One Piece: Shanks' Little Jasmine

Chapter 134 Another Year

On their journey back to the seas from the Grand Line, they encountered no major storms. As for the pirates, with the Marine hero Garp in charge, let those pirates come if they're not afraid of never returning. So, the group returned to Windmill Village very safely. After distributing the gifts they brought to everyone in Windmill Village, Moko and Garp slowly headed towards Mount Gorpo.

Moko took Kapu to Dadan's house first. Dadan usually took care of the children when Moko was away. This kindness could never be repaid, and Moko would not hurt Dadan's feelings by talking about repaying her.

Dadan exists as a mother in her and her children's lives. Perhaps Dadan is not as gentle as other mothers, but no one can deny Dadan's motherly dedication to them. Over the years, because of Dadan's family, she has not been too lonely, and Ace has been able to grow up safely and happily. No matter what the future holds, Dadan's family will always be the most important family for her and her children.

"Aunt Dadan, this is a gift I brought for you."

Moko pointed to the cart of gifts that Kapu was pushing. Moko's snacks and wine were the most basic items, but there were also many beautiful pieces of jewelry and clothes. Every time Moko came back, she would bring a lot of gifts. Perhaps because they had been spoiled by Moko since childhood, Dadan's family no longer found these incredibly valuable gifts unacceptable as they had at the beginning.

"Xiao Mo, you don't need to be so polite. How was your trip outside? You weren't bullied, were you?"

At this moment, Dadan only had eyes for Moko, even ignoring the person she feared most, Kapu. Dadan had watched Moko grow up. Moko had been incredibly well-behaved since she was little, and it could be said that she had never caused any trouble. But the more she was like that, the more Dadan felt sorry for her. Compared to those naughty children who were like monkeys, it was the overly well-behaved children who needed the most care and attention.

Well-behaved children tend to keep everything bottled up inside and process it on their own. Dadan often doesn't know how to help Moke release her emotions. But ever since that red-haired man came, Moke has become much more lively. She's no longer like a rag doll that only knows how to laugh, and she's willing to go outside to see the world. This is a good sign. However, after Moke goes out, Dadan worries that Moke will be bullied. Her little Moke is so delicate and weak; how would those roughnecks in the navy know how to take care of her?

“I wasn’t bullied. Everyone took good care of me, and Grandpa Garp protected me.”

"Hmph, that's for sure. With this old man here, who would dare to bully Xiao Mo Ke?"

As she spoke, Moko's eyes lit up with a smile, and she looked bright and lively. When Dadan saw Moko like this, he knew that Moko was really doing well, and his expression relaxed a lot. But when he saw Kapu standing to the side, who was particularly smug, he felt deep contempt. Taking care of little Moko was what he, as her grandfather, should do, so what was he so proud of?

(Dadan: You ask why I don't show it on my face? Tch, I'm not stupid. I'm not going to put my head up and get beaten up.)

"Aunt Dadan, have Ace and Luffy caused you any trouble these past two months?"

"Don't worry, they're both very energetic and easy to take care of."

Although the two little rascals sometimes came back covered in bruises, Dadan chose not to say anything. Boys are tough, so what are a few minor injuries? He didn't want Xiaomo to worry.

"Thank you so much, Aunt Dadan. I'm sorry to have troubled you so much while I was away."

As the older sister, Mo Keke knows her two younger brothers, whom she raised, quite well. The fact that they didn't scatter the wild animals and birds in the mountains is a result of her stopping. Apart from her, the Dadan family must have put in a lot of effort to control the two children.

The group chatted for a while, but when they returned to their villa, they didn't see the two children. They were probably still playing in the mountains. The villa wasn't too messy. Ace usually tidied it up, and Dadan's family would often come over to help clean, which had been a great help to Mo.

Garp carried his luggage back to the villa, and after settling in, he relaxed and leaned back on the sofa. He was much more relaxed than when he was in the Navy. Moko brought him some tea and snacks and placed them on the table in front of him.

"Grandpa Garp, have some snacks first, and I'll tidy up and make dinner."

Although the house is tidy, there are still quite a few things to clean and tidy up. The bedroom where we've been resting these past few days also needs to be tidied up. Moke also just looked at the kitchen, and the food in the refrigerator hasn't been touched much. I guess the two little ones don't usually cook for themselves, so any stale ingredients need to be thrown away. Looking at it all, there's quite a lot to do.

"It's alright, I'll help. Little Mo, don't tire yourself out."

Garp took off his coat, rolled up his sleeves, and looked very enthusiastic. Moko chuckled and, without any formalities, gave Garp the blankets and sheets that needed washing, while she went upstairs to tidy up the room.

As the sun began to set, the villa was bathed in a warm, inviting yellow light. The clothesline was laden with freshly washed white quilts and sheets. Ella grabbed the last set of quilts with clothespins and happily raised her paw. Garp patted Ella's head approvingly, his face full of affection.

Looking at the newly renovated rooms in the villa, Moko breathed a slight sigh of relief. Finally, everything was tidied up. Seeing that it was almost time, Moko began to prepare dinner.

