Multiverse Family System: Rise of the Charlotte Family

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"Please, my lord!"

"Please spare us! This is everything we have—our entire treasure hoard. Have mercy on us!"

The pirates, overwhelmed by fear, stammered as they knelt on the ground, trembling.

They couldn't find the right words, caught between pleading and despair. In the end, the only thing they could do was shiver in terror before this pink-haired mother and son duo.

The mother's strength was monstrous, while the son's cunning was nothing short of demonic.

In fact, the pirate captain found himself wishing for death rather than facing Joey again. Unfortunately, few people truly have the courage to embrace death.

"Hmm."

Joey's expression remained calm as he spoke. "Not bad. I'll take this treasure. As for you? From now on, bring 100 million Beli to Hachinosu every year without fail. That's all I require."

(Hachinosu is a New World island known to be a 'Pirate Paradise' and has other names as Fullalead or Beehive)

"Yes!"

"Yes!"

The pirates nodded so hard their heads bobbed like chickens pecking grain.

There was no choice. If they could walk away alive from this encounter, they would flee the New World immediately.

"Hehehe..."

Joey's smile was gentle, but his words were chilling. "Oh, and don't think you can simply disappear. Wherever you go, if you fail to show up in a year's time, you'll regret it deeply. Trust me, death would be the least of your worries. Far worse fates await those who cross me."

"Ahhh!"

His voice, soft and composed, felt like whispers from the depths of hell. The pirate captain's mind broke under the weight of this fear.

"Yes!" he screamed in panic, as if trying to claw his way out of despair.

With that, the matter was settled. The treasure was loaded onto their ship, and the mother and son returned triumphantly.

Linlin, still curious, asked, "Joey! Tell me, can you really make someone's life worse than death?"

"Huh?" Joey was momentarily taken aback before smirking. "Mom, I'm not a god or a devil. Of course, I can't do that. That guy was just scared out of his wits. Besides, with your power, killing him is as easy as flicking your wrist. For now, he'll behave, using your reputation—and by extension, Rocks'—to keep himself alive."

"Hmm!" Linlin nodded as if enlightened, even though most of it went over her head.

Joey continued with a smirk, "When the time comes for you to go independent, people like him will no longer be useful. The Charlotte Family won't tolerate embarrassing associates."

"Got it!" Linlin nodded cheerfully, unconcerned about the complexities of the situation. After all, anything requiring thought could just be left to Joey.

The two pirate ships parted ways.

Joey and Edward were not close, nor were they similar in disposition.

Joey harbored grand ambitions.

Edward Newgate, Whitebeard?

To Joey, Whitebeard seemed complacent, wasting his great power without any true drive.

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"…"

As Joey's ship sailed away, Edward watched silently. After a long pause, he murmured with a heavy expression, "What a terrifying kid. So young, yet his mind is already this sharp. But..."

"Gurararara~~~"

Edward suddenly laughed. "This sea is going to become much more interesting in the future!"

With that, Edward departed as well.

After setting their course, Joey and Linlin returned to their island stronghold within three days.

For now, the famous Cake Island did not exist.

(Seriously, did anyone think Cake Island was naturally formed?)

In reality, Cake Island was something Linlin would later create herself through her own efforts.

Back on the island, Joey supervised the unloading of their spoils. "Be careful with those treasures. Don't damage anything. Once you're done, each of you will get 10,000 Beli as a reward."

"Yes, sir!"

"Rest assured, young master!"

The twenty workers, energized by the promise of payment, handled everything with extreme caution.

"Perospero."

"Yes, big brother?" Hearing Joey call his name, Perospero tilted his head cutely, awaiting instruction.

Joey began to guide him. "Remember this: any problem that money can solve isn't a real problem. Strength can solve all problems, but money can handle most. Learn to value this. If you can resolve something with wealth, it's a minor issue at best. Understand?"

"Oh!"

Although Perospero didn't fully grasp the concept, he nodded obediently. Joey wasn't too concerned; Perospero was still young, after all.

"By the way, how's your studying coming along?" Joey asked.

A nearby maid answered respectfully, "Master Perospero has been excelling! His teachers say he has exceptional talent in management, architecture, painting, and even literature. They believe he's destined to become a great figure in the future."

"Indeed," added another maid. "Additionally, as per your instructions, we've hired the best trainers for physical conditioning. While he's still young, his unique physique allows him to begin basic training."

Joey nodded approvingly. "Excellent."

He then took out a Devil Fruit. "Perospero, this is the perfect fruit for you. Eat it and continue to study hard. The future of the Charlotte Family's glory depends on your strength."

"Okay!" Perospero accepted the fruit eagerly, his excitement clear.

Loyalty within the Charlotte Family was absolute, but belief was another matter.

Joey understood this difference. From a young age, he worked to instill faith in the family, ensuring every member believed in the family's promise of unparalleled glory.

With everything settling into place, Joey felt confident about the future. He had found the perfect Devil Fruit for Perospero, and the groundwork for their development was being laid.

Now, it was a matter of time and growth.

Ninety-eight years remained until the great Multiverse Family War.

By then, Joey vowed, the Charlotte Family would stand as the unrivaled power of this world, ready to conquer whatever lay beyond.

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