In the vast darkness of night, patches of red clouds gradually spread across the sky, enveloping the towering Drum Mountain.
A warm pink hue gradually permeated the surroundings. The snowflakes falling from the sky were dyed a layer of rosy twilight, like fluttering, scattered pink cherry blossom petals slowly descending from the heavens.
It could truly be said to be a countless, boundless shower of falling crimson.
A gentle breeze blew, carrying in the air a fresh, delicate, elegant, and fragrant scent.
The burning, fervent pink cherry color made one feel spiritually at ease. The cherry blossoms falling amidst the snow became, in people's unguarded moments, a profound, ash-gray memory branded deep within their souls.
These cherry blossoms, now blooming in spectacular fashion, possessed a kind of soul-stirring beauty, making one enraptured within it, reluctant to leave.
Beautiful, radiant pink cherry blossoms filled the air, piece by piece...
"So beautiful... the cherry blossoms."
"Yeah."
Both Nami and Tom looked up at the picturesque, poetic beauty in the sky. Unconsciously, the two stood side-by-side, their outstretched fingers interlocking, held tightly together, feeling the warmth transmitted from their entwined fingers and pressed palms.
Tom's state of mind at that moment was like the delicate, fragrant cherry blossoms blooming in the snow—unusually tranquil and peaceful.
He turned his head to look at the orange-haired girl beside him. She wore a black, form-fitting robe, which further accentuated her excellent figure. Her clear, bright pupils seemed full of spirit.
Her flawless, fair skin revealed a faint pink blush. In her quiet state, she possessed a unique kind of serene beauty.
"What are you looking at?"
Nami, noticing Tom's gaze, wore a faint smile on her pretty face as she asked him.
"Uh... you wearing that outfit doesn't make you look old either, hahahaha."
Tom's words made Nami's face darken instantly. Her lovely eyebrows twitched. "Well, thank you so much for the compliment."
"You're angry?"
Seeing Nami fall silent with a darkened face, Tom asked.
"No. Let's hurry down the mountain to find Luffy and the others."
Nami said this, but her ethereally quiet and sharp eyes remained fixed on the man in front of her.
Idiot. It's the first time I've seen such beautiful cherry blossoms. Can't you do something?
As Nami was thinking this, Tom had already turned around and started walking forward. "You're right..."
Hearing Tom's words, Nami truly felt like pushing this guy off the mountain. She took a deep breath to calm her mood, then saw Tom pull out his fishing rod and plant it in the ground. He turned his head and said to her, "But it's the first time I've seen such pretty cherry blossoms. Just leaving like this is too much of a waste."
"What do you want to do?"
Nami walked over to Tom's side, a smile appearing on her face as she asked curiously.
"Take you to see something good."
Tom grinned, suddenly wrapping an arm around Nami beside him while simultaneously extending his fishing rod. "Let's 'fly' up higher and take a look, then—"
Before Nami could react, she was held by Tom—who gripped the fishing rod with one hand—and carried over forty meters into the air. She hurriedly said to Tom, "There are still lots of people here! Don't do anything reckless!"
"They are them. We are we. It's fine."
After reaching nearly forty meters in the air holding the extended rod, Tom, with Nami in his grasp, swept his gaze around. Seeing pink cherry blossoms fluttering in the wind everywhere, he muttered to himself, "Still not high enough..."
Just as Nami was about to speak, Tom kicked off hard against the straight fishing rod. The rod bent downwards, and he and Nami began to fall rapidly. Just before they were about to hit the ground, Tom said to the surrounding villagers watching them, "Everyone, keep admiring the flowers. Don't mind us."
"What on earth are you—"
Before Nami could finish, the previously bent fishing rod suddenly sprang back upwards. With a whoosh, she and Tom shot upwards like a rocket.
"Alright! Fly like this!"
"Where are we going?!"
Tom and Nami's voices still echoed around Drum Mountain, but their figures had already vanished. Even the fishing rod planted in the ground had disappeared at some point.
The people below stared dumbfounded as Tom and Nami disappeared into the massive cherry blossom tree above, unable to speak for a moment.
"What are they doing?"
"Just two young fools, that's all. Don't mind them. They must be very happy right now."
Dalton and Kureha glanced upwards, neither saying another word.
"This place is..."
Still held by Tom, Nami continued to fly upwards. She saw pink all around her, an intoxicating fragrance washing over her. Countless cherry blossoms danced in the wind around them, rising and falling like lively sprites. It was like being in a dreamlike sea of flowers. Between heaven and earth, it seemed only the two of them remained.
This scene, this feeling... perhaps they would never have a chance to experience it again in their lifetime.
Suddenly encountering such beautiful scenery truly touched her nerves. Her exquisitely beautiful face unconsciously revealed a sweet smile.
