Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece.


THE PULSE OF THE STORM

The Thousand Sunny reached the rocky shore in a half hour. Each nautical mile closer made harder for Nami to stand still on the unsteady deck, and that was the only reason she set afoot on the beach so eagerly.

The crew moved forward, their footsteps echoing in the silence as they ventured into the dense forest that lay before the village. The trees were tall and greyish, lacking life. The ground beneath their feet became increasingly treacherous, covered in a slimy moss that made each step a cautious endeavor. The pungent odor hung in the air, mingling with the dank scent of damp earth.

Despite the gloom that surrounded them, the crew pushed forward. Nami's eyes scanned the surroundings, her navigational instincts guiding them through the unfamiliar terrain.

As they continued their journey through the desolate forest, Nami's steps grew increasingly unsteady, her face now a paler shade, etched with discomfort. The persistent throb behind her temples worsened, pulsating with a rhythmic intensity that made her wince. Her once steady heartbeat had now transformed into the pounding of drums in her ears, deafening her to the sounds of the forest.

She clutched her stomach, feeling a wave of nausea washing over her. The disquieting atmosphere weighed heavily upon her, its oppressive grip threatening to consume her fragile resolve.

Zoro, walking behind her, keenly observed Nami's discomfort and grew concerned. He quickened his pace to catch up with her and asked, his voice filled with genuine worry, "Nami, are you okay? You don't look too good."

Nami forced a weak smile, attempting to brush off her debilitating symptoms. "I'll be fine, just a little queasy. It must be the strange atmosphere here."

Sanji, concerned, chimed in, "Maybe we should take a break. It's not like you to feel sick, Nami-san."

Nami nodded, grateful for their concern. "Yeah, a short rest might help."

They found a nearby bench, situated at the edge of the forest. Nami sat down, her breaths shallow and labored. Chopper approached her with a worried expression.

"Let me check you, Nami. Something doesn't seem right," He said.

Nami allowed Chopper to examine her, her discomfort growing more pronounced with each passing moment.

Chopper put on his stethoscope and listened intently to Nami's chest, his furry brows furrowing in concentration. As he moved the instrument around and felt her pulse with his hoof, his wide eyes widened even further.

"Ah! Nami, there's something unusual here," Chopper exclaimed, his voice shaking.

Nami's brow furrowed as she looked at the eager reindeer. "What is it, Chopper? Did you find something?"

The little doctor, nodded, his ears twitching. "It's your pulse, Nami. It's... different. I've never felt anything like this before."

Nami's eyes widened, her unease deepening. "Different? What do you mean?"

Chopper leaned closer, his voice dropping to a hushed tone. "Your pulse feels... electric, almost like a current running through your veins. It's irregular, and I can sense a heightened intensity."

"What do you mean, Chopper-san?" Robin inquired, her concern deepening.

"Here, feel her pulse," Chopper suggested, extending Nami's arm with his hoof. Robin took hold of it, her usually composed expression betraying a flicker of surprise. Usopp, not one to miss out on a peculiar discovery, joined in and took hold of Nami's other arm. They shared puzzled looks, their fingers feeling the strange rhythm beneath Nami's skin.

Nami felt like a circus attraction as the entire crew crowded around, curious to experience the unusual sensation coursing through her veins. But all of her annoyance disappeared when Zoro, coming from behind the bench, pressed two fingers on her exposed neck, his touch unexpectedly cool against her feverish skin. In that moment, she forgot about the hands holding her arms, about the pain and discomfort that plagued her.

His touch, strangely comforting, sent a shiver down her spine, and she couldn't help but lean into it, seeking solace from the disquiet that engulfed her.

"What the fuck are you doing, shitty marimo? Don't you dare touch Nami-swan like that," Sanji intervened, his protective instincts flaring.

Zoro, taken aback by Sanji's outburst, withdrew his hand from Nami's neck, his eyes narrowing. "I'm just tryin' ta feel her pulse, you idiotic cook. I couldn't do it with your disgusting hands all over her arms."

