Multiverse Family System: Rise of the Charlotte Family

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Over ten years had passed, and in that time, Joey had undergone remarkable changes. Though only 14 years old, he now appeared as a man in his early twenties—radiant, refined, and utterly flawless. His striking pink hair and gentle smile exuded an elegance that belied his true intentions.

As the head of the Charlotte Family, Charlotte Joey was a man whose emotions were inscrutable, a leader who concealed his thoughts behind a calm and warm demeanor.

The creak of the library door interrupted the quiet. Four young figures—Perospero, Katakuri, Daifuku, and Oven—stepped inside.

"Big brother!" they greeted in unison.

Joey acknowledged them with a serene smile and a nod. Shortly after, Compote, Mondée, Amande, Hachée, and Effilé entered, followed by the five brothers led by Opera.

Though Joey's call had gone out to the entire family, only the more mature members were summoned. The youngest siblings, still too inexperienced, were excluded. For now, their growth and education remained their primary focus.

Even among those gathered, Cracker, the 11th child, stood apart.

[Charlotte Cracker]

Title: 11th Son of the Charlotte Family

Strength: Bronze Rank Level 5

Potential: Gold Rank Level 1

Overview: Another prodigy of the family, poised to become one of its future pillars.

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As the final fifteen family members entered the room, the maids discreetly shut the door, ensuring privacy.

Katakuri leaned back and asked bluntly, "Big brother, what's going on?"

Joey's soft smile remained. "Katakuri, have you finally figured things out?"

"Heh..." Katakuri scratched his head awkwardly. "Big brother, I've long since stopped worrying about how others see me. My only concern now is protecting my younger siblings."

"Good." Joey nodded approvingly. "That clarity of thought will serve you well. As for why I've gathered you all, there's news from Mother—the God Valley War is about to begin."

The room fell silent.

"God Valley..." murmured Perospero. "Is it really starting?"

Joey confirmed with a subtle nod, and the room grew tense. Every child old enough to understand the implications of the war knew how monumental—and dangerous—it would be.

Joey scanned the group, his gaze briefly settling on Opera and his brothers. Unlike their elder siblings, the four younger brothers were more brawns than brains, not suited for strategy. Still, they had their strengths, and Joey didn't expect them to excel in areas outside their nature.

"Opera," Joey addressed, "have your weapons been forged?"

Opera stood tall and answered confidently, "Big brother, yes! They're ready and fit perfectly for us."

Joey chuckled softly. "Good. Make sure not to bring shame upon the family. The five of you are destined to be key fighters in our ranks."

"Leave it to us!" Opera thumped his chest, his pride unmistakable. Despite being only eight years old, he and his brothers—Counter, Cadenza, Cabaletta, and Gala—already stood close to three meters tall. Their Oni bloodline had blessed them with massive physiques and remarkable strength.

Perospero broke the silence, his tone hesitant. "Big brother, the God Valley War will be extremely dangerous. With our current strength, the risks of participating are far too high. That said, the treasures we'd find there—"

He didn't need to finish the sentence. Everyone knew the allure of God Valley: a gathering of Celestial Dragons, their slaves, and their riches. The potential bounty was unimaginable—gold, jewels, rare devil fruits, legendary swords, and countless other priceless treasures.

Joey's voice interrupted his thoughts. "The risks are secondary. Mother has already embraced the identity of a pirate. Since there's no cleaning that stain, we'll let her remain a pirate. But now we must decide: who will accompany her on this path?"

The room stilled again.

Compote tilted her head. "Big brother, does this mean that while Mother becomes a pirate, we won't?"

Joey smiled at her question. At just 11 years old, Compote radiated the beauty and grace of a young woman, thanks to Joey's strict training regimen that prevented the weight gain their mother, Big Mom, was infamous for in the original timeline. She, like the others, embodied their family's full potential in both appearance and strength.

Amande chimed in thoughtfully, "Mother's dream is to build Totto Land, but as long as she's a pirate, no one will ever respect that dream. Pirates, no matter how powerful, are despised by the world."

"Exactly," Joey praised. "Totto Land can be built by anyone then protected by pirates, but it cannot be built by pirates themselves. The roles must be clear, and the structure must be deliberate."

He gave an example: "Take the Kano Country in the West Blue. They've built an official Happo Navy composed of eight pirate fleets, from the First Treasure Fleet to the Eighth. These pirates, though powerful, are officially part of the country's army. Even Marine Vice-Admiral Garp couldn't capture their leader, Chinjao, because the Kano Country is a full member of the World Government. That's the power of structure and identity."

Katakuri's voice broke in. "Big brother, I'll follow Mother. Through battles as a pirate, I can grow stronger."

His determination was clear, and Joey gave his approval. "Very well."

Joey then held up two Devil Fruits. "Before you go, these are for you and Opera."

He tossed one fruit to Katakuri and the other to Opera.

Katakuri held a special Paramecia—Mochi-Mochi Fruit, while Opera received a Mythical Zoan—Fish-Fish Fruit, Azure Dragon Model.

These were no ordinary fruits but powerful gifts, ensuring their potential would flourish even further.

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