In the early morning, amid hazy mist, Kakarot, Lilith, and Lina strolled toward the Mokomo Dukedom's shopping street.
Beneath the rising sun, the shops along the street gradually opened, and the quiet, deserted street bustled with life once more.
Although the Mokomo Dukedom shunned outsiders, some of its people went overseas to trade.
They brought back many good things from abroad, so Beli was used as currency here too, though some things could also be bartered for.
Not far away, Vian and Emily waved their arms excitedly, calling out in clear, ringing voices, "We're over here!"
"Good morning, big brother Kakarot, Lilith, and Aunt Lina!" Innocent smiles lit up their faces, as radiant as flowers blooming in spring.
Simba and Ailik also smiled and greeted them warmly. "Good morning!"
Iris chimed in sweetly, "Good morning, big sister Lina! And good morning to you too, Kakarot and Lilith!" Her voice was as lively and pleasant as a mountain spring.
Yingyue added, "Good morning, everyone!"
Her voice was quieter, but her tone was light and full of energy.
Hearing everyone's greetings, Kakarot, Lilith, and Aunt Lina replied in unison, "Good morning, everyone!"
The girls gathered like cheerful little birds, chattering nonstop as their clear laughter rose and fell.
Meanwhile, the three boys, Kakarot, Simba, and Ailik, followed behind at an easy pace.
Just then, Kakarot looked up at everyone and said, "Go ahead and look around. I want to stop by the newspaper shop and see if any new papers have arrived lately."
Although Kakarot was usually obsessed with training and focused entirely on improving his strength,
he understood that, on this vast, boundless sea, keeping track of developments everywhere was crucial.
Before long, Kakarot arrived at the newspaper shop. Familiar with the place, he raised his voice and called out warmly:
"Good morning, Uncle Austo! Have any new newspapers arrived today?"
Uncle Austo was a hamster Mink, short and round, like a fluffy dumpling.
His eyes, however, were particularly lively, gleaming with shrewdness and competence.
Hearing Kakarot's voice, he replied in a muffled, rumbling voice:
"Oh, Kakarot! You're in luck today. A newspaper just arrived. Ten Beli, and you can take it!"
Although Aunt Lina hardly ever worked, according to Lilith, Lina owned a trading caravan. Kakarot received a fair amount of pocket money every day too, more than enough to read a newspaper.
He quickly finished reading the latest paper, but there was still no worthwhile news in it.
It was more talk of Garp the Hero of the Navy chasing the great pirate Gol D. Roger into a desperate retreat, or the pirate admiral Golden Lion bringing such-and-such pirate crew under his command.
Kakarot thought, I suppose the papers won't have more interesting information until that birdman Morgans becomes president of the World Economy News Paper.
"Thanks, Uncle Austo! I'll be going now," Kakarot said, looking at Austo sprawled over the counter.
Kakarot went outside and soon found Lilith and the others.
On the Mink Tribe's lively streets, sunlight fell softly over the bustling shopping district like a golden veil.
Kakarot's party of nine set off together on this fun-filled outing.
The shopping street teemed with people, the cries of vendors mingling with laughter.
Lilith's attention was instantly caught by a stall filled with rare treasures. She hurried over, picked up a crystal ball that gave off a mysterious glow, and examined it curiously.
Lilith's eyes sparkled as she guessed at the crystal ball's purpose, her clear voice ringing like a silver bell. "Maybe this crystal ball can boost your strength in battle!"
Standing beside her, Simba stroked his chin and offered his opinion with a serious expression. "If you ask me, it looks more like some kind of ancient detection tool."
Just then, Emily gave a delighted cry. Everyone turned to see her and Iris standing before a stall hung with beautiful clothes.
Emily held a brightly colored scarf and draped it lightly over her shoulders, looking like a fairy among flowers.
Meanwhile, Iris adjusted a feather-decorated hat before a small mirror and asked everyone playfully, "Do I look good like this?"
Everyone nodded and praised her, their laughter echoing around the stall.
Vian's love of weapons left her unable to walk past a weapons shop.
She carefully drew a blade, its surface flashing coldly. She swung it lightly, the air whooshing with each stroke.
Beside her, Yingyue watched Vian intently, occasionally offering pointers. "Keep your wrist steadier when you put force into it. That will give you better control over the sword's direction."
Ailik was drawn to the aroma drifting from a nearby food stall.
His eyes shone as he looked at the stall laden with all kinds of food. Unable to wait, he picked up a meat skewer sizzling with fat, took a big bite, and narrowed his eyes in satisfaction.
