Multiverse Family System: Charlotte Family Rise From One Piece

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To be honest, Joey didn't initially understand the term "fans" that Opera often used.

But now?

Now Joey understood perfectly.

"Sir! This way! Please, this way!"

"Would you like some fruit, my lord?"

"Would you like some water, sir?"

"Mister…"

"Sir…"

As Joey and Opera made their way toward the Ryugu Kingdom, they were practically smothered with attention.

At first, it seemed manageable, but things soon escalated. Before they knew it, they were ushered into a carriage that had been prepared for them. Not just that—a mountain of gifts was piled onto the carriage as well.

This whole scenario…

It was so bizarre that it left Joey bewildered.

Finally, they arrived at the gates of the royal palace.

"Hah~~~"

Stepping off the carriage, Opera let out a long sigh. "Big brother, do you get what I mean now?"

Opera didn't mind spouting insults or slashing at enemies when needed. If someone crossed them, he'd deal with it decisively.

But this?

The sheer overwhelming enthusiasm of the Fishman and Merfolk people was something else entirely.

It was so over the top that even Opera, who usually thrived in chaos, was at a loss.

"Yeah…" Joey stepped down from the carriage, his expression complicated. "It's… too much."

His voice was calm, but deep inside, he felt like he'd pieced together the reason behind all this.

Ever since his arrival at Fishman Island, something had been odd—he'd fainted immediately after arriving.

And this…

Why was that?

Why were the Fishmen, who were known to harbor resentment toward humans, showing such genuine warmth?

This wasn't fake enthusiasm.

It came from their very souls, deeply ingrained in their beings as if it was a natural instinct to treat him with such reverence.

"Hmm… I think I'm starting to understand."

"But still…"

"This is… fascinating."

Joey mused for a moment before shaking off his thoughts. "Let's go, Opera."

"Got it, big brother!" Opera replied quickly, falling in step behind Joey as they entered the palace.

The Ryugu Palace was luxurious and extravagant beyond words.

It wasn't just wealth—it exuded a sense of nobility and grandeur.

From the sheer opulence of the surroundings, it was evident that the Fishmen were truly wealthy.

There was no denying it:

In terms of riches, the Fishmen were among the wealthiest in the world.

Being located in the deep sea, they had access to countless treasures and rare resources. If it weren't for the constant turmoil and problems plaguing Fishman Island, thirty years of stability would've easily made it the richest nation in the world.

"Ha ha ha~~~"

Before Joey and Opera could fully take in the palace, King Neptune himself appeared, laughing heartily as he approached. "Chief Joey, it's an honor to meet you! Though, for some reason, I feel an inexplicable sense of familiarity!"

Neptune, known as the Great Knight of the Sea, wasn't particularly powerful, but his dedication to improving Fishman Island was undeniable.

Joey greeted him warmly, "Hello, King Neptune."

But Neptune waved off the pleasantries. "No need for formalities! Chief Joey, the banquet is ready! This way, please!"

Without hesitation, Neptune grabbed Joey's hand and led him further into the palace.

"…"

Opera watched this scene in silence, feeling an odd mix of disbelief and unease.

How could he put it?

Neptune's enthusiasm was… unsettlingly intense.

Regardless, Opera quickened his pace, making sure to stay close to his brother. He wouldn't allow anything to happen to him—not on his watch.

Inside the banquet hall, Joey, Opera, and Neptune were joined by several key figures: the Left Minister, the Right Minister, Neptune's wife Queen Otohime, and even a crimson-skinned teenage Fishman.

It was Fisher Tiger!

To put it simply, every major figure of Fishman Island and the Ryugu Kingdom was present.

Neptune, the Left and Right Ministers—they were the pillars of the royal government.

As for Otohime and Fisher Tiger?

They were the spiritual leaders of the entire island.

Otohime, revered by all, was a beacon of hope.

Fisher Tiger, on the other hand, had brought order to the once-chaotic Fishman people.

If these two hadn't met their tragic fates, Fishman Island would undoubtedly have become a powerful nation by the time of the original story.

For a country to truly thrive, it needed united leadership and shared ideals, and Otohime and Tiger embodied both.

Joey scanned the room, taking note of everyone present.

Neptune raised his glass and said loudly, "A toast to Chief Joey and Mr. Opera's arrival! Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

Everyone raised their glasses and drank.

As they set their glasses down, Tiger didn't hold back. "Chief Joey, I assume your visit has a purpose. Let's hear it."

Joey smiled. "Since Mr. Tiger has brought it up, I'll get straight to the point. The Charlotte Family wishes to cooperate with you. My mother's dream is to create a utopia where all races can live together in harmony—Totto Land!"

He paused, letting the words sink in before continuing.

"So, I propose a deal with the Ryugu Kingdom. We'd like to arrange for some Fishmen and Merfolk to immigrate to a safe island where they can live under the sun, free and equal."

"…"

Joey could feel the collective intake of breath from everyone in the room.

Their emotions were raw and unrestrained.

This wasn't just excitement—it was the embodiment of a lifelong yearning.

Joey realized he had underestimated just how deeply the people of Ryugu Kingdom longed for life under the sun and equal treatment.

To them, Joey's proposal wasn't just a simple offer—it was the dream they had been striving toward for generations.

Neptune didn't hesitate for a second before agreeing.

At this moment, Otohime's gentle voice broke the silence. "Chief Joey, your proposal is indeed exciting, but… since this is a deal, what will we gain in return?"

Joey noticed her voice trembling slightly, a reflection of how much this meant to her.

A smile tugged at his lips.

He already knew the deal was as good as sealed.

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