Striding forward, the winding path led to a secluded spot. Towering trees reached into the clouds, and sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled shadows.
The rainforest was filled with the scent of damp earth and a faint aroma of plants.
"Wow, this is too spectacular! It's my first time seeing such a big tree!"
Stepping on the soft ground, Fat Tiger shouted excitedly, scaring away the surrounding birds by two miles.
"Africa, the real Africa, we have arrived on the real African continent!"
Xiao Fu murmured, unusually dressed in a purple T-shirt, the meaning of which was unknown, and only discerning people could see the mystery within.
"Ah! What was that?!"
Nobi Nobita felt a chill down his neck, covering his wet neck with both hands, his expression panicked.
He thought it was saliva from some wild animal in the tree; he had been reading too many adventure comics lately.
"It's just dew hanging on the low bushes, Nobita, don't be so jumpy."
Nobi Hiroshi pointed to the branches above his head.
The rainforest air was naturally fresh and humid; a few drops of water were normal.
Of course, there was no guarantee that a hungry python wouldn't open its mouth and tongue, letting some lucky person black out with its gaping maw.
"Oh… so that's what it was…"
Nobita scratched his face, smiling to ease the awkwardness. Then they walked along the winding path, occasionally seeing strange plants they had never seen before.
The road was not as muddy and difficult as imagined. Ferns grew silently in the shade, and vines intertwined among the trees, forming natural hammocks.
Animal friends shuttled through. Nobi Hiroshi encountered a gentleman deer, bearing the title of a rare animal, who immediately pulled at his pants without a word.
"Let go! Go find your third brother!!!"
Pushing away the okapi's head, Nobi Hiroshi pinched his wet pant leg. Even when encountering animal friends, one must pay attention to their own safety.
"So tired, my legs are so sore. We must have walked at least 10 kilometers, right?"
Under the scorching sun, Nobita, who had poorer physical stamina, was the first to give out. His steps gradually became weak, as if his body had been hollowed out.
"It's still very early. I estimate we've only walked 5 kilometers. We still have 95 kilometers to go to our destination."
Holding Shizuka's hand, Nobi Hiroshi walked with ease. Looking at Coal Ball, who was striding quickly at the very front, he always felt that something was off.
Doraemon's mood had improved, stemming from a genuine happiness. He was rushing so fast ahead that no one could keep up.
"What! Still so far?!"
Upon hearing that they hadn't even covered 1/10 of the journey, Nobita leaned against a large tree and sat down.
"Honestly, I'm a bit tired too. There's no excitement on the way at all, it's not like an adventure. So boring."
Xiao Fu complained softly, holding the back of his head.
"It's only natural that there are only trees wherever you go in the jungle!"
Doraemon waved his hand helplessly.
In fact, all of this was understandable. After all, no matter how beautiful the scenery, you become numb to it after seeing too much.
The initial excitement of the group upon arriving in the rainforest had completely worn off. The rest of the journey became somewhat boring, especially since there was nothing but plants along the way; all you could see were trees.
"Doraemon, since everyone is tired, let's rest for a bit before continuing our journey!"
Nobi Hiroshi stopped and called Coal Ball back from ahead. It was also time for afternoon tea, and everyone could have some snacks to relax.
"Alright, then let's rest for a bit. Tell me what you want to eat."
Doraemon pulled out a box of colorful potions from his pocket, which also contained a syringe.
It wasn't a medical product, but a plant modifier that could make trees bear fruit, and all the fruits were food.
Xiao Fu's crab, Shizuka's sweet potato, Nobita's hot dog, Fat Tiger's fried pork cutlet, and Hiroshi's chocolate bar.
One by one, they listed what they wanted to eat, and Doraemon remembered each of their requests.
He chose a good-looking big tree, filled the syringe with different colored potions, and then injected all the essence into the big tree.
He injected it thoroughly, leaving nothing behind.
As the medicine took effect, a golden light emanated from within the sapling, blooming and bearing coconut-like fruits at a visible speed.
"Wow!"
Even though they were used to it, seeing this scene still surprised everyone.
Especially Coal Ball at Nobi Hiroshi's feet, she had a sense of déjà vu, like Grandma Liu visiting the Grand View Garden.
Dumbfounded.
"Doraemon, we have food, but since we're having a meal, let's find a place with a beautiful view."
"You're right, leave it to me."
Nobi Hiroshi and Doraemon hit it off immediately. Doraemon took out a new tool, the [Instant Elevator], with a basket hanging from a rope, slowly pulling people up to the treetop.
The lush canopy of the tree naturally couldn't seat people, so Doraemon once again injected the tree trunk with plant modifying liquid, with even more essence than last time.
Swish swish swish~~~
The surface of the branches glowed, as if life force was surging. The branches gradually became thick and strong, forming circles, and a platform was built above, looking like a giant mosquito coil from above.
"So cool, I'm going up first!"
Fat Tiger, eating his unchanging pork cutlet, was the first to jump onto the elevator and ascend to the top.
The seemingly sturdy rope was actually very durable. Hiroshi had initially worried that the elevator, made of thin lines, would break under the weight.
Soon, everyone was sitting on the winding tree vines, overlooking the entire rainforest.
In the distance, mountains were faintly visible, shrouded in mist. That should be the Old Smoker Jungle, making it impossible to discern its true nature.
"Coal Ball, dogs can't eat chocolate, do you know that?"
Looking at Coal Ball, who was lying on his lap begging, Nobi Hiroshi held the half-eaten chocolate bar high above his head.
Coal Ball raised her paw, looking at the chocolate bar in Nobi Hiroshi's hand, her eyes sparkling with desire. She wagged her tail, making a pleading sound, trying to get away with it.
"No, you'll die if you eat it. I'm doing this for your own good, understand?"
"Woof~"
Seemingly understanding Nobi Hiroshi's words, Coal Ball lowered her head, a hint of disappointment in her eyes.
Seeing this, Nobi Hiroshi gently stroked Coal Ball's head and turned to look at Shizuka beside him: "Shizuka, can you share some of your roasted sweet potato with me?"
"Hmm, okay…"
Hearing Nobi Hiroshi's request, Tian Mei paused slightly, her heart conflicted for a fraction of a second, then she showed a gentle smile.
She gazed at the roasted sweet potato in her hand, reluctantly tore off half, and handed it to Nobi Hiroshi.
"Eat it, Coal Ball."
He extended his palm. Dogs should be able to eat roasted sweet potatoes. His finger was gently nudged by small puppy teeth, sticky and ticklish. Hiroshi tore off a few leaves to wipe the saliva from his palm.
After a period of rest, the group set off again. The further they went, the more eerie the environment became, with even calls similar to those of a snow leopard.
"Coal Ball, can you beat a snow leopard?"
"But I don't think you can beat it. Only a thimble can shut it up."
Playing with Coal Ball in his arms, Nobi Hiroshi remained vigilant.
Ahead, the visibility of light was getting worse and worse. He didn't feel comfortable letting Coal Ball scout ahead, so he activated his X-ray vision to be constantly on guard against hidden dangers.