After leaving Kureha's home, Hiroto didn't linger and returned to the Going Merry.
Inviting Chopper was a decision he had made after careful consideration. It wasn't just to have another mascot on the ship.
First was the Distortion energy gain. Taking Chopper away would inevitably bring positive returns.
Second was the medical supplement. He didn't think he was omnipotent.
Being prepared for anything and covering all bases is the only way to go far.
Next, and most crucially...
Chopper's rumble ball.
It can affect the wavelength of Devil Fruit Abilities, thereby changing one's form.
Other Zoan Devil Fruit users only have three forms. But Chopper can have seven regular forms, plus an eighth berserk form, becoming a "monster" with extremely great power.
In Hiroto's view, Chopper's so-called berserk state from the rumble ball might be touching upon the realm of Devil Fruit Awakening by changing the wavelength, gaining power within the scope of "Awakening."
This was a point Hiroto cared about very much. Currently, there were no Zoan users on the Going Merry. They were all Logia and Paramecia types, but as they are all Devil Fruits, Logia and Paramecia should have wavelengths just like Zoans.
If his hypothesis was true, there might be a chance to let Nami and the others come into contact with the scope of Devil Fruit Awakening ahead of time.
The power of the "Awakening" level is obvious.
For example, among the three Admirals who have certainly awakened, the battle between Akainu and Aokiji caused permanent geographical changes to Punk Hazard.
This was likely brought about by Logia Awakening.
As for Paramecia Awakening, like Doflamingo's String-String Fruit, it can affect external matter on a large scale and apply transformations.
If Carina could reach this scope, her "slipping away" ability could act on others.
Although she hasn't developed much of the Slip-Slip Fruit's ability yet, she is clearly already moving toward a conceptual direction.
"All in all, it's worth looking forward to." Hiroto's voice of anticipation vanished into the swirling snow.
Two days later, a sleigh appeared in Drum Island's harbor.
The sleigh seats were piled with bags and bundles. Kureha sat in the driver's seat and had Chopper, who had transformed into a reindeer, stop.
Before she could even get off, a figure appeared before her eyes.
It was naturally Hiroto.
"You're certainly in a hurry, kid." Kureha glared at Hiroto with some dissatisfaction.
"A companion joining is naturally a good thing. Why wouldn't I be in a hurry for something good?"
As Hiroto spoke, he looked at Chopper nearby.
In his hybrid form, Chopper was miniature and adorable, looking just like a plush toy—very likable.
At this moment, Chopper became bashful because of Hiroto's words, giggling foolishly while calling him a bastard human and so on.
"When do you plan to leave?"
Kureha looked toward the harbor. Under the falling snow, the Going Merry seemed already prepared to set sail.
"Now."
Drum Island is, after all, an affiliated nation. No matter how much the news of the King's death is suppressed, it will eventually reach the Marines' ears.
With Viola, Hiroto could easily evade the Marines' pursuit but the fewer problems, the better.
"Then go, Chopper."
Kureha picked up a bundle and tossed it at Hiroto. "A young lady shouldn't have to carry such things."
You're clearly an old hag.
Hiroto grumbled inwardly, then brought Chopper's luggage onto the ship.
Kureha and Chopper followed onto the deck of the Going Merry, their appearance immediately drawing everyone's attention.
Everyone's gazes swept over Kureha and then settled collectively on Chopper.
Zoro was surprised at first, then his expression flattened. "So this is our doctor? He's certainly... interesting."
"This is fate, fate has made him our companion."
Van Augur didn't mind. Since it was the Captain's choice, acceptance was all that mattered.
The more he learned about Hiroto's past after joining the ship, the more he understood what an incredible person he was.
As for Nami and Carina...
"Wow! So cute!"
"So adorable... Are you our doctor? Please take care of us."
Carina and Nami crowded around.
Chopper was startled and instinctively tried to hide behind Kureha but this time was different. Kureha cackled and jumped away, leaving Chopper to face the strange humans alone.
"No... don't come over here. I-I'm a monster, okay? A reindeer monster that walks on two legs and talks."
Chopper tried his best to look fierce, but no matter how one looked at it, he was just adorable.
Of course, he restrained himself from transforming.
"Monster? Ah, speaking of which, Hiroto did mention it."
Carina looked at Nami.
Nami nodded and leaned in close, her body suddenly dissolving into a mass of clouds and mist. The mist swirled, and then her upper half condensed back into Nami's form.
She looked at the stunned Chopper and said, "I'm a monster too. Who's afraid of who?"
"You... you..." Chopper no longer knew what to say.
But...
Hiroto hadn't lied to him. There were indeed other monsters on the ship, he wasn't alone.
"Alright, stop scaring him."
Hiroto waved them off and looked at Kureha. "Can you bear to let him go?"
"Of course not. So if you fail my idiot son's expectations, I'll come and kill you myself."
Kureha pulled out a bottle and gulped greedily.
Then, she looked at Chopper. "I'll see you off this far. Remember to come back when you have time."
She had another gift she wanted to show Chopper, but unfortunately, it wasn't finished yet.
"There will be a chance." Hiroto said.
Afterward, a banquet began on the Going Merry to celebrate Chopper's arrival.
In reality, there wasn't supposed to be such an event. When others joined the ship, it was just passed over casually. But considering Chopper's issues, Hiroto decided to hold this banquet.
After they had their fill and the festivities ended, Kureha returned home, and the others went to rest.
Van Augur, who hadn't drunk, was responsible for the watch.
(End of Chapter)
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