One Piece: Shanks' Little Jasmine

Chapter 124 The Big Kid Who's Afraid of Taking Medicine

Moko hadn't forgotten her main purpose for coming here. While chatting and laughing with Whitebeard, Moko began to examine Whitebeard's body. However, Whitebeard was no ordinary person. He was, after all, the strongest man on the sea in this era, and his perception of changes in physical strength was extremely sensitive. If she forcibly examined Whitebeard, she would definitely find something. So, for a while, Moko only examined the surface.

However, his physical condition, as revealed on the surface, was already far from optimistic. If an ordinary person suffered so many injuries, they would not have been able to endure it for so long. Even if they were lucky enough to survive, they would be sickly and eventually die young. But Whitebeard has managed to hold on until now thanks to his strong body, and his illness has not shown any signs of it.

That's not enough. To formulate the most suitable medicine for Whitebeard's body, we need to thoroughly understand Whitebeard's condition. Although it is possible to cure him in one go using healing power, it is too suspicious that Whitebeard's body could be cured so quickly. Anyone who thinks about it for a moment will suspect her. It's not that Mo doesn't trust Whitebeard, but the fewer people who know about such a heaven-defying ability as healing power, the better. Even if Whitebeard doesn't say anything, who can guarantee the safety of others?

Human hearts are fickle. Not all members of the Whitebeard Pirates are loyal to Whitebeard. Many joined because of Whitebeard's reputation. Momo can't guarantee that her abilities won't be discovered. As the saying goes, it's not the theft itself that's scary, but the thief's covetousness. Unknown threats from the shadows are the most deadly.

Of course, Moko wouldn't completely ignore her healing abilities. Medication alone wouldn't be enough to fully heal these injuries, and the healing process would be lengthy. Plus, Whitebeard's current physical condition makes it difficult for him to heal himself, so healing assistance is indispensable. However, she couldn't use her healing abilities too obviously, and luckily, she brought items to conceal them this time.

"Puffed rice".

"Pfft~"

Upon hearing Moko's call, Mika, who was lying on the carpet, immediately stood up, flapped her wings, and flew to Moko's side, landing on Whitebeard's lap as well.

Whitebeard raised an eyebrow when he saw Mihua. This fluffy ball of fur looked like that strange creature from back then. Come to think of it, if it weren't for that strange creature, he wouldn't have known that Roger had a daughter. That was the opportunity he first encountered this little guy.

Under the watchful eyes of Whitebeard and Marco, Moko pulled a very large brooch from Mika's backpack. It was at least four or five times larger than a normal brooch, after all, this was made with Whitebeard's physique in mind. Moko hadn't seen Whitebeard in a long time, so she had no idea what his current size was like. Besides, bracelets and such might not be suitable for Whitebeard, so Moko made a brooch instead. Brooches, no matter their size, can be carried around, which is quite convenient.

"This is a gift for Uncle Whitebeard."

The brooch was made much larger, but it was still only slightly larger than a regular button in Whitebeard's palm. The brooch was made with Serafite ore, and Moko stored healing power inside. When Whitebeard carried it with him, the healing power would automatically flow to the injured area. Moko only needed to come and replenish it once a day, without having to stay by Whitebeard's side all the time.

To match Whitebeard's dignified image, the brooch was specially carved into the shape of the Whitebeard Pirates' flag skull. Wearing it wouldn't look out of place. Whitebeard wasn't particularly interested in treasures and ornaments, but this was different. It was a gift from the little guy, and Whitebeard's delight was evident. He immediately pinned the brooch to his coat, tugged at it, and asked Moko with bright eyes.

"How about it?"

Whitebeard looked like a child waiting for praise. Moko nodded affirmatively and gave him a thumbs up. "It suits Uncle Whitebeard perfectly. Uncle Whitebeard, you should take it with you every day from now on."

"Gulalalala, I'll definitely carry this gift with me every day."

As he spoke, the white-bearded man gave Marco a smug look, as if showing off. He really was getting more and more like a child as he got older. Marco reluctantly accepted his father's boasting, but he was also genuinely envious. That special brooch must have been made by Moko herself. He never received a gift made by Moko. He was so envious!

