The reality is not all the right decisions comes with fluff and bunnies, rainbows and unicorns, whatever and whatever. Sometimes, sacrifices here and there are necessary.
Well said, zero-chan. :)
Painful times make the lighthearted ones more meaningful, and compromise is necessary when living in close quarters with others who might not share the same point of view or personality or opinions. The Mugiwara are a diverse group of people – it's essential that they compromise for the sake of the group.
When I think back to Oda-sensei's response in vol. 11, ch. 87's SBS regarding Coby and Helmeppo, it makes me wonder just how great a doctor Kaya has become in the time since we last saw her.
She's probably getting closer to Chopper's skill level now – but of course Chopper has been improving, too. :)
Hey, here's a wild thought : remember how Zeff's dream was to create a floating restaurant to feed anyone who'd been starving at sea? Well what about if Kaya created some sort of floating hospital/clinic, to treat anyone who'd been injured at sea?
I can think of two East Blue bounty hunters who'd be regulars in the emergency ward -- and who'd benefit greatly from her tender care! The three kids could serve as her nurses/bodyguards, in case Krieg or Kuro or someone like that ever tried to hijack the hospital.
[Oh, and one quick correction to a previous post of mine : I was wrong about Merry having stripey doorways – it's Smoker's ship that has the stripey doorways, as seen in Chapter 217]