Tom glanced at Nami in his arms, then tossed the fishing rod in his hand upwards. As they flew higher, their fingers naturally, tightly interlocked again.
Gently pressing his forehead against hers, smelling the faint, clean scent of the woman, Tom suddenly said to Nami, "After we sail around the Grand Line... I'll go back to Cocoyashi Village with you."
"Huh?"
Nami looked up at Tom, stunned for a moment, then lowered her head again. A tempting blush spread across her stunning features as she gave a slight nod. "Mhm."
"Then it's settled."
Tom, catching the falling fishing rod, shouted excitedly, "GREAT!!!!!"
"Don't shout so loud, you moron!"
"Why not? I'm happy."
One moment, Nami and Tom were inseparable; the next, they seemed on the verge of arguing again. But before the two could exchange more words, they heard a heart-wrenching, agonized wail: "OOOOOOOOOH!!!!!"
"That's Chopper's voice."
"At a time of parting... he probably wants to cry his heart out too."
Just as Nami and Tom finished saying this, they began to fall.
"Hold on tight! We're going down the mountain now!"
As Tom said this to Nami, he quickly produced another fishing rod.
The pure white full moon hung in the sky. Beneath the bright moon, the man and woman, holding onto a makeshift glider, flew out from the dreamlike sea of cherry blossoms.
This scene happened to be seen by Miss Goldenweek on the Going Merry, who promptly sketched it.
Chopper was now truly crying messily, a complete wreck. Earlier, while pulling Luffy and the others down the mountain on the sled, one thought had been circling in his mind.
Had Dr. Hiriluk's research truly succeeded?
Before Hiriluk's death, Chopper clearly remembered him saying his thirty years of research were complete. Chopper had never doubted that.
But upon hearing Kureha say Hiriluk was just living in a fantasy, Chopper had felt lost.
Doctor... it wasn't a fantasy, was it? Your research was completed then. Or... were you lying to me too?
If you died without telling me the truth, Doctor... I'd be so sad!
A man who stakes his soul on the Jolly Roger can do anything!
Doctor, please tell me one more time!
Chopper's heart was conflicted. As he was about to set sail, he desperately wanted to hear Hiriluk's words again: "A man who flies the skull flag can do anything!"
Just as Chopper was thinking this, he heard the loud booms of cannon fire from Drum Mountain. Then he saw them—the cherry blossoms in full bloom atop Drum Peak, the trees bursting with brilliance, like clouds, like radiant mist. They looked so magnificent, so awe-inspiring.
In that moment, Chopper finally knew clearly: the doctor's research had truly succeeded. The man he respected most had not deceived him, even in his final moments.
Years of waiting, years of endurance, were finally repaid in full. Hiriluk's sacrifice was not in vain. As the country bloomed with miraculous cherry blossoms, it also welcomed... its true freedom.
To be fair, Hiriluk did not possess superior medical skills. One could say he was a quack. But in the end, relying on his own conviction, he saved this terminally ill country and its people. With his actual deeds, he dedicated everything he had to the country he loved.
Hiriluk was an ordinary, even mediocre man, without exceptional talent or genius. But through his own efforts, he accomplished things many great men could not. He personally taught Chopper one thing: to stake everything and fight for one's beliefs!
The Drum Kingdom perished with the collapse of the Wapol Army. But simultaneously, this country was reborn. This, too, could be called a victory of conviction.
Standing at the mountain's base, gazing at the pink cherry blossoms blooming on Drum Mountain, Chopper knew that as he was about to leave his homeland for adventure on the sea, the doctor had truly spoken the words he wanted to hear once again.
Chopper also realized something: all these years, Kureha truly had never given up on helping the departed Hiriluk complete his "fantasy." The beautiful cherry blossoms blooming so splendidly on this island were the best evidence.
Tonight, the people Chopper cared for and respected—both Kureha and Hiriluk—saw their son off in their own ways. His heart was already moved beyond measure. How could he not cry?
'This is the answer I spent thirty years searching for. If my invention is complete... it can save this country!'
As Chopper gazed at the stunningly beautiful cherry blossoms on Drum Mountain, he remembered overhearing Hiriluk handing his research results to Kureha long ago: "Listen. This red dust isn't ordinary dust. It clings to the snow in the atmosphere, causing the sky to rain down bright pink snowflakes."
Tonight was the night of the full moon. The bright moon hovered over the pink sea of flowers. Cherry blossoms, carried by the wind, filled the entire country.
On Drum Mountain, on Hiriluk's grave, the black top hat placed on the tree trunk was blown by the wind, shifting direction—as if someone were looking up at the resplendent cherry blossoms in the sky.
The legend of Hiriluk's cherry blossoms, passed down through generations, became the voice heralding the freedom of this yet-unnamed country. Pieces of pink cherry blossoms danced in the night sky, lingering for a long time. And Hiriluk's flag, hung high on the castle, became the flag of that reborn nation.
