One Piece: From Picking Up Red Hair's Broken Arm

Chapter 118 The Beautiful Swordswoman Arrives with Meat [6.5K]

"It's too late."

Robin chuckled, "Don't be so scared. We mean no harm. We just saved you once, didn't we?"

"I don't need your help, humans!"

The little reindeer clung tightly to the tree trunk, gritting its teeth as it said, "I...I'm a monster! Aren't you afraid of me?"

"Where does it look like a monster? Isn't this just a normal tanuki?" Robin asked curiously.

"It's a reindeer!!"

"Oh, sorry," Robin said with a smile, "but anyway, they're so cute, how could anyone be scared?"

"Cute?!"

The little reindeer instantly became furious, its sharp teeth gleaming as it roared, "I'm not cute! I'm a ferocious monster!"

Suddenly her face turned bright red, and she trembled with shyness like a noodle. "Oh dear, even if you praise me like that, I won't be happy!"

"Ah, no, I'm a monster, the kind that eats people!"

It suddenly woke up with a start, bared its teeth and made a face, but because it was too nervous, it accidentally bit its tongue, letting out a painful "Ouch—" and covering its mouth with tears in its eyes.

Robin sighed.

"Okay, I understand. It's a monster that eats people."

Xia Nuo nodded perfunctorily. Noticing Chopper's shrunken belly, he squatted down, took a red bean bun from his pocket, broke it open, and shook it. "Here, are you hungry? Want some?"

A rich, sweet aroma wafts out.

Chopper's gaze was instantly drawn to it, his eyes widened, and his mouth involuntarily opened slightly as the red bean bun swayed.

It's a dessert!
I absolutely love sweets!

And after running around gathering herbs all the way, I was really hungry, but...

"I...I won't eat it!"

It abruptly turned its head, its hooves stretching forward uncontrollably. "Don't try to tempt me! I'm a ferocious monster! How could a monster eat human food!"

"Really? Never mind then."

Shano shrugged, making a gesture as if to retract his hand. "I was going to ask you where Dr. Kureha is, but it seems I'll have to find her myself..."

"and many more!"

Chopper panicked, lunging forward before abruptly stopping, staring at him warily. "W-what do you want with Dr. Kureha?"

"To cure illness."

Xia Nuo shrugged, ceasing to control the virus within her body. Her entire body instantly turned bluish-purple. "Look, I'm poisoned. I heard that all the doctors on this island have been expelled, leaving only that old woman, so..."

"You're not allowed to call the doctor an old woman!"

Chopper instantly bristled, but then hesitated, secretly glancing at Shano's expression, and said worriedly:

"...Is it serious?"

"It's alright, I won't die." Xia Nuo chuckled. "But if it can't be cured, my body might stay like this forever."

Chopper stared at him for a few seconds, then suddenly snatched the red bean bun, stuffed it into his mouth, and mumbled, "...Come with me!"

After saying that, it turned and ran out of the forest. After running a couple of steps, it turned back and added fiercely, "But, but if you dare to hurt the doctor, I really will bite!"

"Do not worry."

Xia Nuo followed with a smile, handing over another red bean bun. "If we had any ill intentions towards Dr. Kureha, why would we have helped you chase away those soldiers just now?"

This is true...

Chopper felt a little relieved and continued to lead the way while eating, leaving a trail of small footprints in the snow that looked like plum blossoms.

Robin sighed, "Captain, you're quite adept at dealing with children."

"There's no way around it, I've been training like this since I was a child."

Xia Nuo shrugged and followed Robin, casually saying, "But the main reason is that this little guy is too kind. Even if he doesn't trust a stranger, he wants to do his best to save him because he is a patient."

The wind and snow were heavy, and he didn't try to lower his voice. Chopper, who had quietly pricked up his ears, heard everything clearly.

How strange these two humans are...

Not only are they not afraid of themselves, but they also praise themselves so generously.

Hehe, I didn't know I had such a shining point.
Its lips couldn't help but curl up, and a blush rose on its face, but it quickly returned to its stern expression.

