One Piece: Shanks' Little Jasmine

Chapter 95, Dance 1

Before the banquet began, Sengoku gave a speech, which lasted only about ten minutes. Just as Ella was taking her tenth nap, Sengoku finally finished speaking.

"Although the New Year has passed and this celebratory banquet is a bit late, our Navy has appointed three powerful new Admirals this year. This is something to be happy about. I hope that everyone present and those absent will continue to contribute to the safety and stability of the seas under the leadership of these three Admirals. One day, our Navy will surely wipe out all pirates and maintain world stability. Gentlemen, fight for justice!"

"Fight for justice! Fight for justice!"

A resounding, firm voice filled her ears. Moko, with a strange expression, stood aside and quietly watched this impassioned scene. Sure enough, no matter where you are, managers have to give a speech at the annual meeting, and then finish with some inspiring platitudes to set the mood. However, from the beginning until now, Moko was certain that this speech was definitely not written by Sengoku himself. After all, it didn't seem like something that the Marshal Sengoku could come up with. Moreover, the Marshal Sengoku's eyes seemed to be constantly glancing at his palm. There must be a small note in his palm.

(A crane with a wicked sense of humor passing by while writing a speech~─=≡Σ((((≧?≦)))

Seeing that the atmosphere was right, Sengoku raised his other hand and pressed it down, signaling everyone to be quiet. The lieutenant who had been watching Sengoku's movements had walked up to the stage when Sengoku waved his hand, carrying a wine tray to Sengoku's side. Sengoku raised the wine cup full of wine from the tray, and Sengoku, who usually had a serious face when there were many people, showed a very faint smile at this moment.

Happy New Year to everyone! Have a wonderful time at the banquet!

After saying this, Sengoku downed the wine in his cup in one gulp, gestured to the crowd, and then stepped down from the stage and left. As the Fleet Admiral of the Navy, Sengoku was very busy every day, and he rarely participated in such playful banquets; at most, he would just give a speech.

Of course, the Admirals are also very busy, but Mokoko doesn't think Borsalino and Kuzan would give up their rest or playtime for work. As for Sakazuki, Mokoko isn't so sure. Thinking of Sakazuki's serious face, which shows no interest in anything but work, he probably didn't come to the banquet.

A melody woven with moonlight and adorned with stars flows gently from the instruments. The melodious violin and the mellow piano, like the drifting clouds in the sky and the faint light of dawn, are cleverly interwoven into a dreamlike symphony that transcends the mortal world, gently permeating every inch of the banquet hall.

As night fell and the stars gently shone, the prelude to the ball slowly unfolded in a tender breeze. The melodious tunes, like secret streams flowing from the depths of an ancient forest, led everyone into the dappled, dreamlike dance floor, beginning a romantic encounter where souls collided.

The man's steps were steady and affectionate, while the woman's twirling was light and graceful. The exchange of glances between them was more ardent and sincere than any words. Every close look was a dialogue of the heart and a fusion of souls. Their figures, under the soft light, intertwined to create moving scenes, which were frozen in time by the moonlight.

The air was filled with the faint fragrance of flowers and the sweetness of champagne, which intertwined with the music to create an indescribable romantic atmosphere. The sailors without female dance partners were all eager to have a beautiful encounter at the banquet. Some sailors strode towards their favorites, some waited in place, and some stood in front of the wine tower sipping wine because they were not interested. As for the rest, they were watching Moko and her friends.

"Tina wants to dance too, Smoker, let's go!"

Before Smoker could respond, Tina dragged him onto the dance floor. Smoker stumbled from the sudden pull, but quickly regained his balance and followed after her in a single breath. His movements were incredibly practiced, suggesting that Tina often pulled him around like this. Seeing this somewhat amusing scene, Moko and Ian exchanged a glance and couldn't help but cover their mouths and chuckle.

Despite his quiet demeanor and composed, almost shrewd, air, which he seems to have adopted from Zephyr, Smoker is surprisingly skilled at dancing. At first, Tina dominated the dance, but gradually, the lead shifted to Smoker. Tina was forced to follow his lead, her frustration and resentment almost overflowing. Seeing the adorable Tina, a slight smile appeared on Smoker's lips.

(Author passing by~ You little brat, I knew it (??w??))

The two people in the center of the dance floor were so well-matched that they were the envy of everyone. For a moment, the gazes cast on Smoker were a mixture of envy, jealousy, blessings, and teasing. However, Mokoko didn't have time to pay attention to the two of them at this moment. She was quite worried about herself and Ian. The gazes cast on her and Ian were almost tangible. If she didn't think of a solution soon, the party tonight would be in jeopardy.

