— — — — — — —
A banquet.
Always a time of joy.
Everyone was immersed in the festivities.
"Mmm—"
When Joey opened his eyes, three days had already passed.
Shaking his head, he rubbed his temples and muttered, "Alcohol is really not a good thing. I need to be more careful in the future."
He hated the feeling of losing control.
Drinking was supposed to be for relaxation.
Yet, somehow, he had gotten completely wasted.
That was unacceptable.
This wasn't the kind of relaxation he wanted.
"Master, sobering tea."
"Mmm."
"Phew—"
Joey took the tea from the maid and sipped it slowly before exhaling deeply.
He stood up, and the two maids beside him had already prepared a fresh set of clothes.
After getting dressed, he massaged his temples again and left the room.
In the study, Joey sat down. A maid had already brewed tea and placed it in front of him.
Creak—
The door opened, and Perospero walked in.
"Big brother! You're awake."
Joey asked, "How long was I out?"
Perospero chuckled, "Big bro, you've been asleep for three days! You rarely get this drunk."
Joey shook his head, helpless. "Next time, I need to control myself. Did anything important happen in these three days?"
Perospero thought for a moment. "Nothing major. Some troublemakers showed up in Totto Land, but the Beastmen displayed incredible strength and wiped out all the pirates. Other than that, business is running smoothly."
Hearing this, Joey gently blew on his tea. "A new year has begun, huh."
Perospero, who had just sat down across from him, was momentarily stunned before glancing at the deep blue sky outside. "Yeah… another new year."
Year 1485 of the Sea Calendar.
Last year, the Charlotte family first revealed their hidden fangs.
Last year, the God Valley War erupted.
Now, a new era of rising contenders is beginning.
This year would be the start of an age where countless powers would rise. It would be a dangerous time, but also full of opportunities. For those with the strength, anything was possible.
Shaking his head, Joey chuckled at himself. "It's not time to start reflecting on life just yet. Our journey has only begun!"
"Hahaha—"
Perospero laughed. "Big bro, you're only fifteen! Why do you sound like some old man in his eighties? Even if we were that old, our Charlotte family has such grand ambitions! There's no way we'd give up here! Our future is limitless!"
Joey grinned. "Tch. Getting lectured by you, huh? How embarrassing."
"Hehehe—"
Perospero laughed, shaking his head.
Joey then said casually, "A new year means a new beginning. With the treasure we took from the Celestial Dragons, our business should be getting on the right track, right?"
It was a simple question.
To be honest, ever since he handed the business over to his brother, he hadn't paid much attention to it.
Perospero nodded. "Big bro, since last year, our Charlotte family has been expanding into all sorts of underground dealings—human trafficking, organ trade, gene fruit sales, assassination, intelligence…"
"In short, we're involved in anything that makes money."
Joey nodded. "Good. You're the best person for this. What do you think we should call our business?"
Perospero looked confused. "Call it?"
Joey smirked. "It needs a name, don't you think?"
"A name, huh…"
Perospero pondered for a moment before suddenly lighting up. "Big bro! What do you think of 'The Dark Trade Guild'? We're just a trading guild, after all… just one with a lot of different transactions. And the word 'Dark' represents how we will control the darkness of the future!"
"Heh—"
Taking a sip of tea, Joey smiled. "Not bad. Alright, Perospero, The Dark Trade Guild is yours to manage. I'll have Daifuku and Oven assist you."
Perospero hesitated. "Big bro, I don't think they'll like this job."
Joey shook his head. "No choice. Those two need training. Daifuku is cold and calculating, while Oven is too hotheaded. They need experience. Besides, they'll only handle a small portion—just enough to learn. Their real talents are in combat."
Sighing, Joey added, "We still need proper teachers. A structured education system would be crucial."
Shaking off his thoughts, he continued, "You'll manage the guild with those two brats."
Perospero agreed. "That's fine, but if we leave now, won't it be hard to handle Totto Land's affairs?"
Joey knew what he was worried about. "Amande, as the leader of the 36 Ministers, already manages important territories like Draenor Island and Beasts Town. That proves her ability. She'll handle Totto Land's construction and governance."
Perospero nodded. "Amande has been diligently studying every day—training, strategy, management, construction—she's improving in every area."
Joey smiled. "That's why I chose her. She's just too serious."
With everything settled, Joey sternly reminded, "One more thing—our business must never be pushed around. If a deal fails, so be it. But if anyone dares to move against the Charlotte family, they won't live to regret it."
Perospero's expression turned serious. "Don't worry, big bro. If anything happens, I'll inform Mama and Katakuri immediately."
Joey nodded in satisfaction.
After thinking for a moment, he added, "Setting up The Dark Trade Guild should go smoothly. By the way, I promised to take Daifuku and Oven out for a while. You'll have to handle things here in the meantime."
"Hehehe—"
Perospero grinned. "No problem, big bro. Everything's running smoothly."
— — —
Year 1485 of the Sea Calendar.
The Charlotte family was setting off on a new journey.
With the new year just beginning, Perospero had already started moving.
