One Piece: Shanks' Little Jasmine

Chapter 81 Sugar Cake

When Moko returned, she saw Ella brazenly lying on Zoro's head, and Zoro's expression seemed to be one of deep helplessness and exhaustion. Moko pursed her lips, suppressing the smile in her eyes.

"It seems you've become good friends."

"No, that's not true!"

"Woo-mi!"

One person refuted the argument, while the other raised their paw in agreement; they were each talking past each other, which was strangely funny.

Zoro noticed the smile in Moko's eyes, his earlobes flushed slightly, and he awkwardly turned his head away. Moko didn't tease Zoro anymore; as if to ease the atmosphere, she spoke softly.

"Let's pack up and go for a stroll in town."

"Ok?"

Zoro turned his head back to look at Moko with a puzzled expression. As he tilted his head, he didn't forget to lift Ella, who had an extremely long reaction time, from his head to prevent her from falling. He had just said they weren't good friends, but this subconscious action of his didn't seem like it at all.

"Woo-mi~"

Ella's little belly was round and full from eating, and her big grape-like eyes were already slits. She didn't even react when she was grabbed by the scruff of her neck. Looking at her blank and dazed appearance, by the time her reflexes returned and the whole bear came to her senses, she had already been held for quite a while. When she realized that she couldn't move, she started to flail her fat paws wildly and grumbled in dissatisfaction.

Moko chuckled as she took Ella into her arms and gently rubbed her tummy to help her digest. Ella purred contentedly and found a comfortable spot to snuggle up.

Seeing that Zoro wasn't keen on going out, Moko carried Ella to the window. Although the town wasn't big, it was still quite lively. There weren't many shops around, but they had everything one could need, so replenishing basic supplies wouldn't be a problem.

"Zorro, come with me for a walk. I saw some really delicious sugar cakes on the street this morning. Ella wants to try some, right?"

"Woo-mi!"

Hearing about delicious food, Ella immediately perked up, her squinting eyes widening instantly, leaving Zoro stunned. If he remembered correctly, this fat bear had just finished a whole plate of milk cakes, and was still stuffed just moments ago. How could she keep eating now? How did her stomach grow like that? d(?д??)

Although he wasn't particularly interested in shopping, Zoro nodded at Moko's request and quickly got himself ready. He even tucked his three longswords into his waistband. Perhaps due to his regular training, Zoro was in great shape, with some muscle definition, and exuded the youthful energy and vitality unique to his teenage years.

Moko smiled slightly at the sight, unconsciously thinking of Shanks at that age, his smile as bright as the rising sun. She was captivated by Shanks' smile the moment she opened her eyes, and has been deeply immersed in it ever since. Those were truly happy times, so happy that they are unforgettable.

Moko quickly pulled herself out of her reverie and noticed that Zoro's fingers were unconsciously rubbing the hilt of his sword. He only made these small, unconscious movements when something was very important to him. Moko would often unconsciously turn the ring on her finger or touch her necklace, which was a habit she had developed without realizing it.

"Zoro really cherishes these three swords."

"Yes, they are important."

When the topic turned to swords, Zoro's sharp features softened noticeably, and his affection for swords was evident.

"Yes, that's a very important sword..."

Moko gazed at the love for swords in Zoro's eyes, and as if thinking of something, she murmured softly. However, the murmur was so low that it was almost inaudible, and Zoro did not hear it clearly. When he looked up at Moko in confusion, Moko had already returned to her usual gentle smile, as if the murmur that was like a gentle breeze was just Zoro's illusion.

"Mihua, it's time to go."

"Pfft!"

Seeing that Mika had been sleeping, she immediately perked up when she heard Moko's voice, her chubby body squeezing between Moko and Zoro, right next to Moko.

Zoro also noticed that the two little things seemed to be particularly attached to Moko. When Moko was around, no one else was even on their radar. Even if they did pay attention to others, they were lazy and listless. This was especially true of the big furball.

"Let's go."

After everything was ready, Moko took the three little ones out. When they got downstairs, the bar owner greeted them happily. But when he realized they were about to leave, a hint of worry appeared in his eyes for some reason.

"Are you planning to take your younger brother out for a stroll?"

The owner was a slightly plump woman in her thirties or forties. Her hair was neatly combed and tied up with a hair tie, making her look quite energetic. The apron she was wearing had been washed until it was a little faded, which showed that she was not wealthy. However, she was clean and tidy, and her neat appearance gave off a faint sense of friendliness.

"Hmm, I'm planning to go shopping. The little one at home wants some sweet cakes."

"The sugar cake is right at the second fork in the road ahead. It's the first shop there. They make the best sugar cake, and many people from out of town love to eat it..."

"Okay, thank you, boss lady."

The landlady seemed to want to say something more, but Moko had already smiled and thanked her before leaving. Seeing that Moko had already gone out, Zoro quickly nodded to the landlady and then hurried after her. The landlady touched her face with one hand, and the smile on her face slowly faded, replaced by worry.

"It should be alright, right? It's not the appointed day yet. It would be a shame if such a beautiful child were seen, sigh..."

"Hahaha, boss lady, wine, wine!"

At a table against the wall in the lobby, several drunk men were shaking their wine jugs and shouting at the proprietress. Their flushed faces clearly showed they were quite intoxicated. The proprietress suppressed her worries, and the little smile she had left vanished. She shook her head speechlessly.

"A bunch of drunks, I know, beer, right? I'll go get it."

After leaving the tavern, Zoro frowned and looked back, but the tavern door blocked his view, and the proprietress was no longer behind the bar. Was it just his imagination? Zoro had a feeling that the proprietress had something to say, and what was she worried about?

