One Piece: Shanks' Little Jasmine

Chapter 98 Pink Rose

The banquet was indeed uninteresting, but ever since Moko and her two companions appeared in the banquet hall, everything seemed to change. The colorless scenery became dazzling and brilliant, and all sorts of vibrant colors rushed into Sakazuki's eyes. Even the bland champagne seemed to have a taste. It was an extremely novel experience that inexplicably made him somewhat addicted.

Sakazuki had to admit that, despite having spent many years at sea and seen countless beauties, Moko's appearance left a deeper impression on him than any other beauty he had ever seen. Her beauty was pure and holy, like that of an angel, and she was sacred and inviolable. Any gaze that carried even a hint of malice would be a desecration of this young woman.

Moko just stood there, and all the light would automatically converge on her. It was a beautiful color that Sakazuki had never seen before. For Sakazuki, who was not interested in anything, it was a bright color that suddenly entered his field of vision. He could never forget it after just one glance, and his eyes would always involuntarily follow it no matter when.

Sakazuki's first meeting with Moko wasn't actually in the conference room, but in the villa area. Moko probably didn't notice him. At that time, Moko was wearing a light pink dress and sitting in the pavilion on the sea cliff. Her long curly hair was braided into a simple fishtail braid, and many bright and beautiful little flowers were inserted into the braid. She looked like an elven princess born from pink roses, delicate and beautiful.

The red pom-pom beside her and the sheep beside Marshal Zhan Guo lay obediently at her side. The whole scene was like a painting, so beautiful that it would make one's heart flutter at first glance. Perhaps she had seen something interesting in the book, because Mo Ke suddenly smiled. Instantly, everything around her—the azure sky, the colorful sea of ​​flowers—pale in comparison. Nothing could compare to this girl who was like a pink rose.

Sakazuki later inquired and learned that this was the granddaughter who had caused Garp to make such a fuss. He was a very rule-abiding person and was unhappy when Garp made such a fuss for his granddaughter, but he didn't say anything because of Garp's status. However, after seeing that peaceful scene, he felt a little regretful. In that sea of ​​flowers that reflected Moko, there were no flowers that he had planted.

He saw Moko again at the meeting to decide on the preliminary selection of admirals. When he heard Fleet Admiral Sengoku say that Moko would be an assistant to a naval admiral, he was happy. However, as Borsalino and Kuzan became more and more familiar with this girl who resembled a pink rose, and even Borsalino was the first to return after completing a mission, he seemed to grow more and more distant from this rose.

He knew that Moko, Borsalino, and Kuzan had gone shopping in the Sabaody Archipelago, but he didn't expect Moko to bring him a gift, even though they had never spoken. He came to the banquet because of Moko's gift. He couldn't invite Moko to dance like Borsalino and Kuzan did, or to show his protection. From beginning to end, his relationship with Pink Rose was just one-sided.

When he saw Moko standing on the sea cliff as if she were about to leave with the moonlight, Sakazuki felt a sudden panic. Before he knew it, he had grabbed Moko's wrist. He didn't know why he felt angry, but when Moko said that she was just there to see the moon, his heart calmed down.

It wasn't until Moko pointed it out that Sakazuki realized he had been holding Moko's wrist the whole time. Were a girl's hands really that delicate and slender? He hadn't used much force, so his hand must be hurting.

"..."

Sakazuki pursed his lips, pulled himself out of his complicated thoughts, stopped looking at the colorless moonlight, and strode towards his residence.

Tomorrow, I'll go to the hospital to pick up some medicine and take it over...

Moko got up early the next morning. The pink roses in the garden were in full bloom. In a good mood, Moko cut off a large bunch, planning to put them in the office later.

From the villa area to the office building, you pass through the central square. Along the way, Moko heard almost nothing but news about Borsalino and Kuzan blowing up the training room again in the middle of the night. When Fleet Admiral Sengoku found out, he was furious and immediately assigned the two various missions, throwing them onto a ship and sending them off without a second's delay. Moko suddenly realized why those two rascals hadn't come to freeload breakfast today; she had thought they had overslept.

As for safety, Moko isn't worried about the two encountering danger outside. After all, they are both Marine Admirals, so their strength goes without saying. Even if Moko were to fight one of them, she wouldn't be absolutely confident in completely suppressing them, since the two are as slippery as eels and really difficult to deal with.

After figuring out what had happened, and noticing the gradually withdrawn gazes around her, Moko quickly left the main square and entered the office building. The weather was nice today, and Moko had originally planned to stroll over slowly, but there were still too many people gathering. It would be troublesome to be surrounded so early in the morning, so she decided to hurry to her office.

Aesop is now in charge of cleaning the office. When Moko opened the door, Aesop was just finishing up the cleaning. When he saw Moko come in, Aesop quickly stood up straight and saluted her.

Good morning, Miss Moko!

Good morning, Aesop.

Before Moko could finish speaking, Aesop, too nervous, didn't even have time to put down the rag in his hand, and ended up choking on a nose full of dust, coughing uncontrollably. Moko smiled helplessly, walked over and opened the French windows a little to let the wind from outside blow in.

The wind dispersed the dust that clung to the air, and Aesop finally felt much better. However, his eyes seemed to be fogged up by the dust, and he could hardly open them. Aesop groped around looking for something to wipe his eyes, and Moko handed him a handkerchief that had just been dampened.

"Use this."

"Okay, thank you, Ms. Moko."

When Aesop wiped the dust out of his eyes, he realized that he was holding Moko's handkerchief. The pure white handkerchief was embroidered with gold lace, and in the corner was an embroidered white jasmine wrapped with red thread. The jasmine was embroidered so lifelike, but at this moment, this handkerchief, which was comparable to a work of art, was covered with some dust stains. Aesop was instantly flustered.

