Chapter 24: You Can Talk?!

Once they were recognized, it would bring a lot of trouble.

Since no one knew Vir and Chopper, they didn't need to disguise themselves.

So, the task of buying clothes fell to Sanji, who had never seen Mr. 3 before.

The rest of the group stayed put, waiting.

"Alright, we'll just wait for Sanji to come back."

Nami said with a smile, but soon realized that their group was already missing someone.

Her smile gradually disappeared.

Her expression turned twisted with anger!

"Where did Luffy run off to this time?!"

…

Haaa~~~

Vir let out a huge yawn—he was truly exhausted.

There wasn't much left to do: buy supplies, wait to run into Ace, and that would be it.

If they didn't bump into him by chance, then they'd just have to track him down.

Ace was a crucial part of the plan.

Vir's ultimate goal in Alabasta was to squeeze some benefits out of Crocodile.

Sure, Crocodile would lose to Luffy, but that didn't mean he was weak.

The guy was just too obsessed with ancient weapons, which had caused his strength to deteriorate.

Though, to be fair… it had deteriorated quite a lot.

But Crocodile was still capable.

In his younger years, he even went toe-to-toe with Bullet in a one-on-one battle.

Back then, Bullet probably had the strength of an admiral.

Whatever Vir could take from Crocodile was bound to be top-tier, maybe even better than Ace's abilities.

The issue was that if Vir healed Crocodile, he might not be able to take him down afterward.

That's where Ace came in.

If Vir didn't deal with Ace first, he wouldn't be able to handle Crocodile.

Taking care of Ace was easy.

Later, when Ace and their group crossed the desert, Luffy was bound to lose their supplies—just as expected.

With the blazing sun and the scorching heat, who wouldn't want a cold drink?

Even a Fire Fist wouldn't be able to resist…

As long as Vir handled Luffy first, Ace would naturally follow.

Then, if Vir slipped him a little something… wouldn't Ace just go full power?

Drowsy, Vir couldn't hold on any longer. He leaned on Chopper's back, and before long, he was out like a light.

"Wake me up when we get there."

Those were his last words before drifting off.

Chopper, meanwhile, was nearly boiling in the heat.

Even so, he kept adjusting Vir's position to prevent him from falling off.

Not far ahead, the market was already in sight. Just a little more to go.

Once they reached that place—

Everything would be over.

Dripping with sweat, Chopper was nearly done for.

As a reindeer from Drum Island, this kind of weather was unbearable.

The distance didn't seem far, but right now, it felt endless.

After struggling a little longer, Chopper finally couldn't take it anymore.

Staggering into a shaded area, he collapsed, taking a break.

He could feel himself nearing heatstroke, but logic told him—if he passed out, he'd just get beaten up again.

That was absolutely not an option!

But just as he lay down, a voice called out.

"No parking here!"

Chopper looked up in confusion. A freckled man was smiling at him.

Chopper was stunned. Who was this guy?

Before he could speak, the man continued, "Hahaha! Just messing with you! Have you seen this person?"

He held up a wanted poster—Luffy's face was printed on it.

Chopper was even more confused now. Why was this guy looking for Luffy?

And why was he talking to him?

Wasn't it obvious he was a reindeer?

Why would someone ask a reindeer for information?

This guy seemed kind of dumb…

Before Chopper could figure it out, the man spoke again.

"Haha, that's my little brother. He's got a pretty high bounty at such a young age. If he keeps going like this, he might actually become the Pirate King."

He casually slung an arm around Chopper's neck, looking proud.

Hearing that, Chopper was now mostly sure—this guy wasn't an enemy.

After all, he just casually mentioned Luffy's dream.

Maybe he really was Luffy's brother.

At the very least, he didn't seem hostile.

Thinking this, Chopper finally responded, "That's my captain."

As soon as he said it, Ace froze.

His face was filled with disbelief.

What… the hell…

What was going on?!

This reindeer talked?!

Ace, now in shock, smacked himself in the face twice—just to make sure he wasn't dreaming.

Huh? A random reindeer on the side of the road… could talk?!

That was already insane, but the craziest part was—this reindeer was actually Luffy's crewmate?!

Was this some kind of joke? How could the timing be this perfect?

"You can talk?! And you're Luffy's crewmate?!"

Chopper looked at him, speechless.

So he knew reindeer weren't supposed to talk, huh?

"Yeah, I'm the apprentice doctor on the crew. And this guy on my back? That's my master! He's the greatest doctor in the world! He can even make medicine that nullifies Devil Fruit abilities!"

Chopper lifted Vir up proudly, puffing out his chest as he bragged.

It seemed like the heat didn't even bother him anymore.

Ace was stunned for a while before he snapped out of his shock.

Now, he looked at Vir.

This guy… was Luffy's ship doctor?

And he was sleeping this deeply?

From what the little reindeer said, this guy's medical skills were incredible. Luffy really lucked out getting someone like him.

Ace had no reason to doubt Chopper's words.

If this guy could create medicine that nullified Devil Fruit powers, then his skills must be god-tier.

After all, Ace had traveled the world and never heard of such a thing.

If he could do that—his medical abilities must be off the charts.

Then suddenly, a thought struck Ace.

Wait a minute!

If he was really that skilled… could he help Whitebeard?

Whitebeard's health was getting worse by the day.

If it kept going like this, he wouldn't last for many more years.

Once this guy woke up, Ace had to ask him!

Originally, Ace had just been heading to a restaurant when he spotted a fluffy reindeer in the desert and found it interesting.

So, he came over to chat.

But now, he had completely changed his mind.

Food could wait—but he absolutely could not let this guy slip away.

He had to stay close.

If they weren't really Luffy's crewmates, he might never find them again.

This was about Whitebeard's health—he could not take this lightly!

"Your master is really that incredible?"

Ace asked Chopper again.

"Of course! The greatest doctor in the world—guaranteed!"

Chopper bragged even harder, hyping Vir up to the heavens.

"Then I have a sick family member. Once he wakes up, I'll ask if he can help."

"No problem! But my master just fell asleep. He told me to wake him once we got there…"

"Where are you headed? I'll come with you."

Not long after, with Ace sponsoring an unlimited supply of ice water, Chopper was fully revived.

He dashed toward the market with newfound energy, while Ace followed behind leisurely.

Meanwhile, Vir continued sleeping soundly.

The market was getting closer and closer. Three minutes later, they finally arrived at the bustling town square.

Chopper navigated the crowd easily without bumping into anyone.

At this moment, he turned to look at Vir on his back and softly called out.

"Big bro! Big bro, we're here…"

After a few calls, Vir finally woke up.

He groggily opened his eyes, surveyed the area, nodded in satisfaction, and patted Chopper's head.

"Nice work."

Then, he yawned widely and stretched his body.

After a few shakes, he finally rebooted himself.

"Let's go buy water and food. Over there."

He glanced around and pointed Chopper in a direction.

But Chopper didn't move.

Just as Vir was about to ask why, Chopper spoke up.

"Big bro, someone's looking for you to treat their family."

Huh?

What?

Someone was looking for him?

"Word of my medical skills has already spread? Someone's specifically looking for me?"

Before Chopper could respond, Vir heard a familiar voice from behind him.

"Dr. Vir, right? I'm the one looking for you."

As he spoke, the man stepped in front of Vir.

Slowly, he took off his hat.

Introducing himself, he said, "My name is Ace!"

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