Suddenly, cheerful, rousing music rang out up ahead.
Everyone exchanged glances, their eyes full of excitement, then took one another's hands and ran toward the source.
A group of Mink residents was holding a grand celebration in the square.
The exuberant music seemed to possess a kind of magic, instantly igniting everyone's enthusiasm.
Lilith excitedly pulled Kakarot into the middle of the crowd and was the first to start dancing.
Her movements were light, like a graceful butterfly. Though Kakarot's movements were somewhat clumsy, the smile on his face was utterly radiant.
Simba joined in too. His dance steps were bold and powerful, impressive even as he danced alone.
Emily and Iris linked arms and spun merrily, their colorful skirts swirling like flowers in bloom.
With Lina's encouragement, Ailik worked up the courage to sway his huge body, his adorable appearance drawing waves of laughter from those around him.
Lina held Vian's hand and danced gracefully.
Seeing so many people, Yingyue's social anxiety flared up again, and she quietly watched them.
The sun slowly sank in the west, painting the horizon orange-red like a splendid oil painting.
Filled with joy and fatigue, the nine brought their outing on the Mokomo Dukedom's shopping street to an end.
They walked slowly along the street, sharing amusing moments from the day, their laughter lingering in the warm evening breeze.
"Let's have a picnic tonight! We'll have Kakarot prepare the seasonings. Food made with his seasonings tastes the best!"
Lilith's eyes sparkled as she waved her arms excitedly, a brilliant smile lighting up her face.
"Hooray!" Everyone's cheers rose at once, one after another, as though they meant to spread their joy throughout the entire Mokomo Dukedom.
Anticipation shone in everyone's eyes. After all, Kakarot's unique knack for seasoning always brought them unexpected, delicious surprises.
Seeing Lilith's expectant expression and everyone's enthusiastic response, Kakarot's lips unconsciously curved into an indulgent smile, and he could only happily agree.
So, like cheerful little birds, everyone dashed home to prepare the ingredients they wanted to eat.
For a while, the dukedom's streets were filled with their busy, excited figures.
Night quietly fell, and stars like dazzling jewels studded the vast night sky, bathing the land in a dreamlike glow.
Everyone gathered again and sat around a blazing campfire.
The flames danced merrily, crackling as though cheering for this joyful gathering.
Each of them held the ingredients they had carefully prepared, roasting them attentively over the fire.
Kissed by the flames, the meat skewers gradually turned golden, sizzling with fat and giving off a tempting aroma;
the corn slowly charred in the fire, releasing a faint, toasted fragrance, while the potato slices grew crisp and gave off waves of enticing scent.
As they turned the food in their hands, everyone laughed and talked about their dreams for the future.
Lilith was the first to stand, her eyes full of longing. "I want to head out to sea on adventures, travel all over the ocean, and find countless treasures!"
Not to be outdone, Simba thumped his chest and declared loudly, "I want to become a mighty warrior and lead the Mink Tribe toward an even more glorious future, so our people can live freely on the sea!"
Emily waved her arms excitedly. "I want to become an outstanding explorer, explore those mysterious, unknown places, and bring back fascinating stories and treasures to share with everyone!"
Vian's gaze was resolute. "I want to become a top Great Swordmaster, make my swordsmanship renowned across the seas, defeat other Swordmasters, and collect famous swords!"
Ailik scratched his head and said earnestly, "I want to have a huge farm and grow all kinds of tasty things, so none of you will ever go hungry!"
Yingyue smiled gently and said, "I hope we'll always be as happy and cheerful as we are now!
Iris said firmly, "I want to become the strongest warrior in the dukedom, protect our home, and let everyone live happily!"
Lina looked at everyone, her eyes full of gratification. "I'll always watch over you all and help you achieve your dreams, always filled with laughter and warmth.
Kakarot listened quietly, deeply moved. He knew these dreams might be distant, but as long as everyone worked together, they would surely come true.
On this starry night, their dreams shone like the stars, glowing with hope.
"Kakarot, what's your dream?" Lilith asked curiously, looking at Kakarot, who had remained silent all this time.
"I want to become the strongest person in the world! I want to be able to live carefree on the sea with all of you!" Kakarot said firmly.
They shouted in unison, "As long as we work together, we'll all be able to achieve our dreams!"
"Then let's promise to set sail together when we're seventeen!" Everyone agreed.
Everyone shared their dreams in a lively atmosphere, their laughter never ceasing. They played to their hearts' content until midnight before finally heading to their respective homes, satisfied, to sleep.
Before you continue