Chapter 80 Chopper Appears

Author: Xiao Yifeng

Translator: PapaSmurf0700

On Drum Island, a wintry realm situated in the first half of the Grand Line and a part of the World Government, the Straw Hats and Vivi gathered in a cozy room. They warmed themselves around a fire, sipping hot tea as Dalton shared the island's story.

The name 'Drum Island' was inspired by its unique landscape, featuring numerous drum-shaped mountains known as the Drum Rockies. The island had earned a reputation across the Grand Line for its exceptional medical expertise.

However, Dalton recounted a troubling decree made by Wapol eight years ago. The former king had selected the island's top 20 doctors, decreeing that they serve him exclusively. This meant that anyone else in need of medical attention had to resort to pleading with Wapol for access to these skilled healers.

Amidst this dire healthcare situation, there was a beacon of hope – a legendary witch doctor. She was an elderly woman, remarkable not only for her impressive age of 140 years but also for her peculiar fondness for pickled prunes. Her reputation and skills were well-known among the islanders, providing some comfort in a land where access to medical care was severely restricted.

Sanji's eyes widened in surprise as he heard about the witch doctor's incredible age. "140 years old!" he exclaimed, his voice tinged with disbelief. "Do people really live that long?"

Luffy, on the other hand, was brimming with excitement. He turned eagerly to Dalton, bombarding him with questions. "Mister, what about the snow monster? Where is the snow monster?!"

Dalton, taken aback by Luffy's enthusiasm, paused for a moment before responding. "Yes, there's a legend about that," he confirmed. He pointed towards the window, directing their attention to the highest peak on the island. "The witch lives in a castle atop that mountain. Sometimes, she descends to the lower regions, allowing people to get her medicinal attention."

Dalton continued, explaining that whenever the witch helped someone with her medical expertise, she would often take valuable items from their homes as payment. This revelation made Usopp grimace. "Taking away every valuable thing? What a nasty old lady," he commented.

Nami, however, was curious about something else. "How does a 140-year-old manage to come down from such a high mountain?" she wondered aloud.

Dalton turned to Nami, a hint of mystique in his voice. "It's said that on nights when the moon is full, she descends from the sky on a sleigh," he revealed. "And the creature pulling her sleigh is a monster that no one has ever seen before."

Luffy's excitement was infectious, and he couldn't contain his enthusiasm at the thought of adding such unique individuals to his crew. "It's settled then! I want that witch as our ship's doctor!" he declared with a wide grin. "And we'll make the snow monster a new crew member!"

Usopp, however, was visibly uneasy about the idea. His voice trembled as he protested, "Luffy, you can't be serious! A 140-year-old witch? She might turn us all into... MONSTERS!"

Nami shared Usopp's concerns, adding her own skepticism. "And why on earth would we want a snow monster on board our ship? It's ludicrous!"

Luffy, undeterred by their concerns, countered with a question of his own, "If the witch is so dangerous, how come Mister Dalton hasn't been turned into a monster yet?"

Dalton just looked baffled, unsure how to respond to Luffy's logic.

Luffy continued, his grin growing wider. "And as for the Yeti, think about it – isn't it exciting? We could even use it as a backup food supply!"

Bai Ye couldn't help but burst into laughter at Luffy's outrageous ideas. He thought: "Using Chopper as a food reserve, Luffy? That's hilarious!"

Usopp groaned, feeling helpless in the face of Luffy's determination. "This isn't funny, Bai Ye," he said, clutching his chest dramatically. "We have to stop Luffy. I think I've suddenly developed a condition that gets worse around witches and snow monsters."

But Bai Ye didn't endorse Usopp's plea. Instead, he supported their captain's decision. "Well, Luffy is the captain, after all. It's his call who joins the crew."

Luffy beamed at Bai Ye's support. "See, that's why you're such a great deputy captain, Bai Ye!" He patted Bai Ye's shoulder enthusiastically. "You've got to come with me to invite our new friends. I can't do it without you!"

Bai "Minister of Human Resources" Ye wasn't happy at all.

