One Piece: Shanks' Little Jasmine

Chapter 165 Forbidden Emotions

"Professor Zephyr, you're finally awake! Tina was so worried!"

Tina threw herself onto Zephyr, her delicate makeup ruined by tears. She had been so worried these past few days. Her most respected teacher and best friend were both unconscious, and Moko had been captured by pirates. If it weren't for Smoker by her side, Tina felt she would have collapsed and rushed to Wano Country to rescue them without a second thought.

Zefa pursed his lips into a straight line, knowing he had worried the children. After thinking for a while, he awkwardly patted Tina's head with his large, warm hand. Tina's crying suddenly stopped, and she looked at Zefa in shock.

"what happened?"

A look of confusion flashed in Zefa's eyes. He didn't really know how to comfort a crying child. Angelica had always taught him, but before he could learn, Angelica left.

After that, Ain seemed to have forgotten how to cry. Such a fragile child had forced herself to become the youngest rank-holding naval officer. Looking at Ain who was gradually becoming stronger, Zephyr felt more heartache than pride. How much Angelica would feel if she saw her beloved child suffer so much growing up.

Zeff had never truly forgiven himself over the years. It was hatred for his enemies and the young Ain that allowed him to survive. As for comforting a crying child, he had no energy to think about such things back then. When he finally had a chance to catch his breath, his taciturn image had already taken deep root in people's hearts. Zeff was unwilling to explain, and as time went on, he became even more taciturn, even more admirable and fearsome, truly becoming a Marine Admiral in the eyes of the world.

But now, seeing Tina, whom he had raised with his own hands, crying, for some reason, he seemed to hear Angelica's helpless scolding in his ears. When he came to his senses, his hand was already imitating Angelica's way of comforting a child, gently stroking Tina's head. His movements were clumsy, completely different from how he comforted Ella.

"Hmm~ It's nothing, I just feel that Professor Zephyr's hands are very warm."

Tina noticed the embarrassment in Zephyr's eyes, and a happy smile appeared on her lips. Not caring if her hair got messed up, she rubbed her head against his large palm. Zephyr softened his expression, and his movements became much smoother. He continued to stroke Tina's head as if he were touching Ella.

"father!"

A panicked voice came from the doorway, and everyone looked in the direction of the sound. They saw Ain standing there, panting heavily, and Moko who had followed them. Ever since Angelica's incident, Ain's greatest fear had been losing Zefa. This incident had really frightened Ain. As soon as she woke up, she ran to Zefa's ward. When she saw that Zefa was still alive, the name she had kept in her heart for many years, the name she knew so well, just slipped out.

As her gaze shifted, she noticed that the right sleeve of her shirt was empty, fluttering in the wind. Aien, who hadn't cried no matter how hard or tiring the training was, now let her tears flow like a burst dam.

With legs feeling as heavy as lead, Ain staggered slowly to Zephyr's side. Tina had already stepped aside, making room for Ain.

Ain's hands trembled as she tried to reach out and touch the empty sleeve, but she withdrew her hand when she was only an inch away. Ain bit her lower lip hard, trying to hold back the sobs surging in her chest, but her heart was in so much pain that she had to squat down and curl up to relieve the suffocating feeling.

Why did it turn out like this? Why is she so weak? She clearly promised her mother that day that she would protect her father, that she would protect him on behalf of her mother and brother.

"It's alright now, Ain, it's alright now."

Zephyr was a true admiral of the Navy, and Ain was a child he had raised. How could he not sense Ain's self-blame? The pain he felt back then wasn't just his. Zephyr raised his hand and stroked the top of Ain's head, just as Angelica had comforted Ain back then.

Moko pulled Tina and Smoker, the three exchanged a glance, and then slowly left the room. Moko was the last to leave, and as she closed the door, a golden light flashed in her eyes as she looked at the scene in the room, and a gentle smile appeared on her lips.

Moko's inner wounds may be incurable, but love can. Whether it's an obsession or something hidden by time, as long as you live, the wounds will eventually be healed by love. After all, wasn't that how she got through those years?

"Thank you, Moko."

This was the second time Sengoku had bowed so solemnly to Moko to express his gratitude. The first time was for Corazon, and this time it was for his good brother Zephyr. Moko sighed helplessly and pushed the flower tea she had poured in front of Sengoku.

"Marshal Sengoku, as I said, I only saved people according to my own will, not because I wanted your thanks. Besides, General Zephyr has been very good to me. If I saw such a kind elder of mine fall into a nightmare, I would feel guilty."

Moko smiled at Sengoku, her sincerity genuine and unpretentious. Sengoku felt his heart melt, and the way he looked at Moko was almost as loving as that of his grandfather, Garp. He was filled with envy and jealousy. Why wasn't such a wonderful granddaughter his own? Damn it! (＞Д＜)！

Now that Moko has said she saved people according to her own will, it would be a disgrace to Moko's sincerity to offer any reward. Sengoku thought for a moment and suddenly had a good idea.

"Xiao Mo, you've been frightened this time too. Don't stay here and keep busy. Go home and take a few months off. Don't worry about work. Xiaomi and the others can handle it."

She wasn't exactly tired, but seeing Sengoku like this, Mo knew that if she didn't agree, Sengoku would probably feel guilty and wouldn't be able to sleep.

