One Piece: Shanks' Little Jasmine

Chapter 73 Smooth Sailing and Worry-Free

Princess Otohime's funeral was not extravagant, following her wishes in life. Everything was simple and plain. Moko stood beside the coffin, tidying up Princess Otohime's remains. Her older sister, Princess Otohime, loved beauty the most, so even in death, she had to be the most beautiful princess.

"Miss Moko, Princess Shirahoshi, it's time. Everyone is waiting for Queen Otohime."

The priest presiding over the sea burial spoke respectfully, without the slightest hint of disrespect, even though Mo was a land dweller.

Moko's body stiffened for a moment, but she quickly recovered, as if nothing had happened.

"Let's go, it's time to go to Otohime-neechan's favorite place."

As the three princes carried their mother's coffin out of the palace, the streets of Fishman Island were filled with its inhabitants. They had all come spontaneously to bid farewell to Princess Otohime. Princess Otohime had dedicated her life to the future of Fishman Island and was kind and gentle to everyone. Now that this kind and amiable queen had passed away, regardless of her motives or whether she agreed with Princess Otohime's ideals, everyone felt a deep sense of regret and sorrow.

Fishman Island was a pure white expanse. The path along which Otohime's coffin passed was lined with white crystal flowers, and every resident of Fishman Island held a wreath woven from the vines of the Giant Tree of Eve.

This is a unique custom on Fishman Island. When a family member or a highly respected member of the royal family passes away, the residents of Fishman Island will weave the vines of the Tree of Eve into a wreath and bury it with the coffin. This is a blessing from the residents to the deceased, hoping that they will be happy and carefree in the next life and have a smooth life.

If the wreaths are presented to members of the royal family, then the number of wreaths can be used to demonstrate whether that member is loved by the people. The last royal member to be so beloved was the extremely kind old king.

Shirahoshi's eyes were filled with tears as she looked at the countless flower wreaths. She could no longer hold back her tears. Her mother was indeed the best mother. Everyone on Fishman Island acknowledged her mother's efforts. The things her mother had dedicated her life to had truly changed Fishman Island. Now, nothing could make her happier than this scene.

Neptune was also deeply moved. As king, he had to maintain his dignity at all times, but seeing this scene, seeing his beloved wife so loved by his people, he couldn't stop his tears from flowing.

The crowd stretched from the royal palace to the Sea Forest. On this day, the usually deserted Sea Forest was filled with people seeing off Princess Otohime. Moko stood in front of the coffin and placed the fairy Jasmine in her arms into the coffin, along with a bracelet made of Nora.

Princess Otohime lay peacefully in the coffin, as if she were just asleep and would wake up in the next second, just like before, to hold her affectionately and call her "Little Moko." But Moko knew that this was just her imagination. Her sister Princess Otohime had gone to another world, to the world where her parents were, and she would never see her again.

"Sister Otohime, I will protect Fishman Island and Shirahoshi. I will also help you realize your dream. Fishman Island will definitely be able to reach the surface of the sea, and we will definitely be able to see the real sun..."

Moko clenched her fists, and her voice trailed off as she spoke. The rest of her words were stuck in her throat, and she couldn't say them. Shanks looked at her with heartache and stepped forward to gently put his arm around Moko's shoulder, wanting to give her some strength. Moko turned her head and leaned against Shanks's chest, silently shedding tears.

Through her tear-filled eyes, a glowing little fish swam up to Moke. Moke was slightly startled and couldn't help but look up to follow the little fish's figure. In just one glance, tears welled up in her eyes. She saw countless glowing little fish swimming outside the bubbles. The blue starlight followed the little fish's movements, leaving a dazzling trail, as if she had arrived in the Milky Way, surrounded by countless stars, making it impossible to look away.

A chorus of exclamations rose and fell from the crowd. Unable to resist reaching out to catch the falling light, a warm sensation flowed through their limbs and reached their hearts as the light touched them. It was as if Otohime was comforting them. A tear slid down Moko's cheek.

"How can you keep your promise like this... Sister Otohime, you're too cunning..."

After the sea burial, Moko refused Shanks' suggestion to return to Elspes. She had been away for a long time, and Yubi still had to go to Elspes to pick up Salika and the others. Moko had to stay on Fishman Island to handle the remaining miscellaneous matters. As for Shanks, he suddenly changed his plans to accompany Moko to Fishman Island. There were many things piling up in the New World that he needed to deal with. Shanks wanted to stay with Moko, but she refused. She would not allow Shanks to give up those things he had been planning for so long because of her.

Moko has her own things to do, and Shanks is also pursuing his own dreams. No matter what happens, neither of them will allow themselves to become an obstacle to the other's pursuit of the future, because that would be too selfish.

Shanks wants to become stronger to protect Moko for life, and Moko is not a parasite either; she also wants to become stronger and become Shanks' solid support, standing on the same level as Shanks. Neither of them is ever subservient to the other. Moko and Shanks are both independent individuals, but they are also closely connected. Without either of them, the other would not be able to live alone.

