One Piece: Shanks' Little Jasmine

Chapter 119 Going Home

Nagri's abrupt remark immediately put the three children on alert. Ace stepped forward first to protect Moko behind him. It was true that Nagri had taught him, but he had never mentioned his background or his sister's identity to Nagri. The only possibility was that Nagri had met his sister before.

His and his sister's background was a taboo subject in the world. Once discovered, they would face endless pursuit. Moreover, his sister was now in the Navy, and her identity absolutely could not be exposed. Any possibility of exposure was unacceptable. He would not let anyone who threatened his sister's safety go. Thinking this, Ace's eyes gradually turned murderous, and his hand unconsciously tightened his grip on the water pipe.

Not only Ace, but Uta, who had also reacted, stood protectively in front of Moko, her hand already on the dagger at her waist. The killing intent in her eyes was no less than Ace's. She had grown up on a pirate ship since she was a child, and even though she was still young, she was a genuine pirate who had experienced quite a few killings. Shanks had sent her to follow Moko to protect her. Shanks had said that if the person in front of her could endanger her sister's safety, then she didn't have to hold back. Even if she had to use her powers, she would protect her sister.

Luffy didn't understand why Ace and Uta were suddenly on guard, but the little boy knew that nothing was more important than protecting his sister and family. Although Naguri was very kind to him, his sister was the most important person. Ace had said that if his sister's identity were discovered by others, she would be kidnapped and killed by bad guys. If his sister died, he would never see her again. No, absolutely not. His sister was very important, and no one could take her away from him.

Nagri paid no attention to the three children, whose eyes were fierce like wolf cubs. His cloudy eyes were fixed on Moko, who showed no urgency whatsoever.

Moko stood there, her long, flowing hair billowing in the wind, like a particularly beautiful, blooming flower. Delicate and beautiful? No, Nagri could sense the terrifying hidden power within Moko. It wasn't a delicate flower, but a man-eating flower that could kill at any moment.

"Ace, Uta-chan, Luffy, it's alright, Mr. Nagri meant no harm."

A soft voice came, and Moko gently patted the three children's fluffy heads. Ace looked at Nagri, then at Moko, and finally put away the murderous intent in his eyes. He obediently returned to Moko's side, but his vigilance did not diminish. Seeing that Ace had put away his sharpness, Uta and Luffy also returned to Moko's side. The three of them formed a protective stance and tightly surrounded Moko behind them.

"Don't just rest assured I won't harm you. There are plenty of people in the world who want to capture you, and there's that troublesome kid next to you. Even just a little bit of news about him would probably send people from all over the world flocking to you," Nagley said jokingly, his gaze sweeping over Ace, who was covered in sharp spikes, standing next to Moko.

“Is that so? But I don’t think Mr. Nagley would have that idea.”

A terrifying pressure swept over them instantly, distorting the surrounding air with its murderous intent. Moko narrowed her eyes dangerously. Threatening her was fine, revealing her identity was also acceptable, but she would never allow any danger that could threaten Ace to exist. No one could touch her brother, nor was anyone allowed to touch him.

The almost tangible pressure weighed heavily on Nagri, and the killing intent made Nagri's heart tremble violently. As expected of the Pirate King's daughter, she was already close to reaching her father's level at such a young age? No, she had already surpassed him. Nagri was certain that if he showed even the slightest bit of killing intent, he would have to settle down here forever today, not on the ground, but underground.

Nagley squinted, glancing around out of the corner of his eye. Those people hidden in the shadows were probably this girl's subordinates. No wonder she had the confidence to make any demands of him. How terrifying, Roger, you've left behind a child who could shake the world order.

Nagri could already foresee the future turmoil of the world based solely on Moko's current strength. As for these three wolf cubs, he had also seen their potential over the past two years, and they were not far behind. With the girl's protection, as long as they did not perish prematurely, the future of the world would be led by these children, and the world would soon usher in another great change. Heh, truly worthy of that man.

"I'll accept the gift. You can't just buy Qimingxing's premium wines casually."

This is the meaning of compromise. Moko returned to her gentle appearance, the hidden murderous aura around her disappeared, and the air began to circulate again.

When Moko released her pressure, she deliberately avoided the three children beside her, so the three children did not know what Nagri had just suffered. Seeing how much Moko cared for the three children, a glint flashed in Nagri's eyes. She really protected her own children. This was exactly the same as Roger. He remembered that when the Navy only injured one of the crew members, Roger chased after them to the Navy branch and caused a huge scene. If it weren't for Vice Admiral Garp arriving in time, that branch would have sunk to the bottom of the sea.

"If Mr. Nagley is so inclined, he may also enjoy unlimited drinks at Morning Star by presenting the envelope."