The Dark Trade Guild.
Its headquarters was established in Totto Land, specifically on Memory Island, also known as Truth Town.
The Three-Eyed Tribe possessed special abilities.
They could see through people's hearts.
They could discern truth from lies.
Because of this, they were often hunted and had become increasingly rare.
Many had gathered in a secret location, and upon hearing of Totto Land, more began making their way there.
Not just the Three-Eyed Tribe, but also the Snake-neck Tribe—two groups that had suffered the same fate.
Perospero decided to establish the Dark Trade Guild's headquarters on the Three-Eyed Tribe's Memory Island? Truth Town, which was a fitting choice.
Of course, Memory Island is still under development—it's only in its early stages.
At the start of the year, Amande took over the work previously managed by Daifuku and Oven.
She dived into the role with diligence and dedication.
The construction of 31 islands. The establishment of the Dark Trade Guild. Various other matters.
Amande handled everything meticulously, ensuring no mistakes were made.
— — —
One Month Later
Joey continues his studies. He also oversees the family's major strategic direction but has yet to take direct action himself.
Lately, he has identified a promising business opportunity and is currently negotiating its terms.
If everything goes well, this deal could yield immense profits.
Just then—
Creak!
Katakuri pushed the door open and said, "Big Brother! We're preparing to depart."
Joey looked up and smiled. "It's about time. The Whitebeard Pirates and the Sky Pirates have both been formed. Meanwhile, John, Wang Zhi, and Silver Axe have joined forces to create One Pirate Crew. Our Big Mom Pirates should begin making their move as well."
Katakuri nodded solemnly. "Indeed! In this vast sea, pirates do not have the best reputation."
"The Charlotte Family, Totto Land, and the Dark Trade Guild all have their reputations to consider. Unless we possess the strength to dominate the world, some things simply cannot be done openly. However, pirates… pirates are different."
Joey's voice was calm. "Katakuri, I'm glad you understand this."
"Heh heh heh—"
Katakuri chuckled and said, "Big Brother! Of course, I understand. The growth of our family—this is the most important thing, isn't it? Reputation and reality. We must wield a blade in the darkness. And I am willing to be that blade—to cut down anyone who dares to lay a hand on the Charlotte Family!"
He paused for a moment, then shook his head.
"No… rather than cutting down those who dare to harm our family, I will eliminate anyone who dares to reach out to my loved ones."
Joey nodded warmly. "Go, Katakuri. I have prepared a gift for you. When you return this year, I guarantee you'll be satisfied with it."
Katakuri smiled. "Big Brother! Now I'm really looking forward to it!"
"Of course!"
Joey watched him with a smile.
Smack!
The two brothers lightly struck each other's chests before Katakuri turned and left.
As Joey watched him go, he chuckled. "That brat… Still, I really should get started on that gift. It's something that suits him perfectly."
Squinting his eyes, Joey fell into deep thought.
This involved a very special bloodline.
For Katakuri, it was absolutely ideal.
"Hmm…"
Joey murmured, "That guy shouldn't be asking for an outrageous price. That bloodline is indeed outstanding, but if it can't be fully awakened, it's practically worthless."
— — —
Outside—
Big Mom, Katakuri, Compote, Cracker, Mondée, Hachée, and Effilée all boarded the ship.
And just like that, they set sail.
The Growth of the Charlotte Family, The Dark Trade Guild and The Big Mom Pirates.
The Charlotte Family is steadily expanding and evolving.
For any great family, gradual refinement is essential.
Slowly but surely, everything will be perfected.
"Big Brother!"
Amande arrived at Joey's side.
Joey looked at her and asked, "Amande, what's wrong?"
She sat down and spoke softly, "Big Brother… I feel…"
"What is it?"
Joey's voice remained gentle.
Amande fell silent.
Joey didn't rush her, letting her take her time to find the right words.
After a moment, she finally spoke.
"Big Brother… I don't think I'm suited for this. I work really hard, but I'm always afraid I'm not doing well enough. I…?"
Joey chuckled and shook his head. "Silly girl, do you really think you're not doing well enough?"
Amande quickly responded, "I feel like everyone—"
Joey cut her off. "I know what you're about to say, Amande, but don't assume what others think or feel about you. If everyone truly believed you weren't doing a good job, I'd take this role away from you myself. But if you don't want it, you're free to step down."
"That's not it!" Amande said hurriedly. "Big Brother! Helping my family makes me happy, but… I just always feel like I'm not doing enough!"
Joey chuckled.
He walked to the window, pushed it open, and let the fresh air in.
"You, little one, just lack confidence. Stop worrying about what you assume and start listening to what people actually say about you."
He glanced back at her with a smirk. "I can promise you, it's nothing but praise. And even if it isn't…"
His smile turned sharp.
"If anyone dares to speak ill of you, I'll cut them down myself."
He softened, his voice filled with warmth.
"No matter what, you have us—your family—standing behind you in everything you do."
For once, the usually cold and aloof Amande felt something unexpected—comfort.
.
.
.