— — — — — — — —
The Charlotte Family now had 23 members.
And back in the meeting room, everyone took their respective seats.
Joey sat casually on the sofa, scanning the room before breaking the silence.
"Perospero, the people I told you to prepare—are they ready?"
Perospero quickly responded, "Big bro! The 500 death squad members you requested are ready."
Joey, however, shook his head. "We don't need that many anymore. Custard has eaten the Mirror-Mirror Fruit, so there's no need for so many sacrifices."
"Huh?"
Perospero froze for a second but then beamed with joy as he looked at Custard.
As the eldest son of the Charlotte Family, he knew very well what it meant when their big brother handed out Devil Fruits.
Custard being granted the Mirror-Mirror Fruit symbolized her growth—it was an acknowledgment from Joey.
And when a little sister grows up, what kind of older brother wouldn't be proud?
"Hehehe," Custard giggled bashfully, scratching her head with an innocent, adorable expression.
Daifuku squinted and chimed in, "Big bro! Custard eating the Mirror-Mirror Fruit does simplify things—just take her along when the time comes. But… this girl's combat skills are weak. Controlling a Devil Fruit like that won't be easy for her."
"True."
Daifuku and Oven exchanged sharp glances.
They both understood what kind of dangerous place she'd be walking into. Sending their little sister there? It wasn't something to be taken lightly.
Joey spoke with a calm, gentle tone. "Of course, we'll ensure Custard's safety above all else."
"Wealth, treasures—they mean nothing compared to your lives. Remember this: everything can be regained, but there's no need to throw your lives away. Understood?"
"Understood!"
Everyone nodded solemnly.
Joey smiled warmly and continued, "Now that Custard has eaten the Mirror-Mirror Fruit, there's no need for such extreme caution. The rest of you can start to ease off. Let's move on to discuss the next phase of our development plan."
At this, the atmosphere turned sharp.
Perospero looked a bit embarrassed. "Big bro, over the past period, managing all this has resulted in about a 30% loss across various areas..."
"No," Joey interrupted, cutting Perospero off. He turned to Daifuku and Oven instead. "Daifuku, Oven—how has Perospero been handling things?"
Daifuku responded first. "Big bro, Perospero has done everything he possibly could. Some of the issues…"
Oven continued, "Some of those problems weren't something Perospero could handle alone."
Joey smiled and looked back at Perospero. "Did you hear that? Don't be afraid of losses. If something's gone, it's gone. What matters is growth. Moving forward, all family business will be managed by you. The future of the family's businesses is now your responsibility."
"What?!"
Perospero shot up in shock. "Big bro, I… I can't do this!"
But a large blade materialized, forcing Perospero back into his seat.
Joey, still smiling, said, "Perospero, if I say you can, then you can. What, are you going to disobey your family head?"
Perospero swallowed hard and obediently replied, "I understand, big bro."
Joey chuckled. "Alright, alright, no need to look so stressed. Let me tell you—there are plenty of people out there who'd kill to take over the Charlotte Family's business."
"Perospero, start preparing. Two years from now, we're launching."
A glint of determination flashed in Joey's eyes.
Perospero immediately understood.
The Charlotte Family had, for years, solely dealt in Gene Fruits—never branching out into other trades. Yet even with this single focus, they'd risen to an incredible level.
But Gene Fruits couldn't be mass-produced. That wouldn't make sense.
If they flooded the market, the value of Gene Fruits would plummet. Scarcity creates value, and Gene Fruits were no exception.
Now, however, the family was finally stepping into other businesses—a decision that had piqued the curiosity of every sibling.
Taking a deep breath, Perospero said, "Big bro, I understand."
Joey smiled again. "Relax. Learn step by step. You'll manage everything just fine, won't you?"
Perospero nodded firmly, and Joey's expression softened even further.
Joey knew he'd eventually have to let go and entrust responsibilities to his siblings. As the family head, his role was to oversee their growth, not micromanage every detail.
And when it came to business, no one was better suited than Perospero.
Cunning, ruthless, and shrewd—he protected his family fiercely, but his true nature made him perfect for handling the cutthroat world of business.
"Now," Joey continued, "reduce our Gene Fruit transactions and prepare for new ventures—slave trading, arms dealing, and any profitable industry. No matter what it is!"
Perospero nodded with determination.
In this world, there were three main power players:
Legitimate nations under the World Government. Pirates roaming the seas. The underworld overlords.
