Multiverse Family System: Charlotte Family Rise From One Piece

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"Big brother! What's going on outside?"

"Who is this, standing outside like an idiot?"

"Opera, don't be curious. It has nothing to do with us. Our only goal is the auction tonight."

"Understood, big brother!"

The conversation between Joey and Opera echoed faintly.

Standing nearby, Kong clenched his teeth in frustration.

It was clear.

Joey had already anticipated his arrival and taken precautions. Monitoring someone like Joey wasn't going to be easy.

In such a situation…

Trying to catch Joey slipping through a careless word?

Hah!

Keep dreaming!

The vice admiral standing beside Kong sighed. "Sir Kong, finding evidence against this man is proving to be exceedingly difficult."

Kong took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay composed. "This doesn't surprise me. At just 14 years old, as the head of the Charlotte family, he's managed to establish trade networks spanning the entire world."

"Sure, he has the hidden support of Charlotte Linlin, but his own abilities are nothing short of remarkable."

"Indeed." The vice admiral nodded gravely. "From what we can tell, the one responsible for killing the Celestial Dragon is undoubtedly this man. However…"

"We have no solid evidence," Kong interrupted with a bitter smile. "Fine. Pass down the order: frame this on one of the infamous pirates with a bounty exceeding two billion berries."

"Understood!"

The vice admiral left to carry out the order.

Kong rubbed his temples, visibly stressed.

There was no other choice.

Joey's status and influence were undeniable.

It was akin to dealing with an underground emperor.

Someone like Stussy might be able to covertly eliminate an underground boss, but never openly.

Otherwise…

The countries that relied on the underground economy would exert immense pressure on the World Government.

'You took down him today? What about tomorrow? Will it be us?'

Some things were just like a fragile paper window. You could operate behind the scenes, but breaking through that thin paper would cause chaos.

With no way to implicate Joey directly, Kong had no choice but to seek a scapegoat.

In any case…

That was the best he could do.

The news of the Celestial Dragon's death had already been suppressed. As long as there wasn't widespread panic, the matter could be left for the Five Elders to handle.

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The day passed swiftly.

The five Opera brothers took the four young girls out for some fun, leaving Joey alone at their temporary base.

But Joey wasn't concerned in the slightest.

"Hmm…"

After a moment of thought, he opened his communication panel and sent a private message.

Charlotte Patriarch: Have you made your decision? Three Devil Fruits is already a generous offer.

Joestar Patriarch: I'm still considering it. But… three Devil Fruits is a bit too low.

Charlotte Patriarch: Take your time. I don't lack the means to secure this power.

Joestar Patriarch: .....

Joey smirked at the non-reply.

This transaction intrigued him. It was the Joestar Family after all (from JoJo's Bizarre Adventure).

Still…

Whether it succeeded or not wasn't a major concern. If it went through, great. If not, it was no skin off his back.

"Big brother!"

"Big brother!"

"We're back!"

The four young girls burst into the room with infectious energy.

Joey smiled warmly. "Did you have fun?"

"Yes!"

The girls nodded enthusiastically, their smiles pure and unrestrained.

Joey chuckled, his tone gentle. "Make sure you don't cause trouble tonight. Get a good rest—I'm heading to the auction."

"Okay!"

They all nodded obediently, their innocence softening the room's atmosphere.

Joey rose to his feet, and the maids around him immediately began assisting him with his attire, ensuring every detail was flawless.

Then, he turned to two of his brothers.

"Cadenza, Cabaletta, you two will accompany me to the auction."

"Big brother!"

"Ok!"

Opera, Counter, and Gala, the other three brothers, grew tense immediately.

Joey waved off their concern with a smile. "What's got you all so worked up? I'm the head of the Charlotte family. We're part of the Charlotte lineage. Who, aside from pirates, would dare make a move against us so recklessly?"

The brothers exchanged glances, then nodded silently.

Taking Cadenza and Cabaletta along, Joey set off for the auction in Area 13.

The auction in Area 13…

As expected, its backing was none other than the Celestial Dragons.

With items like Supreme Grade Blades, top-tier Devil Fruits, and rare treasures up for auction, it would be strange if such an operation wasn't tied to the World Nobles.

When Joey arrived at the auction house, he naturally didn't take the public entrance.

His status granted him access to the VIP route, which led directly to a private suite.

Soon, Joey was handed a catalog of the items available.

With the right price, he could even purchase an item outright before the auction began.

Such were the perks of power.

Of course…

Joey wasn't yet at a level where everything bent to his will.

Otherwise…

Why bother with such elaborate processes?

"Hmm…"

Looking through the catalog, Joey's eyes glinted with interest.

Turning to one of the beautiful attendants beside him, he asked with a faint smile, "Little miss, the Cat-Cat Fruit, Mythical Zoan, Sphinx Form—it starts at 10 billion berries. How much do you think I'll need to secure it?"

"…"

The maid froze momentarily, stunned by the question.

At that moment, Cabaletta's expression shifted as well.

Now, he understood.

This was why his big brother had brought him along—and why they had suddenly detoured to the Sabaody Archipelago.

Here lay the perfect Devil Fruit for him.

The maid regained her composure and bowed respectfully. "Patriarch Joey, that decision is beyond me. I'll need to consult with our manager."

"Go ahead," Joey replied with a nod.

"Yes, sir."

The maid left to deliver the message, while other attendants immediately approached, ensuring everything was arranged for Joey's comfort. They even began skillfully massaging him.

"Big brother!"

Once they were alone, Cabaletta leaned in excitedly, unable to contain his anticipation.

Joey glanced at him and chuckled. "Look at you, acting like a kitten eyeing its first bowl of milk. Calm yourself, you impulsive brat."

"Hahaha!"

Cabaletta scratched the back of his head sheepishly, but his grin revealed just how much his brother's words had thrilled him.

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80 advanced chapters at: patreon.com/_Coreal