"Your Majesty is wise!"
"No wonder it's Lord Wapol!"
Two ministers immediately echoed in flattery.
...
The snow was falling heavily, and the night grew darker.
Kuma hugged the Bible, his figure constantly flickering high in the sky, each teleport spanning hundreds of meters.
As he advanced, he observed the lights below, pondering—
This country doesn't seem to have any damaged towns or displaced citizens.
Are those pirates really here to plunder this nation, as the King suggested?
...
In the treehouse.
Under the warm orange lights, Shano wore only shorts, lying face down on the bed.
"Be gentle, old woman! The enemy didn't knock me down, but you, as a doctor, might send me away!"
His face was buried in the pillow, his voice muffled, as Kureha rode on his back, glaring at the bent needle in her hand, her forehead veins bulging.
"Shut up, brat!"
Annoyed, she slapped Shano's back, "I've been practicing medicine for over a hundred years and never seen anyone as outrageous as you! If it wasn't for how you helped Chopper, I wouldn't have taken on this troublesome task!"
What exactly is this brat's body made of?
From the skin to the muscles and blood vessels, every inch defies medical logic; the muscle fibers' strength exceeds her limits of understanding.
She had failed several times before, and this time, finally managed to forcibly pierce the needle into the skin.
Yet, the muscle fibers actively contracted and moved, with astonishing elasticity, squeezing the needle out.
Busy for half a day, unable to pierce a vein? Such a disgrace for a doctor!
And this was even after Shano tried to cooperate and relax.
Four broken needles had piled at the bed's foot, while Chopper frantically searched through the medicine box: "Doctor! We've used up all the reinforced syringes, there are none left!"
"Forget it then."
Shano sighed, grabbed his pants, intending to rise. He didn't consider toxin treatment essential.
After all, this ghostly appearance wouldn't last more than half a month.
Once back on the ship, he'd stay between the training room and bedroom, avoiding others for a while.
"Get back down!"
Kureha punched down angrily, "I'm not giving up today! I'm going all out!"
"Chopper!"
She abruptly turned her head, "Go fetch the superalloy syringe from the basement that we use on the Sea King species! I'm giving this brat the shot no matter what!"
"Yes, Doctor!"
The young reindeer scrambled towards the basement.
In no time, he returned, panting, carrying a metal syringe thicker than his head, its tip gleaming chillingly in the light.
"Is this really okay?"
Chopper nervously handed over the syringe, "Doctor, Shano is a good man, please don't..."
"Relax~!" Kureha took a swig of wine, sneeringly flexing her wrist, "This kid is tougher than a Sea King species!"
...
Half a minute later.
"Ha! Finally succeeded!"
Kureha roughly pulled out the extra-large syringe, and with a buzz, the dark sheen covering the needle tip faded quickly.
"You old woman..." Shano grinned painfully, propping himself up, "I feel like you're taking revenge."
Just a shot, yet even Armament Haki was used.
Moreover, a noteworthy point is that despite being a doctor, possessing Haki? This old woman is indeed remarkable!
"Stop babbling!"
Kureha proudly shook the empty syringe, "The toxin has been neutralized. You just need good rest tonight; by morning, the bruising will vanish. Now, pay the fee!"
"How much?" Shano was somewhat frustrated, "After all, I saved Chopper's life, can't you offer a free treatment?"
"I'll give you a discount, minus 50 Belly."
Kureha lit a cigarette, leisurely smoking, "Original price is 100 million Belly, now it's 99,999,950, isn't that fair?"
"That's too outrageous, old hag!"
Shano was furious, "It's only residual toxins on the skin, not a lifesaving treatment, 100 million Belly? You might as well rob someone!"
"Ugh, Doctor." Chopper pulled at Kureha's clothes, feeling aggrieved, "Am I worth just 50 Belly?"
"Definitely not."
Kureha glanced at Chopper, smiling, "You're not worth 50 at all, Hiluluk gave you to me for free."
Eh?
Chopper's eyes widened, and at this moment, a "boom" suddenly echoed outside.
The entire treehouse shook violently, and the medicine jars hanging on the wall clattered, nearly falling to the ground.
"Wow!"
Chopper shivered, almost rushed into Kureha's arms, hesitated, then quietly retreated behind Shano.
"They're finally here?"
Shano grinned, ruffling Chopper's head, seemingly expecting this moment.
He stood up, dressed, and pushed the door open to leave, with Robin chuckling, immediately following.
Outside the treehouse, the snowstorm intensified.
A towering figure stood silently in the snow.
His Bear Ear Hat covered in a thick layer of snow, his gentle eyes watching the warmly lit treehouse through the swirling snowflakes.
In his hand, he still held a struggling, plump figure.
"Let go of me, let go—"
"Wapol?!" Kureha followed out, witnessed the scene, and her eyes widened, "How is that scoundrel king..."