Chapter 38: Ship Doctor Crocus Joins the Crew
As the Yellow Springs sailed into the port at Twin Cape, Crocus couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. He had always gotten along well with the Rumbar Pirates, and he enjoyed the lively atmosphere aboard their ship.
If he hadn't taken on the role of lighthouse keeper at Twin Cape, he might have joined the Rumbar Pirates himself and traveled the world alongside them.
But if Crocus had set sail with them back then, would Captain Yorki have been cured? Would the crew have survived the deadly poison attack? Or would he have perished alongside them? And if that had happened, would Roger have found a way to prolong his own life? Would the Great Pirate Era have ever begun?
...
"Brook! I never thought I'd see you again!"
Crocus rushed forward and pulled Brook into a bear hug, tears welling up in his eyes. After all, Captain Yorki and the rest of the crew were gone—Brook was the only one left.
Upon learning that the Rumbar Pirates had been wiped out by a poison attack, Crocus had thrown himself even deeper into his medical research, blaming himself for not being able to help them.
"Crocus, I only survived because of my Devil Fruit... It allowed me to come back from the dead! Thank you for taking care of Laboon. He's the last remaining member of the Rumbar Pirates now."
Brook's voice was filled with emotion. He might not have been there when it happened, but the memories embedded in his soul were as vivid as if he had experienced them firsthand.
"So, you came back specifically for Laboon?"
Crocus observed Brook and his crew, who had sailed all the way back to Twin Cape against the flow of the Grand Line. There had to be a strong reason behind it—Laboon was the only possibility.