One Piece: Shanks' Little Jasmine

Chapter 158 Inner Desires

Chunhe was not qualified to participate in the banquet because she did not know what was going on inside. So she stayed behind the corridor that could see the entrance and exit of the banquet hall. If things went wrong, she could find a way to escape with Miss Moke as soon as possible. Even if the chance was slim, she would do her best to rescue Miss Moke.

She had already lost her sister. Although Lady Maria said her sister was still alive, she knew that Lady Maria would never disobey Lord Kaido's orders for her sake. Her life was like an ant in the eyes of these adults. Right now, she was only being coaxed by Lady Maria because she still had some value. But once she lost her value, the consequences were unimaginable. At the moment when she was completely worthless, she would save the only adult who had shown her kindness.

Little sister, I'm sorry, I can't save you. In the next life, I will do everything in my power to atone for my sins. Please forgive my willfulness this time.

Amidst the clamor and noise, Chunhe quickly snapped back to reality and looked towards the entrance of the banquet hall. Her hands clenched nervously, and cold sweat drenched her back.

No, no, why, why is Miss Moko nowhere to be seen? Chunhe licked her dry lips, her cheeks flushed an unnatural red from standing in the cold wind for so long. Even though her legs were stiff, Chunhe's eyes remained fixed on the front door until the group of people who came out gradually left, but Chunhe still did not see Moko.

The banquet is over, isn't it? Why hasn't Miss Moko come out yet? Was she detained by Lord Kaido, or has something else happened? What should we do? What should we do? Should we sneak in? But how can we sneak in? Her appearance will be recognized as soon as she goes in.

"Miss Moko, please, please make sure you're safe and sound."

Chunhe bit her lower lip, her soft murmur mingling with the cold wind.

"I never expected this child to disobey my orders. Has she already given up on saving her sister?"

Maria stood on the windowsill of the third-floor corridor. Following her line of sight, she could clearly see Chunhe hiding in the darkness along the corridor. Maria held up her pipe and took a deep drag. The wisps of smoke she exhaled blurred the expression on Maria's face, making it even more difficult to guess what Maria was thinking at that moment.

"Your Majesty, do you need me to deal with the traitors?"

The speaker was the same maid in the purple kimono from last time. The maid stood respectfully beside Maria with her head bowed, her face as expressionless as ever.

Mary seemed to laugh, a faint, almost inaudible laugh that revealed neither joy nor anger.

"No need. If our Miss Moko goes back and can't see her little maid, she might blow up Onigashima today. After all, Lord Kaido said that even if she's being unreasonable, we have to go along with her. Don't you agree, Lord Jin?"

Maria raised an eyebrow and turned her head to look at Jhin, who was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. Jhin didn't say anything, and his posture didn't change at all. It seemed that he hadn't listened to Maria at all. Maria wasn't annoyed. She looked up at the stairs, and the corridor became quiet.

Not long after, light footsteps came from the stairs. Maria and Jin looked up at the same time. The figure on the dimly lit stairs was Moko, who was holding Ella. When she saw the three people guarding the entrance to the corridor, Moko stopped but did not say anything.

"It seems Miss Moko is leaving?"

Maria broke the silence first, her tone more respectful than usual. That's how the world is; the strong prey on the weak. Those with strength naturally deserve respect. Besides, the fact that Momo could come out safely means that Lord Kaido has agreed to the deal. They are not enemies and have great cooperative value. Sufficient respect and preferential treatment are essential.

"Yes, I've been away from home for too long, my family must be worried."

"It was my oversight. I will now instruct someone to pack Miss Moke's luggage."

Maria nodded slightly to Moko and then left with her maid, leaving Moko and Jin alone in the corridor.

"..."

After a long silence, Jin didn't know what to say. Should he question her about why she was hiding her strength? Ask her if it was fun to act in front of him? Should he criticize Moko? Jin smiled self-deprecatingly. What right did he have to criticize her? Moko hadn't done anything wrong. They were enemies, and it was normal to pretend in front of enemies. Moko had simply chosen the best way to protect herself. On this island full of pirates, as a Marine, she could only rely on herself. How could protecting herself be wrong?

