Chapter 41- Relationships {get your mind out of the gutter}

{This is a short chapter, as I didn't have much time and I didn't manage to refresh myself about the little garden arc. Also, this is unedited... Forgive me!!!}

The Straw Hat crew was silent as Katakuri stepped out of the castle with complicated feelings. He never opened his heart like that before, and after realizing how much he bonded with the Straw Hats after only a month made him genuinely worry about his ability to leave them. Sure, the Big Mom crew was his biological family, but there was never warmth in their relationship. Big Mom saw them as disposable tools, nothing more, and they themselves had too many brothers and sisters to count so a lot of them were like strangers. Katakuri had a couple of people he dearly cared about like Brulee, but other than that only blood made him care about them. On the other hand, the Straw Hats have already accepted him as part of the crew and every member treats him like an actual brother. Even with all the curses they whisper at him during their training sessions. He desperately hoped he wouldn't have to choose one over the other, but knowing Big Mom, he knew his prays had little to no chance of coming true.

As Katakuri sat in silence, the other members started to wonder what happened. Katakuri isn't the talkative type, but not even giving a report to Luffy was way out of character for him. "Katakuri, what happened in there?" Nami asked with worry. "...I talked to Chopper and He'll probably join.", Katakuri informed. "Then why do you look so depressed?" Usopp asked him, "I... I don't want to talk about it".

Silence.

Normally, if Katakuri didn't want to answer he would just ignore the question, but this time he talked, and the other Straw Hats heard clear signs of confusion and sorrow in his voice. "Katakuri, tell me what happened" Usopp stood up and raised his voice slightly. During his training, he began to look up to Katakuri as his role model. Luffy was stronger, no doubt about that, but Katakuri was still incredibly strong, cool, mysterious, and caring. All things that Usopp wanted to be as a brave warrior of the sea.

"..." This time though, Katakuri remained silent. "I-" just as Usopp started to speak the door opened, and Chopper came out with his bags packed. "I-I've decided that I will join you", Chopper said with determination while not noticing the grim atmosphere. "...Great!" Luffy yelled while the other Straw Hats forgot about Kartakuri's behavior and went to talk to Chopper. Usopp shot Katakuri a look that signaled that their conversation isn't over and then went to talk to Chopper. Katakuri had a slight smile hidden beneath his long scarf as he slowly walked down to the ship.

Chopper immediately started to exchange medical information with Law, who showed a rare smile as he looked at the small reindeer. Chopper unpacked some medical books and went to Law's room to talk about it, he wasn't very comfortable with the rest of the crew due to his shy nature, and since Law was a doctor too Chopper stuck to him like glue.

"Nami, head to Little Garden"