One Piece: Shanks' Little Jasmine

Chapter 44 Slave Market

"I have reviewed the documents, and there are no major problems at the moment. We will proceed as planned."

Yubi took the document and nodded. Moko had been in Sabaody for over a week. There were indeed many more things to deal with on the Grand Line than on the other side of the sea. Once other industries developed, it would be a bit difficult for Yubi to handle everything on his own. It seemed that he would need to find some helpers.

The development of Sihai has always been a contractionary development, and the demand for manpower is not large. However, things are different now. With the current number of people, it is definitely not enough for full-scale development. There are people that can be found quickly. Mo Ke tapped her fingers lightly on the table and looked out the window for a moment.

"Yubi, how much liquid cash does Jasmine currently have at her disposal?"

"A total of 500 million Berries, of which 300 million Berries are tentatively allocated to the branch business. If Sister Moko needs them, she can take them first."

"No need. Take 100 million Berries with you and let's go to the slave market."

"Yes."

The slave trade was particularly rampant in Sabaody Archipelago. As the island of Sabaody Archipelago with the most rampant dark industry in the world, beauty is only on the surface. However, it is precisely because of the development of the dark industry that all kinds of information are abundant in Sabaody Archipelago. As long as you have money, there is no information that you cannot buy.

Moko took Yubi to the slave market in area 13 of Sabaody Archipelago. The slave market was decorated quite well, and the reception hall was built quite luxuriously. The counters were made of the finest snow rock, and the sofas were made of crocodile skin. Just the top-of-the-line furniture alone showed that the power of the boss behind it was not to be underestimated.

"What quality of goods do you two need? We have everything you need, and we're sure you'll be satisfied."

Before arriving, Moko and Yubi had disguised themselves, and now the two were so well covered that it was impossible to tell if they were male or female. The receptionist, however, seemed used to it and wore a professional sales smile.

"Take us to see the goods first," Yubi said coldly.

"Okay, this way please, both of you."

The receptionist gestured for them to enter and led them to the basement level in the elevator. The space below was much larger than the ground floor, and each cubicle was designed like a cage, with an atmosphere of despair permeating the entire floor.

Everyone in the cage wore an iron collar around their neck, which was why they couldn't resist. If they did, the collar would explode. As slaves who could be traded at any time, no one on this island valued their lives. If they didn't receive medical treatment after the collar exploded, death was the only thing waiting for them.

The slave market in Zone 13 only has human slaves. If you need slaves of other races, you need to go to Auction House 1. Moko is just here to recruit people, so she doesn't have much of a requirement about what race they are.

The receptionist led the way, introducing each slave in their cage. The slaves in the cages had eyes full of despair and were lifeless, showing no curiosity about Moko and her group.

This atmosphere made Moko very uncomfortable. She stopped in front of a cage and didn't seem very interested in the host's subsequent introduction. The host, however, seemed to think that Moko was interested in the people in the cage and started talking in a very flowery way.

"The animals in this cage are the best of this batch, all raised in Area 1. There's also a pirate captain captured from the sea; their strength is top-notch. What do you think?"

The person in the cage was hidden in the shadows, and their face could not be seen. Moko withdrew her gaze, leaned close to Yubi's ear and whispered a few words. Yubi nodded and looked at the receptionist.

How many are there now?

Hearing Yubi say that, the receptionist couldn't stop smiling. People who ask this question are usually booking the whole place, which means it's a big deal.

"This batch of goods currently consists of 150 pieces. If adults need more, I can source the goods from other places. I guarantee your satisfaction with the quality."

"List".

The receptionist quickly took the list from the side and handed it to Moke. In this line of work, you need to have a keen eye; he knew very well who the real boss was.

Moko quickly glanced through the list, nodded to Yubi, and Yubi turned to look at the receptionist.

"No need, this is the right batch."

"Alright, that's a total of 80 million Berries. This is a discounted price. If you're not satisfied with the goods, you can exchange them at any time. It's definitely worth the money."

The receptionist rubbed his hands together, his mouth practically smirking. If it weren't for the mask covering his face, one can only imagine how arrogant his expression would have been.

"Send people here. Of course, I don't want the list to be missing people or have any different people on it. You understand?"

"Of course, of course."

The receptionist took the deposit and address envelope, and obsequiously saw Moko and Yubi out of the store. Once the two were out of sight, the receptionist's expression changed completely.

"Send all the goods underground here. If this big order goes wrong, you should know how the young master is capable."

"Yes, Chief of Staff, rest assured."

The receptionist glanced at the employee following behind her, said nothing, and turned back into the store.

The large, temporarily rented warehouse was quickly filled with slaves bought from Island 13. After Yubi checked the list and counted the number of people, she made the final handover. The warehouse was not dark; on the contrary, because of the many bubble lights, it had a somewhat cozy feel.

"Sister, it's all taken care of." Yubi returned to her room and said calmly.

"Ah."

Moko handed the remaining documents to Salika, got up and walked out. Hearing the commotion, everyone looked up at the person coming out of the inner room. Moko, hidden in the shadows, took in everyone's expressions.

“I have no habit of enslaving slaves, so from now on you have two options. First, I will let you leave, and I will not care where you go or what you do. Second, you can stay. Of course, I will not force you to stay. You are free to choose between the two options.”

As Yubi spoke, the collars around everyone's necks were removed. The group looked at Yubi in disbelief; they had never heard of anyone buying slaves to give them freedom—it was simply unbelievable.

"Are you really willing to give us freedom?"

Some of the bolder slaves cautiously inquired, for the surprise had come too suddenly.

“I’ve already said, I have no interest in enslaving others. The door is right behind you; you can leave at any time.”

