Three days later, Ye Chen and his companions had to leave Drum Island. As they said goodbye, Ye Chen held Chopper and told him, "Live happily and stay hopeful. People will accept you for who you are."
But Chopper stared past Ye Chen at the pirate ship, his eyes full of longing. "That ship is beautiful."
Kureha's heart ached. She quickly pulled Chopper aside. She knew he had grown fond of Ye Chen and his companions, and their visit had stirred in him a longing for the sea.
But both she and Ye Chen knew Chopper did not belong on that ship.
Even if Ye Chen invited him, Kureha would not allow it.
"Chopper, do you know who their enemy is?"
Pointing at Ye Chen, Kureha said, "The whole world. That's why he can't take you with him."
Chopper did not quite understand. "Doctorine, is it because I'm too weak?"
Kureha shook her head. "It's not just you. They're too weak as well."
She sighed deeply. She had lived for over a hundred years and seen far too much. She was not optimistic about Ye Chen's future. Even with the strength of one of the Four Emperors, he was still too weak.
Ye Chen had made an enemy of the whole world and dared to attack the Celestial Dragons. The World Government would hunt him at every turn. However strong he was, he seemed tiny beside it.
"Don't worry, Granny. I'll keep myself alive."
Ye Chen knew Kureha was worried about him. He smiled and shook his head. "I've made it through all these years in one piece, haven't I?"
"I hope you're right. I'm looking forward to seeing what you do."
Remembering something Ye Chen had once said, Kureha smiled.
*It isn't only men with a D in their