novel-bin Chapter 153 Sister
Chapter 153 Sister
Kozuki Hiyori is my name, and I am the last surviving member of the Kozuki family, which has already vanished in Wano Country...
My mother's name is Kozuki Toki, and my father's name is Kozuki Oden. They met, fell in love, and got married at the sea. They eventually married in Whitebeard's pirate crew, and a few years later, my brother and I were born.
In the year I was born, as if guided by fate, my father met Uncle Roger on an island. In order to witness with our own eyes the secrets of the world that Uncle Roger had spoken of, my father took my mother and us from Uncle Whitebeard's ship to Uncle Roger's ship. Everyone on the ship was very nice, just like everyone on Uncle Whitebeard's ship. On Uncle Roger's ship, I met a person who was as gentle as my mother.
That was the first time I met Sister Moko. Sister Moko was like Princess Kaguya in my mother's story, beautiful and noble, unforgettable at first sight. She seemed to have her own radiance. Wherever Sister Moko was, everyone's eyes would be drawn to her involuntarily, unable to look away even for a moment, and I was no exception.
"Eeya, woo~"
The baby in the cradle opened its sleepy eyes, its gaze filled with a lingering curiosity and haziness. It slowly scanned its surroundings, but when it didn't see any familiar figures, its cheeks twitched slightly, and it immediately scrunched up in unease, letting out a series of soft, slightly aggrieved whimpers. Crystalline tears trembled gently at the edges of its eyelids, as if they might slip off at any moment.
"Oh, is Hiyori-chan awake? I'm here, don't cry, don't cry."
In the soft, hazy morning light, a pink-haired girl seemed to descend lightly from a dream, appearing above the exquisite crib like a gentle angel.
The still-young Moko picked up the crying Hiyori from the cradle, her fingertips gently touching her soft cheeks. Her whole being exuded endless tenderness and comfort, as if it could dispel all unease and calm the tears that were about to overflow in her warm embrace. Hiyori blinked hard twice, and the moment she was sure that Moko was not an illusion, she suddenly revealed an extremely cute smile.
"Eeya, ya~"
Hiyori happily reached out her little hand and grabbed the strand of hair that fell from Moko's cheek. Looking at Hiyori's innocent smile, Moko's eyes were full of loving and doting smiles.
"Everyone has disembarked and gone to the island now. How about I stay with Hiyori-chan today?"
"Yeah!"
"Hiyori-chan is such a good girl."
Moko took out the newly made little clothes and skillfully dressed Rihe in them. Rihe happily waved her small, soft hands and kept smiling whenever she saw Moko. Her innocent and pure nature made people feel happy and couldn't help but smile along with her. Moko fastened the last button, smiled, picked up Rihe, and took the warm milk to feed her.
Babies get hungry easily. After smelling the aroma of milk, Hiyori hugged the bottle tightly and wouldn't let go, sucking the milk continuously until it was empty.
"Eeya, eeya!"
As Moko took the bottle away, Hiyori was still very reluctant to let it go, waving her little hand as if trying to hold onto the bottle that had slipped away. Moko chuckled and took out a handkerchief to wipe the milk stains from the corner of Hiyori's mouth before standing up.
"Puffed rice, dumplings."
"Pfft!"
"Ooh!"
At Moko's call, Mihua and Tuanzi immediately fluttered to Moko's feet. Moko smiled and patted the two little ones' heads, then placed Rihe next to them.
"Mihana, Dango, can you stay with Hiyori-chan for a bit? I still have a few islands to take care of."
"Pfft~"
"Ooh-ooh~"
"You're so reliable, Hiyori-chan. How about you play with Mihana and Dango for a bit?"
"Yeah!"
Hiyori happily raised her hand, grabbed Mika's fluffy paw, and tried to climb onto Mika. Dango nestled behind Hiyori to prevent her from falling. Moko returned to her desk without any worry and began processing documents.
The two little ones were raised by Shanks, so taking care of a baby is a piece of cake for them. Besides, Hiyori is very well-behaved and plays right under my nose, so there's not much to worry about.
Time slipped away quietly. After finishing the knife fish documents, Moko stretched and straightened up. Looking up, she saw that Hiyori was already fast asleep on Mika's back. Perhaps because she lacked her mother's familiar embrace and scent, Hiyori was not sleeping very soundly. Her delicate eyebrows were slightly furrowed, which made people feel sorry for her.
