One Piece: Shanks' Little Jasmine

Chapter 128 New Assistant

"Little Moko~"

Garp looked at Moko pitifully, and Moko couldn't be angry at all because of his appearance. No matter what, Garp was not wrong in this matter. After all, what wrong could a grandfather who only wanted what was best for his granddaughter do?

The work at the Naval Headquarters was indeed too chaotic. Although Borsalino and Kuzan's work had been sorted and sent over by the vice admiral, Moko's own work had not been handled by Iso. Moko had not been staying in Marineford all the time, and the accumulation of work over the past few months had greatly increased Moko's burden. It should be noted that Moko did not only have matters to deal with at the Naval Headquarters.

A new assistant, huh? It would be so much easier to have someone to help. And in this situation, if she didn't agree... Moko glanced at Garp and Sengoku, who were sitting back on the sofa ignoring each other. As Moko looked away, she caught a glimpse of Garp's fierce expression as he bared his teeth at Sengoku.

Sigh, it seems that if she doesn't agree this time, Garp and Sengoku will definitely have more fights later. If two people with such high prestige in the Marine Headquarters start fighting, her office will never be peaceful. Tsk, those two clowns are enough for the office. If there were a bunch of parrots, Moko would have a headache just thinking about it.

"Alright, I agree, but in exchange, Grandpa Garp and Fleet Admiral Sengoku can't argue anymore." Moko finally compromised, looking at the two of them with a helpless expression.

This answer truly brought joy to some and sorrow to others. Sengoku's smug expression said it all. When Garp saw Sengoku's smug look, he was furious. Damn it, he still couldn't bring Momo back.

Garp truly regrets his past actions. He only thought that bringing Moko to the Navy would allow him to see her often, and he assumed that being an admiral's assistant would be an easy job. However, Moko was later kidnapped by Sengoku and those other brats, and not only did he not see her every day, he also made things more difficult for her. Although the brats in his family were a bit mischievous, they had never made Moko suffer like this before.

"Hahaha, Garp, we made a deal: if Momo agrees to stay, you can't stop her."

"Tsk!"

Sengoku was now as smug as if he had won a battle. Moko could clearly see the veins on Garp's clenched fist. If she hadn't been there, Garp would definitely have started fighting Sengoku.

Moko sighed deeply, helpless against the two unruly old children. She forced a smile, her fair face adorned with dimples, her eyes clear as autumn water. The dappled sunlight outside the window swayed in the wind, casting golden rays that intertwined with the girl's figure, as if painting a golden outline on Moko.

In that instant, Corazon felt as if time had stopped around him. Everything around him, including Sengoku and Garp's voices, disappeared. He could only hear his own heart pounding like a drum.

"Little Rice Fruit, please take good care of me from now on."

In Corazon's eyes was Moko, who had turned around. Like a pine tree in full bloom, she was surrounded by scattered gold and splendor, her eyes filled with tiny, dazzling sparkles. Quietly, she was deeply engraved in his heart, becoming an indelible mark.

Seeing that Corazon didn't respond, Moko blinked in confusion and waved her hand in front of Corazon, "Little Rice Cake?"

Not only Moko looked over, but Sengoku and Garp also looked over. Under the intense gaze of the three of them, Corazon immediately came to his senses and stood up abruptly. "Me too. I hope you will take good care of me in the future, Miss Moko."

"Mm!" Moko nodded with a smile.

"Haha, it's settled then. Although Xiao Miguo is a bit of a stretch to go to the combat department, she'll be fine for regular combat. You don't need to worry about Xiao Moke when she goes out on field missions. As for sending more people, I'll personally review it later and find some capable people for you, Xiao Moke. You can rest assured now."

Sengoku glanced at Garp, who turned his head and snorted, barely agreeing. Seeing that Garp was still sulking, Moko helplessly curled the corners of her lips and slowly spoke.

"I brought some new wine from Morning Star. Would Grandpa Garp and Marshal Sengoku like to try some? You can have a little bit too, but don't drink too much."

Now Garp couldn't care less about being angry. Morning Star's sake was a good thing, and he couldn't stay angry in front of Moko. He would drink first and settle the score with Sengoku later.

As if she had guessed Karp's thoughts, Moko added, "You can't argue anymore after drinking."

Garp turned his head away guiltily and whistled silently, his attempt to cover up his blunder making Moko chuckle. As everyone was talking, a knock came from outside the door, and the group looked at the door in confusion.

"coming."

Moko walked up with a smile and opened the door. Outside was the junior naval officer who was relaying messages to Sengoku. The junior officer was carrying a large wooden box. He was suddenly being watched by the marshal and the vice admiral. Although he looked extremely flustered, nothing went wrong.

"Um, Miss Moko..."

The little navy boy seemed unsure how to finish his sentence, and just as everyone was watching, two fluffy little heads suddenly popped out from behind him.

