One Piece: Shanks' Little Jasmine

Chapter 144 Spring Cherry Blossom Kimono

Aside from not being allowed to leave the castle, Moko's freedom was not restricted. Perhaps because they thought Moko was just an ordinary person with no strength, the only person usually by Moko's side was the maid she had first met with Maria.

The maid's name was Chunhe. Perhaps because Maria thought that Chunhe, whom she had met once before, would be more likable to Moko, Maria specially assigned Chunhe to serve her. Over the past few days, apart from Jin, whom she had met at the beginning, and Maria and Chunhe, whom she had seen frequently recently, Moko had not seen anyone else, including the two masterminds behind this incident.

She couldn't see any outsiders, and all her actions were being monitored by spies hidden in the castle. It seemed they intended to completely isolate her from the outside world. Not being able to receive news from the outside world would indeed be a bit troublesome, but this situation probably wouldn't last too long.

Doflamingo has gotten what he wanted, and things are starting to move outside. She expects to meet this Sea Emperor who has been secretly plotting in Wano Country for many years in the next few days.

Don't underestimate the development of Jasmine. In order to gather intelligence from all over the world, Jasmine has established industries around various famous maritime powers over the years. The confectionery business that Jasmine visited last time is currently managed by Salica and Kioni.

There's no need to say anything special. Moko just needs to show her identity stamp, and Moko's people will naturally contact Moko's management. As for what to do, Yubi knows what to do. Her people are very capable. So, how will Kaido deal with it?

Moko, dressed in a blue-purple hydrangea-patterned kimono, leaned over the pond, a blooming iris adorning her hair. Bathed in the warm sunlight, she appeared exceptionally gentle. Her delicate pink fingertips lightly brushed across the water's surface, like feathers dancing in the morning light, awakening the slumbering ripples that spread outwards in circles. The surrounding petals seemed to be drawn by this gentleness, drifting leisurely down from the sky. A dreamlike pink rain of flowers gently merged into the ripples drawn by her fingertips.

This painting is usually so beautiful that it's almost breathtaking. Chunhe, standing on the veranda, was so mesmerized that she didn't even notice Maria walking up to her until the shadows completely enveloped her.

"Mama, Your Majesty!"

Chunhe bowed hastily, but didn't hear Maria's response and didn't dare to look up. Maria ignored Chunhe and kept her eyes on Moko by the pool.

Amidst the gently interwoven ripples, koi carp swim leisurely, their figures leaping in the shimmering water, painting a series of dazzling and dreamlike shimmering colors. The girl by the pond seems to be the embodiment of all beauty, her smile as radiant as the most beautiful cherry blossoms in the early spring dawn, dazzlingly beautiful and breathtaking. Even Maria, who considers herself stunningly beautiful, is often captivated by this beautiful scene.

As if noticing the commotion along the corridor, Moko lazily propped herself up, revealing her snow-white jade feet hidden beneath her wide kimono, which aroused a strong desire in people.

"Maria is back so early today, are you done with your work?" Her lazy voice carried a hint of coquettishness.

"Lord Kaido said that it was unfair to keep Miss Moko confined to the villa, so he specially asked me to accompany Miss Moko to the Flower Capital for a stroll."

Maria lightly raised her fingertips and gently pressed them to her lips, concealing her gentle smile within her elegant posture, perfectly embodying the image of a kind older sister.

Moko raised an eyebrow. It seemed the plan was going even more smoothly than expected. By using the kidnapping as an excuse, she had Moko secretly attack Kaido's overseas businesses and blame the World Government for everything, thus stirring up trouble between the two sides. This wasn't Moko deliberately causing trouble; since the World Government and those people had already started making a fuss, she naturally didn't mind adding fuel to the fire and making the sea even more chaotic.

"Going out to play? That sounds great, just Maria and me?"

With her palms lightly supporting her body and her body slightly leaning forward, she exudes a languid yet deadly allure, like a rose just beginning to bloom in the morning light, quietly leaning against the wall, every gesture revealing endless temptation and charm.

