One Piece: Shanks' Little Jasmine

Chapter 45 An Encounter with Sanji

The villa's decor clearly indicated it was a girl's residence. A faint floral fragrance filled the air, and delicate ornaments were neatly displayed on the cabinets. After putting his things away, Kapu casually sat down on the sofa, and Moko immediately took out some snacks she had bought in Chambord from a bag and placed them on the table.

Kuzan stood at the door without moving. He had known for a long time that Vice Admiral Garp was secretly preparing a new villa, and had even consulted Vice Admiral Tsuru. At the time, he thought that this girl was a bit too delicate, but after seeing Moko, he didn't think it was making a fuss. Such a girl really deserved more care, so much so that Kuzan felt that this was not enough and wanted to give Moko more.

"Kuzan, what are you standing there for?"

Garp popped the snack into his mouth, raised an eyebrow at Kuzan standing by the door, and Kuzan snapped out of his daze and walked over to sit down on the sofa.

Moko placed the brewed hot tea beside them, and Kuzan nodded slightly awkwardly in thanks.

The tea leaves were a new variety grown in the tea garden under Mo Xiang's name. The tea was fragrant and had a rich color. Seeing Garp's relaxed appearance, Kuzan picked up the teacup and took a sip. The aroma of the tea lingered in his mouth for a long time, mixed with a light medicinal fragrance. His tense nerves seemed to be relieved of their burden in an instant, and Kuzan couldn't help but relax and squint his eyes.

The kitchen is easily visible from the living room. Moko is busy in the kitchen wearing an apron, her hair casually tied up with a hair tie. Watching this scene, Kuzan has to admit that watching Moko cook is a visual feast. Every movement is incredibly smooth and neat, like a carefully choreographed dance, simple yet elegant.

The aroma of food wafted from the kitchen even before it was ready. Garp stood in front of the open counter and brought the dishes that Moko had plated to the table. Kuzan was stunned by the scene. Vice Admiral Garp is definitely a granddaughter-obsessed man. The rumors outside have underestimated him.

Kuzan shook his head and quickly got up to help serve the dishes. The table was full of delicious-looking and fragrant dishes that made people's mouths water. The portions were just right, not too much and not too little.

Mo already knew exactly how much food to cook for each meal, since almost everyone around her was a big eater and a heavy drinker, and she had gotten used to it over time.

The meal was thoroughly enjoyed, and Garp even managed to get two bottles of fruit wine, which made him even happier. As Garp gets older, Moko often limits his alcohol intake, but she naturally wouldn't let him lose face in front of his subordinates. Considering that the two of them might have work to do later, Moko only took out two bottles for them to enjoy. Garp knew that Moko was doing it for his own good, so he wouldn't drink too much even when Moko wasn't around.

Kuzan's eyes lit up with surprise when he tasted Moko's brew for the first time. When Garp saw Kuzan's reaction, he couldn't help but smile. He knew that no one could refuse Moko's brew, which was something even people with a peony might not be able to get their hands on.

After spending a few more days at the Naval Headquarters, there was still no news about the selection of the Admirals. Moko's position was almost just a formality, with no real power and no major matters to handle.

After thinking it over, Moko decided to go home. She was really worried about the three little ones. She had been by their side for so long, and the longest she had been away was no more than a week. She didn't know if the three little ones had taken good care of themselves this time.

After speaking with Garp, Moko boarded the change of fleet ship and went to Sabaody. Santa Fe had some matters that Yubi needed to return to, so Moko went back with him.

Jasmine's development in Sabaody Archipelago over the past two months has been exceptionally rapid. With Shanks' help and the large number of capable people she brought back from the slave market, Jasmine quickly established herself and set up her first stronghold in Sabaody Archipelago.

Of course, Jasmine's sudden rise to prominence has attracted the envy of many, but fortunately, with Shanks' suppression and Jasmine's own considerable strength, no major problems have arisen. This time, she is going back to take more people to the New World to hand over work and explore new markets.

As they sailed upstream along another current from Upside Down Mountain, Moko stood at the bow of the ship, gazing at the distant lighthouse tip. Her eyes lowered slightly as she sank into melancholy, a faint sadness flickering in her gaze.

"Sister Moko, there seems to be someone over there."

When Yubi's voice came, the ship had already left Reverse Mountain and entered the Four Seas Domain. The Red Line Continent was no longer visible behind them. Moko hid the loneliness in her eyes and took the telescope that Yubi handed her.

Two figures could be seen on a remote island made of reefs. They must have been shipwrecked and drifted here. Sensing the weakening of their life force, Moko frowned her beautiful brows.

"Speed ​​up and get closer."

"Yes, Sister Moko."

As the merchant ship drew closer, the two men, who had been slumped against the rocks, seemed to see a glimmer of hope and used their last strength to wave and shout desperately.

It wasn't until the ship got closer that Moko and the others could see the two people on the shore. The two, one big and one small, were skin and bones from hunger. It was hard to imagine how the two of them survived on an island with only reefs.

Moko gave the man's wounds emergency treatment. There were no wild animals on the island, and the child beside him was clearly no match for the man. It was also easy to guess why the man's leg was missing.