"I will absolutely not shoot you! I am Dr. Hiriluk! I am a doctor!"
"I'll call you Tony Tony Chopper. It's a good name, right? I'll call you that from now on."
"Chopper, you will definitely become a great doctor. I can guarantee it."
"Even if I disappear, my dream will still come true. My life has been too wonderful!"
"Thank you, Chopper."
Chopper remembered that man who stripped naked in the snow and loudly told him he was a doctor. The emotions pent up for years within him burst forth like a collapsing dam, impossible to restrain any longer.
He wailed loudly, passionately, as if to vent everything. By the time Tom and Nami reached the foot of the mountain, he was still gazing at the miraculous cherry blossoms blooming on the winter island, crying incessantly. His cries even reached the distant, towering peak of Drum Mountain: "OOOOOOOOOH!!!!!!"
Kureha stood atop Drum Peak, hearing Chopper's powerful cries. She looked down the mountain, the wrinkled corners of her eyes already brimming with tears. She disliked gloomy atmospheres, which is why she pretended to be heartless and chased Chopper away—because she didn't want him to see her tears.
No mother in this world likes to see her child go off on a distant adventure. Kureha was, of course, no exception. Gazing in the direction from which the cries came, she murmured softly, "Go on, you foolish son."
Sometime later, the Straw Hat crew had all returned to the Going Merry. As the ship slowly moved away from Drum Island, Luffy and the others could still see the dazzling cherry blossoms blooming on the winter island from the deck.
Seeing Chopper staring motionlessly at the distant cherry blossoms, Usopp asked with some concern, "Hey, is Chopper gonna be okay?"
"He's leaving the island he's lived on since birth. Just let him be for a while."
Nami said with understanding.
"He's experiencing the moment a man sets off on his journey. Let's not disturb him for now."
Sanji agreed.
I'm leaving, Doctor. Dr. Kureha.
Chopper sat on the ship's railing, watching the island grow farther and farther away. It's finally beginning... my adventure.
"Chopper, don't just sit there by yourself. Come over and join the fun."
Tom saw Luffy sticking chopsticks up his nose and stretching his mouth wide—a ridiculously funny sight—and laughed heartily along with Zoro and the others.
(In truth, Luffy learned the habit of sticking chopsticks up his nose during parties from Yosaku.)
For a time, the ship was very lively. Meanwhile, Miss Goldenweek sat alone at the bow, looking intently at the distant cherry blossoms as she painted.
"That's right, Chopper! What are you doing over there? Come over here and have a drink!"
Usopp also called out to Chopper.
"Never thought we'd see cherry blossoms in a snow country."
"Yeah, times like these call for drinking."
Sanji and Zoro were already prepared for a big drink.
"Quiet down, you lot! Think of Chopper's feelings!"
Nami, seeing Tom and the others already wanting to start a party on the ship, couldn't help but say.
"What's it matter? After a man cries, he should laugh. Don't you know such a simple thing? Are you an idiot?"
Tom said to Nami as he walked towards Chopper.
"Stinky fisherman! Don't you dare speak ill of Miss Nami!"
Before Nami could retort, Sanji stepped forward gallantly. "When you brought Miss Nami down from the mountain... you didn't do anything untoward, did you?"
"Pervert cook, is something wrong with your head? Can't you see we were both happy when we came down?"
Tom retorted rudely.
Soon after, these two, unable to agree, started fighting right then and there, shocking Chopper so much his jaw dropped.
"Yeah! Fight! Fight!"
"Be careful, you two! Don't break the ship!"
"Not bad tonight. Cherry blossoms blooming, moon's out."
Luffy, Usopp, and Zoro watched Tom and Sanji fight, not one of them stepping in to stop it.
Chopper was still wondering why his partners could laugh so happily while fighting when Nami crouched down, placed her hands on his shoulders, and smiled. "You're surprised, aren't you? Ending up as partners with these troublesome guys."
"Partners?"
Chopper looked up at Nami, somewhat confused.
"Yes. They might be a bit different from ordinary people, but from now on, everyone's partners. You'll have to get used to it."
Just as Nami finished saying this to Chopper, they heard Vivi's very concerned voice: "Karoo! Why were you frozen in the river?!"
Earlier, when the Straw Hats returned to the ship, they indeed found Karoo, soaked in the river, almost turned into an ice sculpture.
Tom had also asked Miss Goldenweek, who stayed on the ship, but she said she found Karoo already frozen in the river... and had even drawn a picture of it.
Since Miss Goldenweek was only about ten years old, she lacked the strength to pull Karoo out and was afraid to leave the ship, so she could only helplessly watch Karoo remain as an ice sculpture in the river until Luffy and the others returned and fished him out.
