The snow was coming down hard and fast.
"This snow's really coming down! And the temperature dropped way too suddenly!" Nami sighed, leaning against the window.
Even though she'd already changed into her winter clothes, she couldn't help but marvel at how unpredictable the Grand Line's weather was. One moment there had only been a few flakes, and in the blink of an eye, it turned into a full-blown blizzard—as if the heavens themselves had burst open and dumped their contents all at once.
Outside the cabin, everything was blanketed in white. Inside, everyone was already gathered around the table, ready to eat hotpot. Nami let out a long sigh.
"Well, it's already like this. Might as well eat first."
Turning back toward the table, her mood brightened at the sight of the steaming dishes laid out before her.
"Nami, where's our next stop?" Olga asked while preparing some side dishes. She'd already gotten used to life aboard the ship.
Sailing on the sea had become exciting to her—the sights, the experiences, all so new compared to her old life. She wanted to keep traveling with everyone, exploring the world together.
But Leno had already made it clear—once they reached their next destination, he'd be dropping her and her father off.
That thought left her conflicted. On one hand, she longed to stay and sail with them. On the other, she'd finally reunited with her father and wanted to make up for all the lost years.
Besides, everyone aboard had their own talents, while she had none. Even if she wanted to stay, would they even accept her?
Just as Olga's thoughts began to spiral, Nami's helpless voice called back:
"Our next stop is Whisky Peak. If the weather hadn't turned like this, we would've arrived by now. But visibility's too low, so for safety we've slowed to minimum speed. It'll take a little longer to get there."
"What's the rush? We're not on a schedule. Just take it easy."
Leno spoke casually while swallowing a piece of freshly cooked fish. To him, comfort mattered more than speed.
Nami shot him a glare but couldn't be bothered to argue. Instead, she started eating.
The others, influenced by Leno's laid-back attitude, didn't seem to care much about where or when they'd arrive either.
Truth be told, Nami wasn't really in a hurry herself—that was the only reason she hadn't picked a fight with him.
The Gale drifted slowly through the snowy veil. Inside, laughter and chatter filled the air as they enjoyed their impromptu feast. Time slipped by quietly.
It was unknown how much time had passed before noisy voices roused the half-drunk Leno.
Still groggy, he felt the soft warmth of a body in his arms shifting against him. His hand moved instinctively, cupping the curve of a mound and squeezing lightly.
"Mmm…"
"Huh?"
The sound wasn't quite right. He looked down—and froze.
Uta?!
Wait, what—when did this happen?!
He tried to recall. The snow had forced them to stop and hold a banquet on deck. Not wanting any trouble, he'd simply parked the ship midair.
Everyone had gotten carried away, singing, dancing, and drinking to Uta's songs. Things got hazy after that. He only vaguely remembered Uta helping him back to his room…
As his thoughts cleared, he looked at the girl feigning sleep in his arms, eyes narrowing.
So that's how it is, huh? he thought mischievously. Didn't expect you to be that kind of girl, already plotting against your captain.
Smack!
"Ah—!"
Leno playfully slapped her firm bottom and chuckled wickedly. "Still pretending to be asleep? I never thought you'd be so bold, attacking your Captain openly, when you usually look so well-behaved!"
"You… you…"
Uta's face turned crimson, her eyes widening in disbelief.
She'd gathered all her courage to come to him like this—only to be met with teasing.
Tears welled up in her eyes. "You jerk…" she whispered, voice trembling.
"Hey, hey, why are you crying?"
Leno panicked, wiping her tears with his thumb. He hadn't meant anything serious—it was just playful teasing.
But Uta had been nervous and uncertain from the start, and now his words cut deep. She thought he saw her as a shameless woman pretending to be innocent. The idea crushed her.
"Don't cry, I didn't mean—"
But the more he tried to wipe them away, the more tears came.
Realizing words wouldn't help, Leno made a decision.
He leaned down and captured her lips with his own.
If words failed, then he'd use actions to show what he truly felt.
And once that thought took root, he didn't hold back.
He'd been too drunk earlier to appreciate her beauty properly. Now, he wasn't going to waste another chance.
An hour later.
Leno held Uta close, gently brushing the sweat from her forehead.
"Uta," he murmured, "did you feel it? I've liked you for a long time."
"You… you're such a bad captain… a big meanie…" she mumbled weakly, her body trembling with exhaustion but her heart overflowing with joy.
So he did like her—not just her imagination.
"Captain, promise me you'll never abandon me, okay?"
"Still calling me captain?"
Leno chuckled, flicking her nose affectionately. "What are you thinking? You are my woman now. You couldn't run away even if you wanted to!"
"Mm… thank you, L-Leno…"
He laughed softly. "You silly girl. No need to be so formal with me anymore."
"..."
When no reply came, he looked down—Uta had already drifted into a peaceful sleep, a faint smile on her lips.
She must've been completely worn out. Watching her sleep so contentedly, Leno smiled in satisfaction. Another maiden saved by me, he thought smugly.
After tucking her in, he got up and quietly left the cabin.
Outside, the snow had stopped. Under Nami's command, the ship was soaring smoothly through the air once more.
On the deck, Nojiko and the others were shoveling snow. Seeing him emerge, they all gave him looks that needed no words.
Realizing they knew exactly what had happened, Leno simply kept his trademark grin, greeting them one by one.
He was rewarded with several eye-rolls before everyone returned to their work.
Then Nami's voice came from the helm:
"Land ahead! I can see our next destination—Whisky Peak!"