A hint of tenderness and affection flashed in Moko's eyes. She got up and sat down next to Mika. She reached out and gently patted Hiyori. The melodious tune flowed slowly into the room, mingling with the warm sunlight and sparkling in the air.
"Morning is coming, sleeping child, where is she? Soft and fluffy, please find her, baby, don't be afraid, the terrible dream is over..."
Sister, that's the first word I remembered. Before my mother and father, the first person I called out to was my sister.
My mother often went to the island with my father, and as a baby, I naturally stayed behind to keep my older sister company. My sister is the best sister in the world. She would kiss me affectionately, hold me, and sing lullabies to me in the gentlest voice in the world. No matter when, my sister would always show me the gentlest smile. I love my sister the most.
"Sister~"
Hiyori waved her soft little hands as she toddled on the deck, her innocent and wobbly steps revealing her pure and innocent nature. Her soft, sweet voice melted the hearts of those who heard it, and the little dumpling immediately hugged Moko's leg.
"Hiyori-chan~"
Sensing the little one on her lap, Moko immediately shoved the cloak in Shanks' arms, bent down to pick up Hiyori, and affectionately nuzzled Hiyori's nose. Hiyori giggled and snuggled affectionately into Moko's arms.
"Hiyori really likes Moko. As soon as she heard that Moko was back, she started making a fuss about going outside."
As they spoke, Kozuki Toki walked over slowly, her eyes filled with helplessness and doting. Looking at the two who were like sisters, she seemed to remember something and covered her mouth with a soft laugh, "Even Lord Oden is getting jealous, isn't he, Lord Oden?"
As he spoke, Kozuki Toki turned around and jokingly looked at Kozuki Oden, who was squatting in the corner of the deck drawing circles. His jealous look was exactly the same as Roger's when he was aggrieved. Their similar dejected appearance inevitably made Moko and Hiyori grin. Their angelic smiles were so touching that the others couldn't help but laugh along with them.
Children grow up quickly, and perhaps worried that Moko might be too tired, Shanks, who was standing behind Moko, gradually stopped smiling, stepped forward and took Hiyori from Moko's hands, and gently rubbed Moko's head with one hand.
"Moko-chan, why don't you go and rest for a while? How about Hiyori plays with me first?"
"ah?"
Hiyori tilted her head, as if trying to digest Shanks' words. Shanks didn't urge her until Hiyori's confused eyes became clear again.
"Hey, sis, sis~"
After thinking for a long time, Hiyori still preferred Moko to Shanks. She waved her little hands and feet, wanting to go with Moko and couldn't bear to be separated from her. Moko smiled and gently pinched Hiyori's soft cheek.
"That day, I went to rest with my sister and my sister."
"Yay!" Hiyori happily raised her hand.
Seeing the two who had reached an agreement, Shanks smiled helplessly. Everyone watching this scene smiled kindly. Compared to treasure, the smiles of the two children were the most precious treasure.
At the heart of a ship is its captain. Although Uncle Roger is the captain, I often feel that Moko is the true center of the ship. No matter what Moko says or wants, everyone on board unconditionally agrees. They don't feel they're spoiling her too much; on the contrary, they feel they haven't spoiled her enough and spoil her even more. Shanks is definitely number one among them. And all of this isn't surprising, because…
Yes, she's a treasure. Ever since I can remember, I've known that Moko is the one and only treasure of everyone on the ship, the gentlest and most precious treasure. That's why everyone unconditionally dotes on Moko, and there's nothing wrong with that, because I also love the gentle Moko. Of course, I'm a treasure too. I'm the only one who receives Moko's love. I'm Moko's treasure, and even Shanks can't beat me!
Sister Moko would tell me many interesting stories, cook many delicious foods for me, and protect and pamper me unconditionally. I spent a very happy time on the ship. I thought this time would continue forever. However, happiness will eventually come to an end, and parting always comes so suddenly.
On the way to my father's hometown, my mother fell seriously ill, and my sister Moko fell into a deep sleep for unknown reasons. As a child, I thought I was about to lose them, and I cried every day. At that moment, the ship fell into an unprecedented silence.
After much debate and hesitation, my father finally made the decision. My mother, my brother, and I disembarked in Wano Country, my father's hometown. At Shanks' insistence, my sister Moko continued to sail with us. I, who had never been separated from my sister before, was facing my first separation from her. I never expected that the separation would last so long.
"Mother, sister, sister, she..."
Hiyori twisted her fingers, her eyes filled with worry and reluctance as she watched the departing Jackson. She hadn't properly said goodbye to her sister yet, and she knew her sister would be heartbroken if she woke up and found her gone.
