It was an island as white as jade, covered in ice and snow, glowing with a faint blue light, like a fairyland from the heavens.
The edges of the island were surrounded by glaciers, with towering snow-capped mountains dimly visible, and even the air was filled with a chilling aura.
"It's an island…" Kai murmured softly, then suddenly turned around and shouted to his companions on the deck, "Everyone, there's an island ahead!"
"What?!" The people inside the cabin were startled and rushed out.
When they saw the white island in the distance, everyone's eyes lit up.
"An island! There really is an island!" Vivi excitedly clenched her fists.
"A winter island…" Sanji whispered, his eyes filled with anticipation.
"This is great!" Luffy suddenly jumped up, the gloom on his face completely gone, and he shouted excitedly, "There must be a doctor on that island!"
Zoro, Usopp, Sanji, everyone looked ahead excitedly.
Nami was too sick; they couldn't delay another second.
"going merry, full speed ahead!" Luffy commanded, the helm turned sharply, and the sails billowed in the wind.
The ship cut through the sea, speeding towards the ice and snow-covered winter island.
They didn't know if there was really a doctor there, but they knew Nami couldn't wait any longer.
The sun had not yet risen, the sea wind was still icy, and the bow of the going merry faced the biting cold wind, slowly sailing towards the distant island.
Vivi stood at the bow, her eyes slightly narrowed, looking at the island in her sight.
Snow-capped, with continuous mountains, the entire island resembled a massive ice field, silently floating on the sea.
Ice and snow covered everything; mountains soared into the clouds, and blizzards howled, as if even the sky would freeze.
Occasionally, sharp rocks emerged from the snow, like cracks in the earth, indicating the island's harsh environment.
Her gaze slightly narrowed, and a familiar scene gradually emerged in her mind.
"That island… it looks like Drum Island." She said softly, her voice carried away by the wind, yet still clearly audible to everyone.
Kai's eyes flickered, looking forward. As the ship approached, the outline of Drum Island gradually became clear.
In the center of the island, Drum Mountain stood like a giant pillar, piercing the sky.
The mountain was incredibly steep, like a giant rock flattened by a sharp blade, its surface incredibly smooth, with no footholds for climbing.
The summit was covered in white snow, and cold air rolled down from above; the entire mountain resembled a sleeping, ice-bound giant, overlooking the entire island.
At the foot of the mountain was a forest covered in snow.
The trees had long been consumed by frost, with heavy, crystal-clear icicles hanging from their branches.
Occasionally, several large white-furred beasts roamed in the snow, their bodies massive and their fur thick, clearly creatures living in extremely cold environments.
The air was filled with a dense chill; taking a deep breath, even the lungs felt covered in frost.
"Drum Island is a winter island." Vivi turned around, looking at everyone with a serious expression.
"The islands of the Grand Line have abnormal climates and are classified into four types: Spring Islands, Summer Islands, Autumn Islands, and Winter Islands."
Her gaze swept over everyone as she continued, "Spring Islands are warm and humid, like spring all year round, with dense forests, suitable for farming and living.
Just like the island we stayed on before, Small Garden, although that island is an ancient island, it still falls within the category of a Spring Island.
Summer Islands are hot and dry; some places are deserts, others are tropical rainforests, with scorching heat during the day and a sharp drop in temperature at night.
My country, Alabasta, is a Summer Island.
Autumn Islands are cool and pleasant, with golden leaves in the forests, cool and agreeable.
Rainfall is scarce, with occasional gentle breezes, and moderate temperatures, without extreme cold or heat.
Winter Islands, like Drum Island, are covered in ice and snow all year round, with blizzards possible at any time, and extreme climates."
She paused, thinking of the gravely ill Nami, a trace of worry appearing on her face:
"I hope we can find a doctor on Drum Island who can treat Nami."
No one spoke, but a glimmer of hope flashed in their eyes.
The going merry slowly approached, the cold wind grew fiercer, and the wooden planks on the deck were covered in snow and ice, creaking underfoot.
As the ship entered Drum Island's waterway, figures gradually appeared on the ice-covered banks.
"Someone!" Sanji said in a low voice, looking warily at both sides of the waterway.
Everyone on the ship saw them: the snow-covered banks were full of people, dressed in thick winter clothes, holding old but usable muskets.
Their faces were full of vigilance, their eyes cold and angry.
"Pirates, get out!"
A man shouted loudly, his voice echoing in the waterway.
Everyone was stunned; before they could react, the crowd on the riverbank had already raised their guns, aiming at the going merry.
Someone shouted excitedly, "Don't let pirates set foot on our land! They must be here to plunder!"
"Fire!"
The atmosphere suddenly became tense, the air filled with Killing Intent, and the cold intensified.
The cold metallic glint of the guns flashed, revealing a chilling Killing Intent.
Kai's eyes darkened, his foot moved slightly forward, his halberd quietly slid into his hand, his gaze stern.
Zoro's hand was already on his sword hilt, and Sanji's eyes showed a hint of disdain, ready to fight at any moment.
"Wait!" Vivi quickly stepped forward and shouted, "We're not bad people, we're just here to find a doctor!"
The people on the shore didn't believe her immediately; instead, some became agitated, their guns still pointed at the going merry, ready to fire at any moment.
"Don't listen to their nonsense!" someone shouted angrily, "All pirates deserve to die!"
The tension was at its peak; the air seemed to freeze, and a conflict could erupt at any moment.
Kai's eyes flickered slightly; he could feel that these people harbored deep hatred for pirates, not just simple wariness, but an indelible loathing.
His mind quickly speculated that perhaps Drum Island had once suffered pirate attacks, which would explain their hostility towards all pirates.
Time seemed to stretch, the cold wind howled, snowflakes danced in the air, and the oppressive atmosphere solidified at this moment.
Luffy stood on the deck, looking at the people pointing guns at them; though his eyes were confused, he did not back down.
He knew Nami's illness could not be delayed any longer; they had to go ashore.
"We're not bad people." Luffy spoke slowly, his voice deep and strong, "We're just here to find a doctor, please, let us in."
The people on the shore looked at each other, seemingly hesitating; their guns were not lowered, the hostility was still strong, but that subtle loosening might be a Breakthrough.
The going merry floated quietly in the middle of the waterway, the cold wind still howling.
Kai's eyes narrowed; he sensed Nami's weak vitality, like a candle about to burn out.
Nami couldn't wait much longer!