After Yubi finished speaking, the person who had spoken bowed and slowly walked to the door, glancing back at Yubi and the others from time to time to see if they would make any other moves. Once outside and seeing that no one was stopping him, he ran faster and faster until he disappeared from sight.

Seeing this, the others looked at each other in bewilderment, and soon they all got up and ran outside. Soon, less than half of the 150 people in the warehouse remained. After a while, no one left, and the number of people was much larger than Mo had expected.

"elder sister."

Yubi stepped aside to make room for Moko, and just then, Salika led a group of people in pushing a food cart. The enticing aroma made everyone's mouths water.

Slaves were the lowest class in this world, and even their food consisted of moldy, hard bread that barely guaranteed their survival.

The people who were sitting on the ground suddenly lit up, swallowing their saliva as they looked at the food on the food cart. Moko could even hear their rumbling stomachs, but no one rushed forward. Clearly, compared to those who had just escaped, the remaining people had been completely tormented and given up hope.

"No matter why you stayed, you are now a member of Jasmine. You no longer need to be afraid, and no one will be able to enslave your freedom."

A gentle voice reached their ears, and everyone looked over, only then noticing Mo Ke walking in front. Her eyes were clear and bright, and the curve of her lips was as perfect as a crescent moon. Perhaps it was the first time someone had told them not to be afraid anymore, perhaps it was because this moment felt too dreamlike, or perhaps it was because of the inexplicable sense of security the girl in front of them felt. The sound of faint sobbing gradually rose from the warehouse. One person took the lead, and the crying gradually increased. A group of grown men were crying their hearts out. Mo Ke only slightly curled the corners of her lips. Sunlight poured down from the warehouse skylight, shining through the colorful bubbles onto Mo Ke. For the first time, everyone's broken hearts had someone to help mend them.

Moko needs people who are truly willing to stay. She doesn't want to restrict other people's freedom, no matter who they are. As long as they still yearn for freedom, Moko will never pull the reins of that restriction.

Judging by the time, Garp should be back soon. Moko handed over the follow-up matters to Yubi and took the change of fleet ship back to Marineford. Before she even reached the villa, she saw a man with curly black hair standing at the door of Moko's villa talking to Garp. Garp's mouth was wide open, his eyes were squinted into slits, and he patted the man's shoulder with his big hand. The man's mouth was upturned, and he was wearing a green eye patch. He looked lazy.

"Oh, little Moko, you're back. How was your time in Chambord? Did you have fun?"

Karp spotted Moko with his sharp eyes, strode over and took what Moko was holding. The man also looked over, and when he saw Moko, a flash of amazement was clearly visible in his eyes.

"Little Moko, this guy is Kuzan, and he's pretty strong. If anyone bullies you while I'm not around, just go find Kuzan. If that doesn't work, go find Sengoku, hahaha."

Moko felt like crows were flying overhead. Going to the Fleet Admiral to complain about being bullied was something only her grandfather could come up with. Kuzan wasn't too surprised, as he was used to Garp's appearance. Compared to Garp, he was more interested in the petite Moko beside him. As the granddaughter of the Navy hero Garp, Moko's arrival was already a matter of concern for the entire Navy's upper echelons. Many people wanted to see this girl that Garp always talked about but had never shown herself in public.

"Hello, Miss Moko, I'm Kuzan."

"Hello, my name is Moko."

Moko nodded slightly, her smile gentle. Her long pink hair was casually draped behind her, with a few strands falling over her shoulders and slipping down with her movements. The red hibiscus she held in her arms was vibrant and delicate. Standing in the light, she looked like a phantom in a dream, ethereal and beautiful.

"Haha, it's good that we know each other, let's go in first."

Autumn was approaching, and the wind carried a slight chill. Garp stood behind Moko, shielding her from the wind. Compared to other girls her age, Moko was indeed much more frail, as if a strong wind could blow her away. She looked pitiful. Kuzan quickly made way for her so that Moko could enter the villa.

Moko smoothed her hair, nodded her thanks, and a tiny, palm-sized rice flower peeked out from Moko's shoulder. Kuzan looked at the fluffy rice flower and raised his eyebrows slightly. The fluffy, peculiar creature was surprisingly a good match for the girl in front of him. Garp then looked at Kuzan, his voice tinged with amusement.

"Kuzan, please don't be shy, stay and have dinner with us."

Kuzan paused for a moment, looking somewhat hesitant, and unconsciously touched his nose.

"Vice Admiral Garp, this..."

"Lieutenant General Kuzan, let's eat together. It's better to have a lively meal. Besides, Grandpa won't be able to drink fruit wine if you're not here."

Before Kuzan could finish speaking, Moko spoke softly. Garp scratched his head sheepishly after Moko pointed out his little scheme, and Moko couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle.

Jasmine, a kind of fairy plant, had been planted in the courtyard long ago. The tenacious jasmine still bloomed in its most beautiful form even in late autumn. But at this moment, Kuzan felt that the blooming jasmine was not as good as Mo Ke in the slightest. It was as if it had a natural attraction. Its faint, warm aura, like sunshine, drew people trapped in the cold to come closer, making it impossible for them to refuse.

"La la la, then I'll take my leave of you."

"Haha, when did you become so polite, Kuzan? Come on, let's have a good drink today!"

With Moko's tacit approval, Garp patted Kuzan on the back with his big hand, his smile almost reaching his ears. Kuzan touched his nose, seemingly embarrassed. Moko smiled slightly and went back into the house first, followed closely by the two behind her with their arms around each other's shoulders. The wind carried a light fragrance of flowers, scattering the dewdrops on the grass tips, which fell into the small pond and stirred up ripples.