What would you do if you found a wounded, speaking deer in the middle of the woods? In the One Piece universe, stranger things have happened—and the former pirate turned physician Dr. Hiriluk immediately takes in the little creature. After treating his injuries, he also gives his new friend a name: Tony Tony Chopper.
Since Chopper was shunned by both humans and his fellow deer for his weird appearance and skills, he stays with Hiriluk and begins studying medicine under him. Hiriluk is anything but a star surgeon, but he does have a dream: To restore hope to the people of the island he lives on, who have been suffering under a tyrant king for too long.
As he and Chopper work on his cherry blossom formula, they fail far more than they succeed, including the occasional blow-up. After yet another beaker explodes in their faces, Chopper loses his temper: “That could have killed me!” “What are you talking about?” Dr. Hiriluk retorts, “I saved your life. Why would I try to kill you now, you blue-nosed fool?”
Several light punches and loud screams later, both sulk in different corners of the room. Until… “Doctor?” “What?” “This is my first fight.” With a big sigh, Dr. Hiriluk’s expression softens. His compassion once again wins over his stubbornness. And before giving Chopper what will become his signature red top hat with a white cross on it as a peace offering, he says a sentence that forever changes Chopper’s perspective:
“Well, it’s no wonder. You need a partner to fight.”
If you’re arguing, you’re already lucky: There’s someone in your life whom you care so much about, they’ll make your emotions come to life. Quarrel at will, but remember: In the end, it doesn’t matter so much who’s standing in our way. It matters who’s behind us, still believing in us when no one else will—like Dr. Hiriluk did for Chopper, and Chopper did for him, until the very end.
