocent. With our strength, we won't starve anywhere.
That said, if the target's another pirate crew or a corrupt group... then yes, we'll plunder without hesitation."
He leaned forward slightly, voice intensifying. "Have you ever heard the saying? 'He who steals a hook is executed, but he who steals a nation becomes a ruler.'
This is the Great Pirate Era, ignited by the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger. It burns with ambition and danger.
Many will fall, chasing that treasure. But one day, someone will reach it. And only then will we understand what 'One Piece' truly is."
Dr. Kureha watched him silently.
Shirogai continued, "This era doesn't need the complacent. It needs warriors brave enough to challenge the world's throne.
Sure, Chopper might live safely here on Drum Island. But who can guarantee that safety will last?
One day, maybe a beam of light will fall from the sky and wipe this place out.
And the reason? Maybe some noble thought the name 'Drum Island' sounded unpleasant."
Kureha's eyes widened. "What… are you planning?"
Shirogai stood and walked toward the door, answering without turning back, "I'll gather power, spread it quietly, build it where no one sees. One day, it might be the force that flips this world upside down."
She narrowed her eyes. "You realize what kind of enemies that'll draw out once they discover your plan?"
With a small smile, he replied, "I'm not worried. When it comes to individual strength, I don't believe I'll lose to anyone.
Even if they're part of the World Government's strongest force—the Admirals!"
Dr. Kureha took a deep sip of wine, slammed the bottle on the table, and laughed wildly. "Looks like Chopper's about to join a very interesting crew.
The Vice-Captain's ambitions are... terrifying. Fine! I'll agree to let him go. But only if he himself chooses to leave. I won't force him."
Admiral?!
Nami trembled under the blanket, stunned.
He's not just ready to fight Warlords—he's already thinking about Admirals?!
Her nose wrinkled as tears stung her eyes.
Nojiko... I wanna go home!
---
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