Multiverse Family System: Rise of the Charlotte Family

---

In truth, as members of the Rocks Pirates, both Edward and Linlin were high-ranking officers. While there was a notable difference in their strength in the past, things had shifted.

Now?

With Joey's help in enhancing Linlin's potential and her training in physical combat techniques, her power had skyrocketed. Without exaggeration, Linlin was now undoubtedly on par with Edward. Both were close figures of the admiral level in strength.

What made them even more unique, however, were their ambitions.

Among the strongest members of the Rocks Pirates, each harbored their own lofty dreams.

Linlin sought to establish her ideal nation, Totto Land.

Edward yearned for a family, something he could call his own.

Shiki, on the other hand, aimed to dominate the world.

To put it plainly, none of them could be considered "normal pirate."

Edward, fully aware of Linlin's ambitions, couldn't help but find himself puzzled. Even if Linlin had indeed formed the Charlotte Family, shouldn't she, as its founder, be its leader?

Why then was the position of family head held by Charlotte Joey?

Moreover, from what Edward could tell, Joey was clearly Linlin's son.

At this moment, Edward was filled with confusion, his head a swirl of unanswered questions.

"Hehehe..."

Noticing Edward's perplexity, Joey offered a calm smile and explained, "The position of leader should always go to the most capable individual. My mother, while strong, has a personality that's too childlike. She isn't suited to lead a family."

His words were direct, spoken with neither hesitation nor embellishment. Joey was calm and composed, his demeanor betraying nothing but confidence.

Yet…

Edward's gaze sharpened.

Strength aside, the maturity, poise, and air of authority Joey exuded at such a young age were remarkable.

Moreover, there was that unmistakable aura radiating from him—an innate sense of dominance.

"The Conqueror's Haki!"

Edward locked eyes with Joey, a smile spreading across his face before he burst into laughter.

"Gurarararara! Linlin, you've raised quite the son! So young, and he already possesses the Conqueror's Haki."

"Ehehehe…"

Linlin, who had been on high alert, immediately dropped her guard and beamed with pride. "Of course! Joey is my most beloved son—my absolute favorite!"

No objections here.

If you praised Joey, you were automatically Linlin's friend. That was how she operated—simple and straightforward.

As for whether she showed such love to her other children, Joey wasn't entirely sure.

But when it came to himself?

He knew perfectly well—Linlin genuinely treasured him. She treated him like a fragile jewel, someone she could neither afford to lose nor allow to come to harm.

The tension between Edward and Linlin eased.

Edward then asked, "So, Linlin, where are you headed?"

Tilting her head slightly, Linlin replied, "I'm taking Joey home. After that, I'll return to the Rocks Pirates."

Edward nodded in understanding.

As for the specifics of her plans?

Well, he wasn't going to pry.

This was the Rocks Pirates, after all—a gathering of ambitious individuals, each with their own schemes. They weren't allies in the true sense, and prying too much could lead to conflict.

While some officers might hesitate due to Rocks' strict rules, but Linlin?

She was a certified lunatic who wouldn't hold back if provoked.

---

Boom! Boom!

The sudden roar of cannon fire shattered the momentary calm.

"Ah!"

"Ah!"

Edward sighed in annoyance. "Seriously? I thought these fools would just move along, but it seems they've decided to come after me instead."

He wasn't unfamiliar with these situations.

With a bounty of 800 million, Edward constantly attracted challengers seeking to make a name for themselves.

Pirates, after all, were a reckless and ambitious lot.

They didn't care about their chances of survival.

All they knew was that victory meant fame and fortune—gold, power, and beautiful women. Everything they could ever want.

Most importantly, pirates thrived on their reputations.

Swish!

Linlin gripped Napoleon tightly, her eyes flashing with murderous intent. "They dare to provoke me? They deserve to die!"

'Sigh.'

Joey sighed softly, seated atop Zeus. "Mother, calm yourself. Only savages resort to shouting about killing and fighting. Our Charlotte Family is destined to build a grand nation—Totto Land. You're meant to be its queen, or even its supreme ruler. You need to understand the importance of grace and decorum. Acting like a barbarian will only invite contempt."

He spoke gently, attempting to guide his mother. Joey understood that changing Linlin's ways would take time. It wasn't something that could happen overnight.

After all, Joey didn't see himself as a pirate.

Regardless of his mother's identity or reputation, he was not, and would never be, a pirate.

He was the head of the Charlotte Family, the prince—or perhaps king—of Totto Land. But he would never be the captain of the Big Mom Pirates.

That wasn't who he was.

As the leader of a family destined to engage with countless worlds, Joey needed more than strength and resources. He needed refinement.

He had to carry himself as someone superior, embodying nobility and ambition.

Even without activating the family system, Joey was confident he could replace the Celestial Dragons, elevating the Charlotte Family to become the new ruling class of the world.

And as nobles, they needed to behave accordingly.

Not just Linlin, but all his siblings would have to learn and embrace this mindset.

Anything less would be unacceptable.

"Alright!" Linlin immediately nodded, suppressing her killing intent.

"…"

Edward fell silent once more.

It wasn't just Linlin's sudden compliance that surprised him.

It was something else entirely.

Edward felt as though Joey's words were directed at him as well. Calling out "savages" who resorted to violence? Wasn't he one of those people?

Moreover, Edward was no fool.

He could clearly see that Joey's ambitions weren't limited to piracy or territorial conquest like Rocks or Shiki.

No, Joey's aspirations were far grander.

Something far beyond the petty dreams of a pirate.

.

.

.