Upon seeing Moko, Mihua and Ella happily flapped their wings and rushed into Moko's arms. Moko affectionately rubbed the two little fluffy heads, "Thank you, Mihua and Ella, for bringing the things."

"Pfft!"

"Woo-mi!"

"Thank you for your help. Just put the box inside."

"No trouble at all, it's my pleasure to help Miss Moko!"

The young sailor immediately responded respectfully, placed the box on the table, saluted everyone, and then took his leave. He acted with composure and efficiency, showing none of Aesop's absent-mindedness.

"I've already asked Grandpa Alec to make the snacks to go with the drinks, and they should be served soon. But even if you're happy, you can't drink too late tonight."

Today was indeed too tiring, and Moko really didn't have the energy to help make the desserts. The three of them naturally noticed Moko's fatigue and quickly urged her to go back and rest.

“Miss Moko, I…”

Before Corazon could finish speaking, Moko shook her head. "Little Fruit, go drink with Grandpa Garp and Fleet Admiral Sengoku. I can go back by myself, and Meimei will protect me, right?"

"What~"

Meimei happily shook the bell around her neck, proudly raised her head, and followed closely at Moko's feet, her aura even more imposing than that of a general.

"Grandpa Garp and Fleet Admiral Sengoku, you don't need to see me off."

Moko tilted her head, peeked out from Corazon's side, and spoke to the restless Garp and Sengoku with a cute and charming smile on her face. The two who were discovered by Moko instantly looked up and down, pretending that they knew nothing. Moko smiled and patted Moko's head.

"Meow, let's go home."

"What~"

As night gently falls, tranquility transforms into the graceful silhouette of a cat, strolling leisurely under the bright moonlight. Each step leaves a soft, delicate mark, like the delicate brushstrokes of a dream, draping the quiet night in a dreamlike veil. Moko leads her three little ones along the moonlit path to the villa, leaving behind long, graceful shadows.

After returning to the villa, Moko washed up and sat on a recliner. Her damp hair was shrouded in mist. Ella took a dry towel and dried Moko's hair. The fluffy blanket enveloped Moko, and the fatigue of the whole day quietly dissipated.

Outside the window, stars twinkled and wind chimes tinkled softly. Mo Ke gently stroked the fluffy fur of Mi Hua in her arms, gazing at the beautiful scenery outside. A new assistant? Things should be much easier from now on, and there will be time to investigate other matters.

"We'll be able to contact the World Government soon."

Moko murmured softly, and the few stars in the sky shone brightly, as if responding to Moko's murmur. Soon, Dad, soon, I will be able to get in touch with the truth soon.

"Ummy?"

After a while, Ella finished putting down the towel and flew out of the bathroom, but Moko did not respond as usual. Ella stroked her chin and flew to Moko's side, looking at Moko with a puzzled expression. At this time, Meimei also came to Moko's feet, and the soft breathing sound evenly entered Ella and Meimei's ears, obviously Moko was already fast asleep.

Ella and Meimei lowered their voices and exchanged a glance. Then, Ella took a thick blanket from the sofa and covered Moko with it. Her chubby paws pulled the blanket tightly around Moko. After closing the window, Ella fluttered her little wings and gently snuggled into Moko's arms to sleep.

Meimei rubbed against Moke's feet, snuggling close to her. The tranquility of the night was like a deep black velvet curtain, gently covering everything and embracing all the noise and turmoil of the world, swallowing it up with endless gentleness, immersing the world in a peaceful serenity. The jasmine on the windowsill seemed to be even more beautiful, with only the delicate fragrance and the sound of bells remaining.

In the marshal's office, the group was already quite drunk. Alec was also pulled into the drinking party by Garp and Sengoku. Corazon stood by the window, withdrawing his gaze from the three of them and looking at Katsura, who was in hibernation in the main square.

The golden osmanthus blossoms on the pine tree have long since fallen, but a faint sweet fragrance can still be smelled in the air. Thinking of Moke's smile just now, the faint reflection of Corazon's smiling face is faintly seen on the glass.

Some of the things about Aesop were actually deliberately revealed by Corazon to Garp and Sengoku, but Corazon didn't embellish those details.

In Corazon's opinion, Aesop was indeed unsuitable to be Moko's assistant. Such a foolish person could not become a reliable person in a short time, and his character was really hard to judge. Although Corazon had his own selfish motives, he would never deliberately provoke or slander him because of this.

Initially, he intended to work for Sengoku so he could see Moko more often. However, after overhearing about Aesop, he went to inquire about him. What he found was that Aesop, who should have been working hard, was showing off in front of other new recruits like himself. This was really inappropriate. Of course, it wasn't wrong; those working under high-ranking navies certainly had the right to show off. But those under Moko's command were not allowed to do so.

Miss Moko is such a humble and gentle person, and her reputation should not be damaged because of her. Since Aesop does not have the awareness to be Moko's assistant, then let him take her place. A navy officer who cannot even protect himself is not qualified to stay by the side of such a gentle person.