Chapter 100 – The Whale's Tears, the Doctor's Gratitude, and the Road to Thriller Bark
The story wasn't just for Crocus.
It was also for the massive shadow that had quietly surfaced behind him.
"AWOOOO!!"
When Laboon heard that his crew hadn't abandoned him—that they had fought to the death and the sole survivor was trapped, unable to return— tears poured from the island-sized whale's eyes.
"You heard that, Laboon?! Brook and the others never forgot you!"
"They kept their promise to the very end!"
Crocus shouted over the waves.
Laboon threw his head back and let out a sky-shaking bellow.
Fifty years of grief, loneliness, and head-butting the Red Line finally released in one long, mournful cry.
Crocus watched with a gentle, relieved smile.
Then his smile froze.
Because Laboon, now knowing his friend was alive but trapped, was done waiting.
If Brook couldn't come back, Laboon would go to him.
With a flick of his continent-sized tail, he turned toward the open Grand Line.
Crocus panicked.
"Laboon, wait! Where are you going?!"
"Isn't it obvious?" Nami said, having heard the whole story. "He's going to find his friend."
Crocus tried everything to stop him.
Thanks to decades of companionship, his shouts finally made Laboon pause.
The whale's giant eye stared down—confused, hurt, pleading.
Why are you stopping me?
"You can't, Laboon!"
"The Grand Line is too dangerous for you! There are monsters out there that could kill you in one hit!"
"AWOOO!!"
Laboon wasn't listening.
He thrashed, sending up tidal waves.
"We'll help him."
Kaya's soft heart couldn't take it.
"I agree. Laboon's already waited fifty years. If he dies before seeing Brook again… that would be too cruel."
Carina, Kuina, and Tashigi nodded instantly.
Nami hesitated—Florian Triangle sounded creepy and dangerous.
But her kindness won out.
She gave a reluctant thumbs-up.
Aike, of course, had zero objections.
Especially not when Hinata was hugging his arm with sparkling Byakugan eyes and Yakumo was looking at him like a hopeful puppy.
"Leave Brook to us."
Aike called over to Crocus.
"We're heading to Moria's place to pick up a sword anyway."
"We'll grab your musician while we're there."
"You're serious?!"
Crocus stared, stunned.
"Would I lie to an old man with nothing left to trade?"
"Then this old man thanks you from the bottom of his heart!"
"AWOOOO!!!"
With Aike's promise and Crocus's pleading, Laboon finally calmed down.
Man and whale both bowed in gratitude.
Crocus had nothing left worth taking, so the crew didn't stay long.
"Your next stop is Whiskey Peak—bounty hunter central."
"But with your strength, they're not even speed bumps."
Crocus gave them the standard briefing as they prepared to sail.
He suspected they didn't actually need it.
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