Chapter 19: Peak Medical Skills.

Inside Laboon

Luffy's voice rang through Laboon's mind, gently echoing:

"Yes, Brook is alive, Laboon—I wouldn't lie to you."

Shirogai's soothing tone carried warmth:

"Brook's biggest hope is to return to Reverse Mountain, to keep the promise he made to you, the Rumbar Pirates' promise."

Laboon whimpered:

"Then why hasn't Brook come back? I miss him so much…"

Shirogai's voice turned pensive:

"Brook's shadow was stolen by a powerful group. If he shows his face, his life is in danger. Yet he's still searching for his shadow, seeking ways to come back."

Laboon's roar trembled with emotion:

"Where is Brook? I must find him!"

Startled, Laboon leapt, crashing down and sending the Merry Go tumbling. Nami grabbed Shirogai's coat in panic.

"Shirogai, what's happening?"

Unfazed, Shirogai laid a hand on her shoulder and addressed Laboon telepathically:

"Laboon, calm down, you're scaring everyone."

Then, he spoke gently to the crew:

"I'll tell you the story of a small whale and a pirate crew who loved music."

---

Shirogai began to speak:

"Laboon is an island whale. Though massive, its mind is like an eight-year-old's. Three years ago it got separated from its pod and was adopted by the Rumbar Pirates. They shared music and happiness."

He paused, voice softening:

"Then many fell sick due to illness, and others died fighting in the Devil's Triangle. Laboon stayed, guarding the promise. Its head scars came from banging against the Red Line's wall, waiting for their return."

Shirogai continued without mentioning Brook's trap, but revealed that one pirate survived in the Florian Triangle.

Usopp's voice cracked with tears:

"Laboon… it's so sad."

Luffy, inspired, yelled toward the whale:

"Become our comrade! We'll sail with you and find Brook together!"

Laboon's huge eyes flickered with hope.

Nami swore in frustration:

"Luffy, think! An island whale here in the Grand Line will attract Sea Kings—we'll get attacked! And you… useless in water!"

Luffy pouted:

"We can let Laboon live on the ship!"

"Idiot!" Nami snapped.

Understanding the whale's feelings, Shirogai spoke telepathically:

"Laboon, I want to enter your body to see Crocus."

After a pause, Laboon replied:

"Alright. He's sleeping now."

With that, its mouth opened wide—and the frightened crew watched as the Merry Go was swallowed whole.

Nami clung to Shirogai, tears in her eyes:

"Shirogai Sam's, help! Laboon is going to eat us!"

Shirogai laughed softly while lifting her up:

"No really, we're just visiting Laboon's stomach."

Usopp whimpered, voice faint:

"Isn't that the same thing? Luffy, Shirogai is feeding us to a whale!"

Luffy shrugged at the bow:

"No problem if Shirogai says it's fine. Let's explore!"

Usopp's legs gave out as he collapsed dramatically. Zoro and Sanji remained calm, reassuring in their silence.

---

Inside the Whale's Belly

A giant squid lashed at the ship, but Shirogai kicked it out into the air.

As smoke, Shirogai caught it midair—his silhouette drifting above the ship.

Nami sniffled, pouting:

"Shirogai Sam's isn't reliable either. I'm fed up—when do we go home?"

Usopp eyed a surreal scene around them:

"Why is there a sky inside Laboon? Seabirds, clouds…"

Zoro pointed at a tiny island above them:

"There's an island in the whale's stomach?"

Shirogai reformed and explained:

"It's modified inside—healing sanctuaries for injuries from banging into the Red Line."

The squid was placed gently on that island. Shirogai walked toward a small hut and knocked.

---

The door opened to reveal Crocus—elderly, strong-built, with distinctive hair and glasses.

His gaze swept over Shirogai before he shrugged and yawned:

"It's rare to get visitors."

Everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief.

Usopp muttered:

"Not as fierce as I thought!"

Shirogai said politely:

"Crocus-sama, We apologize for dropping in unannounced."

Crocus gestured to a chair under a coconut tree, reading a paper.

"Most pirates are rude brutes. You're... polite. Do you know me?"

Shirogai smiled:

"Of course. You were the Roger Pirates' doctor, guardian of Reverse Mountain and Laboon."

Crocus's expression softened as paper rustled in his hands, memories stirring.

A system prompt, audible only to Shirogai, confirmed:

[Host observed: Master-level medical skill controller. Understood: Peak-level medical skill.]

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