When Simon said he hadn't come to study medicine under Kureha, Chopper blinked in confusion. "Huh? Isn't Dr. Dolly taking you on as her student? Then what are you learning?"
Just then, Kureha bent down impatiently and rapped Chopper hard on the head.
"Enough chatter. The adults are talking! If you've got time to stand around, go check on the wounded. They came back through a blizzard. Their conditions might have gotten worse."
Chopper clutched his forehead, looking thoroughly aggrieved. But the moment she told him to check on the wounded, he perked up. "Okay, Dr. Dolly! I'll go right now!"
With that, Chopper grabbed the medical kit Kureha had set on the stool and dashed out.
A day spent working as a doctor on the battlefield had changed Chopper profoundly. Most noticeably, he had grown more confident. Watching so many gravely wounded patients slowly recover under his care gave him a sense of accomplishment Kureha could never have taught him.
Once Chopper was out of earshot, Simon stood and looked at Kureha. "First, let me make something clear. I don't resent you for not trusting us."
Why else would Kureha teach him her Flying Knife Technique? She didn't trust the Navy.
Being distrusted was unpleasant. But Simon was smart enough to know that, in her position, he would have made the same choice.
Kureha paused at Simon's blunt opening, then smiled. "Since you understand, I'll spare you the rest. And you can rest assured: even if this is a transaction, I won't hold anything back. I'll teach you everything I know."
"Then..."
Simon straightened his clothes and bowed formally to Kureha. "Sorry for the trouble I'll be causing you from now on, Dr. Kureha!"
A week later, in Cocost Town, Drum Kingdom.
After a week of rest and treatment,