Even so, I wouldn't be happy!

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

In the blink of an eye, the two people and the deer had crossed the entire town.

The wind and snow were heavy, but they traveled quickly. Along the way, Shano only stopped briefly at a clothing store to buy Robin a winter coat.

As the captain, Shano originally intended to pay this money as a welcome gift for the new crew members.

Unfortunately, the Beli he had been carrying was burned to ashes by Akainu, leaving not a single hair behind.

In the end, Robin had to pay for it himself.

After leaving the town and entering the forest on the other side of the river, after many twists and turns, we suddenly saw a treehouse with lights on in the distance.

"We'll be there soon. That's the doctor's house. Remember this: although the doctor is quite old, she maintains a youthful spirit and hates being called old, so..."

Chopper suddenly stopped talking and abruptly stopped walking.

When Shano looked up, he saw that their commotion had disturbed a herd of reindeer nearby. When they saw Chopper from afar, they all let out unfriendly low growls.

It seemed like it was about to charge at Chopper at any moment.

However, because of the presence of two tall humans, after lingering in the same spot for a moment, it finally turned around and left.

Watching the reindeer disappear into the distance, Chopper's face immediately fell.

"..."

It lowered its head, its blue nose twitched, and its voice was barely audible, "...They don't like me."

"Why, just because of your blue nose?" Robin asked immediately, as it was rare for the little guy to open up like that.

"Um……"

Chopper's voice lowered even further, "From a very young age, I stopped resembling a reindeer and a human... Everyone said I was a monster. Later, when I learned to read and write, I realized that I had accidentally eaten the legendary Devil Fruit, which turned me into this repulsive creature..."

So it was a Devil Fruit?

Robin finally understood. All along the way, she had been wondering whether this little reindeer was from the Mink Tribe and why it had ended up here...

"To be precise, it's a Zoan-type Human-Human Fruit."

Xia Nuo suddenly spoke up: "You've suffered a lot and endured a lot of hardship because of this fruit, haven't you?"

Chopper nodded subconsciously.

"I can roughly guess the specifics."

Shano crouched down and stroked Chopper's head, his voice gentle, "Being rejected by your herd as a reindeer, and then driven away by humans after becoming human... such double loneliness must have been very painful, right?"

His palm was warm and strong, which made Chopper unconsciously relax his tense body.

"But, little one."

Xia Nuo looked directly into those large, wet eyes. "These pains are neither the fruit's fault, nor yours. The fault lies with those narrow-minded eyes, with the ignorant prejudices of this closed winter island."

"Did you know? On the high seas, Devil Fruits are treasures that countless people dream of. The fact that you received such a gift shows that you are a lucky person favored by fate. So many people are envious and jealous..."

He suddenly burst into laughter:
"Of course, although I don't know what effect eating the Human-Human Fruit would have on ordinary people, anyway..."

He poked Chopper's forehead.

"Look at you now. If you were an ordinary reindeer, would I have talked to you so much? You wouldn't understand at all anyway. You can feel joy, anger, sorrow and happiness, you can understand human emotions, and you can even learn how to heal the sick and save lives, and pursue your own dreams... Aren't these all gifts that the fruit has given you?"

Chopper looked up blankly and met Shano's smiling eyes.

—There was no pity, no false comfort, and no fear in those eyes, only pure appreciation and sincerity.

Just like... just like the way Dr. Hiruluk looked at me when he was still alive.

"A lucky one favored by fate?"

Chopper repeated the word softly, lowering his head and unconsciously rubbing his hooves against the snow. "Me...me? Do I, a monster like me, really deserve such a description?"

"Why do you still see yourself as a monster, you idiot!"

Xia Nuo pinched Chopper's cheek and forced his gaze upwards: "In the end, all you can do is switch between human and deer, what's so great about that!"

"If this is what you call a monster, then I have a whole bunch of monsters like that on my ship. There are some that can turn into smoke, some into flames, some that can generate lightning and electricity, and there's one that just joined us, look..."

