One Piece: Shanks' Little Jasmine

Chapter 107 Each Other

Ten days have passed since they left Wano Country. During these ten days, Moko has stayed by Shanks' side, spending most of her time doing what she likes. Her days are quite leisurely and carefree. Shanks, of course, follows Moko wherever she goes. Just as Beckman had thought before, he used to have to search the whole ship for her, but now it's much better. Wherever Miss Moko is, this little monkey is sure to be there too. Moko also helps with paperwork, which has greatly reduced Beckman's stress. He's even started to find Shanks, who doesn't seem to work much, more agreeable.

(Shanks: \(`Δ')／ What kind of look is that, Beck? Did I not like you before?

Beckman: You're in charge of the financial statements? (?_?)

Shanks: I don't like it, so what? I have Moko-chan, hmph! (‵3′)）

The Redfus did not return immediately. After leaving Wano Country, it was inevitable that it would be targeted by some forces. In order to avoid these forces, the Redfus circled around the sea several times before shaking off its pursuers. It was a bit troublesome, but because Moko cooked delicious food every day, no one complained at all. On the contrary, everyone was extremely happy and wished that the forces that were tracking them would be more effective and track them for a longer period of time so that Miss Moko could stay longer.

(Everyone: Let them chase us then. A bunch of tagalongs are no match for them eating.)

Moko: Dinner's ready.

Everyone: (((((ヾ( o=^?ェ?)o┏━┓ Dinner's ready! Let's go!!)

Shanks, charging at the very front—=≡Σ(((つ??w??)つ～）

"Whoosh whoosh whoosh!!"

"What do you mean I'm not good enough for Moko-chan? You brat, you want to fight again, don't you?!"

"Ooh!"

"Tch, you're the weak one! When have you ever beaten me in all these games?"

"Woo-yo woo-yo!"

"Let's compete! Who's afraid of who!"

As they argued, Shanks and Yui rolled up their sleeves and started fighting again, while the rest of the group watched with expressions of amusement. They had seen their leader fight this sea king quite a bit over the past ten days, and although their leader always won decisively, the sea king's willpower was truly impressive, even after being beaten so badly. No wonder it was raised by Miss Moko; it's no wonder their leader was so strong. Miss Moko really did a good job raising it.

(Shanks: Of course! My Moko-chan takes the best care of me! ＜(°▽°)＞!)

Beckman sat on a deckchair reading the newspaper, completely ignoring the man and beast wrestling on the deck. Ella, as if disturbed, turned around and buried her head in Beckman's arms, her chubby paws grabbing his clothes and covering her head completely, leaving only her bottom sticking out, looking inexplicably cute.

Watching Ella's series of actions, Beckman shook his head with amusement, but he didn't pull the clothes out of Ella's chubby hands. He just let Ella snuggle into his arms little by little until her whole body was covered by the clothes. Beckman's lips curled up slightly, and a hint of indulgence flashed in his eyes.

Mihua and Tianguo were playing ball-balancing on the side. It was a simple game, but the two little ones were having a great time. Yasopp and several others watched the two fluffy balls playing with doting eyes. If the ball went off course, someone would always reach out and swat it back, so there was no need to worry about the ball falling into the sea.

When Moko stepped out of the cabin, she saw this peaceful and serene scene. As time passed, the scenes in her memory overlapped dramatically. What she thought were blurry memories became increasingly profound and clear. Although the people around her were different, the happiness she felt in her heart was no different, still as satisfying and warm as ever.

She raised her eyes slightly and gazed at the red figure that would always be watching her, no matter the circumstances, and would only come for her. That was her unique place of belonging. She had found her place of belonging and had persevered in living. Did this fulfill the wishes of her mother and sister, Otohime? If they were still here, would they be happy for her?

When Shanks saw Moko come out, he threw the dumpling into the sea with an over-the-shoulder throw. He then walked to Moko's side in a few strides, completely ignoring the dumpling that flew out in a perfect parabola and fell into the sea. The dumpling quickly bounced back onto the deck from the sea, whimpering and accusing Shanks of his immoral behavior.

Shanks pretended not to hear, walked over to Moko and saw the suitcase she was carrying. Shanks lowered his eyes, his gaze darkened, and his tone was full of reluctance.

"I'll take Moko-chan home."

“No.” Moko shook her head, smiling as she pinched Shanks’ tense face. “That force is still watching you. If you’re exposed now, all your previous efforts will be wasted.”

"Moko-chan?!"

Seeing Shanks immediately look up with wide eyes, Moko smiled and said gently, "Shanks, I won't ask you about what you want to do or what you're doing. I know it's not the right time to tell you these things. But Shanks, you must remember that no matter what you want to do, I will always be by your side. Even if the enemy you have to face is the whole world, you can't leave me behind to face it alone, otherwise I will never forgive you for the rest of my life."

Mo wasn't afraid of danger or death; she was only afraid of experiencing the same thing as her father and sister Otohime again, seeing the most unpleasant and heavy news on a flimsy piece of paper, without even being given a chance to save herself.

Words spoken in a fit of pique were, in fact, the most sincere expression of love. Shanks looked at Moko with burning, silent eyes. Suddenly, Shanks grabbed Moko's wrist and gently pulled her into his arms. The unsuspecting Moko fell into Shanks' arms.