"Enough, you two! We don't have time for this." Nami shighed with irritation and exaustion. "Chopper, what do you think it could be?"

Chopper scratched his furry chin, frustration evident on his face. "I... I don't know, Nami. I've never encountered anything like this before. It's as if there's an unknown energy coursing through your body, disrupting the normal flow of your pulse."

Chopper's words were interrupted by a sudden rumble of thunder in the sky. The crew looked up, their attention diverted to the darkening clouds above. As lightning streaked across the sky, a sharp pain shot through Nami's body, causing her to gasp and clutch her chest.

"Nami!" Chopper exclaimed, his concern escalating. "Are you okay? What just happened?"

Nami winced, beads of sweat forming on her forehead. "I... I don't know. It felt like a jolt of electricity running through me."

The crew exchanged worried glances, realizing that there was a connection between the strange energy pulsing through Nami's veins and the atmospheric phenomena happening around them.

Robin furrowed her brow, deep in thought. "Could it be that Nami has some sort of electromagnetic sensitivity? The electric pulse, the pain coinciding with thunder... It's as if her body is attuned to the electrical currents in the atmosphere."

Usopp's eyes widened with realization. "You mean... Nami is like a living lightning rod?"

Chopper nodded, his expression a mix of concern and fascination. "It's a possibility. Her body might be acting as a conductor for the electrical energy around her. But why is this happening now?"

Nami gritted her teeth, battling the pain that surged through her. "I don't know, but we need to find a way to stop this. It's getting worse."

"It seems we have a rather shocking situation here," Brook said, a hint of concern in his usually cheerful tone. "Nami-san, I can sense a powerful spiritual presence surrounding you, intertwining with the electrical energy. It's unlike anything I've ever encountered."

Jinbe nodded in agreement, his calm demeanor unwavering. "Indeed, Nami-chan, this is a perilous situation. The sea currents and atmospheric conditions are aligning in an unusual manner. It's as if nature itself is reacting to your presence."

Nami didn't know what to think. The pain was getting unbearable and her brain just couldn't make sense of what was actually happening.

As the crew deliberated on Nami's condition, they began to notice murmurs from the local people who had gathered nearby. Whispers filled the air, and some of the villagers exchanged concerned glances.

Two individuals, a middle-aged man and a young woman, stepped forward with an air of hostility.

The middle-aged man had weathered features, with lines etched deep into his face, long straight brown hair and his eyes held a weariness that seemed to reflect the struggles of the island. He wore tattered clothing, indicative of a simple life filled with hardships. The young woman at his side had a timid demeanor, her eyes wide with fear and curiosity. She clutched a worn shawl tightly around her shoulders, seeking comfort and protection from the unknown.

The village behind them had a rustic charm, with wooden houses built close together, their thatched roofs weathered by time. The narrow streets were lined with overgrown vines and there was an air of sadness hanging over the place. The villagers, who had gathered to witness the commotion, seemed torn between suspicion and desperation. Their clothing was threadbare, and their tired expressions hinted at a life of struggle and isolation.

"Who among you is the witch that the heavens have just welcomed to her death?" The man demanded, his voice deep.

Luffy, feeling offended by the accusation, stepped forward with a determined expression on his face. "Hey we're not witches, Straight-Hair! We're pirates, and I'm gonna be the Pirate King!" His voice dripped with conviction.

Robin stepped in to provide an explanation. "We ended up on this island as we were seeking shelter from a storm. We have no connection to witchcraft."

The middle-aged man and the young woman exchanged skeptical glances. The woman pointed at Nami, her voice tinged with concern. "Look at her! The curse that has befallen our island is known to kill witches, and she's clearly affected by it."

Nami's breathing grew labored, her nuisance evident to everyone. She mustered her strength to speak, her voice strained. "I assure you, I'm not a witch. Whatever is happening to me is a result of the strange energy and atmospheric conditions. We need your help to find a way to stop it."

