One Piece: Shanks' Little Jasmine

Chapter 166 The Broken Shackles

Taking advantage of her hard-earned vacation, Moko plans to go to Moko's place to deal with the backlog of work. Because she was suddenly kidnapped to Wano Country, she missed her monthly trip to Moko's place to handle work. With this surprise attack, the remaining work is probably piling up like crazy. If she can finish it sooner, she will have more time to go see Shanks.

Moko hummed a song as she walked across the stone bridge connecting the Sabaody Archipelago, her mood quite cheerful. Ella, perched on Moko's shoulder, swayed her fluffy little head happily, her cheerful aura attracting frequent glances from passersby. Today, Moko wore a simple white long off-the-shoulder sweater paired with a solid-colored lace-trimmed skirt. Her long pink hair was braided into a long fishtail braid, adorned with various brightly colored flowers. She looked noble and elegant, unforgettable at first glance.

Tina helped Moko braid her hair in the morning. Dressing Moko up beautifully is Tina's new favorite pastime after shopping. Tina even said that she only has the motivation to work when Moko looks beautiful every day. Compared to usual, Tina is obviously more enthusiastic when Moko is on vacation. Her excited eyes show that she wants to dress Moko up as the most bright and beautiful flower in the world.

Unfortunately, due to the troubles Kaido and Doflamingo have caused at sea recently, the Navy has a lot of troubles to deal with. Also, because Zephyr and Ain still need to recuperate, the Navy Headquarters can't do without people. Otherwise, Tina would definitely have personally sent Moko to the Sabaody Archipelago.

After all, Moko hadn't been back for long before she had to go on vacation again, and Tina couldn't personally take Moko to Chambord in the morning. Tina was extremely reluctant to part with her, and when they said goodbye, Tina's mouth was practically drooping to the ground in grievance. It was only after Moko promised to bring back lots of delicious food that she was finally able to appease her.

"Captain, are we going to Candiceville again?"

Suddenly hearing Candice's soft voice, Moko snapped out of her daze and turned her head to look. The speaker was a polar bear? Huh? A polar bear!! A talking polar bear?!

The boy next to him, known as the captain, wore a fluffy winter beanie with leopard spots, a casual sweatshirt, and blue trousers.

"Ah~ Condis's shaved ice is super delicious, Captain, can we buy more this time?"

The polar bear's eyes sparkled with longing and anticipation, carrying an inexplicable cuteness. However, the boy beside him seemed completely immune, his eyes expressionless. As the polar bear watched, it slowly lowered its head and suddenly began to apologize very sincerely.

"sorry."

This scene has a strange sense of humor: a towering polar bear apologizes to a fifteen or sixteen-year-old boy, who is holding a sword that is even longer than himself, creating an inexplicable sense of harmony.

"Pfft."

Moko blinked, and finally couldn't help but chuckle. Her melodious laughter instantly attracted the attention of the human and the bear. Bubbles in the air scattered colorful halos, and in the dreamlike interplay of light and shadow, Moko, covered in flowers, looked just like an elf who had wandered into the human world. Every move she made exuded an irresistible charm, and even the surrounding air became gentler because of it.

As if drawn by some kind of magic, the polar bear's gaze could no longer be taken off, while the boy beside him pursed his lips uncomfortably, seemingly embarrassed, and turned his head away to avoid Moko's gaze.

It wasn't until Moko walked up to them that the two of them came to their senses. Moko stood on tiptoe and pinched the polar bear's face. It was indeed very soft. Her proud little brother still liked soft things.

Mihua and Ella circled around the polar bear. Moko could clearly sense the curiosity emanating from the two little ones, especially Ella, who kept flying around the polar bear. This was also the first time Ella had seen a bear so many times larger than herself. The polar bear showed no signs of getting angry. Ella mustered up her courage and poked the polar bear with her chubby little paw. The polar bear did not resist and let Ella poke it.

"Cute little guy, what's your name?" Moko smiled as she took the polar bear's paw.

"Ah~ I, my name is Beibao."

Beibao's eyes flickered, occasionally stealing a glance at Moke before quickly lowering its head, as if afraid of being discovered astonished. But how could Moke not notice its clumsy and awkward little movements? Upon closer inspection, it seemed as if it could see through the fine white fur and catch a glimpse of the blush that was quietly spreading.

"Beibao, what a cute name! Does Beibao like shaved ice?"

As Moko spoke, she gently pinched Beibao's soft, fleshy paws. Beibao's attention had long since wandered off, and she didn't even realize that Moko was still holding her paws. When she heard Moko's question, she obediently nodded vigorously.