"Of course I would like to accompany Miss Moko, but unfortunately I have to go to the Flower Capital to take care of some things, so Lord Jin will accompany Miss Moko this time."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Jin appeared out of nowhere. When they saw him, he was already beside Moke. Jin bent down and grabbed Moke's bare feet. Under the gaze of the three of them, Jin slowly picked up the pair of wooden clogs with delicate carvings and a faint scent of wood, and gently put them on Moke.

"Oh~"

Maria watched this scene with amusement in her eyes. It was quite an unexpected discovery. The stoic Lord Jin was treating a girl from the enemy camp with such kindness. It seemed that what the crew members said was true. So, what was Lord Jin thinking? What were his thoughts on this girl from the enemy camp?

"Let's go."

Jin showed no sign of guilt, remaining calm as if he had just done something as simple as drinking water or eating. Seeing that Moko hadn't moved yet, he tilted his head slightly to look at her. Although Moko couldn't see the expression behind Jin's mask, she clearly sensed Jin's confusion.

Moko waved her hand and swayed her arm gently. The delicate but loosely fastened kimono robe swayed gently with her movements, and the collar inadvertently loosened slightly, vaguely revealing the soft, delicate, and elegantly colored lining inside. It was like a gentle and graceful charm that bloomed unintentionally, arousing people's imagination.

Jin seemed not to understand. Moko sighed helplessly and looked at Maria. Maria couldn't help but laugh when she saw this. Well, it seems that Jin is not short of women. He has come into contact with many women for various reasons, but he is still too naive in some aspects. Noticing the helpless look Moko gave her, Maria smiled slightly and slowly stepped forward to help Moko out of the predicament.

"Lord Jin, a girl can't just go out like that; she needs to prepare first."

Moko nodded in agreement. She doesn't usually dress up, but she wouldn't allow herself to go out so casually. After all, she's a pampered young lady now.

Jin, however, didn't understand women. At least when he went out, he didn't have to sit in front of the mirror for ages like Maria and the others. However, Jin looked at Moko, whose kimono had already loosened a lot because she was lying down, and her eyes under the mask were slightly dark. He nodded to Maria, which was a sign that he agreed with Maria's statement. He knew this vain and delicate girl all too well. If she didn't like her clothes, she probably wouldn't even leave the house today.

That's right. During her time in Wano Country, Moko made all sorts of demands. She wanted the best in everything, from clothing and food to accommodation and transportation. She also needed someone to serve her around the clock. Otherwise, she would complain of this discomfort or that headache. She was even more delicate than the courtesans in the brothel. King didn't know how the Navy had raised such a pampered young lady.

(Shanks: Tsk, I raised them, so why is the credit going to the Navy?)

Jhin: Do you think I should praise you? ←_←)

"Chunhe, why aren't you taking Miss Moko to change?" Maria glanced at Chunhe, who was still bowing, and said in a slightly cold tone.

"Yes!"

Chunhe, whose head was almost touching the ground, immediately responded and hurriedly helped Moko to her feet. She picked up the belt that had been scattered on the ground and followed Moko into the room. After the figure disappeared into the distance, Maria glanced at Jin, who was standing to the side and no longer speaking, with a teasing look.

"Lord Jin has taken a liking to Miss Moko? Although Miss Moko is a Marine, if it were Lord Jin, Lord Kaido would probably agree as well."

"Maria!" The cold, emotionless voice was completely different from the tone when she spoke to Moko. "Do your job well and don't disappoint Lord Kaido."

After saying that, Jin left the courtyard without looking back. Maria raised her hand, held the exquisite pipe between her fingers, and elegantly brought it to her lips, taking a deep drag. The swirling smoke instantly enveloped the oppressive atmosphere around Maria, and then dissipated. Watching Jin's receding figure, Maria's lips slowly curved into a smile, a hint of amusement hidden in her smile, complex and ambiguous.

Meanwhile, the pampered Moko had already returned to the room that Maria had arranged for her to prepare. Light and transparent gauze curtains cascaded down like a waterfall, gently concealing the exquisitely decorated Japanese-style bedroom.

A gentle breeze carrying the scent of pink flowers drifted in through the open paper window, causing the gauze curtains to shift and change shape, casting a hazy, dreamlike glow.

On the bed, a snow-white silk quilt was spread out, embroidered with blooming cherry blossoms. The petals were delicate and vivid, as if dancing lightly in the wind, exuding the breath and vitality of spring.