Pour the blanched ribs into the pot, wait for the caramelized sugar to slowly coat the ribs, then stir-fry them while adding appropriate seasonings. Soon, a rich aroma wafts through the air. Just as Moke put the dish on a plate, the two children burst through the door.

"Sister!" x2

"Oh, you're back."

Before Moko could reply, Garp put down his newspaper and greeted them first. The sound startled the two children, who turned their heads stiffly, took a step back unconsciously, and stared at Garp warily. Oh no, the monster old man is back. They really felt a headache coming on whenever they saw Garp.

As if reading the children's thoughts, Garp grinned mischievously and said, "It's been so long, why don't we test your strength later and see if you've been slacking off?"

Upon hearing this, Ace and Luffy looked as if the sky had fallen. Moko carried the dishes out of the kitchen and glared at Garp.

"Grandpa Garp, don't scare Ace and Luffy. Who comes back to fight? Ace and Luffy, stop standing there, wash your hands and it's time to eat. I made braised pork ribs today."

"Spare ribs! (???)" x2

Every time Moko comes back, they can eat a ton of delicious food. Ace, who has mediocre cooking skills, and Luffy, who only knows how to eat, don't care about Garp anymore and rush into the bathroom to wash up.

"Hahaha, Xiao Mo, you're going to spoil them. Men have to go through all sorts of hardships to become strong."

"They're still young, no rush."

Moko lowered her eyes as she set out the dishes, disagreeing with Garp's words. She believed that one could become strong without experiencing hardship. If strength required suffering, that would be too pitiful. Her brother didn't have to go through those bad things. With her around, the children could pursue strength solely for themselves and for those they protected.

Because it was already December when they returned, the snow had completely covered Mount Gorbo. On the eve of New Year's Eve, Moko and her two children got up early to start cleaning. This time, Moko once again invited Makino, the village chief, and Dadan's family to have New Year's Eve dinner.

"Ace, Luffy, be careful when you go hunting in the mountains, and so is Isla." As if she was still worried, Moko looked at Tuanzi, "Tuanzi, keep an eye on them."

"Whoosh!" Tuanzi patted her chest to reassure everyone, then quickly followed the two children into the mountains.

Moko looked at the little ones running into the mountains with a bit of helplessness. Most animals hibernate in winter, and she didn't know if the two little ones could catch any prey. In the morning, Ace and Luffy had been arguing about catching a super big prey to bring back for New Year's Eve dinner. Seeing how excited the two of them were, Moko didn't stop them. Anyway, with Ella and Tuanzi around, nothing should go wrong.

Turning her gaze away, Moko cut a few withered flower branches from the garden and placed them in a vase on the dining table. A faint white halo surrounded her hands and seeped into the flower branches, causing the small buds on the branches to quickly mature and bloom. The bright red hibiscus flowers were beautiful and captivating. Unconsciously, Moko seemed to be lost in memories, and a look of nostalgia flashed in her eyes.

When the wind chimes rang and voices came from outside, Moko suppressed her emotions, put on a smile again, and went out. Perhaps a breeze blew by, because the hibiscus petals seemed to tremble slightly. When she looked again, everything was normal, and there was nothing strange about it.

Moko loves the lively atmosphere of Chinese New Year. In the living room, everyone is happily drinking and chatting, while in the kitchen, Moko and Makino are having a great time making delicious dishes.

After skillfully preparing several plump sea fish, when the oil in the pan is hot and small bubbles appear, Mo can put the prepared fish in and fry until both sides are golden brown. Remove the fish from the pan, put it on a plate, drizzle with the secret sauce, and sprinkle with some hot oil. The fish, a must-have for the Chinese New Year, is ready.

Under Moko's guidance, Makino made a spicy chicken dish. The wild boar that Ace and Luffy caught while hunting was turned into braised pork, meatballs, braised pig's trotters, and crispy pork belly by Moko. It looked especially delicious, after all, the little ones at the door were practically drooling.

They were busy until nightfall. Everyone sat around a large round table, their faces beaming with the joy of the New Year. Moko raised her wine glass, looked at everyone, and smiled sweetly.

"The new year is just around the corner. Thank you all for your care this past year. I hope everyone will live a harmonious and happy life in the new year."

"Haha, of course! I also hope that Moko, Ace, and Luffy will grow up healthy and happy every day in the new year!" Makino raised her glass as well.

After the blessings were given, everyone cheered and clinked glasses in celebration. On this cold night, staying in a warm house, drinking fine wine, eating delicious food, and talking about the year's experiences, everything seemed so warm and wonderful.

Watching this joyful and perfect scene, Moko still felt a little regretful. It would have been great if Shanks were here too. They used to celebrate the New Year together. Unfortunately, if Grandpa Garp saw Shanks, the two of them would probably start fighting. She should keep Shanks' marriage proposal a secret for now and wait for the right time. She didn't want Shanks to become the second pirate that Grandpa Garp would chase after. She spent the first half of her life chasing her father and the second half chasing Shanks. Just thinking about it gave her a headache (???).