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After Eight Days
As Luca advanced across the sea, the features of Teidora Island slowly began to emerge from behind the fog. The island was of medium size, but what caught his attention most were the three mountains standing in its center like gray stone teeth. Their height wasn't extremely tall, but enough to make them visible from a distance.
As he got closer, he noticed something else…
Almost the entire island was covered in thick layers of white steam, rising from between the trees, from the slopes of the mountains, and even from the shore itself. The scene looked as if the island were breathing hot steam at every moment, making Luca feel that something unusual was happening deep inside—either a strong source of heat or some activity beneath the ground.
He descended onto the ship he was flying, approaching slowly while observing the thick fog undulating like a curtain hiding what lay behind it.
He smiled slightly.
Luca left the ship suspended in the sky hundreds of meters above the light clouds, steady in place like a massive bird waiting for his return. He didn't need it now… he just wanted it close enough, yet far enough so that no one on the island would notice.
He entered the giant hold of the ship and took a small amount of gold, placing it in a small bag—a handful barely worth mentioning compared to what he owned—but he was used to carrying a little with him for personal luxury. Then he stood at the edge of the ship, the cold wind hitting his face while he looked down at Teidora where thick columns of steam were rising.
He smiled lightly and leaned slightly forward… then let his body fall.
It wasn't an ordinary fall; his body slid through the clouds smoothly, and within moments, he placed his feet on the ground.
As his feet touched Teidora's soil, he lifted his head slightly, brushing some droplets of steam from his hair. There was no one on the shore, which made him head straight for the dirt road leading to the town.
With his first steps inside Teidora, the scene began to clarify more…
The town wasn't primitive as he had imagined.
Rows of small stone houses lined the main street, varying in size but solidly built, their doors and window frames decorated with simple carvings. Between them were larger wooden houses, showing that the inhabitants knew their craft well. The markets were open, and the sounds of people mingled with the whistle of the hot air rising from beneath the ground, creating a strange… yet comfortable mixture.
Luca walked through the main street with calm steps. No one looked at him strangely or suspiciously—the locals seemed accustomed to strangers. Some greeted him with a small nod, while others were busy carrying goods, pulling small carts, or talking loudly at their shops.
Luca blended into this lively atmosphere quickly.
He didn't feel out of place… rather, he felt like an ordinary visitor looking to buy something or ask for directions. He passed by a carpentry shop, smiling slightly at the wooden tools hanging, though he no longer needed his old trade. On the opposite side was a small café from which steam rose, carrying scents of herbs unfamiliar to him.
The place reminded him of his original home, Loguetown, in the East Blue.
He took a deep breath and continued walking, observing everything with a calm eye.
Luca walked along the main street for some time before stopping in front of a small shop selling metal tools, ropes, and items commonly used by sailors. The shop owner appeared to be a middle-aged man, busy arranging goods on a wooden table.
Luca approached quietly.
He said in a low but clear voice:
"Excuse me… do you know where I can exchange some gold here in town?"
The man raised his head and looked at him with slight surprise, then wiped his hands with his apron and said:
"Exchange gold? Yes… there's a suitable place. You'll find the money changer at the end of this street, just before the big square, two steps away. A small stone building with a blue door… you won't miss it."
Luca nodded with a brief smile.
"Thank you."
He then continued on his way, the hot steam still rising between the alleys.
Luca entered the money changer's shop, a small stone building inside, its walls covered with wooden shelves holding bags of money and account books. Behind the counter stood a stout man with a short beard, lifting his head as soon as the door opened.
Luca approached calmly and placed the small bag on the counter.
The money changer, opening the bag, said:
"Gold, huh? You want to convert it to Berries?"
Luca nodded.
The money changer took a round piece between his fingers, inspected it quickly, then nodded approvingly.
"Excellent quality… I can exchange this amount for you immediately."
Luca didn't need to explain more. The man quickly calculated, weighed the pieces, placed them on a small copper dish, and headed to the wooden drawer under the table. After a minute, he handed Luca a neat stack of Berries.
