In the opening of Episode 7 of One Piece season 2, we find ourselves back at Kureha's castle. Chopper is hidden away, and both Sanji and Luffy try to wind him up. Chopper explains that he was once a reindeer and has been alone all his life. He has a big hole in his heart, and part of this stems from his heartbreaking past involving Dr. Hiriluk.
In the past, Wapol enacted a Great Doctor Hunt, rounding up all the doctors on the island. This left only two physicians: Kureha and Dr. Hiriluk. Without their doctors, people were desperate and scouring the Valley of Death for a cure-all mushroom. Kureha didn't think it existed, but Hiriluk was clinging to the hope that he could come up with a cure to save the Kingdom - with or without the mushroom.
It didn't take long for Hiriluk to come across Chopper in the woods. The poor little guy had been shot and was in a rough state. He helped patch the reindeer up, promising never to hurt him again. Kureha took care of Chopper and reassured him that he was not a monster. The pair spent a year together, with Chopper and Hiriluk hanging out like two awkward peas in a pod. They complemented each other in their own eccentric way, playing out like a father and son.
Hiriluk eventually even offered the iconic red top hat for Chopper to wear after their first fight. A peace offering, as he called it. The flag that Luffy touched before was part of Hiriluk's desire for hope, explaining that it was a courageous symbol. Of course, Chopper had no idea about pirates, so Hiriluk helped fill him in.
In this way, the story of Chopper's transformation from a lonely reindeer to a trusted companion unfolds, with the help of Kureha and Dr. Hiriluk, who provide not only medical care but also guidance and companionship in his journey through the world of pirates.
The esteemed doctor expounds that a pirate is a person imbued with adventures and dreams, possessed of an unyielding spirit. Hiriluk is convinced that Chopper will attain his destiny beyond the horizon. However, these idyllic times are not meant to endure. Conscious of his ailment, Hiriluk decides to distance himself from Chopper. As Chopper rushes away, Hiriluk's condition deteriorates. Kureha arrives to offer assistance, but it proves futile.
Hiriluk wishes to gift Chopper with a symbol of the infinite possibilities life holds. He kneels and implores Kureha to complete his lifelong mission and take care of Chopper. Kureha's refusal prompts Hiriluk to tirelessly toil to complete the concoction he's been perfecting. His efforts are rewarded as Chopper returns, wounded and bleeding, with the mushroom from the Valley of Death, seeking to heal his mentor.
Hiriluk praises Chopper's noble heart, and they embrace. After consuming the soup, Hiriluk packs his gear and prepares to head to Drum Castle, where he's heard other doctors are in need of aid. He's determined to save them from tyranny, though he may have to fight his way in.
However, Kureha arrives at Hiriluk's place, where Chopper excitedly shows her the book containing the mushroom he picked. Unfortunately, that mushroom is poisonous. Kureha scolds Chopper, causing him to burst into tears.
It's now evident that Hiriluk intentionally chose to sacrifice himself to alleviate the suffering of those at Drum Castle by saving them from tyranny. He breaks into the castle and confronts Wapol in the throne room. He requests an audience and explains how the people of Drum Kingdom will be saved in the future. Dalton is inspired, and Hiriluk begs him not to kill his son, Chopper.
As Hiriluk detonates himself in the middle of the throne room, Wapol orders Dalton to eliminate the "monster son." When he heads outside, Dalton finds Chopper in the courtyard. Chopper transforms, and Dalton tells him to return home, fulfilling his father's wish.
Inspired by this, Dalton decides he's no longer going to follow this path and turns away from the current regime. Back at Hiriluk's lab, Chopper returns and finds Kureha examining the gear. He begs Kureha to teach him how to be a doctor, and she eventually agrees.
That brings us back to the present, where Luffy finishes hearing the story and heads out silently. He picks up Hiriluk's pirate flag and places it on the wall using his Gum Gum powers.
Back in town, however, there's a problem. Dalton notices smoke coming from a campfire nearby. He urges Usopp and Zoro to remain steady while he investigates. However, Vivi spots Miss All Sunday in the crowd and realizes they're not alone. He's immediately shot down by Wapol's men, setting everything up for a dramatic finale.