He turned his head.

Robin smiled slightly, raised her hand at the opportune moment, and activated her ability.

Suddenly, rows of arms sprouted from behind her head and body, startling the little reindeer who jumped up with a "whoosh."

"There's a monster!!" Chopper hid behind Shano, looking at Robin in terror.

"me too!"

A sinister laugh came from above. Chopper looked up in confusion and found that the big brother who had been smiling so kindly and warmly just moments before had somehow transformed into a muscular monster four meters tall.

"...Ah, ah..."

Chopper's mouth was wide open, and his whole body was trembling violently, as if he was about to faint at any moment.

"Don't scare it," Robin cautioned.

"I know."

Xia Nuo's voice suddenly returned to normal, and with a soft "poof" sound, he instantly transformed back into his original handsome young man appearance.

"See? It's all fake!"

He chuckled and spread his hands. "It's just a little trick to return life. How about it? Now you don't think your little ability is anything special, do you?"

Chopper stared blankly at the ever-changing creature in front of him, his blue nose twitching, and his eyes gradually reddening.

It then turned to look at Robin—the elegant lady was withdrawing her extra arm and giving it a gentle wink.

At that moment, all the pent-up grievances suddenly burst forth, and tears rolled down like pearls from a broken string.

"Woo...Woo..."

The little reindeer gripped the medicine basket tightly with its hooves, its whole body trembling uncontrollably.

It wanted to say something, but could only utter intermittent whimpers.

So... so I really am not a monster? So in this world, besides those two kind doctors, there are really people willing to treat me so gently?
Xia Nuo crouched down and gently rubbed its fluffy head: "Why are you crying, little guy?"

With that rub, Chopper cried even harder, his tears soaking the fur on his chest. Like a child who had suffered all the injustices and finally found someone to rely on, he buried his head in Shano's arms, wiping his snot and tears all over Shano's clothes.

"Wow——!!!"

It burst into tears, as if to cry out all the loneliness, fear, and resentment it had felt over the years. It realized how warm it felt to be accepted, how sweet it felt to be understood...

Robin smiled gently beside her. Shano, however, patted its back helplessly: "Hey, you've got your snot all over me... Okay, okay, I know you're happy..."

Hiluluk and Kureha, that's where they fell short. Look how upset the little reindeer is, and they didn't even try to help it through its troubles sooner.

But it seems there's nothing we can do about it.

After all, those two were just ordinary humans, and they couldn't possibly demonstrate things themselves like he and Robin did.

"Don't you feel a sense of shared misfortune?"

Xia Nuo looked up at Robin and snorted, "It's a pity I didn't pay attention to the poison on my face yesterday, otherwise I would have made you cry like this."

"..." Robin shook his head helplessly.

Was it because they gradually became more familiar with each other that he started talking nonsense? Or was it that I really shouldn't have brought that up back then? Before ruining that atmosphere, the captain was quite conscious of his image...

Sympathetic?
Chopper vaguely heard those words and looked up expectantly: "Big brother, so you were bullied and called a monster like me back then?"

what?
Xia Nuo was taken aback. Had the little guy misheard?
Has anyone ever called me a monster?
Xia Nuo tilted her head and actually thought about it carefully.

Many blurry images flashed through my mind one by one.

"Oh no! That monster is coming after us!!" The terrifying figure dragging Arlong's corpse rapidly approached, and the fishmen let out a shrill scream, "What are you waiting for? Run!"

"Boom! With a fierce backward kick, Garp's body slammed into the cliff, the sound echoing throughout the entire mountain. The old man looked on in astonishment, "Where did you come from, you monster?!"

"Cough..." Crocodile struggled to roll over, covered in blood. "You're still helpless against this? What kind of monster are you...?"

Snapped.

The memory flashback has ended.

So she really had been called a monster so many times. For a moment, Xia Nuo felt a pang of sadness.
"That's true, so I did have a similar experience to you back then."

Robin sighed again.

Waaah... Chopper immediately hugged Shano even tighter.