"Zoro, I have some jerky, want some?"

"Woo-mi-woo-mi!"

Moko waved a bag of jerky she'd bought sometime during her shopping trip, while Ella grabbed a piece and started munching on it. Zoro's initial confusion vanished instantly. He was speechless. This shopping was too fast! They'd only been out for two minutes!

Moko stuffed the dried meat into Solon's arms and continued walking. Walking on the street, she could clearly feel the liveliness of the street. People came and went on the simple street, and there were many horse-drawn carriages carrying fresh vegetables that had just been picked in the morning to sell.

The transparent glass windows displayed the items sold in the store. Whenever they passed by the snack shops and stalls, Ella's eyes would linger on them like a thread. Before he knew it, Zoro had inexplicably picked up quite a few bags of snacks. When he saw Ella pointing to a shop selling fruit and almonds, Zoro was completely speechless.

This isn't just someone who came out to buy sweet cakes. Zoro looked at the increasing number of snack bags in his hands and the pile that Mika was carrying on her back, and he was sweating profusely. Then he ate the sweet cakes he had just bought from the previous store in one bite, and couldn't help but sigh in his heart, "This bear can really eat a lot."

"what!!"

A scream rang out, followed by the sounds of shattering glass and smashed objects. Zoro instantly gripped his sword hilt and looked toward the source of the sound. When the scream came again, he didn't even bother to call out to Moko, dropping the bag of snacks and rushing toward the shop from which the sound came.

"Pfft?"

Mika tilted her head, staring at Zoro who had suddenly left with a puzzled look. Then she felt a pat on her head. In an instant, Mika stopped paying attention to Zoro and affectionately rubbed against Moko's leg. Moko tidied up the snacks she had left behind before walking in the direction Zoro had gone.

"Let's go take a look."

"Pfft!"

The shop that was vandalized was the same sugar cake shop that Moke and her friends had just left. The shops next to the sugar cake shop were all closed, and no one came out to help, as if they were afraid of getting into trouble. The shop, which was originally full of exquisite sugar cakes, was now smashed beyond recognition. Glass was broken all over the ground, and the ground was covered with crushed sugar cakes. The sweet smell was now cloying and unsettling.

A group of burly, fierce-looking men stood in front of the counter. Judging from their attire, they were probably pirates. The leader pointed his sword directly at the shop owner, who was being held by the man, completely ignoring the shop owner's pleas for mercy. The female shop assistant lay on the ground, her head covered in blood, amidst the shattered wood chips of the counter. If it weren't for the slight rise and fall of her breath, Zoro would have thought she was dead.

This scene deeply stung Zoro's eyes. His master had once told him that one should never use one's sword to bully the weak. Those who kill, burn, and plunder have no right to pick up a sword; it is a desecration of the sword. He wanted to become the world's greatest swordsman not only to fulfill that person's wish but also because of his own ambition. However, he hated villains who used swords to bully innocent people. That person hated this kind of person the most. Since he had seen this, he would not ignore it.

"Hey kid, what kind of look is that!"

When the vicious man saw Zoro's angry eyes, he felt displeased and raised his fist to threaten Zoro, looking like he wanted to punch him. Zoro narrowed his eyes and reached for the sword at his waist.

"Hey, brat, you've even drawn your sword. What, you want to kill me?"

"Ha, this brat is really arrogant, hahaha!"

"Hahaha……"

For a moment, the shop was filled with the mocking laughter of men, and their eyes were full of ridicule as they looked at Zoro, seemingly not taking him seriously.

"You, go and meet this brat."

The leader gestured to the man beside him, who nodded, drew his sword, and strode toward Zoro. Seemingly thinking Zoro was just a reckless child, the man simply swung his sword at Zoro.

"Clang!"

The sound of swords clashing rang out. The man stared in shock at Zoro, who had caught his sword so easily. Before the man could react, Zoro twisted his wrist, deflected the man's sword, and suddenly closed in on him, slashing with his sword. If the leader hadn't reacted quickly and pulled the arrogant man away, that sword would probably have struck the man. This brat has some real skill.

"Kid, you're pretty good. Want to join us?"

"whispering sound."

Zoro leaped back, quickly creating distance between himself and the man opposite him. He scoffed at the leader's invitation and spat in disgust. His grip on his sword clearly indicated his decision.

"Since you won't listen to reason, you'll have to suffer the consequences. Then you can die with me."

The man swung his sword at Zoro, showing no shame whatsoever for bullying a child. Zoro, equally fearless, gripped his sword with both hands to meet the attack. Zoro's swordsmanship was clearly immature. Although he could barely manage a few exchanges with the man using his brute strength, he was finding it increasingly difficult to fight against a strong and robust man over time.

Gradually, Zoro's sword-swinging speed began to slow down, but he still stared defiantly at the man. The man's eyes were fierce, and each swing of his sword was clearly mocking, as if he had finally had enough fun. Suddenly, the man threw a small knife at Zoro. To dodge the knife, Zoro could only roll away. At this moment, the man's sword also swung over. Seeing that the man had no intention of showing any mercy, Zoro couldn't help but close his eyes. Was this how it was going to end?

"Clang!"

The expected pain did not come. Zoro slowly opened his eyes and saw Moko standing behind him, holding only an extremely ordinary tree branch in her hand. But this seemingly fragile branch had managed to catch the man's sword.

Moko was backlit, so Zoro couldn't see the expression on her face. But her slender figure made Zoro feel so at ease, and his voice trembled with excitement when he spoke.

"elder sister."