Multiverse Family System: Rise of the Charlotte Family

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"Charlotte Katakuri, bounty: 1,089,000,000 Berries."

"Charlotte Cracker, bounty: 980,000,000 Berries."

"Charlotte Compote, bounty: 865,000,000 Berries."

"Charlotte Amande, bounty: 760,000,000 Berries."

"Charlotte Monde, bounty: 670,000,000 Berries."

"Charlotte Hachée, bounty: 660,000,000 Berries."

"Charlotte Effilée, bounty: 650,000,000 Berries."

A soft chuckle escaped Joey's lips as he examined the freshly printed bounty posters in his hands.

Opera, standing nearby, couldn't help but exclaim, "It's only been half a month, and Katakuri's bounty has already surpassed a billion! That's incredible, isn't it?"

The amazement was shared among Opera and his four brothers, but Joey's calm tone interrupted their awe. "Opera, you and your brothers must never get carried away like this. Remember, while Katakuri and the others can act openly, your role is different. You must remain in the shadows. Understand?"

Opera straightened, nodding solemnly. "Understood, big brother! You've always told us—a family must have those who handle the spotlight and those who manage the unseen."

Joey nodded approvingly. "Good. As long as you remember."

This balance of "light" and "shadow" was critical to Joey's strategy. Until their family reached an unshakable level of power, this dynamic would remain essential. His spotless public image was guarded fiercely, and any blemish was swiftly erased by those in the shadows—his mother, Linlin and Katakuri foremost among them. It was a matter of life and death for anyone who dared tarnish their reputation.

Placing the bounty posters aside, Joey shifted his attention. "Opera, Counter, Gala, how are you progressing with mastering your Devil Fruit powers?" Although he addressed all three, his gaze lingered on Opera and Gala.

Counter, after all, had already consumed the Mythical Zoan: Yamata no Orochi Fruit, demonstrating exceptional potential. He already reached a high point of mastering the devil fruit.

Still, Joey was under no illusions. While the brothers had once overwhelmed over a thousand giants in a remarkable feat, the victory carried significant caveats.

The truth was, Joey's Conqueror's Haki had suppressed the giants throughout the battle, reducing their combat capabilities to nearly half their true potential. Additionally, the Oni Clan's innate resilience, combined with Opera and Counter's Mythical Zoan abilities and Wano-crafted weapons and armor, had been crucial to their success.

Even then, the giants had fought with restraint, aware they could not afford an all-out clash.

This intricate mix of factors led to their victory, and Joey had repeatedly warned his brothers not to grow arrogant. The battle was meant to instill confidence, not complacency. Misplaced pride could only weaken them.

"Heh," Gala admitted with a sheepish laugh, scratching his head. "Big Brother, my control's still shaky, but I'll get it down soon!"

Opera chimed in, his expression resolute. "Don't worry, Big Brother! We know exactly how much of that battle was thanks to you. We won't let it make us overconfident."

Joey's warm smile returned. "Good. As long as you know. Remember, even a lion goes all out when hunting a rabbit. Never let pride or arrogance become your weakness. Understood?"

"Understood!" The five brothers responded in unison, their resolve evident.

Satisfied, Joey waved them off. "Get some rest. We'll be reaching our next destination soon. Once we're done there, it'll be time to move on."

As his brothers left to recuperate, Joey turned back to his plans, carefully reviewing his objectives.

Their first stop was Elbaf, the land of the giants.

His mission there was complete. Out of the roughly 300,000 giants alive, he had taken control of 10,000. For the giants, this was a massive blow. Chief Yaruru had been forced to concede, knowing the alternative would bring even greater devastation.

As for loyalty? That was ensured through servitude contracts. The giants, like the Oni and Dwarf clans before them, were bound under strict terms that left no room for betrayal.

These methods were non-negotiable in Joey's eyes. Trust was never given freely, not even to his own subordinates. The Blackhand operatives managing his criminal enterprises were no exception—they too were bound by similar contracts. Control through a combination of fear, loyalty, and reward was an art Joey had perfected.

Marking the Elbaf mission as complete in his journal, Joey mused aloud, "The second stop, Phoenix Island, was unexpected, but obtaining the Phoenix Fruit was certainly worthwhile. Now, the third destination—Dressrosa."

He leaned back, contemplating the kingdom. Dressrosa was a nation with deep ties to the Celestial Dragons, ensuring its consistent status as one of the 50 ruling nations in the World Government. These privileged nations, though technically rotational, included certain states like Dressrosa and Alabasta, whose power and history guaranteed their seats.

Joey scribbled further notes in his journal. "Dressrosa itself is supported by 11 smaller nations. Gaining its favor would mean securing the support of all 12, effectively ensuring 25 nations' allegiance—half of the necessary votes."

With a decisive motion, Joey placed his pen down and massaged his temples. Apart from Dressrosa, there was also the Tontatta Kingdom, a land governed by the diminutive yet fiercely independent dwarves. Convincing the straightforward yet stubborn Tontatta would prove the more challenging task.

Lastly, there was the current ruler of Dressrosa: King Riku Doldo III.

Joey smiled faintly, confident in his ability to sway the honorable monarch. The real challenge, however, lay in bringing the Tontatta under his fold.

This was no ordinary task, but Joey thrived on complexities.

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