Moko and Shanks may not be on the same path, but no one can question their feelings for each other. Regardless of whether they are on the same path, they made their choices for each other. Their paths will surely intersect in the near future, and then they will never be separated again.

Despite his reluctance, the time for parting finally arrived. Shanks did not deliberately conceal his whereabouts on Fishman Island. So much time had passed, and if it weren't for the blockade of Fishman Island caused by Otohime's sea burial, the Navy would have come to investigate long ago.

Shanks rested his head lightly on Moko's head, his arms wrapped around Moko as if he were holding a doll, sitting on the reef, watching everyone pack their bags.

"Are you really not coming with me?"

Shanks' voice was filled with reluctance. This time, Shanks was really frightened. Now, Moko was not going with him, and he would not see her for a long time. Just thinking about this made Shanks feel all kinds of panic.

"Shanks, we can't leave everything to Mr. Beckman, you understand?"

Moko didn't answer directly, but her words told Shanks her decision. Shanks sighed helplessly but affectionately, and kissed the top of Moko's head. He had known for a long time that his little Moko was strong and stubborn. He could take Moko under his wing and protect her for a lifetime, but Moko would not agree to that.

"Oh, I see."

Shanks responded slowly, but his shifty eyes made Moko worry for Beckman.

(Beckman: I always feel like someone's talking about me, is it just my imagination?)

"Boss, we can set off now!"

From afar, Lachiru waved, but Shanks held Moko even tighter. Moko had no doubt that if she gave in, Shanks could take her directly onto the ship. Moko helplessly curled her lips and turned her head to meet those pitiful black eyes.

Seeing Shanks' reluctance, Moko reached out and covered Shanks' cheek, then slightly rose and kissed his thin, aggrieved lips. Shanks' eyes widened in surprise. Moko left before Shanks could react, her smile gentle.

"Shanks, have a safe journey."

Shanks' eyes crinkled into a smile, and under Moko's smiling gaze, he kissed her again. The crowd in the distance gasped in disbelief. It was really too much to be so blatantly showing off their affection. Waaah, they wanted a wife too!

(Red Regiment crew members: stare—)

Beckman: Don't look at me, I don't have a wife either. If you want a wife, go find one yourself!

Red Team Crew Member: Waaaaah, I'm even more jealous of the captain now! If only we'd raised a little wife when we were kids!

Shanks: (Proud) ヾ(＠゜▽゜@)ノ ）

"Moko-chan, remember this: don't even think about leaving me, or next time I'll tie you to my side and never let you leave again."

Shanks' eyes were serious, and Momo knew he wasn't joking. She cupped Shanks' face in her hands and pressed her forehead against his.

"If it were Shanks, I'd be willing to be trapped here for the rest of my life."

"You little liar, you're not coming with me now."

Although his tone was somewhat stern, he was clearly spoiling Moko. However, the idea of ​​kidnapping someone from Marine Headquarters was indeed something to consider. Various thoughts flashed through Shanks' eyes, and he became more and more determined.

(Beckman: Why do I feel a chill on my head? What is that idiot captain planning to do now? _(:3」∠)_)

Once Shanks and his crew left, the passage to Fishman Island was reopened. As for the Marine spies who mingled with the crowd and entered Fishman Island, Moko didn't bother with them. In any case, it wouldn't be long before the news of Whitebeard taking over Fishman Island would spread throughout the world.

"Sister, the documents have been moved over!"

Uta and Shirahoshi entered the room carrying a large pile of books. Because Shanks's next task would be quite dangerous, Uta was temporarily staying with Moko. Of course, this was only one reason. The main reason was that Shanks left Uta to watch over Moko, like a little surveillance camera. If it weren't for the circumstances, Shanks would have loved to be the little surveillance camera himself and keep an eye on Moko.

"Thank you for your hard work, Uta-chan and Little Star."

Moko rubbed the two little ones' heads, then picked up the documents and started reading. These were all left by Otohime regarding the future plans for Fishman Island and the cooperation negotiations with the mainland over the years.

Cooperation will naturally continue. Maintaining cooperation with the nobles can indeed ensure the relative stability of Fishman Island. However, if those nobles have too big an appetite, Moko wouldn't mind helping to cut them in half.

Seeing that Moko was engrossed in her work, Uta and Shirahoshi didn't disturb her. They sat quietly to the side, each holding a fur ball and reading obediently.

Time stood still, and the sadness of parting was eventually soothed by the love that remained. Those who stayed must live well with this love, and even if they are in great pain, they must not give up on moving towards the future.

Moko looked up slightly. The two well-behaved girls in the room were reading books, looking so peaceful and beautiful. The haze that shrouded the dome outside the window seemed to have been torn open, and sunlight shone down, bringing a touch of bright and cheerful warmth.

My dearest children, may your future be filled with happiness, peace, and tranquility, and may my love forever protect you...