"It's okay, Hiyori. Moko will be alright. Everyone will find a way to help Moko recover. Until then, Hiyori, grow up as much as you can and wait for Moko to come back, okay?"
Kozuki kissed Hiyori's forehead, his eyes full of tenderness and affection.
"Yes, Hiyori will grow up well and wait for her big sister obediently." Hiyori nodded, raising her little fist with great determination.
"Hiyori is so good, let's go home now."
"Well, go home."
Hiyori sat in Kozuki's lap, her little hands clutching his collar, but her gaze remained fixed on the sea where no ship had been seen. The spring sun shone brightly, and a gentle breeze caressed her cheeks, carrying the whispers of early spring and the fragrance of flowers, as a soft, familiar yet distant melody drifted by once more.
The news of Uncle Roger becoming the Pirate King reached Wano Country not long afterward. I was very happy because Uncle Roger's wish had come true, which meant that my sister would be back soon. I had been looking forward to it so much, but my sister did not come back. My father brought back the news of my sister's awakening, but he also brought back the news of the disbandment of the pirate crew.
At that time, I didn't understand what the disbandment of the pirate crew had to do with me not being able to see my sister. I wanted to cry and make a fuss because in the past, whenever I cried and made a fuss, my sister would appear. But my mother told me that when I grew up a little more, my sister would come back to see me. So I, a little kid, had to keep waiting.
"Why? Why didn't my sister come back? She promised Hiyori she would always stay with her."
Tears welled up in Hiyori's eyes, about to fall, and Kozuki gently wiped away the tears from the corners of Hiyori's eyes, embracing her tenderly.
"Hiyori, don't cry. Momo must have something very important to do, that's why she hasn't come back to see you. Once she's done, Momo will definitely come to find you. Hiyori, please wait a little longer, okay?"
"How long will it take? Hiyori has been waiting for so long." Hiyori stretched out her arms to show her feelings, with glistening tears on her long eyelashes and her eyes full of grievance.
"We have to wait until Hiyori is a little older. Xiao Mo said she wants to see what Hiyori looks like when she grows up. Hiyori is a good girl and she'll listen to what you say, right?"
"Yes, Hiyori is a good girl. Hiyori listens to her older sister and mother."
Hiyori was still a little aggrieved, but she obediently nodded. She was a good girl, and her older sister liked good girls the most, so she couldn't be a bad girl.
Being so focused on being a good child, I didn't notice the suppressed pain and helplessness of my father and mother, nor did I know that my beloved sister would soon lose her most respected father and be left alone to escape the world's pursuit.
Time flies, and I gradually grew up. I gradually understood the helplessness of my sister's departure and saw the predicament of Wano Country. My father went out early and returned late every day, busy fighting against the villains of Wano Country. My father was the most powerful, so I never thought that my father would lose. I always thought that everything would get better slowly, but that day finally came. The devastating news that shocked the world finally spread throughout the world.
My sister, my dearest sister, the sister who was so gentle to everyone, lost her father forever on this day. Father said that my sister left with Uncle Roger and Mika, and no one else followed her. If my sister lost Uncle Roger, does that mean that my sister is all alone now? My sister is such a person who is afraid of loneliness, how can she go on alone?
My sister has become a person...
I made a fuss and threw a tantrum, wanting to find my sister. I wanted to tell her that she wasn't alone, that I was here, that Rihe was here. But this time, seeing the look in my father's and mother's eyes, I understood that I might never see my beloved sister again in this lifetime.
Yes, my sister is the daughter of the Pirate King. No one in the world doesn't want to fight for that treasure. My sister is the target of the world's pursuit. I don't know how much pain my sister must be in now. In this confusion, I spent two years in a daze. And it was in this year when I was five years old that the Kozuki family also faced disaster.
My father was subjected to the cruelest punishment by Kaido and died. My mother sent my brother to the future, entrusted me to her retainers, and then followed my father and left this world. I never want to experience that kind of pain again in my life. It felt like a million steel needles were piercing my heart and tearing it apart. The pain was so intense that I couldn't breathe.
So that's how painful it was for my sister that year? I still had my retainers by my side, and the hatred for my country that I could never forget, yet I almost couldn't survive. What about my sister? Alone, with the legitimate conflict between the Navy and the pirates leaving her with no reason for revenge, how could she survive? My sister, is she really still alive?
elder sister……
elder sister……
elder sister……
Moko-neechan, where are you? I miss you so much...