"Uh-huh."

"How about I treat my lovely baby to some delicious shaved ice?"

"Oh, is that alright? But, Captain..."

Beibao's eyes were full of surprise, but the next moment it seemed that she finally remembered the boy beside her. She did not immediately agree to Moke's request, but turned her head to look at the boy next to her with some expectation in her eyes. Moke smiled and looked at the boy who turned his head away awkwardly.

"Let's go together, Luo too."

Hearing Moko call out the boy's name so familiarly, Beibao looked down at Moko with some curiosity, her big, beady eyes making her look a little dazed.

"Does the beautiful lady know the captain?"

"Yes, I know him."

Ignoring how Beibao addressed her, Moko released Beibao's paws, took a few steps to the side, reached out and touched Luo's fluffy hat, a sly smile on her face.

"Right, Luo?"

"It feels so good to be touched by a beautiful older sister."

"Yes, that's great."

The two boys standing nearby blushed with envy at the sight. Luo pursed his lips and remained silent, staring at the clear-eyed Mo Ke. That feeling of helplessness returned to him. He really had no way to deal with Mo Ke. Luo sighed deeply.

"elder sister."

Luo's voice was very soft, but the group was so close that they naturally heard it clearly. Bebe was so shocked that it revealed its true form—this was Luo's sister! What! Why didn't it know?! They didn't look alike at all!!!

"Luo Zhen, come on, aren't we going to Candiceville? I'll make you something delicious." Mo Ke nodded in satisfaction and turned to look at Bei Bao.

"Can I eat as much shaved ice as I want?" Upon hearing that he could eat as much as he wanted, Bei Bao's foodie nature was instantly revealed.

"Sure, but Baby can't eat too much at once, or she'll get a stomachache. You two are also Luo's friends, right? What are your names?"

As Moko spoke, her gaze fell on the two boys who had just spoken. Her gentle and warm smile made the two boys blush immediately, and their lazy demeanor vanished instantly, standing at attention like soldiers.

"My name is Pekin, sister."

"My name is Xia Qi, older sister."

"Hello, my name is Moko, and I'm Luo's older sister."

Her eyes were filled with laughter, and a gentle breeze stirred her temples, making her shine like a dazzling pearl, eclipsing all the world's brilliance in a single breath.

"Captain, why didn't you tell us you had such a beautiful older sister?"

The two were stunned for a while. The first thing they did when they came to their senses was to look at Luo with resentment. Luo quickly avoided their gazes, indicating that he did not know these two people.

The way the boys looked at each other was so amusing. Moko covered the smile on her lips and said softly, "Let's go sit down and chat in Candice."

"Mmm." The beautiful older sister spoke up. How could she refuse? The two of them and the bear agreed without any hesitation.

Luo looked helplessly at the two people and one bear following Mo Ke forward, pouted, but his feet still followed very honestly.

Candice was always bustling with activity. The transparent glass display case was filled with all kinds of delicious pastries. Luo's expression remained unchanged, but the other two people and the bear stared wide-eyed, their mouths practically watering. Luo sighed, covered his face, and quickly pulled the two people and the bear back to his side. As he turned around, he saw Moko looking at him with a gentle smile, and Luo's face turned bright red uncontrollably.

(Luo: You guys are making it seem like I'm abusing you. It's one thing normally, but this is in front of my sister! Ugh, I've lost all face!!)

There was no mockery; Moko's eyes showed relief and a sense of ease. However, now seemed like the time not to explain, since the little leopard seemed to be getting too warm. Perhaps it would be better to have some tea to cool things down. With a smile, Moko led the group directly to the bar on the second floor.

The bartender immediately greeted Moko when he saw her. Moko was currently in Marineford, and the people stationed at the Moko branch in the Sabaody Archipelago, which was closest to Marineford, naturally recognized her, and their loyalty was beyond doubt.

"Order whatever you like, it's on me today."

Moke pushed the menu in her hand in front of Beibao. Beibao saw Luo nod and then started ordering, behaving very obediently. Moke smiled and got up to go into the Love House through a small door on the side.

PayPal immediately ordered shaved ice, and Peggy and Shaki didn't hold back either, ordering their favorite desserts. Soon, the delicate and fragrant desserts were placed on the bar one by one, and the two of them and the bear eagerly began to eat, their faces full of happiness. Luo, on the other hand, simply sat to the side watching, showing no intention of eating.

"tasty!"