The middle-aged man softened his expression slightly, though suspicion still lingered. "The curse that plagues our island is indeed a deadly one, but we've never seen it affect someone who isn't a witch."

Nami clenched her fists, frustration mingling with her pain. "I understand your concerns, but I am not a witch. I've never practiced any form of witchcraft. Please, believe me."

The middle-aged man's gaze remained cautious, but he seemed to consider Nami's words. "If you truly are not a witch, then there might be a possibility to find a resolution. Our island has a renowned healer, a wise old woman who possesses vast knowledge of our ancient traditions. Perhaps she can provide some answers and offer assistance."

As the decision was made to seek the help of the renowned healer, everyone prepared to follow the two locals. As Nami attempted to get up, her legs trembled under the weight of her pain. Her body swayed, threatening to send her crashing to the ground. In that moment, Zoro, ever alert, reacted with lightning speed and swiftly moved to catch her before she fell. His strong arms encircled her, lifting her gently from the ground.

Nami's eyes widened in surprise as her face flushed.

Sanji couldn't hide his irritation at the scene before him. "Oi, Marimo! Put her down! I'll carry Nami-swan. She's too delicate to be handled by a brute like you!"

Zoro's grip tightened instinctively, but he kept his gaze fixed ahead, ignoring Sanji's protest. "Don't worry about it, love-cook. I've got her."

Sanji's face turned red with anger and he grumbled under his breath, but his protests were drowned out by the concerned murmurs of the villagers. With Zoro carrying Nami, the Straw Hat Pirates followed the middle-aged man and the young woman, their footsteps drawing the attention of every villager they passed.

As they ventured deeper into the village, the structures became more dilapidated, their worn-out facades mirroring the weariness etched on the faces of the villagers. The small huts stood in disarray, their roofs patched with frayed straw and walls weathered by time. The scent of decay hung in the air, mingling with the faint undertones of medicinal herbs.

Nami, nestled in Zoro's arms, tried to steady her breathing, her heart still fluttering from the unexpected closeness. Amidst the gratitude she felt for his support, she could feel a tension hanging over them, as palpable as the moisture she could feel in the air with every pore on her body.

The healer's hut was perched at the far edge of the village. Its appearance was unassuming, blending in with the rest of the modest dwellings. The thatched roof sagged under the weight of age, and the wooden walls bore the scars of countless years.

The man knocked on the door, and after a moment, a short old woman opened it. Her gray hair was tied back in a bun, and her eyes glinted with a sharpness that belied her age.

She greeted the two villagers with a nod, her voice carrying a hint of authority. "Ah, Nikolaos and Eleni, you have returned," the old woman said, her voice raspy but filled with a commanding presence. "And you have brought outsiders with you. Interesting."

Nikolaos and Eleni bowed respectfully before the old woman. "Esteemed healer, these strangers seek your guidance. They believe you may hold the answers to their companion's affliction." The healer's gaze swept over them, her eyes settling on Nami.

There was a flicker of surprise in her expression, as if something unexpected had caught her attention. "Very well," she finally spoke, her voice carrying an air of solemnity. "Only the one who bears the affliction, the one who carries her and the woman with black hair, shall enter. The rest must wait outside."

The rest of the crew exchanged puzzled glances as the healer specified who would enter her hut. Luffy scratched his head in confusion, while Sanji's fists clenched.

"What's going on? Why can't we all go in?" Luffy asked baffled.

Robin stepped forward, her calm demeanor unchanged. "It seems the healer has her own reasons and methods. We should trust her expertise and follow her instructions."

With a nod of agreement, the crew members settled into a tense silence.

Zoro adjusted his grip on Nami, making sure she was secure, before stepping through the doorway. Robin followed closely behind.

The healer's hut was dimly lit, its interior filled with shelves upon shelves of dried herbs, potions, and ancient scrolls. The air smelled strongly of medicinal herbs and a hint of incense that lent an air of mystique to the space.

The old woman led them deeper into the hut, her steps deliberate and measured. They passed by rows of dried plants, their vibrant colors muted by time and use. The healer's fingers brushed against the leaves and petals as she moved, a reverent touch that spoke of a deep connection to the natural world.