"Total: nine million Berries."
Luca collected the money and placed it quietly in his leather bag, as if the number meant little to him, then thanked the man with a simple nod before leaving the shop and returning to the steam-filled, lively street.
Luca exited the money changer carrying the small bag in which he had placed the new Berries. He had only converted a small portion of his gold… yet he now held nine million Berries, enough to live as a prince here if he wished.
He closed the bag with his fingers, then lifted his eyes toward the main street, where enticing food aromas wafted. The steam rising from the alleys mingled with the scents of grilled dishes and spices, making him suddenly feel truly hungry—perhaps for the first time in days.
He walked calmly until stopping in front of a wide restaurant with a wooden façade, above whose door hung empty lanterns emitting a warm glow. The place was nearly full, but the attendant at the entrance welcomed him without hesitation.
Luca sat at a table near the window, and as soon as the menu was presented, he chose the most expensive items without a second thought: marinated grilled meat with local herbs, a hot steaming soup, fresh bread, and a plate of exotic fruits grown in Teidora.
The moment the meal was served, a strong aroma made him smile despite himself.
He took the first bite…
and felt the warmth spread through his chest, delicious, heavy, and warm in an astonishing way.
This food was "luxurious" in every sense—perhaps the best he had tasted in a long while.
He raised the cup of drink to his lips, then looked out the window toward the street full of steam and movement.
Luca left the restaurant, wiping his mouth with a fine napkin, still savoring the taste of the marinated meat he had eaten moments before. It was a hearty meal worth every Berry spent… and perhaps more.
Before continuing his way, he noticed a woman in her mid-forties arranging baskets near a small shop full of herbs and glass containers. She appeared calm, her features gentle, her face surrounded by a light steam rising from the back street.
He approached her and asked politely:
"Excuse me… may I ask a simple question? Why is there so much steam spread across the island?"
The woman lifted her head to him and smiled warmly, as if accustomed to the question.
"Oh, you're not from here, are you?" she said, gesturing toward the three mountains looming behind the roofs.
"This steam comes from the natural hot springs found on the slopes of those mountains. The heat beneath Teidora is very high… that's why the vapors rise almost everywhere."
She continued with a hint of pride:
"The island is famous for these springs. People come from all the islands in the Grand Line just to bathe in them. They say they relieve body aches and refresh the soul."
Luca listened quietly, looking at the mountain peaks breathing white steam like enormous chimneys.
He smiled lightly… the scene seemed more intriguing than he had expected.
"I see…" he said, nodding. "Thank you."
He thanked the woman with a small nod before shifting his gaze toward the three mountains rising in the center of the island. Steam rose from them as if they were natural chimneys, each mountain sending out thick white columns of varying strength and direction.
He stared at them for a moment, then smiled lightly.
The largest mountain was the most eye-catching… its base wide, slopes covered with belts of dark trees, and from its summit rose the tallest, densest steam columns. It seemed to be the place that housed the strongest, hottest springs.
Luca lifted the leather bag carrying his money, adjusted his coat, and began walking along the dirt road leading toward the largest mountain. Hot winds coming from that direction struck his face as he approached, along with faint metallic scents reminiscent of wet rocks.
The road was quiet, with only some birds fleeing at the sound of his steps and the hissing of steam from small openings along the path. The higher he climbed, the warmer it became slightly, and he began to hear the gurgling of warm water flowing between cracks.
The path to the largest mountain was clear, paved with stones and carefully made, indicating that this was not just a natural area… but a known, intentional site. The higher Luca climbed, the more he heard the sounds of boiling water and whistling steam rising from the earth's cracks.
When he reached the massive wooden gate hanging at the mountain's foot, he immediately realized that the place was not fully open to the public.
The front façade was a large three-story building, decorated with polished wood and intricately carved stone columns. At the entrance stood two men wearing dark blue uniforms, each carrying a metal spear adorned with a simple circular symbol.
