Navigation: The Intuition is Against Heaven, and the Deduction of the Start is a Cremation

Chapter 23: Be Happy, My Ship Doctor!

Syrup Village – Kaya’s Mansion

Cough… Cough!

“Who… Who are you?” Kaya’s delicate frame trembled as she suppressed a cough, her pale skin contrasting sharply against the dimly lit room. The sudden opening of her window had startled her, and now, standing before her were two strangers—a young man and a woman. Having lived in Syrup Village her entire life, Kaya immediately knew these two were not from around here. Her gentle brown eyes flickered with a hint of curiosity and caution.

Beside her, Nami also studied the frail girl, her gaze filled with doubt. She looks so weak. There’s no way she could be the doctor Ace is searching for, right?

Ace, however, remained composed, flashing his signature grin. “I’m Ace, a pirate.” He gestured towards Nami. “This is Nami, my navigator.”

Pffft!

Nami almost choked. She quickly turned to glare at him.

First, you barge into a sick girl’s room—And now, you casually announce you’re a pirate?! Are you trying to scare her to death?!

But to Nami’s surprise, Kaya didn’t scream. Instead, she smiled warmly.

“So, Mr. Pirate, are you here because you need help?” Her gentle voice carried no fear—only kindness. “If it’s money, I do have some to spare.”

“Eh?!” Nami gawked at her, “Didn’t you hear him? He’s a pirate! You’re not even a little scared?!” Kaya giggled softly, covering her mouth. “Aren’t there good and bad pirates?” She looked at Ace, her smile unwavering. “You don’t look like a bad one.”

Ace chuckled, his golden eyes twinkling. Unbeknownst to Kaya, this was a minor application of his Conqueror’s Haki—a skill he had refined with his unparalleled comprehension. It subtly calmed those around him, making them feel at ease in his presence.

Nami, however, fell silent. For as long as she could remember, she had despised pirates. Every pirate she had met—whether it was Arlong’s crew or the ones she stole from—had all been the same: greedy, ruthless, and monstrous. But Ace was different. She didn’t know how to feel about it.

……………………………………………………………………………………..

“We don’t need money.” Ace’s voice was gentle as he turned back to Kaya. “Then, what do you need, Mr. Pirate?” Kaya coughed slightly, her frail hands clutching the blanket.

“Just call me Ace.” He smiled. Kaya blinked, then nodded. “In that case, Ace, why are you here?” Ace’s grin widened. “I have a special ability that lets me see glimpses of the future.” He leaned slightly closer, his gaze sincere. “And in that future—you are my destined ship doctor, Kaya.”

“Eh?!” Kaya’s eyes widened. Nami, too, stiffened slightly.

“Is he joking?”

Nami found herself questioning Ace’s words. It sounded ridiculous—but then again, he had known exactly where to find Kaya in the first place. It wasn’t pure luck. There was no logical explanation.

Can he really see the future…?

Kaya, meanwhile, lowered her gaze. “Ace, look at me…” She gestured weakly to herself. “I can barely walk outside… How could I possibly be a ship doctor?” She forced a small laugh. “And besides, I’ve only ever read medical books. I’m not a real doctor.”

Ace didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small wooden stick. “Then, let me show you another ability of mine.” His lips curled into a playful smirk.

“Watch closely, Kaya.”

Ace snapped his fingers.

Fwoosh!

A tiny flame flickered to life at the tip of his fingers. The wooden stick instantly ignited, the fire casting a warm glow in the dimly lit room.

“W-Wow…!”

Kaya’s eyes sparkled with amazement. “Your hand! Doesn’t it hurt?!” She looked at his flaming fingers, worry in her voice. Ace grinned. “Not at all. That’s because I have a Devil Fruit power.” Then, with a playful wink, he urged, “Here, Kaya—blow on it.”

Kaya hesitated for a moment before gently blowing.

Fwoosh!

The flames vanished and in its place was a beautiful red rose. At its center, an eternal flame flickered softly, glowing like a tiny star.

Kaya’s jaw dropped. “That’s… That’s incredible!” She carefully took the fire rose, her hands trembling slightly. Ace’s voice was warm. “Dark days don’t last forever.” He smiled, his expression gentle. “This Flame Rose is for you, Kaya.”

“Be happy, alright?”

Tears welled up in Kaya’s eyes. For the first time in a long while, she felt something other than grief. A spark of hope. A glimpse of something new.

“Th-Thank you, Ace…” Her voice shook as she clutched the rose close to her chest.

……………………………………………………………………………………..

That night, she spoke freely, pouring out her sorrow, her loneliness, and her yearning for adventure. Ace simply listened, offering soft smiles and the occasional word of encouragement. Even Nami, who had remained skeptical, found herself softening towards the fragile girl.

However, as the days passed, Ace’s presence in the village did not go unnoticed. Kuro became aware of his existence.