Chapter Thirty-Nine: The Blue-Nosed Reindeer

Two weeks later, the Juventus began to approach the waters near Drum Island.

Drum Island, also known as the Drum Kingdom, lies on the edge of the Grand Line and is a nation renowned for its advanced medical science.

After the death of Wapol’s father, Wapol inherited the throne and became the new king of Drum Kingdom. Upon ascending to the throne, Wapol ruled with tyranny, constantly devising new laws each day to further oppress his people.

A few years ago, during the World Conference, Wapol declared that he would not involve himself in the Revolutionary Army issue, leading to a heated argument with Nefertari Cobra, the King of Alabasta. Wapol even pretended to “accidentally” strike Nefertari Vivi!

After returning to his country, Wapol exiled nearly all of Drum Kingdom’s skilled doctors, leaving only Dr. Kureha and the group known as Doctor 20, a medical team devoted exclusively to serving him.

Once they had docked, Buffon first contacted Moria; learning that Moria was still two days’ voyage away, Buffon took Marlon and Baggio ashore with Ace, leaving Sauro and the zombie legion to guard the ship.

To remain as inconspicuous as possible, Buffon made Ace a white cloak as well.

Ace, half-joking, tugged at his new cloak to test its strength, and when he found that no amount of force could tear it, he once again revered Buffon as a genius beyond compare.

Their plan was simple: use Buffon’s superior medical skills to approach Wapol, and then wait for Blackbeard’s arrival.

Ace made it clear he would only wait for one week; if Blackbeard did not appear in that time, he would set out alone to continue the pursuit.

Buffon, wise as ever, knew Blackbeard would eventually come, but could not be sure of the exact timing, so he simply nodded in acceptance.

The two walked for half a day without encountering a single person, though they did cross paths with many reindeer.

Watching Buffon eye the reindeer intently, Ace asked curiously, “Buffon, what’s so interesting about these animals? They’re everywhere on winter islands.”

Buffon replied offhandedly, “I’m looking for a reindeer with a blue nose.”

Ace burst out laughing. “How could there possibly be a blue-nosed reindeer in this world?”

But just then, Buffon’s keen senses picked up numerous glowing red eyes in the shadows of the nearby forest.

“What on earth are those?” Ace shouted.

Buffon had a good idea—they must be Lapahn, the unique, giant rabbits native to this island.

Lapahn are massive, adult specimens standing as tall as Buffon himself, who now measured 299 centimeters. They have the speed of rabbits and the strength of bears, and when they gather in groups, they fiercely attack any intruder who dares trespass into their territory. Sometimes, they even use their immense leaps to trigger avalanches and drive away enemies.

“Ace, do you feel like eating roast rabbit?” Buffon said calmly.

Ace looked at him in confusion. “What are you up to?”

Buffon merely smiled and strode toward the forest, where the Lapahn soon emerged.

When Ace saw the gigantic rabbits, he cried out in astonishment, “What kind of monster is that!”

Buffon could only shake his head at the display. He couldn’t fathom how all these powerful men with a “D” in their names could be so oblivious. Ace could easily take on ten Lapahn with a single punch, yet acted as if he were terrified at the first sight.

Ignoring Ace, Buffon rushed into the rabbit horde, felling the Lapahn with a few well-placed blows. He then dragged the strongest one over and waved to Ace.

The ever-hungry Ace was delighted, immediately running over and using his powers to create a massive bonfire.

As Buffon prepared to slaughter the rabbit, a voice cut him off.

“You can’t do that! Lapahn are the kingdom’s protectors. You can’t eat them, you vicious pirates!”

Looking toward the sound, they saw a blue-nosed reindeer standing in the snow, glaring at them fiercely as if ready to attack at any moment.

“A blue-nosed reindeer! And it can talk!” Ace exclaimed, his expression no different from Luffy’s.

Buffon sighed inwardly. “No wonder they’re brothers—even their reactions are identical.”

He addressed the blue-nosed reindeer calmly: “But surely you don’t expect us to starve to death in the snow?”

The blue-nosed reindeer hesitated, then said, “I’ll take you to Doctorine’s clinic. I have a pot of mushroom soup there—you can have your fill.”

Hearing this, Buffon put down the rabbit and asked, though he already knew the answer, “What’s your name?”

“Tony Tony Chopper! I’m a reindeer who ate the Human-Human Fruit!”

Ace was even more amazed. “There’s actually a Devil Fruit like that? You’re incredible! Buffon, let’s go with him and have a meal. We can learn more about this kingdom while we’re at it.”

Buffon nodded. Drawing closer to Doctorine—who Chopper called Dr. Kureha—would make it easier to get near Wapol as well.

And so, the two of them, along with two zombies, followed Chopper toward Kureha’s clinic.

Along the way, Ace asked Chopper about Drum Kingdom. It was as Buffon already knew: Wapol still ruled as a tyrant, having exiled all the kingdom’s skilled doctors except for Kureha, and keeping the Doctor 20 group for his own use.

When Chopper asked about their purpose in coming to Drum Island, Ace answered earnestly, “A murderer who killed one of my comrades may be planning to attack your country. We’re here to capture him and bring him back.”

Chopper’s expression became deeply conflicted. He agreed that overthrowing Wapol’s tyranny would be a good thing—but not if it meant destroying the country he called home. This was the place where he’d met his beloved mentor, Hiriluk, and made precious memories. Hiriluk’s dying wish was to see this island covered in cherry blossoms, and Chopper had yet to fulfill that dream.

When they reached Kureha’s clinic, Chopper transformed into his plush toy form. Ace, seeing the adorable reindeer, couldn’t help but exclaim in awe again.

Chopper blushed, twisting his body shyly. “Are you complimenting me? I won’t get conceited, you know!”

Just then, the door to the opposite room swung open, and dozens of sharp weapons shot toward them. Before Buffon or Ace could react, Baggio and Ryoma leapt in front of Buffon, deflecting every single weapon.

There, standing opposite them, was an old woman in a stylish purple suit, sporting both sunglasses and reading glasses atop her head.

She called to Chopper, “Stupid son, get over here. They’re pirates!”