Kingdom of Medicine

As soon as I entered the forest, I spotted a peculiar insect. What stood out was its size—it seemed taller than me.

And since I noticed it, it noticed me too, staring back. It was a strange insect resembling a grasshopper but with multiple limbs.

*"Kshaaaaaaaaa!" It let out an aggressive screech and lunged at me with terrifying speed.

"Damn, it's fast!" I barely dodged its attack, but the strike left a bloody gash on my right cheek. I threw a punch toward its face, but its reflexes were sharp—it dodged and leaped back.

"Damn, how is an insect this strong? This is insane!" The insect charged at me again, but this time, I was ready.

There was a thick, vine-like plant beside me. As it closed in, the plant coiled around its legs and tripped it. I didn't waste the opportunity—I used my telekinesis to hurl a rock at its head, smashing it to pieces.

*"This island is insanely dangerous. If a mere insect is this strong, how powerful must the dinosaurs be?"*

So I decided to leave without meeting the giants. To redirect my Log Pose to the next island, I'd need a full year due to this island's harsh climate. But knowing this, I had already bought a *"Kingdom of Medicine" Eternal Pose* back at Whisky Peak.

I stashed the wine I had planned to gift the giants back in the hold and set sail for the next island.

---

*Four days later…*

After four days of sailing, I spotted a winter island jutting with massive, drum-like pillars and snowy hills. I docked my ship at the port and set out to find *Kureha*.

The reason? Ever since that insect's scratch, my cheek had been throbbing in pain, and the skin was turning *purple*. I used the *antidote* I bought from Crocus—it eased the pain slightly but didn't cure it.

So, I had to find *Kureha*. I figured she was the only one who could treat this poison, especially since she had healed Nami in the original story.

Given her reputation, I asked around and eventually found her clinic. I arrived at a two-story house set apart from the rest of the settlement. I knocked. The door opened, and a *small reindeer wearing a red hat* peeked out, eyeing me curiously. *"Is Dr. Kureha here?"* I asked.

The reindeer was startled—not because a human was talking to it, but because I *wasn't* shocked that a reindeer had answered the door. *"Y-Yes. Do you need something?"* it asked.

"I've been poisoned. I need treatment."

"Alright, wait here. I'll tell her." The reindeer closed the door, leaving me outside.

Huh. So Chopper's living with Kureha now. That means that weird doctor must be dead.

Chopper opened the door again and let me in. Inside, I saw an old woman with wild yellow hair, deep wrinkles, and two pairs of glasses perched on her head. *"What kind of poison brings you all the way here?"* she demanded.

*"I was on Little Garden. Fought a giant insect—it scratched my cheek. Didn't think much of it at first, but the pain kept getting worse."* I peeled off the bandage covering my wound.

Her expression turned serious as she listened. She stepped closer, examining my cheek. Despite the small size of the wound, it hadn't healed even after four days, and my skin was turning purple.

"You should thank whoever sold you that antidote. Without it, half your face would be paralyzed by now. I can treat this, but it won't be cheap," she said, pricking another spot on my cheek to check the poison's spread.

"Money isn't an issue."

"Good. Then let's begin. Chopper, fetch my gloves, Black Aloe powder, and the supplements." The reindeer moved quickly, gathering the supplies as Kureha started treating me.

---

Now… I'm sprinting away from that witch's house at full speed. After she finished treating me and confirmed I was cured, I waited for her to step out, tricked Chopper, and ran—because I don't have the money. All I have left is *400,000 berries*, and docking fees will take another *100,000*. The rest? I'll use it to restock on food and water before heading to Alabasta.

---

Later, back at Kureha's house… When Kureha returned, she immediately noticed her patient was missing. "Chopper! Where's that kid?"

Chopper answered innocently, "He went out to eat dinner. Said he'd be back soon."

Kureha smacked him on the head. "You idiot! He played you!"

Tears welled up in Chopper's eyes. "But he said he'd come back!"

"Forget it. My mistake. I let my guard down because he looked young. After all these years, I get scammed by a brat a century younger than me."

She sighed, deciding not to pursue the matter. ---

Meanwhile… As Kureha scolds Chopper, Luca is already on his way to *Alabasta*. --- *On a pirate ship bound for Alabasta…

A conversation unfolds among the crew. "Who'd have thought that shabby little ship was carrying a Devil Fruit this valuable? Luck's on our side, Captain!"A grimy-looking man cheered. The broad-shouldered captain grinned.

"Hahaha! Even if it's just a zon, the power of flight makes it priceless. We'll sell it in Alabasta and live like kings!" He was a notorious captain in these waters.

A few days ago, they raided a ship—never expecting its captain to be hiding a Devil Fruit in his quarters. The captain glanced at the sky, thinking, Once I sell this fruit and add it to my savings, I'll ditch this crew and disappear into one of the Blues.

Just as the mood was high, a crewman burst in. "Captain! There's a small ship anchored near the rocks. What should we do?"

Intrigued, the captain stood. "Hand me the spyglass." He peered through it. Despite the darkness, he could make out a medium-sized green ship.

"No lights. They must be asleep. Probably some rookies, camping in a place like this."

"Alright, keep quiet. We'll approach unnoticed." The captain laughed, giving the order to his crew.

---

Meanwhile… Having flown nonstop for over *24 hours*, Luca decided to take a nap in the middle of the sea.