However, taking a vacation is a good opportunity to visit Moka and see the spoils seized from Kaido's three islands, and then go see Shanks. Shanks has caused such a commotion, and although he hasn't said anything, he must be worried. I need to go and comfort him, otherwise what if he cries?

"Then I will respectfully comply. If there is anything that needs my attention, Marshal Zhan Guo can simply tell Grandpa."

"I know, Xiao Mo, you can rest for a few more months. Don't worry about the holiday being too short. You can come back after you've had a good time at home!"

Sengoku patted Moko on the shoulder, giving her a break in a very generous way. You know, there's no specific definition of having fun, and even if she comes back next year, no one can say anything to Moko. But Moko wouldn't do that.

After playing with Meimei in the Marshal's office for a while, Moko returned to her own office. Corazon was in his office processing documents when he heard the door open. He looked up and saw Moko, then quickly lowered his head. For some reason, Corazon, who had been perfectly fine, suddenly became flustered and clumsy, as if his limbs had suddenly stopped obeying his commands. His hands were not hands, and his feet were not feet.

Moko's eyes darted around, and a cute, mischievous smile curled at the corners of her lips. If Shanks were here, seeing Moko's expression, he would know that someone else had been added to Moko's prank list.

"Millet cake".

Before Corazon could react, Moko suddenly leaned in, blinking her jewel-like eyes. Corazon's movements, which were protecting the documents, seemed to be paused. His outstretched hand froze, and a blush quickly spread from his neck to his face. His head gradually lowered, and it looked as if it was smoking. The pile of documents beside him collapsed without support, and the pages flew like snowflakes, slowly drifting to the ground.

Too close, Corazon could clearly hear his own heart pounding like a drum. Before Corazon could react, Moko suddenly laughed and patted Corazon's head like she was coaxing a child.

"Marshal Zhan Guo gave me a vacation so I can go home and rest for a while. I'll have to trouble Xiaomi Guo to handle the work afterwards. I'll bring you something delicious when I get back."

Moko smiled and straightened up, returning to her desk. Corazon finally breathed a sigh of relief, his breathing returning to normal. Remembering Moko's earlier mention of a vacation, although reluctant, he knew Moko had indeed been frightened and needed a good rest.

"Miss Moko, please go back and get some rest. I won't have any problems with work here."

"Corazon is really amazing, he always makes people feel so at ease. I'll be going now, see you in a while."

Moko smiled brightly, raised Ella's chubby paw and waved it at Corazon, and Ella obediently showed a soft and cute smile.

"Woo-mi!"

Moko blinked, then opened the door and left with the fluffy Ella in her arms. A few strands of hair casually draped over her shoulders swayed gently in the wind, her eyes sparkling with liveliness and playfulness. The entire room was filled with the adorable atmosphere she left behind. Corazon pursed his lips, a subtle curve appearing at the corners of his mouth. His soft murmur mingled with the wind, creating a clear, ringing sound.

"See you next time, Miss Moko."

The weather was always exceptionally good when I came home. The golden sunlight spread silently down the corridor like a fine brocade. Moko's figure passed through window after window, but she stopped at the window near the end of the corridor.

At the end of the corridor, a tall figure stood quietly by the window. Upon hearing the noise, his fingers seemed to freeze for a moment, but quickly returned to normal, as if the moment before had been just an illusion.

"General Sakazuki?" Moko tilted her head, a look of doubt flashing in her eyes.

"...Are you going on vacation?"

"Mm." Moko nodded.

Sakazuki turned his head and gazed at the smiling girl in front of him. No matter what, this girl was always so gentle and graceful. Even in front of him, she never showed any fear or apprehension like the other marines.

She was gentleness itself, radiating an irresistible warmth that Sakazuki couldn't resist. Sakazuki bit his tongue lightly, forcibly suppressing the strange restlessness in his heart.

This was the first time he felt a sense of panic after Moke was captured. This kind of thing had happened before, but he always put his interests first. But after Moke was captured, all he could think about was how to rescue her, even if it meant paying a huge price. This was not like him at all. What was wrong with him?

The words he wanted to say circled in his mouth again and again, but in the end, Sakazuki only managed to utter four words.

"be careful."

"I will, thank you for your concern, General Sakazuki."

Mo Ke revealed a smile as beautiful as a flower, as enchanting and radiant as petals falling in the wind, or as if a mysterious star map had been sprinkled into the dark sky.

"Pfft!"

His heartbeat went completely out of control. Even long after Moko left, Sakazuki remained frozen in place, unable to process what had happened. He took a deep breath and looked out the window.

In the square, the sunlight seemed to become exceptionally gentle, all of it converging on Moko. She stood there, her smile as bright as the early summer morning light, pure and warm, effortlessly radiating a captivating charm.

Time seemed to stand still, a faint floral fragrance filled the air. Sakazuki stood quietly in place, an indescribable darkness flashing in his eyes, mixed with an inexplicable worry and a strange longing.

Sakazuki tried to sort out his inner emotions, only to find them like a tangled mess of threads, impossible to cut or untangle.

The girl's innocence and beauty are like a mirror, reflecting the memories buried by time and the unspoken desires deep within her heart, awakening them. It is an emotion that is almost obsessive. Sakazuki longs to get close, yet he is afraid that his presence will destroy that purity and beauty.

Sakazuki took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down, but that dark feeling still lingered in his eyes. Sakazuki clenched his fists, turned and walked towards his office. This forbidden emotion was absolutely forbidden, absolutely not allowed!!