Looking at the expectant faces of his companions, Ron couldn't help but chuckle, "He's a reindeer named Chopper."
Seeing everyone's surprised expressions, he continued to explain, "But don't underestimate him. He's an amazing doctor who ate the Human-Human Fruit and can think and speak like a human."
"Ship doctor?!" Nami clapped her hands in delight. "That's great! We're finally going to have a proper doctor!" She turned to Usopp, "Before, we relied entirely on your half-baked medical skills; every time you bandaged me, it hurt like hell!"
Usopp scratched his head awkwardly, "I... I'm not a professional to begin with..."
Zoro, uncharacteristically, nodded in agreement, "Indeed, last time you stitched my wound, the stitches were all crooked."
Sanji couldn't help but complain, "And the medicine you concocted, it was so bitter it could kill a person."
Usopp's face flushed red, "You heartless bunch! If it weren't for this Captain, you would have already..."
"Alright, alright," Ron chuckled, interrupting their bickering. "The point is, Chopper is not only highly skilled in medicine but can also develop special medicines." He pointed to the ship's cabin, "Our infirmary has been empty, and it will come in handy once he arrives."
Luffy was already bouncing excitedly on the deck, "Reindeer doctor! That's so cool! Does he like cotton candy?"
Ron nodded; Chopper did indeed like cotton candy. Then his expression suddenly turned serious, "However, right now, Chopper's country is under threat from an evil king."
"Punch him out!" Luffy immediately threw a punch, flames of fighting spirit burning in his eyes. "Anyone who dares bully our new companion is absolutely unforgivable!"
Zoro's hand was already on his sword hilt, "I happen to have a desire to cut someone."
Sanji stomped out his cigarette, "Bastards who bully doctors are unforgivable."
Even Usopp flexed his muscles for the first time, "Hahaha, this Captain's super strong physique is just waiting to be tested!"
Nami unfolded the nautical chart, "Drum Kingdom... At our current speed, we'll reach Little Garden in half a day, then spend a day storing up magnetic force, and then going to Drum Kingdom should... should get us there by noon the day after tomorrow."
Vivi stood to the side, looking as if she wanted to speak but hesitated.
Although she was anxious to return to Alabasta as soon as possible, she also understood that she couldn't force it. She forced a smile, "First... let's save Doctor Chopper. Alabasta's matter... can wait a little longer..."
Ron keenly noticed her unease and gently comforted her, "Don't worry, it won't take too long. Once we resolve the matter in Drum Kingdom, we'll head to Alabasta at full speed."
"Mhm, mhm, thank you, Ron."
....
On the azure sea, the Going Merry slowly docked by the shore of Little Garden. Its hull shimmered in the setting sun, looking like a steadfast companion floating on the sea.
In the dark jungle, Mr.3 pushed his '3'-shaped glasses, white wax dripping from his fingertips, a result of his Wax-Wax Fruit ability. "They're finally here..." He smiled sinisterly. Beside him, Miss Valentine held a parasol, also revealing a cruel smile.
"Straw Hat..." Mr.3 gnashed his teeth. "The disgrace of pirates! They actually colluded with Marine Admiral Aokiji and destroyed our base at Whiskey Peak!"
Miss Valentine elegantly twirled her parasol handle, "What's even more infuriating is that Miss Wednesday is actually Vivi, the princess of Alabasta." A cold glint flashed in her eyes. "Mr.0 has ordered that she must be captured alive."
The Baroque Works agents around them nodded in agreement, their weapons glinting coldly in the tree shadows.
A burly man wearing a horned helmet grinned ferociously, "We'll take care of them on this island! Let these ignorant rookies witness the cruelty of the Grand Line!"
However, as time passed minute by minute, there was no movement from the Going Merry at the shore.
Mr.3 frowned, "What's going on? Why aren't they getting off the ship yet?"
"I don't know, have we been exposed?"
"Impossible! Our operation is absolutely secret, it's impossible to be exposed!"
"Are they scared?"
"Maybe."
"Then let's wait a little longer."
As the sun set and the last ray of sunlight disappeared below the horizon, a scene that infuriated all the ambushers appeared—a bonfire was lit on the deck of the Going Merry!
The sizzling sound of roasting meat faintly drifted over, and the tempting aroma wafted into the jungle. Luffy's laughter, Usopp's exaggerated boasting, Sanji's elegant urging to drink, and even music, all were clearly audible.
"Hey! Look!" an agent swallowed his saliva, pointing at the Going Merry. "They... they're having a party!"
On the deck, Luffy was devouring an entire roasted ox; Zoro was guzzling wine; Sanji was elegantly pouring drinks for the ladies; Nami and Vivi were chatting and laughing by the bonfire; even the usually serious Ron leaned against the ship's rail, holding a glass and admiring the moonlight.
"Damn it!" Mr.3 was so angry that his wax dripped even faster. "We're ambushing here, aching all over, while they're enjoying themselves?!"
Miss Valentine almost crushed her parasol, "This... this is the greatest insult to us!"
In the jungle, the stomachs of the ambushing Baroque Works agents grumbled uncontrollably. The aroma of roasted meat grew stronger, and some even began to drool.
"Um..." someone said pitifully, "Can... can we also eat something...?"
"Shut up!" Mr.3 roared, but his own stomach also rumbled uncooperatively.
What was even more infuriating was that Usopp seemed to have discovered their presence. He deliberately held up a golden-brown, oil-dripping roasted lamb leg and waved it towards the jungle, "Ah~ So fragrant! This crispy on the outside, tender on the inside texture~"
"Bastard!" An agent, unable to bear it any longer, was about to stand up. "I've had enough!"
But he was quickly held down. "Get down! Idiot!" Mr.3 hastily pulled him back. "Now is not the time to expose ourselves. When they're full, drunk, and asleep, that's when we strike!"
Everyone nodded fiercely, secretly vowing in their hearts: Just wait, Straw Hat!
...
When the first ray of morning sun pierced through the dense jungle of Little Garden, Mr.3 rubbed his sore neck and got up from the ground.
His glasses were askew, and his carefully styled hair was covered in leaves and dirt. That sudden onset of drowsiness last night had caused all of them to unconsciously fall asleep.
"Hiss—" He gasped, suddenly realizing something, and lunged towards the shore, "Where are they?! Where's Straw Hat?!"
The coastline before him was empty, with only a few rocks, washed and compressed by the waves, proving that ships had once docked there. The Going Merry had vanished without a trace.
"No, where are they???"
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