"It's a deal then. I'll have to check next time you come."

"Gulalalala, okay."

The old man and the young woman got along exceptionally well. The warm sunlight shone on them, creating a cozy atmosphere. Even if someone said they were father and daughter, probably no one would doubt it.

With the healing power of the brooch slowly nourishing her body, coupled with the subsequent medication, her physical condition will gradually improve and she won't attract too much attention. As if thinking of something, Moko looked up at the white beard.

"Uncle with the white beard, have you been taking your medicine on time lately?"

Worried that Whitebeard would find it bitter, Moko specially had Yubi bring over a lot of candied fruit. Don't say that a grown man isn't afraid of bitterness. Back then, Roger would rather get a shot than drink medicine. When he first drank the medicine, he swore that he wasn't afraid of bitterness, but after taking the first sip, his eyebrows and nose almost curled up. As a result, every time he drank medicine afterward, he was chased all over the ship by Crocus. If it weren't for Moko making candied fruit and other sweet things to relieve the bitterness, Roger would definitely not have opened his mouth to drink the medicine.

However, as time went on, Roger's sense of taste almost completely disappeared due to the torment of his illness. Since then, Roger has never frowned when taking his medicine. But in order not to worry her, Roger would always pretend to be suffering from the bitterness of the medicine and stick to her, begging for candied fruit. Moko never said that Roger's acting skills were really bad. He didn't act like a real actor at all. Even though her candied fruit didn't have any sugar in it, Roger would still say that it was incredibly sweet. What a silly dad.

When Moko asked about taking his medicine, Whitebeard's eyes immediately darted away, looking pleadingly at Marco. Marco slowly looked away, pretending not to see Whitebeard's plea for help. He would never help his father lie to Moko, and besides, his father's habit of not taking his medicine really needed to be changed. Moko's medicine was a bit bitter, but it was really effective. Unfortunately, his father always used various excuses to get away with it, which made Marco suffer chasing after his father all day. Finally, someone could keep his father in check, and this time he would have to let Moko have a good talk with him.

Whitebeard: Is it a bit bitter?

Marco: Just a tiny bit, Dad. This is a prescription that Moko specially made for your health. YOo(o?3?o)

Whitebeard: I feel like you're gloating, Marco →_→.

Marco: Dad, it's just an illusion, yoi~)

Noticing Marco turning his head away, clearly determined not to cover for him, Whitebeard inwardly cursed his son. He was Marco's father; was he just going to watch him fail to answer the little guy's question?

"Uncle with the white beard?"

Moko's voice immediately drew Whitebeard's attention back. Seeing Moko's clear and bright eyes, Marco couldn't bear to let anyone say a lie. He suddenly felt the gaze behind him become even more intense. He forced himself to remain calm, picked up his teacup and drank his tea, refusing to turn around and look at Whitebeard. He knew his father would understand his feelings and help with anything, but not this. Besides, he wouldn't interfere in lying to Moko.

Noticing Whitebeard's guilty look, Moko understood everything. She puffed out her cheeks angrily. He always relied on his strong physique to drink and fight without restraint, and he didn't even take the medicine he was prepared for. Moko was really angry about this behavior. Roger had angered Moko many times because of this.

"Uncle Whitebeard, don't look at Marco like that. How can you be healthy if you don't take your medicine on time? Your health has clearly deteriorated like this..."

Just as the saying goes, girls are made of water. Moko's tears came so easily. Marco couldn't pretend to be blind anymore and rushed to Whitebeard's side. He looked at his father with a resentful gaze, as if to say, "Dad, you're the one who made her cry. Hurry up and comfort her."

Whitebeard has been at sea for so many years, he's seen all sorts of storms and waves, and he's had his share of women, but when it comes to comforting girls, he really has no experience. After all, he's always found crying girls troublesome and has never comforted them before.

(Roger: No wonder, serves you right for not having a wife (??w??))

Whitebeard: Tsk, you want to fight, huh? So what if you don't have a wife? I have plenty of sons.

