Whenever Naruto thought of this moment, he instead felt only a measure of calm, without becoming overly nervous about it.
After all, since the Witch had agreed to help, things had not yet become beyond salvaging. What was truly frightening was the possibility that she would readily agree, only to turn around and disregard her promise because of her eccentric nature. If that really happened, all their hard work climbing to the castle at the summit would have been for nothing.
Naruto dropped his probing attitude and immediately cupped his hands toward the Witch.
"Witch, since you've agreed, please help as soon as possible. Sorry for the trouble. Nami's condition can't wait. If we keep delaying, no one knows whether something more serious might happen."
He spoke sincerely, and for once, there was not a trace of humor on his face. The Witch watched him for a while but did not keep putting on airs. She simply gave the attendant beside her a few casual instructions.
The little fellow responsible for the treatment immediately got to work, taking Nami aside. Several things Naruto could not name were set out nearby. The treatment was not a lively affair; in fact, it was eerily quiet. But as time passed, Nami's feverish complexion finally began to ease.
Only then did Naruto breathe a full sigh of relief.
"I thought you'd leave us hanging here first, then take your time deciding whether to help." He looked at the Witch and could not help smiling. "I didn't expect you to be so straightforward. It seems the rumors out there aren't entirely accurate."
At that, a strange smile immediately curled the Witch's lips.
"The rumors out there aren't accurate?" She raised a hand to touch her face. "I really am a bad-tempered old witch. In the