Zoro's eye remained attentive as he carefully set Nami down on the worn cot against the wall. The fabric creaked softly under her weight, a testament to the many souls that had sought solace and healing in this very place. Robin stood nearby, her eyes filled with empathy and curiosity, waiting for the healer's guidance.

The old healer approached Nami's side, her eyes studying her intently. There was a blend of recognition and caution in her gaze as she spoke in a hushed voice, as if lost in a memory.

"The last time I witnessed such beauty, adorned with bronze eyes and amber hair, a curse befell this very island," she murmured, her voice carrying the weight of past sorrows. Her words hung heavy in the air, filling the room with an air of foreboding.

"May I ask about the nature of this curse?" Robin inquired, her voice steady and calm despite the weight of the situation.

"The curse has brought forth dire consequences," the healer began, her voice filled with grief. "Under its grip, the rains have ceased to fall, leaving our lands barren and parched. The sun's rays no longer grace our skies, shrouding us in perpetual darkness. And worst of all, no witch has survived the curse's wrath."

Nami bit her lip nervously. Nikolaus and Eleni had implied that she was a witch herself.

"What is it with this island and witches?" Zoro asked, gripping the hilt of Wado Ichimonji, reflecting the guardedness in his stance.

The old healer's gaze shifted towards Zoro, acknowledging his question.

"This island has long been a passing route for traveling witches," the healer explained, her voice tinged with a hint of sorrow. "But with the curse's arrival, the last witches who ventured to this island met a tragic end."

Robin's eyes gleamed with curiosity as she leaned closer, eager to learn more. "Do you know who cast this curse upon the island? Was there a specific witch responsible for this tragedy?"

The old healer's expression turned grim, her expression not hiding the sadness and apprehension. "The witch who cursed this island was a figure of great darkness. She possessed an evil power that seemed to mirror the beauty that you, Child, possess." She turned to Nami.

Nami's heart skipped a beat as the weight of the healer's words settled upon her. Her mind raced with a disbelief. To be compared to the witch who had brought such devastation upon the island filled her with a deep sense of unease.

Her hand trembled slightly as she reached up to touch her hair, her fingers weaving through the strands of amber. It was a small act, a desperate attempt to ground herself in her own reality. Yet, a part of her couldn't shake the nagging doubt that there might be more to her appearance than met the eye.

"I... I can't believe it," Nami whispered. "But I can assure you, I'm not a witch!"

"Tell me, Child," the healer began, her voice gentle yet probing. "Do you have any knowledge of your origins? Your family?"

Nami's brows furrowed as she thought back, her mind searching for any trace of her origins. "I... I don't have a clue about my family. I was raised by a foster mother, Belle-mère. She took me in when I was just a baby and gave me a home. But beyond that, I have no knowledge of my past or where I come from."

The old healer's eyes bore into Nami's, filled with compassion. She reached out with weathered hands, gently guiding Nami to sit still as she began her examination.

"As the currents of fate intertwine, it is not always easy to discern one's true path," the old lady said, her voice soft but carrying a heaviness of ancient wisdom. "Destiny has a way of revealing itself in unexpected ways, my dear child."

Nami's apprehension grew, but she remained composed, allowing the healer to continue her examination. The old woman's touch was gentle yet purposeful, her hands moving with practiced precision. She examined Nami's features, studying the contours of her face and the subtle details that marked her uniqueness.

"I sense no darkness within you, Child," the healer said, her voice filled with warmth. "But the mysteries of this curse and your connection to it cannot be ignored. To ease your pain and gather more answers, I shall prepare a special herbal tea for you. It will grant you clarity and soothe your troubled spirit. But I'm not the one who can help you. There's a elder who lives atop the hill. He's the only hope for witches."

Nami nodded gratefully, accepting the healer's offer. She shared glances with Zoro and Robin. They both seemed astounded.