These included the underworld emperors of the New World, the Five Great Mafia Families of the West Blue, bounty hunters, assassins, and more.
Among them, pirates were the least respected.
Though they couldn't be eradicated, they were often looked down upon. Nations and underground powers endured for centuries, but pirate crews? They always had an expiration date.
No pirate crew ever evolved into a lasting power.
That's why pirates were seen as tools—necessary for the world's balance but ultimately expendable.
Sure, pirates were powerful. But could they really be wiped out?
Absolutely. If the entire world united, eradicating pirates would be child's play.
They weren't eliminated simply because their existence served a purpose.
"Daifuku, Oven," Joey called out, turning to his brothers. "You two must be wondering—what's your role in all this?"
Indeed, they were curious. Katakuri had taken some siblings to sail the seas as pirates. Perospero was now in charge of the family business.
So what about the two of them?
Joey chuckled. "You two troublemakers don't need fixed roles. Go wherever you're needed—just don't become pirates. Got it? We're one family. No need to overcomplicate things."
This statement left them momentarily stunned.
They'd all been thinking about having fixed roles and responsibilities.
"Heh heh heh…"
Joey laughed helplessly. "You brats just don't get it. We're a family! Stop worrying about what you're responsible for."
"As family members, isn't it our duty to step up when the family needs us? The pirates don't need you, but the family does! For anything and everything. Got it?"
Hearing Joey's words, everyone silently nodded.
It finally hit them.
Yeah!
They were family, brothers and sisters. Why waste time overcomplicating things? Just help out where needed.
"Alright then!"
Satisfied, Joey continued, "Daifuku, Oven, how are things progressing with the Totto Land Sea Territory?"
Daifuku nodded seriously, "Big Brother, the central area has already been cleared. We've reduced the total number of islands to 36, just as you requested. The rest have all been dealt with."
Oven chimed in, "And besides that, we've assigned suitable islands for the Tontattas, Oni, and Dwarves. I've also started hiring craftsmen and workers to modify and build on those three islands."
This, of course, required massive amounts of money.
But money wasn't an issue.
After all, for the Charlotte Family, with its decades of accumulated wealth, such expenses were nothing.
After thinking for a moment, Joey said, "Daifuku, bring me the map of the Totto Land Sea Territory showing the positions of the 36 islands. I want to take a look."
"Got it, Big Brother!" Daifuku immediately spread the map on Joey's desk.
Joey studied the map closely, and the others gathered around as well.
After a moment, Joey remarked, "Some of these island positions are problematic. Daifuku, I'll redraw the map tonight. Tomorrow, you and Opera will reposition the islands according to my plan. Remember! No room for error—not even by an inch."
"Understood!"
"Got it!"
The two brothers nodded seriously.
This was clearly an extremely important task.
Otherwise, their big brother wouldn't have been this strict.
Joey continued, "Aside from the Tontattas, Oni, and Dwarves, I've also brought the Giants back this time."
He shook his head.
There was too much to deal with and too many responsibilities piling up.
Perospero said, "Big Brother, there's nothing we can do about it. There's too much on our plate to handle everything at once. Fortunately, we still have a year and a half before the next World Meeting. We have enough time."
"Yeah."
Joey nodded. "Time is on our side for now. The next phase is crucial. The family will transition into a development phase. Business, construction, and nation-building—we'll handle all of it simultaneously. Perospero, Daifuku, Oven, Opera."
"Yes, Big Brother!"
The four looked at Joey with burning determination.
Joey declared seriously, "The four of you will oversee these tasks. Prioritize safety. The reconstruction of the Totto Land Sea Territory is the most critical. No mistakes allowed. Use all family resources if needed."
"Once the God Valley matter is settled, I'll have Katakuri return to assist you."
Everyone nodded solemnly.
They understood.
Totto Land! This was the face of the Charlotte Family.
If Joey made such a grand display and yet something went wrong in Totto Land….It'd be utterly humiliating. They'd become the laughingstock of the world.
This was no joke. It was a fact.
When you're in a position of power, any blunder can cost you. If you mess up, the next time, they won't let you join the game.
In this world, being in the right position meant showing the strength and bearing to match it.
With that, the meeting was adjourned.
Everyone continued discussing the various tasks, while Joey sat back, lost in thought.
From here on out…
The family's development would enter a stable yet dangerous period.
There were plenty of people who didn't want to see the Charlotte Family grow.
And before the next World Meeting in a year and a half…
They'd have to deal with countless troubles coming their way!
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