Inside the Going Merry's cabin.
Sanji, having devoured Wapol's body, had, as he wished, successfully gained the powers of the Munch-Munch Fruit.
Yet at this moment, despite having acquired this new ability, he didn't rush to show it to Luffy and the others.
Instead, after entering the Going Merry, he proactively asked Chopper about his taste and favorite foods.
With Chopper now part of the crew, as a chef, Sanji needed to know everyone's preferences to ensure every meal was the happiest and most perfect it could be.
While the others were preparing to rest for a while, diligent Sanji, accompanied by his new helper Zoro, was already performing a spectacular cooking demonstration in his beloved kitchen.
Meanwhile, the group showing Chopper around the Going Merry's facilities was entrusted to the experienced Usopp and the now fully free Koby.
The two of them guided Chopper along the ship, stopping and explaining continuously. Their chemistry was so natural it was like a comedic duo, often leaving Chopper in fits of laughter.
And from Chopper's constantly glowing wide eyes, it was clear that his excitement was barely contained.
After all, Luffy had spent so much on the Going Merry's entertainment facilities just so the crew could enjoy the most comfortable life!
…
…
In the captain's bedroom.
Luffy, as soon as he returned, dove straight into his private space. Even though it was late at night, he didn't rest.
Opening the system interface within his line of sight, Luffy commanded the system directly in his mind:
"System, display Chopper's status screen."
Flash!
A white light streaked across, and the familiar interface appeared before Luffy's eyes.
[Tony Tony Chopper]
Talent: SS (+)
Stamina: 180
Strength: 200
Agility: 150
Mental Power: 250
Nothing overwhelmingly strong, but nothing weak either. That was Luffy's assessment of Chopper.
In Luffy's eyes, these stats were standard, enough to survive the early half of the Grand Line.
It was clear that Dr. Kureha had taught more than just medicine.
After reviewing the stats, Luffy didn't linger. Using his willpower, he opened Chopper's special talents.
He was still very curious about this.
Because Luffy had learned that these seemingly insignificant special talents often hid limitless potential.
For example, Sanji. For example, Koby.
Even Usopp, whose many special talents had always seemed trivial, had probably been using them all along without realizing it.
With a thought, a text popup appeared, detailing Chopper's special talent:
[Human Expertise]: Can learn and master any skill usable by humans.
The instant Luffy read this, he was amazed.
As expected…
Chopper's special talent did not disappoint.
To master any human skill meant that in this human-dominated world, if Chopper focused, he could potentially become an all-around prodigy!
Medicine, cooking, shooting, swordsmanship, navigation, music, science, literature…
Any human-invented skill could be learned, even mastered, by Chopper.
But due to meeting Dr. Hiriluk and the stories they shared, Chopper had devoted himself to medicine.
Of course…
Otherwise, how could a reindeer gain such advanced medical knowledge in just a few years?
He could even develop a thing capable of altering Devil Fruit ability fluctuations!
Few in the world could manipulate Devil Fruits like that.
It was also likely that the fruit Chopper ate wasn't a standard Human-Human Fruit, Luffy had already suspected this.
Just like Sengoku's Buddha form of the Human-Human Fruit, Chopper's fruit couldn't be the ordinary human form either.
After a brief thought, Luffy didn't delay.
Before entering the room, he had already told everyone: once Sanji was done, Chopper's welcome feast would begin.
Not wanting to dampen everyone's mood, Luffy called out to the system:
"System, extract Chopper's exclusive tool!"
…
…
"Cheers!!!"
Wooden cups clinked together, wine leaping in the air, mirroring everyone's joy.
Even Vivi let go of her worries for the moment.
After all, the next stop for the Going Merry was Arabasta Kingdom!
"Welcome Chopper aboard! Let's celebrate, our family under the stars just got one member bigger! Everyone, take good care of Chopper!"
"Of course!"
No sooner had Luffy finished than Usopp eagerly responded, turning his gaze to Chopper, eyes sparkling like stars:
"Chopper, Chopper! Show us that one again!"
"The one that grows big and then long! Show us again!"
"Ah!?"
Chopper, mid-meal, looked at Usopp, embarrassed, and said in a cute voice:
"Maybe not… didn't you already see it today!?"
"Doesn't matter if we see it again!"
"Yeah, Chopper, show us again!"
Koby also stood up, his eyes just as expectant as Usopp's, staring intently at Chopper.
"Fine, I guess I can show you again!"
Seeming reluctant but secretly thrilled, Chopper bounced from his seat. In an instant, his small body transformed into a muscular, imposing man.
Pretending to be fierce, he growled like a beast at Usopp and the others:
"Awoo!!! How impressive, huh!?"
"Wow!!!"
"Wow!!!"
Seeing the transformation again, Usopp and Koby shouted with excitement, utterly satisfied.
"Humph~"
Chopper shrank back to his small form, standing proudly, as if to say, You've never seen anything like this before, and returned to the table.
"Wait, Chopper!"
Just as Chopper was about to enjoy Sanji's feast, Luffy called out, stopping him.
Chopper, holding a large piece of meat with fork and knife, glanced at the food and then at Luffy.
Finally, reluctantly, he set the meat back on the plate, curiosity sparkling in his eyes.
"What is it, Luffy?"
"Hehe…"
Luffy blocked a mischievous grin, standing and stepping beside Chopper.
Everyone except Vivi paused, eyes full of anticipation.
After all… they all knew what Luffy was about to do.
Placing a hand gently on Chopper's head, Luffy smiled:
"Before this feast ends, I have a gift for you!"
"A gift?"
At the word gift, Chopper's face bloomed with happiness, eyes shining with excitement.
He had only ever received one gift in his life, his cherry blossom-colored hat from his foster father, Dr. Hiriluk.
So when Luffy mentioned a gift, Chopper immediately thought of that cherished figure.
Seeing the expression in Chopper's eyes, Luffy didn't hesitate. He extended his hand.
In his palm lay a small object, the size of a cellphone, resting quietly.
"Chopper, this is the gift I've prepared for you!"