64 Chapter 64 Chopper Joins.

"Zoro, you absolutely have to stay close to me. I don't want to be searching for people in the snow at night!"

"Don't underestimate me! Do you think I would get lost? I'm not a child."

Under the cover of night, Usopp walked ahead, leading the way.

Suddenly, Zoro's footsteps halted, his right hand gripping the hilt of his sword, and he swiftly slashed forward.

At the same time, his left hand grabbed Usopp's collar and pulled him back.

A dark figure suddenly darted out from the snow ahead, its right hand with four fingers bearing sharp blades.

Lurking beneath the snow, taking advantage of the night's cover, the target of this deadly strike was none other than Usopp's throat.

The assassin sought only one fatal blow!

However, Zoro's sword blocked this surprise attack.

Clang!

The sound of metal collision rang out.

It was only at this moment that Usopp's face turned pale, realizing what had just happened.

I-I almost died!

"The assassin from the Baroque Works? Which number?"

Zoro grinned, his sword blade locked with the assassin's fingers, and they were momentarily locked in a stalemate.

As the assassin's attack missed, his left leg immediately swept out.

In the instant of the kick, a sharp blade grew out of his lower leg.

Indeed, he was a Devil Fruit user!

Zoro released Usopp, drew out a second sword with his other hand, and held it to his right side.

Another clash of swords resounded.

"I can hear it! Your breathing rhythm, your attack pattern! As an opponent to pass the time, you're just right," Zoro squinted slightly.

The assassin immediately retreated, creating some distance between them.

At this moment, the two finally saw each other's appearance.

It was a tall man with a shaved head, dressed in a monk-like attire. The sides of his chest had snake patterns, and a Japanese character was tattooed on his chest.

"Number one?"

Zoro, who was practically illiterate, recognized the character.

Mr. 1 remained silent, his gaze first landing on Zoro, then quickly shifting to Usopp.

Roronoa Zoro, member of the Straw Hat Pirates, with a bounty of 19 million, and a pirate hunter.

The long-nosed one next to him if not on the wanted list.

Rather than dealing with a slightly more formidable opponent, he prioritized taking care of the other one.

With this thought in mind, he swiftly darted forward, closing in on Zoro.

Zoro immediately counterattacked, his blade slashing from the upper right to the lower left.

However, Mr. 1 didn't dodge or evade, instead using his body to withstand the attack, while his right palm, like a dagger, stabbed straight towards Usopp's chest.

"Is your target me?!"

Usopp exclaimed, bending backwards and propping himself up with his hands.

The sharp fingers barely grazed his abdomen, almost cutting through his clothes.

"What do you mean?"

Zoro's expression turned sour, and he immediately thrust his sword held in his left hand.

Ding!!

As if sparks were flying, Mr. 1 was pushed back several meters by the sword strike, rolling twice in the snow before quickly standing upright again.

"So tough! What is that?"

Zoro frowned and said, "Usopp, step back."

"Oh, leave the support to me!" Usopp rolled and crawled, quickly moving to a safe distance and hiding behind a tree.

He took out his slingshot, ready to support Zoro at any moment.

"Roronoa Zoro, with your sword, you can't harm me."

Mr. 1 spoke for the first time, his tone calm. "I am Mr. 1, who ate the Dice-Dice Fruit. Any part of my body can turn into a blade."

"Your whole body is made of iron? Ha, I don't see you being any harder than Yosaku's Iron Body."

Zoro sneered. These ability users were very proud of their powers and would willingly explain them to their enemies to demonstrate their strength.

For the past few days, he had been using Joseph as a training partner to achieve the state of "cutting iron."

"Don't be too arrogant, pirate!"

Mr. 1 had no interest in small talk. His only mission was to kill all the members of the Straw Hat Crew, as well as the princess.

With a step of his right foot, the accumulated snow instantly burst open, and he flew towards Zoro like an arrow, swiftly gliding through the air.

Seeing this, Zoro put away his two swords and drew Wado Ichimonji, whispering to himself,

"The eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind are the six senses of a person! Along with good, evil, and neutrality! Each of them has its own tranquility and pollution, making a total of thirty-six afflictions in one's lifetime."

He swung his sword through the air.

"Three-Sword Style: Thirty-Six Calamities Phoenix!"

Like a silver light descending, the flying slash under the night sky was akin to the Tempest Kick in the Six Styles, with the sword energy radiating like spikes.

Mr. 1's pupils contracted, and he immediately changed his posture, crossing his arms in front of his chest.

Puh!

The sword energy landed on his forearms, instantly sending him flying.

A trace of blood streaked across the air.

Rolling on the snowy ground, Mr. 1 continuously flipped his body, dissipating the impact.

"You have actually reached the realm of cutting iron!" After stabilizing his posture, he half-squatted and exclaimed in astonishment.

