Dr. Kureha didn't answer immediately; instead, she lowered her head and continued to examine Nami's body.
Her fingers gently touched Nami's forehead and pulse, unhurriedly.
"You all arrived quite timely," she said, her gaze seemingly dismissive, even carrying a hint of sarcasm.
But the meaning of her words made Kai, Luffy, and Sanji breathe a slight sigh of relief.
"What do you mean?" Luffy couldn't help but ask, his eyes fixed on Dr. Kureha, seemingly so anxious he was about to jump up.
"It means this illness takes five days to kill. Nami was brought in on the second day of infection, so there's still enough time."
Dr. Kureha spoke unhurriedly, no trace of anxiety visible on her face.
It was just that skilled calmness that made one feel she had handled countless such patients before.
Kai and Sanji exchanged a glance, their hearts easing slightly. Although Nami was poisoned, at least she wouldn't die immediately.
But Luffy, upon hearing this, instantly grew anxious, his eyes widening sharply, as if he were about to leap up.
"What?! You said Nami will die in three days?! Then what are we waiting for now! Treat her quickly!"
Dr. Kureha frowned, a hint of impatience showing in her eyes:
"What are you rushing for? For a treatable illness, rushing is useless. You all calm down first, and don't cause me more trouble."
She paused, glared at Luffy, then turned around, picked up several bottles and jars from the table, and began to quickly prepare the medicine.
"However, I'm telling you, the medical fees won't be cheap." She poured medicine, then looked up at the three of them. "Can you afford it?"
Luffy nodded without hesitation: "Of course! We can afford anything!" His face was sincere, his eyes unwavering.
Sanji also spoke up then: "That's right! Nami's life is the most important; we'll do anything!"
As he finished speaking, his gaze never left Nami, his heart so tense he could barely breathe.
Dr. Kureha looked at them, seemingly with some appreciation, a sarcastic smile curling slightly at the corner of her mouth:
"In that case, it's easy to handle." After saying that, she turned again to get herbs, her movements swift and skillful.
Kai looked down at Nami, his heart filled with anxiety and unease.
He knew this was the most critical moment, and not a single second could be wasted.
However, this doctor in front of him seemed unhurried and unperturbed, everything appearing so composed.
It even made one feel that this crisis might not be as terrible as imagined.
He took a deep breath, then quietly said to Luffy and Sanji:
"You two calm down a bit. The doctor is right; we can't panic now. If she can live, we'll have a chance."
Luffy and Sanji listened, and although still anxious, they calmed down slightly.
Although the doctor in front of them was cold, her experience and ability were clearly trustworthy.
The three of them watched Dr. Kureha busy herself, and for a moment, a strange strength seemed to surge within their hearts.
Dr. Kureha moved quickly, and soon she prepared a dose of medicine, brought it to Nami, and said in a low voice: "Drink this first; it can slow down the illness."
"It's a good thing there are still antibiotics, otherwise it would have been troublesome!"
Kai gently supported Nami's head and fed her the medicine.
The medicine had a herbal taste, bitter and strong. Nami frowned slightly, but still swallowed it.
"Next, do as I say." Dr. Kureha turned and took a small copper bottle from the shelf, filled with some golden-yellow powder.
"This is anti-inflammatory powder; apply it to the wound."
Kai didn't hesitate, quickly took it, and following Dr. Kureha's instructions, applied it to the wound on Nami's arm.
When the powder was sprinkled, the pain on Nami's face became more evident, and a slight sweat appeared on her forehead.
Her lips trembled slightly, seemingly struggling to endure the intense pain.
Luffy tightly held her hand and whispered: "Nami, don't be afraid, we're here. You'll be better soon."
Dr. Kureha said nothing, just gave them a faint glance.
"Time waits for no one. What's important next isn't emotions, but treatment."
The three nodded in unison.
"Good." Dr. Kureha turned and picked up other medicines, skillfully treating Nami's wound.
Time seemed to stand still at this moment. Outside the window, snow was still falling, and the cold wind still howled.
Inside the room, the heartbeats of the three gradually calmed, their eyes fixed firmly on the quiet Nami on the bed.
Two hours passed, and the atmosphere in the room seemed to solidify.
Kai, Luffy, and Sanji's gazes remained tightly fixed on Nami on the bed.
Her complexion had improved significantly, the sweat on her face slowly receding, and the scorching high fever that had been present was gradually fading.
Kai's eyes widened as he stared at Nami's forehead, a quiet sigh of relief escaping his heart.
Nami's breathing gradually stabilized, her lips were no longer dry, and her skin regained some color.
The medicine had taken effect. Although she hadn't fully recovered, at least the feeling of uncertainty between life and death had gradually disappeared.
The stone in his heart finally lifted. Kai looked up at Luffy and Sanji, seeing a hint of relief in their eyes as well.
Dr. Kureha stood to the side, looking calm and composed. She reached out and gently tapped Nami's forehead with her fingertip.
"Hmm..." She cleared her throat, her voice low, "The high fever has receded, and her body temperature is gradually returning to normal."
She looked at Nami, without much expression on her face,
"But she still has a temperature of thirty-eight degrees. Even with my special medicine, she'll need three days of rest to fully recover.
During these three days, absolutely no strenuous activity."
After saying that, she gave the three of them a cold look, "You all stay here quietly and don't disturb her."
Upon hearing this, the three of them could finally completely relax.
Kai silently nodded, his gaze falling upon Nami on the bed. Seeing that her complexion had improved somewhat, the tension in his heart greatly eased.
Just then, Nami suddenly stirred gently. Her eyelids fluttered slightly, then she opened her eyes.
"Nami!" Luffy practically leaped over and grabbed her hand, "You've finally woken up!"
Nami's eyes were a bit hazy, her mind seemingly not fully clear yet, and she said in a low voice:
"Three days... no, Vivi... Vivi is still waiting for us..."
Her voice was weak, as if she hadn't fully recovered from the high fever, but the resolute look in her eyes remained unchanged.
Kai looked at Nami like that, his heart sinking slightly, knowing that she was still worried about Vivi at this moment.
Luffy patted Nami's hand, smiling like a big fool: "Don't worry, Nami, Vivi will be fine. We'll definitely make it there!"
Sanji also smiled and nodded. Although he was still a little anxious, seeing Nami awake and knowing she was out of danger, his mood lightened considerably.
Just then, Dr. Kureha suddenly walked over with a serious expression, her arms crossed over her chest, her brows tightly furrowed, as if she were angry.
"What do you all think?!" She suddenly raised her voice, "I'm telling you, throughout my career, there have only been two situations where patients disappear from my sight."
Kai was stunned, not knowing what she was going to say. Luffy and Sanji also instantly grew tense.
Dr. Kureha didn't even wait for them to react, a strange smile appearing at the corner of her mouth as she continued: "Either complete recovery or death!"