Moko's face was pressed against Shanks' chest, feeling his strong and rapid heartbeat. Moko supported herself against Shanks' chest and raised her head, only to be drawn straight into Shanks' swirling eyes. Shanks' eyes held a certain firm and long-suppressed emotion. Shanks' face gradually drew closer and closer, and Moko could almost feel the heat between them.

Under everyone's gaze, Shanks forcefully kissed Moko's lips. Moko unconsciously grabbed Shanks's clothes, and Shanks deepened the kiss with an irresistible tenderness. This kiss was different from any of his previous ones, carrying many complex and suppressed emotions, making Moko feel like she was suffocating.

Shanks only released Moko when she was out of breath, but his embrace tightened, holding her firmly in his arms and refusing to let go.

"Moko-chan, you can hit me or scold me, but you absolutely cannot hate me... Moko-chan, please don't hate me."

Shanks can accept all sorts of things and deal with all kinds of sudden crises, but when it comes to Moko, he is helpless. He doesn't want Moko to hate him, he doesn't want Moko to leave. Moko is his faith, the only god in his heart. If a god leaves his believer, the believer will go crazy and destroy the world.

Although she was frustrated that Shanks had ignored the first part of his reply, Moko didn't continue. If Shanks didn't want her to be in danger, then she would stick close to him. She would never let Shanks face danger alone; she would always be by Shanks' side.

"Tsk tsk tsk, the boss is showing off his love like this. Beckman, I want a kiss too."

Yasopp pouted at Beckman sitting next to him, his expression a mix of shyness, teasing, and joking. Beckman's eyes twitched, his gaze filled with disgust. With lightning speed, he grabbed a fruit knife and threw it at Yasopp. Luckily, Yasopp dodged quickly, or the knife would have hit his head.

Seeing the dagger embedded in the deck, Yasopp's eyes widened. He turned and roared at Beckman, "Beckman, are you trying to kill me?" ヽ(`Д′)ノ

"Puhahaha..."

The scene was so funny that everyone on the ship burst into laughter. Even Moko, who was standing on the second floor, couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle. The moment Shanks saw Moko smile again, a barely perceptible tenderness flickered in his deep, dark eyes.

After playing around for a while, it got dark and it was time for Moko to leave. Shanks helped Moko sit on Mika's back, but he was reluctant to let go of Moko's hand. Their eyes met and intertwined, and their emotions surged. The ring on her ring finger flashed in the sunset.

"I'm off."

"Be careful on the road."

In the past, it was always Moko who saw him off, but this time it was he who saw his little jasmine off to the sea. No matter how far apart they were, their fates were already intertwined, and they would never abandon each other again.

To prevent Moko from traveling too far, Shanks had his men sail towards the Red Line over the past ten days, albeit a roundabout one. Although it was still several days' journey to the Red Line, it was much closer than when Moko arrived, and she returned to Ophelia in about three or four days.

Yubi already knew that Moko was coming back, so he arrived at Ophelia early to wait. When Mika brought Moko to the island, he saw Yubi and the others who were already waiting.

"Sister Moko."

Yubi and the others bowed, and Salika immediately stepped forward to take Moko's luggage. Moko was used to Yubi and the others doing this, and waved her hand to signal the others to go about their business.

"How's the investigation into Doflamingo going?" Moko asked as she walked towards the villa.

"I'm very sorry, Sister Moko, Doflamingo's actions are too secretive, and we haven't figured out the purpose of his meeting with Kaido yet."

“It’s alright, no need to investigate. Since he can negotiate with Kaido, his abilities and methods are definitely not inferior to those of a Sea Emperor. Withdraw all those who are monitoring him, and don’t make unnecessary sacrifices.”

"Yes."

Moko didn't stay in Ophelia for long. That afternoon, she boarded Moko's merchant ship and headed to Fishman Island. Moko hadn't figured out why she had suddenly felt dizzy last time. Until then, she didn't plan to cross the two seas above the Red Line.

Fishman Island has changed a lot. Thanks to Moka's presence and the deterrent effect of the Whitebeard Pirates, there have been few attacks for a long time. As a result, Fishman Island has quickly stabilized, and with Moka's help, many novel shops have opened. The streets have become visibly bustling, and everyone who goes to the New World can't help but stay on Fishman Island for a while.

Fishman Island already had huge potential for development, and now with Jasmine, it's even more powerful. Every part of Fishman Island has seen significant development. Due to increased cooperation with the surface world, the residents' attitudes towards land people have greatly improved. Even the fish people in Fishman Town have fewer residents who are hostile to land people.

Moko didn't disembark. Standing on the deck, she looked at the thriving Fishman Island, her eyes filled with joy. She really wanted to show this scene of fishmen and land people living in harmony with each other. She thought that her sister Otohime would be very happy.

"Sister Moko, the pass has been processed."

Because it was a merchant ship belonging to Mo Xiang, the soldiers at the checkpoint recognized it and quickly processed the pass. Mo Xiang snapped out of her thoughts and nodded.

"Let's go, it's time to go back."

"Yes, Sister Moko."