I'm all dressed up so beautifully today, it would be such a waste to go back without dancing. But it wouldn't be good to just grab anyone to dance with, what if they misunderstand?

Moko turned her head to look at Garp, her face beaming with smiles. She gave a slight curtsy and gently extended her hand.

"I wonder if I would have the honor of dancing this first dance with Lieutenant General Garp?"

Karp was slightly taken aback, but then immediately reacted and gentlemanly accepted Moko's outstretched hand, saying, "Of course, it would be my honor to dance my first dance with the lovely little Moko."

When Garp led Moko onto the dance floor, the people around them looked disappointed and let out a barely perceptible sigh, after all, Moko's intentions were quite clear.

The first dance can have many meanings. If you choose to accept someone's invitation, it means that you allow or agree to be pursued. However, if you explicitly refuse, or if the first dance is with family or elders, it means that you are rejecting any pursuit with feelings and are not considering developing a relationship at the moment. Moko's actions are telling everyone that she will not accept anyone's pursuit.

Before entering the dance floor, Moko gave Zefa a look, signaling him to invite Ain. Ain always seemed cold in front of strangers, not because she was aloof, but because she was too shy and reserved and didn't know what to say to strangers. If Zefa didn't help out, Ain would really be surrounded later.

Zephyr naturally noticed Moko's gaze, looked down at Ain who was practically curled up like a quail, and sighed helplessly. She really hadn't changed at all, just like that since she was a child.

“Aion”.

"Yes, Professor Zephyr!"

Ain's body stiffened instantly, her voice trembling with tension. Her hands, hanging by her sides, seemed to tremble slightly as she unconsciously touched the scars hidden by the beaded necklace. Zephyr took in all of this, a dark glint flashing across his eyes that went unnoticed, but it was quickly concealed by his other expressions.

"Let's go."

"Um!?"

"You're dressed so beautifully today, it would be a shame if you didn't dance."

"No need, Professor Zephyr, I, I..."

Ain waved her hands frantically, trying to explain something. She knew that Teacher Zefa couldn't dance, but Zefa didn't listen to what she was about to say. He had already taken Ain's hand and his voice was firm, though a hint of sadness could be faintly sensed.

"She will be unhappy."

With just a few words, Ain immediately shut up. Just as she was about to lower her head, Zephyr's voice came again.

“Lift your head, Ain. I told you, it wasn’t your fault. You don’t need to blame yourself. Lift your head and look at this world properly. Live well, live happier than anyone else. That’s her wish.”

"...Yes, Professor Zephyr!"

Ayn's voice choked with emotion as she held back her tears. She proudly raised her head, her exquisite makeup making her even more radiant. Yes, she wanted to live well, to live better than anyone else, as she had promised.

The three beautiful girls all found dance partners, and the crowd, disappointed that they had no chance, withdrew their burning gazes. However, the three people upstairs who were watching the spectacle had no intention of withdrawing their attention. Instead, they watched Moko dance with great interest.

Moko gently lifted her skirt, adorned with pearls and feathers, like a jasmine blossoming in the morning light, carrying the freshness and purity of the morning dew, slowly blooming under the crystal chandelier. The stage lights softly shone on Moko, gilding her with a faint golden glow, like a goddess stepping out of an ancient oil painting, elegant and untouchable.

The dazzling roses, the lustrous pearls, and the graceful birds were so captivating that it was impossible to look away. In the center of the magnificent dance floor, only Moke and a few others remained. Everyone unconsciously withdrew from the dance floor to quietly admire the group in the center. Even after the music stopped and the dance ended, no one had yet recovered from the stunning scene.

The group slowly returned to the rest area. Tina took a glass of champagne and handed it to Moko and Ian. The sweet taste of the champagne filled their mouths, instantly dispelling the fatigue from dancing. The three girls breathed a sigh of relief and sat down on the sofa, chatting and laughing softly together.

Ella lay on Tina's lap, enjoying the beautiful older sister's caresses. Every now and then, Ian would feed Ella a small piece of cake, making her feel incredibly comfortable.

Although the banquet would last very late and there would be a second and third dance, Moko and her two companions could easily decline all the subsequent invitations by saying they were tired. So, who they would dance with for the first dance was the key. Knowing that there was no chance, the other navy members stopped thinking about inviting Moko and her companions.

"I'll be leaving for a while."

Before Kuzan and Sakazuki could react, Borsalino had already vanished from his seat in a flash of light, reappearing right next to Moko.

Kuzan raised an eyebrow, slowly stood up, and walked out, leaving Sakazuki alone in the second-floor room drinking champagne that didn't taste particularly special.