One Piece: Shanks' Little Jasmine

Chapter 84 New Year's Peace and Happiness

The holiday was quite leisurely, and the three little ones hardly caused Moko any trouble. Moko, who had been busy at sea for a while, also had some rare free time.

Moko was sitting in a rocking chair by the window, knitting a scarf. The fireplace burned with warm, orange flames, emitting a soothing, woody melody. Mihua was fast asleep beside Moko, while Ella lay in a yarn basket, happily playing with a ball of yarn. Moko gently pried open Ella's little paws, took out the yarn she was crocheting, and stuffed a new spool of yarn into Ella's arms.

The sounds of fighting could be heard from outside the window from time to time. Moko raised her eyes slightly, a helpless smile in her eyes. She had originally planned to let Tuanzi stay in the sea, and they could go there more often. However, Tuanzi still followed her ashore. Before running out of water, Tuanzi would rush back to the sea on its own. In short, it refused to go too far away from Moko. When it got stubborn, it was almost a carbon copy of Shanks. Seeing this, Moko just let Tuanzi be.

After the three little ones found out that Tuanzi could fight, they insisted that Tuanzi accompany them for special training. Tuanzi had been training with Shanks and the others on the ship for real, so training with a few little guys was not a difficult task for him. On the contrary, it looked like the big guys were bullying the small ones. The three little ones used all their skills to attack Tuanzi, but unfortunately, they still couldn't even hurt Tuanzi's skin.

Don't be fooled by the fact that Tuanzi's fur is smooth but not tough, and has many holes. After all, Tuanzi is still a Sea King. Even if its movements are restricted when it comes ashore, the three little ones still can't hurt Tuanzi with their current strength. Of course, Shanks is an exception. Shanks' talent is so strong that it's almost bizarre. At Ace's age, he was already capable of taking down a group of Tuanzi by himself. However, Tuanzi and the others were still young then and hadn't experienced their father's training.

(Shanks: Huh, weirdo? Me? ⊙▽⊙? Since Moko-chan says so, then I must be weirdo!)

The battle had reached a fever pitch, with the sound of metal clashing ringing out. The three little ones stared at Tuanzi in shock. Tuanzi's claws had hardened and sharpened, but when they struck the iron water pipe, they left no mark. Instead, the three little ones' arms went numb from the impact. Tuanzi proudly raised its head, lifted its chubby paws, and pretended to show off its muscles, making people both laugh and cry.

The three little ones sat down on the ground, panting heavily. They were helpless against Tuanzi's arrogant and irritating appearance. Tuanzi was simply too strong, and they couldn't beat her at all.

Moko smiled and shook her head, putting down the scarf she had half-knitted. It was time to prepare lunch. What delicious food should she make today?

December arrived quickly in the Golbor Mountains, and heavy snow followed. The once withered and yellow Golbor Mountains were soon covered in a blanket of white snow, turning into a pristine white landscape. However, after winter set in, Tuanzi spent more time ashore than before, seemingly unaffected by the cold. The heavy snow provided him with even more convenience.

After discovering that Tuanzi was reluctant to return to the sea, Moko specially built a warm shed for Tuanzi before the snow season fully arrived. The shed had a huge pool where Tuanzi wouldn't feel crowded. The water was fresh water drawn from the sea, so there was no need to change it every day. There was also a small heater in the shed, so Tuanzi could rest there at night without feeling too cold.

During the time that Moko returned, there was no particularly important news in the world. Apart from the fact that the New Year was approaching, the only other news was that the Navy announced that three prospective admirals had officially assumed the positions of admiral. The three admirals would officially take office after the New Year, and their titles would continue to be those they had used during their vice admiral period.

Moko put down the newspaper, picked up the scissors, and continued to trim the jasmine and hibiscus she had just picked from the garden. Although the flowering period of the two flowers had inexplicably become much longer, and they would not wither immediately even in winter, they would still decay and enter dormancy in the depths of winter.