In a corner of the room, a dressing table, meticulously carved from precious sandalwood, stood quietly, upon which various kinds of expensive headdresses were arranged in a staggered manner. If Moko didn't know that Kaido had other plans, she would even suspect that Kaido wanted to bribe her with Berries.

"Miss Moko, let me help you change."

Chunhe bowed respectfully, her eyes always fixed on the ground. Mo Ke lowered her eyes, simply hummed softly, and let Chunhe serve her.

These days, the person Mo sees most often is Chunhe. Logically speaking, Mo can get information from the outside world through Chunhe, but unfortunately, Chunhe was probably threatened before she came to serve her. When Mo asks her questions, Chunhe will only say "uh-huh" or remain silent. Apart from necessary close service, she usually stays several meters away from Mo and just stands there quietly, like a doll.

Of course, this approach is undoubtedly the best choice. Chunhe is just a lowly maid, and it is already remarkable that she can protect herself in this man-eating castle. There is no need for Mo to make things difficult for a little girl, or even sacrifice a child who is only trying to survive for her own benefit.

Kaido can't hold her, but what about Haruho? Moko can take Haruho with her, but who can guarantee that Kaido won't take his anger out on other innocent people? To save everyone, Kaido must relinquish his control of Wano Country, but that's obviously impossible.

This is not a fantasy world; everything is real. It's a world of survival of the fittest, where profit reigns supreme. Before making a decision, you must think carefully about whether you can bear the consequences. Moko doesn't consider herself a heartless person, but she's not a saint either. She can't save everyone. This world is just like this. For someone to think they can challenge and change a world that has been ruled for hundreds of years based solely on passion is simply daydreaming.

Shanks and her power do not belong to Kaido, so defeating Kaido is indeed not difficult. But what about afterwards? The governance of Wano Country, the outside world's attention, the rise and fall of various forces, and the world's turmoil once again—how should all of this be resolved?

Moko admits that she has changed. She is no longer the kind child she used to be. Now, all her decisions are made with the benefit of herself and her family in mind. Moko's kindness towards others is very limited. Perhaps she has always been an extremely cold person.

Chunhe had no idea what Moke was thinking. She carefully opened the trunk and took out a brand-new pink wide-sleeved kimono. The romantic cherry blossom pattern on it was exquisitely outlined with fine gold thread, as if capturing the most splendid moment of spring. It was lifelike and exuded endless vitality and gentleness. The matcha-colored sash was as fresh and elegant as the tender buds of early spring, and its edges were embroidered with delicate and exquisite patterns.

Moko glanced at the new kimono indifferently, said nothing, and simply nodded. With Moko's permission, Chunhe breathed a sigh of relief, took small steps forward, and skillfully and gently helped Moko put on the kimono. The pink silk slid down like flowing water, clinging to Moko's figure and outlining a gentle curve.

After putting on the kimono, Chunhe picked up the obi (sash) again, her fingers deftly moving between the sash. Each pull and fold was just right, neither too tight nor out of shape. In Chunhe's hands, the obi gradually transformed into a river flowing with the color of matcha, quietly encircling Moko's waist. As the obi gradually tightened and clung to her waist, a sturdy and beautiful knot quietly took shape.

Even after all that was done, it wasn't over. Chunhe meticulously adjusted every fold until the cherry-colored kimono was in its most perfect state before serving Moko to sit down in front of the dressing table.

Moko was already exceptionally beautiful and didn't need much makeup. Chunhe simply applied cherry-pink lip rouge to Moko, then retied her loose hair and inserted a hairpin with cherry blossom tassels.

A gentle breeze drifted in from the window, carrying pink petals that twirled gracefully in the air before settling softly on the dressing table. The girl in the mirror had eyes as clear as spring water and a face of unparalleled beauty, like the most radiant scenery in springtime, captivating not only hearts but also the entire world.

Moko gently picked up a petal, smiled sweetly, and everything around her paled in comparison to her stunning smile. Moko slowly stood up and went to the window, letting the petal in her hand be carried away by the wind and float into the sky until it could no longer be found.

Withdrawing her gaze, Mo Ke turned and walked slowly outside, her voice soft and calm.

"Let's go, we can't keep those two waiting."

"Yes."