The candlelight in the corridor was dim, but Jin felt that Mo Ke's figure was becoming clearer and clearer. The burning pain in his heart at the banquet was still lingering, but the moment he saw Mo Ke, all the pain disappeared. He felt as if he were enveloped by hot spring water and fell into a peaceful tranquility. This was a feeling he had never felt before, and it was so captivating.

Moko slowly walked to the windowsill where Maria had just been. Every step felt like stepping on her heart. The pink cherry blossoms were tinged with a faint blue-purple by the silvery moonlight. The petals seemed to become transparent. As they swayed gently, they revealed a soft and mysterious luster, like the gentlest stars in the night sky that had fallen to earth and adorned the courtyard.

Against the backdrop of cherry blossoms filling the courtyard, Moko naturally noticed the timid figure waiting for her under the corridor. A helpless smile appeared on her lips. This child is so adorably silly. How could an ordinary person possibly hide in front of these Observation Haki geniuses? What an idiot.

Jin stood behind Moko, watching her gradually smile. A strange emotion flashed in his eyes. The moonlight was hazy, sometimes bright, sometimes dim. The evening breeze blew gently, neither warm nor cold. Bathed in the fragrance of flowers, Moko seemed like Princess Kaguya from the moon in legend, her beauty beyond compare.

Jin turned his head away, his hands clenched tightly at his sides, his voice somber, "...Have a safe journey. I have a mission this time, so I won't see you off."

He had many things to say, but swallowed them back down at the last moment before he could speak. In the end, he could only end the conversation with such a cold sentence. The sound of his clothes brushing against the wall sounded so desolate. Jin silently turned around and walked slowly into another unknown darkness.

If we don't seize this opportunity, we'll fall into an irrecoverable darkness. Why does his figure appear so lonely?

"Sakura mochi is delicious."

The gentle voice made Jin stop in his tracks, but Jin did not turn around.

"Remember to bring me other snacks next time, and remember to knock... See you next time, Jhin."

As the sound faded, Jin couldn't help but turn around, but the girl was no longer on the moonlit windowsill. It was as if he had just had a beautiful dream, and the beautiful butterfly had only stayed in his dream for a moment before fluttering away when he woke up, leaving nothing but memories.

"...See you next time, you spoiled brat..."

"Chunhe."

Moko stood on the veranda and waved to Chunhe below, her expression gentle. She hadn't noticed when Moko had come out, but now was not the time to think about such things. Nothing was better than seeing Moko safe and sound. Chunhe breathed a sigh of relief and quickly walked up the steps to the veranda.

"Thank goodness, Miss Moko, it's so good that you're alright."

Forgetting all etiquette, Chunhe excitedly grasped Moke's hand, her eyes glistening with tears of emotion. Without waiting to say anything else, Chunhe pulled Moke away.

“Miss Moko, this way. It’s not safe for you to stay here. I know a small path that leads out of Wano Country. I have prepared a small boat and I’m sure I can get you out of Wano Country. You’ll be fine.”

Hearing Chunhe's words, Moko was truly at a loss for words. Seeing that she couldn't be pulled away, Chunhe was extremely anxious. "Miss Moko, we have to hurry. Today is the banquet, and Lord Kaido will be spending the night with Lady Maria. This is the best opportunity to leave. If you stay, you will die."

Chunhe's eyes were red with anxiety, her mind filled with nothing but wanting to get Moke away as soon as possible. Moke sighed, and with a slight twist of her wrist, pulled Chunhe into her arms. A faint fragrance instantly enveloped Chunhe, as if by magic, gradually calming Chunhe's panicked heart.

"Miss Moko?"

Moko gently patted Chunhe's back until she sensed that the little one in her arms was no longer trembling with fear, and then her gentle voice flowed slowly in her ear.

Have you calmed down yet?

"Lord Moko..."

Chunhe looked at Moko through teary eyes, not understanding why she was crying. She knew, she knew everything. Oni Island was under surveillance everywhere, and escaping was as difficult as climbing to the sky. But even so, she didn't want to miss this only chance. If she missed this chance, she would be completely imprisoned in this cage. It shouldn't be like this, it shouldn't be like this. Such a wonderful Miss Moko shouldn't be locked up here.

She knew that Miss Moko loved the sea. Every time Miss Moko sat by the window, she would look at the distant sea, and the light in her eyes was more dazzling than ever before. Such brilliant colors were gentle and free. God, please bless the gentle Miss Moko!

