High atop the castle's towers, the fine snow continued to fall, blurring the view.
Behind a frost-covered window, Dr. Kureha leaned against the glass, her expression calm as she watched the gathered Starry Sky Pirates below and her beloved apprentice, Chopper.
Her face betrayed no clear emotion, neither joy nor sorrow.
Perhaps endless years had long taught her to accept farewells…
And to drown her feelings in wine.
"Glug, glug…"
"Ha…"
The elder raised her glass of rum once again, letting out a hearty exclamation. Somehow, it felt almost nonsensical:
"What a truly lovely group of young people! Hehehe…"
The rum flowed down her throat again, as if it could mask the quiet tears slipping past her eyelids.
…
…
Chopper, facing Luffy, had at some point closed his eyes again, as if thick eyelids could block out something beyond his control.
Yet the moisture betrayed him, rolling stubbornly down his cheeks.
An unnamed emotion surged within him.
Was it the joy of meeting someone like him? No…
The warmth of recognition? No…
It felt more like someone who had lived their entire life trapped in a deep, dark well, walls enclosing them for years, never daring to peek upward, suddenly lifted by a passing giant.
His whole body was exposed to the open sky.
He breathed fresh air again, feeling the warmth of the sun!
"Waaahhhhh!!!!"
Years of repressed pain poured out in that instant.
Nothing felt more important to Chopper than being accepted.
And…
He finally understood that he was not alone.
There were people in the world, like him, who had crossed vast distances just to find him, to invite him.
His cries echoed across the mountaintop.
Yet not a single person found it annoying.
…
…
"Ah? Looks like I've missed quite a lot…"
Zoro arrived, unhurried, following the group's trail. Seeing Chopper sobbing, he smiled warmly.
Only Vivi, unaware of the truth, stared blankly at the crew displaying their unusual abilities, completely puzzled.
…
…
This time, Chopper cried for a long, long time, like a child venting freely in front of family.
And Luffy and the others were his family.
Warmth enveloped him, so that even on this cold winter island, he felt no chill.
After a while, as everyone patiently waited, Chopper's tears finally dwindled, flowing like a gentle stream rather than a torrent.
He dabbed at his face with his fur, hiding behind his arms, embarrassed, speaking with a tone of fear, as if dreading a denial:
"Y-you… you're really serious!?"
"Hahaha!"
Luffy laughed heartily, giving Chopper another surge of courage:
"Of course I am! We came all this way for you!
Tony Tony Chopper, monster… you're not the only one!
You're not alone, you have us!"
"Come on, Chopper!
Carry my name! Carry the Starry Sky name!
Show the world what a real monster looks like!!!"
"The Starry Sky Pirates… need you!!!"
"Waaahhh…"
At Luffy's formal invitation, Chopper cried again.
But this time, Luffy's face broke into a wide, joyful grin.
Because…
A familiar system chime echoed in his mind:
[Ding! Congratulations, the host has gained the eighth crew member. Please enter the Partner System and assign a unique item to your new companion.]
…
…
"Jja… jja, jja!"
A flock of hungry snowbird chicks had made their nest atop the castle gate, claiming it as their new home.
To ensure the chicks could grow healthy despite the harsh weather, the castle's gate remained open at all times.
Chopper led Luffy and the crew into the castle, filled with wind, snow, and ice.
…
…
"Have you decided?"
In a warmer room, Dr. Kureha gazed out the window but spoke as though seeing everything behind her:
"Chopper, I… I'm going to be a pirate."
"I'll go with them."
Standing in the doorway, Chopper spoke slowly to Dr. Kureha.
"Hmph!"
Dr. Kureha raised her rum glass, took a long swallow, and said:
"Being a pirate isn't easy. One slip, and you could lose your life!"
"That doesn't matter!"
Chopper's face lit up with excitement:
"Dr. Kureha, they… Luffy and the others…
They're amazing!
A talking skeleton, dragons and demons, and a boastful long-nose…
They… they will protect me!…"
"Nonsense!!!!"
Before he could finish, Dr. Kureha slammed the rum bottle to the floor. Shards and rum splattered everywhere.
She spun around instantly, glaring at Chopper:
"What do you think being a pirate is, Chopper? Playing house!?
Once you decide to set sail, your life is in your hands!
With your current attitude, you'll only be a burden to others!"
"Dr. Kureha…"
Chopper was stunned, speechless at seeing the first real anger from his mentor.
Dr. Kureha didn't wait for a response, continuing:
"Do you know what kind of people they are!?
They are personally recognized by the World Government as the only seven pirates with full freedom to plunder the seas!
Countless eyes watch them constantly!
Do you think a timid herbivore like you can keep up with such predators!?
Do you think they would choose you just because you're also a monster!?
Face reality, Chopper!
You'd be better off staying here as my assistant than dying somewhere on the seas!"
…
Silence fell.
Chopper lowered his head, thick hat brim hiding his face, thoughts unreadable.
Dr. Kureha watched silently.
Time passed, minute by minute.
"I… understand…"
After a long while, Chopper finally spoke softly:
"I understand, Dr. Kureha!"
He lifted his head. His eyes no longer held the previous uncertainty, they now burned with determination.
"I won't give up!
I will get stronger, I will keep up with them!
I will become someone they recognize!
I'm a man! I will be the bravest pirate on the seas!!!
I want to see the world outside!!!
I will roam the oceans freely, just like Dr. Hiriluk said!!!
Dr. Kureha… please trust me!"
…
…
The room fell silent again.
But this time, the pause did not last long.
"Hehehe… Chopper, you inherited everything from me. On the seas, don't disgrace Dr. Kureha's name…"
"Yes, Dr. Kureha!!!"
…
…
That day, the seas gained another brave warrior.
And his name would echo across the world!