Multiverse Family System: Rise of the Charlotte Family

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Splash...

The waves gently lapped as Joey's ship slowly docked.

With a warm smile, Joey said, "King Riku, I really troubled you for personally coming to greet me. Still I truly appreciate it!"

Although his words carried humility, his demeanor radiated an undeniable pride, one that seemed to proclaim his worthiness of such a welcome.

King Riku, however, was unfazed, responding with a genuine smile, "Family Leader Joey, your arrival is a great honor. I simply must welcome you personally. Please, follow me. I've prepared a banquet for you at the King's Plateau."

Joey chuckled lightly, "You are far too kind, King Riku."

Leading the way, King Riku guided Joey, followed by Opera and Counter.

This time, Joey's four younger sisters had chosen not to accompany him. They understood well that Joey was here on important business, not for leisure. Joey had let the other three brothers stay with them to protect their safety.

Besides, Broyé had duties of her own. Despite being only five years old, she bore the responsibility that came with her Food-Type Devil Fruit. Joey had entrusted her with overseeing the arrangements for the Tontatta Kingdom.

In truth, Broyé didn't need to handle much herself—contacting Perospero was enough. He would ensure the subsequent matters were properly managed. It was all part of her growth.

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At the Royal Plateau, the banquet was already prepared.

Once seated, King Riku raised his glass with a respectful smile. "Charlotte Leader Joey, a toast to you!"

Joey stood, matching the gesture. "Thank you, King Riku."

They drained their glasses in one go.

In reality, Joey's endeavors over the past decade were far from limited to small-scale ventures.

As the head of the Charlotte Family, he had access to unique resources, including rare goods from other worlds. One such example was a type of fruit that, while ordinary to his family, could double the physical strength of an average person when consumed.

While this enhancement was negligible to the powerful, for nations and their soldiers, these fruits were akin to miraculous elixirs.

Priced at just a single family coin for 10,000 Gene fruits, they were inexpensive commodities for Joey.

Through careful planning, Joey had built an intricate web of trade over the past decade, connecting nearly 50 nations across the Grand Line and the New World. Some were World Government affiliates, while others were independent.

This trade network granted the Charlotte Family immense influence. It also served as a shield—Joey's growing reputation meant even the current Fleet Admiral of the Marines had refrained from placing bounties on all but Katakuri and six others who made it clear they were pirates.

Unless Joey openly declared himself a pirate, targeting him or his family was an unwise move.

With both strength and power consolidated, Joey was now ready to act.

Clink!

As they set their glasses down, King Riku studied Joey carefully before asking, "Clan Leader Joey, what brings you to Dressrosa this time?"

Joey smiled warmly, though his words carried weight. "Naturally, it's to propose a trade. You're well aware of the power of our Gene Fruits. I'm willing to offer them to you at half the usual price, and I will prioritize our transactions with your kingdom."

King Riku's brows furrowed as his expression turned serious. This was an astonishing proposal.

The revenue Joey generated from Gene Fruit sales easily reached tens of billions of Berry annually. Offering them at such a discount was beyond generous—it was suspicious.

But the benefits of the Gene Fruits couldn't be ignored. Soldiers enhanced by these fruits would become a formidable force, and even a pacifist king like Riku couldn't overlook their strategic potential.

After all, the Riku royal family hadn't always ruled Dressrosa. Without elite troops, their position was precarious.

After a long silence, King Riku finally asked, "What is it you want in return?"

Joey's gentle smile deepened. "I knew you wouldn't pass up this deal, King Riku. The terms are simple. Two years from now, at the next Reverie, the Charlotte Family will formally establish a nation. I want my country to join the World Government, not as a regular member, but as a special one. We will be exempt from the Heavenly Tribute."

"This..."

King Riku's eyes widened in shock.

Such a condition was unprecedented. All member nations of the World Government were required to pay the Heavenly Tribute. To gain exemption was akin to achieving the status of a nation under Celestial Dragon protection.

While theoretically possible, as long as over half of the Reverie's participating nations agreed, it was an extraordinary demand.

Joey's serene voice broke the silence. "King Riku, this is a mutually beneficial arrangement. You gain the strength and stability you need, and I secure my position. Surely, you wouldn't refuse?"

King Riku stared at the man before him, a chill running down his spine.

This was no ordinary man besides he couldn't refuse such benefits.

Finally, he nodded stiffly. "I accept your proposal."

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