On the flower branches on the table, there were only a few buds that hadn't completely withered yet. Mo Ke trimmed off the excess leaves and inserted each branch into a vase until all the flower branches on the table were trimmed. A faint white halo appeared in Mo Ke's palm, and the halo surrounded and seeped into the trimmed flower branches. The small buds on the branches quickly matured and bloomed, and the petals slowly stretched outward. Gradually, the whole flower opened, and the bright red hibiscus and snow-white jasmine crowded together, bringing a touch of vitality to this season when all things were dormant.

The wind chimes rang, and a noisy sound came from outside. Moko smiled and got up to go to the door. Sunlight shone through the French windows onto the white marble floor. The warm light and shadow swayed slightly with the movement of the sheer curtains. A gentle breeze carried the fragrance of flowers, and the room was instantly filled with the aroma of flowers.

The three little ones really love Chinese New Year. Although they usually help Moke prepare three meals a day, they are always extra excited when preparing New Year's Eve dinner. It's just a pity that the wild animals in the mountains have such a lively New Year, and in the end they have to become a dish on the table.

The New Year is naturally a time for celebration and festivities. The three little ones went hunting in the mountains early in the morning. Makino and the village chief also arrived early to help Moko prepare the New Year's Eve dinner. Dadan's family was helping with cleaning to welcome the new year. The originally quiet mountain naturally became lively and full of life.

Once the ingredients are almost ready, you can start making dumplings. People in this world don't have the custom of eating anything special during the New Year. However, Moko makes a lot of dumplings every year to give away, and over time, the people around Moko also get into the habit of making some for the New Year.

When the three little ones returned, everyone gathered around the large round table, which was filled with various flavors of fillings prepared by Moke. Each person held a round dough wrapper, put their favorite filling into the wrapper, and then pinched it into a cute dumpling.

Moko was very fast at making dumplings. Her fingers flew across the plate, and soon a whole plate of plump white dumplings was filled. Makino and Ace were just as fast, making them quickly and well, while the others were a little slower.

Ace's dumplings were all the same size and regular in shape, while Uta's dumplings were smaller and more delicate. As for Luffy's dumplings, well, the shapes were quite unique, including fish, bears, balls, and some other shapes that were hard to identify. Moko found them quite interesting, but Ace's forehead twitched, and he punched Luffy on the head, though not very hard.

"Don't waste food! You're responsible for finishing all of this later, Luffy!"

"Oh~"

Luffy grinned and agreed, then stopped messing around with the dumpling wrappers and started playing with a small piece of dough that Moko had torn off.

Seeing that it was almost done, Moko handed the remaining dumplings to Makino and went to the kitchen to get the steamed glutinous rice. She then went to the yard, where a large wooden tub was placed. Moko poured the glutinous rice into the tub, and Tuanzi and Ella rubbed their paws together and picked up the large wooden hammer that was soaking in hot water.

Besides dumplings, rice cakes are also an essential part of Chinese New Year. When we were on the ship, Tuanzi made a lot of rice cakes. Back then, her father would often insist on making rice cakes. Now, the one who insists on making rice cakes is Ace.

Moko's eyes were filled with nostalgia as she watched Ace fighting with Tuanzi for the wooden hammer, a smile that she herself didn't even realize appeared on her lips.

Finally, Ace and Tuanzi reached an agreement: each would take one bucket. The courtyard became lively again. The sound of wooden mallets hitting the glutinous rice and the cheers of the crowd dispelled the winter chill and emptiness. The quiet courtyard was filled with warmth, making everyone feel warm inside.

The pounded rice cake is chewy but not sticky. Whether fried, steamed, or stir-fried with other dishes, it tastes good. Moke usually makes some of each method. More often, she wraps it with sweet red bean filling or pork floss filling, and after steaming, it can be eaten as a few small snacks.

As night approached, the New Year's Eve dinner was prepared in such a joyful atmosphere. Garp also rushed back before the dinner, carrying a bit of dust from his journey, indicating that he had returned as soon as he disembarked.

Upon seeing the naval hero Garp, Uta couldn't help but feel a little nervous. Although Shanks had protected her well and had never put her on a wanted list, it was still nerve-wracking for a pirate to be so openly flaunted in front of the naval forces.