"That dumb duck must have slipped and fallen in."
Zoro took a sip of sake and, looking at the frantically quacking Karoo, stated.
"Quiet, you, Mr. Bushido!"
As Vivi spoke to Zoro, Chopper came over to Karoo. After listening to a few quacks, he said, "He says he saw someone named Zoro swimming in the river, who suddenly disappeared. He thought something was wrong, so he jumped into the river... and ended up frozen stiff."
Upon hearing Chopper's words, Zoro, who had been laughing and drinking, received an iron fist from Nami. "So it was your fault!"
Everyone was amazed to discover Chopper could directly converse with animals.
Actually, since Chopper was an animal himself, understanding animal language wasn't strange at all.
But when Chopper heard Nami say he was amazing—not only a skilled doctor but also able to communicate with animals—he immediately became so happy he struck a few poses, swaying his round little body left and right, and said to Nami with a laugh, "You idiot! Praising me like that... doesn't make me happy at all!"
"But you look very happy!"
Luffy and Usopp crowded around Chopper, watching him so overjoyed he seemed lost.
Zoro still didn't know Chopper was a doctor and asked Nami what she meant about medical skills.
Nami then explained again that Chopper was a doctor who had received Kureha's true teachings, startling Luffy and the others.
Seeing these guys didn't even know Chopper was a doctor, Nami asked them, puzzled, why they had invited him to join.
"Seven forms! A fun reindeer!"
"Emergency rations."
Luffy and Sanji's words made Chopper's face turn pale with fright.
"I knew he was a doctor. I just didn't know he could talk to animals too."
Tom asked Chopper, "When I go hunting or fishing later, can you help me out?"
"Mhm. If there's a need, I'll do my best to help."
Chopper nodded to Tom. Being able to help others as soon as he boarded made him very happy.
"I think you should reconsider."
Usopp kindly reminded the naive Chopper. "Don't let him make it sound easy. What he catches are basically monsters, many of them bigger than this ship."
Chopper, who had just been happy, turned white as a sheet upon hearing Usopp's words.
Then Chopper suddenly remembered—in his rush to leave, he'd forgotten to bring his medical equipment.
But Nami took out a backpack full of medical instruments and showed it to Chopper. She had found it inside the sled.
Clearly, the backpack had been packed beforehand. It must have been Kureha who quietly placed it there. She had known all along Chopper would set sail and thus prepared everything for him in advance.
Cherry blossoms danced and scattered through the air. The reflection of the distant, massive cherry blossom tree fell upon the sea, causing the ocean's surface to shimmer with a faint pink-red light. The Going Merry sailed slowly forward.
"Hey, Chopper, you too!"
"Come over here, Chopper! There's something fun!"
Luffy and Tom called out to Chopper again.
"Really, I was just starting to get immersed in beautiful memories... right, Chopper?"
Nami, seeing Chopper earlier looking at the backpack with teary eyes—clearly missing Kureha—was about to say more when she noticed Chopper had already stood up and was trying to stick chopsticks up his nose like Luffy. She immediately lost it, saying to Chopper, "Don't learn from them!"
"Alright, everyone, listen up!"
As Usopp raised his glass to speak, Luffy was busy wolfing down food, bones and plates flying everywhere. Meanwhile, Tom, Zoro, and Sanji were fighting again because someone (who knows who started it) brought up Tom getting drunk and vomiting last time, inviting ridicule from the other two. Tom, unable to tolerate it, immediately started brawling with them.
Vivi was anxiously patting Karoo's back because he had eaten too much at once and was choking.
Miss Goldenweek, after finishing her painting of the cherry blossoms, began sketching Luffy and the others on the ship, capturing their food-fighting brawl postures one by one.
No one was listening to him, but Usopp didn't mind. He continued, "Next, let me introduce our new crew member: Tony Tony Chopper, our ship's doctor!"
"Sanji! I want meat!"
After finishing the meat on his plate, Luffy shouted to Sanji, who was still in the three-way free-for-all with Tom and Zoro.
Chopper and Nami sat to the side, watching the extraordinarily lively Luffy and the others. With chopsticks still in his nose, Chopper slowly said to Nami beside him, "I think... this is... the happiest I've ever been in my life."
By the end, Chopper had raised his hands joyfully and cheered.
"Listen up, everyone! Let's celebrate the great day of Chopper's boarding!"
Usopp raised his glass high, saying to Luffy and the others, "A toast to our new crew member!"
"Alright! Cheers!"
Soon, everyone on the ship happily clinked glasses in celebration. Even Miss Goldenweek, the little girl, took out her own brewed green tea and took a sip, a look of pure contentment on her childish face.
On Drum Mountain, the skull pirate flag with three cherry blossoms, hung high upon the castle, continued to flutter in the wind...
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T/N :
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