"Oh, that's really convenient."

"My children and I will not delay Mr. Nagley's departure."

Without waiting for Nagley to say anything, Moko nodded goodbye and left with the three children. Watching the four figures disappear into the forest, the sun gradually peeked out from behind the clouds. Nagley exhaled a breath of stale air, picked up his wine, and walked leisurely toward the dock, humming a tuneless little song. If you listened carefully, it seemed to be the song "Binks' Sake" that the pirates often sang.

A new era, surging waves, key figures influencing the world's balance—the gears of fate will turn once more…

"Sister, I'm sorry >person <".

On the mountain path, Luffy suddenly spoke with a pout, somewhat annoyed that he had sent Moko to meet someone whose identity was still questionable.

"It wasn't Luffy's fault. It was because I didn't understand things beforehand that my sister almost got into danger."

"I was wrong too; I should have been more careful."

"No, I'm the older brother, I should protect my younger siblings, it's my fault."

"Ahhh, it's all my fault. I took my sister to see Nagri."

"It's my fault!"

"It's my fault!"

"..."

Moko blinked, not understanding why the three children could even argue about admitting their mistakes. Ella, perched on Moko's shoulder with her chin propped up by her paws, also looked on in bewilderment at the three children arguing for some inexplicable reason.

"Snapped!"

"Okay, no more arguing."

The crisp sound of slapping interrupted the three children's argument. The three children froze, standing there with their heads down in shame, not daring to look at Moko.

Moko smiled slightly, her eyes crinkling at the corners, without a trace of blame. This matter wasn't really the children's fault. Although she wasn't usually on Mount Gorbo, the surrounding area within a radius of the distance from Mount Gorbo to Santa Fe Island was within Moko's surveillance range. Any suspicious forces approaching would be under full surveillance, let alone Nagri, who was often seen with the children. If Nagri had shown any hostility towards the children even for a second in the past two years, all the shadows in the area would have been mobilized to immediately kill Nagri.

If the opponent is very strong, Shadow will immediately send the children to Santa Fe Island without regard to cost. Several powerful individuals stationed on Santa Fe Island will also rush over to meet them. During this delay, Moko will have more than enough time to arrive. Because of this, Moko never worries about any factors threatening the children.

Of course, the children were unaware of all this. Moko had never told the children about the existence of the shadows. They were still young and needed protection, but not constant and meticulous protection. Unless there was a life-threatening danger, the shadows would never appear in front of the children.

Moko gently patted the three children's heads, without saying anything about not blaming anyone. She looked at the three children with gentle eyes and asked the most ordinary question.

What would you like to eat for lunch?

Ace paused for a moment, pursed his lips, bit his tongue, and forced back the tears that welled up in his eyes. His voice was muffled, as if he were vomiting from his stomach.

"Bhut Jolokia Spaghetti".

"How about adding some chilled orange juice to cool it down? Uta can't eat spicy food, so how about making a creamy flavor?"

"Mmm, my sister's creamy pasta is the best."

"What about Luffy? Does he want to eat the same thing as Ace, or the same thing as Uta-chan?"

"Ace!"

The moment the topic of food came up, Luffy's earlier unhappiness vanished, and he grinned, his eyes filled with anticipation for lunch. Moko affectionately patted Luffy's head.

"Luffy really likes Ace."

"Yes, I like Ace, and I like Uta, but my favorite is still my sister!"

Even the proud Ace blushed when Luffy confessed his love to him out of the blue. Uta didn't think anything was wrong and proudly raised her head. Back on the ship, everyone often told her they liked her. Pirates express love in the most direct way, so Uta naturally and happily accepted Luffy's affection.

"Let's go home!"

Sunlight streamed down from the end of the path onto Moko. Moko reached out her hand to the three children. Luffy stepped into the sunlight first and took Moko's hand, followed closely by Uta, who took Moko's other hand. The three of them stood in the dazzling light and looked at Ace standing in the shade of a tree.

"Ace, let's go home." Uta called out happily to Ace, holding Moko's hand.

"Ace, let's hurry home, I'm hungry!" Luffy rubbed his flat stomach, which looked like it was already protesting.

"Ace, let's go home." Moko's beautiful features and gentle, loving gaze were directed at Ace.

How strange, Ace thought, tears welling up in his eyes. He felt like he'd heard those words somewhere before.

"Crack!"

Like a shattered figure, Ace walked step by step toward the three people standing in the light. As he got closer to the boundary between light and darkness, Ace's steps became faster and faster, as if he had broken free from heavy constraints. The moment he stepped into the sunlight, Ace revealed an extremely unrestrained and free smile.

"Yes, let's go home!"