"Thank you," Nami said, her voice filled with gratitude. "But I must insist, I am not a witch. I don't possess any powers or knowledge of magic."

The old healer's gaze held understanding and intrigue. She placed a comforting hand on Nami's shoulder.

"Child, the nature of one's being goes beyond mere appearances or preconceived notions. Your journey to the elder will shed light on the truth that lies within you," the woman explained, her voice resonating with wisdom. "He has great knowledge of witches, their powers, and the intricate threads that bind them to the world. Trust in his guidance and allow him to unravel the mysteries that surround you."

Nami took a moment to reflect on the healer's words. The idea of seeking the elder's guidance both intrigued and frightened her.

While Nami was lost in her thoughts, the old healer prepared the special herbal tea, carefully selecting a blend of herbs and infusing them with her intentions for clarity and comfort. The aroma wafted from the steaming cup, a delicate dance of fragrances that filled the air with a soothing presence.

But as Nami reached out to take the cup, a sudden wave of dizziness washed over her. Her vision blurred, and her body grew weak, as if an invisible force had seized hold of her. The cup slipped from her grasp, crashing to the ground, its contents spilling onto the worn wooden floor.

Zoro's eye widened in alarm. "What's happening?" he demanded.

The old healer's gaze hardened, her eyes flashing with urgency. "The curse... It resists the healing properties of the tea. We have no time to waste. You must take her to the elder immediately."


As they ascended the hill, Nami couldn't help but draw parallels to their previous adventure on Drum Island. The biting cold air nipped at her skin, sending shivers down her spine. Memories of their desperate journey to find a cure for her illness flooded her mind, and she couldn't shake off the unsettling feeling of déjà vu.

Luffy's unwavering determination to help his crewmate reminded her of the strength of their bond. Carrying her on his back on their way to the elder, he seemed unaffected by the chilling wind, his resolve unwavering. Nami found solace in his support, knowing that she wasn't alone in this daunting ordeal.

Her thoughts wandered back to the healer's words, echoing in her mind like an unending mantra.

She had always considered herself a skilled navigator and a resourceful member of the crew, relying on her wit and cunning to overcome challenges. The idea of being entwined in a world of magic and curses felt foreign and overwhelming. Nami feared losing her sense of identity and the control she had meticulously crafted over her own destiny.

Nami's fingers clenched around the fabric of Luffy's shirt as a surge of nervousness coursed through her.

"Luffy..." She started with a weak tone. "What-what if I'm really a witch?"

Luffy chuckled, his infectious laughter breaking through the tension of the moment. He glanced back at Nami with a mischievous grin.

"Hey, that would mean that you can cast magic spells? Like making endless amounts of meat appear?" Luffy exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

His response sparked a chain reaction among the rest of the crew.

Franky chimed in with his usual exuberance. "Nami, imagine if you could conjure up a giant, indestructible robot whenever we needed it! We'd have the most SU-PER fights on the New World!"

Brook added his own thoughts, his voice filled with a touch of dramatic flair. "Ah, yes! As a witch, you could enchant my songs and create melodies that soothe the souls or strike fear into the hearts of our enemies! Yohohoho!"

Chopper nodded eagerly. "Imagine the healing potions you could brew! You'd be able to cure any ailment or injury in an instant!"

Usopp couldn't resist joining in the discussion. "Nami, think about it! You could use your witchcraft to create illusions and deceive our enemies. You'd be the ultimate trickster, playing mind games and outsmarting everyone!"

The crew's ideas kept flowing, each member contributing their own fantastical notion of what Nami's potential as a witch could entail. As they continued their ascent up the hill, Nami couldn't help but be grateful for the lightheartedness and support of her crewmates.

"Thanks, guys." She said leaning her head on her captain's shoulder.

His soft chuckle and a blurry green head was all she perceived before everything went black.


A/N: Hello, there! What do you guys think of this one?
Hope you all liked it. I'll be trying to post the next chapter on the next saturday 01/07.

Thanks for the readers that left a review on the prologue, it meant the world to me!

Excited to read your reviews!

Bye.