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The Going Merry sailed into colder waters as the crew approached Drum Island, their breath visible in the freezing air. Snow began to fall, blanketing the deck in white. Despite the chill, the crew was determined to find help for Nami, who remained unconscious below deck.
"Land ahead!" Usopp shouted, pointing toward a small island surrounded by towering cliffs.
As the ship neared, the crew noticed a village nestled at the base of the cliffs. Smoke rose from chimneys, and the lights from windows offered a glimmer of warmth against the icy landscape.
"This is it," Vivi said. "We need to find a doctor here."
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Hostile Welcome
When the crew docked, they were met not with the warm welcome they'd hoped for but by a group of armed villagers.
"Halt!" shouted a burly man at the front of the group. "Who are you, and what do you want here?"
"We need a doctor," Luffy said, stepping forward. "Our friend is sick."
The villagers exchanged wary glances. "We don't trust outsiders," one of them said. "But there's one doctor who might help you—if you can reach her."
"Her?" Sanji asked, lighting a cigarette.
"Doctor Kureha," the man said. "She lives at the top of Drum Mountain."
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The Journey Begins
Without hesitation, Luffy and the crew decided to climb the mountain. Vivi stayed behind with Nami on the ship, accompanied by Kuro, who insisted on guarding the ship and its occupants.
"Take care of her," Vivi said to Kuro.
"I will," he replied, his tone calm but firm.
The remaining crew—Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, and Usopp—set out toward Drum Mountain. The trek was brutal, the icy winds cutting through their clothes and the snow making each step treacherous.
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Encounter with Wapol's Soldiers
Halfway up the mountain, the group was ambushed by Wapol's soldiers. These men were heavily armed and determined to stop any outsiders from reaching the top.
"You're not welcome here!" one of the soldiers shouted, drawing his sword.
"Out of our way!" Luffy shouted, charging forward.
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The Battle
Luffy took on the bulk of the soldiers, his punches swift and precise. His Observation Haki allowed him to dodge their attacks, while his burgeoning Armament Haki gave his strikes devastating power.
Zoro fought with his usual ferocity, his three swords flashing as he cut through the soldiers. His grasp of Armament Haki was still developing, but his raw strength and skill carried him through.
Sanji, using his agility and powerful kicks, held his own against the soldiers, his attacks showing traces of Armament Haki as he pushed himself to new limits.
Usopp, though less experienced in combat, used his slingshot and cunning to provide support, landing precise shots that disoriented the enemy. His Observation Haki allowed him to anticipate their movements, giving him an edge.
The battle was intense, but the crew emerged victorious, leaving the soldiers defeated in the snow.
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Reaching the Summit
Exhausted but determined, the crew finally reached the top of Drum Mountain. There, they found a small house nestled among the snowdrifts.
"This must be it," Luffy said, his breath fogging in the cold air.
The door creaked open, and an elderly woman with sharp eyes and a no-nonsense demeanor stepped out.
"Who are you, and what do you want?" she asked.
"We need your help," Luffy said. "Our friend is sick."
Kureha studied them for a moment before nodding. "Bring her here. I'll see what I can do."
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End of Chapter
This chapter slows the pace, emphasizing the crew's journey and challenges as they navigate the icy terrain and face off against Wapol's soldiers. Let me know if you'd like more detail on any specific part of the story!