Kurozumi Clan
Tap!
Tap!
"Hehehe~~~"
The sound of footsteps grew closer and closer.
"Our guest has arrived!"
"A rare visitor indeed!"
The raspy voice of Kurozumi Higurashi echoed as Joey and Linlin stepped into view.
"Charlotte Linlin!"
"Bounty: 689 million Berries!"
"Well, I didn't expect this."
"To think a pirate as infamous as you would come to Wano Country."
Higurashi's sharp gaze lingered on Linlin, her attention entirely focused on the imposing woman. As for Joey?
To be honest—Joey's appearance was far too deceptive.
No matter how she looked at him...
He was just a child—someone she didn't need to worry about.
Joey, seated calmly atop Zeus, stopped ten meters away from Higurashi. With a calm and composed voice, he said:
"Kurozumi Higurashi, a remnant of the Kurozumi clan living in exile overseas. The Kurozumi family was overthrown by the Kozuki clan eight years ago, and now you've finally returned."
"Oh?"
Hearing the unyielding confidence in Joey's voice, which carried a natural air of authority, Higurashi immediately straightened up.
Clearly—Joey was the one leading this negotiation.
With a respectful smile, Higurashi asked, "And who might you be?"
"Charlotte Joey."
"The Patriarch of the Charlotte Family!"
Joey's gaze was sharp and unwavering as he looked at Higurashi.
Although—For now, the Charlotte family only had his mother as their strongest pillar of support.
Even so—Joey was certain that in no more than twenty years, the Charlotte family would become the most powerful in the world.
The era of the great pirates?
By then—He would see for himself whether Roger, the so-called Pirate King, could even compare to the might of the Charlotte family.
"Hehehe~~~"
Higurashi chuckled hoarsely. "Patriarch of the Charlotte family!, what brings such a distinguished figure to someone like me?"
Still...
As her eyes shifted to Joey, Higurashi couldn't help but feel a pang of frustration.
Look at him.
Then look at Kurozumi Orochi, the one she had been nurturing.
There was simply no comparison.
Orochi, now over ten years old, was the epitome of incompetence and disgrace.
Joey raised two fingers casually and stated, "The Hebi Hebi no Mi, Model: Yamata no Orochi, and the Fude Fude no Mi. I'm here to make a deal for these two Devil Fruits."
Higurashi's heart sank, but she smiled and asked, "And what would I receive in return?"
Of course! Joey had chosen not to simply seize the fruits by force for two reasons.
First, the Bari Bari no Mi, a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit that allows the user to generate barriers. Sitting beside Higurashi was the elderly Kurozumi Semimaru who ate it.
He might not appear threatening, but...
The defensive power of the Bari Bari no Mi was terrifying.
Even if Joey and Linlin attacked together, it wouldn't be easy to take him down quickly.
And if the fight dragged on...
Destroying a Devil Fruit wasn't difficult.
Joey replied calmly, "I can help you secure the position of Wano's shogun. If you're interested, my mother and I can eliminate Kozuki Sukiyaki and anyone who opposes you."
"No!"
"No need at all!"
Higurashi snarled with twisted anger. "Charlotte patriarch, I don't care about ruling Wano! I want Wano to suffer! I want them to pay an unending price for what they've done!"
Joey shrugged nonchalantly. "Suit yourself. So, how do you want to proceed with the deal?"
Higurashi quickly regained her composure. "Charlotte patriarch, I'm willing to trade these two Devil Fruits in exchange for your family's assistance in the future—twice."
"Twice?"
"Agreed."
Joey calculated briefly before nodding in agreement.
Two favors.
Two Devil Fruits.
The trade-off was more than fair.
As the patriarch of a rising family, his poise and magnanimity were unquestionable.
"Hehehe~~~"
Higurashi chuckled eerily. "Since you've agreed, rest assured, I won't ask for anything absurd—no requests to destroy the World Government or wipe out the Navy."
It was clear—Higurashi, a cunning old fox, understood the rules of negotiation well.
To ensure Joey honored his promise, she needed to make reasonable requests—things he could achieve with some effort, but nothing outlandish.
Moreover—She knew very well—Linlin, a monster in her own right, was already a top-ranking figure in the Rocks Pirates, a crew filled with monsters.
This alone proved how profiting the deal was, especially in the future.
If she pushed them too far, her life would end, no matter how strong the Bari Bari no Mi's defenses were.
Clap!
Higurashi caught the badge Joey tossed to her.
"This is the emblem of the Charlotte family," Joey explained. "Hold onto it. In the future, when you need help, present it to any member of my family. After the two requests are fulfilled, the emblem will be reclaimed."
A family emblem.
It was a tool integrated into the family system. It allowed long-distance communication, coordinate tracking, and other small functions. A minor feature of the system, but practical nonetheless.
"Where to find the Charlotte family at that time?" Higurashi asked.
"Hmph!" Joey's tone was full of confidence as he declared, "When the time comes, you'll have no trouble finding us. The Charlotte family's name will echo across the seas."
Arrogance.
Pride.
Self-assurance.
Joey's confidence was unshakable. If the Kurozumi family ever needed his help...
And the Charlotte family wasn't already renowned across the world...
Then he might as well consider himself a failure.
After all, his ultimate goal was to conquer the multiverse. And if he had no choice to do so. In the future it will be either destroyed with your world or conquer other worlds.
And for this world, It was merely a stepping stone. Failing to dominate even this would be the ultimate disgrace.
But plans can't keep up as in the future joey will choice not to dominate this world and it was for the greatest benefit.
---
"Hehehe~~~" Higurashi chuckled wickedly. "Of course, no problem. I will personally retrieve the two Devil Fruits for you right now."
Soon after—Higurashi returned with the two Devil Fruits in hand, placing them before Joey.
To be honest—Higurashi was gambling, betting on whether Joey would keep his word.
And in the future, it'd turn out. She won the gamble. Joey would never stoop to breaking a promise.
A true man—Once he spoke, his word was as unyielding as iron.
It was only natural for him as he needed this level of reputation for the future.
.
.
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