"Don't just stand there with your mouth open!" Kureha's unmistakable voice rang out from the castle's upper balcony. Chopper looked up just in time to see her standing tall against the snowy backdrop, hands on her hips, her white coat flapping in the wind like the banner of a proud mentor.
Before anyone could respond, she hurled a tightly wrapped satchel down to him. It landed near his hooves with a soft thump. Chopper blinked and picked it up slowly, untying the string. Inside were carefully packed vials, herbs, syringes, gauze—his tools. A lifeline. A parting gift from a teacher who never said goodbye with words.
"You think I'd let my apprentice leave without his tools?" she barked, her voice rough but laced with affection. "Everything you need is in there—medicine, notes, and bandages. Don't embarrass me, reindeer boy!"
Chopper clutched the satchel to his chest, eyes brimming with tears. "Doctor Kureha…"
Her voice cut him off. "Don't start crying now or I will change my mind! Go! The world's waiting for you!"
He nodded vigorously, wiping his eyes with the back of his hoof, his blue nose sniffing. "Thank you, Doctor Kureha!! I'll become a great doctor—I promise!"
Kureha didn't answer with words this time. She simply stood tall, arms folded, eyes shining with unspoken pride. After a long pause, she gave a small nod and raised one hand in a final wave—brief, but powerful—watching him like a mother seeing her child take his first step into the unknown. Above her, the sky stretched wide, as if even the heavens acknowledged the moment.
The Straw Hats turned toward the Going Merry, beginning their descent down the snowy slope. The wind had softened, almost like the island was exhaling a gentle farewell. Chopper walked with them, half-floating with adrenaline, half-anchored by disbelief.
Then—a massive boom echoed across the landscape.
They spun around just as brilliant pink explosions burst from the castle's rooftop.
Snowflakes shaped like sakura blossoms began falling from the sky, drifting in spirals like petals in a spring breeze. The night air shimmered with the glow of the flares, their light reflecting on the snowfields and casting a pink hue across the mountain. The cold carried a subtle scent of ash and herbs from the cannon discharge, mingling with the purity of fresh snow.
"It's… snowing cherry blossoms?" Chopper gasped, stunned. His jaw dropped as he reached out a hoof to catch one. It melted instantly, but the warmth it left behind lingered.
Kureha's voice rang through the mountain air once more, bold and fierce: "This is for Hiriluk's dream!"
Robin's lips curled into a soft smile. "A snow that heals the heart… how beautiful."
Sanji let out a low whistle, tilting his head skyward. "Old lady's got a flair for drama. I'll give her that."
Chopper looked up, frozen by awe. He could see it now—Hiriluk's dream wasn't just metaphor. It was real, tangible, drifting down from the heavens as if summoned by faith. His tears returned, not from sadness, but from joy. His heart beat loudly in his chest, as if urging him forward.
Luffy walked beside him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Welcome to the crew."
Chopper tried to speak but his voice cracked, lost beneath the weight of the moment. Instead, he gave a deep bow, his hoof gripping Luffy's arm for support as tears shimmered in his eyes. He stepped forward into a new life, heart pounding with both fear and excitement.
They reached the ship slowly. For the first time, Chopper walked not behind, but beside the crew. The snow crunched underfoot, and he noticed how naturally he fit into their rhythm—even amid the teasing, the bickering, the laughter. The ship in the distance wasn't just a vessel—it was home.
"Let's head to Alabasta!" Luffy declared loudly as they stepped onto the deck of the Going Merry, fists raised.
Chopper stumbled in the snow at the gangplank, landing on his face with a squeak. "S-sorry!"
Zoro chuckled. "You'll get used to walking with weirdos."
Sanji smirked. "At least he doesn't trip over his own ego like moss-head."
"You wanna go, curly-brow?" Zoro snapped.
Usopp sighed, rubbing his forehead. "They never stop, huh?"
Chopper giggled, standing back up and brushing snow from his fur. He trotted up the ramp, his medicine bag bouncing at his side, and felt the creak of the ship welcome him. The wooden boards beneath his hooves felt warm despite the cold.
He shifted into Heavy Point and picked up a large supply crate with ease, lifting it over his head as if it weighed nothing. Muscles bulged under his fur and his stance was firm.
Usopp's jaw dropped. "Okay, that's cheating."
"I can help with loading!" Chopper said proudly, his ears twitching upright.
Nami peeked from the cabin doorway, wrapped in a blanket. "Just don't crush the food stores, okay?"
Chopper beamed. "I'll be careful! I'm strong, but precise!"
Just as the laughter began to settle and a peaceful stillness spread among them, a sharp crack echoed across the sea.
A shadow loomed on the horizon.
A Marine ship.
Its sails billowed in the wind, the Navy emblem stark and unmistakable. On its deck, figures scrambled to position. Cannons were rolled into place, and voices shouted over the gusting wind.
Robin narrowed her eyes, scanning the dark waters with focus. "They've spotted us," she said, her voice calm but alert.
A cannon hatch opened, and a glint of steel reflected the moonlight. The tension was immediate.
Luffy's eyes lit up with excitement. He rolled his shoulders and adjusted his straw hat.
"Looks like we're not done yet."
To be continued...
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