The blond boy beside him was twisting his fingers, his face full of unease. When he saw the food cart that Yubi had brought out, his hungry, lifeless eyes lit up, and he reached out to grab the food on the cart.

"Sanji!"

The man shouted angrily. Seeing the man's stern eyes, Sanji stopped what he was about to do, but the way he kept swallowing his saliva showed how hungry he was.

"Eat slowly, don't choke."

Moko broke the serious atmosphere and nodded to Sanji. Despite being very hungry, Sanji stubbornly looked at the man. The man sighed softly and looked at Moko.

“My name is Zeff. Thank you for saving us. All we have left is this treasure…”

"Let's fill our stomachs first," Moko shook her head, interrupting Zeff. "It's just a meal, nothing serious."

Since Moko had already said so, Zeff couldn't refuse anymore. He nodded to Sanji, who visibly became happy. However, after receiving the food, he handed it to Zeff first before eating it himself.

Perhaps they were very hungry, as the two kept stuffing food into their mouths. As expected, Sanji choked. Moko handed him some warm water, and Sanji gulped down a big mouthful, finally recovering.

Looking at Moko, whose eyes were smiling, Sanji murmured softly, "Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Moko smiled and waited until the two had almost finished eating before starting to chat with them. When she learned that the two had been on the deserted island for nearly three months, Yubi and the others were shocked. Although they had experienced hunger before, it had been a long time since they had met Moko. They had never encountered such a thing again. It felt like an extremely long time had passed, even though it hadn't been that long.

"What are your plans next?"

Upon hearing Moko's question, Zeff fell into a brief silence. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Sanji, who was sitting slumped in a chair with a satisfied look on his face after eating his fill. As if he had made up his mind, his previously hesitant expression became firm.

"I plan to open a restaurant on the sea."

"A restaurant on the sea?"

"Well, I never want to go hungry again, hahaha..." Zeff laughed, but then his voice turned somewhat melancholic. "Opening a seaside restaurant would at least give those who are starving a bowl of rice. Miss Moko, don't let my appearance fool you, I'm a chef too, hahaha..."

Zeff also showed off his arms, but because he had been starving for so long, there was hardly any muscle left; instead, you could see the outline of the bones. Zeff seemed to notice this and touched his nose sheepishly.

Moko softened her expression and said gently, "A wonderful idea. I look forward to the day when the sea restaurant is completed."

"Haha, that must be a fantastic restaurant. Please make sure Miss Moko is the first customer."

"It would be my great honor."

After sailing for several more days, the two became familiar with the other passengers on board. When Moko was working, she would often see little yellow heads by the door or window. Moko would just smile slightly and not point it out.

Zeff and Sanji did not choose to return to Santa Fe with Moko and the others. Instead, they chose to disembark on a more prosperous island. Before disembarking, Moko once again refused the treasure that Zeff offered. She felt that the treasure would be more useful to Zeff than to her.

"Just contact Yubi if you need anything."

Moko is an extremely gentle person who never hesitates to show kindness to others, and she gives her all to her family and friends. Because of this, Shanks has always been worried that someone might take advantage of Moko's gentleness. Although Moko is not the same as before, in the eyes of Shanks and everyone who loves Moko, Moko is still the gentle and innocent Moko.

"Sanji will definitely be a super chef by the time we meet next time, right?"

Moko squatted down and gently patted Sanji's head. Sanji nodded with a slightly flushed face, his voice childish yet full of determination.

"I will definitely become a super chef and make dishes that make people happy, just like my sister."

"it is good."

"Hahaha, you little rascal, you'd better start working hard now."

Zeff stood with his hands on his hips, laughing loudly. His long beard was tied up like little haystacks. Compared to how thin and bony they were a few days ago, the two of them, who had been fed by Moko for several days, looked a little healthier.

"I will definitely become a super amazing chef, and I'm going to find ALL BLUE."

Sanji pouted defiantly, causing everyone to cover their mouths and chuckle, while Zeff nodded seemingly perfunctorily.

"Okay, okay, you will definitely become the best chef."

Those who aren't chefs only think of how delicious Moko's cooking is, but Zeff, who spends years at sea searching for ALL BLUE, knows just how amazing Moko's culinary skills are. Any decent chef would understand that even the most ordinary dishes can wipe away all fatigue. This kind of talent isn't something everyone possesses. The power behind the girl in front of him—no, it should be said that Moko herself is a person not to be underestimated.

After saying goodbye to the two, Moko and the others sped back to Santa Fe, while Moko and Mika returned to Mount Gorbo. Just as when Moko left, the mountain had not changed much.

The small garden is Moko's favorite place. The three little ones never fight in the garden. Even the mischievous Luffy cherishes this garden very much and often helps Moko take good care of it. Even after Moko leaves, the garden remains beautiful.

Perhaps it is the constant nourishment from the fresh blood of the jasmine that makes it bloom in winter, even though it should have withered in early autumn. The biting cold wind cannot destroy it. At the base of the jasmine are the vines of the hibiscus. The large jasmine flowers shield the hibiscus from the wind and snow, protecting the hibiscus that coils around the base of the jasmine, just as the hibiscus has protected the budding jasmine flowers in previous years.