This older brother is such a warm and kind person. Even though he suffered much more injustice himself, he didn't care at all and even comforted it instead...

I wish I could be that good someday!
"Alright, we've already moved on, and you should be too by now."

Shano gently patted Chopper's back, but out of the corner of her eye she noticed a fleeting figure in the treehouse in the distance.

Is it Kureha?
No way, that old hag, she's been peeking over there for ages, hasn't she? Just watching me help her with the baby, and she doesn't even bother to come and greet me!
He stood up, went to the door of the treehouse, knocked loudly on the wooden door, and called out:
"Hey, old woman, stop sneaking around! It's time to open the door and welcome our guests! The beautiful swordswoman has brought some meat!"

"Who are you calling an old woman, you rude brat!"

Amidst a furious shout, the wooden door opened, and a foot flew towards them. Xia Nuo easily caught it, and the two wrestled in the background, kicking up a flurry of snowflakes.

"Big sister, so you're a swordsman too?" Chopper wiped away his tears and asked Robin in a low voice.

“No, that’s not it.” Robin smiled. “The captain’s statement is completely separate.”

So it was a beautiful woman, a swordsman, and meat?

Chopper suddenly realized, his expression freezing: "Huh?"

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

The highest peak on Cigu Island is 5,000 meters above sea level.

At the summit of this highest peak stands a massive castle, the royal palace of the Drum Kingdom.

Outside, snow was falling heavily, but inside the castle, it was warm and cozy.

"Five...five hundred and forty million Berries?!"

Wapol, who was as fat as a ball, was lying on his throne, chewing on gilded cutlery. Upon hearing the soldier's report, metal fragments immediately clattered out of his wide-open mouth.

"Are you sure you didn't see wrong? That notorious pirate named Shano has really come to our country?!"

"It is absolutely true, Your Majesty!"

The one-armed squad leader knelt on the ground, wailing, "Look at my wrist! That guy's nickname, 'Katana Master,' is truly well-deserved! His sword strikes are so fast you can't even see them, one casual slash and..."

"Shut up!"

Walpo suddenly flew into a rage, overturning the dining table and pacing restlessly back and forth in front of the throne, his metal boots slamming into the floor.

"Damn it! Damn it! How could such a high-ranking figure target a small country like ours!"

"His Majesty!"

The trusted minister, Jess, rushed forward, "The most urgent task is to strengthen the castle's defenses! We can't be careless. I heard that guy even the Admiral himself couldn't..."

"Defense? Defense my ass!"

Wapol slapped him across the face. "Idiot! Do you think pirates of this caliber are as easy to deal with as those quack doctors?"

"go with!"

He turned sharply and pointed out the window, “Prepare to head to the port immediately! Everyone, follow me and we’ll escape to the sea together. We’ll hide there for a while, and come back when this island is safe!”

"Eh?!"

The ministers were all dumbfounded.

"What are you all standing around for? Weapons, food, doctors... bring everything you can! We can't leave it all to these lowly commoners. Go and do as I say!! Everyone must assemble at the castle gate within one hour!"

The soldiers were then jolted awake and sprang into action, creating chaos throughout the hall.

Once only a few of his most trusted ministers remained in the hall, Wapol suddenly turned around, shoved the throne down his backside, and then kicked open the hidden door behind it.

"That guy is definitely after the treasure I've accumulated! Hahaha... Luckily, I was prepared!"

He rushed into the treasure vault through the hidden door, his obese body bouncing like a ball among the gold and silver treasures, opening his modified iron maw as he frantically devoured the mountains of gold coins and jewels.

"Your Majesty!" Jess cried out in terror, clinging to the doorframe, "Are you going to devour the entire treasury?"

"Mwahahaha! Of course!"

Wapol roared incoherently as he ate, "My Swallow-Swallow Fruit can even digest a castle, what's a little treasure! I'll spit it all out when we get to the sea, not a single coin will be missing!"

In no time, he had emptied the entire national treasury.

"His Majesty!"

