The pale light of dawn filtered through the snow-laced windows, casting soft golden beams across the cold wooden floor. Inside the abandoned house, the Straw Hats stirred slowly, groggy from the freezing night. The fire in the hearth had dwindled to glowing embers, and the scent of burnt wood lingered faintly in the air. Frost clung to the corners of the windows, and each breath came out as a puff of mist.
Sanji was the first to awaken. He rubbed his eyes groggily, then turned sharply toward Nami. His breath caught in his throat as he leaned closer.
"She's… better," he whispered, kneeling beside her. Compared to the night before, when her skin had been clammy and flushed, her face now had a soft, healthy glow. Her breathing was no longer ragged but steady, rhythmic. He reached out, gently brushing a few strands of hair from her forehead, his features softening with quiet relief.
Robin approached quietly, her eyes narrowing at the sight of used herbs placed neatly on a folded cloth beside Nami. A small water cup sat empty nearby, steam long gone but the slight warmth of the cup still noticeable to the touch.
"These weren't here last night," she said, her voice calm yet edged with curiosity. "Someone treated her. Judging by the preparation and technique, it was a skilled hand—likely someone with long-term medical knowledge."
Usopp blinked awake and stumbled over, shivering as he tightened a wool blanket around himself. "Wait, you mean—while we were asleep? That creepy antlered thing snuck in and helped her?"
Zoro, fully awake now, leaned against the wall with crossed arms, glancing around with narrowed eyes. "Not creepy. Smart. Whoever it was knew what they were doing. This wasn't just luck."
Luffy looked at Nami for a long moment, his expression unreadable. "Then let's find them," he said simply. "If they helped her, they know medicine."
Robin knelt and examined the empty cup more closely. "Still warm. It couldn't have been more than a few hours ago. This wasn't a passing traveler."
Sanji clenched his fists tightly, his voice low. "Whoever it is… thank you. Truly."
Zoro stood and strapped his swords on, the leather belts clicking firmly into place. "Let's find this doctor. We owe them."
Before they could move out, they heard faint voices outside. Zoro stepped forward cautiously and opened the door with a creak, revealing two villagers at the edge of the village, nervously watching the house from under thick winter hoods.
"You're… pirates?" one of them asked, gripping a bundled coat tighter around himself.
"We're travelers," Robin answered coolly, stepping forward with a calm smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. Her presence was commanding even in the morning chill.
"We saw the lights last night and came to check," said the older villager, his beard dusted with frost. "You're lucky. There's only one doctor left on this island, and she lives far up the mountain."
"A doctor?" Sanji repeated, hope flickering in his voice.
"She's more like a witch," said the man. "Name's Dr. Kureha. Lives in a castle at the top of Drum Rock. But she's hard to find. Comes and goes as she pleases. And the path is dangerous."
"That must be the one," Zoro said. "And maybe that reindeer works with her."
Usopp shivered and peeked out at the snow-covered terrain. "You want us to climb a mountain… in this cold… again?"
Luffy tightened his scarf around his neck with a determined nod. "We'll find her. Let's go."
Robin looked to the sky, her expression thoughtful. "The storm's clearing. If we go now, we can make good time before the next one rolls in."
As the crew prepared to head out, the villagers handed them thick gloves, wool cloaks, and leather boots lined with fur. One handed Sanji a small pouch. "Here. Dried nuts and smoked fish. You'll need the energy. That path is steep, and there are wild animals in the forest. Ice wolves, sometimes. Be careful."
"Thanks," Luffy grinned, already halfway into a bite. "Tastes good."
Meanwhile, miles away along the coast of Drum Island, the waters churned as a familiar ship neared the icy shore. The ship's cannons were sealed beneath frost-covered hatches, and icicles dangled from the prow like jagged teeth. The sea hissed as it met the frigid shoreline.
Wapol stood at the helm, wrapped in a royal fur cloak, grinning cruelly as snow whipped around him. His golden buttons gleamed despite the weather.
"So this is where they've been hiding my kingdom…" he sneered, gazing upon the snow-blanketed land with disdain. "These peasants have grown comfortable in my absence."
Beside him stood his cronies — Chess, in his archer's garb, and Kuromarimo, his towering figure hunched beneath a thick coat — both smirking with anticipation.
"Shall we begin the retaking of your throne, Lord Wapol?" Chess asked with mock grandeur.
"Yes. And first, we visit that castle. I hear the witch is back," Wapol growled, lips curling into a sinister smile.
Kuromarimo cracked his knuckles menacingly. "And anyone in our way?"
"Flatten them," Wapol barked. "This island belongs to me."
As the ship docked with a loud crunch of ice against wood, soldiers in winter armor disembarked with military precision, stomping into the snowy village below. Their boots crunched through thick snow, and the gleam of their spears glinted under the rising sun. They fanned out quickly, driving villagers indoors with threats and shouts.
Screams echoed faintly as the townsfolk ran from the invaders, snow kicked up by their panicked steps. Children were pulled inside homes, doors slammed shut, and the once-quiet village turned chaotic in seconds. Smoke began to rise from a few rooftops as soldiers ransacked buildings, tossing furniture and valuables into the snow.
Wapol stood atop the gangplank, arms crossed, cape fluttering behind him like a banner of tyranny. His eyes locked on the white mountain rising above the trees, Drum Rock towering in the distance like a crown of ice—a crown he believed rightfully his.
"Let's pay the witch a visit," he said, his voice echoing through the frozen air like a coming storm.
To be continued...
_________________________________________________________________________
🔥 Hey legends! Quick updates! 🔥
💥 Can't wait for the next chapter? Good news—ALL advance chapters are available on Patreon for just $5! No more waiting, just pure binge-reading goodness! 🚀
👉 patreon.com/cyci07
✨ Power Stone Challenge! ✨
If we hit 100 power stones, I'll drop 2 bonus chapters! Let's see if you guys can make me suffer! 😂
💬 Enjoying the story? Leave a review and let me know your favorite moment so far! It helps the novel grow and reach more readers!
Thanks for all your support—you guys are awesome! ❤️