After a lively discussion among the Straw Hats, it was unanimously decided that Bai Ye would accompany Luffy on his journey to the mountain where the witch resided. Nami, with her usual practical wisdom, had pointed out, "If Bai Ye isn't there to keep an eye on Luffy, who knows what kind of trouble he'll get into." Bai Ye couldn't help but agree with her logic. It made perfect sense.

Thus, after making some quick preparations, Luffy and Bai Ye embarked on their adventure. Along the way, they encountered a Lapin, the island's unique mutant rabbit known for respecting only the strong. In the original story, Lapins had even assisted in halting Wapol as a way to repay Luffy's kindness. This showed that Lapins possessed a certain level of intelligence.

This time around, with no rush to take Nami up the mountain, Luffy engaged in a fierce battle with Lapins. His impressive display of strength attracted more and more of them, turning their journey into an impromptu battle session. As the skirmish prolonged, Bai Ye looked on, a mix of amusement and exasperation on his face.

Finally, seeing an opportunity, Bai Ye turned to Luffy and said with a hint of mischief, "Luffy, haven't you always wanted to fly? I'll make that wish come true for you this time."

With those words, Bai Ye invoked his Daoist technique:

Xun Gua – Glorious Phoenix

A powerful gust of wind swirled beneath their feet, lifting them gracefully into the sky. The ascending wind also scooped up a flurry of snow, creating a picturesque scene. To any onlooker gazing from below, it would appear as though Luffy and Bai Ye were ascending to the heavens on a cloud, a sight both majestic and surreal.

The group of Lapins, witnessing the extraordinary scene above, stared with wide eyes, their expressions a mix of awe and disbelief. It was as if they were thinking, "Incredible! They're like beings from another realm!"

Luffy's excitement was palpable the moment he left the ground, his eyes sparkling with delight. "Wow!!" he exclaimed joyfully. "Hahahaha, this is amazing!! Bai Ye, you're awesome!" His laughter echoed through the chilly air, filled with pure, childlike wonder.

As they soared higher, the snow beneath their feet piled up, forming a fluffy, white platform. Suddenly, Luffy's playful nature took over. He bent down and began shaping the snow, his actions sparking a playful challenge in the air.

Bai Ye's voice rang out, tinged with a mix of annoyance and amusement, "Don't start a snowball fight up here, you brat!" But Luffy's laughter only grew louder in response. "Ha ha ha ha!!" His carefree attitude was infectious.

Bai Ye couldn't help but join in, his competitive spirit rekindled. "You're challenging me to a snowball fight? You've got guts, Luffy! I used to be the top snowball fighter at Wudang Mountain, you know!"

SPLAT! SPLAT! The sounds of snowballs colliding filled the sky as the two engaged in an unlikely battle above Drum Island, their laughter resonating through the crisp winter air.

Down below, at the gates of the castle atop Drum Island's highest mountain, a small, human-reindeer hybrid in a hat and shorts looked up, completely bewildered by the spectacle. "These guys are literally flying on snow and having a snowball fight. HOW?" he exclaimed in astonishment, his voice filled with disbelief.

The sudden, loud yell from the little reindeer-human caught the attention of the snowball duelists above. Both Luffy and Bai Ye peered down, their expressions shifting to excitement and surprise.

"It's him!" they exclaimed in unison. "The snow monster!"

Chopper, his face drained of color, scampered toward the castle's gate in a panic. Meanwhile, Luffy, brimming with excitement, extended his right arm, clad in the metal glove that Bai Ye had gifted him. He plunged it into the snowy mountain terrain, and with a swift motion, he propelled himself down near the castle.

Luffy, bursting with energy, dashed eagerly toward Chopper. He came to a stop right in front of the startled reindeer-human, his straw hat held firmly in hand and a wide grin stretching across his face. Chopper, who had been treated as a monster by others all his life, was completely taken aback by such a boisterous greeting.

In a swift motion, Chopper whirled around, aiming to make a quick getaway. But he found his path blocked by Bai Ye, who had smoothly landed and positioned himself behind the little doctor.

With a gentle smile, Bai Ye spoke soothingly, "Sorry about that. My captain can get a bit overexcited. Did he startle you?"