Chapter 30: Whiskey Peak – Vivi & Mr. 9, and a Suspicious Welcome
After the thrilling voyage through Reverse Mountain, Luffy and Laboon solemnly made their promise: "We'll sail around the Grand Line and meet again!" With that, the Going Merry carried the crew onward toward the distant horizon.
After sailing for a week, the crew seemed to have experienced an entire year's worth of seasons. Now, large snowflakes fell strangely, blanketing the deck in a thick layer of white. Nami huddled in her fluffy coat, her breath condensing into frost in the cold wind.
"The Grand Line's weather really is… achoo!" She sneezed, rubbing her reddened nose and turning to Sol. "Completely illogical!"
She glanced at Luffy and Usopp—wearing only thin clothes—happily building snowmen in the snow. "Don't those two idiots feel the cold at all?"
"This is actually the mildest weather," Sol said with a nostalgic smile. "I've seen hailstorms with hailstones a meter wide, and sudden sea drops hundreds of meters deep…"
Nami instinctively shrank her neck and hugged Sol's arm tighter. "Hearing you say that… the Grand Line really is scarier than I imagined." She pressed her face against his warm arm and murmured, "You're still the warmest place here."
"Nami-san Here's the brown sugar ginger tea I specially brewed for you. Drink it while it's hot to warm up" Sanji elegantly handed her a steaming cup, hearts in his eyes.
"Thanks, Sanji!" Nami took the cup, sipped gently, and the warmth spread from her throat through her whole body. She comfortably narrowed her eyes.
"Where's mine, Sanji?" Sol asked with a grin.
"You bastard!!" Sanji exploded instantly, grabbing Sol's collar and roaring through gritted teeth. "You already have Nami-san's warmth all to yourself—and now you dare shamelessly ask for my cooking?!"
The next second, he collapsed to his knees, clutching his head in despair: "Damn it—!! Why is my path of love so rough?! Do I have to wait until the seas dry up and rocks crumble to meet my fated goddess?!"
(In the distance, Luffy & Usopp were completely ignoring the drama while building snowmen: "Hehehe! Snowman complete!!" "Hey, Luffy! The nose is crooked!")
Sol suddenly patted Sanji's shoulder with a mysterious smile. "There is one, Sanji."
"Y-You mean—!" Sanji's head snapped up, hope igniting in his eyes.
"Exactly." Sol nodded meaningfully. "Trust me—just two or three more years, and you'll meet your fated 'little wife.' Only…" He paused slightly. "Her family might be a little… large."
"I-I-I… m-m-married?!" Sanji stammered, face flushing scarlet. The next second he leaped up like he'd been injected with adrenaline and bowed 90 degrees: "Vice-Captain-sama! Whatever drink you want—just name it!"
Usopp elbowed Luffy and whispered: "Hey, why's Sanji suddenly so obedient to Sol? He's not possessed or something, is he?"
Luffy picked his nose casually: "Dunno~ But if there's hot drinks, I want some too!" He suddenly shouted: "Hey—Sanji! I want hot soup! Preferably with lots of meat!"
"Shut up, idiot captain!" Sanji roared back without turning—then instantly switched to a devoted smile for Sol: "Vice-Captain-sama—would you like black tea, coffee, or my special hot cocoa?"
Sol laughed: "Forget the drinks for now—I'm hungry."
"Understood! I'll prepare a feast immediately!" Sanji dashed happily toward the kitchen.
Nami facepalmed and sighed: "This guy changes faces faster than Grand Line weather… And Sol—were you serious earlier? Don't tell me Sanji's gonna hunt you down across the world later."
"Guaranteed." Sol gave her a thumbs-up.
The crew returned to the warm cabin for lunch—only to find two uninvited guests already at the table: the disguised "Miss Wednesday" (Princess Vivi) and her partner Mr. 9.
The pair had originally come to hunt Laboon for whale meat as tribute to Whiskey Peak. Their plan thwarted by the Straw Hats, they now pretended to seek help.
"Sorry to trouble you," Vivi smiled sweetly, fingers nervously twisting her clothes. "If you could drop us off at Whiskey Peak on your way, we'd be so grateful."
Zoro leaned against the wall, sharp eyes scanning them: "Hey—you two aren't planning anything shady, are you?"
"Of course not!" Mr. 9 waved frantically, sweat beading on his forehead. "We just… uh… want to repay your kindness for saving us! Whiskey Peak is famous for its warm hospitality—a paradise for rookie pirates!"
(Vivi's inner monologue: As long as we lure them to Whiskey Peak, Baroque Works' bounty hunters can…)
Luffy was already slamming the table excitedly: "Awesome! I love places with parties! Sanji—is lunch ready yet?"
Nami rested her chin on her hand. Something about this pair felt too convenient. Meanwhile, Sanji was completely captivated by Vivi's beauty, eyes turning to hearts:
"It's my honor to serve a beautiful lady~ I'll prepare a special lunch for you right away!"
Sol frowned slightly, staring thoughtfully at Vivi's face—something about her seemed familiar, but the long years had blurred his memory, like looking through thin fog. He knew there was something, but couldn't recall the details.
"Hmph—" Nami suddenly cleared her throat, tapping the table lightly. She shot Sol a dangerous sideways glance.
Sol snapped back, immediately scooting closer to her and raising his hands innocently: "Don't misunderstand—I just think she looks a little familiar."
Nami narrowed her eyes, voice low and teasing: "Oh? Really? You don't happen to like that delinquent-girl type, do you?"
Sol leaned close to her ear, whispering so only she could hear: "No way. My taste is very specific—mature, elegant big-sister types are the best." He paused, then added: "Like… a certain beautiful navigator who's great with money?"
Nami huffed softly, lips curving upward despite herself. She pinched him lightly: "Smooth talker."
Meanwhile, Sanji was pouring tea for Vivi, completely oblivious to the side drama. Luffy was already sprawled across the table yelling:
"Sanji—where's the meat? Where's the meat?!"
"Idiot captain—learn some manners. Ladies first. Eat an apple to tide you over," Sanji tossed an apple toward Luffy without looking back as he headed to the kitchen.
…
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