"—so that's the situation. Luffy, what do you think?"
"Meh. Vivi's fine, now, so I just want to kick that Wapol guy in his ugly teeth."
"Good. But first thing first, Doctor Kureha kindly agreed to give everyone here a check-up, so don't resist and just do as she tells you," she instructed.
"Ka-ka-ka! Or try to resist, if you want to – I've long since learned how to handle difficult patients," the old woman taunted, adjusting her glasses.
"Tche. I don't need it," refused Zoro.
"Me neither," assured Sanji.
"I- I'm fine as well!" exclaimed Usopp, clearly intimidated.
Brynlee offered them all a pleasant smile. "Is that so? It must have been my imagination, then, when I noticed Zoro walking all weird. Totally not because he tried to cut his own legs off when he was trapped, right? And I probably totally hallucinated Usopp's semi-regular coughing fits which only seem to get worse whenever he lays down? And surely, it must all be in my head when I see Sanji wince whenever he crouches or turns too fast because obviously Miss Valentine didn't bruise some of his ribs when she kicked him, right?"
All three guys started sweating, and she turned to Robin with a challenging gaze, daring her to say she didn't need treatment. After a few seconds, Robin lifted her hand, a bead of cold sweat rolling down her back.
"I've been shot. Thank you for taking care of me."
Brynlee beamed, pleased. "That's more like it. Nami's shoulder was also dislocated in that same fight and, while I set it to the best of my abilities, I would feel better if a professional took a look at it."
"Bah! No need to butter me up, we already have a deal," huffed Kureha, though there was a notable haste to her pace as she went to Robin first.
Satisfied, Brynlee then turned to the three guys, and immediately recognized the fight-or-flight instincts that were about to take over. Unwilling to let them run away from some much-needed treatment all because they were too macho to admit they were hurt, Brynlee turned to Luffy, who gulped.
"Oh, Captain~!"
"You- you guys need to let the doctor check you! Captain's orders!"
"Traitor," hissed Usopp.
Sanji cursed under his breath, while Zoro slumped, glaring Brynlee's way. But she knew they wouldn't run away now that Luffy had given a direct order so, appeased, Brynlee went back inside to update Vivi and Nami.
"You two stay here and recuperate – and also keep an eye on my money, 'cause I don't trust that old bag not to take a couple more bills and call it compensation," she explained, rolling her eyes a bit. She then glanced toward Chopper, who was obviously trying his best not to be noticed as he put all of his equipment away. "Hey, Doctor Chopper! If you wanna join us in the raid of the castle, you're more than welcome!"
"Brynlee!" immediately protested Nami. "How dare you ask such a cute kid to join you in a fight? Look at him, he's too small! He'll get hurt!"
"Nah, he's a fighter through and through," she assured with a smile.
"How- how do you know?" asked Chopper, a bit wide-eyed.
"Magic."
"Really!?"
Vivi let out a weak laugh, while Nami facepalmed. "Don't fill his head with your nonsense…"
Ignoring them, she came to crouch before Chopper, offering him a warm smile when he tried to hide behind the desk, and she extended her hand.
"I'm Lucky D. Brynlee. Thank you, for taking care of my friend."
"Your- your compliments won't work on me!" he snapped, wiggling a bit. "But, ah, why… do you want me to come? I- I look weird and I can talk and—"
"Because I think you're pretty cool! But also…" She leaned a bit closer, grinning from ear to ear. "Don't you wanna see real pirates in action? I promise it'll be worth your while."
Chopper's eyes started sparkling.
Hook, line, and sinker. Now all that's left is for Luffy to work his magic!