Luca approached with calm steps, his eyes picking up the details.
One of the guards smiled welcomingly:
"Welcome to the Hainara Springs. Would you like to enter?"
Luca raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Hainara?" he asked.
The guard replied:
"Yes… the entire largest mountain belongs to the Hainara family. They manage all the springs on its summit and slopes. We offer various services—from public springs, to private rooms, up to royal suites."
The second guard stepped forward, pointing to a large board hanging beside the gate, clearly divided:
– Public springs: small entrance fee, large mixed pool.
– Private springs: individual bathtubs with mountain views.
– Royal suites: spacious rooms, full-service amenities, complete privacy.
– Luxury category: completely private spring… with premium hospitality where the family sends some women to provide care and service for the distinguished guest.
The guard lowered his voice slightly when mentioning the last category, as if wary of being overheard.
Luca looked at the list for a moment, then smiled lightly.
One of the guards noticed Luca's expression and added:
"All three mountains are filled with springs… but this mountain is the best. The waters here are purer… and the temperature is perfect. Demand is so high that we close the gate once the number of visitors is full."
Luca lifted his head, looking up where thick steam rose from the cracks in the rocks.
The place seemed… comfortable, organized, and alluring in a certain way.
With his current wealth, no option was beyond reach.
He turned to the nearest guard and asked in a calm but clear tone:
"And what about the prices?"
The guards exchanged a quick glance, then one stepped forward, as if accustomed to explaining such details to important visitors.
"Public springs are cheap… fifty thousand Berries per person."
He gestured to the next section.
"Private springs start at half a million per day."
Then he slowly pointed to the suite section:
"Royal suites… two million, with food and massage services."
He paused for a moment… as if the final category required a different approach. Then he said in a slightly lower voice, respecting the delicacy of the matter:
"As for the luxury category… it's six million Berries for a full twenty-four hours."
Luca raised an eyebrow with interest, and the guard continued quickly:
"It includes a private spring, no one else may enter, the finest food in the island, and carefully selected women from the Hainara family or staff for hospitality. All day… without interruption."
He gestured toward the massive stone building at the top of the path:
"This suite is the jewel of the place. Most visitors choose it only on special occasions… or if they are wealthy merchants and sailors."
Luca smiled lightly, thinking of the six million… an amount that was nothing compared to his treasures, barely a small charity in his eyes.
He reached into his leather bag, pulled out a thick stack of Berries, and placed it in the guard's hand without another word.
"I'll take the luxury option."
The guard's eyes widened slightly, not in shock… but in respect. Then he bowed slightly, saying: "As you wish, sir. We are honored to have you."
The second guard immediately opened the gate, while the first waved his hand, welcoming: "Please, follow me. The Hainara luxury suite is always ready for distinguished guests."
Luca stepped into the wide wooden corridor, warm steam flowing from above like a transparent curtain welcoming him.
Six million Berries… for just one day. But Luca didn't think for a moment.
He didn't come just to bathe.
He came to enjoy… and continue his journey in his own way.
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Luca entered the luxury suite, greeted by one of the attendants with a calm smile, directing him to a comfortable chair by a window overlooking the steam-covered mountains. Moments later, one of them presented a glass of exquisite local drink, golden and fragrant, letting him begin to relax immediately before touching the water.
After taking a sip or two, Luca felt warmth flooding his body from within, starting to remove his clothes slowly, leaving behind all the burdens of the journey. He lay on a white bed, and one of the beautiful women approached, her delicate features and calm eyes exuding professionalism. She began a full-body massage, using warm aromatic oils that perfumed the air, deepening his relaxation and refreshing his skin.
Her hands moved with grace and care, removing any tension or fatigue from head to toe. The scents and oils intensified the sense of comfort. With each movement, Luca felt his relaxation multiply, as if every part of his body regained energy, and all the exhausting thoughts of the sea and journey vanished. This was more than just a massage… it was a fusion of total luxury and a body surrendered to comfort, an exceptional experience making Luca drown in a moment of unparalleled bliss.
