NOVEL NEXT Chapter 17: Akanegakubo Momo
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The new year had arrived!
It was always a time of joy.
No Studying.
No Training.
For Perospero, the New Year's holiday was a delightfully welcome break.
"Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
The clinking of glasses echoed as the family celebrated, marking the end of the festive season.
After all, the Charlotte Family had only three young children in its ranks, so time was their most precious commodity.
Slowly but surely, the family would grow stronger and take its rightful place in the world.
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As the celebrations ended, a message arrived.
Angel Clan Leader: Charlotte Clan Leader, how are the preparations for the Devil Fruits coming along?
Charlotte Clan Leader: The Devil Fruits are ready for trade anytime.
Angel Clan Leader: Excellent!
Without delay, the two leaders proceeded with their transaction.
A golden shimmer filled the air.
Fifteen Devil Fruits disappeared from Joey's inventory, replaced by radiant strands of golden light.
Joey raised his hand, gathering the shimmering threads.
20 strands of Divine Bone Essence. A treasure of utmost importance.
Angel Clan Leader: Pleasure doing business! Looking forward to our next trade!Charlotte Clan Leader: The pleasure is mine. Of course, let's keep this partnership going!
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With the trade concluded, Joey leaned back and began to strategize.
He mused to himself "Currently, I have the Orochi Fruit, the Lick-Lick Fruit, the Hot-Hot Fruit, and the Cream-Cream Fruit. There's also one spare Devil Fruit. If the S-Chef Clan Leader agrees, I'll trade that one as well."
But his focus soon shifted.
Rather than the trade, he was more concerned about Compote.
Perospero had consumed the Draw-Draw Fruit, which was perfectly suited to him.
However, finding an ideal fruit for Compote was proving trickier.
"Hm…"
"The Hot-Hot Fruit is good, but it doesn't suit her abilities."
"The Lick-Lick and Cream-Cream Fruits? They're reserved as utility fruits for our family's logistics."
He pondered the matter deeply, carefully analyzing his options.
The Lick-Lick Fruit, producing candy, and the Cream-Cream Fruit, generating cream—both were treasures that perfectly complemented the Charlotte Family's obsession with sweets.
There was no chance these would ever be traded away.
"Guess I'll save these for family members with average potential," Joey thought with a sigh. "At least they'll ensure we have competent support in the future."
With his plans tentatively set, Joey decided to set aside the issue of Devil Fruits for the time being.
As for the Orochi Fruit? He already had someone in mind for that.
Just as Joey was about to dive into some reading, a notification chimed.
S-Chef Clan Leader: Charlotte Clan Leader! I'd like to trade a chef with divine culinary talent, specializing in desserts, for one Devil Fruit.
"Oh?"
A sly smile crept onto Joey's face. He chuckled softly.
"Finally. I was wondering how long they could resist. Seems like they couldn't hold back after all."
Amused, Joey replied promptly.
Charlotte Clan Leader: No problem. Let's make the trade right away.
S-Chef Clan Leader: Agreed!
A flash of light illuminated the room.
The Devil Fruit vanished, and in its place stood a petite girl with a frightened expression, clutching an oversized stuffed doll.
"Y-You!"
"H-Hello!"
Though clearly terrified and on the verge of tears, the girl composed herself, bowing respectfully to Joey.
She understood.
Her presence here wasn't an accident.
She knew exactly what fate awaited her.
"Hm."
Joey nodded approvingly.
"Akanegakubo Momo. As expected of someone with divine culinary talent. Impressive! You're worthy of joining my family as an affiliate member."
[Ding! Would you like to make Akanegakubo Momo an affiliate member of the Charlotte Family?]
"Yes."
The system confirmed her new status as a family affiliate—a position unique to the clan.
Unlike servants, whose lives could be disposed of at will, affiliate members were granted some autonomy and respect.
Their role was akin to a subordinate faction, like the relationship between Big Mom's pirate crew and the Sun Pirates.
However, within the Charlotte Family's system, the difference between affiliates and servants was often minimal.
Joey studied Akanegakubo Momo calmly.
"From today onward, you'll serve as the head pastry chef for the Charlotte Family. I'll arrange for a team to assist you. Your duties will include teaching them and ensuring we have the finest dessert chefs in the family."
"Yes!" Akanegakubo Momo bowed deeply, fully aware of her position and responsibilities.
Joey smiled in satisfaction.
"Good. Have someone escort her to her quarters. I want her to prepare this afternoon's dessert."
"At once!"
A maid stepped forward, leading the nervous Momo away.
As she left, Joey's grin turned sly.
"The head pastry chef is secured. I'll need to source more chefs with divine talent from the S-Chef Clan Leader in the future. After all, Momo is just the beginning."
His lips curled into a devious smile.
This man was far from kind.
[Akanegakubo Momo]
Role: Charlotte Family Head Pastry Chef
Strength: Black Iron Level 2
Potential: Bronze Level 1
Talent: Divine Culinary Aptitude
Description: Despite her weak combat ability, Momo's divine culinary potential could elevate her to legendary status if cultivated properly.
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Glancing briefly at her stats, Joey dismissed them.
Her weak strength didn't matter.
In time, she would grow.
.
.
.