Captain Dalton, having finally reached his limit, stood in front of the castle gate with his imposing figure:
"You can't just abandon your people and run away! As king, even if we can't defeat the invading pirates, you should at least help your people first—"

"Go away!"

Wapol, looking impatient, casually slapped him across the face.

"You already disobeyed me once when that quack doctor died a few months ago. Wasn't throwing you in jail enough? Now you dare to stop me?"

Dalton staggered back a few steps, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, but he still stubbornly opened his arms:

"Please at least leave half of the doctors here! You've already driven out most of the doctors in the country. If you take the last 20 doctors with you..."

"What does this have to do with me!"

Wahlbo grinned maliciously, raised his boot, and kicked Dalton hard in the stomach.

"The life of a lowly commoner dares to be compared to my health? Hey, Jess, Cromarimon! Teach this insubordinate fool a lesson!"

[Left: Chief of Staff Jess; Right: Kingdom's Political Officer Cromarimon]

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Jess and Cromarimon immediately launched into a flurry of punches and kicks, and even though Dalton transformed into his bison form at the first opportunity, he was still no match for them.

He groaned and fell to his knees, his vision going black. He could only watch Walpo's retreating figure as he strode out of the castle gates.

In a daze, he also heard the fawning voice of the one-armed squad leader:

"Your Majesty is wise! This traitor, who can't even distinguish between the importance of a lowly commoner like yourself, deserves to be severely punished..."

"Shut up too!"

Wapol suddenly turned around, grabbed the squad leader by the neck and lifted him up. "Useless! You led so many people and couldn't even catch a blue-nosed monster. It's because of you that I still haven't caught that old hag Kureha!"

"Your Majesty...Your Majesty..." the squad leader kicked his legs in terror.

"Go to hell with your severed hand!"

Wapol tossed him off the cliff like a piece of trash, saying, "What use is a piece of trash who can't even hold a gun? My ship doesn't keep useless things!"

"what--!!!"

The screams pierced the wind and snow, gradually fading into the abyss.

The soldiers fell silent, quickening their pace as they escorted large quantities of food and weapons, following Wapol onto the cable car that led down the mountain.

Stop it, you...

Stop it right now...

Dalton strained with all his might, but still couldn't stand up. In his blurry peripheral vision, those figures gradually faded into the distance. Overwhelmed with grief and indignation, tears streamed down his face.

It's one thing to abandon the country and lead the escape, but to leave the people not even a doctor or a weapon...

That hopeless, despicable king!

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

"Mwahahaha!!!"

At the port, Valpo stood on the deck, patting his swollen belly and laughing heartily.

This contains the wealth of the entire kingdom; even if he were to drift at sea, it would be enough for him to squander for a long time!
"Hurry up, move faster!"

Jess and Cromarimon kept urging the soldiers to load the cargo.

Suddenly, a doctor in uniform stopped and looked around in confusion: "Did you hear anything?"

sound?

The deck fell silent immediately.

Everyone listened intently, and amidst the howling wind and snow, there was indeed a strange sound, rapidly approaching from afar—

Bang——pop!

"It's coming from the sky! Look up!" someone exclaimed.

This time, Valpo and the two ministers all raised their heads.

A massive black shadow was descending from the sky at an astonishing speed, each bounce accompanied by a burst of air, as if space itself was being compressed and released by some force.

"What is that thing?!" Wapol shouted in terror.

The dark shape eventually slowed down and floated lightly onto the shore opposite the deck. The snow whipped up by the gale gradually dissipated, revealing its true form.

— He was an exceptionally tall man.

Dressed in black, wearing a fluffy bear-ear hat, and holding a thick Bible, he was six or seven meters tall, imposing as a mountain, yet exuding a gentle and serene aura.

"As expected of a medical superpower!"

Looking at the group of doctors in uniform on the ship, the burly man seemed quite pleased. He lowered his head and gave Walpo a friendly smile:

"It's wonderful to run into so many doctors so soon after arriving at the port."

(End of this chapter)