Chapter 50
“Pst, Roger.” Rayleigh whispered, leaning closer to him where they were sitting in the shade. “I think Shanks is afraid of Mhoji.”
Roger looked over, squinting against the bright sun, at the young boy with the crimson hair, who was eyeing the tiny, tiny, fluffy creature, as Buggy as she sat in the shade of the mast as she dresses up, the little creature, who seems all too willing to sit patiently as Buggy puts a pink and purple jester collar with Little bells at the end of each point and a pink and purple jester harlequin hat to match warily. Mhoji looked more like a plush toy than a formidable being.
"Afraid?" Roger chuckled, his deep voice rumbling through the deck. "Shanks? That boy's got guts of steel, Rayleigh. Why would he be scared of a little pup like that?"
Rayleigh smacked him on the arm with the back of his hand, his eyes sparkling with amusement and a smile curling the corners of his mouth. “I don’t know, but look at him. He’s been eyeing that critter since we found him, what? Almost a year ago. I swear, he jumps every time Mhoji sneezes!”
Roger’s chuckle grew into a full-blown laugh, his hand slapping his thigh. “Ah, you’re right! That is pretty funny, isn’t it?” He turned his gaze back to Shanks, who was now trying to sneak a peek at Mhoji while pretending not to. The little mink pup looked up, met his gaze, and let out a high-pitched yip, causing Shanks to jump and stumble backwards. The crew couldn’t hold in their laughter.
“Shanks.” Roger called out, his laughter fading into a knowing smirk. “You’re not scared of the little guy, are you?”
Shanks turned to face the pirate king, his cheeks flushing slightly as he regained his composure. “Scared? Me?” He scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest. “I’m just...keeping an eye on him, that’s all. You know, in case he gets into trouble again!”
Buggy looked up from her handiwork with Mhoji, her blue eyes sparkling with mischief. “Trouble?” she exclaimed. “Mhoji’s just a little sweetheart! He’s the bestest pirate-in-training ever!” She leaned over and kissed the top of the pup’s head, who yipped in delight.
Shanks rolled his eyes but couldn’t help the smile that tugged at his lips. “Yeah, sure, until he decides to chew on the ship’s rigging again or steal the last piece of meat from my plate when I’m not looking!”
Buggy chuckled, standing up, picking up Mhoji as she did so. She took a step closer to Shanks, holding Mhoji out to him like you would a cat or stuffed toy. “Come on, shanks.” She began, taking a couple more steps closer to him. “Hold my baby, he doesn’t bite… most of the time anyways.”
Shanks took a step back, his smile slipping away and his arms folded tightly over his chest. “Thanks, but no thanks, Buggy. I think I’ll pass. You know how much trouble he causes when he’s with me.”
Buggy’s eyes widened with a look of mock innocence. “But Shanks, you’re his favorite! Look how much he wants to see you!” Mhoji squirmed in her arms, trying to get closer to Shanks, his tail wagging furiously. The young pirate couldn’t help but feel a twinge of affection for the mischievous little creature.