Chapter 40: Drum Island – Nami's Five-Day Fever & Chopper's Introduction
In the end, Sol made a decisive call—he would take Nami to find a doctor, while Luffy and the others continued toward Alabasta as planned. The group split into two teams.
"Don't worry—I'll definitely cure Nami and catch up with you as soon as possible." Sol gave everyone a thumbs-up and a reassuring smile.
"But…" Vivi still hesitated, eyes full of concern.
Nami weakly interrupted her: "Vivi—you must be really anxious, right? It's okay. With Sol here, we'll catch up to you soon."
"Sanji, could you prepare a few days' worth of bentos for me and Nami to eat on the road?" Sol turned to Sanji.
"Leave it to me!" Without another word, Sanji dashed into the kitchen. Pots and pans clattered as delicious aromas quickly filled the air.
Vivi told Sol that the nearest island was the "Medical Kingdom" Drum Island—once they reached it, they were sure to find a doctor who could treat Nami. Sol nodded, then went to the deck with Luffy and the others to wait. Vivi stayed in the room to help Nami change into warmer clothes.
Just as he stepped out of the cabin, Sol sharply sensed a violent tornado approaching from afar. His eyes narrowed. He leaped skyward, mouth opening wide—and swallowed the entire tornado whole, converting it into his own magic power. Feeling the surge of energy within, he landed lightly back on deck.
Sanji was already approaching with a large bag of carefully prepared bentos. Nami had changed into a thick, fluffy coat and brought a few changes of clothes for both of them. Though her face was still pale, her spirit seemed slightly better.
"Well then, everyone—see you in Alabasta!" Sol hoisted Nami onto his back, grabbed the bundle with one hand, and magic power surged beneath his feet: "Magic Attachment!"
Whoosh—! Wind coiled around his legs. His figure streaked across the sky like a meteor and vanished into distant clouds in an instant.
"Wow! So Sol can fly through the air too! His abilities are endless!" Usopp stared upward, mouth agape in astonishment.
Luffy grinned wide and pumped his fist energetically: "Alright! Full speed ahead—destination: Alabasta!"
Vivi watched them, eyes slightly misty. She whispered softly: "I only joined temporarily… yet you're all going this far for me…"
Luffy patted her shoulder firmly with a bright smile: "What are you talking about, Vivi? We've been crewmates for a while now, right?"
Sol flew at high speed through the clouds with Nami on his back, continuously channeling healing magic to maintain her condition.
Though weakened, Nami still mustered the strength to guide him. The two quickly locked onto the correct route and sped toward their destination.
"Sol…" Nami gently tightened her arms around his neck, voice soft and muffled.
"What's wrong? Too cold from the wind?" Sol tilted his head slightly, feeling her warmth against his back.
Nami rubbed her cheek against his back: "It's nothing… I just feel really glad you're here." She paused, then added in a tiny voice: "I like you the most…"
Sol froze for a moment, about to reply—but her breathing had already evened out. Nami had fallen asleep without realizing it.
He let out a soft laugh: "…Idiot."
Night fell. Sol found an uninhabited small island on the sea and slowly descended. He started a bonfire and warmed up the bentos Sanji had prepared.
Nami woke up, though still lacking strength. After eating, she snuggled into Sol's arms, acting spoiled and clinging tightly to him.
Under the blanket, their fingers interlaced. The bonfire's glow illuminated Nami's peaceful sleeping face.
Sol looked down at her. On impulse, he leaned in and lightly kissed her cheek—then immediately shook his head in self-disgust: "What am I doing… like a total pervert… No! She's my girlfriend—this is normal!" His ears reddened as he made excuses for himself. His thoughts drifted far—If only the ship had a doctor… His healing magic could detoxify and heal wounds, but this strange illness left him powerless.
The next morning, Nami had a rare good sleep. When she woke, she saw Sol dozing with his head bowed—but even in sleep, his hand still held hers firmly, palm continuously emitting warm magic.
"What an idiot…" She felt a pang of affection and gently brushed aside the cherry-pink strands on his forehead, fingertips lingering for a moment. "But… this hair color is actually pretty nice."
The slight movement woke Sol. After a simple breakfast, they set off again.
This time Nami's spirit was much better. She actively pointed the way: "Fly northeast!"
As altitude increased, the cold grew sharper.
Amid swirling snow, a strangely shaped winter island appeared in view—towering peaks like a giant magnetic drum, standing proudly in the middle of an icy plain.
"We're here!" Nami's eyes lit up. "That's the Medical Kingdom—Drum Island!"
In the flying snow, Sol landed with Nami on his back in front of a small town tavern.
The moment he pushed open the wooden door, warm lamplight mixed with the scent of ale rushed out. A stylishly dressed old woman was putting away medical tools; behind her stood a reindeer with a blue nose.
"Five-Day Disease?" Dr. Kureha's sharp gaze swept over Nami through her glasses. "Symptoms are typical… but I've never seen such a rosy complexion with it."
Sol stepped forward quickly, snowflakes falling from his shoulders: "Doctor—please save Nami!"
Kureha noticed the young man's palm glowing with magic: "Ability user?" She suddenly slapped his hand away. "Stop that trick first!"
Sol immediately complied. The moment the magic stopped, Nami's face changed dramatically. Scorching heat distorted the air around her; she slumped weakly, barely holding onto the bed edge.
Kureha skillfully checked her pupils and pulse: "It's definitely Five-Day Disease. It can be cured…" She suddenly flashed a sly smile. "But what price are you willing to pay?"
"Anything," Sol blurted out, fists unconsciously clenching.
"Oh?" Kureha burst into loud laughter, shaking the glass cups on the bar. "A patient this straightforward is rare! But…" She turned and threw on a fluffy cloak. "This old lady doesn't need anything right now. Put it on my tab."
"Chopper! Bring the sled—we're heading back to the castle!"
"Yes, Dr. Dolittle!" Chopper in reindeer form hurriedly ran off to prepare.
"A reindeer… talking?" Nami weakly opened her eyes wide, her fevered mind thinking she was hallucinating.
Chopper's ears twitched, but he pretended not to hear and buried himself in dragging the sled over.
In the blizzard, the sled sped along the spiral mountain path. Sol kept Nami tightly wrapped in blankets, gazing ahead at the castle spire faintly visible through the wind and snow.
Back at the castle, Sol had just settled Nami on the hospital bed when Kureha unceremoniously kicked him out of the room.
"Out, out! You're in the way standing here!" The old lady kicked him square in the rear. "How am I supposed to change her clothes with you here?"
Sol rubbed his backside and obediently sat cross-legged outside the door. Not long after, the door burst open again—Chopper was thrown out too, rolling twice across the floor before stopping.
"You silly son! I told you to get out so I can change her clothes!" Kureha's roar shook the hallway lamps.
Sol looked at the flustered little reindeer and couldn't help smiling kindly. He crouched down to eye level and extended his hand: "Hello. My name is Aetrias Sol Dragnir. Nice to meet you."
Chopper's blue nose twitched twice. His big eyes were full of nervousness. After hesitating for a long time, he timidly placed his hoof in Sol's hand: "I-I'm Tony Tony Chopper… N-Nice to meet you!"
Then Chopper immediately ran to hide around the hallway corner—but in the completely wrong direction. He only tucked his head away, leaving his whole body exposed.
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