Luffy's boots crunched into the snow as he leapt from the ship, the cold biting immediately through the soles.
A pacifist just insulted me and made me bow my head to someone weaker than me.
The thought roared through his skull like thunder trapped in a cave.
His jaw tightened. His fingers twitched.
If anyone had been watching him closely at that moment—really watching—they would've noticed the faint static dancing along his knuckles before vanishing again.
He landed cleanly, straightening up as if nothing had happened.
"Wait," Luffy said suddenly.
Sanji halted mid-step, Nami slumped weakly against his back. Without another word, Luffy pulled off his captain's coat and draped it around her shoulders, fastening it carefully.
"Okay," Luffy said quietly. "Now let's go."
The man in the green coat resumed leading them through the snow-covered forest. The rest of the crew followed at a distance, minus Zoro, Johnny, and Yosaku, who remained behind to guard the ship.
The forest was eerily silent. Snow clung to bare branches like frozen ash. Each step sank deep, stealing warmth and time.
After several minutes, the man glanced back at Luffy.
"There's something you should know," he said. "The doctor you're looking for… she's a witch."
Luffy stumbled half a step. "A wizard?"
Usopp nearly face-planted. "A WHAT?!"
Dalton—though he hadn't introduced himself yet—sighed. "That's what people call her."
"I thought Drum Kingdom was famous for its doctors," Vivi said sharply.
"It was," the man replied, voice flat. "Before the king left. Now it's just an island with snow and memories."
Before anyone could press him further—
"AHHH! BEAR!" Usopp shrieked, pointing frantically ahead.
A massive bear stood upright on the path, staff resting calmly in its paw.
"…A hiking bear," the man said, utterly unfazed.
The bear bowed politely.
"Bow back," the man added.
Everyone did. Even Usopp, eyes squeezed shut.
The bear bowed again and continued on its way.
"…I hate this island," Usopp muttered.
Another ten minutes of trudging brought them to a small village nestled between snowbanks and wooden houses.
"This is Bighorn," the man said. "Our home."
The crew paused, taking it in. Smoke curled gently from chimneys. Lanterns glowed warm against the snow. Despite everything, it was… peaceful.
As they entered, villagers approached the man—thanking him, speaking quietly, looking to him for reassurance.
Luffy noticed immediately.
Leader, he thought.
"My house is here," the man said. "You can lay the girl down."
Inside, warmth wrapped around them like a blanket. A fire crackled as the man removed the shield from his back and set it near the hearth.
"I'm Dalton," he said. "Captain of this island's security force."
Luffy nodded once and moved to Nami's side, removing the thermometer from her mouth.
"…107," he said flatly.
Dalton's eyes widened. "How long?"
"Days," Vivi answered. "And it's getting worse."
Dalton exhaled slowly. "Then you really are out of time."
"Where is this witch?" Luffy asked.
Dalton turned toward the window. "The Drum Rockies. That tallest mountain."
Luffy followed his gaze. At the peak—barely visible through the snow—stood a castle like a broken crown.
"That's where Dr. Kureha lives."
"Then call her here," Sanji snapped.
Dalton shook his head. "You don't call her. She comes when she wants."
Silence fell.
Luffy leaned against the wall, eyes half-lidded. "So… waiting isn't an option."
"No," Dalton said softly.
Luffy walked back to Nami and gently poked her cheek.
"Nami," he said. "Wake up."
Everyone shouted at once.
She stirred. Barely.
Luffy straightened. "We're climbing the mountain."
"What?!" Vivi shouted. "That's impossible! She won't survive it!"
Luffy inhaled slowly.
"Princess," he said calmly, "you keep doubting what I can do."
He looked down at Nami and smiled faintly.
"And I don't plan on replacing my navigator."
Nami weakly extended her hand.
"I'm… in your hands, captain."
Luffy clasped it. Firm. Certain.
"Sanji. Nojiko. You're with me."
The rest were ordered to stay behind.
Outside, Luffy raised his hand.
The sky answered.
A massive cloud descended, glowing faintly blue with electricity. Gasps rippled through the village.
Sanji handed Nami over with care. The cloud molded itself around her, insulating her warmth perfectly.
Luffy seated himself as a throne formed behind him, his jolly roger blazing electric-blue in the snow-filled air.
"To my crew," Luffy said evenly, "protect this village while I'm gone."
Every Straw Hat nodded.
Luffy glanced at Vivi, smirking. "See? I can go up there."
The cloud surged forward.
Dalton stared after it, breath caught in his throat.
"…Devil Fruit user?"
"Yeah," Usopp said proudly. "Lightning."
The villagers stood frozen long after the cloud vanished into the storm, unsure whether they had just witnessed a miracle—or the beginning of something far more dangerous.