As long as he joined the Straw Hat Crew, his growth rate would skyrocket.
After all, they were always getting injured!
And injuries needed treatment, right?
At that time, pinch, pinch, pinch...
One by one, he'd heal them until they were completely at his mercy.
As long as the ones he treated developed psychological trauma, he could even gain abilities from them. Simply invincible.
Injured once? Healed once.
Each time, the treatment method would be different.
Each time, they would be left with trauma.
At that point, he might even be able to snatch the Nika Fruit.
Though honestly, he didn't think that fruit was all that useful.
Thinking about this, taking Chopper as a disciple didn't seem like a bad idea.
Even though he had no medical skills now, he had the system!
What didn't the system have?
As long as he had enough negative points, he could even modify Rei Ayanami's giant cucumber into a full-blown battleship.
Mixing up a few medicines?
Piece of cake.
With that in mind, Vir immediately agreed to Chopper's request.
"Alright, since you're so sincere about becoming my disciple, I'll accept you. But you'd better work hard in the future."
Hearing this, Chopper was overjoyed.
His face lit up with a big smile as he thanked Vir.
"Thank you! Thank you so much! I'll definitely work hard! I won't let you down, Master! Oh, by the way, my name is Chopper!"
"No need to call me 'Master,' just call me Big Bro Vir."
"Alright! Big Bro Vir!"
Everyone was happy, truly happy.
Chopper was happy. Vir was happy.
Both of them were grinning ear to ear.
"Chopper, Big Bro doesn't have a place to stay right now. How about letting me crash at your place for the night?"
Vir said with a sly smile, revealing his true intentions.
Hearing this, Chopper hesitated.
Dr. Kureha… she wouldn't be easy to convince.
After all, she had quite the fiery temper.
No strangers had ever stayed at their home before.
But he had just become Vir's disciple. Letting his Big Bro sleep on the streets?
Would Big Bro be disappointed in him? Would he kick him out?
Could this be a test of his loyalty?
That seemed very possible. After all, wasn't there always an observation period after becoming a disciple?
Thinking this through, Chopper finally nodded.
"Of course! I'll take you home right now, Big Bro!"
"Good, good. This was a test for you, and you passed. You're quite the promising student."
Vir smirked.
But Chopper, feeling proud of being praised, suddenly trembled and accidentally threw him off.
Whenever he was complimented, he just couldn't control his body from wiggling around.
Caught off guard, Vir was launched into the air.
"It's not that big a deal~ Just normal~"
Watching Chopper's reaction, Vir was left speechless. This little guy could start wiggling at any moment...
Only then did Chopper notice Vir lying on the ground.
"Big Bro, why are you sitting on the ground? It's cold down there, don't catch a cold."
Vir sighed, rubbing his forehead as he stood up, then promptly hopped back onto Chopper's back.
"I'm getting old, my legs aren't great, so I tripped. It's nothing. It's getting late, let's get going."
Vir didn't blame Chopper, just mentioned his weak legs.
Hearing that, Chopper made a mental note.
'Big Bro has bad legs. I should let him walk less and carry him more in the future.'
With that in mind, Chopper started running at full speed.
Destination—home.
…
"Where has that rascal Chopper gone? It's already dark! He better not have been goofing off again. I'm going to scold him when he gets back."
A fashionable woman paced back and forth in the living room, her face full of worry.
Though she spoke harshly, she was actually anxious deep down.
Normally, Chopper came home early, but tonight, he was nowhere to be seen. Something must have happened.
After waiting a little longer, she couldn't sit still anymore.
Grabbing a thick coat, she prepared to go out and look for him.
That little fool… if he got kidnapped, it'd be a disaster.
Just as she opened the door, a reindeer face appeared right in front of her.
One of its hooves was even raised, ready to knock on the door.
Seeing the door suddenly swing open, Chopper jumped in fright.
"D-Dr. Kureha…"
Chopper's voice trembled, and he gulped nervously.
After all, Dr. Kureha was a powerhouse.
She frequently threw axes at him.
And now, not only was he coming home late, but he was also bringing a stranger with him.
He had no idea what kind of punishment awaited him.
It probably wouldn't be pleasant.
"Where have you been?! Coming back this late! If you make me wait this long again, don't bother coming home!"
Dr. Kureha scolded him furiously.
"I… I went to save someone."
Chopper spoke weakly, looking absolutely terrified.
"What?!"
"Who did you save? Did you get hurt? How many times have I told you? You're not allowed to practice medicine without my permission! Why won't you listen?!"
She scolded him angrily, but as she spoke, she started checking him for injuries.
But as she examined him, she suddenly stopped.
She had noticed the young man standing nearby.
"Who are you?! What are you doing here so late?!"
Dr. Kureha glared at Vir with suspicion.
"Dr. Kureha! He saved my life today! He's my savior!"
Seeing her hostility, Chopper quickly explained.
"What? He saved you? What happened?!"
"I~ I was attacked while saving him. He rescued me… And, um, can he stay at our place for the night?"
Chopper explained, but his words only made Dr. Kureha angrier.
"You saved him? Why did you save him?! And now you want him to stay the night? No way! He needs to leave! Or you can go with him!"
She turned around and started heading inside.
Chopper stood outside with a pleading face, but she showed no sympathy.
She was about to shut the door.
This kid was too soft-hearted.
He needed to learn that not everyone could be brought home.
Just as she was about to close the door—
*Pop!*
A distinct sound rang out.
She knew that sound all too well!
She instinctively looked toward the source.
There stood Vir, smiling, holding an open bottle of Feitian Moutai.
The rich aroma of the liquor instantly filled the air.
The moment she caught the scent, her expression completely changed.
A look of pure bliss appeared on her face.
As a fine-wine-loving, eternally youthful beauty, this was simply too tempting.
Even her mouth started to water.
----
TL note: Feitian Moutai is a China's national liquor, 53% Vol.