The crew trudged up the snowy slope, led by Dalton. Sanji carried Nami, her breathing ragged, but hope glimmered with the island's promise of aid.
Dalton broke the silence. "This island has one doctor—a 'witch.' Don't expect much."
"Witch?" Vivi asked. "This is Drum Kingdom, right?"
Dalton's face darkened. "We discarded that name by our own will. This country has no name now."
"No name? Discarded?" Vivi echoed.
"I'll explain later. Much happened before you arrived." He fell silent, and Vivi, sensing a taboo, followed suit.
A massive creature appeared—a two-meter-tall, white-furred bear, walking upright with a staff, bowing politely. "Hyaa! A bear!" Usopp screamed. "Play dead!"
"Hiking Bear," Dalton said. "Harmless. Bow back—it's trail courtesy."
Dalton bowed, and the crew followed, except Usopp, who dove into the snow. Realizing no danger, he stood, sheepish, watching the bear amble off. "A bear with manners…"
"Usopp, keep up!" Zoro called.
"Wait!" Usopp scrambled after them.
They reached Big Horn, a quaint village under snow. Strange animals roamed alongside humans, a serene yet odd sight. Luffy gaped. "Wow, cool animals!"
"This is Big Horn," Dalton said.
"Weird critters," Luffy grinned.
"Snow's awesome!" Usopp added.
"Nami-san, we're here," Sanji whispered. "You'll be okay soon."
The armed townsfolk remained wary. Dalton dismissed most. "Good work. Non-guards, back to your tasks."
"You sure, Dalton-san?" one asked. "They're pirates."
"My gut says they're harmless. Trust me."
The townsfolk, clearly trusting Dalton, dispersed, murmuring farewells. Vivi watched, amazed by their faith in him. "Not a guard force?" she asked.
"Civilians," Dalton replied. "Come to my house."
Questions piled up: one doctor, a discarded kingdom name, civilians as guards. Something felt off.
At Dalton's modest home, designed to shed snow, Sanji laid Nami on a bed, covering her. Dalton lit the fireplace. "I'm Dalton, guard captain. Sorry for the rough welcome."
"Guard captain, huh?" Zoro muttered, skeptical of the ragtag force.
Dalton eyed Vivi and Igaram. "I feel I've met you before."
"Must be your imagination," Igaram said quickly. "Tell us about this witch. Nami's had a fever over 40°C for days. She needs a doctor now."
"40°C?" Dalton's eyes widened. "It hit 42°C before we left," Silk added.
"That high? She could die," Dalton said, glancing at Nami, marveling at her endurance.
"We don't know the cause or treatment," Vivi said. "We need an expert."
"No ship's doctor?" Dalton asked.
"Nope," Luffy said.
"Thought this place'd have tons of doctors," Usopp grumbled. "Just one?"
Dalton frowned. "This country's had its struggles. One doctor isn't ideal for us either."
"Whatever," Sanji snapped. "Where's this witch?"
Dalton pointed out the window. "See that mountain—Drum Rock? Five thousand meters, straight up. She lives in the castle at the top."
"That thing?" Luffy gawked at the tree-like peak. "She's up there?"
"Why so far?" Sanji demanded. "Call her down. Nami's critical."
"No communication," Dalton said. "She's eccentric."
"What?!" Sanji roared.
"Don't villagers need doctors?" Vivi asked.
"Not usually," Dalton replied.
"What kind of doctor is that?!" Usopp yelled.
Dalton stared at the fire. "Her skills are top-notch, but she's odd. Nearly 140 years old."
"140?!" Usopp gasped. "Is she okay?"
"She loves pickled plums," Dalton added.
"Who cares?!" Sanji barked. "More important stuff!"
Unfazed, Dalton continued. "She descends to villages on a whim, treats people, then demands outrageous fees, practically extorting them."
"Sounds like a pirate," Usopp said, munching fruit with Luffy.
"Exactly," Luffy agreed, relaxed but listening.
"How does she get down that mountain?" Vivi asked.
"There's a ropeway, but it's broken. She doesn't use it anyway."
"Magic?" Luffy mused.
"No way," Usopp scoffed.
"Maybe," Dalton said. "Some claim they saw her ride a sleigh through the sky on moonlit nights. Hence 'witch.' She's also been seen with strange animals."
"Snowmen!" Usopp yelped. "A witch-snowman duo? Can we trust her?!"
"Shut it, Longnose!" Sanji snapped. "Enough noise!"
Nami's condition fueled Sanji's urgency. He turned to the crew. "We need to reach that peak. Ideas?"
"Fix the ropeway?" Silk suggested. "Or she might be in another village."
"Both," Sanji said. "Report to Kiri for input."
"He can fly," Zoro noted. "Faster to send him."
"His weakness is water," Sanji countered. "Snow's no different. He'd be useless."
"Wait!" Dalton interjected, alarmed by their planning. "She's trouble. Even locals avoid her. That mountain's no place for a sick person."
"Thanks for the warning," Sanji said curtly. "But it's our problem now. Danger's nothing if it saves our nakama."
Dalton watched, stunned, as Sanji rallied the crew. "Split up. If the castle's empty, we're screwed. Cover all bases."
"Ropeway repair, village checks," Silk listed. "What else?"
"Climbing's risky," Zoro said.
"Kiri's our best bet," Sanji decided. "Contact him."
Silk dialed the Baby Den Den Mushi. Sanji addressed Usopp. "You're our best mechanic. Fix the ropeway. It's in the village—safe."
"Repair?" Usopp perked up. "Leave it to Captain Usopp, the slickest hands on the seas!"
"Knew you'd say that," Sanji grinned.
Igaram spoke up. "I'll help Usopp. Vivi-sama, stay with Nami."
"Got it," Vivi said.
"Perfect," Sanji agreed. "Nami can't move yet, and Vivi's best for her care."
Vivi nodded, understanding the protective intent. They all had to pull together.
The Den Den Mushi connected. "Kiri, it's Sanji. Need to talk."
"Waiting, top chef. What's up?" Kiri's voice was calm.
Sanji briefed him, their bond evident. Dalton watched, intrigued. These weren't typical pirates—no plundering, just fierce loyalty to their friend. Guilt gnawed at him for their harsh reception.
Lives were at stake, pirate or not. Unable to stay idle, Dalton strode out. "I'm talking to the townsfolk. If you're fixing the ropeway, we'll help."
"No need," Usopp said. "We're just outsiders—"
"Our equipment's broken. It's not right to leave it to strangers," Dalton insisted, pausing. "Let us help. It's the least we can do."
Usopp blinked, confused, but Igaram understood—Dalton's guilt stemmed from injuring Vivi, a princess. It could've sparked bigger trouble. Igaram recalled Dalton from the Reverie, guarding Drum's king. They likely recognized each other but stayed silent.
Was that for the best? Igaram wasn't sure but chose gratitude. "Thank you. Usopp, let's accept their help."
"Guess so," Usopp agreed.
"Follow me to the ropeway," Dalton said, leading the way.
Both sides carried burdens, united by care for their people, their steps aligned in purpose.
-------------------------------------------
"Hi everyone! 👋
If you enjoy what I'm doing and want to support me so I can keep going, join me on Patreon 💖. You'll get access to special content just for members, and together we can build a fun little community ✨.
👉 Join here: [patreon.com/Greyhounds]"