After finishing the massage, the woman offered him a cup of warm aromatic drink, with light steam rising from its surface, sipped quietly before smiling and whispering: "Take a breath… relax."
Luca sat on the edge of the carefully carved bath, warm water flowing around his body, muscles enveloped gently, heat seeping into every fiber, revitalizing his blood and easing any remaining tension. The fragrance of the oils, mingled with subtle mineral aromas from the natural springs, created a magical atmosphere that enveloped the senses.
The woman watched him attentively, her hands playing with the water and oils on his body, focusing on every detail of his muscles. Her gaze was not merely professional but filled with admiration, pausing at the curves, appreciating the strength and beauty of his body. Luca felt warmth and attention in every touch, as if his body were appreciated and admired, yet in a way that kept the atmosphere private and luxurious.
The steam of the hot water enveloped the room in a warm cloud, each wave of water on his body felt like a natural massage from the waves themselves, and with every breath, he felt complete relaxation, as if everything else in the world had disappeared.
The intimate atmosphere, warmth of the water, fragrances, and the woman's touches… all combined to make Luca sink into a moment of absolute pleasure, a feeling extending beyond physical comfort to an inner sense of strength, confidence, and self-satisfaction.
Luca felt he was experiencing full luxury, a pure moment for the self, where all his senses were filled with warmth and delight, and everything around him made him feel as if he were the sole king of this enchanting island.
After finishing the massage and enjoying the hot springs, Luca felt complete euphoria in his body and overwhelming inner calm. The woman brought him the final warm drink, which he sipped slowly, the taste of exotic herbs mingling with his body warmth, enveloping him in full relaxation.
She then left him for a few moments, while Luca began exploring the luxury suite. The room was spacious and decorated, with luxurious silk and velvet furnishings, and mirrors and candles casting a warm light that reflected on the softly steaming stone walls.
He approached the balcony, where he could see the steam-covered mountains, small sparkling springs among the rocks, and warm air brushing his face. He sat on a plush sofa, legs stretched out, closing his eyes for a moment, enjoying the calm, warmth, and absolute privacy.
The woman didn't leave Luca alone for long; she returned shortly carrying a small table with fruits, natural juices, and warm drinks. She sat beside him quietly, speaking in a low, soothing voice, while he lifted a piece of fruit to his mouth, feeling that every moment here was fully dedicated to pampering him and making him enjoy.
Every movement, every smile, every fleeting touch from the woman added a sense of luxury and privacy, as if the suite were designed specifically to make him feel at the center of the world. Luca relaxed completely, closing his eyes occasionally, enjoying the warmth, scents, and intimate attention surrounding him.
All these moments combined physical relaxation with extended inner feelings of pleasure and tranquility, until he felt that this day would remain engraved in his memory… a moment that no other place could match.
As night fell, I found myself in a white bed with this woman, who was passionately riding my penis. I was enjoying the best vagina I had ever tasted since I was born.
On the following morning, Luca was awakened by a warm, comforting feeling filling his entire body. Soft sunlight filtered through the large suite windows, while the sound of hot water flowing in the private spring basins filled the room gently.
One of the carefully selected women approached, carrying a small plate of fresh fruits and refreshing juice, its sweet aroma filling the air. She presented the drink and fruit with a gentle smile, wearing a light robe reflecting the elegance of the place and adding a sense of delicacy and luxury.
The entire atmosphere was prepared to give him a perfect start to the day: a wide, comfortable bed, natural sounds from the mountain springs, warm air filled with steam, and personal service making every moment feel surrounded by care and lavish luxury.
Luca sat on the bed, took a sip of juice, tasted a ripe fruit, and smiled as he prepared for a new day of complete relaxation and the ultimate spring experience.
And so, he ended up staying until completing the entire allotted time. "It's the best six million I've ever spent in my life."
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