The situation before them was already certain to turn out very differently, making this the perfect chance to let the other side witness true strength.
For a moment, none of those present moved. Fat Man was still reeling from the shock of his attack missing, while Sanji had strained himself so hard that something had gone wrong with his footing. Witch stood to one side, watching the situation. As for Chopper, although his fists were clenched, he clearly was not yet ready to truly attack.
Naruto turned his head and looked earnestly at Chopper beside him.
"Chopper, do you want to get stronger?"
Chopper froze for a moment.
Naruto gave him little time to think before continuing, "If you want the strength to protect what matters to you, you can't keep hiding behind others. Difficulties aren't things you have to avoid whenever you see them, and fighting isn't as frightening as you imagine. As long as you dare to face it and take that first step, you'll naturally grow stronger little by little."
He patted Chopper on the shoulder, his tone still relaxed.
"You should know that yourself. Don't make the ordinary difficulties a child has to face seem so terrifying. What's truly frightening has never been standing before an enemy. It's wanting to protect something, yet lacking even the courage to step forward."
Chopper lowered his head to look at his hooves, then raised it again. The hesitation in his eyes had not entirely vanished, but seriousness had largely taken its place.
Just then, Fat Man raised the cannon's muzzle again.
"Hahaha! Luffy, don't you like eating cannonballs?" He laughed with his mouth wide open and stuffed another cannonball into the muzzle. "Since that last one wasn't enough, I'll let you eat your fill all at once! Let's see