Multiverse Family System: Rise of the Charlotte Family

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The ship's coating was finally complete.

With a deep breath, the vessel plunged beneath the waves, entering the depths of the ocean—its destination, Fish-Man Island.

This island was extraordinary.

Located 10,000 meters beneath the sea, it sat under the Red Line, the natural barrier dividing the Grand Line into its first and second halves.

For those aiming to venture into the so-called "New World," the second half of the Grand Line, there were only two routes:

The first route was to cross the Red Line itself, a method facilitated by the World Government. Ships would switch vessels along this path, allowing the Navy to deploy reinforcements or retreat swiftly when necessary.

The second route was via Fish-Man Island, where a massive undersea tunnel in the Red Line enabled passage.

However...

This path was perilous beyond belief.

The success rate for reaching Fish-Man Island was abysmally low—barely 20%, if not less.

Although Joey, given his identity, could have opted to cross the Red Line with ease, that wasn't his purpose.

His gaze was firmly set on Fish-Man Island.

It was a critical piece in his grand plan.

"Fish-Man Island boasts a population of nearly five million," Joy murmured, massaging his temples. "It's by far the largest non-human community. While the Longarm and Longleg tribes are significant in size, they're nowhere near this scale."

As he thought about the island, the magnitude of its population stood out.

If he could persuade some of them to leave with him, it would be a significant step forward.

But...

Joey was well aware it wouldn't be easy to achieve.

Still, he smiled faintly. "The dangers that plague Fish-Man Island… they've never truly been resolved, have they? Fixing them shouldn't be too difficult."

A hint of confidence played at his lips.

Joey had never encountered a person without weaknesses.

Whether it was Jarul, King Riku, or anyone else, everyone had something they feared, something that could be exploited.

Once their vulnerabilities were in hand, controlling them became a simple matter.

Truthfully, Joey never had a talent for increasing his own strength. He had a low potential.

And yet...

He didn't mind. His mother, brothers, and sisters had plenty of talent in that regard.

As of now, only his mother had reached Silver Level 3. In time, his siblings would reach the Silver stage as well.

When that day came, Joey's own strength would rise like a rocket. His strength would be the sum of all his family members after all.

And for him, mastering power wasn't as important as understanding people—their minds, their motivations, their hearts.

Power.

It was a tool, a means to an end.

A method of solving problems violently if necessary.

But power was best saved as a last resort, a trump card kept hidden until the decisive moment.

Suddenly, the creak of the door broke his train of thought.

Broye walked in, her expression soft but firm. "Brother, why are you still awake?"

Joey rubbed his temples and replied, "It's fine. We'll be reaching Fish-Man Island soon. I'll rest after we get there."

Technically, he wasn't wrong.

Fish-Man Island, located just 10 kilometers beneath the surface, wasn't as distant as it seemed.

Even with the challenges of navigating the deep sea, the journey wouldn't take more than two hours.

Broye sighed in exasperation. "Brother, you're always in such a rush. Whatever it is, it can wait. Take things one step at a time."

Joey smiled at her concern. "Don't worry. I know my limits."

But there were things Joey never shared with his siblings.

In less than a century—86 years to be exact—the portal of the system that had brought him here would open again.

And when that happened...

The real danger would begin. A real multiverse war.

It wasn't something he could ignore.

Even if he didn't say it outright, his brothers and sisters weren't fools. They had all noticed how urgent and driven he had become.

"Brother…" Broye hesitated, her voice soft but probing. "You're hiding something from us, aren't you?"

Joey paused, caught off guard.

Looking at her serious expression, he eventually replied, "Broye, you don't need to worry about that. Just focus on growing stronger. When the time is right, I'll tell you everything."

"How long until then?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Joey sighed but reassured her. "Not too far now. Once Totto Land is established, I'll explain everything. For now, it's better you don't know. The weight of it… it's too much."

Broye whimpered softly, her childish pout betraying her worry.

Joey chuckled and stood, ruffling her hair. "Alright, no more fussing. Get some rest. Once we reach Fish-Man Island, you might not get another chance to relax."

"Okay, Brother," she murmured, her concern lingering.

But just as she turned to leave...

Joey's body suddenly trembled violently.

He collapsed to the floor, clutching his chest as his breath came in sharp gasps.

"Brother!" Broye cried in panic, rushing to his side. "What's wrong? Don't scare me like this!"

Joey waved weakly, silencing her. "Don't shout... No need to worry, Broye."

With her help, he managed to sit on the couch, his forehead glistening with sweat.

His heart was pounding erratically, and even his very soul seemed to tremble.

And then...

A voice.

Soft, serene, like the vast, calm ocean itself.

"You've returned at last, haven't you?"

"I've waited so long for you..."

"But now, you're finally here."

"That's all that matters."

Joey drifted into unconsciousness, the gentle voice echoing in his ears.

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