"I'm sorry, Miss Moko, I... I dirtied your handkerchief, I'll wash it clean!"

It was just a handkerchief. Moko shook her head and leaned closer to Aesop. "It's alright. But are your eyes feeling better?"

After thinking about it, Moko realized that simply wiping wouldn't be enough to clean it properly, so she simply poured some warm water from the kettle into the basin for washing.

"Wash it again carefully, otherwise your eyes will feel uncomfortable."

"Yes!"

Now, Aesop really does whatever Moko says. He immediately started cleaning carefully. Moko smiled and picked up the rose that was placed aside, walking to the square table in front of the sofa. The round-mouthed celadon vase had been cleaned. The elegant celadon, like the light spring day, was just right for the large, blooming pink roses.

Moko carefully trimmed away the excess branches and leaves, placing the roses one by one into the vase. Sunlight streamed through the glass window, refracting dappled colors that reflected on Moko's face, revealing a sense of tranquility. This was the scene Aesop saw when he looked up.

Aesop considered himself a timid person. When he was offered the position of Miss Moko's assistant, he was afraid because it would put him, an insignificant person, at the forefront, a position he would never have dared to take in his entire life. However, he was also very fortunate to be Miss Moko's assistant because it was a job that everyone envied, including himself. Miss Moko was really kind. No matter who she was talking to, even if they were just a junior intern doing odd jobs, Miss Moko would greet them kindly and warmly. No one could dislike such a gentle person.

He also attended the banquet last night and saw the goddess-like Moko. Aesop even learned from an experienced veteran of the Navy the meaning behind the admiral's invitation to Miss Moko to dance. It was the admiral's silent protection of Miss Moko and a warning to others. To receive such special treatment from two admirals, Miss Moko is truly remarkable. However, such an outstanding Miss Moko deserves everyone's protection and love. He also wants to become stronger and become someone who can protect Miss Moko.

"Dong dong dong."

The knocking interrupted Aesop's reverie. As soon as she opened the door, Aesop was enveloped by Sakazuki's enormous figure. If Moko were to describe Aesop now, she would probably be exactly like Ella behind her, both looking teary-eyed as if they were about to cry, wishing they could find a crack in the ground to hide in.

"General Sakazuki."

Despite his overwhelming fear, Aesop stubbornly stiffened and saluted. Sakazuki looked down at the thin and weak Aesop in front of him, his already furrowed brows furrowing even more. How could a marine like this, who looked like a chick, possibly protect Moko? Fleet Admiral Sengoku had been far too hasty in his selection of personnel. For a moment, Sakazuki couldn't help but feel a little resentful towards Sengoku.

Whether it's a vice admiral or the vice admiral's vice admiral, their strength is among the best of the best, handpicked from the best in the navy. Their usual tasks, besides helping their superiors with miscellaneous tasks, include protecting their superiors' backs. Even if this little chick is just helping Moko with miscellaneous tasks, with such a small body, it's questionable whether he can even move the documents. Does Moko really have to move them himself?

The more Sakazuki thought about it, the stronger his dissatisfaction with Aesop became, almost written all over his face. Seeing this, Moko sighed. After all, Aesop was her assistant, and the pressure of a general was not something an ordinary person could withstand. Moko didn't want Aesop to get sick from fright, so she gently spoke up to help Aesop out of the predicament.

"Is there anything I can help you with, General Sakazuki? If you're not busy, please come in and have a seat. I brought some snacks with me; please try some."

Moko's words seemed to have a magical power, easily soothing Sakazuki's originally agitated heart. He had originally planned to give the medicine to Moko and go straight back, but when he saw Moko's gentle smile and the large bunch of pink roses in a vase next to her, Sakazuki nodded unconsciously, walked past Aesop, and went straight into the room.

"Do you need me to find you a more capable navy assistant? This..." Sakazuki glanced at Aesop, who was standing at the door like a quail, with a hint of not-so-disguised disdain in his eyes, "He can't protect you."

Upon hearing Sakazuki's blunt words, Aesop's body froze completely. His hands, hanging by his sides, clenched tightly in resentment. Aesop bit his lip hard to keep himself from making a sound, his head almost drooping to his chest. He couldn't refute it because Sakazuki was telling the truth. Miss Moko must also despise him, after all, he was so weak.

The moment Sakazuki finished speaking, Moko's voice rang out, "No need for that. Thank you for your kindness, Admiral Sakazuki, but I have Aesop here, which is enough for me. As for the protection you mentioned, I have Vice Admiral Garp and Admiral Sakazuki by my side. How could anyone possibly harm me?"

Moko spoke softly, pouring the brewed tea into a cup and pushing it to Sakazuki's side. Moko's words, so calm and unassuming, stunned not only Sakazuki but also Aesop.

Aesop looked at Moko in disbelief, his eyes filled with a mixture of grievance and gratitude. He really was just a child. Moko smiled helplessly and looked at Aesop, saying, "Aesop, could you please go to the document room and get the documents that need to be processed today?"

"Yes!"

Aesop nodded vigorously, grabbed his cleaning tools, and rushed out the door, his hurried manner no different from that of a child. Sakazuki, having recovered from his shock, picked up his tea and took a sip, trying to calm his pounding heart so that Moko wouldn't notice his embarrassment.

The scenery outside the window, kissed by the first rays of morning sunlight, became gentle and serene, as if everything had been delicately draped in a shimmering golden veil. The whole world began to awaken, and various sounds could be faintly heard from outside the window. For the first time, Sakazuki was grateful for these noises, feeling as if they were burying his head in the sand, that they masked the strange beating of his heart.