Why does such a swordsman only have a bounty of 19 million?!

It should be noted that even he, relying on the power of the Devil Fruit, cannot cut through steel.

And his bounty is as high as 75 million!

"I failed... It seems that my flying slash is not enough to cut through iron," Zoro expressed his dissatisfaction with the result.

Mr. 1 snorted coldly, raised his hand and glanced at the back of it, where a small wound was bleeding.

He stuck out his tongue and licked it.

The taste of blood made him become ferocious.

"I take back what I said earlier. You seem quite strong, pirate. I apologize. If your swordsmanship improves a bit more, maybe you won't have to die here!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he charged forward again.

His feet turned into blades, like ice skates, swiftly approaching on the snowy ground.

"Dustless Swift Blade!"

Both hands and all ten fingers opened up, even the palms turned into sharp blades.

"Just a frog at the bottom of a well."

Zoro sheathed his sword with precision, the blade sliding smoothly into its scabbard. In a seamless motion, he assumed a stance for Iaido, a martial art that showcased his exceptional expertise. His posture was unwavering, and his eyes focused intently on his imaginary opponent, ready to draw his sword with lightning speed.

He even closed his eyes.

The pressure made him boil on this snowy night.

Losing meant instant death.

"Zoro!!" Usopp gasped, "He's going to die!"

"No, I won't lose!"

Zoro grinned, still keeping his eyes shut. In the darkness, he relied on his other senses. He could hear his opponent's breath, each inhalation and exhalation like a drumbeat in the silence. With his keen instincts, he "saw" their figure in his mind's eye, a shadowy presence poised for confrontation. Zoro's confidence grew as he prepared to strike with his unparalleled swordsmanship.

Is this the power of Observation Haki?

"..."

In a low chant, the two engaged in a lightning-fast clash.

Splat!!

Mr. 1's charging posture froze as a deep, bone-visible wound extended from his lower right abdomen to his upper left, blood gushing out. At that critical moment, Zoro's deep voice resounded:

"Ichidō-ryū Iai: Shishi Sonson!" 

With blinding speed, Zoro unleashed his devastating Iaido technique, "Shishi Sonson," slicing through the air and delivering a fatal blow to his opponent.

The castle.

[Crew member Zoro awakens Observation Haki, rewarded with 3000 adventure coins]

Luffy, who was playing with Chopper, suddenly saw a system notification.

He paused for a moment, then burst into laughter.

"As expected of the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates, well done."

[Adventure Coins]: 2665 → 5665

Getting rich~~

He really looked forward to when Zoro would awaken Conqueror's Haki, wondering how much reward he would receive.

Dr. Kureha's voice sounded:

"Your illness can be easily resolved."

"Really?" Kaya exclaimed in surprise.

"It's not easy to solve either."

"Ah?" Kaya was stunned.

What could it be?

Kureha laughed sharply, like a witch: "Healing is a long process. Besides medication, you also need to go out and see the beauty of this world, adjust your mood, and not keep yourself locked in a room all the time. Making it difficult for you to recover."

"How do you know?" Kaya looked astonished.

"Because I am a doctor," Kureha giggled mischievously, getting up and saying, "Luffy, that's your name, right?"

"Monkey D. Luffy." Luffy put down Chopper and stated his full name.

"Is that so? Monkey D. Garp is your relative?"

"He's my grandfather."

"Hehe... the descendant of a hero, huh?" The old witch beckoned for Chopper to come over. "You said you ate the Gum Gum Fruit, the Sun God Nika's legendary fruit. It has been passed down among the suffering people in the world, but for some reason, the government has erased a lot of related information."

Luffy raised an eyebrow and chuckled lightly, "You really are a wise old witch, having lived for over a hundred years."

"The 'old' part is unnecessary! I'm still young!" Kureha glared at him. "Chopper, come with me and prepare some medicine for this young lady."

"Yes, Doctor Kureha."

Finally breaking free from Luffy's grasp, Chopper immediately followed.

Not long after, they returned, one human and one reindeer.

Chopper brewed the medicine once and handed it to Kaya, instructing, "Drink it and go to bed early. You have to drink it every day until your body is no longer weak, then we can switch to a new medicine."

"Yes."

Kaya's face lit up with a radiant smile as she delicately sipped the medicine. She had braced herself for bitterness, but to her pleasant surprise, it carried a subtle hint of sweetness.

Chopper chimed in, "I decided to add a touch of sweetness to it. I hope you find it more enjoyable this way."

"Thank you, Doctor Chopper."

"Joe!, Dr. Chopper...! Despite your words, I am definitely not happy, you scoundrel~"

His happiness was evident as he squirmed with delight.

Kaya smiled lightly and lay down on the bed according to the doctor's orders.

Luffy walked over and covered her with a blanket.

