Chapter 15: Rare Treasures– Devil Fruits!
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In the year 1473 of the Sea Calendar, Joey had spent more than a year back home.
It wasn't that he didn't want to accomplish anything, but there was a significant obstacle—the Family System.
As the name suggested, the core of the system revolved around nurturing and developing family members. Everything else? Merely secondary.
And so, despite his Silver Tier Level 2 strength, Joey understood his limitations. He could barely unleash 50% of an Admiral-level combatant's power.
As for Perospero?
What could a one-year-old brat possibly contribute? The best course was to let him grow at his own pace.
Time was the most crucial factor for Joey right now.
"Hmmm..." Joey rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "According to my plan, the next 20 years will be the growth phase. After that, I'll spend 30 years reigning supreme over the world. The remaining 50 years will be for honing myself further."
He paused, eyes gleaming with determination. "At the very least, I need to reserve 50 years for solid growth and accumulation. Only then can I emerge victorious in the fierce competition that awaits 98 years from now."
What Joey didn't realize was that his calculations were off. The time remaining wasn't 98 years as he had assumed—it was only 48 years. The multiverse was on the brink of monumental changes, and the clock was ticking faster than he expected.
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Multiversal Travel?
Joey didn't believe it would simply be a friendly visit. The most likely scenario was a massive battle, one where combatants would fight to the death, tearing each other apart.
"Master!"
A maid approached from behind, bowing respectfully. "Here is this year's financial summary."
Without turning, Joey replied, "Just give me the highlights."
"Yes!"
The maid's tone remained steady as she delivered the report. "The Charlotte Family currently possesses: 30 Grade-A swords, 3 Great Grade Blades, 8 stored Devil Fruits, Yamata-no-Orochi Fruit, Lick-Lick Fruit, and a total of 1.5 billion Belly in treasure."
The maid's detailed account painted a clear picture.
This wealth, of course, was largely thanks to Big Mom's monstrous strength, which allowed her to dominate wherever she went.
Joey waved dismissively. "Got it. You're dismissed."
The maid bowed again and left.
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Joey opened the Trading System, ready to negotiate with specific individuals across other realms.
[Charlotte Patriarch: Have you made your decision yet? You should already know the value of Devil Fruits. Each one carries the potential to awaken a growing law. In any world, that's a treasure of the highest caliber. If you're not interested, there are plenty of others willing to trade.]
His message was directed at the Angel Clan's leader.
In Joey's world, the most precious resource was undeniably the Devil Fruits.
Each fruit embodied the essence of a nascent law—rudimentary but extraordinary.
Although perfecting these laws would be incredibly challenging, even possessing a starting point was already a monumental advantage.
And what Joey sought from the Angel Patriarch was Divine Bone Essence—a resource capable of breaking the barrier between Silver and Gold tiers.
A fragment of Divine Bone Essence could elevate a person from Silver Tier 1 to Gold Tier 1. A complete set of Divine Bone Essence, however, could bestow an individual with Platinum Tier Level 9 potential.
As for higher levels?
Joey had no means of contact yet.
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Joey chuckled to himself. "If the Angel Patriarch refuses, there's always the Demon Patriarch or Elf Patriarch. They can also provide the Divine Bone Essence I need."
For Joey, acquiring as much Divine Bone Essence as possible was non-negotiable.
As he deliberated, a notification popped up. The Angel Patriarch had responded.
[Angel Patriarch: 'Fifteen Devil Fruits for half a set of Divine Bone Essence. Half a set equals 15 fragments.']
For context, 30 fragments equaled one complete set of Divine Bone Essence, capable of pushing an individual to Platinum Tier 9 potential, no matter their starting point.
Joey's lips curled into a smirk. He replied immediately:
[Charlotte Patriarch: 'Impossible. 15 Devil Fruits for at least 25 fragments. You know very well that the Demon, Dragon, Elf, and Giant Patriarchs also hold Divine Bone Essence. I'm not limited to trading with you.']
Far away, in the heavenly realm, a radiant woman with golden hair frowned slightly.
She was the Angel Patriarch—a being of unparalleled beauty and majesty.
Joey's words hit the mark. Divine Bone Essence was precious but not irreplaceable for her kind. Devil Fruits, on the other hand, held untapped potential that was far more alluring.
Her response came quickly:
[Angel Patriarch: '25 fragments are out of the question. The most I can offer is 20.']
[Charlotte Patriarch: 'Deal. The trade will take place in one month.']
[Angel Patriarch: 'Agreed.']
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"Hah!" Joey leaned back, a triumphant smile on his face. "Got it!"
For most, Devil Fruits were treasures of immense value. But for Joey, they weren't nearly as rare.
Why?
The world was filled with Devil fruits and with the power of Charlotte family, they could get a large amount of them in the future.
The Charlotte family alone would have over a hundred children in his plan, each offered a choice of Devil Fruits from birth—always two options to pick from. Whether consumed or not, this meant their reserves would easily exceed a hundred fruits.
And this vast arsenal of Devil Fruits?
It was Joey's ace, his greatest resource for accelerating his rise to power.
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.
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