"Chunhe, will you leave with me?"

Moko took out a handkerchief and gently wiped away the tears from Chunhe's eyes. Ella also flew to Chunhe's side and gently patted Chunhe's cheek with her soft, chubby paws to comfort her.

(Ella: My paws are wet, (O?O) stare—, take a bite ("≡ ∧ ≡) = not tasty, woof~)

"?leave?"

"Yes, Kaido has agreed to let me leave. Your life might not be easy after I leave, so come with me. Whether you want to go outside Wano Country or stay in Wano Country, I will arrange everything for you. You won't have to be afraid anymore and can live the life you like as you please."

Chunhe could have done nothing to protect herself, only needing to protect herself. She was so weak, yet she was just that weak, a child who was weak her whole life, but for her sake, she chose a path leading to death.

How could they not notice? Kaido's men are not incompetent. Onigashima is completely under Kaido's control, and Haruhe's every move could not escape their eyes. Moreover, as the only focus of attention on the entire island, those around her will definitely be under the strictest surveillance. Haruhe, who chose to betray Kaido, can only have one ending.

Even if it meant losing her life, she wanted to protect her child. How could Moko leave Chunhe behind? Moko could have taken Chunhe away directly, but she chose to respect Chunhe's wishes. If Chunhe didn't want to leave, she could talk to Maria properly. It was just protecting a child; it wasn't a big problem.

"Chunhe is a good child. I hope Chunhe can be happy. So, Chunhe, can you tell me your decision?"

Mo Ke bent down slightly, raised her hand and pinched Chunhe's cheek. Her smile was so warm and comforting.

"me……"

Chunhe clenched her fists tightly at the hem of her clothes, biting her lower lip. Did she really deserve a happy life? No, she couldn't. She hadn't saved her sister. She couldn't leave. Her sister was still suffering somewhere. How could she live a happy life? Just being by Miss Moke's side was already a luxury enough. How could she ask for more?

"Miss Moko, thank you for your invitation, but I can't leave. I have reasons to stay here." Chunhe raised the corners of her lips, but her smile was full of bitterness and reluctance.

A glint of gold flashed in Moko's eyes, then she smiled knowingly, "Is it because of my sister?"

"Huh? Why? Why do you know how, Miss Moko?"

Chunhe's eyes showed shock. She clearly hadn't told Moko about her sister, so how did Miss Moko know?

“Chunhe, didn’t I tell you? I hope Chunhe can be happy. Chunhe just needs to tell me your true thoughts, and I will take care of everything else.”

"Do I really deserve to be happy? My sister, can my sister really come back to me? I... I'm completely worthless, it hurts—"

Before Chunhe could finish speaking, Moke flicked Chunhe on the forehead. Chunhe covered her forehead with tears in her eyes and stared blankly at Moke.

"Chunhe, family and friends cannot be measured by value. Chunhe is a very important friend to me, so you can rely on me a little more. Chunhe, what is your wish? Tell me."

Ah, she really is still that cowardly person. She used to complain about the world, resenting that the world took away her mother and father. But in despair, her younger sister protected her and tolerated all her older sister's willfulness. She was not a good older sister, always relying on her younger sister, and now she relies on Miss Moko. She is indeed hopeless. But if she could, even if it was just a dream, she wanted to hold those warm hands and fall into that sweet and warm happiness again.

Can she really hold these hands?

...Really, Miss Moko is really cheating, but she wants to hold onto these hands and go to the world full of happiness that Miss Moko talked about, if she can.

"Miss Moko, take me away! I want to leave. I want to live with my sister. I want to eat delicious snacks every day. I want to be happy. I... I... Please grant my wish, Miss Moko!"

Chunhe tilted her head back, tears welling in her eyes, falling uncontrollably like beads from a broken string. Mo Ke smiled gently, cupped Chunhe's face in her hands, and lightly kissed Chunhe's forehead.

"Yes, I have indeed received Chunhe's wish. I don't need to be afraid anymore."

Jasmine in Chunhe's pupils radiated a light softer than the moon and warmer than the sun. The deity she had been longing for finally unveiled its mystery at this moment. Chunhe finally understood that her deity had descended.

"Lord God..."