"Don't disturb the patient's rest. Let's talk about the medical fees. Chopper, you come with me."

Dr. Kureha called the two of them and left the ward.

They arrived at the castle's dining room.

The old witch even prepared a sumptuous meal.

Luffy didn't hesitate and happened to have not eaten dinner.

"You're a pirate, right?"

"I'm the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates."

"Is there a doctor missing on your ship?"

"Isn't that obvious? If there was a doctor on my ship, would I come here?" Luffy rolled his eyes.

"Hehehe... You have a point."

Dr. Kureha chuckled a few times, not angry. "The girl's condition is not easy to handle. It requires years of recuperation and a dedicated doctor to continuously monitor her condition."

Saying this, she pointed to Chopper happily eating cotton candy on the side.

"This kid's medical skills are not worse than mine. I can let him join your ship."

"Eh!?"

Chopper felt like a lightning bolt had struck him, tears welling up in his eyes. "Dr. Kureha, do you really not need me anymore?"

"You dear simpleton, I'm assigning you to a crucial medical mission. Just return once the girl's ailment is under control."

The elderly witch, who cherished Chopper like family, understood his character all too well.

With just a few words, Chopper found acceptance in his heart.

"So, it's a medical mission, then? Does this mean I'm becoming an independent doctor? But, I'll miss you, Dr. Kureha."

"You're truly a lovable fool. You can use a Den Den Mushi to stay connected with me!"

In just a few words, Chopper was completely fooled and lost his bearings.

The old witch chuckled and said, "So, shall we proceed with the examination?"

RE: "..."

Encountered an opponent!

The old witch is quite formidable!

I'm afraid it's going to cost a lot!

How much money do we have?

Because Nami has always been in charge of the ship's finances, he doesn't know, but it should be in the tens of millions.

The one billion berries that Nami saved up before were all left to the villagers of Cocoyasi Village.

However, the money issue is not a big problem.

"Please go ahead."

"Money means nothing to me," said Dr. Kureha, crossing her legs and extending two fingers. "I have only two requests."

"First, I don't know why the government wants to erase the legend of Nika, but there must be some huge problem behind it. I don't care about your life or death, but I don't want Chopper to die on your ship."

"Second, if possible, help him with his dream."

Just knowing a little about the legend of Nika and the fact that the government buried it can infer some problems.

Luffy couldn't help but think that when the old witch was young, she might have been a notorious and ruthless character.

As for Chopper's dream... to develop a universal medicine!

"I understand, and I promise."

"Hehehe... then, for now, I'll trust you, Garp's grandson."

"Do you know my grandfather?"

"No, I only used to come across that name in newspapers when I was young."

"You're still youthful, Dr. Kureha."

"You do have a way with words, young one~"

The next day.

In the early morning, Luffy departed from the palace alongside Kaya.

Dr. Kureha and Chopper joined them, with Chopper embarking on a "medical mission" that would last several years, bidding farewell to the old witch.

Though Chopper had been tricked into it by the old witch, he reluctantly came to terms with the necessity of his departure.

Upon their arrival at Big Horn Village, Dalton relayed the news that the Straw Hat Crew had already returned to the ship.

Afterwards, Dalton accompanied a few people to the docking point of the Nihou.

As soon as they met, Nami told him that there were two more prisoners on the ship.

"Last night, Luffy, Mr. 1 totally got his butt handed to him by Zoro," Nami said with an affectionate grin. "And you won't believe what happened with Miss Doublefinger. She thought she'd be all heroic and set those prisoners free. But guess what? Those prisoners, they had other plans. They held their ground and gave her quite the surprise."

The most unbelievable part of the situation? They weren't eager to flee.

Instead, they opted to remain where they were, exercising caution and avoiding any unnecessary entanglements.

Mr. 5 suggested taking the Straw Hat's Merry Go and escaping directly from the sea.

But one sentence from Mr. 9 scared them off.

If they didn't want to be eaten, they should stay put.

So the prisoners were all very obedient.

They worked together to defeat Miss Doublefinger, successfully gaining one more prisoner.

"Not bad, very obedient. Sanji, give them an extra chicken leg today," Luffy ordered with a smile, then introduced Chopper to everyone, "This is our new crew member, the skilled doctor, Tony Tony Chopper."

At the same time...

Grand Line, Sandy Island, Alabasta, Rain City, the largest casino, Rain Dinners.

The underground space of Rain Dinners.

Crocodile sat behind the table, with a cigar in his mouth.

The clock on the table showed that it was ten in the morning.

The time for the mission report had already passed.

"It seems that Mr. 1 has also failed."

A shadow fell over his eyes as he spoke coldly, "Let's move the plan forward, Miss All Sunday."

"Yes, Mr. O."

Robin nodded, smiled, and picked up a Den Den Mushi to contact the other members...