NOVEL NEXT Chapter 8: New Year
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New Year's Day always brings a sense of joy. After all, it's a day when the whole family gathers together.
"Cheers!"
In the luxurious castle of the Charlotte family, the atmosphere was lively.
Though the only ones attending the feast were Joey and Linlin, the grand banquet still exuded splendor.
Meanwhile, the few-days-old Perospero had already learned to sit upright. He was happily devouring a large cream cake in front of him.
To be honest, members of the Charlotte family, including Joey himself, had no resistance to sweets. Joey, too, was an avid lover of desserts.
"Big brother!"
"Mom!"
"I want more cake!" Perospero exclaimed, having wolfed down the cake and looking unhappy when it was gone.
Joey instructed one of the maids, "Prepare more food for Perospero."
Then, turning to his younger brother, he smiled warmly. "Perospero, you're one of the future pillars of this family. You must grow strong."
"Don't worry, big brother!" Perospero nodded firmly, his childlike determination shining through. "I'll protect our family!"
Joey chuckled, satisfied. After all, not everyone was like him—a transmigrator with mature thoughts and memories. Perospero, despite his exceptional talents, was still just a child with an immature mind.
That said, learning to speak within three days was remarkable.
"Ahaha~~~" Linlin laughed cheerfully. "Our family is growing bigger and bigger, Joey. The Charlotte family will become stronger! We'll definitely build Totto Land!"
"Yay!~~~"
Joey silently watched his adorable mother. She had once again fallen into one of her whimsical daydreams, her hands cupping her face in an almost childlike manner.
To be honest, his mother had so many quirks.
Seeing a cute child could send her into a strange state.
Having an issue with a nun's photo could trigger another.
In a way, Linlin felt more human, with all her flaws and idiosyncrasies. She wasn't perfect—far from it.
"Well, it's fine as it is," Joey muttered to himself. "She's just perfect like this."
Joey's gaze shifted to the massive round table in front of him, spanning a hundred meters in diameter. Despite its grand size, there were only three people seated—himself, his mother, and his brother.
In the future, though, the table would be surrounded by family members.
Clenching his tiny fists, Joey declared inwardly, "I will make our family thrive—not just in this world but across the multiverse. We will become the strongest family of all!"
Just as he steeled his resolve, Linlin swept him up in her arms, holding him tightly. With a carefree smile, she lifted her glass and announced, "It's New Year's! Joey, let's drink! Joey, come drink with me!"
"Alright, alright, Mom…" Joey's face twisted into an expression of helplessness.
Seriously? He was only two years old, and his mother wanted him to drink?
Though, to be fair, being a two-year-old with Admiral-level strength was rare in itself.
The lively New Year's celebration eventually came to an end.
Joey made up his mind: as the family grew, New Year's Day would become an official family gathering day. There will be a lot of members of his family here in the future.
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A month passed after the New Year.
"Big brother! Mom!" Perospero stood at the entrance of the castle, now resembling a child of about two years old. He looked unhappy. "Are you leaving?"
Joey patted his younger brother on the head and said, "Perospero, a man must learn to grow. I'll be back soon."
Turning to one of the Ghost clan servants, Joey commanded, "Protect my brother."
"Understood," the Ghost servant replied respectfully. With a strength level of Bronze 5, he was more than capable.
"Mm!" Perospero nodded resolutely. "Big brother, I'll grow stronger and help you manage the family!"
Joey smiled. "Good. Keep it up."
With that, Joey and Linlin set off.
The two of them boarded a small pirate ship and sailed toward the horizon.
After some time, Joey asked, "Mom, do you know where Wano Country is?"
Linlin tilted her head and replied innocently, "Joey, don't you know?"
"…"
Joey fell into a moment of silence.
Why did I even bother trusting her?
This was a naïve and clumsy woman. Expecting her to know? She'd get lost 100% of the time!
"Alright…" Joey rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Here's the plan. Let's capture a relatively strong pirate crew. Even though Wano Country's location is remote, most people should still know where it is."
"Good idea! My son is so smart!" Linlin agreed enthusiastically.
After all for her, any problem that could be solved with violence wasn't really a problem.
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What followed was self-explanatory.
"Ikoku"
A pirate crew with a total bounty of over 400 million berries was now trembling in fear, prostrating themselves on the deck.
The sea itself had been split apart by Linlin's attack with Napoleon, leaving them all swallowing nervously.
"The captain of the Wild Wolf Pirates—Lonely Wolf, right?" Joey asked as he descended gracefully onto their ship. "A Zoan user with the Dog-Dog Fruit: Model Wild Wolf?"
"That's me!" Lonely Wolf stammered, his voice trembling. "Sir! What can I do for you?"
Joey smiled, satisfied. "Take us to Wano Country's seas. Hand over all your treasures, and I'll let you live."
"ok ok!" Lonely Wolf nodded fervently.
To him, survival was all that mattered. Money could always be earned back.
And while Wano Country's seas were dangerous, its location was no secret for people like him.
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I uploaded Joey's image on Discord, and there are giveaways and other fun activities there. I'd love for you to join me!
Discord Link: https://discord.gg/uwUKU4NeRW
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