Beibao was happily eating the shaved ice in his bowl. When Moko came out, she saw the stack of shaved ice bowls. Beibao didn't seem uncomfortable at all. Moko couldn't help but think, "No wonder he's a polar bear, he's so resistant to the cold."

With just one glance, Moko looked away, touched Ella's head which was throbbing from the shaved ice, picked her up and placed her in front of a plate of chicken cakes. After being patted on the head by Moko, the listless Ella regained her energy and grabbed the chicken cakes in front of her to eat.

Mo placed the freshly cooked omelet rice and hot tea in front of Luo, and looked at him with gentle eyes for a while.

"The little leopard has grown up."

Looking at him like that, Luo was still a little at a loss. Ever since their first meeting when they were children, Luo knew that he was the one who couldn't do anything with people like Moke. Once he fell into Moke's words, his brain just wouldn't work, and he could only be completely fooled. Luo was a little depressed, but in the end he still obediently responded in a low voice.

(Author passing by~ Don't worry, it's not just Xiao Moke, Luo, you'll meet an even cuter baby who will leave you completely bewildered in the future (?ˉ??ˉ??)～)

"Ah."

"Still so easily embarrassed, my little leopard."

Moko couldn't resist pinching Luo's cheek, and Luo's face immediately turned red. Pekin and Shaki looked at Luo with curiosity, as if they had discovered a new continent, their mouths full of snacks and forks. Their captain was actually shy, and so obviously so. It was simply a miracle of the world!

"Eat your food." Luo Xiu bared her teeth angrily, glaring at the two people who had come to watch the commotion.

"The little leopard has made friends to go on adventures with. That's great."

Moko cupped Luo's face in her hands, meeting his gaze, and nodded with obvious satisfaction.

"Hmm, he's grown taller, and his eyes are brighter. It seems my little leopard has been behaving well and is growing up properly."

Luo was stunned for a moment, then instantly realized what Moko meant. So Moko had seen through him all along? Luo quickly lowered his head to break free from Moko's grasp and stuffed a big mouthful of omelet rice into his mouth to hide his discomfort. It was the same familiar taste, so delicious and comforting. His eyes involuntarily welled up with tears.

It was that person's wish for him and Moko's smile that changed him and made him persevere in living. Now he has only one goal, which is to take revenge on that hateful man. But he is not yet a match for that man. He needs to become stronger. So he came to Candice this time intending to say goodbye. He did not expect to meet Moko again, but fate still made him meet her.

Sometimes he didn't know whether to hate or thank God. All the hardships and happiness he encountered came from this inexplicable coincidence. It has to be said that it was really quite distressing.

Moko remained silent, sitting at the bar, her eyes gently watching Luo, who was engrossed in his food. The little guy who had once despaired of the world had finally found a reason to live. Whether it was desire, love, or hatred, as long as one was alive, one could find meaning in life. Her little leopard would definitely find it, definitely!

After finishing his meal, Luo planned to leave. The longer he stayed, the less willing he was to leave. This place was too warm, too comforting, and made him feel at ease. But now was not the time to stop. He still had things to do, and he had to leave.

"Remember to eat well and be careful on the road."

Moko didn't try to stop him, but simply handed the large lunchbox containing rice balls to Luo and reached out to touch the boy who was already taller than her.

Memories flooded back, and the scene overlapped once again. Luo, who had walked away, couldn't help but turn back and look at Moko standing at the entrance of Candice Micro. She was still standing there, with a faint smile on her face. Colorful bubbles reflected dappled light and shadow, making her look unbelievably beautiful.

Luo clenched his fists, his lips moved, and then, as if he had figured it out, his whole body relaxed, a sincere and relieved smile appeared on his face, his voice choked with emotion. Luo took a deep breath, his gaze firm, and shouted loudly at Mo Ke.

"Sister—I'm off!!"

After shouting, Luo seemed to feel shy and quickly turned and ran away. Peggy, Shaki, and Bebo were stunned by Luo's sudden display of emotion. After Luo ran away, the two of them and the bear quickly came to their senses, waved goodbye to Moko, and hurriedly chased after their captain.

Moko blinked, then chuckled softly, tears welling in her eyes. Calming her breathing, Moko raised her hand and waved, saying gently, "Be careful on the road, my lovely little leopard."

Colorful bubbles slowly rose into the sky, sunlight shone on them, scattering iridescent halos that illuminated Moko and the departing Luo and his companions.

"Snapped!"

The bubble floated higher and higher, and then suddenly burst open in the sky, like the sound of shackles breaking. Little leopard, go to the sea to find the meaning of life. This will be a brand new journey, no longer filled with confusion, and everything will surely go smoothly.