Although Garp saw Uta, whom he had never seen before, and the enormous dumpling, he didn't react much, not even a little surprised. He just assumed that Moko had picked up a new little guy. After all, in Garp's memory, Moko was very popular. Whether it was people or animals, they would always be attracted to Moko. Her friendliness was frighteningly high. Moko would often pick up people or animals and did not hide it from Garp. Garp had seen quite a few of them.

"Grandpa Garp, welcome back." Moko took Garp's cloak, patted off the snowflakes, and then hung it on the hanger.

"Haha, I'm back. Hmm? Why are you all looking at me? The food's getting cold."

Garp patted Moko's head, then sat down at the table while talking to everyone. Moko also smiled and sat back down, meeting everyone's gaze as she slowly began to speak.

"The new year is just around the corner. Thank you all for your support this past year. I wish you all the best in the new year and a happy new year!"

Happy New Year!

"boom!"

As the glasses clinked, the midnight bells rang, signaling the arrival of the new year. An auspicious and joyful atmosphere filled the air, and the clinking of glasses broke the winter's tranquility, accompanied by the soft sound of falling snow, conveying heartfelt blessings to everyone.

The kids weren't particularly good drinkers, and as they got into the swing of things, they started talking about what they wanted to do in the future. When they heard that Ace and Luffy hadn't given up on their idea of ​​becoming pirates, Garp, as their grandfather, naturally didn't hold back. Ace and Luffy ended up with big bumps on their heads, and their drunkenness vanished instantly.

Uta was smarter; she drank juice. Seeing Uta covering her mouth and chuckling, Moko shook her head helplessly, patted Ace and Luffy's heads, and then took out the red envelopes she had prepared beforehand and placed them in the hands of the three little ones.

"This is a New Year's gift. I hope Ace, Luffy, and Uta-chan will have a happy and healthy new year."

"Long live Sister! ≧▽≦!" Luffy happily hugged Moko while holding the red envelope.

"I wish you happiness and joy in the new year, sister!" Uta smiled adorably, her lips pursed.

"Sister, I hope you're happy every day in the new year. I'll grow up quickly and be able to help you." Ace smiled broadly, his freckles making his smile even more radiant.

"My sister received the blessings. She's going to wash up and get ready for bed; she has to get up early tomorrow."

"Hmm!" x3

The three little ones happily agreed, grabbed their red envelopes, and rushed upstairs. It was easy to guess that they were going to count their Berries. Moko had never lacked Berries since she was a child. Even when Roger left, he left behind a lot of Berries, enough for Moko to live a comfortable life for the rest of her life. But the meaning of the New Year's money might be different. Moko would still be very happy when she received the New Year's money. It was quite amusing to see the three little ones saving money like little hamsters.

When Moko came out of the room, everyone had been drunk to the point of passing out by Garp. Moko raised an eyebrow and snatched the bottle from Garp's hand.

"Even if you're happy today, you can't drink too much. Everyone's drunk, including Grandpa Garp. Go wash up and rest. The bathwater is ready."

"Hey, Xiao Moke, let me finish it. I only drank one sip of that bottle."

Garp held up his little finger, as if there really was only a little bit left in the bottle. Even the fearless Vice Admiral Garp had someone he was afraid of. Well, everyone in his family was afraid of Moko.

"No, I need to get a good rest tonight."

Moko firmly rejected Garp's request. Under Moko's threatening gaze, Garp returned to his room dejectedly. Watching Garp go back to his room, Moko sighed helplessly. Garp is now what people often say: the older he gets, the more he acts like a child.

The Dadan family slept directly on the sofa. Makino and the village chief seemed to have gone back first. The mess in the restaurant had been cleaned up. Moko looked around, found a thick blanket to cover Dadan and the others, and turned up the fire in the fireplace. After doing all this, she went back to her room.

The moonlight was like water, its silvery glow illuminating the silent snowfield. Snowflakes began to fall lightly again. The lights inside the house went out, and the noise was once again drowned out by the sound of falling snow. In the darkness, the sound of snowflakes dancing and fluttering could be clearly heard, and a peaceful and serene atmosphere gradually spread, enveloping the entire mountain forest.