Roger: But I have a sweet and soft baby daughter... ( ? )

Whitebeard: ヽ(`Д′)ノ I'll come over sooner or later.

Shanks: s(｀ヘ′;)ゞ I can't change my mind even a little bit, Moko-chan is mine! ）

"Don't cry, little one. I promise I'll take my medicine properly from now on, okay?"

Whitebeard was a bit flustered, just like Roger when he coaxed Moko. Despite being a powerful figure on the sea, he was secretly terrified of Moko crying.

"Really?" Moko's trembling eyelashes were still covered with glistening tears, making her look incredibly pitiful.

"Really!" Seeing that it worked, Whitebeard nodded affirmatively. He was the strongest man in the world; so what if he drank medicine? He wasn't afraid at all!

"Then you should take two doses of medicine from now on."

"Ah Σ(っ °Д °;)っ?!"

"Hmm <(｀^′)＞?"

"Sigh, two portions it is."

Seeing Whitebeard give in, Moko gave Marco a smug look. Marco raised an eyebrow, finding it somewhat amusing; it seemed his father was completely under his thumb.

The new prescription still needs to be tested based on Whitebeard's actual physical condition. After receiving Whitebeard's permission, Moko placed her hand on Whitebeard's wrist, and a trace of healing power instantly completed a circulation along Whitebeard's blood vessels.

Sensing the changes in his body, Whitebeard raised his eyebrows almost imperceptibly. Although he didn't know what Moko's ability was, he clearly sensed that the power flowing into his body was not only probing but also consciously repairing. Even the old wounds that were throbbing were relieved quite a bit. Of course he was curious, but Whitebeard wouldn't ask. What's wrong with the children having their own little secrets? He wasn't the kind of parent who didn't understand things.

Moko, having withdrawn her healing power, frowned. Just as she had thought, Whitebeard's body had been in a state of tension. It was thanks to Marco's usual care that he would have collapsed suddenly if he had remained in this state for so long. If something had happened to Whitebeard, the balance of the world would have immediately become skewed, and what the world would have become then would have been truly unknown.

"Brother Marco, I'm rewriting the prescription. Let's use the new prescription from now on." Moko sorted out her thoughts and looked at Marco.

“Okay, yoi.” Marco readily agreed, not at all worried that Moko would harm Whitebeard.

Seeing how smoothly the two were talking, the white-bearded man hesitated, while Moko smiled and smiled with a hint of helplessness in her eyes. Sure enough, no matter how old you are, you're still afraid of taking medicine.

"Brother Marco, who's in charge of the kitchen on the ship?"

"The kitchen is in charge of Sachi, the one who wore the chef's uniform earlier. Xiao Mo, would you like to meet him?"

"Hmm, it should taste much better if it's made into a medicinal dish, and Uncle Whitebeard should find it easier to accept."

Moko's voice was tinged with laughter. Marco noticed his father's pained expression and tilted his head slightly, desperately trying to suppress the smile on his lips. He absolutely couldn't laugh, or his father would definitely ask Moko to prescribe some medicine for him, which was unacceptable.

Whitebeard felt an overwhelming tenderness in his heart. Daughters and sons are just different. Sons only force him to take medicine, never caring about whether it tastes good or not. He really had to bring the little one back as his daughter. As for that brat Red-Haired Shanks, well, with so many sons, there must be one the little one would like more. He'd better get his sons to work harder.

(Marco & everyone: (rules v rulers) In the end, he still fell out of favor and became Dad's tool for vying for affection, sob sob sob (secretly vying for affection, my sister is mine~)

Shanks: ヽ(*。＞Д＜)o゜Moko-chan is mine, she's mine, you bunch of bastards!)

"Okay, yoi, I'll go call Sachi over."

Marco walked toward the door, while Moko and Whitebeard continued their conversation. When they got to a happy part, Moko's two dimples deepened, and she naturally revealed a sweet smile. Marco, who had reached the door, turned back to look at Moko's smile, and a gentle smile unconsciously appeared on his lips. His half-drooping eyelids narrowed into slits with laughter. If he could, he really wanted to keep this moment forever. It was so beautiful, so beautiful that he felt like he was in a dream.